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“You mistake me, my lord. I simply detect in her none of the evidence of good breeding and taste that renders her suitable for our society. She is impertinent in a manner that is hardly attractive, and she has an unrefined air that evidences her lack of accomplishment.”

Caroline huffed. “For my own part,” she said, “I must confess that I see nothing of beauty in her. Her face is too thin, her complexion has no brilliancy, and her features are not at all handsome. Her nose wants character; there is nothing marked in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way. As for her eyes, I can perceive nothing extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish look, which I do not like at all.”

Lord Holland’s threshold for tolerating his friend Bingley’s sister had always been low, and it was falling even lower by the second. Surely she did not consider such an unflattering comportment to be sufficient means of recommending herself amongst strangers, which is exactly what she was to most of the people assembled at his home that evening. His nettled silence only encouraged her.

“The fact is that she has little to recommend herself except being an excellent walker. What sort of accomplishment is that for a proper young woman?”

Lord Holland directed his gaze to Elizabeth and Darcy standing across the room engaged in what looked like an intimate discourse. Caroline’s eyes followed that same path.

“It appears as though not everyone shares your unflattering opinion of the young lady,” said his lordship.

“If you are speaking of Mr. Darcy, I must say, I do not know what has gotten into him. He seems captivated by what he described to me as her fine eyes.”

Lord Holland silently reflected on how much he would love to switch places with Darcy at the moment. “Well, as I said, Miss Bennet is quite lovely. She is, in fact, one of the loveliest women of my acquaintance.”

His avowal immediately met with Caroline’s displeasure, judging by the look she bestowed. “Oh, please, my lord. Do not tell me that you, too, are taken in by her low, country arts and allurements.” She threw a disgusted glance at Elizabeth. “I wager neither you nor Mr. Darcy would be half so impressed if you really knew what she is about.”

“What have you to accuse Miss Bennet of, Miss Bingley?”

“There are many things about the woman that are in stark contrast to the facade afforded by her presence in Bosley, but as I am not one to gossip, you shall not hear any of that from me.” Caroline curtsied, signalling her intention to say no more on the subject at that time. “Pardon me, my lord.” With that, she went away.

Caroline did not get very far. Lady Vanessa, who had been standing close enough to hear the last of Caroline’s words to Lord Holland, beckoned the young lady’s attention. She approached Caroline. “Miss Bingley, shall we take a turn about the room?”

Caroline readily acquiesced, and Lady Vanessa and she began walking arm in arm. “How are you enjoying your stay in Bosley?”

“I find the society to be quite lovely, your ladyship.”

“Excellent. I am sure you have observed by now that we are a very close-knit society. In fact, Lady Clarissa and I are family. What is more, she is my dearest friend.”

“Lady Clarissa is someone whom I have come to appreciate as well.”

“I should warn you that Lady Clarissa is not one to tolerate dissension, nor does she countenance the idea of anyone disparaging her family. I could not help but hear your uncharitable remarks about my niece, whom her ladyship also regards as family. Whatever it is that you consider as sufficient motive to demean my niece, I suggest you take a good look in the mirror. You might reflect upon your own family legacy.”

Lady Vanessa cast a disheartened glance towards the part of the room where Darcy and Elizabeth sat. “No doubt your distaste is fuelled by your displeasure in seeing the object of your desire bestowing his attentions towards my niece, but that is hardly any of my concern. I only care about my niece’s felicity, hence the purpose of this little tête-à-tête. Unless you desire an abrupt end to your acceptance amongst our society, I advise you to mind your tongue.”

CHAPTER 7

MAY TAKE LIBERTIES

Darcy approached Lord Holland and Elizabeth, threw the former a cursory glance and bowed slightly towards the latter. “I shall wait for you by my curricle, Miss Bennet.”

When Darcy walked away, Elizabeth looked at the viscount apologetically. “That is what I was about to tell you. I have already accepted Mr. Darcy’s invitation to ride in his carriage. Please understand.”

The idea and the planning of a country outing had been his lordship’s doing. He and his mother had invited many of the neighbours to accompany them: the Davidsons, the Lancasters, and of course Lady Vanessa and Elizabeth, and finally Charles and Caroline Bingley as they were still his guests, and they were not showing any indication of taking their leave.

He held up his hand, his countenance speaking to his disappointment. “You owe me no explanation. I only hope you know what you are about.”

“Pray, what does that mean?”

Lord Holland narrowed his eyes and punctured his voice with ire. “Do you suppose for one instant that he will fall in love with you, Miss Bennet?”

Elizabeth liked Lord Holland very much, but this was a side of him that met with her displeasure. Unable to fashion a response that would satisfy either of them, Elizabeth remained silent.

He crossed his arms. “I have known Darcy his entire adult life. He will not forget what is expected of him and fall in love with you. It is not in his nature.”

Elizabeth had heard enough. She dipped a quick curtsy. “Pardon me, my lord.” She then promptly escaped his company.

Darcy was speaking with his friend Charles Bingley when Elizabeth arrived and took her place by his side.