“I do not suppose they will let you dance with me,” he said. “But might I be permitted to visit Darcy House so that we might play the piano?”
“I am sure my brother will allow it,” Georgiana replied, smiling happily. She was not at all sure, in truth, that itwouldbe allowed, but she would do her best to convince him!
A footman, older than the rest, stopped before her to offer her a glass of champagne. She smiled up at him – for she had been taught since birth to be kind to servants – and said, “Oh, no, I am far too young for champagne! But I thank you for your kindness.”
An odd look crossed the footman’s face – or did she imagine it? – and he bowed very respectfully and took himself off. She thought no more of it.
***
Mr. Darcy smiled to himself upon seeing Lord Hilton dancing with Miss Bingley. Perhaps Miss Bingley would become Lady Hilton! He took it upon himself to approach Hilton and murmur, “She has twenty thousand pounds.”
“Who?”
“Miss Bingley.”
Hilton paused, a glass of champagne at his lips. He lowered it and said, “You know, I heard she was overly proud and rag-mannered, but I saw none of that while dancing with her. She was entirely complimentary of the ball and everyone present.”
“She has changed a good deal in recent months. And she has connections, of course; her sister by marriage is my own wife’s sister.”
“I see.” A thoughtful look crossed the baron’s face.
***
It was five o’clock the next morning before the ball ended and the Darcys could return home. A light breakfast had been served at the ball, but Elizabeth was too tired to do more than look at the food and admire its presentation.
In the carriage, Elizabeth leaned against her husband, her eyes closing as the carriage moved. “Did you have a good time, my Elizabeth?” he whispered in her ear.
“Oh, yes, a very good time,” she murmured, drowsily.
“Georgiana?”
“It was wonderful!” Georgiana was tired, but not so much so that she could not still sound enthusiastic. Eagle-eyed Mr. Darcy had not missed the fact that his sister had been speaking with considerable animation to an unknown young man; he had decided not to quiz her on this new acquaintance until everyone had slept, so he bided his time.
“Miss Mary?”
Mary looked up. “I apologise, Mr. Darcy; I was busy fixing all the dances in my head so that I could write to Mama!”
Mr. Darcy chuckled. “Then I suppose I have no need to ask if you had an enjoyable evening.”
“Oh, no! It was everything delightful!”
Her enthusiasm made Mr. Darcy smile. “I am very pleased to hear it. I trust we will all sleep well past noon; we deserve it!”
Chapter Eighty-Two
The Countess laughed aloud, then clasped her hands at her chest. “Oh, heavens!”
“What is it, m’dear?” the Earl asked, absent-mindedly. He had not slept as well as he had hoped, and was already on his third cup of coffee.
“Listen!” his wife commanded. She stood up withThe Morning Postin her hand and declaimed:
“The ball given by the Earl and Countess of Matlock in honour of their new niece, Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy neé Bennet, was a complete crush. Mrs. Darcy, though new to Society, was considered by all to be charming, witty, and a worthy addition to the Matlock family. She was resplendent in a full-skirted gown of gold, adorned with a glittering lace bodice. She wore the Darcy diamonds,which have not been seen since the unfortunate passing of the Earl of Matlock’s lovely sister, Anne Darcy.
Also seen was Miss Georgiana Darcy; quite properly, she danced only with family members, though none other than the Marquess of Hartington was seen sitting beside her! We look forward to the lovely Miss Darcy’s come-out, as she is certain to be one of the diamonds of the Season.”
“We did it! We did it!” Her voice was triumphant.
***
