His Uncle's Favorite Read online

  Elizabeth’s eyebrows instantly rose in wonder at such a statement, and she turned to her aunt, awaiting her guidance, while the young lady burst out laughing.

  “Papa, you have a peculiar notion of what constitutes proper introductions.”

  “Indeed, your lordship, these are my dear nieces.” Mrs. Gardiner attempted to hide her amusement. “Please allow me to present to you Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Jane, Elizabeth, I am honoured to introduce you to our very special guests, Lord Matlock and Lady Selina Brightmore.”

  All three ladies curtseyed properly while the earl apologised to Mrs. Gardiner for interrupting her and then, with no further consideration, interrupted his own daughter who had started to talk to Elizabeth. Elizabeth could not restrain a peal of laughter and hurried to cover her mouth with her hand. Jane barely kept her countenance.

  “Miss Bennet, there is no cause for uneasiness. I am not as frightening as I might appear on first acquaintance. And you, Miss Elizabeth―you should never hide your laugh; there is nothing more charming than a beautiful woman’s laugh!”

  “And you, dearest Papa, should not speak so frankly to young ladies you have just met. It is not acceptable behaviour,” Lady Selina said. Lord Matlock only waved his hand without much consideration for his daughter’s concern.

  “Thank you for the compliment, your lordship,” Elizabeth answered, moving to the couch, followed closely by Jane, and whispering: “At least I think it was a compliment…”

  “It certainly was a compliment. Did it sound otherwise?” Lord Matlock inquired, and Elizabeth was afraid she might have upset him.

  Mrs. Gardiner seemed amused as did Lady Selina. Jane was positively lost, unable to say anything to the earl.

  “No indeed, Lord Matlock,” Elizabeth replied neutrally and politely. “Thank you.”

  “Heavens, I certainly hope you do not intend to thank me the entire evening, Miss Elizabeth. That is not what I expect from you.”

  Jane’s eyes widened in shock. The earl had the strangest manners she had ever seen!

  “And may I dare ask what exactly your lordship does expect from me?” Rather than being intimidated, Elizabeth’s spirit rose; and her boldness, encouraged by her aunt’s clear approval, defeated any shyness. If the earl was as Mrs. Gardiner described him and showed so little consideration for decorum and the rules of politeness, then why would she feel embarrassed? After all, she had done nothing wrong; even his daughter openly disapproved his directness.

  “Ahhh, very good, you have spirit! Well, let us see: from what Mrs. Gardiner told me about you, I expect interesting subjects, witty conversation, amusing stories about your home―and maybe some music after dinner. I understand you are very talented.”

  “I am afraid your lordship might be disappointed because, unfortunately, my aunt grossly exaggerated my merits and my talent in music.”

  “Really? What a shame… Then I shall have to be content with your charming presence. Of course, I would say the same thing about Miss Bennet, whose appearance is as bright as a summer day, but she seems determined to ignore me completely. I am quite positive she has come to detest me in only a few minutes―”

  “Oh no, no, please do not believe that… I beg your forgiveness. I would never dare to… Please forgive me,” said Jane, pale, her eyes moving from her aunt to her sister and then back to the earl.

  Lord Matlock’s expression changed instantly, and to everyone’s surprise, he came closer and bowed to Jane, his voice gentle and perfectly polite.

  “Miss Bennet, it is I who should beg your forgiveness for placing you in a distressful situation with my poor attempt at a joke. I hope you will accept my apologies and not harbour any hard feelings towards an old man.”

  “Indeed, Miss Bennet,” Lady Selina intervened kindly. “We intruded upon you unexpectedly, and it appears we did not choose the best of moments. You have nothing about which to be sorry. As for our familiarity, which perhaps trespassed the limits of decorum, it is only due to our close friendship with Mrs. Gardiner. Perhaps we should leave now. We only wanted to inform you that we decided to have dinner at my father’s house tomorrow evening.”

  Jane smiled nervously as she swallowed some more water. “Oh, please do not consider leaving. I am very happy to meet you, Lady Selina…and Lord Matlock. It is just that I have not felt well today. Please do not presume it is your fault.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes searched the earl’s face, and she could see he was regretful. Again, a strange sensation of familiarity crossed her mind; he reminded her of somebody, a person well known to her, yet she could not identify the puzzling resemblance.

  “I think we should let this distressing moment pass, your lordship…Lady Selina,” Mrs. Gardiner kindly intervened. “It is nobody’s fault that it occurred. Jane is not feeling well, as she said. As for harbouring any hard feelings, certainly, neither she nor any of us would take offence at a mere joke. Let us resume our places. Dinner is ready.”

  As Mrs. Gardiner hoped, the incident passed, and by the second dish, Jane dared to join Elizabeth and Lady Selina’s conversation and even to answer a couple of the earl’s questions. However, the earl proved to be consistent in his regret and considerate towards her; his tone and the nature of his questions as he spoke to Jane remained gentle, and he put aside any attempt at mockery.

  Yet, another uncomfortable moment occurred when the earl asked Jane whether she enjoyed the morning ride with Mrs. Gardiner; for no apparent reason, Jane turned pale and remained silent again. From that moment, the earl did not insist further in drawing Miss Bennet into conversation. Lady Selina, however, continued to speak to Jane warmly.

  “So,” Lady Selina told both Jane and Elizabeth, “I have two elder brothers. I am the only lady in the family as I have two boys of my own. Can you imagine how spoiled I am?”

  “I have four sisters, and poor Papa is the only man in the family, so I really cannot imagine how it would be to be surrounded only by gentlemen.” Elizabeth laughed.

  “Well, you will be able to experience that in our house as we will have many male cousins attending the dinner, and my husband, who is out of town now on some urgent matters, will also be there,” replied Lady Selina.

  “Indeed, I have lots of nephews,” Lord Matlock approved. “Among them there are a couple of nieces but I tell you: there is far too little beauty in our family,” Lord Matlock concluded, resigned, sipping some wine.

  “You have a lovely family, your lordship, and having had the pleasure of meeting your sons, I dare say they are as handsome as they are worthy and admirable,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

  “Well, well, they are, I agree, and I thank God for that. However, as I said, there is far too little beauty in our family,” he repeated, to the ladies’ utter amusement.

  “Well, then your lordship can only hope all your sons and nephews will marry beautiful ladies and solve your problem,” Elizabeth replied.

  “You are correct, Miss Elizabeth. However, appearance is not the only thing a woman needs to bring beauty into a man’s life.” Once more his expression, the small smile hidden on his lips, and the furrow between his eyebrows looked annoyingly familiar to Elizabeth.

  When dinner finished, Jane dared to announce she would retire to her room as she was still not feeling well. The earl wished her a restful night and insisted she should take care of herself. Lady Selina took her hands and even kissed her cheeks; her gesture pleased Elizabeth exceedingly as it erased any offence that Bingley’s sisters gave her earlier. Jane took her leave with grace and perfect politeness, accompanied by Elizabeth who helped her to her chamber.

  “Oh, Lizzy, I made a fool of myself. What will the earl think of me? And Lady Selina―I could not believe how kind she was. Both were kind, in fact, though the earl is so frighteningly outspoken at times; I hope he was not upset with my lack of spirit.

  “Jane, do not be silly! You did nothing wrong; it was the earl who behaved strangely. He is indeed a little frightening, though his daughter
is adorable. If I did not know better, I would never guess he is a peer; his manners are more than…questionable. But at least he was amiable enough to understand when he crossed the line, and he sincerely apologised. That is also strange for an earl, I presume.” Elizabeth laughed.

  “He is strange indeed, but he was considerate with me. Lizzy, are you sure he does not persist in believing I detest him? How could he imagine that?”

  “You worry too much! You must sleep until late tomorrow morning; do not forget that in two days’ time we are invited to Lord Matlock’s for dinner. You surely need all your strength to bear an entire evening in his company. In the meantime, I will try to draw his attention upon me. If I could bear Mr. Collins for an entire set and manage to escape his marriage proposal, I surely can bear Lord Matlock’s mockery.”

  They separated in the hall with a warm embrace, and Elizabeth watched her sister until she disappeared upstairs. Jane was indeed not well, not well at all. Fortunately, she would regain her spirits soon, and no doctor would be needed. Yet, Elizabeth had to admit that Lord Matlock had been very kind in offering his assistance. And what were those meaningful glances between her aunt and Lady Selina?

  ***

  Less than a quarter hour later, Elizabeth re-joined the others. The conversation was easily carried―light, open and friendly. Gradually, Lord Matlock’s attention was directed entirely towards Elizabeth.

  “So, Miss Elizabeth, your father’s estate is entailed from what I heard. That must be very uncomfortable.”

  “It might be, but for the moment we have no reason to worry. My father, thank the Lord, is in perfect health, and we hope to have him with us for many, many years.”

  “And in the meantime, I am sure you will all marry and quite well. If all your sisters are as beautiful as you and Miss Bennet, you truly have no reason to worry,” said Lady Selina.

  “Your ladyship is very kind; Jane is indeed beautiful, and all my sisters are pleasant girls. However, as they are young yet, I surely hope they will not marry any time soon.”“So, do you like London, Miss Elizabeth? Have you been in town often?” asked the earl.

  “Not often. My father hates London.”

  “Ah, a country gentleman who hates London; I surely can sympathise with him. I would hate London too but, unfortunately, I cannot indulge that.”

  “How is that, your lordship?” Elizabeth asked with amusement.

  “Well, until a few years ago my daughter used to drag me to London every season. Now my eldest son appears to have little skill in the management of our investments, so I need to come to Town more often that I would wish.”

  “I am sorry to hear that.”

  “You must not believe all of my father’s statements, Miss Elizabeth. I never dragged him to London; he insisted on coming to watch over me. He was afraid I would not marry to his liking. If you had chosen my husband, dearest Papa, I would still be single as no man was to your liking.” Lady Selina laughed affectionately.

  “You are correct in that,” he admitted then turned his attention to Elizabeth once more. “So, Miss Elizabeth, your aunt told me you are a great reader. What books do you favour?”

  “Lord Matlock, my aunt is very partial to me, and I am afraid she tends to praise me too much. I would not dare to call myself a great reader, but indeed I enjoy reading very much.”

  “Do you play and sing, too? Mrs. Gardiner said you do. May I ask for some music?”

  His request was friendly and unpretentious, and his daughter insisted too. Elizabeth, after mentioning once more that they must not expect too much, indulged them.

  “You play very well, Miss Elizabeth, but indeed not exceptionally. I imagine you do not spend much time practicing. However, it was a delight to hear you.”

  “Thank you, your lordship. You are correct; I do not practice as much as I should. I play only when it gives me pleasure. I am relieved you were not disappointed.”

  “Not at all; quite the contrary. Your performance is like yourself: pleasant, merry and natural. I appreciate that.”

  “You are very kind! I imagine you are accustomed to superior performances.”

  “It depends what you understand by superior. I notice all mothers insist their daughters waste their time learning all manner of silly things in order to become accomplished―whatever that might mean. And I cringe when I hear a young girl play with no passion or feeling, only good technique. That is not superior if you ask me.”

  “I must say I agree; but then again, your theory is advantageous for me, so I might be partial,” Elizabeth replied, laughing.

  “Music depends on talent. My daughter learned to play for years and had the most prodigious masters. Yet, her performance is not nearly as good as yours.”

  His statement surprised Elizabeth by its directness, but Lady Selina did not seem at all bothered; she only nodded in agreement with the same open smile.

  “On the other hand,” he continued, “my favourite niece, who is only sixteen, performs like an angel. I could listen to her forever. She is as shy as your sister, by the way…”

  “My sister is not especially shy,” Elizabeth replied tentatively. “She is not feeling well at the moment, but she is very easy in company…most of the time.”

  “I see… I confess I am convinced she is either shy or ill. If not that, then she has experienced some disappointment in love.” He gave a satisfied laugh until he saw Elizabeth’s countenance change. Lady Selina and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged another quick glance.

  “I…I would rather not speak of my sister. She will be well soon; that is all that matters.”

  “Of course we should not talk about Miss Bennet’s private affairs. Forgive me; I tend to speak with you as I speak to my family, and that is unacceptable. I apologise if I offended you.”

  “No indeed; there was no offence at all. We may speak of my private affairs if your lordship wishes.” Elizabeth was enjoying the conversation; she liked Lady Selina, and even came to be at ease with the earl. Instead of feeling offended, she appreciated that he was speaking to her, a tradesman’s niece, as if he were speaking to his own children.

  “Are you suffering from a disappointment in love too, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “Unfortunately for the development of our conversation―not at all, sir.”

  “I would have guessed that. But are you by any chance engaged or soon to be engaged?”

  “This is not a proper question either, Lord Matlock. And, before considering whether I should answer, may I ask why you are interested in knowing?”

  “Because, Miss Elizabeth, I confess you have charmed me utterly and completely. And, since I am too old to pursue you myself, I am seriously considering marrying you to one of my sons.”

  “Papa!” cried Lady Selina. “You will embarrass Miss Elizabeth completely!”

  “Lord Matlock,” intervened Mrs. Gardiner, who had attended them in silence until that moment, “would you like another glass of brandy? And may I suggest postponing the marriage arrangements for a while? After all, you only met Lizzy this very evening. You might discover she is not always as nice as she seems.”

  “I surely hope that is true. A woman who is pleasant all the time would be very boring. Very well, I will have another drink and be silent for a minute or two. That would be my fourth, I think. I am already feeling a little too well humoured. Now, you know my sons very well, Mrs. Gardiner. Do you think Miss Bennet would be suited for either of them?”

  “Or, better said, Aunt, do you think I could be prevailed upon to marry one of them?” Elizabeth smiled, and both the earl and his daughter turned to her with surprise.

  “Miss Elizabeth, that is a very interesting statement. You mean to imply that you would refuse an offer of marriage from an earl’s son?”

  “I would certainly refuse an offer from any man I could not respect and care deeply for, sir. I believe there is nothing worse than a marriage without affection.”

  “Respect and affection might come later in marriage; you should
know that. But then again, perhaps you are too young and impulsive to consider all aspects.” The earl watched Elizabeth with equal interest and disbelief.

  “They might come later, but I would not risk presuming so. I would rather wait to be certain of my feelings before accepting a proposal.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, I wholeheartedly agree with you!” said Lady Selina enthusiastically.

  The earl stared at Elizabeth with a smirk on his lips. “You express your opinion very decidedly for someone so young, Miss Elizabeth. I appreciate that very much―very much indeed.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Elizabeth replied with a friendly smile. She knew the earl had no intention of marrying her to either of his sons, yet she could also sense the honesty in his praise. She was pleased to be complimented in such a manner by an illustrious―though very strange―gentleman.

  “So, while we try to decide your future in marriage, Miss Elizabeth, let us speak of literature. Who is your favourite author?”

  Elizabeth breathed deeply, relieved at the change of topic from delicate to completely safe. Yes, discussing literature would do.

  Chapter 2

  The next day, late in the afternoon, Lord Matlock was sitting in his library, deep in the study of his ledgers. He took another glass of brandy—one too many, his daughter would say.

  “Good day, Father. May we keep you company?” Colonel Fitzwilliam sauntered into the room with Mr. Darcy in his wake.

  “Of course, of course. What a pleasant surprise! My favourite nephew finally comes to see me. Where did you find this stranger, Son?”

  “Good evening, Uncle. Forgive me, I did not mean to neglect you. As you know, I just returned to Town a couple of weeks ago, and before that I was at Pemberley, so—”

  “Yes, yes, I know you are quite busy and dutiful. Now you had better tell me how you have been. Will you surprise me with any interesting news? Any interesting lady?”

  “I am sorry to disappoint you, Uncle. I have no interesting news to share and most certainly not about interesting ladies. Unfortunately, I cannot surprise you.”