Elizabeth
“Oh,dear.”Grandmotherfrownedas she read the paper. “This is not at all what I expected.”
Elizabeth waited for her to expound, but when she did not, she cleared her throat. “Grandmother? Of what are you talking?”
“Darcy’s name has made into the tattle sheets.” She tut-tutted and handed the paper to Elizabeth.
She accepted it and read where Lady Montrose indicated.
Dear Reader,
After so many generations of dull—though very wealthy gentlemen from Derbyshire—one has managed to shock this writer. His actions may shake the very foundations of thetonfor years to come! Mr. F. D. was seen leaving the theater last night with an unknown woman. Fear not, for I have learned her identity. The mysterious beauty is a new courtesan, found in the wilds of the North. Her raven hair and flawless complexion would tempt any man. That she has managed toensnarethe illusive F. D. testifies to her arts and allurements.
What will come of the mesalliance, I wonder! Lady Featherdown will discover it all.
Elizabeth could not suppress a laugh. “Who could believe such ridiculous drivel?” she asked, still chuckling.
“You do not?” Lady Montrose peered at her over the rim of her spectacles, her lips pinched in disapproval. “How can you be so sure? You have scarcely known Darcy for more than six months.”
“Grandmother, he washerelast night.”
“Oh.” Lady Montrose looked momentarily abashed. “I ought to have remembered that.”
“Even had he not been, I should never have believed it. Darcy is the best of men; the most honorable man I have ever known. I only wish we might announce our engagement.”
“When you are properly introduced to thetonas my granddaughter, I shall give my consent to announce it. I am a selfish creature—I shall not have much time with you as it is, darling!”
After speaking at length with Jane and the Bennets, Elizabeth and Darcy had decided they would not marry in March. At Lady Montrose’s request, they had agreed to delay the wedding until after the Season on the condition that they be permitted to exchange their vows at Longbourn Church. They would return to Meryton for a few days in March to celebrate Jane’s nuptials, after which Lady Montrose intended to host a grand ball in honor of Elizabeth’s birthday, There, she would be formally introduced to society, and her engagement to Mr. Darcy would be announced.
Jameson stepped into the breakfast room. “Mr. Darcy, my lady.”
“Show him in.” She turned to Elizabeth with a knowing look. “He has likely seen that rag and seeks to reassure you of his love.”
Darcy came in, a harried look in his eyes. “Elizabeth,” he said, scarcely acknowledging her ladyship, “I swear, it is not so.”
She laughed softly, extending her hand. He dropped to one knee as he took it. “What amuses you?” he asked, clearly bewildered by her response.
“You wereherelast night, you silly man! Do you truly think me so foolish as to credit a baseless rumor that paints you as dishonorable? Never.”
He exhaled, and bowed his head, visibly relieved. “I ought to have known you would not cast me aside at so little provocation.”
“I would not call rumors of a mistresslittleprovocation,” Lady Montrose interjected, raising a stern brow. “If you harm her in any way…” She left the threat hanging in the air.
“On my honor, Lady Montrose, there is no one for me but Elizabeth. She is my world, and I wouldneverdishonor her in such a disgraceful manner.” Darcy spoke earnestly, and his complete lack of guile warmed Elizabeth’s heart.
“Very well, I shall believe you. But what prompted this strange bit of gossip?” Lady Montrose frowned again. “It cannot be a coincidence.”
“You are seeing demons where there are none,” Elizabeth said soothingly. “Why would anyone target Darcy now? What motive could they have? What would they hope to achieve?”
Her grandmother shuddered. “I cannot help but think this has something to do withyou, my dear. Could someone have connected Darcy’s name with yours and now wishes to separate you?”
Elizabeth felt a tremor of unease but pushed it aside. “It cannot be. Why would anyone do it? If someone wished to win my affection, attacking Darcy is hardly the best-conceived plan. There is no guarantee I would choose that person, even if I gave up my love. As my happiness rests so firmly on Darcy, that sort of ploy would be doomed from the outset.”
Lady Montrose did not appear convinced. She rose from the table with quiet resolve. “We have callers coming,” she told Elizabeth, changing the subject. “Many are my friends, and all hold considerable influence in society. They will speak of you to their children, and from there, word will spread through the circles of theton.”
“Will they speak favorably of Elizabeth?” Darcy asked with concern.
“I chose the guests with care. You may be assured their reports will be favorable.” Lady Montrose replied with a resolute nod.
