Page 80 of Her Whole Heart
She blinked. “I am unlikely to be marching off to war as your cousin does, sir.”
“Too bad, for Napoleon would be vanquished in a fortnight.”
“Yes, I am certain he would quail at the sight of me in my evening gown and silk slippers.”
His smile was gentle. “Still, a man—agentleman—takes his duty to protect those he cares for very seriously. Surely you can understand that?”
Elizabeth studied his expression minutely. “I suppose I could, as you are claiming primary decision-making power in this and naught else.” She offered him an impish smile. It was surprisingly difficult, even in theory, to trust someone else with her care.
“Ah,” Mr. Darcy said happily. “Our first compromise.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh at that, though she muffled it in her napkin. Perhaps it would not be so difficult with him.
Mr. Darcy whispered, “Thank you.”
“I cannot eat another bite,” Amelia declared.
Jane and Amelia were tired by the time the food was removed, and Lord Carlisle demurred when Mr. Darcy inquired whether the men would like to separate for cigars and brandy.
“I know you do not smoke yourself, Mr. Darcy,” he said genially, “and I believe I ought to take my brood home.”
“Lord Carlisle,” his wife said with a sigh. “Really. We are not birds.”
“This was a wonderful evening, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Ashford said with a smile. Elizabeth thought the woman had glanced at her but could not be sure. “Thank you so much for the invitation.”
“It is my pleasure. Perhaps this can serve as some small recompense for my behaviour at your ball,” Mr. Darcy said gallantly.
“Oh, it is already forgotten, Darcy, long forgotten,” Lord Ashford said, and Lady Ashford nodded, again glancing at Elizabeth.
The party wound down rather quickly after that, and Mr. Darcy rang for his butler Mr. Yardley to call for the carriages and to fetch everyone’s coats.
When it was Elizabeth’s turn to be handed into the carriage, Mr. Darcy again did the honours. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said softly as she stepped to him, “I cannot express how much I enjoyed your company this evening. I hope we might have another opportunity such as this soon.”
Elizabeth considered him very seriously. “I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy.”
The day after the opera, Darcy rose later than was his wont and sought out his sister, who had requested a full recounting of the evening. They were speaking in the drawing room when Mr. Yardley announced their cousin in a flat, nasally tone. “Lady Henrietta Fitzwilliam for Miss Darcy.”
Darcy lifted his eyebrows but nodded. “Show her in, Mr. Yardley.”
Georgiana rose from her seat to stand beside him as Lady Henrietta entered, her posture straight and her expression solemn.
“Georgiana. Cousin Darcy.”
“Henrietta,” Georgiana replied, and Darcy smiled. Lady Henrietta’s brow creased, but she did not chastise Georgiana for dropping her courtesy title. Perhaps she knew that Darcy would not stand for it, and it was, after all, a ridiculous affectation when among family.
Lady Henrietta took a deep breath. “Georgiana,” she said. “I have come to offer an apology for my behaviour at Miss Amberley’s. It was most unbecoming of me, and I deeply regret having caused you any distress.”
Georgiana nodded but did not speak.
Darcy wondered if this was all the apology there was to be, but to her credit Lady Henrietta was not done. She clasped her hands together and took a breath before beginning again.
“I should have warned you beforehand that things might become heated between the Bennet ladies and me. It was unfair to expose you to such a situation without proper preparation. Moreover, as I knew I intended to confront the Bennets, I should not have agreed to bring you along at all. I am truly sorry.”
Darcy lifted his eyebrows. Henrietta sounded genuinely apologetic. Looked it, too.
A small smile graced Georgiana’s lips. “I appreciate your apology, Henrietta. It was indeed a trying experience, but I am grateful for your willingness to acknowledge your mistake.” She glanced at Darcy. “I must likewise own my part of it, for I should never have fled from the house. However, as difficult as the experience was, I gained five new friends as a result, so I suppose there has been some good in it all.”
Lady Henrietta inclined her head, and Darcy thought he saw genuine relief there. “I am glad that you are safe. And”—she steeled herself— “I must also express my gratitude that Miss Elizabeth was likewise unscathed. She displayed great composure in the face of danger, and I am glad she was there to help.” She released a little puff of air and pursed her lips as though tasting something sour. But she recalled herself very quickly and schooled her features.
