Miss Darcy's Beaux by Eliza Shearer

Author:Eliza Shearer [Shearer, Eliza]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-05T04:00:00+00:00

I sensed a wave of happiness mixed with distress. Don Cosimo wanted to see me again. His request for concealment clashed once more with what I believed was right, but the pull his eyes had over me was too hard to ignore. I considered my options. Lady Catherine did not enjoy going out in the afternoon, much preferring the morning for outings in her barouche. She certainly wouldn't agree to a ride in the park.

There was only one other course of action.

I folded the letter carefully and stashed it at the bottom of the trunk, with Don Cosimo's other note and Captain Prince's hip flask. As dangerous as it was to keep the letters amongst my belongings, they were at least easy to destroy. The flask, however, was equally compromising, and a whole other matter. If my cousin or my aunt found it amongst my undergarments, I would have to give many unpleasant explanations. I had to do something about it, and soon. With determination, I shut the trunk and dressed for dinner.

It was to be a quiet evening, with just the three of us dining in the house. When I went downstairs with Lady Catherine, my cousin was already waiting. He had been away and I had not seen him for a few days, but he appeared to be delighted to be back. He came towards us with open arms.

"My dear ladies! It is a pleasure to be able to join you for dinner tonight. It has been a busy few weeks for me, and I apologise for not having spent as much time in your company as I would have desired."

I smiled and nodded, but my aunt wasn't so easily mollified.

"We are glad to have you with us, Colonel. However, your lack of attentiveness of late has been most disconcerting. I ignore the nature of the affairs that have been keeping you away from us, although I have my suspicions. However, I fully expect you not to neglect us as much in future. As the only man in the house, it is your duty to escort us."

"Of course, Lady Catherine,” he said, looking mildly uncomfortable. Then, turning towards me, he asked, "Georgiana, have you seen many of the sights the capital city has to offer?"

It was my chance. I gave Colonel Fitzwilliam an account of my outings since arriving in London, detailing the places and attractions I had been to, gently leading him to the point that interested me.

"Believe it or not, Cousin, I have yet to visit Hyde Park, although it is just around the corner. I have been told that it is a most excellent place for getting fresh air and exercise."

Colonel Fitzwilliam bit the bait.

"Lady Catherine, have you not taken Georgiana to Hyde Park yet?"

My aunt glanced towards me with indifference.

"She can walk there with her maidservant anytime."

I could feel my hopes disappear, but my cousin intervened with his usual charm.

"But where is the enjoyment in that, Lady Catherine? I am sure Georgiana is thinking

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