Free His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian Page B

something and did not succeed in achieving it.”
    “As I once said, Mr. Darcy seems a gentleman with numerous merits and few faults.” Elizabeth smiled meaningfully to her aunt.
    Miss Darcy watched her carefully and spoke with a low voice and more seriousness than the moment required. “I am pleased to see you have such a high opinion of my brother, Miss Elizabeth. Indeed, he is the best of men.”
    Again, Elizabeth struggled to respond. Though she had spoken in jest, Miss Darcy took her words in earnest. She glanced to her sister, who appeared lost in her thoughts, and then to her aunt, who was watching her with interest.
    “However, if Darcy discovers our missing Mr. Bingley in time, I will face a difficult dilemma: can I invite Mr. Bingley to the ball without his sisters? Upon my word, I have never in my life been in the difficult position of liking a gentleman so much while disliking his sisters so completely.”
    Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy blushed in embarrassment while Elizabeth laughed. “I am pleased to see we are similar in our dislikes, Lady Selina.”
    “Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst might be difficult sometimes, but they are nice persons,” offered Jane, and Miss Darcy kindly approved her.
    Lady Selina interrupted them with a harsh gesture. “I am confident you are taking their side only because you are both kind and generous, else I would be upset over your poor judgement of character. They are arrogant, impolite, too pleased with themselves, too inconsiderate for others’ feelings—and they share a horrid taste in gowns,” she concluded as Elizabeth hid her mirth behind a teacup.
    “I fear you must invite the entire family to the ball to enjoy Mr. Bingley’s presence,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, and Lady Selina rolled her eyes in displeasure while Jane paled at the prospect of Mr. Bingley’s attendance.
    “Yes, I know. My only comfort is that my brothers, my husband, and Darcy will be even more displeased as I will force them all to dance with Miss Bingley.”
    Her remark made the other ladies chuckle, and the time passed in pleasant conversation. Miss Darcy showed little interest in the ball as she had no plan to participate, but she was delighted to make arrangements for a night at the opera in three days’ time. Also, the visit to the modiste for the next day was arranged, including an unexpected invitation to her house afterward from Miss Darcy, an invitation gladly accepted.
    Half an hour later, an interruption brought their conversation to an end. Strong voices, the fresh air of winter, and three gentlemen entered, stealing smiles from the ladies.
    Mrs. Gardiner greeted the new visitors with proper courtesy and obvious pleasure. “Lord Matlock, Lord Fitzwilliam, Colonel Fitzwilliam—so delighted to see you all!”
    “Mrs. Gardiner…” The earl bowed to her then cast a quick glance around the room. “Well, soon enough you will be invaded by the entire Fitzwilliam family.”
    “Be assured I am always happy to see you, your lordship.”
    Lady Selina placed a kiss on her father’s cheek. “I will allow you gentlemen the privilege of entertaining these beautiful ladies as I have to leave. My husband must be home by now, and I will not have him waiting for me. Georgiana, should I take you home?”
    “Dearest, do not leave; Darcy will fetch you shortly,” the colonel intervened, and all the ladies turned to him. “I met Darcy an hour ago. He had some business, but he will join us soon to take you home.”
    After a moment of hesitation, Miss Darcy resumed her place on the settee while Elizabeth wondered what extraordinary event might entice Mr. Darcy to Cheapside. Did Mr. Darcy even know where Cheapside was?
    “Miss Elizabeth, I hope I am not interrupting your thoughts,” said the earl.
    “No, your lordship,” Elizabeth replied warmly. He remained silent a few moments before a smile spread over his face as he asked Elizabeth for coffee. She obliged and offered him a cup.
    “So, Miss