Putting up her hand, she cut him off. Continuing to speak quietly, yet forcefully she said, “You need not apologise, sir. Your silence, along with that of your disagreeable cousin, would be a blessing. Believe me, I have heard quite enough. As for the charity ball, I plan to be in attendance. Let it be known here and now that I would not condescend to dance with either of you if you were the last men in all of England. Nor do I care tomake your acquaintance if we should be so unfortunate as to be introduced at any other function during the rest of the season. Good day.”
Holding her head high and turning with indignation, Elizabeth walked straight to the front of the bookshop where Mrs. Gardiner was now waiting with her maid. As soon as she completed her transaction, the three women were on their way.
Stunned, Richard finally let out a low whistle and remarked, “Well, it seems the young lady was not pleased with our conversation.”
“She decidedly was not,” William grumbled as he watched the women leave the bookshop.
“I do not have a good feeling about this. Have you any idea who the lovely woman with the sharp tongue was? She looked vaguely familiar.”
“I most certainly do.” William answered curtly. “If I am not mistaken, I believe we have done quite an admirable job of insulting the sister of your mother’s goddaughter, Miss Eliza Deming.”
CHAPTER TWO
A PROPER INTRODUCTION
The Darcy Carriage
Friday, A Few Days Later
It was Friday evening, and William was on his way to Lady Gwendolyn’s townhouse. Two days prior he had attended a private ball where the lovely lady was also in attendance. She happened to partner him for the supper set and during their meal she had been very free with her opinions.
“Fitzwilliam, I hope you are not offended, but as your friend I would like to revisit the idea of putting forth Miss Elizabeth Bennet for your consideration. She will be at my dinner party on Friday and I shall be happy to introduce you at that time. While you were in Kent, I had an opportunity to have a candid discussion with the young lady and her aunt, and I do not think you should discount her in your search. In spite of her lack of portion and the unfortunate circumstances with her father’s estate, the woman is not mercenary.”
“Your Ladyship, I find that hard to believe.”
“It is true. While the young woman would prefer to marry for love, because of her father’s poor health, she is not opposedto a marriage of convenience. That being said, no matter the monetary inducement, she flatly stated that if she could not respect or esteem a potential suitor, she would not acquiesce.”
“Rather singular, I would say.”
“Yes, she is a rare woman, considering her circumstances. You, my friend, are well established and not in need of a woman’s dowry and could easily weather any criticism from thetonin that respect. In my opinion, what Miss Elizabeth would bring to a marriage far outweighs her monetary lack. The woman is very knowledgeable and, though new to my circle of friends, she is well-liked and can hold her own in any discussion.
“I suppose that is something,” he said with reserve, still not convinced.
“It is, and while she is fascinated with all London has to offer, at heart she is a country girl and does not care to live in Town on a permanent basis. I believe Miss Elizabeth would do well in Derbyshire. Moreover, according to Mrs. Gardiner, her niece is a favourite with her children and can entertain them for hours. That being said, I also believe she would make an endearing mother for your Anna and, in the end, you may find yourself with a match that is far more than convenience.”
“More than convenience,” he murmured. “Is that even possible in my situation? Unlikely.”
“As for her connection to trade, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are of the finest stock in that community. Should you find Miss Elizabeth suitable, you will just have to deal with your relations on that score. I would, of course, support her in whatever way I could to assure that she is accepted in our society.”
Lady Gwendolyn had asked William to keep an open mind, and he had promised to do so. Six years ago he had agreed to a marriage of convenience with Anne de Bourgh, and even though he was again looking for that same type of arrangement,he would not be pressured to accept any woman without more assurance of the lady’s suitability to his purpose. He would meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet and judge for himself on that scale. Hopefully she was nothing like her Deming cousins.
Talbot House
Stepping into this familiar place where he had spent many an evening in enjoyable conversation, William perused the room, taking note of several people he would make a point of speaking to as the evening progressed. He had yet to see Richard, who would be here escorting his mother in the Earl’s stead. After greeting his hostess, he happened to glance to another part of the room where a group of men were congregated together in lively conversation. It was there he spotted his cousin. While walking in that direction, he surreptitiously looked from side to side, curious to know which of the many women he passed might possibly be Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Some he recognized as Lady Gwendolyn’s intimate friends and others he did not.
“Darcy,” Richard called on seeing William and waving him over. “Do come join us. I believe you know everyone with the exception of Edward Gardiner. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Mr. Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street.” The two gentlemen shook hands in greeting one another.
“We are discussing the affairs of the East India Trade Company and the monopoly they currently have on the market. Gardiner here, having had a successful import-export business for many years, has been enlightening all of us with his impressions of several of the company’s more questionable practices.”
William listened intently as Gardiner talked, shrewdly answering many a question and offering his candid opinion.Lady Gwendolyn was not mistaken when she touted his merit. The man was well informed and had an impressive head for commerce. While the conversation continued, he could not help but wonder what the gentleman’s niece was like.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner stood not too far away in quiet conversation, speculating about the tall gentleman who had joined the group of men. Although Mrs. Gardiner kept her counsel, Elizabeth was very outspoken.
“Aunt, I tell you it is him. After encountering him at Hatchards, I would know that disagreeable man anywhere. Please tell me he is not Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the gentleman Lady Gwendolyn insists I meet this evening.”
“In all likelihood it is him, my dear. I remember well what his father looked like from my days in Lambton, and in studying over that gentleman’s appearance, I would say he bears a remarkable resemblance to Mr. James Darcy of Pemberley.”
“How unlucky,” she huffed. “Very unlucky indeed. Well, no matter,” Elizabeth said, arching an eyebrow as she continued to assess the gentleman. “It appears I shall just have to make the most of the introduction, even though I specifically told him I did not care to make his acquaintance should we be so unfortunate as to meet again.”
