A chuckle escaped Darcy’s lips. ‘Pardon me, but I cannot imagine that he could have been successful. You and your sisters seem much too sensible to accept such a man.’
‘While it is impolite of you to judge our cousin so harshly… I cannot help but agree… and I thank you for the compliment as to our sensibility,’ Elizabeth teased.
The tips of Darcy’s ears coloured, and he sighed. ‘I am afraid that excessive honesty has always been my besetting sin. But I must admit that I am not surprised at Lady Catherine’s advice to your cousin. For years she has claimed that my cousin Anne and I were engaged due to an agreement between herself and my mother.’
‘Based on your wording, I gather that there is some doubt as to her claims?’
‘Let us just say that her wishes and reality are very different matters. While I love Anne as a cousin, she and I are completely unsuited. Lady Catherine has exercised absolute control over my cousin all her life and prevented Anne from learning anything, making her meek and colourless.’
While Darcy explained, he realised what he truly wished for in a wife and made a decision. He stopped walking and turned to Elizabeth. ‘I desire a strong woman as my partner. One who is intelligent and can converse on many subjects. But one who is also kind and loyal to her family. A lady who is lively and witty and who refuses to be intimidated.’
Elizabeth was stunned at this speech and wondered where he was heading. Was he going to propose? Was she ready to consider giving an answer in the affirmative? She was so busy worrying, that she almost missed his next words.
‘A lady who is beautiful… inside and out. Someone just like you Miss Elizabeth. I know that we have not known each other for very long and we had a rather shaky start due to my stupidity, but I am hoping that in time you might feel that I have become worthy of you and deserve your love. Therefore, would you allow me to court you?’
‘You are asking for a courtship?’ Elizabeth exclaimed in relief.
Darcy’s face fell as he misunderstood her reaction. ‘I had hoped that you had forgiven me for my early transgressions and had come to like me at least a little, but if the idea of a courtship is so abhorrent to you…’
‘No Mr Darcy, you misunderstand. I was afraid that your speech was leading up to a proposal and I am not ready for that yet.’
At those words, especially the wordyet, Darcy broke into an ecstatic smile. ‘Does that mean that you might be so inclined sometime in the future?’
‘Since a courtship is designed to allow us to reach such a decision, I will happily allow you to court me.’
Darcy’s dimples were on full display as he kissed her hands.
~T~
The duchess, having taken her place at Barrington House, happily acted as hostess for her son, who was at last able to invite his friends to dinner.
It was no surprise for anyone that the guests included all the Bennet sisters, the Gardiners, the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys.
During the dinner the duchess informed her guests, ‘I have some good news. The day of your audience with the Queen, a dear friend of mine is giving a ball and we are all invited.’
‘Who is your dear friend?’ asked Lord Matlock.
‘Henry Langdon, the Duke of Langford,’ the duchess said with her most mischievous smile.
When the Gardiners and the Bennet sisters looked puzzled, Lady Matlock enlightened them. ‘The Duke’s ball is the highlight of the season. Everybody wants to be there, but the duke is selective about invitations, although the guest list is often eclectic.’
The duchess’s smile widened even further.
~T~
Fitzwilliam felt that he needed to spend time away from the ladies and went to his club for an evening of relaxation.
As he had hoped, he encountered one of his friends whom he had not seen for a while. Despite the considerable difference in their ages, the two gentlemen had been friends for many years as they had a very similar sense of humour.
In light of recent information, Fitzwilliam hatched a plan, and his friend was only too happy to help him carry out his scheme.
~T~
27Introductions
After the excitement and anticipation, the presentation to the Queen was almost anticlimactic.
As ordered, although it was phrased as an invitation, the duchess and her son escorted the three Bennet sisters and the Gardiners to Buckingham House. The location was dictated by the fact that this was an informal audience.
