Page 82 of The Scarred Duchess
“Blonde? Blue eyes?”
“Yes, and yes.”
“Did you hear anything else?”
“Hmm...at the park, I believe I heard the little boy call her ‘Cousin Jane’.”
“Yes!” she cried. “Do you know who she is? That is the elusive Miss Jane Lily Bennet, this Season’s Diamond of the First Water!”
Bingley covered his ears; his sister’s last sentence had ended in a shriek. “Please cease your caterwauling.”
“You must pursue this acquaintance. The Countess of Matlock is Miss Bennet’s sponsor. We would have access to the first circles.”
He cared nothing for that, he cared only about introducing himself to the angel named Jane Bennet. Thus he soon was in his carriage to make another attempt to court an apparition. Bingley hardly noticed when the carriage pulled up in front of the Gardiner residence. He was basking in his remembrance of the blue-eyed Venus; he wondered what she had thought of his cards and flowers. Before he could climb down from the vehicle, the carriage door opened and Mr Gardiner stepped inside, taking the seat across from him. He wore an angry expression.
“Mr Bingley, know my sentiments. Cease importuning my niece.”
“B-But,” Bingley stuttered, “why are you so against my suit?”
“Your actions have upset her. She does not desire to make your acquaintance.”
“Mr Gardiner, our families are friends of long-standing.”
“Your father and I were. You are not.”
“Allow me to be, I implore you.”
“You have besieged her with tokens! You have made no honourable offer.”
“I have had no opportunity to do so, sir,” Bingley cried, feeling desperate.
“And you will not be given one, Mr Bingley. This is your final warning between gentlemen.” Mr Gardiner stepped down from the carriage. “Do not force me to resort to ungentlemanly actions.”
As the days passed, Lady Catherine watched Elizabeth’s regard for her nephew grow; the lively young woman often blushed and smiled in his presence. Darcy, however, was more difficult to read.
Deciding she required reinforcements, she invited her brother-in-law for a walk in Hyde Park. Minutes later, they strolled the cleared paths, their breath evident in the brisk November air. George got right to the point. “I see your machinations, Madam Machiavelli. How many others have you ensnared in your web of intrigue?”
She laughed. “Lady Matlock supports the match without reservation. It was actually her idea, as I was slow in seeing the obvious.” She looked up at him. “You cannot object to the brilliance of the pairing?”
“I cannot. Bennet is among the finest gentlemen of my acquaintance. His daughters are a credit to him and his name.”
Lady Catherine patted his arm. “Good, because I need your involvement.”
“Tell me how I may assist you?”
“It is obvious Elizabeth has feelings for Darcy. I see herfrequent glances at tea. She always acts quickly on my requests if she sees she may encounter him.”
“Which your requests always do?”
“As they should,” she assured him.
He laughed. “Why do we have generals? You alone would defeat the little tyrant.”
“Yes, but I have a much more important mission at hand. Do you not agree?”
“I do. My son would benefit from the lively and lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
They continued walking and exchanging ideas to bring the two young people together more frequently.
