Page 126 of May I Have the Pleasure
“Shall we carry on to our next bunch of confidants and finish this thing?”
“We should, but…”
“… but?”
“I cannot help but feel superstitious.”
“In what way?”
“We have not scientifically determinedexactlywhat kills my husbands before the night is over, but it may be lack of… ah… consummation?”
“It seems possible?”
“Lord Mawbry might be in danger!’
“That would not do?”
“I quite like him!”
“As do I.”
“And I quite like his… well, probably not intended any more… I quite like his wife, the new and improved Lady Mawbry!”
“As do I.”
“Worse yet, I might get all those estates back.”
“A terrible fate!”
“We should not take any chances?”
“PUT ME DOWN, FITZWILLIAM!Put me down you big lunk!… Well, on second thought… Carry on, my love.”
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Gibraltar—United Kingdom—26 November 1818—Noon
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“Prince Gustav… Miss Sofia… May I have the unparalleled pleasure of introducing to your acquaintance Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“Lady Catherine. Mr Darcy. We are greatly in your debt. Elizabeth told us of the sacrifice you were willing to make, as well as the one you are actually taking. I fear we are in for some rough waters.”
“If you can stand it, my nephew can, Your Royal Highness. Miss Sofia, I can see why Elizabeth and your prince love you.”
“I thank you, Lady Catherine. I appreciate all you have done and will do.”
“Think nothing of it, my dear. Shall we get on with it.”
“Wise words, aunt.”
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today—”
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“Almost done, my love. One thing I neglected to ask—”
“You are part of this, Fitzwilliam. Are you saying you were not diligent in attending to every aspect of the scheme?”
