“No one should be forced to withstand undeserved insults and attacks, though I suppose one must harden one’s armour regardless. I shall let society know that you and your husband have the support of the Crown.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth replied, despite not knowing what that implied.
“Let me think. The aristocracy have departed for their country estates, and few remain in town at this time of year. That means fewer balls, events, and plays. Grouse season is just beginning, of course…”
Silence stretched for a few minutes.
“It is possible that Princess Charlotte of Wales will be travelling to Weymouth on the twenty-eighth. Something might be arranged. Await further notice. I shall confer with the Countess of Harcourt.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“But I suggest we do nothing outlandish. One does not want to appear desperate.”
“Certainly not, ma’am.”
Her grandmother rose; the audience was at an end, and they backed out of the rustic but comfortable cottage.
“Do come again, Lady Louise,” The queen called before they had left.
“It would be my honour.”
“I shall invite you to tea,” the queen allowed.
“That went rather well,” Lady Louise whispered to Elizabeth once they were out of earshot.
“I could not agree more,” Elizabeth rejoiced.
Darcy was anxiously awaiting their return with the Count of Reimarus, who had finished his audience with the Prince Regent a few minutes earlier.
“The news about the king is not good,” the count imparted. “The madness appears to be permanent this time.”
“Then I am pleased to report the queen is as sensible as ever,” Lady Louise remarked. “We are to await further instructions, but we might be travelling to Weymouth on short notice,” she added cryptically. “It truly is a shame about the king. He was an interesting man—dutiful, intelligent, and cultured.”
The equipage returned to Darcy House whilst Lady Louise regaled the occupants with tales from her few but eventful days at court.
It was not until the carriage entered Grosvenor Square that Lady Louise startled her audience.
“All that remains is to discover which of your servants has been informing the press,” she remarked.
“I beg your pardon!” Darcy exclaimed, affronted.
“Lizzy suggested as much to me, and I am inclined to believe her. Not only did the rumours include such details that only someone in the household might have known, but it is also remarkable how quickly the newspapers garnered the information. It simply must have come from someone in the house. The family is, of course, exempt, which leaves the servants. Of those, it is likely to be one of the upper servants, as I doubt the scullery and kitchen maids are informed about intimate details.”
Darcy opened and closed his mouth with a deep frown marring his handsome features. He rubbed his chin as the carriage drew to a halt. “I fear you are correct, Lady Louise. The thought has crossed my mind, but most of my servants have been with me for years, or even decades.”
“Who is new?”
“Elizabeth’s lady’s maid is a fairly recent addition.”
“From where did you acquire her?”
“She came highly recommended by my aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Lady Louise narrowed her eyes just as the steps were lowered.
“We shall address this matter once we have divested ourselves of these monstrous court gowns. Let us gather in the withdrawing room in an hour.”
The rest of the party nodded their acceptance, and Elizabeth made haste to the mistress’s chamber.
