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Caroline began unwrapping the new bonnet she had bought, holding it up to inspect it in the light. “Mr. Darcy will surely visit Charles. They were always such good friends, and when he does, I shall be present.”

“Caroline, the man disappeared for two years, and Charles told Mr. Hurst that he has not heard from him, so perhaps their friendship is over. Besides, he had ample opportunity to court you before he left, and he never gave you a second look.”

Caroline turned to give her sister the evil eye. “When I am Mistress of Pemberley, do not think you will be invited!” She picked up her packages and bounded towards the door. “I shall be in my room writing a note to let Charles know that I am to visit.”

At her departure, Louisa Hurst sank down into the sofa. “All your devious planning will come to nothing, Sister. Would that you had accepted that fool tradesman who offered for you, and I were rid of you for good!”

Matlock House

Richard’s Ball

“I say, Margaret, he is even more handsome than I remembered. The gray in his temples makes him even more appealing. If I were not married…”

“And when has that ever stopped you, Henrietta?”

Both ladies laughed behind their fans, straining to keep watch over the handsome gentleman from Derbyshire who stood next to Colonel Fitzwilliam in the receiving line along with Lord and Lady Matlock.

“I could desire him for myself, if only I were five years younger.”

Five years? Margaret Courtland thought to herself. You would have to be twenty years younger. You are fifty, if you are a day, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is only thirty, much nearer my age. Of course, Mrs. Courtland was past forty, though she did not like to be reminded of it.

“Oh, look!” Harriet Robbins exclaimed. “That Preston woman is greeting Mr. Darcy!”

Just at that moment, Cecile Preston had made her way to him. William smiled warmly at her, making her the envy of the entire female population of the ball. His mouth actually widened into a smile, revealing two deep dimples, and there was such a collective sigh, that many a man turned to see what the woman on his arm was going on about. Subsequently, several gentlemen removed their companions to the far corners of the room—all the better to resist temptation.

Mrs. Preston curtsied impeccably, her eyes locked on her intended prize. “I am most happy to see you again, Mr. Darcy.”

“And I am equally pleased to see you, Mrs. Preston. Are you well?”

“I am in excellent health, sir. I had hoped to see you while in London. I wished to continue our discussion of the best species of ornamental plants for gardens in the northern counties. Perhaps we can do that while you are in Town.”

“Unfortunately, I will be leaving tomorrow for Meryton. I will, however, come back to London before I return to Pemberley. Perhaps, if I may have the second set, we can take up our discussion where we left off and then continue when I return.”

Her smile was brilliant, though it hardly improved her ordinary features. “The second set is yours, sir.”

Cecile Preston moved confidently into the ballroom on the arm of her uncle, the Earl of Whiteshall. She was quite pleased to see the looks of scorn on the faces of the women who had watched her interact with Mr. Darcy. She met each set of eyes head on, nodding to let them know she was assured of her place in Mr. Darcy’s company. Since her return to London, she had been diligent in spreading the news that she and the handsome bachelor had been keeping company while she stayed at her brother’s estate in Derbyshire and that she was a great confidante of his sister. By this, she hoped to stave off any ladies thinking to compete for his attention now that he was back in England.

She might not be a beauty, but she prided herself on being very clever. From Georgiana, she knew the way to Mr. Darcy’s heart was to let him think she was unaffected by his wealth and position. She dearly needed all that his money and connections could provide, but he must never suspect her baser motives. Thus far, she had been able to foster the impression that she had adequate wealth, but those funds were now dangerously low. If she was able to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy, she would have no trouble convincing him that her fool of a husband gambled away everything. She had already begun to disparage Owen Preston whenever given the opportunity, and she knew that he was sympathetic to her situation.

Once she secured Mr. Darcy, she could breathe easier, knowing that between her allowance and the household accounts, she could secret away enough to cover her gambling debts. Perhaps she could even sell some of the more obscure Darcy jewels she would undoubtedly inherit with her position. How she had ever gotten so far in debt to that scoundrel was beyond her, but she would curb her enthusiasm for the horses until she was Mrs. Darcy. Smiling with satisfaction, she made her way toward a group of her contemporaries. This evening was going to be a triumph. She could feel it.

“Ornamental plants?” Richard smirked, leaning in to whisper to William as they both watched Mrs. Preston depart. “You discuss plants? How romantic!”

“Hush!” William said, elbowing his cousin to shift his attention to the next person in line. There was such a throng in attendance that the receiving line took nearly an hour. With every mother having available daughters, every widow, and quite a handful of married ladies all vying for Mr. Darcy’s attention, it took an extraordinary amount of time for everyone to be properly acknowledged.

For his part, William had forgotten just how painful it was to be introduced to almost every available female in London, and seemingly half of England, in one evening. However, firmly planted by his side, Richard never ceased to appreciate the magnetism of his dour cousin. While the ladies were waiting to address Mr. I-am-too-bored-to-smile Darcy, Richard carried on lively conversations with one prospect after the other, and by the end of the spectacle, had been granted a set for every dance. Finally, the last person was greeted, and the ball began in earnest.

As they moved into the room to the sound of the musicians tuning their instruments, Richard kidded, “Oh, come now, Cousin! That was not so painful.” He elbowed William. “At least you are assured of one set with your botanist friend!”

William’s voice was low and controlled. “Richard.”

“Perhaps, you shall even discuss the need for a male and female of each species!” With that, Richard chuckled and moved toward the lovely lady who had granted him the first set, just as everyone lined up for the dance.

~~~*~~~

“Well, I do not see what he sees in that wallflower!” Mrs. Courtland sneered, having seen Mrs. Preston elicit another smile from Mr. Darcy as they danced. “She has no beauty, no figure. Why, her bosom is as flat as a child’s.”

“Perhaps her accomplishments lie elsewhere.” Mrs. Walton retorted. “Perhaps she is proficient in the bedroom.” Their cackling laughs brought several pairs of jealous eyes in their direction, all of whom were thinking the same thing but were not imprudent enough to voice it aloud.