Page 40 of The Slipper Scandal
He grunted in some vague sort of agreement. "Then Ellington came in search of Miss Bennet, and I was still holding it."
Lady Matlock nodded, absorbing this. "And you offered for her immediately?"
"Nearly. My honour required it," Darcy said simply.
"I see."
He believed that she did.
His aunt studied him for a moment. "The Abernathys vouch for this Miss Bennet, I presume?"
"Unreservedly. They have known her family for some time. Miss Bennet and Miss Abernathy were children together."
His aunt nodded. "I know the Abernathys to be sensible people, not prone to keeping questionable company. I like their daughter for Richard and told him as much when he informed me of his interest. Miss Abernathy is clever and has a fortune that would allow them to live well." Lady Matlock's expression softened slightly. "Still, one must be cautious. There are many young women, and their families, who would engineer such a situation as yours deliberately."
"Miss Bennet is not such a woman," Darcy said with unexpected vehemence.
His aunt raised an eyebrow. "You seem very certain."
"I am." He hesitated, then added, "In fact, she has shown a remarkable reluctance regarding our engagement."
"Reluctance?" Now both eyebrows rose. "A country gentleman's daughter reluctant to marry the master of Pemberley? Thatisunusual."
"Miss Bennet is unusual," Darcy said quietly. “Well-read, quick-witted.”
At that moment, the door to the sitting room opened, and Lord Matlock entered, his tall frame filling the doorway. He was still a handsome man, though his dark hair had long since turned silver.
"Helena, have you seen my—" He stopped short upon seeing Darcy. "Nephew! I did not know you were calling today." His expression brightened. "How fortunate. I have been meaning to speak with you about the new drainage system you implemented at Pemberley last year. The steward at our northern estate has been making a terrible mess of—"
"Henry," Lady Matlock interrupted, "Darcy is here to discuss his engagement."
Lord Matlock's enthusiasm visibly dimmed. "Ah. Is he? Well, then." He glanced towards the door. "Perhaps I should—"
"Stay," Lady Matlock commanded. "This concerns the family. Besides, your input might be valuable."
"My input on engagements?" Lord Matlock looked sceptical. "I believe I exhausted my wisdom on that subject some thirty years ago when I requested you consider my proposal. As I recall, you threw a book at my head and called me a nincompoop."
Despite his discomfort, Darcy found himself smiling. His uncle's good humour had always been a counterbalance to his aunt's more serious nature.
"I wanted a proper proposal, Henry, and you did offer one, eventually. Sit down," Lady Matlock said, though her lips turned upward as she looked at her husband. "Darcy was just telling me about his Miss Bennet."
Lord Matlock settled into a chair with the resigned air of a man who knew better than to argue with his wife. "Very well. Though I warn you, nephew, if she asks for my opinion on wedding breakfast menus or new gowns, I shall find urgent business elsewhere."
"I assure you, Uncle, that is the furthest thing from my mind at present," Darcy replied.
"Good lad." Lord Matlock nodded. "Now, this Miss Bennet. She is the one from the masquerade, I presume? The one Ellington has been making such a fuss about?"
"Yes," Darcy confirmed.
"Thought as much. The lordling was at the club last night, insinuating all manner of things." Lord Matlock's jovial expression hardened slightly. "Had to remind him rather firmly that he was speaking about the future Mrs. Darcy."
Darcy felt slightly giddy hearing Miss Bennet referred to in such a way. It should have been merely a statement of fact, yet he was aware he had work to do to make it a reality that he and Miss Bennet could live with.
"Thank you, Uncle," he said quietly.
"Nothing to thank me for. Family is family." Lord Matlock waved a dismissive hand. “And Ellington's been on thin ice at the club for months. His debts are becoming problematic, which is fortunately keeping his rumours from gaining much ground."
"Henry," Lady Matlock interjected, "Darcy was about to tell me more about Miss Bennet. Her character, her background."
