Constant as the Sun by Diana J. Oaks

Author:Diana J. Oaks
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: darcy, jaff, london 1800s, darcy and elizabeth, darcy and elizabeth courtship, intrigue and murder, intrigue and mystery
Publisher: Diana J. Oaks

Chapter Fourteen

THE SECRET

Robert Darcy relaxed in the comfort of his cousin’s study, waiting and listening. The walls muffled the sounds of the farewells, the laughter and chatter fading as those leaving for Gardiner House boarded the coaches. After the carriages had rolled, a quieter ritual ensued as the rest of the household said goodnight.

Darcy joined him a moment later, his expression strangely sheepish.

“You are to be congratulated,” Robert said. “I have never before witnessed the sight of one man managing so many ladies in all my life. Mrs Bennet is certainly a spirited woman.”

“I shall have to introduce you to Mr Bennet,” Darcy replied as he poured himself a drink and, after an enquiring look, filled a second for his guest. “He handles his wife and daughters as none I have ever seen before.”

Robert received the wine with gratitude. “I had no expectation of meeting all six of the female Bennets tonight. Such beauty in one family is rare indeed. Your friend Bingley boasted that they are widely considered the jewels of Hertfordshire County.”

“That is true, and Bingley wasted no time in securing the hand of the eldest gem for himself,” Darcy said and, with a certain degree of self-satisfaction, added, “Happily, the second eldest shall be Mrs Darcy come summer. Miss Mary is soon to be wed to their parson—her mother has brought her to town to purchase her wedding clothes. Hertfordshire’s treasures have dwindled.”

“Only two remain unattached, then.” Robert rubbed his finger absently around the lip of the cup. “How old are they?”

Darcy frowned. “Miss Lydia, the youngest, is not yet sixteen, but I believe Miss Catherine is seventeen.”

“I had not thought Miss Lydia so young.”

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