Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader Sam. H.
PPP
"The ball was a huge success. It will be even easier than I expected to restore Georgiana's reputation fully. How fortunate Lord Jersey is financially ruined and has lost much of his daughter's dowry. It is perfectly 'understandable' that he had created such a story to justify the end of his daughter's courtship with Darcy." Lord Hertford commented with a half-smile.
"Father, why do you dislike Lady Isabella's father so much?"
Lord Hertford sighed and looked around to ensure all the doors and windows were closed. "When I was young, we were very close. The problems started when Lady Anne came into society. You know, I fell deeply in love with her, and apparently, he was interested in marrying her too. His motive was her £30,000 dowry and the Matlocks, who are a very powerful family." He smiled sadly. "I started looking for opportunities to spend time with Lady Anne. Everywhere she went, I followed her. I would have gladly followed her to the end of the world and given up everything for her." He sighed regretfully. "I already told you that I asked Lady Anne to marry me, and she accepted, but her father did not consent. I was only the third son, and he had arranged a marriage with George Darcy."
Lord Sebastian nodded.
"I never told you that, with the help of Lady Anne's maid, we could exchange notes, and she agreed to elope with me to Gretna Green."
Lord Sebastian looked at his father in astonishment.
"Unfortunately, Lord Jersey found out about our plans and told Lord Matlock, Anne's father, about them." He tried to make a pact with Lord Matlock, demanding Anne's hand in exchange for his silence. Anne refused him vehemently, and Darcy never found out what had happened. I suppose Lord Matlock gave him money in exchange for his silence, or perhaps he knew something incriminating about him. I will never know." He sighed, "A few days later, I asked Lord Jersey why he had betrayed me since I thought we were friends, and he knew how very much I was in love with Lady Anne, and she was in love with me. He replied that he had no friends, and he took the opportunity to try to force Lady Anne to marry him. When I asked him if he was in love with her, he laughed in my face and told me that he was in love with her dowry and the power the Matlocks' had."
After a few minutes in which none of them said anything, Lord Sebastian asked, "I do not understand why Lord Matlock chose Darcy to marry his daughter rather than an Earl's son."
"The Darcys are a powerful and wealthy family, and Lord Matlock knew the Earl's family had many debts. Besides, when Lord Jersey made the proposal, Lady Anne's wedding to Darcy had already been arranged. If Lord Matlock backed out, he would have had to pay out a hefty compensation to the Darcys."
"Do you think Lord Jersey suspects that Georgiana is your daughter?"
"No, he has no reason to suspect anything. Lady Anne and I were very discreet. Besides, I bought some of his debts, and he now owes me almost £5,000."
He looked into his son's eyes and said, "I want you to know that although I was always in love with Lady Anne, I greatly cared for your mother. She was an excellent woman, and I know I did not deserve her, but I swear on the most sacred level that I was never unfaithful to her. If she had lived, I would never have sought out Lady Anne."
Lord Sebastian nodded. "I know, Father. That is why I was so surprised when I learned about your past. While I never knew my mother, everyone in London, without exception, thinks you both were deeply in love."
"Perhaps by the low standards of London high society, we were 'deeply in love'." He answered with a sad smile. "We have already discussed this sad story a great deal. I want to ask you a question on a different topic, and I would like you to answer me truthfully."
Lord Sebastian nodded.
"I have noticed that Darcy seems to be very interested in Miss Bennet, but I have also noticed you showing interest in said lady."
Lord Sebastian interrupted him. "Father, I like Miss Bennet very much; I will not deny it. But a few weeks ago, I gave Darcy an ultimatum, and apparently, he has realized he is in love with her and is acting on it." He smiled and said, "I am a little disappointed that I am going to have to step aside, but I am not in love with her, and my heart is not broken."
"I assumed so. I am delighted to hear it. My concern had been over a problem developing between you and Darcy regarding Miss Bennet."
Father and son talked for a few more minutes and agreed to send a note the next day to the Darcys to meet at Gunter's in two days. Of course, Miss Bennet, Miss Campbell, and Mrs. Campbell would be invited too. With the effusive nature of Mrs. Campbell, all of London would know, in less than an afternoon, that the Darcys and Lord Hertford had tea at Gunther's. After all, Mrs. Campbell's son-in-law was the godson of the kind-hearted Baroness, who was the most prolific gossip in London.