The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Read Free Page B

strategic value is too great.”
    “They already agreed. Do you believe they will not honor the treaty?” Monsieur duBois was a Frenchman Darcy and his friends had been introduced to by Mrs. Radnor. He spoke excellent, though heavily accented, English. “If they do not give up Malta, they will violate it.”
    “Napoleon has already violated terms of the Treaty. He has not quitted the Batavian Republic,” noted Colonel Wilkins somewhat emphatically. “Many in England believe he never intended to honor his promises.”
    “You may be correct,” shrugged duBois. “I do not agree with all of the Emperor’s actions.”
    “If both nations do not meet the promises set down in the treaty, we will be at war once again,” said Major Broadmoor with a sigh.
    “Yes, I am afraid so,” conceded duBois. “The emperor has already threatened war if Malta and Egypt are not evacuated.”
    “Yes, and Parliament is recruiting more men for the navy,” put in Wilkins.
    Broadmoor shook his head sadly. “If you ask me, Napoleon is simply taking this time to consolidate his hold on power and organize his army.”
    “Hopefully the Treaty will hold for some time, though. I am thoroughly enjoying my visit to your fair city and would hate to cut it short,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said to duBois, apparently attempting to steer the conversation onto less gloomy – and controversial – topics.
    “I am always pleased when visitors enjoy the city. Have you visited Notre Dame?” duBois seemed to welcome the change in subject.
    Darcy left to collect more punch as the conversation turned to visiting the city’s sights, which he was already weary of despite the fact that they still had over a week of traveling remaining! Not that he was yearning to return to England; here, at least, he was relieved of the burden of pretending to Georgiana that everything was fine. Darcy ladled punch into a cut glass cup and then stood to admire the view from the window. Half an hour more, he calculated; then he could claim fatigue and leave.
    “Darcy!” He turned to see Colonel Fitzwilliam approach with a lovely woman on his arm. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a very young face. “Here you are!” Richard said jovially. “I was explaining to Miss Howard how you yearned for an English woman to partner for a dance.”
    Darcy’s eyes shot daggers at Richard, who smiled innocently. “I have it on good authority from her brother that she is quite an accomplished dancer. And she was born in Cornwall, so she is undoubtedly English.” Miss Howard tittered appreciatively at the joke.
    Darcy suppressed a grimace. He had specifically told Richard he had no wish to dance or to be introduced to eligible young ladies, but his cousin was convinced that socializing would lift his spirits. Sighing, Darcy conceded defeat. “Miss Howard, would you do me the honor of the next dance?”
    Miss Howard blushed. “Thank you, yes.” They talked politely until the next dance formed, when Darcy led the young lady into position opposite him. It was an enormous ballroom and dancers were plentiful, Darcy saw with dismay, realizing it would be a long set.
    As the music started, they danced in silence for a few minutes. Believing it was incumbent on him to offer conversation, Darcy cast about for an appropriate topic. “Do you miss Cornwall?”
    She appeared confused. “How could I miss such a place when I can enjoy the pleasures of London and Paris?” She blushed. Apparently she blushed whenever she answered a question.
    Darcy decided on a different strategy. “Do you enjoy reading?” He asked as they moved through the complicated dance figures, grateful that at least she was a fairly skilled dancer.
    “Oh yes!” Her enthusiastic response was followed by another blush.
    At least we have a common topic! Darcy thought with relief as the steps of the dance drew them apart again. “What do you prefer to read? Poetry? Novels? Plays?” He asked when they came together once