Page 57 of Courting Elizabeth

A young woman stifled a laugh.

Mrs Harcourt pursed her lips.

“Naturally, certain connections can prove useful, even when they are not distinguished.”

“My uncle Gardiner is one of the most intelligent and honorable men I know. His acquaintance is precious to me, madam. I would be happy to introduce him to you when he comes to Pemberley.”

“I doubt our circles…”

“Pemberley is vast enough that no one need fear being diminished by an encounter.”

The words were delivered with a perfect smile.

Mrs Harcourt retreated.

Elizabeth turned to another guest and resumed the conversation at the precise word where she had left off.

I felt a fierce desire to kiss her in front of the entire room.

I did better.

I crossed the room, greeted Mrs Harcourt with a politeness that fooled no one, and placed Elizabeth’s hand on my arm before all eighty of my wife’s guests.

“Has my aunt inquired after you?” I asked pleasantly.

Mrs Harcourt understood. Three ladies behind her understood as well. The news from Pemberley would circulate through Derbyshire before Sunday: the master had chosen, and he was choosing before witnesses.

Elizabeth waited until we were out of earshot.

“You did not need to do that.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Then why?”

Because I had spent eleven years letting this world guess my intentions, and I had just discovered the pleasure of imposing them. I did not say so.

“Because your gown is green and I am at a loss for words.”

“A little decorum, cousin,” Richard murmured at my side.

The colonel had arrived that afternoon without warning, claiming a ball at Pemberley was better than a military dinner in London. He followed my gaze.

“Your wife just defeated Mrs Harcourt in under three minutes. I can see why you're moved.”

“I have no visible emotion.”

“Of course not.”

He bowed to Elizabeth when the music signaled the first dance.

“Mrs Darcy, your husband confided in me that he feared you might lack for partners.”

“My husband confided no such thing.”

“His silence was most eloquent.”

She looked at me.