“Those same observers have seen us escort you from the ball. You will not return. My footman will see you to the door, where you may wait for your husband, or a hackney may be called.”
Elizabeth saw that the woman had the grace to blush.
“Tomorrow I shall publish a notice in the society papers stating that it has been brought to my attention that a Mrs. S.A. has conducted herself as a courtesan among the wealthy husbands of the ton, and that such conduct will no longer be tolerated.” Elizabeth was comforted when Lady Abigail took her hand.
“Samantha, you have gone too far. From this day forward, you will not be invited to any society event. All present this evening will know that I have removed you from my house for the insult you paid to my niece. Before the week is out, I expect you will withdraw to the country, for no one will receive you now.”
Allen approached Darcy. “I believe that courtesan has crossed the wrong woman.”
Darcy cast him a questioning look, then followed his gaze. He saw his aunt leading Elizabeth and Lady Abigail toward Mrs. Adams, who stood surrounded by a group of gentlemen. Lady Patricia had joined them and appeared intent upon observing all that might pass.
Allen gave a quiet laugh. “It seems Mrs. Adams is about to meet her reckoning. I would wager a pound she does not return to the ball.”
“I shall not wager,” Darcy replied. “I know my aunt, and I know Elizabeth. Neither will endure the conduct of a woman such as Mrs. Adams.”
Allen turned toward him. “Mrs. Darcy has claimed you. I doubt any woman will attempt to secure your attentions while she lives.”
Darcy laughed, delighted. “I believe you are correct, Allen.”
Epilogue
April 11, 1813
Darcy sat beneath the shade of a large elm tree with his six-month-old son asleep in his arms. Charles Bingley, Alexander Lucas, and Mr. Bennet were seated near him.
“I believed that catastrophic defeat in Russia would have brought Napoleon to his knees,” Charles said.
“No, not yet,” Darcy replied. “Though I read that the French are losing control of Spain, and many believe this coalition with Prussia and Russia will prove strong enough to bring the war to an end.”
Elizabeth approached. “Shall I take him up to his bed?”
Darcy looked down at his son. “No. He is comfortable here, and it pleases me to hold him.”
“Very well, Fitzwilliam. Let me know when you are ready, and I shall take him up.”
She left the gentlemen and rejoined her sisters.
“Lizzy, when is Mary to arrive?” Jane asked.
“They leave the day after Easter. Lady Catherine insisted that Mr. Collins perform the Easter services. She would not permit the curate to stand in his place.”
“And how does Mary go on?”
“She is quite well. There are no concerns that she will lose this child. The midwife says that it is common to lose a pregnancybefore the third month, and that it does not usually signify a deficiency in the mother’s ability to carry a child.”
“That is a comfort. After losing her first, I know she feared she might be barren.”
“Is she bringing Charlotte with her?” Jane asked.
“Yes, my poor Charlotte. Nothing came of the widower with the child, nor of the gentleman in Westerham. I intend to introduce her to our physician and to our rector. Perhaps one of them may admire her.”
“Lizzy, you must insist that Charlotte improve her appearance,” Kitty said. “She looks every inch a spinster, with that severe arrangement of her hair and those gowns that even Mary would not have worn. They are most unappealing. No gentleman would be drawn to her as she is.”
Elizabeth raised her hand to her mouth to conceal her laughter. “My dear Kitty, you are quite right. I have never minded how she dresses, but I can see that a gentleman might. I shall set Gibbs to attend to her hair, and I will take her into Kympton to the modiste whom Georgiana and I patronize. I shall not present her to anyone until she is properly dressed and coiffed. If she secures a husband here, it shall be owing to you.”
“I had a letter from Lydia,” Jane said. “She has earned a new post. She will be assisting in the matriculation office.”
“I remember fearing for her future. She seemed beyond remediation,” Elizabeth said, her eyes narrowed.
