Page 62 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

In the music room, I sat beside Lady Matlock on a settee while Miss Finch entertained us at the pianoforte.

During Miss Finch’s performance of a plaintive aria by Herr Mozart, my aunt tipped her head and viewed me. “Miss Finch is a skilled player, and she has a beautiful singing voice. Do you not agree?”

“Yes, she has a strong, pleasant sound.”But her voice is not as sweet and compelling as Elizabeth’s dulcet mezzo-soprano.

“This is her first Season. I shall attempt to become better acquainted with her whilst I am here. Perhaps she could be a marital prospect for Henry or Richard.”

With a slight smile, I reclined against the settee. Thank heavens she had no further reason to seek a match forme.

Saturday, 6 June

Darcy

Lady Matlock came towards me in the passage. “Ah, there you are, Darcy. Are you on your way upstairs?”

“Yes.”

“Could you spare me a moment of your time?”

“Of course, Aunt.” I gestured to the library. “Let us go in here.” We sat together on the sofa.

Lady Matlock smoothed the sleeves of her gown. “Last night, Lady Catherine told me she finds comfort in your presence. I am not surprised, since she has always been fond of you. For the sake of her health, perhaps you could convince her to join us downstairs more often. She would not heed my attempts to sway her.”

“I shall try.”

“For most of the morning, I conversed with Mrs. and Miss Finch. At first, Mrs. Finch did all the talking—she even answered the questions I posed to her daughter. In the course of our dialogue, she divulged the reason Miss Finch is so reserved now in opposition to her customary personality. She is troubled by an experience at Lady Ayles’s ball this past March. With a bit of coaxing on my part, Miss Finch recounted her ordeal. She had…um…danced with Lord Greymont.”

“That rake?” The baron had been fortunate to escape being called out last year after forcing a kiss upon the eldest daughter of his close friend—or rather former friend. These days, Lord Greymont had few remaining confidants. “What happened?”

“At the set’s conclusion, Lord Greymont forced Miss Finch out onto the balcony and made unwanted advances.”

“Did anyone intervene on Miss Finch’s behalf?”

“I am afraid not. Mrs. Finch had no idea of the danger he posed and had been engrossed in a conversation with a neighbour. Once Miss Finch realised the earl’s destination, she comprehended the risk—his crude speech during the dance had demonstrated his lack of honourability. She managed to break free of him, but the front of her gown tore in the process. She rushed from the ballroom, using her fichu to cover the rip in her bodice.”

“That must have been most distressing for her.”

“Very much so.” My aunt scowled. “The one fortunate aspect is that no one noticed Miss Finch’s damaged dress. She reached the ladies’ withdrawing-room, where a maid assisted her in repairing the garment, and Mrs. Finch found her soon thereafter.”

“I am glad she escaped further harm.”

“Even though the outcome could have been worse, the incident left her shaken and timid…especially in the company of gentlemen. Thus far, she has refused to attend another party or ball.”

“That is understandable.”

“Nevertheless, this is a serious problem for the lady. Whenever a gentleman pays her the slightest bit of attention, she grows too nervous and diffident to uphold her end of a conversation.”

“Yes, I have noticed her tendency to be timorous.”

“Would you be willing to help her?”

“Me?”I took a rushed breath. “What do you imagine I could do to assist?”

“Well, Lady Catherine cannot demandallyour time—I shall do my utmost to ensure she does not. I should like you to join us for tea today at two and engage Miss Finch as much as possible. I hope you will take advantage of any other opportunities that arise as well. After a day or so, once she becomes more comfortable in your presence, you may suggest she accompany you for a walk in the park. I want you to show her there are honourable gentlemen whom she need not fear. In other words, be a friend to her.”

“But as I alluded to earlier, I have already attempted to converse with Miss Finch. She grew visibly uncomfortable and gave me one-word responses.”

“Ah, but today I sang your praises to Miss Finch and assured her that you are one of the most trustworthy men of my acquaintance.”

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