Page 51 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

Miss Barry rolled her eyes and sighed heavily as though this sort of thing happened every time they visited.

Sir Rupert rose and turned away from Lady Barry.

His bow to Elizabeth was gentlemanly, though his final remark did not encourage her. “I hope our acquaintance may yet improve.”

Elizabeth smiled in the most unpleasant way she knew how. “I shall attempt to survive the experience. As Lady Barry says, what are men to rocks and impertinence?”

This earned her a sharp look from his sister and a more predatory one from the man himself. Controlled; assessing. Not remotely flirtatious by nature. She disliked him even more for having been correct about him instantly.

The pair departed. As they left, Belle found her courage and ran from Elizabeth’s skirts, chasing them from the room in a frenzy of barking. Sir Rupert turned on the dog at the last moment and thumped his cane upon the floor. The beast yelped and ran back to Lady Barry, whining in fright.

Once they were gone, Lady Barry collected the trembling spaniel and exhaled as though she had just won the war against Napoleon. “Disgusting man. I loathe the very air he breathes.”

Elizabeth laughed. “You are related to him.”

“Not by affection. And thankfully not by blood.” Lady Barry fixed her with a stern glare. “You are no longer to walk unattended.”

“It seems dramatic.” Elizabeth sighed. “Besides, you made that arrangement already.”

“Dramatic was Mr Collins, Lizzy-girl. That man was merely stupid. Rupert is mercenary and dangerous. Ring the bell.”

When the butler entered, Lady Barry issued orders with stern authority. “Peter is to arm himself before he leaves. Miss Elizabeth is never to be alone, Chambers.”

“Yes, madam.”

Elizabeth stared. “Arm himself with what, precisely?”

“With something profoundly persuasive.” Lady Barry brooked no argument. “My carriage will collect you for your visits. In fact, your walks are curbed. My second carriage will move to your father’s cottage, along with a trusted groom and a stableboy, also armed. You will use my carriage, your family’s or Darcy’s for all of your movements. Peter will accompany you everywhere.”

“That is unnecessary! Lady Barry, I do not like my exercise curtailed,” Elizabeth objected in outrage.

“Unnecessary is my favorite form of prevention, Lizzy-girl. I will not have you injured.”

“I can manage myself perfectly well.”

“I know,” said Lady Barry with her usual dry humour. “You have already concussed one idiot man. I am delighted by your initiative. We shall nevertheless add layers of protection for the future.”

Elizabeth laughed helplessly. “I really must protest–”

“By God, Lizzy-girl, you will comply, or I shall move your entire family into Nethercourt House and watch over you myself! Do not think your father will not obey my edicts!”

Lady Barry softened, just slightly before she continued. “That loathsome man is here because he believes you will be useful in obtaining his desire, Lizzy-girl.”

“I understood that. I did not think–”

“Young ladies rarely do.” Lady Barry sighed as if exhausted. “You will allow me to do what I must to protect you from him until matters change and you are quite free of his grasp.”

“What matters?” asked Elizabeth in confusion.

“Never you mind,” Lady Barry said, adjusting her shawls and taking the last cake from the plate she had hidden before their visitors entered, “In the meantime, I intend to keep you alive and away from that toad out of pure selfishness.”

Elizabeth smiled. “How sweet.”

“Do not be sentimental, else I shall become bilious.”

“Of course not.” Elizabeth giggled.

Lady Barry glared at her. “You are an alarming magnet for trouble, Lizzy-girl.”