“You suggest,” he said slowly, “that you require supervision. Lady Hertford provides that.”
“I suggest, sir, that appearances are best governed before they govern us.” Her tone remained even. “Miss Bennet is neither ambitious nor inclined to court notice. She would reflect no curiosity upon the Household, and no distraction from the purposes you have in view.”
The Regent tapped a finger against the arm of his chair. “And you?”
Elizabeth did not hesitate. “With her near, I should be better able to give my full attention to what is required of me. Composure, sir, is more easily maintained when one is not wholly unmoored.”
A faint smile tugged at his mouth. “You are careful in how you ask.”
“I am careful because I understand the value of what you have extended,” she replied. “And because I would not presume to confuse personal comfort with royal convenience.”
He laughed softly at that, a sound more approving than amused. “You tread a narrow path, Miss de Bourgh.”
“I endeavor not to stray from it.”
The Regent leaned forward slightly. “Your cousin’s circumstances?”
“She is two-and-twenty, with a modest dowry. Jane would come entirely at your discretion. Her stay need be no longer than you find useful.”
“No permanence,” he said.
“None,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I would not wish to overstep.”
He considered this a moment longer. “And you believe her presence will make you more…manageable.”
Elizabeth did not bristle. “I believe it will make me steadier.”
The distinction seemed to please him. He rose at last, moving toward the window. “Very well,” he said after a moment. “Your reasoning is sound—and sound reasoning is not common currency amongst young ladies.”
Relief stirred, but Elizabeth did not show it.
“She may come,” he continued. “On a provisional basis. She will do as I direct, and her conduct will be observed.”
“Of course, sir.”
“You will understand,” he added, turning back to her, “that this indulgence reflects favor—not obligation.”
“I understand entirely.”
He inclined his head. “You may arrange it through my secretary. See that she is properly prepared.”
Elizabeth rose and curtsied, precise and unhurried. “Thank you, sir. I shall not disappoint you.”
As she withdrew, she allowed herself one private breath of triumph—not because she had won, but because she hadheld. She had secured comfort without defiance, protection without surrender. It was not freedom, but it was ground—it sufficed for the moment.
As she withdrew, the Regent watched her go with a thoughtful expression. “An interesting girl,” he murmured to himself. “And one who knows when to ask.”
He returned to his chair slowly, folding his hands atop the papers he had pretended to read before her entrance, and allowed himself the indulgence of reflection. Elizabeth de Bourgh—ElizabethBennet, as she was known in the country—was neither meek nor foolish, and that was precisely why she required careful handling. She had not begged, nor demanded; she had framed her request as usefulness, as stability, as service tohim. The girl understood power better than most women twice her age. That alone made her valuable.
Allowing the cousin was no true concession. On the contrary, it solved several difficulties at once. Elizabeth’s sudden prominence required explanation, and a close female relation of unimpeachable reputation provided distraction from difficult questions. Society would see propriety where there might otherwise be unease; continuity where there might be suspicion. Miss Bennet was an unknown—quiet, gentle, pleasing without being provocative. No one would object toherpresence. Some would openly question it, drawing attention away from Miss de Bourgh. And in questioning Miss Bennet, they would question her cousin less. The fewer questions about Miss de Bourgh’s origins, the better. He wanted as little attention as possible drawn to hiswife.No, he would take credit for the girl’s upbringing. Her father had been a faithful friend after all.
More importantly, the cousin bound Elizabeth more tightly than any order ever could. Gratitude was a far subtler chain than obligation or command. Miss de Bourgh would weigh every choice now not only for herself, but for Miss Bennet’s comfort, safety, and prospects. Though he had relatively little say in Miss Bennet’s future, he imagined she could be used to gain support where he wished. The Regent smiled faintly at that. It was always wise to anchor independence with affection.
And Miss Bennet herself? She was of age, which spared him the nuisance of consulting a country gentleman about her future—one who would have neither the sense nor the standing to advise him. She came without fortune worth courting, without ambition worth fearing, and without allies who might complicate matters. If she lived securely under royal favor, all the better; if she proved amenable to some advantageous attachment later, that too could be managed. London had a way of directing gentle hearts to useful ends.
Yes, it was an elegant solution. It cost him little, appeared generous, and increased his leverage without a hint of coercion.Miss de Bourgh would tell herself she had gained ground—and in a sense, she had. But the ground was his, and he could withdraw it at will.
The Regent leaned back, satisfied. He preferred compliance that believed itself chosen.
