“I shall attend with you,” said Lady Eleanor. “I am resolved to learn her secret.”
After the waltz, Darcy led Elizabeth and Georgiana toward the room where supper was being served, looking for a table that could accommodate the Bingleys and Phillip as well. The two men found a table and then left to serve the ladies their plates. Elizabeth sat on one side, while Georgiana took the chair opposite her; each saved a place for the other members of their party. Elizabeth and Georgiana were discussing the ball when Lady Stanhope, a beautiful young woman, slid into the chair to Elizabeth’s right. Lady Harrington, richly attired, claimed the seat on Elizabeth’s left. Miss Winston took the chair across from Elizabeth, beside Georgiana.
The three women looked at Elizabeth through narrowed eyes. Lady Stanhope spoke in a low, angry voice. “Mrs. Darcy, I have known Mr. Darcy since I came out four years ago. A man like him does not fall easily for any woman. Yet here you are, suddenly married to him. I can only assume you set a trap for the unsuspecting man.”
Lady Harrington’s lips curved into a mocking smile as she leaned forward. “He has always been a man of principle and good breeding, not some rake who chases skirts. But, by the look of your gown, Madame, I see no other explanation. You must have set some parson’s trap in that little nowhere town you comefrom, and poor Mr. Darcy walked right into it. As an honorable man, he had no choice but to marry you, and you most certainly didn’t attract him with a dowry, for you have none. As for your connections, your father is a humble squire with a small estate entailed away from the female line. There is no other explanation. You entrapped the poor man.”
Elizabeth felt a sharp sting of shock. How was it that these women, strangers to her, seemed to know everything about her, her family, her fortune, and her background? Miss Winston’s ruthless voice cut through the silence. “You may believe you will now enjoy the fruits of your deceit, but mark my words, between the three of us, we will see to it that your reputation is utterly ruined.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, but before she could utter a word, Georgiana spoke up, firm and resolute. “It was a love match. Fitzwilliam fell in love with Elizabeth.”
The three women turned to look at the young girl. Lady Stanhope’s eyes narrowed. “And who are you?”
Darcy answered. “She is my sister.” The three young women turned to see the two men standing behind them, each carrying a plate.
Darcy addressed Miss Winston. “You intend to ruin my wife’s reputation? Let me be clear. Should I hear even the faintest whisper of scandal concerning my wife or our marriage, I shall hold the three of you responsible.”
Phillip, who had been silent until then, placed his plate on the table with deliberate force. “I will fetch my mother. The Countess will know how to deal with three malcontents such as yourselves. I am quite certain she knows every sordid detail about each of your families, and the day you start spreadinglies about my cousins will be the day my mother starts her own stories about you and yours.”
He glanced at Darcy. “I’ll bring Mother now. We will settle this tonight.” Phillip paused, his gaze sweeping over the three women. “I am looking to marry this year and am extremely grateful that I learned what you ladies really are, as I am now spared from contracting an unholy match.”
They waited in tense silence until Phillip returned with Lady Helen. She motioned to the three women. “Ladies, this conversation is better held in private. Come with me.”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand in his. “Darling, don’t be troubled. Aunt Helen will take care of those women.” Then he left to join Phillip, Lady Helen, and the three young women.
Elizabeth moved to sit beside Georgiana and whispered, “Are you well, dearest?”
Georgiana inclined her head. “I am well, Lizzy, but was that not the most extraordinary scene?”
Before Elizabeth could answer, Jane and Mr. Bingley arrived at the table for supper, but as soon as Jane noted the flush on Elizabeth’s face, she said, “Lizzy, you look troubled. Has something happened?”
Elizabeth lowered her voice. “We cannot speak openly here, but I believe a disaster is being averted. Three highly placed young ladies threatened to ruin my reputation because they believed I had ensnared Fitzwilliam.”
Georgiana’s cheeks were flushed as she took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “It was the most shocking incident I’ve ever witnessed. But Aunt Helen will be pleased to know that we, both of us, remained perfectly genteel and never once raised our voices.”
Elizabeth giggled. The amusement in her eyes caused Jane to relax, and she laughed softly.
“Well, whatever you suffered,” Jane said, “it clearly didn’t do any lasting harm.”
Elizabeth arched a brow. “No, it was not so very bad, now that I reflect upon it. I ought to have expected such a reaction. Naturally, the women of the ton are furious. Fitzwilliam is no longer upon the market. And naturally, they must blame me. To do otherwise would mean admitting they didn’t suit him and that’s a very lowering thought.”
She paused, then added with a grin, “I can even find it in myself to feel sorry for them. I remember how it felt, being hopelessly in love with him, knowing he had no such feelings for me.” She looked at her family while rolling her eyes, and then she winked.
Her three family members laughed at her honest self-deprecation.
The two Darcy women ate very little. Jane and Mr. Bingley ate their supper, all the while offering such comfort as they could to both Elizabeth and Georgiana.
Chapter 64: The Seductress
After supper, Georgiana remained with Elizabeth at the empty table, waiting for Fitzwilliam’s return. Elizabeth shifted in her chair. “I need to visit the retiring room. Will you wait here or come with me?”
Georgiana rose and shook out her skirts. “I shall accompany you. Uncle Henry tore my gown, and now it is dragging.” Elizabeth looked at the rent. “It is quite large. I hope we have enough pins between us to repair it.”
They made their way through the deserted hall and entered the retiring room. After Elizabeth had seen to her needs, she sat beside her sister-in-law and began to pin the hem. As they worked, someone else entered the room. They both looked up and saw they were being observed by a striking woman, dressed in a tightly fitted crimson gown. Elizabeth guessed the lady to be in her early forties. Still, her beauty, her elegant height, and raven-dark hair were sure to command the attention of any man or woman within her immediate vicinity. The dress appeared to be of French design, with a daringly low-cut bodice.
Elizabeth rose, finding the woman’s gaze still fixed upon her. There was no mistaking the bold scrutiny, nor the slight curl of her painted lips. Georgiana stepped away to use the privy, and the newcomer advanced until she stood but two feet from Elizabeth. She addressed her in a low, cultured voice. “So, you are Darcy’s wife. I suppose he neglected to mention me.”
Elizabeth, taken aback, made no reply. The woman sneered and continued.
