Chapter One
Matlock House in London
What on earth?” The Countess of Matlock leaped to her feet, dropping her newspaper and spilling her morning tea all over the breakfast table.
A footman rushed forward at once to tend to the spill. The Countess paid him no mind.
The Earl, startled, also got to his feet. “Are you not well, my dear?”
“No, I am most assuredly not well, and nor will you be, in a moment.” She snatched up the newspaper and read aloud.
We have just learnt that a certain Miss GD of Derbyshire was one step away from eloping with the steward’s son before her brother caught the unlucky pair just in time. We can only wonder what possessed her! Perhaps Mr. FD is not as attentive a brother as one would hope?
When she finished her recitation, she looked up from the paper to find her husband staring at her, mouth hanging open.
“Georgiana?” the earl asked, shocked.
“It must be,” his wife said, flatly.
“But – but – she would never – “
“I must go to Pemberley at once,” the Countess declared. “I will learn if there is truth to the story.”
The Earl, relieved that it was not he who would have to speak with Georgiana about her near-elopement, agreed with fervour.
***
Darcy,
I do not doubt that you know of the slander that was printed in The Morning Post. I am on my way to Pemberley now to speak to you and Georgiana.
Your worried aunt,
Ellen