Page 42 of The Slipper Scandal
"Negligible. Abernathy will give her something, though I do not require it."
"I see." Lady Matlock was silent for a moment. "She has beauty, I presume?"
"She has fine eyes," Darcy said softly. "And a vivacity I find captivating. I am not indifferent to her."
Lord Matlock exchanged a glance with his wife. "Fine eyes,” he says. “I do not believe I have ever heard Darcy comment on a lady's eyes before."
Lady Matlock's gaze sharpened at his tone. "Darcy," she said slowly, "Despite Miss Bennet’s admirable qualities, she is not the sort of match you are expected to make. Your father had no title, but his family line is an ancient one. Your mother had connections to an earldom and a reasonable fortune. We have long known you are your own man, but I must warn you that the ton will not make things easy for your Miss Bennet.”
Darcy looked away, unwilling to meet her eyes. He drew in a fortifying breath. "I am aware. But the more time I spend with her, the more . . ." He glanced up to see how the countess would respond to his confession. Miss Bennet was not the sort of woman his titled relations would have wished for him, but they had to see that she was the woman he wanted. He was almost sure. If only he could be sure of her feelings for him.
A small smile played on his aunt's countenance. "Not indifferent," she said slowly. "What a revealing phrase." She rose and walked to the window, looking out over the garden. "You remind me very much of your father at this moment."
"My father?"
"He spoke of your mother in much the same way before they married. 'Not indifferent' indeed." She turned back to him. "Anne had a similar quality as your Miss Bennet, a liveliness of mind, a willingness to challenge convention. She was never overawed by anyone, no matter their position or wealth. And your father was absolutely bewitched by her."
Bewitched. Yes, that was an apt description for his sentiments. Darcy fell silent, struck by the comparison.
"Your aunt is right, Darcy. Your father was a different man around your mother. Lighter, more at ease with himself. It was extraordinary to witness."
"I remember them together," Darcy said softly. "But I was still young when she died."
"Anne had little patience for the insipid young ladies who were forever being paraded before your father," his uncle said. "Like that Landry girl. Remember her, Helena? My sister declared she would sooner see George marry his horse than that empty-headed creature. Eventually she declared she would have to take him on herself, if only to protect him from such women."
"Henry," his aunt admonished, though without heat.
"It is true," he replied, unrepentant. "The point is, Darcy, your mother valued substance over superficiality. If this Miss Bennet has captured your interest so thoroughly, I suspect she must possess something of that same quality."
"She does," Darcy confirmed.
"The question is," Lady Matlock said, resuming her seat, "does your Miss Bennet know what it means to be mistress of Pemberley? The responsibilities she will face?"
"I believe she has some understanding, though perhaps not the full extent."
"Then we must help her." His aunt's tone had shifted from interrogation to decision. "I had already invited the Abernathys to my art salon. They will bring Miss Bennet, of course."
"Thank you, Aunt."
She waved away his gratitude. "It was a matter of luck, for the invitations were sent before the masquerade. But now I shall meet your Miss Bennet and judge for myself. If she is as you describe her, we shall manage her introduction to society." She frowned. "Lord Ellington was invited as well, unfortunately. Itis too much to hope that he will decline to appear, knowing our connection to you."
"He will not decline, and in fact may present difficulties," Darcy warned.
"Oh, well, he may make the attempt," Lady Matlock said dismissively. "But the spite of a dissolute gambler will hardly stand against the combined influence of the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families. Our friends are loyal." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Though I would advise Miss Bennet to prepare herself for some rather close scrutiny. Not everyone will be as willing as I am to see beyond circumstances."
"She is stronger than she appears," Darcy said.
"She will need to be." Lady Matlock moved to the bell pull. "I shall ask Mrs. Abernathy to arrive early for the salon. It would be proper for your uncle and me to make Miss Bennet's acquaintance before the other guests arrive."
"That is most kind."
"It is practical, not kind," she corrected, though her eyes were warm. "Now go. I have letters to write and arrangements to make if we are to introduce your Miss Bennet to our circle at the salon."
Lord Matlock rose with his nephew. "I shall see you out, Darcy. I still wish to hear about that drainage system when you have a moment."
"Another time," Darcy promised.
As they reached the door, Lady Matlock called, "Darcy."
