Page 78 of The Scarred Duchess
“Poor Jane,” cried Mrs Gardiner, “importuned even in the safety of her own home!”
Lady Catherine stared at Lady Matlock, her jaw nearly in her lap. She shook her head. “How had that never occurred to me? I shall never forgive myself.”
Lady Matlock laughed, “You are too close. Had you thought Jane, rather than Elizabeth, I would have missed the obvious as well.”
“Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Darcy. How utterly divine!”
“I agree. We could not seek a more favourable alliance.”
Lady Catherine ticked off the connexions on her fingers. “Bennet. Gardiner. Edgecombe. Lambrook, when he comes to the point with Jane.”
“As well as our side. Darcy. Matlock. Sutton.”
“Elizabeth is staying as Georgiana’s guest. With the correct direction, we could have them betrothed by Epiphany.”
“That would require one of us to join them at Darcy House, and I am occupied with Jane’s Season,” replied Lady Matlock with an eyebrow lift.
“Well, I see my record of success speaks for itself,” replied Lady Catherine. “First Henry, now Darcy. I would boast of my talents, but such vulgarity is unacceptable.”
Lady Matlock slapped her arm. “Such nonsense you spout.” The two conspirators worked through a timetable and plans to secure the success of the desired match.
Elizabeth’s first dinner at Darcy House was in the family’s smaller dining room. It was a pleasant space decorated in an understated elegant manner. All the colours—creams, greens, and blues—were soft and warm. The place settings were simple but sophisticated; the handle of each silver utensil was embossed with a plain ‘D.’
What extraordinary lengths the family takes to see that I am warmly welcomed.
Mr George Darcy had escorted her and Lady Catherine;Georgiana had been on Mr Darcy’s arm. Elizabeth was seated between both men.
The elder man, a silver-haired version of his son, spoke warmly to her. “It is a pleasure to have you at Darcy House, Miss Elizabeth. Lady Catherine has told of your skills in languages, mathematics, singing, and playing.”
“Thank you. My father speaks highly of your years of friendship,” she paused and lifted an eyebrow, “and told me stories of your rivalry.”
Mr George Darcy chuckled. “Yes, Bennet is the last of my close friends from university. It was always a battle to see which of us would have bragging rights—fencing in particular—into the following year.”
“Papa, please. More ancient history?” Georgiana shook her head.
“Never you mind, Georgiana. I am only surprised Elizabeth is privy to the men’s sporting entertainments.” Lady Catherine directed a pointed look to her protégée.
“Lady Catherine, when you asked about my accomplishments, you had me confirm or deny thoseyoulisted,” replied Elizabeth.
“Are you saying I am knowledgeable of only what you have chosen for me to know, young lady?”
Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and smiled. The table erupted in laughter.
“Miss Elizabeth, if I may?” asked Mr Darcy.
“You may, sir.”
“What other accomplishments are we unaware of?”
“My father ensured I rode to the hounds. Our stillroom supplies the shire’s apothecaries and midwives with herbal tisanes and draughts.”
“Oh, my word.” Georgiana laid her hand upon Elizabeth’s forearm.
“I sense our guest is holding back at least one more unexpected talent,” said the elder Mr Darcy.
Lady Catherine chuckled. “Elizabeth, here I thought we had no secrets between us.”
“We do not. A secret does not exist if I am not inclined to hide the fact.”
