The time passed quickly, however, and the Darcys arrived just before four. They would stay through the evening, and Elizabeth was determined to savor every moment in their company.
Georgiana made her way to the pianoforte at once and began to play after receiving a pointed look from her brother. He then joined the ladies, prepared to speak of his‘business.’
“Browning has had no success locating our man,” he said grimly. “No one enters or leaves the house, and we still have no idea who we are even looking for. The guilty party could be any number of people.”
“Let us set it aside until after the ball,” Elizabeth said sensibly. “We shall take proper precautions, and I shall be quite safe.”
“And then we can put the entire matter behind us,” Lady Montrose added. “Perhaps by then, Mr. Gardiner’s offer will have reached Mr. Winters, and we can turn our attention to more pleasant matters.”
After dinner and tea, Elizabeth bade a reluctant farewell to Darcy and Georgiana, wishing she and her betrothed might have had more privacy so that he could bestow something more than a kiss to her hand.
That night, dreams of a happy future danced in her mind as she slept. Though she had not yet seen Pemberley, Darcy’s descriptions had painted a vivid picture of the house and its grounds. She imagined long walks on his arm, and quiet evenings spent in his company. Georgiana would, of course, reside with them, but there would be ample time for themselves. Their suite of rooms, he had said, would be perfect for hiding from the world. And should they ever desire more privacy, they might retreat to Marston Hall, another ideal location—and just twenty miles away.
Soon,she thought as she drifted into slumber.It will not be long now.
Winters
He had evening attire prepared, purchased hastily since he could not go to his house. The Montrose Ball was the most talked-of event in town. In various disguises, Silas had visited his club, Bond Street, Gunter’s, and other establishments, gathering gossip. Everyone spoke of Lady Elizabeth Montrose.Lady!How had he failed to learn she had inherited everything? It was not fair. She no longer needed the business now, so why demand such an exorbitant sum for its purchase?
Donning his waistcoat, Winters selected a fine gold watch and fob, secured them, and reached for his coat. It hung a little loose—necessary since he did not have a valet. He pulled on his polished boots, and settled his hat upon his head.
For fortitude, he drank as much brandy as he dared. He could not afford to lose his faculties. The alcohol lent him courage, and he added a full flask to his pocket.
His plan was simple. He would sneak into the house through another door, eliminating any who stood in his way. All the servants would be occupied with the evening’s preparations, so he was confident that he could slip inside unnoticed. Once within, he would mingle with the crowd, remaining hidden in plain sight whilst he waited for his moment to strike. Yes, tonight would be a night to remember.
Chapter Thirty-Four
March 14, 1812
Montrose House
Elizabeth
Tonightwouldindeedbememorable. Elizabeth’s grandmother had sent her to her rooms at noon to begin preparations, a full six hours before the guests were due to arrive. Her maids bathed, brushed, and perfumed her until she felt like a pampered princess. Then, dressed in her nightgown and robe, she took tea and light refreshments before the next ordeal began. Two maids worked on her hair, curling, twisting, pinning and poking for what felt like hours. At last, they helped her into her gown, with only an hour to spare before she was needed downstairs.
“You look beautiful,” her grandmother said as she entered the room, two jewel cases in her hands. “Now, for the finishing touches.” She opened the first case and drew out a heavy gold necklace. A deep blue stone, set in gold, hung from the center of the chain, with matching stones spaced evenly along either side. She fastened it around Elizabeth’s neck.
It felt cold and heavy against her skin, but not unpleasantly so. “It is beautiful,” she whispered in awe.
“It is from my personal collection,” her grandmother replied. “It is yours now. I have not worn it in years, and this piece deserves better than to sit hidden in a safe. There is also this.” She opened the second case and revealed a tiara, gold and set with the same rich blue gems.
Now Elizabeth understood why no jeweled pins had been placed in her hair. Lady Montrose gently lowered the tiara onto her granddaughter’s head and made sure it was secure. “You are ready,” she said reverently.
Elizabeth did not feel ready. Yet instead of protesting, she took her blue silk wrap from one of the maids. Together, she and her grandmother went to meet their guests.
Darcy met her on the stairs, his steady presence soothing her nerves and providing comfort. "You look ravishing," he murmured, his gaze moving from the tiara to her slippers. She saw admiration in his eyes, but more than that—love. Wonderful man that he was, Darcy remained at her side in the receiving line. Lady after lady, gentleman after gentleman, they welcomed each arrival in turn. At last, the guests began to move into the ballroom. The lack of declined invitations meant the space was filled to capacity. The first set was called, and Darcy offered his arm. He had claimed her for the first, supper, and final sets, a declaration to all that she would soon be Mrs. Darcy.
The evening passed more swiftly than she could have imagined. Elizabeth had just enough time to greet Jane and Charles before Lady Montrose whisked her away once more. Supper followed, then the evening’s entertainment. At last, one of the musicians broke a string, and she was able to rest for a moment.
Darcy went in search of punch, and Elizabeth slipped out onto the terrace. The night air held a chill, but after the warmth of the ballroom, it felt wonderfully refreshing.
“You look lovely, Lady Montrose.”
Elizabeth turned, surprised to see a man standing in the shadows. Something niggled the back of her mind. She knew that face. As he swayed slightly, a wave of recognition washed over her. Suddenly, she was no longer at Montrose House, but hiding next to the desk in her papa’s study, watching as this man argued with him. “You.” she whispered. “It wasyou.”
“Do not tell me you remembernow. I had so looked forward to helping you along.” He stepped forward and caught her around the waist, clamping a hand over her mouth. “Come along, my dear. We had best take our meeting to a quieter place.”
She struggled, but his strength seemed unnatural. Her wrap slipped from her shoulders, and one slipper came off as he dragged her down the short flight of terrace steps and out through the garden gate.
