“I am sorry to hear it, Cousin. A sojourn at Matlock house should serve as a distraction.”
“I believe it will. I will hire a man to refurbish the main drawing room and the yellow salon at Rosings while we are away. We hope the alterations will be helpful.”
Darcy grinned. “What you truly mean is that the throne room is being dismantled. Did you remove the throne itself?”
“Yes. Anne consigned it to the attic. She could not bring herself to send it to auction with the other furnishings.”
“So, she does not wish for you to enthrone yourself upon that ghastly gold-plated monstrosity?”
Richard laughed. “No indeed, nor do I wish to see her chained to that throne.”
He placed a letter upon the desk.
Darcy picked it up and examined the seal. “Is this an invitation to the Worthington ball?”
“It is.”
Darcy broke the seal and unfolded the letter. “It is to be held on the eighteenth. Does my aunt truly imagine I shall attend a ball without Elizabeth?”
“She twisted my father’s arm into permitting you to attend society functions, provided you do not dance, and that you wear black, or if you prefer, you may wear grey, provided you wear a black band upon your arm to signify your bereavement.”
“Richard, she does not wish me to marry Elizabeth and hopes another woman may divert my attention.” He tore the invitation in half. “I shall attend no function unless Elizabeth also receives an invitation.”
“Mamma will be furious, Cousin.”
Darcy drew a clean sheet of paper toward himself and wrote a brief note. After sealing it, he handed it to Richard.
“You will oblige me by delivering this to your mother.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then you need not trouble yourself, Cousin. I shall send Miller to deliver it instead.”
“May I ask what it says?”
“I informed her that, out of respect for the terrible loss my uncle and cousin have sustained, I would not dream of appearing at any social function for at least the next six to eight weeks.”
His chuckle carried genuine amusement.
“Let her attempt to force me to a ball after receiving sentiments such as those. In addition, it shall earn me some credit in my uncle’s eyes.”
Richard laughed. “You shall require a great deal of credit, Darcy. He wished you to marry the daughter of at least an earl. According to him, with your wealth, he might secure you the daughter of a duke.”
Darcy grimaced. “Which one? Surely, he does not mean the Duke of Eldon’s daughter. She is the most annoying person I have ever met. But my uncle would never trouble himself with character so long as rank and connections are impeccable.”
Richard grunted. “Darcy, there is nothing for it. You must rusticate in the country for a good six months while my father recovers from your defiance.”
“I should desire nothing more than to hide myself away at Pemberley with my lovely bride. That is precisely what I intend to do, Richard. I shall not languish here in town until Easter. We shall travel to Derbyshire as soon as we are married.”
Mrs. Gardiner kissed both her nieces before stepping back to look at them.
“You girls appear even more beautiful than when I last enjoyed your company.”
Jane’s brows drew together. “That is because Mr. Bingley had torn my still beating heart from my breast, Aunt Maddie. I thought I would die from the blow.”
“Yes, my dear, you did suffer, but look at you now.”
Jane’s eyes brightened. “Aunt, I am exceedingly happy. Every girlish dream has come true. My husband is kind and handsome, and he loves me. He looks upon me as though I were the only woman in the world, and he treats me like a delicate treasure.”
