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Georgiana Darcy had no idea what was going on, but felt very grown up and accepted the offered drink. She watched as her brother, uncle and cousins all lit cigars, the familiar smell stronger given her proximity. She remained silent, wondering what her aunt was planning. She had to repress a smile as all four gentlemen were affecting a carefree attitude but even she could see it was a façade. Her aunt engaged her in small talk and she learned an invaluable lesson. Who was going to break first?
“Mother, is there a reason for remaining with us this evening?”
Viscount Snowdon won the prize.
“The season has been underway for close to a month. I wanted to hear your impressions so far. This seemed like an ideal opportunity, just family, and with us all together.”
“You have attended more events than any of us, I doubt there is anything that we can add of which you are not aware.”
“While that is open to debate, I want to hear your impressions of the season, not my own.”
There was a silence.
“The season has been so poor that you would rather say nothing than anything negative?”
“Mother!”
“None of you are obtuse, despite evidence to the contrary this evening. Talk to me about the young ladies you have met.”
An even longer silence. The Colonel, with the least pressure, spoke first.
“This season has been no different than any of the past several years.”
He stopped and thought.
“This time last year, ‘blood brandy’ was still the hot topic around town. Not something that was discussed with young ladies but it was an undercurrent to the start of the season. This year? There has not been anything similar.”
“Well done Richard, a nice speech without actually addressing my question.”
Georgiana had to cover her mouth with her handkerchief. This was most diverting. She heard her guardian sigh.
“The ladies are as you would expect. You will have seen them when attending your own events. The last ball had Desmond in attendance and many of the young ladies were distracted, vying for his attention.”
“The Duke has made it known that he is slowly easing into society, and that no one will be considered this season. He is already planning a major ball early next season, to formally announce his entry into society as he will have reached his majority.”
“I had heard that story as well. It appears to be commonly known. It does not stop the impact of his attendance. An unmarried Duke, not just the heir, and only 20?”
“Let us put aside the Duke and focus on you. Has there been anyone that has captured your interest?”
Richard was saved from answering by his cousin.
“Aunt Susan, what has prompted this inquiry?”
Lady Matlock controlled the urge to curse at her nephew. Pointing at each in turn she responded.
“You are 31, 29 and 28 years old. Two of you have responsibilities to your families to provide heirs. None of you can argue that the Earl or I have pressured you over the years. And we are not going to start now, but there is going to be more pointed discussion from now on. None of you are wastrels unlike so many about town, but you cannot remain bachelors forever.”
The gauntlet was thrown down. And it applied to Darcy as much as to the two sons of the Countess. She had been the maternal figure in his life for nearly 15 years. Viscount Snowdon was the first to answer.
“I am aware of my responsibilities to both the title and the estate. For the last year I have been making a more concerted effort. We talk about this presently.”
Both the Earl and the Countess were pleasantly surprised. Did their heir have his eye on someone? If he did not then it was still a masterful stroke, he was no longer in the firing line. The Colonel looked at his brother with both disgust and admiration.
“Swine.”
His sotto voce was not sotto enough.
“Richard!”
