Page 46 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“I appreciate that.” An elusive concept niggled at me for a moment before the notion took shape. “Mrs. Annesley is aware of our understanding. Georgiana felt it would be awkward to keep this from her. I hope you do not mind.”

“No, not at all.”

My chest heaved. I needed to leave yet could not bring myself to release her hand.

As though sensing my inner turmoil, Elizabeth extricated her fingers from mine and took a backwards step. Her right arm crossed over to grip her left elbow. “Have a safe journey.”

“Thank you.” Her pink lips stole my focus. However, I repressed the desire to capture them again and settled for a long look at her beloved countenance before forcing myself to walk away.

Elizabeth

When the last of Lady Matlock’s guests had departed, the countess directed Mr. Miles and me to sit with her.

She crossed her ankles and eyed us with a self-satisfied look. “Well, today’s gathering went even better than I had anticipated.” She raised an index finger to Mr. Miles. “I predict not only will you soon have more clients than you can accommodate, but several of your new acquaintances will be eager to introduce you to their daughters or nieces.”

A reddish hue darkened his ears. “Whether or not that comes to pass, I owe you a great debt. I appreciate all you have done for me.”

“I am grateful to you as well, my lady.” I inclined my head.

“You are both most welcome,” said Lady Matlock. “From what I observed today, the two of you complement each other well. In addition, I found your conversations with my friends to be informative.” Her hand swayed towards Mr. Miles. “Whereasyou are knowledgeable in the arts and sciences”—she gestured to me—“youare well-versed in music and literature. We should do well to take advantage of this unique situation. You two have similar disadvantages and share a common goal. I want you to attend future gatherings together as friends—this will discourage anyone from criticising either one of you.”

“Yes, that makes sense.” Mr. Miles’s gaze shifted to me. “Two people can accomplish far more than one. And if anyone is misguided enough to disparage you in my presence, they will have to answer to me.”

“Thank you. I should speak in your defence as well.” But I took a ragged breath as the statements made by Mrs. Barton and Mr. Talbot came to me. To my knowledge, no one had raised the topic today, but that did not negate the possibility one or more of the guests held a similar suspicion. “Yesterday, both Mrs. Barton and Mr. Talbot suggested Mr. Miles and I might be courting. Of course, I contradicted them. Still, I should not want others to form the same impression.”

Lady Matlock gave me a dismissive wave. “Do not give that a thought. If the subject should arise again, both of you will insist your association is platonic.”

Did she not foresee any possible hazards in this course? “Some people may persist in their beliefs nevertheless.”

“If so, their surmisal will work to your mutual advantage. After all, the more they speculate about you, the more interested their acquaintances will be to meet you. And once your engagement to my nephew becomes common knowledge, they will be absorbed with that revelation for a while before they move on to speculate who will take the fancy of Darcy’s dapper cousin.”

Mr. Miles chuckled. “The notion of being considered ‘eligible’ among the gentry is foreign to me.”

The countess gave him a slight smile. “This is but one of the advantages you may expect from your situation.”

Although I retained a sliver of remaining doubt for Lady Matlock’s suggestion, I attempted to dismiss it; she would not have recommended this plan if she did not believe it to be the best way. “I suppose Miss Darcy could accompany the two of us in public whenever possible.”

“Yes, but as my niece is not yet out, please limit any excursions with her to once in any given week.”

“We shall do that,” said Mr. Miles.

The countess pressed her palms upon her thighs. “Now, since I am returning to Rosings Park tomorrow, you two will be on your own for a while. I suggest you arrange to appear together at several public places in the coming days. Choose locations where you might encounter your new acquaintances—Hyde Park in the late afternoon is a fine choice, as is Gunter’s, Piccadilly, a concert, or a museum.”

“Very well.” Mr. Miles turned to me. “Shall we go to Gunter’s with Georgiana tomorrow afternoon?”

“Yes, that would be delightful.” I leaned closer to Lady Matlock. “When you see Mr. Darcy, will you ensure he is made aware of your design for Mr. Miles and me?”

“Ah, you are wary of arousing my nephew’s jealousy. Yes, I shall inform him of the scheme and emphasise it is my idea.” Lady Matlock rose, prompting Mr. Miles and me to stand. “If you will excuse me, I must prepare for my trip.” Her sight fixed on me. “My carriage is waiting to take you home.”

Mr. Miles and I thanked her a final time before we took our leave. Mr. Miles indicated he and Georgiana would call for me tomorrow at one o’clock.

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

When I reached my uncle’s home, Lydia greeted me in the vestibule.

She took me by the arm and pulled me into the morning room. “I have awaited you all afternoon. Did you see Mr. Wood—or rather Mr. Miles—today?”

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