“Throw her at me? Is that not an exaggeration?”
She groaned. “You could not have failed to notice the coquette’s thinly veiled overture to you. Anyone can see she hopes to draw you into a liaison.”
As I took in her crinkled nose and lowered brows, I could not help but smile. In the past, other ladies had attempted to flirt with me in Elizabeth’s presence, but this is the first time she showed the least bit of concern.
She pulled her hand from mine and stood, setting her hands on her hips. “What did I say that struck you as humorous?”
I rose, meeting her fiery gaze. “You arejealous.” It struck me that my conduct could be called ungallant, yet how could I resist such a singular opportunity to tease her?
Her magnificent eyes flared. She spun on her heel and marched to the window. “I am not jealous! But pray tell me how I ought to feel when your aunt pushes a beautiful, titled lady at you who is more than willing to ply you with pretty words and foist her chest in your face!” The depth of emotion in her heated, tremulous outburst pierced me like a dagger—that woman had really upset her!
Within two long strides, I reached Elizabeth. I held her shoulders and placed a kiss upon her cheek. “You know that you are the only woman for me.” The rise and fall of her chest abated as her breathing began to slow.
“I know, and yet…” I had to strain to make out her reply.
“And yet what?”
“Your aunt found a lady who looks similar to me but is superior in every way.”
“Superior? Whatever do you mean?”
She turned to face me. “Lady Rebecca bears a resemblance to me, but she is a paragon of beauty. She has perfect alabaster skin, gorgeous, expertly styled dark hair, and a tall, shapely figure. In comparison with her, I am plain, short, tanned, and vexed with a rebellious mane!”
My head lowered as I silently cursed myself for my earlier taunting speech. How could Elizabeth feel inferior to Lady Rebecca or anyone else? I caressed her cheek. “You could not be more wrong in your assessment. I adore every aspect of your appearance. Of course, I do not deny you are rather petite and your exquisite hair has stubborn curls that delight in escaping the confines of your bonnets, but you are quite the opposite of plain. You are my beautiful Elizabeth with your fine, expressive eyes, your adorable, perfect nose, and your smile that lights the darkest of days. Your skin is tanned because of your fondness for the outdoors, and that is but one of the traits I cherish about you. I am captivated by your kindness and your keen, inquisitive mind, and I admire every inch of your figure. If we did not have guests downstairs waiting to dine with us, I should be pleased to show you at present my sentiment for you.”
She threw her arms around me and buried her face in the crook of my neck. “I needed to hear that. I love you so much.” Her soft breath warmed my skin.
My hands made circles upon her back as I pressed her to me. “No more than I love you.”
Chapter 4: Heated Tempers
Elizabeth
Thetête-à-têtewith Fitzwilliam revived my battered spirits. Not even the sight of Lady Rebecca, who appeared more attractive than ever in an elegant dinner gown of fine satin with a dark net overlay—a garment which lent prominence to the lady’s perfect figure—could erode my confidence. Nor did I lose an iota of poise when Fitzwilliam escorted the woman to dinner whilst Graham took both Lady Catherine and me—convention dictated as much.
Not until the second course did the focused, relentless actions of Lady Catherine and Lady Rebecca begin to chip away at my mood. The two of them, seated on either side of my husband, manifested a united goal—to impress him with Lady Rebecca’s many notable attributes.
My husband’s aunt elucidated, primarily to him but with occasional glances to me, her profound approval and admiration for her new friend. She related the impressive ancestors in Lady Rebecca’s family, her education at an exclusive seminary, and her long list of accomplishments. Then she encouraged her friend to expound on her love of music and her extensive training on several instruments, including the pianoforte and harp.
In my struggle to reclaim the contentment I had enjoyed a mere thirty minutes earlier, I forced myself to smile, drawing upon my stubbornness. I could not bear to be intimidated at the will of others; or at the least, I should not allow others toviewmy unease.
Graham, who sat to my left, spoke little. The enormous portions of food on his plate occupied him. That man loved to eat! The servants kept his end of the table well stocked with ample portions of his favoured dishes. His few comments related to the excellence of the food.
Towards the end of the meal, my husband's aunt focused upon Lady Rebecca’s need to learn the specifics of running an estate. She named a few subjects for which Fitzwilliam ought to familiarise the lady.
Lady Catherine set down her dessert spoon and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Darcy, with just the five of us, there is no need for a separation of sexes. My friend is eager to see your orangery and library. Would you be good enough to show them to her now?
My husband’s eyes fell upon me. “Graham has not yet seen those rooms, and I am sure he would like to join us. We may all go together.”
“You cannot suppose I should appreciate so much walking.” Lady Catherine’s high-pitched protest irritated my ears. “No,Elizabeth and I shall have tea in the drawing-room. There are matters I should like to discuss with her.”
With a heaving breath, Fitzwilliam opened his mouth—no doubt to voice a protest.
“Of course. I should be pleased to remain and talk with you, my lady.” My hurried response forestalled him. I met his raised eyebrows with a slight shrug. His aunt wished to speak to me alone, and I should hear what she had to say.
Graham raised his head from the plate of food to hold me in a sidelong look. “Egad, I cannot decide which of you most needs my protection.” He spoke just above a whisper. “In any case, I should prefer to watch over you.”
His jest brought a smile to my face, but it faded when the comely, dark-haired Lady Rebecca’s aside to Fitzwilliam drew my gaze. In truth, based on her lascivious comportment with my husband, he needed a saviour more than I did.
