The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,27

bow to his aunt, reluctantly tearing his eyes away from Prudence.

The three made their way to the party. Once again, Lady Catherine had condescended to convey the Collins’s to the Goode family. Mr. Collins kept the conversation flowing whilst the others in the carriage took solace in their own thoughts.

Thirty people made up the party at Sir James’s house. He was an amenable host, welcoming and hospitable without being overbearing.

Prudence spoke a little to every member of the family and decided that, putting aside her jealousy of Miss Goode, the whole family were thoroughly decent people. She perhaps was more inclined to find pleasure now that she had decided to take control of her life and be honest with the man she’d fallen in love with. Yes, life was proving to be very good indeed.

Before the dancing started, some of the young ladies present had the opportunity of showing off their abilities on the pianoforte. When Prudence was entreated to play, Fitzwilliam surprised her by offering his hand.

“Let us perform a duet, Cousin,” he said with his ready smile.

“Really?” Prudence squeaked. “I accepted I’d have to play, but there was no mention of singing!”

“Don’t worry. My voice will carry for us both if yours is so awful.”

“Beast,” she muttered, but a laugh gurgled, and she approached the instrument with a ready smile on her face.

If anyone watching the pair had any doubt in their mind about the affection each held for the other, by the end of the love song they performed, no one was under any illusion that there was going to be some sort of announcement in the not too distant future.

Lady Catherine looked livid, but remained poised and her usual self during the night. Even when Mr. and Mrs. Collins had been set down at the parsonage, she remained silent.

On entering Rosings, she announced to the group. “We shall have an extra at luncheon tomorrow. I expect us all to dine at one. I expect you all to gather promptly.” Without further explanation, she regally climbed the stairs, leaving the three standing in the hallway, equally puzzled.

“That sounds very mysterious,” Fitzwilliam said. “Has she given you no clue to who is joining us, Anne?”

“Not at all. I cannot think who it could be,” Anne admitted. “There’s no point in trying to find out more. Mother obviously wants it to be a surprise. I shall say my goodnight to you both.”

Prudence waited until Anne was halfway up the stairs before turning to Fitzwilliam. “I don’t expect you to rise early, but could I have a moment to speak with you after luncheon? I have something I’d like to discuss with you to both our benefit.”

“That sounds intriguing. Can we not speak of it now?”

“Better to do so when we are both clear-headed, I think,” Prudence said. “Goodnight, Fitzwilliam. Thank you for tonight. It was a pleasure performing a duet with you.”

“Your singing wasn’t too bad after all,” Fitzwilliam said with a grin. “I only had to increase the volume of my voice a time or two.”

“You really are a rascal.”

Chapter 9

The three cousins were dutifully seated in the dining room at Rosings Park by ten minutes to the hour. None of them wished to incur Lady Catherine’s wrath by being late.

The said lady walked grandly into the room, her large embroidered day coat billowing out in its usual intimidating way. Her entrance made the three of them sit up straighter in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

They didn’t have to wait long. In Lady Catherine’s wake followed Mr. Darcy, tall and resplendent in his dark coat and buff coloured breeches.

“Darcy? What the devil are you doing here?” Fitzwilliam asked, standing to greet his cousin. “Is Elizabeth well?”

“Perfectly well, I thank you,” Darcy responded shaking Fitzwilliam’s hand.

“But I thought you did not wish to travel?”

“No. I didn’t, but I received an express from Aunt Catherine,” Darcy explained. “We’ll speak later.”

Fitzwilliam returned to the dining table, a frown on his usually smooth features. Darcy walked over to Prudence, and offered a bow.

“Miss Bamber, I am glad to finally make your acquaintance.”

“And I you.” Prudence responded, but her tone was cooler than normal.

Darcy greeted Anne before taking his seat at the dining table. There was no opportunity for the cousins to find out more about the visit as Lady Catherine dominated the conversation as she was wont to do.

After they’d finished their repast, Darcey asked Fitzwilliam to join him in the study. Lady Catherine looked on in approval as the