Page 55 of Courting Elizabeth

She raised an eyebrow.

“Without discussion?”

“With many discussions. But before the decision.”

A smile appeared at last.

I gestured toward the flowers, the candles, and the servants crossing the room.

“Mrs Reynolds assures me everything will be ready.”

“She also tells me you questioned the cook about the stability of the jellies.”

“Their collapse in the midst of eighty guests would be regrettable.”

“The consequences would be terrible.”

“You’re mocking me.”

“With affection.”

The last word silenced me.

She set the notebook on a table.

“You don’t really fear the jellies. What do you dread?”

I looked at the empty room.

“That they’ll hurt you.”

Her expression softened.

“I’ll survive a few looks.”

“You shouldn’t have to endure them.”

“I’m the daughter of Mrs Bennet and the wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Looks are now part of my existence.”

She took my hand.

“Don’t make this evening a trial you must win for me. Dance with your wife. Let her speak. And if someone proves odious, you can glare at them from across the room.”

“That will rarely suffice.”

“You greatly underestimate your glare.”

She rose on tiptoe and kissed my cheek.

“Go get dressed.”

“You’re giving me orders in our ballroom.”

“I see you’re learning.”

I obeyed her.

Chapter 14