“Your aunt, Mrs. Bennet?”
“No, Mr. Darcy. My aunt, Princess Caroline. You see, when my mother died, the princess gathered her courage and begged the prince to take physical guardianship of me and allow her to raise me. Princess Charlotte had been removed from her mother almost immediately following her birth. My aunt was lonely, and now her closest friend had died. Much to her surprise, Prinny agreed. My uncle, to his credit, refused to lose connection to his niece. That is why I visit Hertfordshire every year.”
Darcy was stunned. “You were raised by the Princess of Wales?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. My childhood was…complicated. I became the prince’s means to manipulate and control Princess Caroline. If she upset him or refused his edicts, I was removed from the house. Having Lady Hertford as a chaperone was justanother way to spite my dear aunt. Though I have no objections to Lady Hertford, I am not unaware that her loyalties are to the prince first. I believe she was chosen in an attempt to changemyloyalties.”
“And our Crown Prince means to use you for political connections?”
“That is what I surmise. You see, Mr. Darcy, my life is not my own. Though I wish for freedom, I live in a gilded cage. I must behave precisely as the prince wishes or risk the consequences.” Elizabeth turned to him and smiled wryly. “Jane’s invitation was a gracious favor on the prince’s behalf. It is another means of controlling me—I knew that when I asked. But I am certain he is pleased with how his condescension has turned out. Jane is all but engaged to Viscount Bramley. I have heard whispers that the prince desires Lord Matlock’s support for some political reason.”
Darcy frowned. “My uncle likely already knows. He would not be so accepting of Bramley’s suit if there were no benefit for him.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “Do you mean to intimate that your family would not accept Jane as she is?”
“I cannot say. Lady Matlock has waited so long for grandchildren, I suspect she would not object if Bramley married a milkmaid.”
Elizabeth laughed, as he intended. “You exaggerate, Mr. Darcy, but I thank you for making me feel better.”
“Miss de Bourgh, I must ask you something.”
She turned again, regarding him steadily. “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”
“Should I tell Bingley about your sister’s presence in town? Should I inform him of my error?”
“That is for you to decide, sir. I shall tell Jane what you have told me. I believe she will not wish to know the Bingleys again. She is happy with her viscount.”
Darcy nodded and fell silent, contemplating what ought to be done.
They had reached the bend in the path where Lady Hertford waited, observing them with open curiosity and unmistakable approval.
Elizabeth slowed. “Whatever comes next,” she said, almost to herself, “I hope it will be chosen, not arranged.”
Darcy bowed slightly, the gesture intimate in its restraint. “Then allow me to choose constancy,” he said. “If nothing else.”
She regarded him for a long moment, then inclined her head. Not a promise—but not a dismissal either.
It will be enough,he told himself.For now.
Elizabeth returned to Lady Hertford’s side with her expression composed and her thoughts anything but. The park seemed suddenly brighter, the air softer, as though the world had shifted by some small but consequential degree. She took her place beside the bench, smoothing her gloves and schooling her features into the calm attentiveness that was now second nature to her.
Lady Hertford’s gaze flicked from Elizabeth to Darcy’s retreating figure and back again, sharp and unmistakably amused.
“Well,” she said lightly, “you did not appear to quarrel.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Mr. Darcy is very civil.”
“Civil men do not look as though the ground has shifted beneath their feet,” Lady Hertford replied dryly. “They look bored.”
Elizabeth allowed herself a faint smile, careful to give nothing away. “You are very observant, madam.”
“I must be,” Lady Hertford said. “It is my profession.” She studied Elizabeth a moment longer, then waved her fan dismissively. “Very well. You may keep your confidences—for now.”
Jane and Bramley approached then, their steps unhurried, their conversation evidently concluded only moments before. Jane’s cheeks were lightly flushed from the walk, her expression softened by quiet happiness. Bramley bowed and excused himself to attend to Lady Matlock, leaving the cousins together.
Lady Hertford turned her attention immediately to Jane. “And how did you find your promenade, Miss Bennet?”
Jane’s smile deepened, though she kept her eyes lowered with modest restraint. “Very pleasant, madam. The viscount is…very kind.”
