Page 71 of Her Whole Heart
The earl shared a single look with Lord Blackwell before he set his silverware down once more and turned his full attention to the countess.
“Lady Blackwell,” he said quietly, “I thank you for your concern.”
“You are welcome, my lord. I am as sensible of the credit of your family as anyone might well be, you know, due to our long association.”
“Indeed,” Darcy’s uncle said. “And it is due to the respect I have for your husband and our long association that I shall answer your concern. Pray attend me, ladies, for I will speak on this once, and then never again. I may, however,act. Are you listening?”
The table fell silent. Darcy watched his uncle anxiously.
The earl’s words were calm, but no one could misconstrue his warning. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a friend to this house, as is her sister. And that is all I mean to say on the subject.”
Georgiana had supped on her own this evening as Darcy had not wished to expose her to the Blackwells. By the time dinner at Matlock House wascompleted, she was already abed. While he was sorry to miss bidding her a good night, it did allow Darcy, Fitz, and Milton to repair to the billiards room at Darcy House to play a few games and enjoy a drink after a very trying evening.
“So you asked the incomparable Miss Elizabeth to allow you to call?” Milton inquired, lining up his shot.
Darcy smiled. “I have.”
“What did she say?” Fitz asked.
“Look at him. He never smiles, but he is gloating now,” Milton scoffed. “Besotted fool. She shall have him at the altar before the end of the season.”
“Will she?” Fitz asked, eyeing Darcy.
“Stop right there,” Darcy said firmly. “I will not give you a wedding date so that you can take advantage of wagers at the club.” He lined up his shot and sank one ball in the corner pocket.
“She did say yes, though?” Fitz asked.
Darcy rolled his eyes before he straightened and assessed the rest of the table. “She said yes.”
“Lucky dog, you,” Fitz said. “After the whole family tree incident, I would never have guessed she would forgive you, much less allow you to court her only two months later.”
“I am only calling at this point.”
“Because you were unsure she would agree to any more,” Fitz stated.
Darcy and Milton stared at him.
“What?” he asked. “You know I am correct.”
Milton snorted. “He has you there, Darcy. Abominable beginning. As you will not offer me the benefit of a wedding date, I shall enjoy taking wagers at the club as to how you will do and how long she will keep you dangling. She may have accepted you only to humiliate you, you know.”
“I think we all know enough of Miss Elizabeth’s character to know she is incapable of that sort of ploy.”
His cousins murmured in agreement.
“We know that,” Milton said with a grin, “but not everyone else does.”
“It is too early to mention this to anyone outside of the family, gentlemen. I will not have you frighten her off. I have much to make up for.”
“That is the most intelligent thing you have said in ages,” Fitz muttered.
“And you, Milton, will not wager on Miss Elizabeth’s integrity,” Darcy warned. “It would call your own into question.”
Milton snorted. “Why are you so staid? It is as though you have never realised you are young and wealthy. Here, pour me another glass.”
Darcy had just finished refilling Milton’s drink when there was a discreet knock on the door. He passed the brandy to Milton and opened the door to reveal Mr. Yardley standing outside.
“Yes?”
