Page 5 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
“You would pay me ten guineas for dancing a set, which I am obliged to do regardless of any monetary inducements?”
The viscount nodded. As Darcy did not care one way or the other, and was curious as to who the lady was, he saw no reason to object. “It is the easiest money I have ever made,” he drawled and walked directly across the room to engage the mysterious queen.
He bowed to Lady Melbourne, who was a friend of his aunt’s, and the young lady’s relations. He almost laughed when she was introduced as Queen Elizabeth; that, he had surmised by her costume. Yet, the secrecy intrigued him, and he turned to request her next set. She raised her head, and the most enchanting green eyes rendered him speechless. His dry mouth did not cooperate for what felt like a minute, and only a herculean effort brought him back to his senses.
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Elizabeth
“Ah, it is Mr Darcy,” Viscountess Melbourne informed her. “He has a large and prosperous estate in Derbyshire. There is not a scandal attached to his name—and in superior society, which is quite the feat. I dare say he is one of the most eligible gentlemen town has to offer, but he is aloof. He has every young miss vying for his attention, even though he bestows it but rarely. You must be flattered that he is singling you out amongst all the accomplished and even titled young ladies in attendance here tonight.”
Viscountess Melbourne looked pointedly at Elizabeth, who felt her heart sink into her stomach. If he was one of the most sought-after gentlemen in London, something she had no trouble believing as she watched him approach, he might not be interested in a stupid child who had endangered both himself and his mother. She had read Lady Anne’s obituary in the newspaper less than a year later. That information had given perspective to his admonishment when his mother had followed him into the enclosure. If she already had been ill, he might look unfavourably on the child whom she had risked her health to save.
Elizabeth used her quick wit and made a request to Viscountess Melbourne. “If the gentleman is indeed coming this way, would it not be fun to introduce me as Queen Elizabeth?”
The great lady hid behind her fan and chuckled. “Indeed, it would.”
Her grandmother was eyeing her quizzically, so Elizabeth deliberately avoided meeting her eyes. It was easily done as she would have had to turn away from Mr Darcy, and that would not be polite—or possible.
Viscountess Melbourne performed the introductions and kept her promise of not exposing Elizabeth’s true name.
“Has Miss Darcy accompanied you, Mr Darcy?” Viscountess Melbourne asked.
“No. My sister is not yet out, your ladyship.”
“Oh, I did not mean your sister. I know she is full young. I was enquiring after Miss Eudora Darcy.”
“Unfortunately, my aunt had a prior engagement. She regretted that it prohibited her from attending your ball.”
“I am a bit disappointed. I was greatly anticipating introducing her to my friend.” Viscountess Melbourne turned to Elizabeth’s grandmother. “Maeve, you would adore Miss Eudora Darcy. She is a perfect mixture of eccentricity, sarcasm, and wit to be thoroughly entertaining. You must allow me to introduce you both at our earliest convenience.”
Elizabeth did not hear her grandmother’s reply because in that very moment, Mr Darcy bowed before her and extended his hand.
“Your Majesty, may I have the pleasure of your hand for the next set?”
“You may, Mr Darcy.”
Unfortunately, the current set was not finished, and they were obliged to wait until it concluded.
“You are Lord Matlock’s nephew, are you not?” Lord Limerick grumbled.
“I am,” Mr Darcy replied hesitantly.
He must have noticed her uncle’s provocative undertone. Elizabeth had no idea what significance this Lord Matlock had in Mr Darcy’s polite request to dance, but the grumbling alone made her worried that her great-uncle held a grievance towards Mr Darcy’s relation. She was not of a mind to allow even him to thwart her acquaintance with the gentleman, now that she had finally reunited with her heroic Master Fitzwilliam.
“Have you tasted the ratafia, Mr Darcy?”
“I have not, and it would be my pleasure to escort you to the refreshment table while we wait for the set to begin.” He turned from her and met the eyes of Lord Limerick. “If your lordship would allow it?”
Uncle Henry glared at Mr Darcy, who met his lordship’s belligerent mien with a steady calmness that eventually made her stubborn uncle relent. With his curt nod, they were allowed to escape.
“So, what is your true name, Queen Elizabeth?”
“It is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Mr Darcy. And what is your full name?”
“I see. You are set on being mysterious. I suppose there is no chance I could convince you to remove your mask?”
“It is not yet midnight, and there is a game tonight of guessing who is who. I am afraid that you have already exposed yourself to me, and I shall have, at least, one correct answer.”
