Mr. Darcy replied, “Georgiana’s preferred suitor seems to be Lord Fane, and he appears to reciprocate that preference.”
“Lord Fane? The Earl of Westmoreland?”
“The very one.”
“But is that not cause for rejoicing?”
Elizabeth spoke up. “Do you think Georgiana would be happy as the wife of an Earl? Think of the entertaining, the politics!”
“Not all Countesses are like my mother, you know. Some live relatively quiet lives.”
“You are forgetting something,” Mr. Darcy reminded him. “Were she to make a spectacular marriage, what might come to light?” He spoke softly, so as not to be overheard.
The Colonel looked blank for a moment, and then dismayed. “I should have killed him,” the Colonel growled
“It is not too late,” Elizabeth muttered.
“Would you make your sister Lydia a widow?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Better a widow than the wife of a snake! But, Richard, you can see why we cannot approve of the match.”
“I do, of course. Shall I speak with her?”
“I think not; we hope she will lose interest in Lord Fane. Richard, would you do me a very great favour?” Elizabeth asked.
“Name it!” he declared.
“Ask Caroline Bingley to dance.”
“Anything but that,” he responded immediately, his distaste plain on his face.
“She is much improved, I promise you!”
“Must I?” The doughty Colonel sounded like nothing so much as a sulky little boy.
“You must,” Elizabeth said, trying not to laugh.
***
Meanwhile, Mr. Gregory Lindsay had already had a dance with Caroline, and the two had laughed and spoken together easily. He immediately asked her for the supper dance as well; recalling Mrs. Annesley’s advice, she smiled prettily and said, “I would love that, Mr. Lindsay, but it is my policy not to dance with the same gentleman twice.”
“Ever?” he asked.
“Well, unless we had an understanding, of course. I do not want to become an object of gossip.” She lowered her eyes, the very picture of maidenly sensitivity.
“I appreciate the delicacy of a lady’s situation,” he said, smiling warmly.
Mrs. Annesley had evidently been right again; a real gentleman would understand her refusal! But hold, the gentleman coming towards her, was that? – yes, it was Mr. Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam! Caroline had not thought that he would be at the ball, but here he was. He was not a handsome man, Caroline thought, though his formal dress uniform showed off his broad shoulders. He had never had a good deal to say to Caroline, but he was the son of an Earl, after all, and must be treated respectfully.
The Colonel bowed and very politely requested Caroline’s next available dance.
Caroline curtsied and replied, “The next set is open.”
When the music for the dance began, he led her to the floor. They danced in silence for several minutes; Caroline finally said, “I am surprised to see you here.”
“I was able to get leave to attend Georgiana’s ball.” His reply was stiff.
“I am sure she is delighted.”
