Page 50 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

Sir Rupert had heard the gossip that Mr James had informed her of. He was here to see Lady Barry’s reputed heiress. How repulsive.

He continued. “Ramsgate seems to agree with you.”

Elizabeth looked at him curiously. “Indeed?”

“Exceedingly,” he assured her, with what he obviously considered to be charm.

He appeared to believe he was flirting. Elizabeth would have admired his confidence, if not for the implications.

Lady Barry pinched the bridge of her nose. “Saints preserve us.”

Undeterred, Sir Rupert continued. “I understand you are fond of walking, Miss Bennet.”

“I was,” said Elizabeth. “I suddenly find myself less than inclined.”

This earned the faintest twitch of his mouth that nearly resembled a smile. “How regrettable. I heard of your recent disturbance with the clergyman. I do hope your future exercise is not interrupted similarly.”

“It would only be regrettable for whoever importunes me.” Elizabeth smiled at Lady Barry. She wondered from whom he had received this information, for it was not widely known.

“I am blessed with powerful friends. The last idiot who disturbed me found himself pressed into service and out of the country on the very next tide,” she informed him.

“My brother is most attentive to the security of ladies,” Miss Barry interjected coldly. “And the best interests of our aunt.”

“I am not your aunt, Mildred, any more than I am his.” Lady Barry waved her hand at Sir Rupert distastefully.

Sir Rupert now seemed fully committed to pushing his company onto Elizabeth. “I would be quite happy to find safer walking routes for you.”

“How thoughtful. But most unnecessary, Sir Rupert.” Elizabeth struggled not to wrinkle her nose in distaste.

“Or perhaps I could accompany you, would that not be pleasant?”

Lady Barry sat bolt upright. “No.”

Sir Rupert turned, his oily smile quite ominous. “Why, my dear aunt, I was merely–”

“No.” She pointed her finger at him in outrage. “You will not accompany Miss Bennet anywhere.”

“Lady Barry, I only meant–”

Lady Barry was nearly puce with rage. “I know precisely what you mean, which is why you shall not accompany her as far as the door. Lizzy-girl, I forbid you to entertain his company, no matter the venue or situation.”

Belle peered out from behind Elizabeth’s skirts and growled.

Elizabeth very nearly laughed as she stroked the spaniel’s head comfortingly.

“Well, I never!” Miss Barry was scandalised. “I cannot recall when I was so insulted on my brother’s behalf.”

Lady Barry had no apparent regrets. She ignored Miss Barry completely.

She turned to Sir Rupert. “You may dine elsewhere.”

He looked surprised. “I had not requested–”

“Of course you were intending to. And you will not stay here.”

Sir Rupert looked affronted. “I should think, given our family connection, that you would not wish to create speculation.”

“You thought incorrectly. I do not give two pins for speculation. Go to the hotel and speculate there all you like.”