“No, my lady, but Lord Beckingham warned Dunwich’s companions that if his lordship failed to quit the country, he would meet him upon the field of honor.”
Elizabeth regarded him with confusion.
Lady Helen said, “Lord Beckingham also has a young and attractive wife. Perhaps Lord Dunwich has been pursuing her as well.” Lady Helen took Mr. Darcy’s arm. “Come along, Elizabeth. We must collect our wraps.”
Once inside the carriage, Elizabeth released a long sigh.
“What is it, darling?”
“Sir, I find that balls are as frustrating as they are beguiling.”
Lady Helen guffawed in a most unladylike manner. “Indeed. Elizabeth, you certainly know how to enliven a ball.”
Darcy said, “You speak of Lord Dunwich and his improprieties?”
“Not solely him, sir. I encountered Miss Honeyfield this evening.”
“Ah. I begin to understand. What had she to say?”
“As the saying goes, an eavesdropper seldom profits by what he hears. I was privileged to overhear Miss Honeyfield’s judgment of my charms, and considering that I neither equal her beauty, height, nor fulsome figure, she cannot comprehend why you chose me over her.”
“There is no comparison, dearest. Any man must agree with me. When it comes to character, you far surpass her. And as for beauty, I have long considered you the handsomest woman of my acquaintance in every respect by which beauty may be measured.”
This response gratified Elizabeth, and she nestled her hand within his.
Lady Helen said, “You have no friend in Caroline Bingley, Elizabeth.”
“No, indeed not, Aunt Helen. If looks could kill…”
“Yes, though she has her reasons. Miss Honeyfield met my nephew only a few months ago, but Caroline Bingley has pursued him for nearly seven years. I can find it in my heart to pity her. She ought to have turned her attention elsewhere years ago. Some women never learn.”
“My poor darling. You suffered so many indignities at this one ball. No wonder you wish to retire to the country.” Darcy turned to Lady Helen.
“Aunt, are we released? Have we fulfilled our obligations to the ton?”
“You have, nephew. You have introduced your charming wife to many whose notice signifies.” She turned to Elizabeth. “We didnot pay morning calls, niece, but we shall remedy that when you return to London for the next Season. In the meantime, you may continue your studies with Georgiana’s music master in Derbyshire and improve your skill.”
The countess continued her lecture until they reached Matlock House.
When the carriage pulled away once more, Elizabeth nestled against Mr. Darcy’s shoulder and remained there until they drew up before Darcy House.
Chapter 48: Mr. Wickham
He stood and stretched. His back had stiffened from crouching for so many hours. Moving to a hedge, he sought a different vantage of the house. Darcy still remained indoors. Wickham grunted. The man went out far less than he had hoped. He had been chained to the alter and he no longer frequented the salle d’armes or Jackson’s Saloon.
Wickham had been unable to gain access to the house or get near that little chit. His vision reddened. Had matters been left to that wench, he would have been transported. She was no more than fifteen years old. How had she nearly bested him?
He stood concealed within the thick brambles of a little park across the street from Darcy House. For two weeks, he surveilled the comings and goings of the household before finally marking a young servant girl who ventured to market each day.
That morning, he spoke to her. His manner was humble and imploring.
“Miss, I have only recently arrived in London and have not yet found a post. Is there an opening for a servant in the house where you are employed, or perhaps in one of the neighboring houses?”
The girl looked him up and down. He saw her eyes soften. She liked what she saw.
“Sir, we have no open positions at present,” she replied kindly. “But if you register at the intelligence offices near Charing Cross or along the Strand, I am certain you shall soon find employment. With your good looks, sir, I daresay someone would hire you as a footman.”
Wickham bowed to the servant girl, please, call me Peters. When she resumed walking, he fell into step beside her and struck up a conversation.