by Sue Barr
Within the hour he was in his study, pretending to read the reports sent by Mr. Mason. He also pretended he didn’t hear every quarter hour chime on the grandfather clock in the hallway. Closer to eleven, he made his way to the breakfast room where Mother, Caroline, Catherine and George had gathered to have a light repast before guests arrived at two o’clock. There would be no young bucks attending Kerr House as both Caroline and Catherine were married, but there would be many society matrons and their highly eligible daughters wanting a closer connection to the Dowager Duchess and her unmarried son, the Duke.
For his new sisters-in law he would put up with the lingering looks and unsubtle hints of how ‘accomplished’ Miss So-and-So was, or how ‘well-connected’ Lady ‘So-and-So was. He had neither the time nor inclination to pander to their lofty hopes and desires. Miss Darcy was a perfect combination of beauty, charm and virtue. His course was set and nothing would deter him.
“Good day, Mother. You look ravishing, as always.” He leaned in to kiss the proffered cheek.
“You seem to be in a fine mood this morning, Maxwell. Can I assume you enjoyed yourself at the ball last night? You danced an inordinate number of times for you and never with the same lady twice, other than Miss Darcy, which couldn’t be helped – poor dear.”
He refused to rise to the bait and decided to keep the conversation neutral.
“I did enjoy myself, Mother. The Matlock’s and Darcy’s are good friends. Their company always make an evening pass much quicker.” He acknowledged his two new sisters. “Caroline. Catherine. I commend you both on a successful first foray into Society.”
“The battle is not yet won,” Caroline mused out loud. “The true test will come when Catherine and I are out and about shopping, or enjoying a tea on Bond Street. Then we shall see who accepts us for who we are and not who we associate with.”
He assessed the former Miss Bingley carefully. He’d always liked the feisty red-haired vixen. She balanced Nathan as no other woman had before and she had a common-sense approach to life, which he also admired. And, she was right. Even with the Duchess of Adborough and Countess Matlock firmly in their corner, some members of society would never take them on as bosom friends.
“You may be correct. However, I assure you there will be no cuts directly, not if they wish to maintain their position in Society. Fortunately, you have no need of their good will. Between all our families combined, we have enough people to hold our own balls and dinners and never need invite anyone else.”
“I prefer our own company as well, Your Grace,” Catherine said.
“I have told you to call me Max when you are in this house,” he teased his newest sister-in-law.
“That will be a hard habit to break, Your Gr−,” He lifted an eyebrow. “Max.”
“Much better.” He turned his attention to George. “Have we heard what happened to the Colonel? As far as I could tell, he never made it to the ball.”
“No, he didn’t. My sources informed me he was called to Spain.” George told them all.
“To Spain!” Mother exclaimed.
“With Napoleon’s abdication after the battle at Toulouse, many English assets are on the move and need safe passage home. There have been some pockets of resistance within France, so they are migrating south.”
“But why would Colonel Fitzwilliam be dispatched to Spain? Lucinda must be frantic.”
“Mother, the Colonel is not a paper soldier but a battle worn veteran. His knowledge of the area and ability to think ahead make him necessary for securing some of our deeply imbedded agents.”
“Do we have any idea when he may return?” Max asked.
“No, although with the armistice having been signed a but a few weeks ago, I pray everyone returns safe.”
“I pray that as well,” Catherine added with much feeling. At Max’s questioning look, she added, “A friend is in France and has been there for over a year. His family believe him lost as they hadn’t heard from him since he joined the army, but through certain circumstances George and I know he is in France as a spy.”
“And you’ve not told his family this?” Caroline asked, clearly astonished.
“No. First, for security reasons we cannot tell them what he is doing or where he is and second, why raise their hopes of his being alive only to find out later he may not.” Catherine took George’s hand in hers. “This has been on my heart and mind since your wedding, Caroline and I pray everyday he returns safe. All I can do is trust.”
“As you know, my Catherine is a most persistence woman of prayer. I think God will allow her friend to return if only to stop her from banging on the gates of Heaven.” George quipped, giving his bride a soft smile.
“George, stop teasing your lovely wife,” Mother chided gently. “Every mother wants someone to pray for their son when they are at war. I know I did.” She caught and held Catherine’s gaze. “You continue on, my dear and I shall add my voice as well.”
~~~~~
The clock had chimed three times when Catherine approached Max in the crowded drawing room.
“Your Grace, may I introduce Lady Standish and her daughter, Miss Penelope Standish?”
Max, engaged in conversation with Lady Addlesworth, turned slightly. The first thing he noticed was Catherine’s nervousness, shown by the way she squeezed her fingers together. He cut a quick glance across the room and saw George, glowering in the corner at Lady Standish. George would make his life miserable if he didn’t do something to allay Catherine’s nerves.
“You do not need to stand on formality, Catherine, I have told you to call me Max.”
He’d caught the calculated way Lady Standish eyed his new sister and wished her to know Catherine was a treasured member of the family, not someone she could order about, which is what he suspected by this intrusive introduction. He turned fully to face Lady Standish and her daughter, who was passably handsome but not handsome enough to tempt him from his first love, Georgiana.
“Your Grace.” Lady Standish had the intelligence to lower her eyes as she sank into a graceful curtsy. Miss Standish also curtsied with a murmured ‘Your Grace’ but didn’t seem too impressed, which amused Maxwell to no end. Mama Standish may wish her daughter to snag a Duke, but the daughter obviously had no intentions and he decided he’d like her on that fact alone. For Catherine’s sake, and George’s, he suffered Lady Standish and her inane prattle of Penelope’s accomplishments until the clock struck the quarter hour.
“We were delighted to meet your new family members. When my daughter Penelope made her curtsy, we both commented on how delighted your Mother seemed.”
“Mmmm… yes,” was all he said. Undaunted, Lady Standish continued to prattle.
“Penelope immediately asked for an introduction, knowing they would become great friends. I have it some authority−”
“Pardon me, Lady Standish, but I have another appointment and must take my leave.”
At that time, with a polite bow to both ladies, he excused himself from their company, not caring one jot if Lady Standish thought him rude. He intended to arrive at Darcy House at precisely three-forty-five and watch all the other hopeful suitors leave while he stayed behind as a ‘family friend’.
“Well. I never…” and “Yes, you have, Mama,” was all he heard as he moved to his mother’ side and in low tones informed her he was leaving.
His carriage awaited him at the front door, as per his instructions and within minutes he was on his way. After being announced, his heart leaped in his chest at the look of joy Miss Darcy bestowed upon him. He also noted flowers on the table beside her. His flowers. What didn’t please him was the sight of Sir Reginald Slade seated next to her, although he stood and gave a polite nod in greeting as soon as Max entered the room. Had Darcy not warned her about him?
Chapter Five
Max barely had a chance to greet everyone before Darcy appeared beside him with a murmured, “Adborough”.
“Fitzwilliam. I had not thought yo
u would join us today,” Elizabeth said, extending her hand to him when he stopped by her chair. “We’ve been having a lovely conversation with Sir Reginald. His family did not come to Town this year, so he is a free bird, it seems.”
“Indeed,” Sir Reginald said, bobbing his head in agreement. “Mother was not well enough to attend this season.”
“We don’t wish to keep you further, Sir Reginald. Please convey our regards to your Mother when you write her next.” Darcy ushered Slade toward the door of the sitting room. “Hutchins will see you out.”
Oh… I don’t−” Slade stammered.
Hutchins magically appeared and with a small flair of his hand, indicated Sir Reginald to follow him. Clearly befuddled, the man could do nothing else but trail behind the austere butler. It was only when the door closed that Lady Matlock directed her glare toward Darcy.
“I have never seen you hustle someone other than your Aunt Catherine out of your home with such speed. Please explain your behavior.”
Max moved across the room and took the chair vacated by Sir Reginald. Georgiana gave him a lovely smile and then turned her attention back to her brother and aunt.
“Do you remember our conversation this morning and I told you there was a gentleman we need to be wary of?” Darcy began.
“Yes… Oh!” Elizabeth started to frown and then understanding dawned. “He was the man you spoke of?”
“Yes, excuse me one moment.” Darcy walked to the door and called to the butler, who appeared a few seconds later. “Hutchins, we are not home to Sir Reginald Slade and he is NOT to be granted access for any reason. Please inform the necessary staff.”
“As you wish, Mr. Darcy.”
“Nephew, what is this all about?”
“I have been given some confidential information about Sir Reginald, and suffice to say he is not a desirable suitor for Georgiana.”
“Not desirable? He has an estate that rivals Rosings and has been knighted by the King.”
Lady Matlock cast glances at both Darcy and Elizabeth.
“If I may, Darcy,” Max interjected.
“Please do.”
“My brother George has a way of discovering hidden truths and it came to his attention that Sir Reginald is heavily in debt. Due to some unfortunate decisions on his part, which I will not relay, Sir Reginald needs to find a wife of means.” Max heard a soft intake of breath from Georgiana and turned to her. “I am sorry to be so blunt, Miss Darcy. I would never wish to offend your sensibilities, but you need to be aware that some men are not who they seem.”
“I’m more aware than you know, Your Grace.”
“Georgiana,” Elizabeth surged to her feet, casting a cryptic look at her husband, “the day is still young and we have not had our walk today. Would anyone care to join us?”
“I shall pass, my dear.” Lady Matlock stood as well. “I have been tardy in my correspondence and it refuses to go away on its own. I will inform my staff to be wary of Sir Reginald as well.” She gave both Elizabeth and Georgiana a kiss on the cheek before exiting the room. Elizabeth turned to Darcy with a bright smile.
“And you, dear husband? Are you willing to traipse about the bushes in the park across the street with your sister and me?”
“You know I will.” Darcy glanced at Max. “You are welcome to join us, Adborough, but be prepared for more than a sedate stroll. Lizzy is used to rambling the grounds of Pemberley and finds the park too confining. You may find yourself circling the same grove of trees several times.”
“I am not that bad, Fitz.” Lizzy playfully swatted at his arm. “I’m quite content to walk only the perimeter today.”
Max relished the idea of some uninterrupted time with Georgiana, albeit under the watchful eye of her brother. “I believe I shall go with you. The day is yet young and the weather agreeable.”
Within fifteen minutes the four of them exited Darcy House and crossed the street to the park, several sturdy footmen following at a respectable distance. Upon Max’s quizzical look, Darcy said, “One can never be too careful.”
“I concur,” Max agreed with a nod. He then paused and waited for Georgiana while Darcy and Elizabeth followed.
“I understand your curtsy and first ball was a success.” He glanced down at Georgiana, wishing the brim of her bonnet wasn’t so wide. Although she looked lovely no matter what she wore, he wanted to see her face. To gauge her reaction to him.
“As I’ve never been presented, nor attended a full ball before, I rely on family to tell me whether it was a success, and my aunt is well pleased, so I guess it was.”
“I am glad for you. I wish nothing but good things for you, Miss Darcy.”
“Th… thank you.”
He noted her small stutter and knew from past experience she stumbled in her speech when nervous. To allay her nerves, good or bad, he began a gentle conversation about her time at Pemberley before coming to Town, which led to her telling him about the visit with Mrs. Sprague, one of their tenants.
“Her husband made this for me.” She reached into the pocket of her pelisse and brought out a carved cross. “They have so little, yet still took time to give me something before I left.”
“May I?” He held out his hand and she placed the cross into his palm. He turned it over and examined it carefully before handing it back. “The fact that your tenants think highly of you is commendable, Miss Darcy. You will be a fine mistress of an estate one day.”
And that estate will be mine.
As though she’d heard his thoughts, she raised startled eyes to his and with satisfaction he saw a blush rise on her cheeks. Just as quickly she lowered her gaze and tucked the cross back into her pocket. All too soon their walk ended and Max went home content, knowing he would see Miss Darcy at Lady Dalrymple’s ball in a few days time.
~~~~~
Georgiana smoothed the front of her dress in an attempt to calm her nerves while she waited for her next dance partner to make an appearance. The whole Darcy/Matlock clan attended Lady Dalrymple’s Ball along with what seemed like most of London’s beau monde. If success was rated on how crowded, on how uncomfortably hot, or on how loud a room could become, then Lady Dalrymple would be very pleased indeed.
However, it wasn’t the press of bodies that had nerves stretched tighter than a violin string, it was the ever-present Sir Reginald who’d sniffed her out like a basset hound almost as soon as she’d entered the house. Now that she was aware of his dire need of an heiress, she had no intention of giving him encouragement of any kind. Fortunately, she’d been able to stay one step ahead of him, but it seemed her luck had finally run out.
Darcy and Lizzy were dancing. Aunt and Uncle Matlock had been waylaid by Lord Patrick Grayson, who had some news of Cousin Richard, and her other cousin, Ash had made a bee line for the card room, bypassing the ball room completely. She was stranded on the edge of the dance floor and noted Sir Reginald beginning to skirt the edges toward her.
Carefully, she eased back and made to turn. If nothing else she could retire to the lady’s room and pretend to fix something on her gown. What she hadn’t counted on was Sir Reginald to cut directly across the floor and step into her path.
“Miss Darcy,” he simpered with a low bow in front of her.
“Sir Reginald, you surprised me.”
“I hope you mean that in a good way, Miss Darcy.” He reached for her gloved hand but she flicked open her fan and used it too cool her face. He had no choice but to drop his arm. “I have stopped by your home to pay my respects, but you have been one busy young woman. I did leave my card.”
His voice held censure as well as a touch of disappointment.
“I have been busy indeed, Sir Reginald. My aunt has a great many friends and wishes me to make their acquaintance. I’m sure you understand.”
Where was her family? She stopped herself from glancing around. It would not do to let Sir Reginald know she was uncomfortable in his presence. It would also not be wise for Sir Reginald to discover
that one time, when he’d come by Darcy House, she was home and heard Hutchins outright lie and inform him the family was out. What amazed her even more was that Sir Reginald had the audacity to query their loyal butler as to where she and Lizzy had gone.
“May I have the next dance, Miss Darcy?”
“Thank you, Sir Reginald, but my card is full.”
She spoke a partial truth. Between family members, close friends, the Marquis of Trevayne, The Earl of Litchfield and the Earl of Dunleavy she has a surfeit of partners. The only exception being the very next dance and the supper set. She’d deliberately left those blank with the hope Maxwell would request her company for one of them.
“May I see?”
She gasped. A gentleman never demanded to see a lady’s card.
“Sir Reginald−”
“Excuse me, Sir Reginald. Miss Darcy promised this next dance to me.”
“Your Grace!” A flood of relief washed through her body at the sound of Max’s deep voice. She turned and gave him a proper curtsy. Max returned with a slight nod and held out his hand.
“Are you ready, Miss Darcy?”
“Oh yes, thank you.” She placed her gloved hand in Max’s and moved closer to him. “Good evening, Sir Reginald”
As they strolled to the dance floor, she noticed that the color of Max’s vest was the same soft green as the trim of her gown and the ribbon in her hair. What a strange coincidence. First, his blue vest matched her embroidered flowers and now her ribbons. If he weren’t careful, people would begin to think they were a couple. Not that she’d mind, but as he’d never given any indication that he thought of her in ‘that way’ she didn’t want any rumors to float around.
“I am sorry that I was late, Miss Darcy,” the Duke began.
“No need to apologize, Your Grace. You weren’t on my card.”
“I meant in the fact I was not there to forestall Sir Reginald imposing himself upon you.”
