Page 37 of The Slipper Scandal
Something flickered in his gaze, though she could not say what. But there was certainly a moment of connection between them, one she wished to accept but had promised herself to resist.
The spell was broken by the arrival of Mr. Grayson, who had apparently noticed Arabella's return and abandoned Miss Everly in favour of his original quarry.
"Miss Abernathy," he exclaimed. "I have been searching everywhere for you. There is a most intriguing display of South Sea artifacts I am certain you would appreciate. Allow me to escort you."
Elizabeth observed with some amusement how Arabella's expression cooled perceptibly, even as she maintained perfect politeness.
"How thoughtful, Mr. Grayson. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam has just offered to show me the collection of butterflies, and I have already accepted."
Mr. Grayson’s smile faltered. "But surely the colonel would not object to relinquishing his claim, as it were, to accommodate a prior acquaintance?"
"I fear I must decline to surrender Miss Abernathy's company," Colonel Fitzwilliam replied smoothly. "We have discovered a mutual interest in lepidoptera that simply must be investigated further."
Elizabeth bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the colonel's obvious fabrication. Arabella had never expressed the slightest interest in butterflies beyond admiring their pretty colours.
Mr. Grayson looked between them, clearly recognising defeat. "Another time, perhaps," he said stiffly, before executing a rather hasty bow and departing.
"Lepidoptera?" Mr. Darcy asked his cousin once Mr. Grayson was safely out of earshot, one eyebrow raised in evident disbelief.
"A lifelong passion," the colonel replied with a perfectly straight face. "As Miss Abernathy can undoubtedly attest."
"Oh yes," Arabella agreed solemnly. "We have been discussing migratory patterns for at least twenty minutes. Quite informative."
Elizabeth could not contain her laughter any longer. "Belle."
The colonel’s countenance brightened. "Shall we continue? I believe there is an exhibit of ancient hair jewellery that promises to be most educational."
“No, first you must view the butterflies,” Elizabeth said firmly. “It would not be right to insult Mr. Grayson in such a way, Belle. His father and yours are friends, remember?”
Arabella squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “It is almost as though we have Jane with us.”
Elizabeth shook her head affectionately.
“I know. You are quite right.” She turned to the colonel. “Lepidoptera first, Colonel. Then the hair jewellery. Is it different than the pieces we make here?”
As they moved towards the next room, Elizabeth found herself walking beside Mr. Darcy once more.
"Your friend and my cousin seem well matched," Mr. Darcy observed quietly.
"They do appear to enjoy one another's company," Elizabeth agreed. "Though I cannot say the same for poor Mr. Grayson."
"He will undoubtedly find another object for his attentions."
"He likely has already," Elizabeth noted. "Though I suspect Miss Everly will be disappointed when he inevitably turns elsewhere. People like Mr. Grayson rarely see beyond their immediate desires."
They paused before a small display of ancient amulets, each labelled with its supposed protective properties.
"I find it odd," Mr. Darcy said, his voice low enough that only she could hear, "how humans throughout history have sought protection from the unknown through such talismans."
Elizabeth studied a small carved scarab. "Do you not believe in such protections, Mr. Darcy?"
"I believe in preparation and prudence rather than superstition," he replied, then added with unexpected softness, "though I understand the desire to shield oneself from life's uncertainties."
Something in his tone made Elizabeth look up. Their eyes met, and for a moment, she glimpsed something in his gaze that matched her own unspoken fears.
"And yet," she found herself saying, "there are some risks that no amount of preparation can mitigate. The heart, for instance, often operates without regard for prudence."
Mr. Darcy's expression shifted subtly. "Indeed. Perhaps the wisest course is to know one's own heart thoroughly before entrusting it to another's care."
