Page 27 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)
D arcy was glad when the shooting party was over. There had been rather too much conversation and jollity, and therefore rather too little opportunity to shoot for his liking.
As they walked back to the house, Lord Bedford drew alongside him. “Well, Darcy, how are you finding the occasion?”
“I am enjoying the party, my lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend. The company is excellent and the house very comfortable.”
“Good, good.” The man nodded genially. “I know it is not normally the time of year for a house party, but I hope we have made a success of it; my wife was very anxious that the girls have the experience of such before their season.”
“I believe it has been very helpful for them, sir. I am considering whether a similar event might help my young sister when the time comes that her season approaches.”
“Ah, yes. You have a young sister, I remember. How old is she?”
Darcy smiled thinly. “She is but sixteen. I have several years before I am in your situation, sir.”
Bedford laughed. “I suppose so. And yet you are young for the role, as she is your sister, not a daughter.”
“True.” Darcy wondered what the man wanted. As far as he had gathered, his uncle could count on this man’s support in the House of Lords; so Darcy had done his duty, and he might have made his excuses, inventing a crisis at Pemberley, or some urgent business, in order to escape.
But Miss Bennet’s presence had put paid to that idea. He had no notion of why he wished to speak more to her. But … his thoughts were interrupted by Lord Bedford, who cleared his throat loudly.
“You know, of course that there is a ball on the last night of the party, Darcy. I am wondering if I might ask a favour of you?”
“How might I be of assistance?” Darcy was cautious.
“Well, my little Mildred — you must have noticed how shy she was when we introduced you. I was hoping you might see your way to asking her for the supper dance. We are concerned she is so quiet compared to her sister that she feels herself quite the wallflower.”
Darcy’s heart sank. He knew a matchmaker well enough, even if it was usually the mamas, rather than the fathers. And he must not offend Lord Bedford, or Uncle would not be pleased.
“I would have wished to assist you, sir. Unfortunately I have already requested the supper dance from another lady, but I would be happy to request another dance with both your daughters, and I promise to pay Lady Mildred whatever kind attention she may need.” He thought.
“My own sister is exceedingly shy, also. I think she would prefer the second dance rather than the first. Do you agree that Lady Mildred might think the same?”
Lord Bedford humphed. “I will ask my wife and speak to you again, Darcy. Although she will be disappointed that you are not free for the supper dance. She had rather set her heart on it.”
“Perhaps she might consider Talbot? He is an amiable man and your daughter would find him easy to talk to.” Darcy hoped Talbot would not be angry if he discovered his name had been suggested.
But Darcy was very glad he had requested the supper dance from Miss Bennet already. He was not quite prepared to admit to himself that he would not wish to see her spending long in conversation with another man.
Back at the house, he went upstairs to his guest chamber. Maunder was waiting for him with hot water and fresh clothes.
Darcy dropped into a chair for the man to wrestle off his boots.
“How is it here for you, Mr. Maunder? Have you access to everything you need?”
“Indeed, sir. The staff here are very helpful.” Maunder’s expression was as impassive as always.
“I am sorry you have to sleep in my chambers. It always seems an imposition, but …” Darcy trailed off.
“It is no difficulty, sir. The staff at Pemberley and in town would be very displeased if I allowed a compromise with an unsuitable young lady.” He smiled slightly. “But they do sympathise with you at the necessity. I am sorry I disturb your sleep.”
Darcy waved dismissively and shook his head as he crossed to the basin to wash. “I would trust no other to protect me.”
Once ready for company again, Darcy left Maunder clearing up his effects, and descended to join the rest of the party in the drawing room.
As he turned in the door, his gaze fell at once to Miss Bennet.
She was not with her aunt, he saw. Instead, she was with a group of other ladies, talking to the older one of the group; a Mrs. French, he recalled.
He saw Lady Mildred was sitting beside her, looking engaged and reasonably happy.
At that moment, Miss Bennet drew the shy girl into the conversation with a short comment and a smile, and Darcy saw the young girl smile back and answer her — the first time he had seen her speak.
He crossed the room to the decanter. He would have a drink before they were called through to the light lunch. Drink in hand, he settled himself against the wall, wondering if Miss Bennet might be able to assist Georgiana to be more confident.
It makes me feel really special . He remembered his sister’s comment about the shawl. And Miss Bennet had understood and helped him to understand the importance of feeling special and therefore confident in society.
As he watched her effortless ease in this society, he was impressed. Having been brought up in the world of the lower gentry and those in or from trade, he would not have expected the confidence she showed here, in the first circles.
But he had noticed her self-assurance before this; that innate sense of self-worth she possessed was incredibly attractive to him.
He had always wondered if someone would one day find out his own awareness of not quite being able to manage without acting the part.
It was why he found occasions like this so difficult.
In ones and twos, the other gentlemen arrived in the room. Darcy frowned when he saw Talbot and Cunningham immediately cross the room to join the group where Miss Bennet was. He saw them commenting, and heard her clear laugh.
Bile rose in his throat and he turned to gaze out of the window. Why could he not do the same as these gentlemen and cross the room, join the ladies and listen to Miss Bennet’s lively conversation?
He huffed to himself. Why did it matter that the other gentlemen clustered around her? She was not in search of a husband — and he was certain she was not dissembling. At least he had the promise of the supper dance.
“I beg your pardon for disturbing you, Mr. Darcy.” The quiet voice beside him belonged to a footman. “But Lady Palmer requests your company for a moment.”