Lizzy swallowed her own drink, allowing the warm liquid to soothe her dry throat. “We are merely friends, Aunt. Nothing more. Mr. Darcy is an honorable gentleman who enjoys my friendship, and I his.”
“I am sure that is all, dear girl, but please take care. More than one honorable man has been ruled by his passions and not his mind.”
She thought back to his clandestine confession from Ashby Park and his watch with the beloved inscription. “And sometimes, dear aunt, men do know their own minds but must follow duty…no matter what choices they might wish to make. Either way, Mr. Darcy is as good as married, so it can be of little consequence to me.”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded at the affectionate têt-à-têt between Kitty and Georgiana across the room, before whispering to her. “Mr. Hamilton had cause to be at your uncle’s office this morning.”
Lizzy narrowed her eyes uncertainly. “For what purpose?”
“He called upon your uncle to ask for permission to court you.”
Taking a calm, steadying breath she continued. “What did my uncle say?”
“He asked Mr. Hamilton if he had spoken to you yet. He said that he had not yet but had known you all your life. Your uncle then deferred to you and your father for approval.”
Lizzy’s cheeks began to burn and her jaw tightened. Her fists clenched into balls in her lap, and she looked up at her aunt. “I am grateful to my uncle’s forbearance in not assigning my fate, and assume I can only have you to thank for his intelligence on the subject. But, what am I to do when he speaks to me? I do not believe I wish to marry him.”
Her aunt said nothing as she sipped her coffee.
“There was a time when the idea seemed pleasing but with regards to his recent opinions about my character, I will not marry a man who does not respect me or my person, no matter how secure I would be!” Her heart beat rapidly in a panic.
“I advise you, dear Lizzy, to have an open mind. Often men behave in ways they normally would not when jealousy intrudes. I am not counseling you to accept him,” Mrs. Gardiner said, “merely suggesting you not make any rash decisions. He pays you a great compliment by singling you out. Make your decision carefully.”
Then the parlor door opened and the gentlemen walked in to join the ladies. Mr. Gardiner smiled at his wife, Mr. Darcy leaned down to whisper something in Georgiana’s ear, and Mr. Hamilton joined Lizzy, grinning with confidence. She welcomed him with a small smile.
“We did not expect to see you gentlemen so soon. Are the men not as stimulating conversationalists as we women are?”
“Not at all. I am thankful to return to the soft surroundings of your presence.”
He smiled down at her and spoke to Mrs. Gardiner. “Might I compliment you on the delicious meal this evening? I have never had duck served quite like that before and if your cook would be so kind, I would love to attain the recipe for mine at Ashby Park.”
“Of course, Mr. Hamilton. I will have it sent over to your townhome in the morning.”
“Thank you.” Looking intently at Lizzy, he said, “I want to make everything as comfortable as possible for the future. I do not wish to have anyone imagine I have not thought out all matters and small details.”
Lizzy turned her head toward Georgiana and Kitty when her eyes momentarily met Mr. Darcy’s. A shiver shot through her at the blackness in his eyes. Mr. Darcy walked to the window, clasping his hands behind his back and stared out in to the night.
After a few more minutes of genial conversation, Mr. Hamilton turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, will you not play for us this evening? I have heard little else that gives me such pleasure.”
She bowed her head and gently demurred. “I thank you for the honor of the request, sir, but I am not inclined to play this evening.”
James Hamilton’s eyes widened at her rejection. “Come, Miss Elizabeth. Do not allow your false modesty to force me to ask again.” His voice was teasing, but there was also an expectation in his eyes which made her uncomfortable.
“Pray, forgive me. I have a slight headache and regret my skills would be lacking this evening. Might we play cards instead?”
“I thank you, no. I believe the stakes would be too high for me.”
Mr. Darcy had turned from the window to listen, while Kitty and Georgina had halted their conversation to hear the outcome. “Come, Hamilton. She has already stated her reasons for not playing.” Mr. Darcy said from the window. “Georgiana?” He nodded at his sister, who hesitantly stood.
“Mrs. Gardiner, Kitty and I have been practicing duets.”
“Charming! Thank you.”
James Hamilton’s jaw tightened as he walked over to the sideboard where he took a drink from a footman. Mrs. Gardiner rested a reassuring hand on Lizzy’s.I should not have to perform for James Hamilton or any man! Had I wanted to play for him, I would have.Her aunt’s hand squeezed hers again and she realized she needed to regain her countenance.
Seething, she pasted a smile on her face and took a lesson from her aunt.If she can sit here and be polite, surely I can bear his company for one evening!
* * *
