“Of course.So do you think other gentlemen have been reluctant to pursue her for fear her father will decline their suit?”
“That likely has some bearing on her prospects, though as her near family, I would hardly hear of it.”Darcy looked about him uncomfortably and tugged on the cuff of his jacket.“We cannot ignore the matter of Lady Clara’s relative plainness.She is kind and a worthy lady, but she is not handsome, and the gentlemen whom her father would approve of—”
“Rich and well connected,” interjected Elizabeth.
“—are able to choose whom they wish.”
“And they wish for a pretty wife.”
“Just so.The less choosy gentlemen with less fortune or who are in need of connections would not meet the earl’s approval.”
“Even if they truly cared for her,” said Elizabeth with sad finality.
“I am sorry to distress you.”
Elizabeth sighed.“You have not, not truly.I hate that marriage is a business arrangement for so many, and that a lady may not simply choose the man she wishes to wed!Lady Clara has her own fortune.She could marry a younger son or a country gentleman with a small estate.They might be very happy together.But her father’s ambitions will stand in her way.”
“I cannot disagree with you.If Lord Hopewell continues as he has done, he will likely end up having to arrange a match for her in her fifth season when she is considered on the shelf.”
Elizabeth huffed.“It is ludicrous that a woman can be a spinster at three and twenty, but a man can be well over thirty and still be considered a good catch.”
“I shall refrain from commenting on that.”
She glared playfully at him and took his arm as they continued walking.“What would happen if Lady Clara accepted a man her father did not approve of?”
“She is not of age.She cannot legally wed without his consent unless she elopes to Scotland.”
“Of course.Do you know when she will be one and twenty?”
“This autumn, in September I believe, though I do not remember exactly.”
Elizabeth looked thoughtfully at the trees again.
“While we are speaking of gaining one’s majority, when is your birthday?You have never told me.You are twenty, are you not?”
“Yes, I am, though not for much longer.I shall attain my majority next month.”
His eyes brightened.“I shall have to think of a way to celebrate.”
She smiled.“Nothing extravagant!”
“I make no promises.”
She shook her head at him.
“Is there anything in particular you would like?”
“As a gift?”
“Yes.”
“I do not know.I have been planning to get a new pair of walking boots.”
Darcy rolled his eyes.“Only you would think walking boots a suitable gift from a lover.”
“What would you prefer to get me?”she retorted.
He turned to face her and gently placed his hand along her neck.“Something shiny and delicate, to hang just here.”He traced the skin just above her neckline.“Or perhaps here.”He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her wrist.“Something as lovely as you are.”
