Chapter 20 #2
Sir Rupert nodded as though this confirmed some great question. “I see.”
Elizabeth could practically hear the calculations in his head. The reason for his appearance unveiled itself at once with such clarity she nearly gagged.
Sir Rupert had heard the gossip that Mr James had informed her of. He was here to see Lady Barry’s reputed heiress. How repulsive.
He continued. “Ramsgate seems to agree with you.”
Elizabeth looked at him curiously. “Indeed?”
“Exceedingly,” he assured her, with what he obviously considered to be charm.
He appeared to believe he was flirting. Elizabeth would have admired his confidence, if not for the implications.
Lady Barry pinched the bridge of her nose. “Saints preserve us.”
Undeterred, Sir Rupert continued. “I understand you are fond of walking, Miss Bennet.”
“I was,” said Elizabeth. “I suddenly find myself less than inclined.”
This earned the faintest twitch of his mouth that nearly resembled a smile. “How regrettable. I heard of your recent disturbance with the clergyman. I do hope your future exercise is not interrupted similarly.”
“It would only be regrettable for whoever importunes me.” Elizabeth smiled at Lady Barry. She wondered from whom he had received this information, for it was not widely known.
“I am blessed with powerful friends. The last idiot who disturbed me found himself pressed into service and out of the country on the very next tide,” she informed him.
“My brother is most attentive to the security of ladies,” Miss Barry interjected coldly. “And the best interests of our aunt.”
“I am not your aunt, Mildred, any more than I am his.” Lady Barry waved her hand at Sir Rupert distastefully.
Sir Rupert now seemed fully committed to pushing his company onto Elizabeth. “I would be quite happy to find safer walking routes for you.”
“How thoughtful. But most unnecessary, Sir Rupert.” Elizabeth struggled not to wrinkle her nose in distaste.
“Or perhaps I could accompany you, would that not be pleasant?”
Lady Barry sat bolt upright. “No.”
Sir Rupert turned, his oily smile quite ominous. “Why, my dear aunt, I was merely–”
“No.” She pointed her finger at him in outrage. “You will not accompany Miss Bennet anywhere.”
“Lady Barry, I only meant–”
Lady Barry was nearly puce with rage. “I know precisely what you mean, which is why you shall not accompany her as far as the door. Lizzy-girl, I forbid you to entertain his company, no matter the venue or situation.”
Belle peered out from behind Elizabeth’s skirts and growled.
Elizabeth very nearly laughed as she stroked the spaniel’s head comfortingly.
“Well, I never!” Miss Barry was scandalised. “I cannot recall when I was so insulted on my brother’s behalf.”
Lady Barry had no apparent regrets. She ignored Miss Barry completely.
She turned to Sir Rupert. “You may dine elsewhere.”
He looked surprised. “I had not requested–”
“Of course you were intending to. And you will not stay here.”
Sir Rupert looked affronted. “I should think, given our family connection, that you would not wish to create speculation.”
“You thought incorrectly. I do not give two pins for speculation. Go to the hotel and speculate there all you like.”
Miss Barry rolled her eyes and sighed heavily as though this sort of thing happened every time they visited.
Sir Rupert rose and turned away from Lady Barry.
His bow to Elizabeth was gentlemanly, though his final remark did not encourage her. “I hope our acquaintance may yet improve.”
Elizabeth smiled in the most unpleasant way she knew how. “I shall attempt to survive the experience. As Lady Barry says, what are men to rocks and impertinence?”
This earned her a sharp look from his sister and a more predatory one from the man himself. Controlled; assessing. Not remotely flirtatious by nature. She disliked him even more for having been correct about him instantly.
The pair departed. As they left, Belle found her courage and ran from Elizabeth’s skirts, chasing them from the room in a frenzy of barking. Sir Rupert turned on the dog at the last moment and thumped his cane upon the floor. The beast yelped and ran back to Lady Barry, whining in fright.
Once they were gone, Lady Barry collected the trembling spaniel and exhaled as though she had just won the war against Napoleon. “Disgusting man. I loathe the very air he breathes.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You are related to him.”
“Not by affection. And thankfully not by blood.” Lady Barry fixed her with a stern glare. “You are no longer to walk unattended.”
“It seems dramatic.” Elizabeth sighed. “Besides, you made that arrangement already.”
“Dramatic was Mr Collins, Lizzy-girl. That man was merely stupid. Rupert is mercenary and dangerous. Ring the bell.”
When the butler entered, Lady Barry issued orders with stern authority. “Peter is to arm himself before he leaves. Miss Elizabeth is never to be alone, Chambers.”
“Yes, madam.”
Elizabeth stared. “Arm himself with what, precisely?”
“With something profoundly persuasive.” Lady Barry brooked no argument.
“My carriage will collect you for your visits. In fact, your walks are curbed. My second carriage will move to your father’s cottage, along with a trusted groom and a stableboy, also armed.
You will use my carriage, your family’s or Darcy’s for all of your movements. Peter will accompany you everywhere.”
“That is unnecessary! Lady Barry, I do not like my exercise curtailed,” Elizabeth objected in outrage.
“Unnecessary is my favorite form of prevention, Lizzy-girl. I will not have you injured.”
“I can manage myself perfectly well.”
“I know,” said Lady Barry with her usual dry humour. “You have already concussed one idiot man. I am delighted by your initiative. We shall nevertheless add layers of protection for the future.”
Elizabeth laughed helplessly. “I really must protest–”
“By God, Lizzy-girl, you will comply, or I shall move your entire family into Nethercourt House and watch over you myself! Do not think your father will not obey my edicts!”
Lady Barry softened, just slightly before she continued. “That loathsome man is here because he believes you will be useful in obtaining his desire, Lizzy-girl.”
“I understood that. I did not think–”
“Young ladies rarely do.” Lady Barry sighed as if exhausted. “You will allow me to do what I must to protect you from him until matters change and you are quite free of his grasp.”
“What matters?” asked Elizabeth in confusion.
“Never you mind,” Lady Barry said, adjusting her shawls and taking the last cake from the plate she had hidden before their visitors entered, “In the meantime, I intend to keep you alive and away from that toad out of pure selfishness.”
Elizabeth smiled. “How sweet.”
“Do not be sentimental, else I shall become bilious.”
“Of course not.” Elizabeth giggled.
Lady Barry glared at her. “You are an alarming magnet for trouble, Lizzy-girl.”
“It is your money he is after, not mine.”
“It is astonishing how many people consider themselves concerned with your prospects and my fortune, but we shall keep you safe until you decide upon your own future. Pray do not tarry about it too long.”
The butler returned.
“Now what?” Lady Barry very nearly roared in irritation.
“Mr and Miss Darcy are outside in their carriage, if Miss Bennet is ready to depart, madam. Peter has packed his bag and is ready to go with her.”
“Very well. Just the lad I wish to speak with. Chambers, prepare my second carriage, arm a groom and a stable boy, and send them to the Bennet cottage for Miss Bennet’s particular use,” Lady Barry instructed.
“Then send for Mr Bennet, Sir Dudley and Lady Nibsby, Mrs Osbourne, and Lady Arlington. I wish to speak with them here today, without delay.”
“Lady Barry, if you show this much protection and preference to me, everyone will assume that the rumours about me being your heiress have merit.” Elizabeth was concerned.
“Never you mind, Lizzy-girl, you may leave me. Send that Darcy boy in, I require a moment of his time.”