Page 74 of The Slipper Scandal
"As I am to meet you," Lord Spencer interjected with unexpected warmth. "Any young lady who can engage Darcy in genuine conversation is more than welcome. The man typically stands about at these gatherings looking as though he has swallowed something disagreeable."
"George," Lady Spencer admonished, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. "You must forgive my husband, Miss Bennet. He relishes being shockingly direct."
"A quality I find pleasing," Elizabeth replied with a smile. "Though I cannot claim to have accomplished any great feat. Mr. Darcy has always been most civil in our acquaintance." An acquaintance that was deepening, for he had visited her each of the past three days.
"Civil!" Lord Spencer repeated with a hearty laugh. "Damned with faint praise, I would say, were I not aware of how Darcy often speaks."
Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Darcy himself approached their small group, his expression softening perceptibly as he took his place at her side.
"Lord Spencer appears to be amusing himself at my expense," he observed drily, though Elizabeth detected no true displeasure in his tone. “Therefore, I suspect I am in the right place.”
"Merely remarking on your legendarycivility, Darcy," Lord Spencer replied with a wink at Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet defends you admirably."
"Then I am in her debt," Mr. Darcy said, his voice lowering slightly as his gaze met hers. "Though I hope she might extend her generosity to sitting beside me at dinner.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I shall endeavour to keep all plates upright."
The reference to the disastrous scene at the Abernathys' dinner party several weeks ago brought a rush of colour to Mr. Darcy's cheeks.
"I believe I can brave the danger, madam," he responded drolly. "Though perhaps Mrs. Fitzherbert might consider serving only foods that do not stain."
Their laughter drew the attention of Lady Matlock, who approached with the viscount in tow.
"Nephew," Lady Matlock greeted Mr. Darcy warmly before turning to Elizabeth with genuine affection. "Miss Bennet, you look absolutely lovely this evening."
"Thank you, Lady Matlock," Elizabeth replied.
"I must apologise for Richard's absence," Lady Matlock continued, her eyes locking with Elizabeth’s. "He sends his regrets, but duty calls him back to his regiment."
"A rather sudden call, was it not?" Viscount Milton remarked, his tone casual. "I was under the impression he had another fortnight of leave."
Elizabeth noticed Arabella, standing nearby with her parents, stiffen almost imperceptibly at the mention of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Though Arabella's face remained composed, there was a shadow in her eyes that spoke volumes to anyone observant enough to notice.
"The demands of service are unpredictable," Mr. Darcy replied smoothly.
When Mrs. Fitzherbert announced that dinner was served, Elizabeth was escorted by Mr. Darcy into the dining room. Lord Spencer was seated between Mrs. Fitzherbert and Elizabeth, and Lady Matlock sat directly across from them.
"I see Mrs. Fitzherbert has taken pity on me," Mr. Darcy murmured as he held her chair. "The soup appears to have a clear broth, much less damaging than béchamel sauce should it find its way onto my person again."
"Her forethought is commendable," Elizabeth replied with a teasing smile. "Though I must warn you that even clear liquids can leave most unfortunate spots on your fine coat."
"I shall exercise the utmost vigilance," he promised solemnly, though his eyes betrayed his amusement as he took his seat beside her.
The soup was served without incident, and conversation occurred around the table with the easy rhythm of well-matched company.
"What say you of the Prince Regent's latest address, Darcy?" Lord Spencer inquired as the second course was served. "There is talk of significant changes to policy once he has assumed his father's powers in more than just name."
"I believe caution is warranted," Mr. Darcy replied. "The prince has long aligned himself with the Whigs, yet as a regent, such political allegiances may be problematic."
"You think he will abandon his associates?" Lady Spencer asked.
"Politics makes for strange bedfellows, and stranger partings," Lord Matlock observed. "Though I suspect the prince will find it difficult to entirely disavow positions he has held for decades."
"Unless those positions conflict with his more immediate desires," Elizabeth suggested, then felt a moment's uncertainty at having spoken so directly on matters of state.
Rather than disapproval, however, she found Mr. Darcy regarding her with an unmistakable appreciation. "Miss Bennet makes an excellent point," he said. "The regent’s personal interests have often taken precedence over his political ones."
"Indeed," Lord Spencer agreed, turning to Elizabeth with newfound interest. "Do you follow matters of governance closely, Miss Bennet?"
