Rudolph Ackermann. August 1812. Los Angeles County Museum of Art [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons
~*~*~
“My arm is not taken,” Westonbury offered.
Mary looked at the arm he offered, raised a brow while giving him a look of perturbed displeasure, and then very cautiously placed her hand on it.
“Why?” Bingley whispered to Darcy as the group began walking once again. “She obviously does not like him. Why would he subject himself to what could very likely be a lecture?”
[from Loving Lydia, book 3 in the Marrying Elizabeth Series]
Fashion Plate (Afternoon Dress for Novr. 1800); Los Angeles County Museum of Art [Public domain]; via Wikimedia Commons.
~*~*~
“She did not tell me directly,” Westonbury replied, rising to cross to the window. “I overheard her talking to a friend at Almack’s. It seems her daughter was on the point of being happily betrothed until the fellow found someone else – with deeper pockets and a more willing charm – that is how she said it. Just like that, with a suggestive lilt to her tone. She then added that Miss –” He waved his hand in a circle in front of him as if attempting to draw a scent towards him.
The action was familiar to Darcy. His cousin had always made that same motion when attempting to recall something.
“Oh, I cannot remember! But it matters not who she is to me. However, according to Mrs. Salter…”
[from Loving Lydia, book 3 in the Marrying Elizabeth Series]
