A Hasty Decision
Page 27
“She might change her mind when she discovers that you have invited a rake to dinner.”
“A reformed rake, my dear, and he happens to be a great friend of hers.”
“Society can be very strange at times.”
“Do you mind not being welcome there?”
“Not one bit. I have far too many sources of happiness to think myself deprive. I am too busy to have time for Almack’s anyway. There is Georgiana’s wedding to arrange and Kitty’s season to plan for. And Jane’s new baby will be here any day.”
“I expect they will let Georgiana in once she is married.”
“They are not likely to reject a marchioness,” Elizabeth agreed. “Although society is strange.”
“They would reject a duchess if they wanted, but they should welcome Georgiana once she is living under another man’s roof.”
“Even though it is across the street from us? It is very lucky that house came free at just the right moment.”
“It is very lucky that her husband-to-be is so indulgent.”
“And to think that there was a time when she did not like him.”
“Did she not?”
“It was just like with you and me. She thought him arrogant and conceited, but then she found out that he was nothing of the sort.”
“He was one of the first people to invite us to dinner after my divorce. He made it very clear that he was not going to judge us.”
“That might have been what endeared him to her.”
“Well, I shall be glad to welcome him into the family. And he fits very well into our circle of friends.”
“I am sure he will be an excellent uncle as well.”
“He will.” Mr. Darcy looked at her with excitement. “Will he? In the immediate future, you mean?”
“In April, I believe.”
“How perfect,” he said. “I am a very lucky man. I have wonderful friends, a loving wife, and now a family to look forward to. We are truly blessed.”