Impatiently, Darcy Read online

He pushed the thoughts away and concentrated on Georgiana. “What are your plans for today, Georgiana? I wondered if you might care to visit a gallery, or take a stroll in the Park?”

  Her eyes lit up. “Can you spare the time, William? I would like that very much.”

  He berated himself that she was so surprised by the offer of his attention, and that he was so hesitant to be away from home in case he heard from Lady Somerville again. But it had been nearly two weeks, and he must begin to think of what to do if no young lady was forthcoming.

  “I can spare some time, Georgiana, although perhaps a walk in the Park might be better than a gallery today. I must see the post when it arrives.”

  “Of course, William. I know your business is very burdensome.” She put down her knife and smiled. “I will do my best to be cheerful company for you, and distract your mind for a short while at least.”

  Darcy raised his coffee cup to her. “To our walk this morning, Georgiana.”

  He walked slowly through Hyde Park, his sister on his arm, idly listening to her chatter. It was good to hear her being more cheerful, the events at Ramsgate were beginning to leave her thoughts. Her new companion was good company for her and chaperoned her when the masters employed for her tuition came to the house. It was better than sending her to school again.

  Soon enough, they were able to turn back towards the coach. He wanted to get back to the house, even though he knew he was likely to be disappointed yet again that there was no communication from Lady Somerville. Was it so very hard to find a young lady to play this part for so much added to her fortune?

  “I’m sorry I took so much of your time, William,” Georgiana sounded anxious again. “But I did enjoy myself.”

  He pulled his attention to her. “I also enjoyed myself, Georgiana. Please do not apologise for taking my time — I need to spend more time with you. I find it relaxing and enjoyable.”

  Georgiana leaned back against the coach cushions. “Perhaps we might repeat the experience next week, William?”

  He nodded his head in acquiescence. “It would be a good idea, while I am in London.”

  As the coach stopped outside the front door at Darcy House, he wondered if the young lady would be interested in outdoor pursuits. As it was only for a short duration, he had made no stipulation as to her interests, accomplishments, or appearance. She merely had to be there to convince his aunt that he would never marry Cousin Anne.

  “I must check to see if the post has been delivered, Georgiana.” He bowed slightly as the servants took their coats. “Then I will join you for tea in the drawing room.”

  “Thank you, William. I will wait for you there.” Georgiana curtsied and he turned to his library.

  The usual small sheaf of letters awaited him, and he flicked through them, grimacing as he saw his aunt’s handwriting. But the next one made him frown. The seal was that of the Somerville estate, but the hand was not that of Lady Somerville.

  Forgetting tea with Georgiana, he poured himself a whisky and sat down, hastily breaking the seal.

  Dear Mr. Darcy,

  Thank you for your letter to my sister, Lady Somerville, about the service we have set up for discerning gentlemen like yourself.

  My name is Lady Susan Aldridge, and I have been attempting to find a young lady to meet your requirements. I believe we have someone suitable, should you still wish to avail yourself of our service.

  Darcy sighed with relief, and put the letter down. Of course he still wanted to go through with this, but the thought that his business had been discussed by the two ladies made him cringe. After a moment’s hesitation, and for the first time, he began to think of some practicalities. What would he say to Georgiana? And then, again, what would he say when the girl left?

  Who was she? He picked up the letter again, curiously.

  The young lady is one-and-twenty years old, slender and handsome, without being too eye-catching. Her talents are considerable, and her wit and liveliness will meet your requirements, as will her undoubted intelligence.

  I will say at once that she is of relatively humble birth, although her father is a gentleman. If this is not satisfactory to you, please inform me and I will continue to search for someone more acceptable.

  Darcy scowled. Why would he find her background unsatisfactory? It was not as if he was actually going to marry her. As long as she looked presentable and could convince his aunt that he was not available to marry Anne, then she would do very well. He turned back to the letter.

  On receipt of your provisional acceptance of her, the next step will be to arrange that you meet at the offices of a lawyer whom we have engaged for this purpose. I can assure you that the young lady will not know your identity and you will not know who she is, either.

  Not until you each inform me privately after the meeting that you agree to go ahead, will you then be vouchsafed her name and be able to make your own mutually agreeable arrangements directly with her and her family.

  He had to acknowledge that he was very glad that she would not know who he was until the agreements had been made under the supervision of this lady.

  But there was no time to be lost. He seized a sheet of notepaper.

  10

  Elizabeth dressed carefully, happy that Jane was with her to help her. She’d never worn such a fine gown, and it gave her a confidence she’d never dreamed mere apparel could ever imbue.

  Lady Susan had given her a token when she had left the house two days ago, and instructed that she and her aunt were to attend at the Somerville family modistes the very next morning to be fitted for this gown.

  That, in itself, had been an adventure, and Elizabeth had enjoyed herself as the seamstress and her assistants had fluttered attentively round her. Her own heart had raced as she realised that her life now might well be like this all the time, if both the mysterious gentleman and she agreed at this meeting to continue on to marriage.

  She wondered what he was like, this prospective husband.

  Aunt Gardiner swept into the bedchamber. “Are you nearly ready, Lizzy? Lady Susan is due to arrive shortly to inspect you before conveying you to the lawyers.” She looked her niece up and down. “You look beautiful, Lizzy, really lovely.” She didn’t say how much she was concerned about this arrangement, she’d already had her say. Elizabeth was glad about it, her aunt’s deep reservations had made her wonder at her thoughtless agreement to take part in this adventure.

  She put her chin in the air. “Thank you, Aunt Gardiner. And especially for supporting me even though I know you have grave doubts.” She was certain she could tell what manner of man he was at their first meeting this morning. She smiled slightly at her reflection in the glass.

  She had long prided herself on her ability to know people early in their acquaintance. And she had proved her skill to herself when she had first been introduced to Mr. Collins. At the thought of him, she shuddered.

  “Are you well, Lizzy?” Jane sounded anxious. Elizabeth knew she regretted having written to Lady Somerville originally, and turned to her.

  “I am well, Jane. I am just remembering that if I do not do this, I may have to marry Mr. Collins!”

  She laughed with Jane, while Aunt Gardiner tried to look disapproving.

  “He cannot be as bad as you are portraying, Lizzy.”

  “I assure you, Aunt, he is. Even sitting next to him at the dinner table was utterly dreadful, his table manners leave so much to be desired.” Elizabeth shivered again. “The thought of sharing a bedchamber with him — no, this gentleman cannot possibly be so bad.”

  “He’s very wealthy, at least, so your houses will be big enough for you to avoid him,” Jane laughed, and their aunt looked severe.

  “It is not as simple as that, Jane, and you know it.” She turned to Elizabeth.

  “I am just asking, Lizzy, that, when you meet him, you consider very carefully how he looks and acts towards you. Mark well what he says and think whether you would wonder if he can change after marria
ge and become intolerable.”

  Elizabeth embraced her aunt. “I understand what you mean, Aunt, and I promise I will be very careful. I understand how irrevocable my decision will be.” She grimaced. “I only wish that you or Jane could accompany me today.”

  “I wish it were so,” her aunt said, “but I do understand that there must be the least possible risk of anyone recognising the gentleman before any engagement is announced.” She glanced out of the window.

  “Goodness! The carriage is drawing up! Hurry down, Lizzy, we cannot keep her waiting.”

  Lady Susan had looked her up and down, smiling faintly, and, after a few admonitions, Elizabeth was now sitting opposite her in the coach with the windows obscured.

  “I’m sorry to say it, Lady Susan,” Elizabeth ventured, “but the window blinds being drawn makes the whole affair seem very dramatic.”

  The older woman smiled. “Miss Bennet, we wish to protect your privacy until the decision is made and finalised. If the decision by either of you is ‘no’, then you will never have anyone know what has transpired. We believe it safer for you.”

  “I am grateful to you, Lady Susan, just rather nervous about meeting the — the gentleman.”

  Lady Susan smiled kindly at her, quite unlike her sister, Elizabeth thought. “It is understandable.”

  Elizabeth gathered her courage, one more question, and she wondered if her escort would answer.

  “If I may ask, Lady Susan. Would … if you were in my position, would you do what I am doing?”

  The other considered her carefully, and thought for a while. “I should advise you to take your own counsel, Miss Bennet. But, as to your question, if I were you, and knowing of the gentleman concerned … then, yes, I would. It is a great opportunity, more so than you might ever have if you remain in Hertfordshire.” She smiled. “And your curiosity and lively spirit will benefit from the opportunity that being in a wealthy family will bring.”

  Elizabeth stared at her curiously. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  Lady Susan’s mischievous smile suddenly made her look younger. “Then you can help me by not repeating my comments to you here.”

  Elizabeth’s lips curved. “Of course. I too, am able to keep a confidence.”

  She felt rather better. Lady Somerville was as severe as her reputation and Elizabeth had been feeling rather as if she were a pawn in their plans.

  But Lady Susan’s frankness and gentle friendliness had improved her thoughts. It’s an adventure, she told herself. It is up to me whether I agree or not.

  11

  Darcy was intolerably nervous, all the more acute because he had not been able to confide this business to anyone.

  He sat in the swaying coach as it made its roundabout way to the address he had been given. His mood was made no better by the discomfort of the ride, and he scowled. On the advice of Lady Susan, he had taken one of the more lowly coaches, one without the Darcy coat of arms on the doors.

  He was still rather nettled that he had been dealing with Lady Susan; a gentleman of his standing ought surely to have kept the attention of Lady Somerville. But after her first letter saying she didn’t think it possible to find someone for a temporary engagement, she had not written back. He supposed his request had been delegated to her sister.

  He peered round the closed blind, they must be nearly there, and he was at least glad that they had chosen a lawyer’s office far away from the Chambers of his own family lawyer. There, he could never have stayed anonymous, and he was grateful that Lady Susan had thought of it.

  He wondered what the young lady was feeling like. Undoubtedly, she was probably arriving about now, he had contrived to be a few minutes late, not wishing to arrive at the same time as she did. He was quite unable to imagine her appearance, without even a name to attach to his thoughts. But it would not be long now. He hoped she would not change her mind.

  Perhaps he would intimate a greater payment to her fortune if she seemed doubtful. But he must make her aware that she would have to face his relations — that was what he had arranged this for, after all.

  Six weeks. Six weeks ought to be enough, surely. He could tolerate anyone for that length of time, he supposed. He descended the step when the coachman opened the door, hoping to goodness she was not looking out of a window to have the advantage by having seen him first.

  He berated himself. If she had seen him, he had nothing to be concerned about. His own appearance would show her he was from a wealthy background and the money to her fortune was safe if she played her part.

  The door opened for him and a manservant bowed him through to a small, dark bookroom. As he entered, the elegant lady within rose to her feet.

  “Mr. Darcy, I presume?” She dipped her head slightly. “I am Lady Susan Aldridge.”

  He bowed, “delighted to meet you, madam.” He glanced around. There was no other lady present, apart from a lady’s maid standing by the wall.

  Lady Susan interpreted his glance. “I will take you through shortly, Mr. Darcy.” She indicated the gentleman beside her. “This is Mr. Worthington, the lawyer we are using today, rather than our own, who happens to be known to you.”

  The lawyer bowed. “Mr. Darcy.”

  “Let us proceed, please.” Lady Susan was not about to spend time on the niceties, Darcy noted, slightly amused.

  “I will take you through to the office where the young lady is waiting. I will be chaperoning her by sitting at a window in an adjoining room.” She bent a stern gaze on him. “No one will hear the conversation you have. The lady will not be introduced to you by name, and you must be careful not to divulge yours.” She led him along a short corridor.

  “You may leave the room as soon as you wish to if you have made your mind up, or I will come in after one hour. You may, of course, ask for longer if you need it.” Her hand went to the door handle, and his heart pounded. “Tea has just been taken in.”

  She led the way in and he saw a young lady rise to her feet from a sofa by the window. He saw enough to know that she was elegantly attired and carried herself with a natural grace.

  Lady Susan nodded at him, and waved him to the chair opposite to the sofa. Then she left the room, closing the door behind her, and Darcy found himself alone in a room with an unrelated young lady for the first time in his life.

  He forced a smile, and stood, mute, while she curtsied.

  “Good day, sir.” There was not the hint of a tremble in her voice, he noted approvingly, but her eyes strayed to the glass pane beside the door. His gaze followed hers, and he saw Lady Susan seating herself behind the glass, watching them.

  It was necessary, he knew, to prevent either of them being accused by the other, but it was rather uncomfortable.

  His smile became a little less forced. “It does feel somewhat as if one is an exhibit, but I suppose it is better than the lady sitting in the room with us.”

  The girl smiled, too, a warm, womanly smile, and he felt his senses stir. He pushed the feeling down. She was here to serve a particular purpose and there was nothing else. He must ensure it.

  He indicated the chair he stood beside. “May I?” and, placing his hat and gloves on the table by the door, sat down when she nodded.

  There was a moment of silence while he cast around for something to say, and she waited for him to speak, as was proper.

  “So, you are aware of why you are here, what my request was?” he might as well get straight to the point.

  “Yes, sir.” Her voice was quiet, but he noticed a slight flush on her cheeks. Her appearance was tolerable, he noted, perfectly adequate for being able to introduce her to his family.

  “I don’t suppose the reason why I took this action at the present instant has been explained to you, Miss … er … madam, but I am under some considerable pressure by my aunt to marry my cousin. I do not wish to marry her. I could not make her happy and I know I would not be content.”

  She seemed to be paying him polite attention, there was the
slightest lift of her eyebrows, but he ploughed on regardless.

  “If you are to agree to this arrangement, you will be introduced to my aunt, and the rest of the family.” He drew a deep breath. “My aunt can be very — forceful, demanding, and somewhat rude. I hope you would be prepared for such an eventuality.”

  The young lady’s eyebrows rose slightly higher. “I am sure that, being aware of her manner, I would be able to respond with equanimity.” Her eyes met his. “Perhaps you could tell me a little of your estate and fortune if you think she is likely to accuse me of being a fortune-hunter.” Her voice was level and unemotional.

  “That is reasonable, madam, but I can do so nearer the time, given that we only have an hour today.” He cast around for the next topic, but the young lady anticipated him.

  “I am sorry if this seems forward, sir, but will your family be aware that this is an arrangement?”

  “No, of course not!” Darcy stared at her. “That would negate the whole intention!”

  “Well, not in all circumstances,” she murmured. “But in that case, sir, are we to act as if it is a love match or a formal courtship? I would not care to be found giving answers that are different to yours at an event.”

  He stared at her in consternation, aware that he had hardly thought of these practicalities. “I suppose we must appear affectionate towards one another, madam. I cannot believe my aunt would not attempt to separate us if we were not to act thus.”

  Her eyes danced. “Then, perhaps, sir, you might try and spend the next few minutes pretending that you do not find me as unattractive as your demeanour appears to show, and that you are preparing to stand up and make your vows of love.” Her impish smile took the sting out of her words, but he could not withhold a wince.

  “I apologise, madam, if I gave any such appearance.” Darcy wanted to mop his brow.

  Her voice was quiet, and he had to strain forward to hear her. “I can see that your upbringing has not prepared you for any show or words of affection, and I must forgive you that.” Her smile was wistful. “But I am told your young sister is very shy — do you have affection for her?”