Page 49 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
“Mrs Maeve Bennet and Lady Elizabeth. I do not know how she discovered it, but she knows about the wager.”
“What wager?” he stupidly asked before he remembered the ridiculous bet he had accepted from Crawford.
“She is under the impression that you needed monetary inducement to dance with her.”
He let his head fall into his hands and sighed. Would this farce never end? Was he to be faced with his failings at every turn?
“We must try to disabuse her of the mistaken notion that you do not like her.”
“It is no use. Nothing can be done. I have seen to that with my abominable behaviour…”
Chapter 16 Brief Sequences of Related Movements
Jane arrived in town just in time for the event of the Season, Lady Jersey’s Christmas ball. Their father accompanied her sister on the trip, a rare occurrence that prompted his mother to hope for a prolonged stay.
“You must have tea with us and warm yourself by the fire,” her grandmother entreated.
“I cannot if I am to return to Longbourn before dark.” Lord Glentworth had not even removed his hat and stood in the entrance hall ready to flee.
Lord Limerick had heard the commotion and poked his head out of his study.
“Glentworth! A word if you please,” his lordship shouted.
“I cannot oblige you. I must leave at once while there is still light.” Lord Glentworth took one step towards the door.
“But you will join us for Christmas,” her uncle demanded.
“I very much doubt it,” her father replied.
“Thomas, you must join us, and it had better be sooner rather than later,” Lord Limerick called whilst Lord Glentworth walked out of the door and entered his carriage. The equipage left at once, with the marquess blustering at the top of the steps. “I need a divine intervention,” he muttered.
Jane was hastened to her room to unpack before joining her sister to prepare for the evening’s event. Grandmother had ordered both girls new dresses with the old measurements her seamstress had taken last summer. Small adjustments were made in a frenzy before the sisters had a moment to themselves.
“Are you well, Jane?” Elizabeth enquired. Usually so perceptive of her sister’s moods, she could not determine Jane’s present state of mind.
“I am,” she replied with little conviction.
“Then why do I not believe you?” Elizabeth arched her brows.
“There is nothing the matter with me but some ridiculous doubts following our elevation of rank.” Jane sat down heavily on her bed and was joined by her sister. “Have you questioned people’s sincerity since our good fortune became known?” she asked.
“Dear Jane, I have been questioning the sincerity of most people since long before I was aware of Father’s coming elevation to the peerage. I am far less trusting than you, and I welcome your new-found cynicism most heartily. You are too apt in general to believe everything you hear, which is why I was particularly impressed by your last letter.”
“I do not relish being cynical,” Jane lamented.
“Well, you should. In my experience, not all are what they seem upon first impression. It is easy to be deceived by a handsome face and agreeable manners.”
“How am I to tell the difference?” Jane whispered.
“We shall endeavour to become wiser together, and it is not as though we are friendless. Our dear grandmother will certainly give her opinion decidedly upon every gentleman vying for our attention.”
Jane sighed in relief whilst Elizabeth rose to allow her to rest before the evening’s entertainment. She kissed her head and left to her own preparations.
#
It caused quite a stir when Jane entered the ballroom on Lord Limerick’s arm. Just as Elizabeth had predicted, they were immediately surrounded by eager gentlemen vying for an introduction. They were both promptly engaged for the first set, though Elizabeth harboured misgivings about her partner. She immediately recognised the young buck as the one who had climbed into Mr Bingley’s box at the theatre. Judging by his appearance, she doubted very much the Duke of Beaufort’s son was of age. Fortunately, he danced well enough even if his conversation bordered on the impolite.
“I feel it incumbent upon myself to warn you not to allow any expectations to be raised on my behalf.”
