Sons of Pemberley E-book

London, Spring 1811

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young man can refuse any woman who wishes him to dance when he would rather not—except his mother.
“Fitzwilliam, I must have you dance. Allow me to find you a partner.”
“Yes, Mother,” he said dutifully.
She smiled at his reluctance and led him to his cousin, Lady Arabella Fitzwilliam. He smiled at her in thanks and led his cousin to the floor.
“Are you enjoying the Season, Cousin?” she asked.
“Not as much as you,” he replied.
She laughed. “Be careful, Darcy, or it might become known you have a sense of humor.”
“Have you made any conquests yet?” he asked, ignoring her teasing look.
“Of course!” she cried. “Lord Epping has called on me twice, but I don’t think I could bear to look at his face across the breakfast table every day, so I will let him down gently.”
“How kind of you,” said Darcy dryly.
“And of course there is Mr. Arlington. You remember him from last Season. He is a very determined man. No matter how many times I tell him I am not interested in his attentions he insists on pursuing me. He is forcing me to be rude.”
Darcy shook his head and separated from her for a minute.
“Are there any gentlemen you wish to encourage?” he asked when the movement brought them back together.
“Well, there is one,” she said slyly. “But mother will not like him. His estate is small and he has no title. But he does have the loveliest smile,” she sighed and turned around him and Darcy barely resisted rolling his eyes.
His young cousin was pretty, rich, and well connected—her father was an earl and her mother was the daughter of a marquess. Her family had high expectations of her marriage and she was determined to enjoy a few Seasons before settling down to a Life of Sameness as she called it. Her first Season had been wildly successful. She had been invited to every party, soiree, and ball, and danced every dance. Eligible gentlemen were falling over themselves to court her and she turned them all down, with a smile and an offer of friendship. She had introduced two of her would-be suitors to the ladies they eventually married—and she had no qualms taking credit for the matches.
In short, she was a force to be reckoned with and one he was glad was on his side—as long as she didn’t turn her match-making skills on him.