In Her Majesty's Court: An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure (Elizabeth Darcy Adventures)

“What is that letter there, Dalton?” “Which letter, Madam?” he replied, slightly disappointed that his opinion had been so easily forgotten. “The one with the gold seal, you dolt!” Lady Catherine, having not worn her spectacles and unwilling to admit that she could no longer see as clearly as in her youth, gestured to a large rose-colored letter, sealed with a thick glob of golden wax. Peering down, the elderly man was also unable to make out the spidery script, but he knew a royal crest from memory. “I believe it is a letter from our dear monarch, milady.” Catherine’s eyes flew open and she snatched the missive, sending all others to the floor in a cascade. “Leave me! All of you! I must take her majesty’s word in private!” Digging into a pocket for her spectacles, Catherine de Bourgh adjusted the lenses before breaking the seal. Indeed, the letter was from Queen Charlotte herself, making Catherine wonder at the reason for what she would have thought to be impossible. It had been over thirty years since she had last laid eyes upon the woman who had taken the British monarchy by storm. Years that had worn upon her like shackles, for at one time, Catherine had enjoyed the delights of court, relishing in the lavish entertainments to which only the highest denizens of society were invited. Even after her marriage, Catherine Fitzwilliam de Bourgh managed to capture the attentions of many, for her beauty and wit. Unfortunately, this dry sense of humor was what had gotten her banished, by foolishly allowing her cruel opinion of the royal marriage to be overheard. She should have known better, but at the time, had not cared, and enjoyed the hurt her comments must have caused. But it had not been without consequence. She had been banished to the wilds of Kent, never to set foot in Buckingham Palace again. Or so she had believed. Blinking as she read, unable to believe her own eyes, Catherine fought back a rising anger moving her lips as she read aloud. Disregarding the polite salutation and formal blather, to get to the true reason for the sudden communication. It has come to my attention that you have been remiss in bringing the newest member of your family to court. I was so thoughtfully invited to the wedding, but alas, my multitude of responsibilities kept me from attending. As I have always held your nephew in the highest regard, meeting the lady he deemed worthy enough to become his bride has occupied my thoughts for some time. As you are the senior female in the Fitzwilliam family, it falls to you to rectify the deficit and sponsor Elizabeth Darcy for her formal presentation at court. I expect your arrival by month’s end…. & Etc.… “Month’s end! Impossible! It cannot be done!” It had not been any desire to offer forgiveness for her transgression, no, it was because of that Bennet girl! Once again, Elizabeth Bennet had managed to thrust herself into a place in which she did not belong. But one did not defy the Queen, and Catherine did not dare. With the illness of her husband, King George III, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz ruled the realm. And now, Catherine Fitzwilliam de Bourgh would be forced to present the girl who ruined all her plans as if she were some doting auntie!