And yet, he wondered why Philip was not in close attendance upon such a prize. His cousin must know something of the lady. Darcy concluded that he ought to have consulted him before consenting to the dinner.
He glanced toward Richard, who returned his look with a most unhelpful grin. Clearly, his cousin knew something he did not.
“Mr. Darcy, do you intend to escort me to the drawing room, or are we to stand here and admire one another all evening?”
Darcy’s brows lifted with a hint of amusement, and he perceived Richard laughing at his expense.
He offered his arm to Lady Isabella, though her impertinent remark cut him. “Was I staring, my lady?”
“Yes, and I find it most disagreeable. I am not an object to be ogled, sir.”
“I beg your pardon. I will not do so again.”
“See that you do not. It is of all things what I disapprove of most. I will not tolerate such insolent treatment, sir.”
A contrary impulse rose within Darcy. He understood the game well enough, but refused to play it for this shrew. “And yet, my lady, you appear this evening in the most elegant silk I have everseen. Can you wonder it attracts the notice of every gentleman present?”
“I do not dress to please men, Mr. Darcy. I dress to please myself.”
He inclined his head slightly, though he did not yield. “And your coiffure, ma’am? Am I to refrain from offering a compliment? I count no fewer than six braids woven among your raven curls, and the string of pearls is most artfully placed, with stunning effect, my lady.”
She drew herself up. “No, sir. I attended this entertainment in expectation of intelligent conversation upon elevated subjects, not to endure compliments to my person or my coiffure.”
He turned the topic. “What think you, ma’am, about the King’s health?”
Her nostrils flared, and she rapped his arm with her fan. “Sir, I find that subject exceedingly disagreeable.”
He saw Lady Helen cover her mouth, hiding an expression of shocked disbelief while Richard grinned roguishly in the background.
He continued with greater resolve than before and introduced a topic calculated to please. “Are you a patron of the musical arts, ma’am?”
“How dare you, sir. Do you imagine I shall allow you to slight me? All my acquaintances know I am tone-deaf and have no appreciation for music. Had you taken the trouble to learn my preferences from your aunt, you would know which subjects are forbidden. Mr. Darcy, you are not a peer and possess neither address nor charm to compensate for your want of title. Why should I exert myself on your account?”
Darcy knew not how to answer her, nor where to look. His complexion darkened as he stood mutely before her.
She struck his arm once more with her delicate fan and left him.
“Nephew, you might have delayed your quarrel until after dinner. Now we must all endure the meal while Lady Isabella directs her displeasure at you for your impertinence, at Richard for his status as a second son, at Philip for his absence, and at me for assembling so ill-assorted a company.”
Darcy’s expression softened, and he grinned. “Aunt, I am grateful for your efforts to find me a suitable wife, but under no circumstances shall it be Lady Isabella.”
“Not even for a fifty-thousand-pound portion?”
“That paltry sum would not tempt a rational man to take on such a termagant.”
“That termagant is the daughter of the Duke of Eldon, Fitzwilliam. Would you not reconsider?”
“Especially not for that, Aunt Helen. I imagine she learned such tricks and manners from her elevated father, who would likely feel no compunction in treating me in much the same fashion.”
She asked, “What of Lady Horatia?”
“I confess I hesitate to approach her, Aunt Helen. What if she overheard my exchange with Lady Isabella? I should not wish to have frightened her away.”
“Nonsense, Darcy. She was quite occupied in the corner, having her drink refreshed.”
Darcy raised a brow. “Having her drink refreshed? May I inquire what she was drinking?”
“I did not observe. I was too intent upon your dispute with Lady Isabella to attend to Lady Horatia. Do not forget your age, Fitzwilliam. You have no heir.”
