The earl’s gaze shifted to Mr. Gardiner, who looked pale and uncomfortable in his chair. “An honest tradesman who has succeeded where others have failed. Brokering trade deals no one else could manage, gaining access to circles well above his station… That does tend to raise questions.”
Elizabeth glanced at her uncle, who opened his mouth as if to speak but said nothing. She turned back to the earl, her voice trembling. “If it raises questions, then I will answer them. My uncle is gifted at what he does! And he is innocent.Iam innocent. I am just a country girl, the second daughter of an indolent country squire with no connections and no ambitions. We had no business coming to a party like this, and now because of an innocent misunderstanding we are in over our heads.”
“No connections, eh?” The earl’s sharp blue eyes fixed on her, narrowing slightly. For a moment, his expression grew thoughtful, as though something she had said had sparked an idea. He leaned back in his chair, puffing on his cigar as he considered her. The silence stretched until Elizabeth’s nerves were taut as a bowstring.
Finally, he spoke. “Miss Bennet, let us assume for a moment that you are telling the truth.” His words were deliberate, his gaze never leaving her face. “Even if that is the case, there are reasons to cast doubt on your claims. Reasons that would make others—less inclined to investigate than I—hesitate to believe in your innocence.”
Elizabeth’s jaw tightened, her anger warring with her fear. “And what reasons would those be?”
The earl exhaled a long stream of smoke, tilting his head slightly. “You were seen mingling with the French delegation, addressing the French minister directly, intercepting a note that contained highly sensitive information, and offering little in the way of explanation when questioned. Does that not seem, at least on the surface, suspicious?”
Elizabeth’s cheeks burned. “I told you,Iwas not addressing him.Headdressedme. And I intercepted nothing—I picked up a note that fell. I am guilty of curiosity and nothing more.”
“And yet, curiosity alone has been enough to ruin reputations.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort, but her aunt placed a hand on her arm, silently pleading for calm. Elizabeth swallowed her response and sat back, glaring at the earl in silence.
He puffed on his cigar again, clearly unbothered by her indignation. “Fortunately for you, Miss Bennet, I am willing to investigate your claims and, if I find them credible, clear your name.”
Elizabeth’s heart leaped, but she forced herself to remain cautious. “And if you do not find them credible?”
The earl’s lips curved faintly. “Let us hope it does not come to that.”
Elizabeth clenched her fists in her lap. “What do you want from me, my lord? What must I do?”
The earl studied her for a long moment before speaking. “If you can prove your claims to my satisfaction, I may have a solution. One that would erase any public doubts about your character.”
Elizabeth’s throat tightened. “A solution?” she repeated.
The earl stubbed out his cigar and leaned forward slightly. “Yes. But it will require your cooperation, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth hesitated, her heart pounding. Then she drew in a deep breath and met his gaze. “I am listening.”
Chapter Five
Darcy stood near theedge of the ballroom, his hands clasped behind his back, doing his best to project the air of someone entirely at ease.
It was not working.
His aunt, Lady Matlock, was speaking to him in that indulgent, affectionate way she reserved for moments when she suspected he was brooding, which was often. “And Georgiana? She will be sixteen soon. Have you made plans for her come out?”
“Her birthday is not until spring, Aunt. At present, I prefer allowing her to remain young.”
“Well, how does she do since you took her from school? I trust her playing has improved. The last time I heard her, she could barely play a scale without tripping over her fingers. And now Richard tells me she’s becoming quite accomplished.”
“She is,” Darcy replied, his tone softening slightly. “She plays with remarkable expression now. Her master in town has been very pleased with her progress.”
“Expression—technique, rather, is one thing,” Reginald, the Viscount Matlock, interjected. “But has she finally overcome her shyness? Or is she still hiding behind the piano whenever she thinks someone is looking at her?”
Darcy allowed himself a faint smile. “She has made strides in that regard, but I doubt she will ever enjoy being the center of attention. Not unlike myself.”
Lady Matlock chuckled, reaching out to pat his arm. “You were a solemn boy, Fitzwilliam, but there is nothing wrong with a little gravitas. Though I must say, your presence here tonight surprises me. It is unlike you to descend on London without warning. This is not an idle visit, is it?”
Darcy hesitated, but the knowing look in his aunt’s eyes made it clear she would accept no evasions. “No,” he admitted. “I had business with my uncle. I did not mean to interrupt your evening or intrude on the party. I had intended to take my leave after speaking with him but thought it would be remiss not to greet you.”
“And yet here you are,” the Viscount said, his grin broadening. “Standing about with us like a good soldier, rather than fleeing back to your study or your thoughts, as you usually would. What did my father say to keep you here?”
Darcy glanced away. “Nothing of significance. Merely matters of Derbyshire.”
