Page 65 of Her Whole Heart
“Lady Penelope,” Darcy said wearily, “as I understand it, the girls at Mrs. Buxton’s owe their lives to Miss Elizabeth and her sister. Is your implication not the very definition of ingratitude?”
Lady Penelope eyed him coldly and pushed on as though he had not spoken. “Perhaps it was Miss Elizabeth who set the fire in the first place. It would not be the only time a fortune hunter went to great extremes to secure the gratitude of a wealthy family.”
Lady Henrietta looked sharply at Penelope but did not contradict her.
Darcy paused a moment to restrain himself. “I would be quite careful about spreading such a malicious rumour, Lady Penelope. The only one who will be humiliated if that falsehood spreads will be you.” He turned a burning gaze on his cousin. “And perhaps you as well, Lady Henrietta. You are only now recovering from the last rumour regarding you and Miss Amberley.”
“And I can assure you,” Fitz said, taking the last of the stairs, “Lord and Lady Carlisle are fiercely protective of the Bennet ladies. Consider them quite their own. You know how well connected they are—I would not wish to displease them.”
Lady Penelope lifted an eyebrow, and Darcy hoped that she would begin to doubt her scheme, whatever it might be.
“But . . . “
Lady Henrietta’s cheeks were flushed red, and she tipped her head to her friend. “I did warn you.”
“I thought you were exaggerating,” Lady Penelope said, loud enough for them all to hear. “I see how bad it has become.” She treated first Darcy and then Fitz to a frosty glare.
“Hen, Lady Penelope—I trust both Darcy and I have made ourselves clear.” Fitz glanced up as Milton and the earl started down the stairs towards them.
Lady Henrietta appeared even less at ease as her father and eldest brother approached. She glanced at Penelope, and then back at Fitz, almost pleadingly.
“Good morning, Lady Penelope,” said Lord Matlock. “Henrietta, we must have a family breakfast this morning. Bid your friend farewell. Lady Penelope, I look forward to seeing your parents for dinner in a few days. They have been away too long.”
Lady Penelope’s red lips parted, her cheeks flushing with anger to be so casually dismissed, but she knew better than to argue with the earl. She gathered her dignity around her like a tattered cloak, tossed a meaningful glance at her friend, and then hurried from the room, leaving Lady Henrietta to face them all alone.
“Hen,” Fitz said, his voice softening slightly, “I know Lady Penelope is your oldest friend, but consider the consequences of spreading such a terrible falsehood, not just to her, but to you.”
Lady Henrietta paled as she nodded, unwilling to meet her brother’s gaze. “I understand. I . . . apologise for any distress this conversation may have caused. I did attempt to tell Pen what has happened, but she was not willing to listen.”
“Taste of your own medicine, then?” Milton asked glibly. “Come, let us to breakfast. I am famished.”
The earl sighed. “Henrietta, I know you are struggling, but aligning yourself with those who would spread lies such as these is not an answer. Speak with your friend, but know that my expectations of you have not and will not change.”
Henrietta’s gaze was on her feet. “Penelope is only attempting to help me. I will speak to her. If you will excuse me.” She turned to ascend the stairs back to her chamber.
Darcy watched her go, and Fitz clapped him on the shoulder.
“It is a beginning, Darcy. Change does not happen overnight.”
“It had better not take much more than that, Fitz,” he replied. “You heard Lady Penelope. She may spread innuendo if she believes Lady Henrietta is being kept quiet.”
“I can do nothing about Lady Penelope’s mother,” Darcy’s uncle said. “That woman is every bit as superior as her daughter. More. I might perhaps have some luck with Lord Blackwell.”
“Then we shall have to make sure Hen is very clear about leaving the Bennets alone,” Milton said as they crossed over the threshold and into the breakfast room. He rubbed his hands together when he saw the table laden with food. “Excellent! I adore ginger cake!”
“Oh,” Elizabeth said as she came to a sudden halt. “Is Georgiana not with you?”
Mr. Darcy shook his head. “I am sorry to disappoint you. It is only me today.” He glanced behind her. “Are you by yourself?”
“I was expecting your sister,” Elizabeth reminded him. “I would have taken her upstairs with me. Jane and Amelia are there.” She stood, waiting to hear why Mr. Darcy had come.
In the pause that followed, she observed him fidget, open his mouth to speak, then close it again.
She sighed. “Out with it then, Mr. Darcy. What new calamity are you about to announce to me?”
He smiled wanly. “No calamity, madam. At least, I hope not.”
“What is it, then?”
