Page 84 of The Scarred Duchess
Elizabeth laid her hand upon her breast. “Sir, I would never supplant the role of an expert mouser.” She leant towards him. “Though, I have made a study of their habits.”
“Lizzy, do not tease the man,” warned Jane. The party laughed again as Clarke and a pair of footmen rearranged the room for the match final.
“We shall crown our champion after the evening meal,” announced Lady Matlock. The room emptied as the party adjourned to change.
Dinner was a lively affair. Although the ladies outnumbered the gentlemen, none of the dining partners were strangers. Lady Matlock had arranged the four younger diners—Mr Darcy, Jane, Elizabeth, and Miss Darcy—to group in the centre of the table. The two chess finalists sat together; Jane and Miss Darcy were directly across the table.
Gardiner quickly picked up on the eye signals exchanged between Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine. He caught George Darcy’s attention and nodded towards the ladies, which resulted in a shoulder shrug. Jane caught his eye, eyebrows raised and a small smile on her lips. Understanding his niece saw—and was enjoying—the attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth as he did, he nodded and returned his attention to his plate.
The chess finalists were lost to their party, enraptured with each other and their dinner conversation. Smiles accompanied blushes. Chuckles complemented their raisedeyebrows. They shared snickers when their heads leant towards each other.
Had the dinner included more than close family, I would expect a forthcoming announcementthought Gardiner
After dinner, Darcy escorted Miss Elizabeth to the chair sitting white.She will appreciate my gallantry, no doubt.However, rather than sitting, she turned to him, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
“Pardon me, sir. Our seats have yet to be drawn.”
He gave her an earnest look. “As a gentleman, it is upon my honour that you play first.”
“I would think, as a gentleman, you wouldoffera lady the option rather thanchoosefor her.”
“You wilfully misunderstand me, madam.”
“And you choose not to respect my ability to sit either side of the table.”
Darcy, struggling to form his response, ignored the chuckles he heard from his father and uncle.
“Can we not allow chance to determine an outcome?” asked Miss Elizabeth. “Or must you impose your judgment over precedent?” Her eyes sparkled with challenge.
“Precedent? You misunderstand me,” he parried. “I only sought to allow you the opportunity to seek advantage.”
“Ah, you have determined your ability superior to mine before sitting at the table?” Her voice held the same hint of mirth he saw in her eyes.
He noticed Georgiana’s shocked expression. Miss Bennet grasped her hand. “It shall be fine. Lizzy prefers having her opinion solicited,” she whispered.
Darcy turned to Lord Matlock and his father, who immediately looked down at their shoes.Does no one else see she is teasing me?Sighing, he recognised his error.I am obviously in the wrong. I shall endeavour to learn how at another time. Chivalry is never ill-timed.
He turned back to an expectant-looking brunette with sparkling eyes. “I humbly beg your pardon, madam.” He bowed deeply. “You are correct. I assumed where I should not have. Please forgive my transgression.”
Miss Elizabeth held out her hand; he grasped it, holding onto it a moment longer than polite. She gazed up at him and smiled.
“Apology accepted, sir.” She turned to Mrs Gardiner. “What is the seating?”
Mr Gardiner handed Mrs Gardiner the paper drawn from the hat. “Sitting white... Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Miss Elizabeth’s face reddened.
This will not do. I have put her into an embarrassing situation all of my own making. “Allow me to escort you to your seat, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy quickly regained her hand and kissed it. The room applauded. When Miss Elizabeth sat and her smile reached her eyes, he swallowed and took his place.I am to play against those eyes?
The match ended in a stalemate.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
His carriage stopped in front of a somewhat desirable address on Grosvenor Square. The front door, recently painted, was pristine black. The architectural facade matched that of its neighbours to the right and left save the approach’s decor—the door knocker and the plinths on each side of the walk were a poor attempt to intimidate visitors with dragons.
He watched as Bill walked up the front steps and pounded the knocker; its ‘boom, boom, boom’ carried down the lane. A few dogs barked their distaste through open windows at the noise that had invaded their territory. The door opened and a formally clad servant accepted his card. As the door began to close, Bill pushed back against it. A shout of pain followed.
John exited his carriage, walked up the steps, and into the house. Bill was assisting the servant to a chair.
