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Seven seconds later he was gone. It was going to be a long night.
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“Burtonwood’s second son said this to you?”
“Yes father. I have not edited a single word. I do not know who we have to thank for stopping him from going to the ball and calling out Darcy. I wanted to let you know before I went in search of Darcy. The lights are still lit on the portico at Darcy House meaning he is not yet home. I will drag him here as soon as I find him. Quincy did not tell me which ball it was.”
They both looked at the Countess.
“It will have been the Newhouse Ball.”
It was 2.20 in the morning when Fitzwilliam finally found Darcy, back at his home. They had passed each other not once but twice.
“Richard, what is the matter? Is Georgiana ill?”
“No. But Burtonwood’s daughter is dealing with severe distress caused by you. What on earth were you thinking insulting the daughter of an Earl in public. Come over to Matlock House at once. Burtonwood is threatening to cut the family, including his friend of 30 years my father, unless this is fixed.”
Darcy looked stunned but was given no time to consider anything as his cousin hauled him to his feet.
“Now Darcy!”
Five minutes later the Earl of Matlock had finished tearing a strip off one side of Darcy and was about to start on the other. Darcy wearily held up his hand. It was after 2.30 in the morning.
“I think it an outrage that someone has acted no better than a little sneak against me. I merely said I was not prepared to dance with any woman who can do nothing but simper about the weather.”
Richard wondered if he might have to restrain his father. Well, after the first punch at least.
“Yes, I am sure that is exactly what you said. In your loud disdainful manner while looking straight at the young lady.”
“She should not have been eavesdropping.”
“Do not be a bloody fool Darcy. She was not eavesdropping, she was attending a ball. You know what they are like. You use the crush of people to hide in the corner. I suggest you take care with calling a gentleman a sneak when your own appalling behaviour caused him to act. Bandying that accusation around may result in him questioning why you hide. We both know it would not take long for the gossips to make the appropriate connection.”
“Are you calling me a coward sir?”
The Earl stood up and walked towards his nephew. His nephew who appeared to need a stint in Bedlam.
“No. But calling someone a sneak will allow him to return the favour. Are you ready for the Heath?”
Silence greeted the suggestion of multiple duels on Hampstead Heath.
“You will accompany me and Richard to Burtonwood House tomorrow at 2.00 and you will make the most grovelling apology of your life. Oh do be quiet. This is not open to debate. You are nothing but an ill-mannered idiot who barely deserves the title of gentleman. We have heard your pompous pronouncements of needing to marry well to aid Georgiana in the same endeavour.
“Let me ask you two things. What would have been your reaction if someone had treated Georgiana in this manner at a public event? And even more pertinently, do you think grievously offending the Earl of Burtonwood and his family is going to aid your sister in making a good match? I am only glad my own poor dear sister is dead so as not to have to bear the shame of what her son has turned into.
“I suggest you retire for the night. You will present yourself here at 1.00pm later today. If you are not here I will be across the square at 1.01. Do you understand?”
The Earl stalked off, visible waves of temper roiling off him.
“It was only a matter of time. You should be grateful it was not one of the Royal Princesses. You would be spending the night in the Tower! An untitled country gentleman, full of pride and short of manners.”
Richard shook his head.
“I do not know what happened to you Darcy. After tomorrow afternoon I suggest you get out of London and return to Pemberley. When you ready to rejoin society I will have a tutor in manners sent north, as you clearly need a refresher. Good night.”
Rather than reflect on his own behaviour Darcy spent the next 10 hours seething at the world. A lot of fuss over the hurt feelings of a foolish debutante. Pah! He would apologise through gritted teeth, collect Georgiana from Matlock House and retire north.
The following afternoon was beyond appalling. He had never been so embarrassed in his life. The Earl of Burtonwood together with his whole family were present; his heir with the courtesy title of Viscount, two brothers in the military and the ‘offended’ party, the insipid daughter. Darcy was also escorted by his own family, the Earl, the Viscount and Richard. If he had brought Georgiana with him there would have been equal numbers on each side.
