Miss Darcy's Beaux Read online

  Kitty was the first one to talk.

  "Who was he, Miss Darcy?"

  "Don Cosimo Giovanni Ludovico, Prince of Rasiglia and Ponziano," I answered in a daze.

  "A prince! I knew it. He looks just like royalty ought to look!" she cried.

  "Italian princes are not technically royalty," added Mary.

  "Oh, Miss Darcy, he is dreamy! He must be rich as well, going into that shop."

  "Mary, Kitty, I believe Lady Catherine's coachman has been waiting for us long enough. We do not want to upset him – or his mistress. Let's go."

  Mrs Gardiner clearly didn't allow herself to be impressed by a title or a foreign national, no matter how green his eyes and elegant his appearance. With that said, we headed back to the meeting point previously agreed with the coachman.

  On the way back to Grosvenor Square I deliberately ignored the enquiring looks of the Bennet ladies and opted instead to look out of the window. I was in turmoil. It was uncanny how similar Don Cosimo's countenance was to that of the man I had loved. But was my new acquaintance the real object of my attraction or did I just long for the attention of someone capable of stepping into the memory of Wickham? I couldn't answer that question. I prayed that time would give me perspective and clarity.

  On the way back I asked the coachman to drive past the corner where we had seen the street children a few days before, but there was no sight of them. An old man with a long filthy beard and a wooden leg had taken their spot. I felt foolish. It was silly to expect that they should still be there, waiting for my coins. Disappointed, I sighed, the coins in my reticule burning like the brightest fire.

  Chapter 12

  Lady Catherine seemed as satisfied as a well-fed cat upon hearing that I had run into Don Cosimo on South Molton Street. Colonel Fitzwilliam, on the contrary, appeared somewhat alarmed, his eyebrows arched, his fists clenched, but didn't say a word about the encounter.

  As for me, I was torn in two. To myself, I had to admit a natural inclination for Captain Price, but as Lady Catherine had already pointed out, my feelings must not be allowed to develop into real affection, because his cause as potential suitor was a lost one. At the same time, Don Cosimo stirred intense and tangled emotions inside of me. Under his gaze, I felt beautiful and lovable, but the memory of our last encounter was tainted with guilt. Had I not met him behind my family's back? However much I tried to convince myself that I had done nothing wrong, that Don Cosimo had behaved most honourably towards me, and that ours was just the kind of gallant flirtation that worldly ladies have all the time, the secrecy troubled me.

  That same evening, the footman brought another note in the handwriting I immediately recognised as Don Cosimo's. I brought the letter to my nose. It was scented, just like last time. I ripped it open as soon as the servant had left the room.

  My dearest Miss D.,

  I thank you, my fair lady, for answering the call of this poor man desperate to behold you. We must meet again. I will go for a ride in Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon. You must find a suitable excuse and partner to join me there. Once we set eyes on each other, I will find a way to speak to you. I look forward to seeing your fair countenance again soon.

  Your faithful servant,

  C.

  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 of going for a ride in the afternoon, when the most refined society take to the park in their best attires, horses and carriages. It is quite a spectacle, one that everyone should behold at least once in a lifetime, would you not agree?"

  I plucked up the courage to intervene.

  "If I could borrow your barouche again, aunt, I could invite Mrs Gardiner and the Misses Bennet to join me. I know they would be delighted."

  My aunt shrugged her shoulders.

  "I find all that parading rather vulgar, but I suppose it will do you good to be seen. Just make sure you wear your wide parasol, and do not expect me to join you."

  I could have embraced her.

  "Of course Aunt."

  "That's all settled then," she said, dismissing me with a wave of her hand. "I will ask Waller to wax the barouche especially for the occasion."

  Colonel Fitzwilliam observed me with tenderness.

  "I can tell you are delighted with the prospect of the Hyde Park excursion, Georgiana." He was gently squeezing my hand. "You know how to appreciate the simple things in life, and that is one of the reasons why I admire you so."

  I smiled faintly in his direction, then addressed Lady Catherine again.

  "I thank you, Aunt. I will write to Mrs Gardiner at once."

  My cousin's brow creased.

  "Mrs Gardiner? No, there will be but two spaces left in the barouche. Let's invite Mr and Mrs Collins instead."

  I looked at the Colonel, my mouth agape. That he might want to accompany me to Hyde Park had not even crossed my mind. After all, he had avoided most social engagements with my aunt or myself since arriving in town.

  He took my hand to his mouth and kissed it. I coloured deeply, confused by his gesture.

  "But you needn't worry about it, dear Georgiana. I will take care of it."

  With a heavy heart, I bit the inside of my cheeks so as not to let my disappointment show.

  Although not in the manner I had anticipated, the following afternoon I was
riding in Hyde Park in my aunt's barouche. London had the grey tinge of cloudy days and it appeared to be in need of a good scrub, as if the maid in charge of keeping it clean was losing her eyesight and couldn't quite see the dust build-up. In spite of the weather, there were many carriages, their passengers out to see and be seen. It was quite a sight. Ladies and gentlemen were wearing their most elegant afternoon clothes, in a parade of the latest fashions from Paris and the Continent. Chaises, phaetons, landauettes and curricles crowded the broad avenues of the park, some with brightly coloured livery, all impeccably shiny even under the miserable sky.

  Mr Collins was in good spirits. He only ceased to praise Lady Catherine's generosity when we arrived at the gates of the park and he entered a tirade on the vainness and shallowness of some human hearts. Immediately afterwards, he pointed to a particularly ornate-looking curricle.

  "Mrs Collins, I wonder if we should look into acquiring one of such vehicles once we move to our future home. I will require a rapid means of transport to get to my parishioners, and the Longbourn income should allow amply for this kind of expense, do you not think?"

  Mrs Collins started to explain, in the most diplomatic way possible, that it would be best to wait before making any plans, probably much aware that achieving what her husband was so openly discussing required the death of my beloved sister-in-law's father. But I was barely listening to what they were saying. Instead, I was looking around with eagerness, to see if I could locate Don Cosimo nearby.

  The crowd was much larger than I had anticipated. There were scores of gentlemen and even some ladies on horseback, but I didn't recognise the prince among them. Perhaps Don Cosimo preferred to go in his carriage, but there were so many. Then I realised: I did not know what his livery colours were. Lady Catherine, Mrs Gardiner, even Mrs Wickham would have known to ask the footman before leaving the house, but the thought had not even occurred to me.

  After some minutes of observation, I, at last, identified one of the riders, on a magnificent white stallion. It wasn't Don Cosimo but Captain Wentworth. He recognised me, nodded in my direction and approached our barouche with a broad smile, which I immediately returned. My cousin was looking at him with some suspicion.

  "Captain Wentworth, allow me to introduce my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr and Mrs Collins," I quickly said.

  Cousin Fitzwilliam seemed to immediately relax and eagerly extended his hand.

  "Captain Wentworth, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard many good things about you and your lovely wife."

  Two other gentlemen on horseback approached us. Captain Price came first, his broad-shouldered silhouette enhanced by his powerful mount. He was looking more attractive than I remembered, his blue eyes piercing in the daylight, and my whole body tingled upon seeing him. Unfortunately, my spirits took a turn for the worse upon recognising the second rider, who turned out to be the red-haired fellow that I suspected had witnessed my conversation with Lady Catherine at Almack's. I was mortified. I lowered my gaze, praying that my fears were unfounded.

  Unaware of my embarrassment, Captain Wentworth introduced Captain Price and the second gentleman, a Captain Lowry. Captain Lowry gave me a serious look, but Captain Price seemed his usual frank self. I felt a wave of relief. It didn't look like his friend had informed him of what he had witnessed two days prior.

  After some initial conversation, my cousin addressed Captain Price.

  "Have we met before, Captain? I believe I recognise you."

  "I assure you that we haven't been introduced, Colonel," Captain Price tersely answered, “but it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

  I smiled at his words, and he noticed, for he smiled as well.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam quickly learnt that Captain Wentworth was as keen a sportsman as himself, and what followed was a lively conversation between the two about the best conditions for the hunt, the kind of weapons preferred, the largest pieces captured and the skills and obedience of their respective pointers.

  While this was going on, I discreetly observed Captain Price. He took it as an invite to speak to him, and approached me with a smile.

  “Miss Darcy, I believe I met some close family connections of yours the other day at a military ball. I see the look of surprise on your face, but I assure you, soldiers and sailors do mix on occasion. The three ladies in question were Mrs Wickham, who I understand is married to an officer, Miss Bennet and Miss Catherine Bennet."

  So Lydia had not remained at Pemberley long. That her sisterly affection for Elizabeth should not extend to looking after her when she was unwell should not have come as a surprise. Nevertheless, at the mention of her, my heart stopped. I could not help but wonder if her husband was with her, but I forced myself to appear perfectly composed and not say a word on the matter.

  "We didn't speak long," continued the Captain, "but Mrs Wickham promptly informed me that Pemberley was the home of her sister, Mrs Darcy. I immediately thought of you and mentioned that we were acquainted."

  A shiver of pleasure tingled down my spine.

  So he had thought of me.

  "Mrs Wickham also told me that her husband spent his childhood in Pemberley, due to him being the son of your father’s steward. That she should be doubly connected to your family's ancestral home is an extraordinary coincidence, is it not?"

  I reddened. It was unpleasant to be reminded that Lydia enjoyed boasting about her Pemberley connections at every opportunity, but I managed to remain calm.

  "She is a very charming lady," added Captain Price, unaware of my distress.

  His words twisted my insides, and for an instant I wished that Mr Collins had overheard Captain Price's comments and was compelled to intervene. However, my aunt's vicar was busy observing the wealth and rank of passers-by and providing his wife with a running commentary on who was who.

  Captain Price tried to engage me further in conversation, but all my appetite for his company had vanished. He seemed confused. I noticed Captain Lowry look at him with concern, then turn towards me with his brow creased.

  Meanwhile, my cousin seemed very pleased with Captain Wentworth.

  "It is tremendously enjoyable to find men who are so fond of hunting, Captain. I find that some of the company one encounters in London is more interested in less wholesome pursuits. My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is hosting a dinner party on Tuesday night and I am sure she would be delighted if the three of you and Mrs Wentworth were kind enough to join us. I must show you the splendid hunting gun I bought recently. It is superb for bird shooting."

  I looked at my cousin with some alarm, but it was too late: Captain Wentworth readily accepted the invitation and Captain Price also assented, searching for my gaze immediately afterwards. I couldn't return it. I was looking at Captain Lowry, who gave his friend a sideway glance, before also agreeing to the plan.

  We said goodbye to the captains and the barouche took us for another leap around the park. I didn't see Don Cosimo, nor was I able to look for him, for I was busy answering my cousin's questions about the gentlemen we had just met. He was particularly impressed by Captain Wentworth.

  "A pleasant sort of fellow. There are many like him in the Navy. They have a tough job, but he appears to have done very well for himself. Not all sailors get to marry a baronet's daughter. How much do you say he has?"

  I blushed. I found discussing one or one's friends' wealth a weary topic of conversation, no matter how generally acceptable it was. Nevertheless, I gave the Colonel the information he required, and he seemed pleased with my answers. He then moved on to Captain Price and began to say how convinced he was that their paths had crossed previously. Just like me, he was incapable of associating the distinguished Navy captain we had just met, his dress carefully starched, his horse beautifully brushed, with the ragged man who had come to my assistance at the inn. I could have spoken then, but I kept quiet. My delicacy prevented me from bringing up a circumstance that would embarrass my cousin greatly, so Captain Price's i
dentity continued to be a shared secret between my saviour and me.

  We left Mr and Mrs Collins back in their rooms and arrived at Grosvenor Street hungry, but delighted with the outing. Lady Catherine, just as I had imagined, was none too happy upon hearing that Colonel Fitzwilliam had extended an invitation on her behalf to Captain Wentworth and his friends.

  "Oh, I do not object to Captain Wentworth. He is a very elegant man, and his wife is Lord Elliot's daughter. Hers is a very respectable family. However, that Captain Lowry is a perfect stranger, even if you say that his manners are pleasant. And I do not like seeing Captain Price near Georgiana."

  "How so, Lady Catherine? He is a nice enough fellow, and of course he will be perfectly aware that she is well out of his station."

  "Young men get funny ideas these days, Colonel. The rules are not as clearly drawn as they were in my day. But you are right. If he is as bright as he seems, he will know that Georgiana will not even consider him. Now, we will need more ladies to even out the numbers, but at such short notice I am not sure we will be able to find any."

  Colonel Fitzwilliam suggested inviting Mr and Mrs Gardiner and the Misses Bennet. After a long silence, Lady Catherine sighed.

  "I suppose they will have to do".

  Later, when I was in the parlour, a servant discreetly handed me a scented note in the now familiar handwriting.

  My most darling Miss D.,

  This afternoon I had the immense pleasure of beholding your delightful face in Hyde Park. The joy in my heart I cannot describe for want of words. That you have again responded to my plea makes me the happiest of men.

  My felicity was only marred by the fact that you did not appear to see me. I dared not approach your carriage when I saw you were in the company of your cousin, but I imagine his presence was probably as unwelcome to you as it was to me.

  I ache to lose myself in your eyes again. I long to see you tomorrow at your aunt's, and dance with you, and see you once more, cara mia.