“Do not cross me, Aunt, for you will lose. If I must choose between you and my wife, Elizabeth will win every time.”
“You would turn your back on all I have done for you—turn your back on your family?” Lady Catherine charged.
Darcy sighed in disbelief. “In a heartbeat.” Somewhat irritably, he continued, “Besides, my family is here—at Pemberley—Georgiana and Elizabeth and the child she carries.”
“Mrs. Darcy is to deliver?” Incredulity peppered the words. With her usual harrumph of disdain, Lady Catherine added, “ She will probably present you with a daughter.”
“If Mrs. Darcy gives me ten daughters, I would find no disappointment. The estate would simply go to one of Georgiana’s children. In fact, I would work twice as hard for my daughter, for she would need a valuable settlement to secure her future, and as much as I would enjoy teaching my son the intricacies of owning this estate, an entailed property is not the end of the world.”
His aunt looked at him in surprise. “You mean of what you speak? You affect this girl that much?”
“I do, Lady Catherine. My marriage to Elizabeth was the pivotal moment of my life. Of all I have accomplished, it is the summit.” Darcy smiled with satisfaction; he saw that his aunt finally understood.
She tasted frustration first and then shame. At last, Lady Catherine spoke. “I will do as you ask, Darcy. I will offer Mrs. Darcy an apology.”
“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” Before he could say more, Anne entered the room, followed only seconds later by Nigel Worth. Once they had seated themselves together, Darcy remarked, “We have only moments before Harwood’s appearance; I thought we might reiterate what we all know. I suspect Harwood will withdraw
his demand for Anne’s hand in marriage, for such was never his intention.”
“The lieutenant wants money,”Worth snarled.
Darcy eyeballed him closely. “How are you so positive of Harwood’s motives,Worth?”
“Only yesterday evening, the lieutenant threatened to exact a
fee
for his silence.”
“You spoke to Harwood? When?”
“After the evening’s performance,” Worth admitted. “He and I exchanged words when I warned him away from Miss de Bourgh.”
Anne turned suddenly. “You did that? Warned Robert away from me?”
Anne’s use of the lieutenant’s familiar name bothered Worth, but he made himself ignore it. If she chose him now, what did it matter if she had once considered someone else? “How could I not do otherwise? The man upset you, and I will not look the other way in such matters.”
“You take too much on yourself, Mr. Worth,” Lady Catherine asserted.
Anne snapped, “Quiet, Mother. If Nigel chooses to defend my honor, I am most gratified.”
Actually taking away the earlier sting, the use of his Christian name on Anne de Bourgh’s lips thrilled Worth. “I would have said more except for our agreement to make it appear that you traveled to Liverpool to meet me.”
“I wish I had been so astute,” Anne whispered and dropped her eyes in embarrassment.
Darcy recovered the conversation.“Do we know for how much Harwood will ask?”
“The lieutenant’s exact words to me were,‘More than you have.’”
“And how much is that exactly, Mr. Worth?” Lady Catherine asked.
Worth sucked in a deep breath. “Do you ask,Your Ladyship, of my financial soundness?”
“I believe my aunt wishes to know the extent of your—er—worth,Worth.”
Nigel rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “As if I have never heard that one before, Darcy.”Then returning his attention to Lady Catherine, he became serious once more. “My grandfather left me a small bequest, which I have invested wisely—thanks to my knowledge of law and business. At last accounting…somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty-two thousand pounds. My practice brings in five hundred to six hundred per year.”
“Thirty-two thousand!” Anne exclaimed. “Then you do not need my fortune.Why did you not tell me?”
“It is not who I am. I determined some time ago to not spend more than I could afford. A single man has few expenses, and as for announcing my
worth
, I preferred a woman to choose
me,
not my purse strings.” He looked deeply into Anne’s eyes, holding her gaze.“We will speak more of this once we have properly dealt with Lieutenant Harwood. I shall have you know it all.”
“Thank you, Lord Stafford, for agreeing to speak to me.” Sir Phillip took up his pen to make some notes.
Stafford leaned back in his chair, casually letting his hand dangle over the arm. “I respect Mr. Darcy and would willingly face anything for him.”
“Good… . . . good.” As was his way, the baronet made eye contact with Adam Lawrence. “Mr. Darcy has told me of the various deaths, as well as the attack on his footman. He informs me that you thought his wife’s sister to be involved somehow. Might you enlighten me as to what brought you to that conclusion?”
Adam looked away, the intensity of the magistrate’s stare bothering him. He hesitated. “How do I say this?” he muttered.
“It is between us,” Sir Phillip assured him.
Adam flushed. “As a future earl, I am…am accustomed to having women of various stations approach me. Some are innocents, and I avoid them. Most whom I indulge are married women who
seek some excitement from a very dull relationship. Although the lady never expressed in words an invitation to her bed, the invitation remained, just the same. I have heard it many times, Sir Phillip. I did not mistake the intent of Mrs.Wickham’s attentions.”
“I am well aware of the lady’s husband, Lord Stafford. He is trouble, and I do not doubt that his wife might need someone to champion her cause.” Sir Phillip laid the pen to the side.“And your cousin,Your Lordship?”
Adam smiled knowingly. “My mistress, Sir Phillip.”
“As I assumed, young man.”The magistrate’s grim features softened slightly. “You care for Miss Donnel?”
“Probably more than I should,” Stafford admitted. “But I could never marry her…my father would keel over dead if I dared to marry below what Society demands that I take as a wife.”
Sir Phillip frowned. “I care not for the new ways. In my day, a man married the woman whom his father told him to marry, and then he tried to make the best of what Fate had given him—make a tolerable life. Yet, I see men like our host marry for love, and I envy the contentedness written across their faces. Perhaps someday you shall know such happiness, too, Lord Stafford.”
“Possibly.”
Sir Phillip took up the pen again, indicating they were on the official record once more. “And do you still believe Mrs.Wickham to be party to the murders at Pemberley?”
“I no longer believe the lady to be directly involved, but try as I will, I cannot completely exonerate Mrs. Wickham.” The magistrate gestured for Lawrence to continue. “It was Mrs. Wickham’s silk stocking wrapped around the maid’s neck. And it was her room left in shambles—and her hysterics, which placed Mrs. Darcy in danger.The list could go on and on. I simply cannot shake the uncanny feeling that the lady is more involved than any of us know.”
“I shall keep your warning in mind,Your Lordship. I never disregard a hunch—however irrational it may seem on the surface.” Sir Phillip made a quick notation. “Now, tell me anything else you
believe I should know.Tell me what you saw when you accompanied Mr. Darcy on his investigations.”
“How much longer must we wait for Lieutenant Harwood?” Lady Catherine grumbled.“I am not in the habit of waiting for my lessers.”
“None of us are, Aunt.” Darcy moved to the bell cord. “Let us send to the man’s room and determine what delays him.”
Anne reached impulsively for her mother’s hand.“Mother, I regret bringing such shame upon your household.” Anne swallowed hard, but she did not look away.“I hope you can forgive me someday.”
Surprisingly, Lady Catherine took her daughter’s outstretched hand and cradled it in her two gnarled palms. “You have been an exemplary child throughout the years.We shall deal decisively with this worm of a man.”
Darcy nodded to Worth, indicating that his aunt had taken a major step by not chastising her daughter.
“Thank you, Mother,” Anne whispered.
“I suppose you will tell me,” Lady Catherine said with her usual sarcasm, “that I shall have to tolerate your choosing your own mate—much as your cousin Darcy has done.”
Anne glanced quickly at Mr. Worth. “You shall, Mother, but I have learned to think more clearly and less impulsively.”
“Then your experience in Liverpool will have been a serviceable lesson.”
A light tap at the door curtailed the conversation. “Come,” Darcy called from his seat.
Murray bowed to the room. “May I serve you, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, Murray. Please seek Lieutenant Harwood in his room and tell the gentleman that we await him.”
“Right away, Mr. Darcy.”The footman backed out of the room. Yet, before Murray could turn and make his full exit, Mr. Baldwin appeared.
“Excuse the interruption, Mr. Darcy. Booker reports that Lucas has returned, and your cousin the colonel rides with him. They should be dismounting in the drive at this moment.”
“Excellent, Mr. Baldwin.” Darcy stood immediately. “Let me greet Edward properly, and I shall bring him to see you, Aunt. Do not begin your discussion with the lieutenant until we return. I sent for the colonel because of Harwood’s arrival.”
“Will Edward help us?” Anne pleaded.
“It is my wish, Cousin.” Darcy quickly followed his butler from the room.
Within moments, Darcy strode forward to greet one of the two men he counted as his closest acquaintances. Edward Fitzwilliam, one and thirty, was not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman—he moved with the ease of a well-bred man. When Darcy entered the foyer, he found the colonel disposing of his greatcoat and gloves.
“Edward, you have come!” Darcy called as he embraced the man. “You are a welcome surprise.”
Edward Fitzwilliam returned the embrace.“Your letter gave me no other choice.”
“Edward,” Elizabeth said as she materialized beside Darcy, “we are ever so glad to see you.”
Impulsively, the colonel picked her up and spun the petite Mrs. Darcy about. “My goodness, Cousin. Marriage treats you very well.” He set her down gently. “You are absolutely glowing.”
“Unhand my wife,” Darcy half threatened.
“Mrs. Darcy always liked me best,” the colonel teased.
Darcy grumbled, “Do not remind me, Cousin, or I may have to run you through.” Darcy caught Elizabeth’s hand and possessively pulled her to him. “The lady married
me,
” he warned with a raised eyebrow.
Edward retorted, “
You
are not a second son.”
“Gentlemen,” Elizabeth cautioned, “we are all where we were intended to be. Colonel, quit teasing my husband. He lacks a sense of humor in the matter.”
“That is why I enjoy bringing it to his attention.” The colonel winked at Elizabeth before good-naturedly slapping Darcy on the back. “Where is my ward?” Edward demanded.
“
Our
ward,” Darcy corrected.
“Here,” Georgiana said from halfway up the first flight of steps. She had rushed from her room as soon as word had come of Edward’s arrival.
The colonel’s eyes lifted to find her, and his heart lurched in his chest. “You cannot be my Georgiana.” He lovingly examined the girl as she slowly descended the last few steps. “You are a beautiful lady, where I was expecting a gangly young girl.”
“My sister does not recognize her value,” Elizabeth whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, taking note of the anxiousness in Georgiana’s eyes.
“Well, she shall learn it from me,” the colonel asserted. He walked toward her, opening his arms to accept Georgiana into his embrace. “You are exquisite, my Dear,” he spoke softly to her upturned face before kissing the tip of Georgiana’s nose. “I shall have to sharpen my sword to run off all the men when they see you, Sweetling.” He turned his younger cousin back to her brother.“Shall we be entertaining the idea of a London Season for my girl this year?”The colonel beamed with pride, but Elizabeth saw the look of disappointment on Georgiana’s face. She would need to speak to Darcy’s sister privately.
Darcy snaked his arm about Elizabeth’s waist. “We may have to wait another year. Mrs. Darcy’s confinement shall prevent our spending much time in London this Season.”
It took but a heartbeat for Darcy’s news to reach Edward’s consciousness. “Well, you devil!” He grinned at Darcy.“When had you planned on sharing the news with the rest of the family?”
“As the lady just informed us all in the past few days, the time has not proven available,” Darcy declared.
“I cannot wait to share the news with the earl and the countess. They will be ecstatic.”
“Edward Fitzwilliam!” Adam Lawrence’s baritone voice resonated from the top of the stairs.“Am I ever pleased to see you!” He came quickly down the last flight of steps.
The colonel released Georgiana so he might greet the viscount. “Stafford.” Edward extended his hand.“Darcy’s letter said you were
among his guests. My brother sends his regards.”
“Mr. Darcy sent for you?” Stafford questioned as he took the colonel’s hand in friendship.
The colonel smiled. “He did,Your Lordship.”
“I hate to cut this short,” Darcy said to the two men, “but Her Ladyship and our cousin await us in the back drawing room. If you will excuse us, Stafford, we three can catch up after the colonel makes his greetings to our aunt and has time to freshen his clothing.”
“Certainly, Darcy. Sir Phillip has finished with me. Shall I send either my cousin or Mrs.Wickham in to speak to the baronet?”
Darcy maneuvered the colonel toward the back hallway. “If Miss Donnel would not mind speaking to Spurlock, I would be most grateful.”
“I will see to it, Darcy.”
Darcy nodded his thanks before turning to follow his cousin.