Page 85 of The Scarred Duchess
“Where is your master?” asked John.
“The study, my lord,” he replied. “Second door to the left.”
John removed his gloves and walked down the corridor.He opened the door, stepped through, and closed it. A blond-haired, blue-eyed man of his age stood. “How may I assist you?”
“You are Mr Charles Bingley?”
“I am.”
John stepped up to him and slapped him across the face with his gloves.
Bingley fell back into his chair. “What the deuce?”
“You have chosen the wrong woman to pursue and pester.”
“What?” replied Bingley, his hand to his cheek.
“I give you three days to appear at Hampstead Heath with your second.”
“My second?” Bingley gaped at him.
“Yes. I demand satisfaction. My future wife will not be bothered by one such as you again.”
Bingley’s face drained of colour. “Your—? Wait a moment. A minute. Uuuuugh.” He put a fist to his mouth and turned away. John glanced back towards the door, unsurprised to see Bill enter. He turned back to Bingley.
“My second is Mr Edward Gardiner. You are familiar with his home. I suggest you put your affairs in order.” He stepped past Bill, but upon reaching the door, he turned round. “If I do not kill you, Bingley, this man most certainly will.”
Once outside the house, he took in a deep breath. He felt invigorated. He regained his seat in the carriage, but saw that Bill remained standing on the pavement, unmoving, staring at him.
“Bill?”
When the man did not respond, John recalled Jane telling him that when Bill wanted something, he would wait to be asked. He exited the carriage and stepped up to the giant. “You were splendid today. I appreciate your presence here beside me. How may I be of service to you?”
Bill’s blank expression shifted to confusion. “Youwill marry the duchess?”
John was puzzled for a moment. Then he allowed himself an indulgent smile. “If she will have me.”
Bill swallowed before giving him a quick nod. “I want something.”
“Yes?”
Bill leant down and whispered. John tilted his head to the side and looked up.
“That is your request?”
“It is,” Bill said solemnly.
John smiled. “Should the duchess bestow me her hand, I shall grant you your desire.”
The dinner at the de Bourgh townhouse was an intimate affair. Lady Catherine had invited her family, as well as the two Bennet sisters. The women outnumbered the men.
“We shall have dancing later. I have tired of breaking out card tables to entertain. A ball, rather than conversation and games play, is the order of the day,” Lady Catherine announced as she led the ladies out of the dining room.
“Georgiana, will you favour us with your talents?” A moment later, the withdrawing parlour filled with the soothing sounds of Haydn. Footmen worked quickly; the floor was cleared as all sittings were placed against the walls.
Mrs Gardiner sat with Lady Matlock; Elizabeth sat with Jane. It was a joy to spend time with her elder sister. Elizabeth had closely observed her in their visits. Jane appearedfatigued by the many social events on her calendar, and since her presentation at Court, her enthusiasm for such activities had seemingly lessened. She was eager to speak to her in private and ask her whether she wished to continue in town. After all, John and his hopes awaited Jane in Meryton, and Elizabeth had seen no sign that either’s affections had waned. But she did not wish to leave town, nor Darcy House. For the first time in her life, she had met a gentleman whose conversations and interests truly intrigued her. Whether Mr Darcy felt the same of her was a question, and she was curious to seek the answer.
Elizabeth noticed Lady Catherine walk over and sit next to Georgiana. She turned a page for her niece and then spoke quietly, albeit not quietly enough that Elizabeth could not hear her words: “If Darcy pairs with Elizabeth, I urge you to extend the set. Play a waltz.”
