“Miss Bingley, your father was in trade, your brotherisin trade, and you dare to disdain others for the same background as yourself?” Gardiner pointed out.
Before she could respond, her pallor turned a deep shade of puce. There was nothing Caroline Bingley hated more than having her roots pointed out, especially in front of those whom she was trying to impress. The young lady next to her Mr. Darcy stood.
“Lady Anne, will you please introduce this person who has invaded our pleasant time without invitation?” Elizabeth requested with a twinkle in her eye.
Caroline was about to berate the person for daring to ask to be introduced to one so far above her as Caroline knew she was. Lady Anne spoke first.
“It will be my displeasure before we rid ourselves of this blight forever,Your Grace,” Lady Anne averred.
Caroline’s world came to a sudden halt. She must have misheard. Lady Anne responded as if the one before her wasa…duchess! No, it could not be she had just verbally attacked a duchess with so many members of theTonlooking on.
If only she could have disappeared. Instead, she had to stand there and try to salvage some dignity. “Lady Elizabeth, this pretentious harpy is Miss Caroline Bingley of Scarborough, the daughter of an honourabletradesman. Miss Bingley,Her Grace, Lady Elizabeth Chamberlain, Duchess of Hertfordshire and Marchioness of Hertford Heights.”
While Caroline Bingley was wishing herself away—anywhere but where she was—the identity of the beauty on the Darcy heir’s arm was soon spread to the farthest corners of the theatre.
“Bingley, how many times have you been told your sister is not welcome among us?” William shook his head as he spoke to his friend. “Until and unless you are willing and able to exert control over your sister, who has most certainly ruined herself tonight, I will not know you.”
Both Bingleys left the Darcy box in shock. They made for the exit and called for their carriage. One saw all her dreams disappear as wisps of smoke in the wind while her brother was finally asking himself if the cost of placating his younger sister was too high a price to bear. He also realised that he never met the blonde angel!
Back in the box, Elizabeth was introduced to the Rhys-Davies and De Melvilles. Both couples along with their sons and daughters who had accompanied them to the Drury Lane were invited back to Hertfordshire House for supper, an invitation that was gladly accepted.
Chapter 31
At supper, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, Elizabeth had the Duke of Bedford on her left hand side and William to her right.
Uncle Edward, who had not felt comfortable attending the performance without his wife, had said his farewells and left for home directly from the theatre. Thankfully, if the subject of the sale of the shipyards was broached, Uncle Frank was present.
No business had been discussed during the meal and the Duke had taken no offence if his hostess had awarded the young Darcy most of her attention. Being one who had married for love, Bedford recognised the signs in the two.
There was a brief separation of the sexes and when the men rejoined the ladies, Bedford approached Lady Elizabeth who was seated with her older sister, Hilldale, and William Darcy.
“If you will pardon this old man, may I have a few words with the Duchess?” Bedford requested. No one objected. The Duke assisted Lady Elizabeth to stand and led her to a settee which was unoccupied. “As one of your guardians is present, would you object if I ask Mr. Philips to join us?” Bedford enquired.
“Please do. If this is regarding the shipyards, it will be for the best for Uncle Frank to be a party to our discussion,” Elizabeth agreed.
Bedford and Philips returned within a minute to where Elizabeth was seated. “My solicitor received a note from Mr. Marylebone regarding your willingness to sell your shipbuilding interests, is that accurate?” Bedford verified.
“Your information is correct,” Elizabeth confirmed. “My uncles and I discussed the price Mr. Marylebone related, and we think it is a fair price for the three yards.”
Philips nodded his agreement. “If that is still the amount you are offering we see no need for delay,” Philips added.
“If only all negotiation were so easy. Should my solicitor send the proposed agreement to you or the offices of Marylebone and Scrooge?” Bedford enquired as he extended his hand to Philips who shook it.
“I will review the contracts with him, but as Marylebone is more familiar with my niece’s holdings, send the documents to him,” Philips stated.
“It will be so.” Bedford turned to Lady Elizabeth. “May I tell you how happy we are you are free of that blackguard?”
“Please do. Although, no one can possibly feel more relief over his being sent to Satan’s fires than myself,” Elizabeth inclined her head. “The mortal world is a far better place for his not being part of it.”
The Earl and Countess of Jersey were preparing to depart so they approached Lady Elizabeth to make their farewells.
“Lord Jersey you must allow me to thank you for the service you did me, and many others, by dispatching that man,” Elizabeth stood and curtseyed to the Earl.
“As much as I abhor violence, in this instance, it was the right thing to do,” Lord Jersey responded. “You of course know we were prepared for him thanks to Mr. Wickham, do you not?”
“Yes, I am fully aware of George Wickham’s part in all of this. I am well pleased Lady Sarah was never in harm’s way at any point,” Elizabeth stated as she looked at the Countess.
“My daughter, Alicia,” Lady Jersey cocked her head to her daughter who was sitting with Lady Marie Rhys-Davies and her brother, Viscount Westmore, “and I were far from Jersey House when he met his end,” Lady Jersey related. “I had been willing to act as bait in the trap, but my Cyril would hear none of it.” Lady Jersey looked at her husband lovingly. She smiled and turned back to the Duchess. “That Miss Bingley who you encountered this evening has been trying to gain a voucher for Almack’s for some years now. Even before she ruined herself at the Drury Lane tonight she would have never been gratified.”
