Pride and Proposals

“Nevertheless, allow me to be of service to Eliz—Miss Elizabeth—and to you.” He chuckled mirthlessly. “It will be your wedding gift.”

Richard gave Darcy a long look. “Very well. But let me be the one to pay Wickham. Elizabeth is my family, or will be shortly. You must not lay out funds for this.”

“Your desire to care for your fiancée’s family is commendable,” Darcy said neutrally.

Richard shook his hand, apparently not noticing that Darcy had not agreed to his terms. “Thank you. I knew I could count on you.”

Darcy gave an inward sigh of relief. He had no intention of allowing his cousin to pay a penny. If Darcy could not marry Elizabeth, at least he could be of some service to her in this matter. “My pleasure.”

“I shall retire to my townhouse for some clean clothing and then visit the Gardiners to learn if they have made progress. Send word when you have news.”

“I will.”

***

Darcy handed his hat to the footman and strode toward the ballroom without waiting for the man to announce him. He was certain he had actually declined the invitation to this ball celebrating Lady Howard’s birthday; he declined most invitations. He was equally certain that Lord and Lady Howard would be delighted at his presence. Enticing the “elusive” Mr. Darcy to a ball was considered a social coup.

Not that he planned to linger.

It had taken him two days to locate Wickham and arrange for a satisfactory agreement with the scoundrel. But when he had visited his cousin’s townhouse to share the news, Darcy had been told Fitzwilliam was at the Howards’ ball. Darcy very much doubted Richard had wished to attend a celebration under the current circumstances, but perhaps his mother had applied her unique persuasive powers to insist on it.

These affairs could drag on into the small hours of the morning, and Darcy wished to immediately inform Richard of the recent developments. So he had returned home, donned suitable attire, and rushed to Howard House.

Standing at the entrance to the ballroom, Darcy scanned the crowd. If only Fitzwilliam still wore his uniform! The red would render him far more noticeable.

It was quite a crush of glittering jewels, silk dresses, and fluttering fans. Matrons gossiped along the edges of the dance floor, while the young people danced and flirted. Most of the older men would be in the card rooms. Perhaps he should seek his cousin there. Darcy espied his Aunt Rachel but discarded the idea of soliciting her assistance. Richard likely was avoiding his parents.

Darcy’s eye was drawn to one of the dancers, a light and pleasing figure he would recognize anywhere. Elizabeth wore an elegant gown of light blue silk and flowers in her hair that complimented it perfectly. Since she was unaware of his regard, Darcy indulged his desire to gaze upon her. The force of her personality shone in every step as she moved in perfect harmony with the music. However, knowing her as he did, Darcy discerned how her smile was a bit forced and her spirits rather subdued. Her sister’s scandal had taken its toll.

The dance came to a close, and only then did Darcy notice that Elizabeth was partnered with Richard. The countess must have convinced her son it was a perfect opportunity to introduce his betrothed to the society of the ton. Darcy pushed through the crush toward his cousin, but his progress was slow. Revelers around him noted his presence, staring and remarking on it behind their hands. No doubt matchmaking mothers and simpering society misses were already planning their strategies.

Darcy increased his pace, fearing he would lose his cousin in the crowd. Finally, he found the couple near the lemonade table. “Cousin!” Richard exclaimed. “I never expected you here.” But Darcy’s eyes fixed on Elizabeth and would not waver. She was as beautiful as ever, but her fine eyes were shadowed by dark circles, and her complexion was pale. Thank God it is within my power to relieve her suffering!

“I had no plans on attending this ball. I came seeking you.” His cousin’s eyes widened, and Elizabeth seemed alarmed. “The news is good.” Elizabeth relaxed visibly.

Darcy took his cousin by the elbow. “Let us repair to the veranda. I pray you, excuse us, Miss Bennet.” Richard murmured something to Elizabeth, then turned and followed Darcy through a pair of French doors.

The night was warm, but there was a breeze, which rendered the outside slightly more tolerable than the ballroom. There were several trysting couples on the veranda; Darcy led his cousin to a deserted location cast in shadows by the leaves of a weeping cherry tree.

“What is it?” his cousin asked in a low, urgent voice. “Do not leave me in suspense.”

“I found Wickham and Lydia,” Darcy said. “They are in London, as yet unmarried.” His cousin frowned at this revelation. “But I was able to persuade Wickham to it. An announcement of their engagement has been placed in tomorrow’s paper, and Lydia arrived at the Gardiners’ house three hours ago. They will be married within the week.”

“Damn it! You have left nothing for me to do!” Fitzwilliam scowled and turned away, leaning his elbows on the marble balustrade of the veranda.

Darcy had anticipated his cousin’s dissatisfaction. “I feared that only immediate monetary incentive would prevent Wickham’s flight.”

Richard gave a derisive snort. “I made my wishes clear. I did not wish you to take on the expense!”

Darcy ignored the outburst. “There is much still to be accomplished, which I am happy to leave in your hands.” His interest piqued, Richard glanced over his shoulder at Darcy. “The agreement with Wickham will need Mr. Bennet’s approval.” His cousin regarded him with narrowed eyes. “I do not wish anyone to know of my involvement. Wickham is sworn to secrecy, and Lydia is unaware of my role.”

Realization dawned on Richard’s face. “So you have accomplished all the work, and I a

m to take all the credit!”

Darcy nodded. “It is fitting. I have no desire to explain my history with Wickham to the Bennets, and they will be grateful for your assistance.” Darcy grimaced. “I do not need their gratitude—and would prefer they never know.”

Richard regarded him soberly. “Only you would prefer to conceal the best of yourself from others.” He sighed heavily. “Very well, I will abide by your wishes, but you must allow me to reimburse your expenses.”