The question was delivered without ornament, and the effect was immediate. Elizabeth felt the room still around her, the way a lake stills before a stone breaks its surface. And it was for the prince’s benefit, since Lady Hertford already knew the full extent of the acquaintance.
“Some months,” she replied carefully. “We were acquainted in Hertfordshire last autumn.”
“And under what circumstances?” Lady Hertford’s tone was neutral, but her gaze was sharp.
Elizabeth chose her words with care. “We met socially. Our acquaintance was…not without difficulty at first.”
“Difficulty,” the prince repeated, amused. “How intriguing.”
Elizabeth kept her eyes on Lady Hertford. “Misunderstandings,” she clarified. “Which have since been addressed.”
Lady Hertford studied her. “And now?”
Elizabeth hesitated.Now is dangerous,she thought.Now is where preference becomes leverage.
“Our regard has improved,” she said at last. “I consider him a friend.”
Princess Charlotte made a small, involuntary sound beside her, something between a cough and a laugh.
The prince’s gaze flicked toward his daughter. “Charlotte.”
“I beg your pardon, Papa,” Charlotte said quickly, though her eyes danced. “It is only that Elizabeth has a very particular way of describing things.”
Elizabeth shot her a warning glance.
Lady Hertford did not smile. “Mr. Darcy’s attention is…obvious.”
Elizabeth felt heat rise in her cheeks. “He is courteous.”
The prince leaned back in his chair, regarding her with open interest. “He is persistent, from the reports I have received.”
“He is not on your list,” Elizabeth said before she could stop herself. The words hung there, daring contradiction.
The prince smiled slowly. “Lists can be amended.”
Elizabeth’s heart began to pound.This is not how I wished this to be discussed.
“I should like to understand,” the prince continued, “why his name gives you pause.”
Elizabeth drew a breath. “Because he was not encouraged. I was given to understand that other considerations—political ones—were to take precedence.”My feelings were not to be taken into account.
Lady Hertford inclined her head. “And so they must.”
The prince steepled his fingers. “And yet Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy presents several advantages. He is wealthy. He is well-connected. His uncle commands influence in the Lords. He is respected, if not universally beloved. His name carries weight without novelty, which is no small thing.”
Elizabeth’s hands tightened in her lap.He speaks of him as though he were an asset to be deployed.
“He is also independent,” the prince continued. “Which makes him less troublesome than those who require advancement. He would not drain favor. He would not embarrass me. And,” his eyes sharpened, “he would begrateful.”
Elizabeth lifted her chin. “Mr. Darcy is not a man who trades gratitude for obedience.”
The prince’s brows rose. Lady Hertford watched her closely.
“That,” the prince said, “is precisely why he interests me.”
Elizabeth felt a surge of frustration. “You speak as though my inclination were irrelevant.”
Princess Charlotte shifted. “I think Elizabeth’s inclination is exceedingly relevant.”
