“It was blatantly obvious what you werejustdoing,” said Matlock. His gaze was steely. He did not look at Elizabeth. “Ifyou were in the army, you would have been flogged for deserting your post.”
Darcy took a deep breath. It was true. A year ago, he could never have imagined that he would do such a thing, and with the Prince Regent at risk. Especially since Darcy was still worried about Riquer’s presence. Embarrassment warred with guilt at losing control. This was why he did not trust himself around Elizabeth. This was what he meant when he told Richard he could not take the risk.
When he was around Elizabeth, all reason fled.
“I am sorry. I am prepared to answer to whatever punishment you think fit.”
Lord Matlock scowled. “It is fortunate that the Prince Regent was not here with me. He wanted to do the rounds, but I discouraged him."
The prince would certainly not have been happy at Darcy's cavalier attitude towards keeping him safe.
"I—" There was nothing Darcy could say to make things better. There was no excuse. Only that it had been a delightful surprise to see Elizabeth there.
Lord Matlock gave him a glacial look. "Dereliction of duty is a serious matter. I will reflect on your punishment and let you know.”
Elizabeth spoke up. “Whatever punishment he receives, I should receive it too. I am equally guilty.”
“Youwere not on guard duty, Mrs. Darcy,” said Lord Matlock. His formal mode of address was an indication of his uncle's displeasure. He normally called her Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth can assist me in working on the Wards, sir,” said Darcy, suddenly seeing a way out. He did not want Elizabeth to leave. “We can Bond.”
“Elizabeth is fighting exhaustion. She is swaying on her feet.”
How could he be so inconsiderate? He was putting his needs before hers. Of course she was tired and needed to sleep. Darcy felt foolish for mentioning it.
Elizabeth nodded and, as if on cue, raised her hand to conceal a yawn. “Then I will apologize and take my leave, my lord.”
She curtseyed and withdrew. Darcy had to struggle not to look in her direction. His pulse was still racing. Even now, as he was facing the wrath of the Master Mage of the Kingdom, he still wanted to rush over and take her in his arms.
He was completely lost.
Chapter 4
The Prince Regent left the next day, and life at Founder's Hall settled back into its usual grueling routine. Darcy received word of his punishment from Lord Matlock. It was unpleasant enough. He was assigned to extra duty in London, repairing Wards and being at the beck and call of anyone who required his services. It was a devilishly effective strategy on his uncle's part. It hit Darcy where it hurt the most: by separating him from Elizabeth. As if things were not bad enough! To be punished for a lapse of judgment when he had been exercising so much restraint! But there was nothing to be done except to take it on the nose and keep going.
A week later, a summons came from the Prince Regent. He, Elizabeth and Lord Matlock were required by the prince at Carlton House. It was a clear reminder that Elizabeth and Darcy had individual royal appointments now as Advisor to the Regent.
At least Riquer had been excluded – for once.
Darcy received the summons with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it meant he and Elizabeth could travel together, even if they were not alone. On the other, he was not looking forward to seeing his uncle after what had happened.
“Do you know why he is summoning us?" Elizabeth enquired, as they walked to the carriage together.
“I have no idea.” Darcy looked at his uncle. “Do you?”
"I am as much in the dark as you are. I am not privy to the Prince Regent's whims."
"He must have a good reason.” Elizabeth knew the Regent was undisciplined and whimsical, but she had also perceived in him a keen mind and creative spirit. “I only hope he does not ask us to serve on one of his councils," said Elizabeth. "My experience with the Mage Council has put me off the idea forever.”
Lord Matlock chuckled. “I can assure you, if we are asked to serve on a council headed by the Regent, you will be happy to be on it. We would spend more time sampling dishes by the best French chefs and drinking smuggled port than making decisions. Alas, I doubt that is what he intends."
Darcy's thoughts were occupied with something completely different. It occurred to him that this was a good opportunity to air his grievance regarding his punishment. It was the first time he had seen his uncle since he had caught the two together, and he was seething at the injustice of it.
"I would like to address something else, Uncle." His tone came out more clipped than he wished. He took a deep breath and tried to sound calm. "I would like to object to the punishment you gave me. It is unfair. I would even go so far as to say cruel. You know very well I am rarely able to see Elizabeth under normal circumstances. Then to set up things so I could not see her at all! Do you know how—" he was about to say infuriating, but he tried for some more neutral way of saying it. He was notin the habit of wearing his heart on his sleeve. "—how unpleasant this is?"
"Punishments are not meant to be pleasant things, Darcy," Matlock’s voice was quiet, his face revealing nothing.
"But surely it is against the rules to deprive me from seeing — my family because of a transgression. How is that considered a fair punishment?"
