“Brother, the society columns have likely spoiled her appetite.”
He took up her plate and served her breakfast. “I never pay them any attention. If you do not read them, they can hardly spoil your day, my dear.”
Elizabeth raised her eyes to his. “Sir, they connect my name with yours and Lord Dunwich’s.”
“Yes, I expected as much. But we shall not attend another function until Lord Morton’s ball. Perhaps in the intervening time, the furor will diminish.” He addressed the Countess. “Aunt Helen, have you settled upon a date for your ball?”
“Not yet. I wished to see how Elizabeth acquitted herself. I did not wish to cast her amongst the ton before she was prepared.”
He sat beside Elizabeth and set her breakfast before her. “These raspberries ought to tempt you, and the crescent rolls are always excellent.” He handed her the butter. “Eat it while it is hot.”
“Thank you, sir.” She bit into the roll. “It is buttery and delicious.”
Georgiana began to read each of the society columns aloud.
“They will likely set wagers in the betting books as to which of her two suitors shall prevail.”
Elizabeth choked and coughed.
“I beg your pardon, darling. I did not mean to startle you. I merely meant...”
Lady Helen handed Elizabeth a glass of water. After she recovered, Elizabeth asked, “Betting books, sir?”
“Gentlemen of independent means have a great deal of idle time upon their hands, and for want of anything better to occupy them, many wager upon nearly everything. I have witnessed bets laid upon raindrops racing down a windowpane. I am not surprised we have stirred interest.” He smiled down into her eyes. “You were exceedingly handsome last evening. Even I, who have long admired your beauty, found it difficult not to stare. I am not surprised by all this uproar surrounding you.”
“But what of Lord Dunwich, sir? What shall be done about him? The others appear to be mere innocents when compared with him.”
Richard and Anne entered and served themselves breakfast while the others continued discussing Lord Dunwich. Lady Helen finally spoke.
“I agree with Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth, you shall not attend another function until Lord Morton’s ball. You will continue your studies. Next week I shall take you out on several morning calls, though only to select friends of mine. They must become acquainted with you so they may silence any who dare speak against you.”
Darcy asked, “Aunt Helen, might it be possible to delay the ball you intend to organize until after we are married? Perhaps you may hold it next November when we return from Pemberley?”
“Mamma, if you wait until later in the year, you may give a single ball for the Darcys and us. We shall be out of mourning by then.”
Anne agreed. “I should like that.”
Georgiana asked, “May I attend as well? I will be sixteen by then. I promise to remain at your side, Aunt Helen, and dance only with my guardians.”
Lady Helen’s lips curved. “Very well. We shall postpone it. Once you are married, Elizabeth, Lord Dunwich will pose no further threat to your reputation.”
The day passed peacefully. Anne and Georgiana both joined Elizabeth’s lesson on deportment and remained to hear her practice when the music master arrived.
After he departed, Anne said, “Lizzy, I would not have believed your lovely voice capable of improvement, yet that man has earned his keep with you. Your voice is incomparable. I feel fortunate indeed to hear you.”
Elizabeth laughed. “There is an astonishing amount to learn about proper breathing techniques. He has taught me how to take a quick breath, where to breathe without interrupting the music, how to conserve my breath, and how to sustain a long passage. And he tells me there is still more I must learn.”
A maid entered. “You are wanted in the drawing room. Sir Gareth and Lady Beaumont are here to see you, Miss Elizabeth.”
She hurried to her feet. “Jane has come. She surely brings news of Lord Dunwich. I hope he has not distressed her.”
The three ladies joined the others in the drawing room.
Darcy stood beside Beaumont, looking down at a paper he held in his hand. He was frowning.
Elizabeth’s heart began to beat wildly within her breast. Fitzwilliam was angry.
She approached him. “What is it, sir?”
