Frederica’s voice said, “I think this is the room he meant.”
It was a small bedroom, richly decorated, but the only thing Elizabeth cared about was the ewer of water and a basin. “Thank you. You need not stay. I only need to wash my face.”
Frederica did not move. “Do you think I would be allowed to return? There is a reason Eversleigh sent me with you. Men never want women witnessing these scenes.”
Elizabeth splashed water on her face. “What scenes?”
“Holding Darcy to account. There is no need to worry;Eversleigh would not break the law by challenging him to a duel. Most likely they will settle it with their fists at Gentleman Jackson’s.”
Foreboding filled Elizabeth. “Settle what?”
“Oh, come now. Darcy’s familiarity with you. Even your phouka seems to know all about it.”
“No!” Elizabeth grabbed a small towel and scrubbed her face dry before running down the stairs and back to the library.
EVERSLEIGH’S VOICEwas icy. “Just because I am part fay does not mean I can overlook this sort of thing, Darcy. Give me one reason why I should not pummel you into dust.”
Darcy stared at his friend in shock. “What?”
“It is a good question,” said Mr. Gardiner grimly, “although I believe I should be the one asking it.”
Good God, they were talking about his behavior with Elizabeth. “I was simply offering her comfort, nothing more.”
“And only a fool would believe that was the first time you have touched her.” Eversleigh’s scorn was clear.
Elizabeth burst into the room. “Stop it! He is not at fault!”
“This is not a matter for women,” Eversleigh grated. “Pray be so kind as to leave us,shurinn.”
“No! You listen to me,shurinn.” Elizabeth sounded furious. “Darcy is not at fault. He made me an honorable offer, and it is not his fault I could not accept him, nor that I allowed him to comfort me.”
At least her rage was not turned on him. “Elizabeth, I can handle this.” Bad enough that the situation had arisen. He did not require a woman to defend him.
Elizabeth ignored him, continuing to glare at Eversleigh.
Silence weighed heavily for a minute before Eversleigh saidtightly, “In that case, you must accept him.”
Darcy held his breath. Could this be enough to convince her? She always listened to Eversleigh, damn him.
Elizabeth looked heavenward as if for inspiration. “Do you think it is a good idea for him to marry a woman rumored to be a witch who refuses to be bound? How will the Collegium feel about that, especially when they have concerns about him already, and his uncle and aunt have just been revealed as sorcerers? And the life of that sorceress aunt was saved by that self-same witch at Darcy’s express request? If we lived in a different world, a world where there was no shame in a woman using magic, perhaps I could marry him. But the world will not change, no matter what Lady Matlock may hope, and we must pay the price.”
Eversleigh turned his face away, clearly considering what she was saying. Finally he said, “It is true that Darcy is not in a position to protect you by marrying you, and it might well put you at greater risk by doing so. But he can still damage your reputation. You must be more careful. Avoid each other’s company.”
Darcy glared at him, seething. If Eversleigh agreed with Elizabeth that their marriage was impossible, they were probably right.
“I must ask one more question,” said Mr. Gardiner coolly. “Viscount Eversleigh, what is your relationship to my niece that you would risk your own safety to defend her reputation?”
Eversleigh looked completely unflustered. “Aelfric is my half-brother, and he would expect me to defend his sister’s honor.”
“Your half-brother as well? Interesting.” Mr. Gardiner looked thoughtful.
It was easy for them to look unconcerned. They had not just had every hope torn away from them. Darcy stood jerkily and bowed to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth.” He did not trust himself to say anything more, so he walked out of the room, out of Eversleigh’s house, and out of Elizabeth’s life.
WHEN MRS. BENNET PAIDan unexpected call to Matlock House, Elizabeth had the presence of mind to suggest a walk in the square to take advantage of the fine weather. Frederica had already met Mrs. Bennet, but Elizabeth would prefer to keep her away from Lady Matlock until she knew more what to expect from her mother now that the binding spell was gone.
The fretful look that had characterized Mrs. Bennet all these years had vanished, replaced by a certain confidence. She even dressed differently now. The excessive lace and ribbons were gone in favor of simpler lines with an elegant cut, although she clearly still preferred bright colors. Mrs. Gardiner must have taken her to a milliner. Poor Mrs. Gardiner, to have to accustom herself to a new sister-in-law!
“I hope I am not imposing by calling on you,” her mother said as they crossed the street into the square.
