A Fair Prospect: Volume I, II & III by Cassandra Grafton

Author:Cassandra Grafton [Grafton, Cassandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2013-11-04T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Having ensured his aunt and cousin, safely arrived from Kent not an hour since, were comfortably installed in their rooms, Darcy had returned to his study, determined not to dwell upon the upcoming evening, though in truth he could think of little else since receiving Mr Gardiner’s reciprocal note expressing their pleasure in honouring the commitment.

He picked up one of the papers, intent on following Fitzwilliam’s example where he lounged in the opposite armchair, and within a few minutes, a companionable silence hung over the room, disturbed only now and again by the flutter of paper as a page was turned.

Their peace did not endure, however, for the door suddenly flew open, and both Darcy and the Colonel looked up as Lady Catherine de Bourgh swept across the room towards them. Exchanging a quick look with each other, they put their papers aside and got to their feet.

“Aunt Catherine.” Darcy inclined his head briefly as she fetched up before his desk. “Please, do come in.”

A smothered snort from the Colonel attracted that lady’s stern eye for a second, but then she returned her gaze to her other nephew.

“What is this I hear of a dinner party this evening? Georgiana informs me you are to entertain. Why was I not informed?”

“The invitation was issued but yesterday. At the time, I was unaware of your impending arrival, and even had I been, there was no way of forewarning you. ”

The lady frowned. “I do not like to be taken unawares, Darcy. And issuing invitations but one day before a dinner – it is not the done thing.”

“Well, it was the done thing yesterday, so there it is,” interrupted the Colonel. “Indeed, the spontaneity was most stimulating. You should perhaps try it, Aunt.”

“Do not be flippant, Fitzwilliam. It does not become you. Now,” she turned back to Darcy. “I trust I am to be hostess?”

“If you wish, the offer is accepted with gratitude.”

Lady Catherine inclined her head. “And Georgiana – will she attend?”

“Of course. I believe she will enjoy the experience all the more for not having undue pressure upon her.”

She nodded, tapping her folded fan against her palm. “Quite. She will be able to observe and learn from my excellent example.” Both her nephews remained silent at this, and she continued. “I trust the guests are appropriate company for one such as Anne.”

Darcy frowned. “The company is entirely appropriate. The only detriment is that we now number four gentlemen but six ladies.”

His aunt’s brow creased in a reciprocal frown. “But that is intolerable! You must invite two more gentlemen at once.”

The Colonel chuckled. “I thought issuing invitations with little notice was not the done thing?”

Darcy suppressed the urge to smile and continued. “I have no intention of inviting random gentlemen to dine in my home simply to aid a balanced seating plan. I am certain that, with your expertise in hosting, you will triumph with the given ingredients.”

Lady Catherine expressed her opinion of this statement with a loud huff, turning on her heel to walk back towards the door.

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