Chapter 10
In her spacious drawing room, Lady Matlock presided over the assembled guests: Lizzy, Darcy, Georgiana, and Perry. Lizzy could not help being awed by the noblewoman’s regal bearing and confident manner.
The countess was dressed for late afternoon in a woollen gown of violet blue. A matching turban topped her greying curls. Trays of tea and cakes sat on the coffee table for the comfort of her guests.
“Whatever was in your mind, child?” Lady Matlock asked her niece.
“I am not a child. I am a woman grown, and I wish to marry.”
The countess arched her brows. “Despite what you think on the subject, the law does not agree. You cannot marry without your brother’s permission until you turn twenty-one. That is five years from now. Did you really believe he would let you wed any impu
