As he had predicted, Darcy’s coach rolled past the Pemberley gatehouse just before breakfast. Elizabeth, as if she knew what awaited her, had awakened with the dawn and had insisted that they leave immediately. “Do you believe Georgiana is awake?” she had asked anxiously as they stared at the familiar landscape.
“I hope so,” Darcy said flatly, wondering again if the Bennets had arrived safely.
“So do I,” Elizabeth said softly. “I’ve missed her terribly. You’ve no idea, Fitzwilliam, how thankful I am to share Pemberley with Georgiana.”
“Last evening you spoke of wanting solitude,” he teased.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy,” she warned. “Do not twist my words. I’m a woman and can change my mind on a whim.”
Darcy chuckled. “So you may, my love.”
They both turned to behold the first appearance of Pemberley Woods as the sun danced across the bare branches in spring’s promise rather than winter’s demise. “I never cease to feel awe at moments such as this,” Elizabeth whispered.
They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley, into which the road, with some abruptness, wound. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on high ground, and backed up a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. There was never a house for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. “Our child’s heritage,” Darcy murmured from beside her.
Elizabeth’s hand automatically splayed against her stomach’s swell. “The master of Pemberley.” Her other hand reached for Darcy’s. Never taking her eyes from the imposing structure, she interlaced her fingers with his and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Darcy brought her ungloved knuckles to his lips. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “I know you sometimes feel everything’s out of your control, but you must trust in God and trust your heart. Only your own doubts limit your abilities, Elizabeth.”
She turned her head and looked lovingly into his eyes. “I know, Fitzwilliam. Something else I discovered in those hours while I waited for William Joseph to make his worldly appearance: God has given me the authority to impact the lives of others, and I plan to do just that. I don’t know exactly how, but some way — someday.”
Noting over her shoulder the group gathering on Pemberley’s steps, Darcy lowered his head to kiss her lips. The movement distracted Elizabeth long enough for the carriage to roll to a halt and for Darcy to scramble from the coach before she had time to realize who was among the throng awaiting her. However, the number and the group’s makeup surprised even him.
He reached up to catch her waist when Elizabeth appeared in the open carriage doorway. “We are home, my dear,” he said with a soft laugh.Who waited for her still had not registered with his wife, but he knew the instant that she raised her head to see her family.
“Fitz… oh, my,” she gasped with glee. “Oh, Fitzwilliam,” she repeated as he sat her on the ground, and she broke away from him and ran into her father’s open arms. “You’re here at last,” she sobbed as she cupped her father’s face. “I cannot believe it. You’re the most magnificent sight I’ve ever seen. But how?” she looked around frantically for the others.
“It was Mr. Darcy’s idea,” Mr. Bennet rasped through a tear-choked throat.
Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder at a beaming Darcy. “You’ll pay for keeping secrets, Sir,” she warned good-naturedly, but she immediately returned to the comforting face of her father. “Where is Mama?”
“As we speak, Mrs. Bennet is dressing for the day. She’ll greet you as quickly as her maid can apply her laces.”
Elizabeth just half acknowledged what he said. Instead, she was reaching for Mary. Never had she hugged her sister so violently. “I’ve missed you so,” she said as she grabbed Mary’s hand, only to have Mary pull her close again.
“And I, you, Lizzy.”
Mary’s unexpected display of emotion sent Elizabeth’s happy tears flowing again. “Mr. Grange, I am pleased that you accompanied Mary to Pemberley. Later, I’ll bombard you with news of my Aunt and Uncle Philips,” she said as she extended her hand to the young man she barely knew.
Mr. Grange bowed stiffly over it. “It’s my honor, Mrs. Darcy, to be welcomed into your home.”
So many faces greeted her that Elizabeth turned in circles several times to take it all in. Then her gaze fell on Charlotte Collins. For a brief second, she just stared at her old friend and then launched herself into the woman’s embrace. “You’re here also,” she said as she caught Charlotte in a congenial hug of friendship. “How did Mr. Darcy arrange all this?”
“Perhaps, Elizabeth, we might take this homecoming inside and out of the cold,” she heard Darcy say from behind her. Happily, Elizabeth released Charlotte and turned toward the still-open door and Mr. Nathan. She laced her arm about Georgiana’s waist and pulled Darcy’s sister along beside her. “This is the best Christmastide I’ve ever known.”
Darcy had watched with delight as his wife rushed into her father’s open arms. “This is what she needed,” he congratulated himself, but then his eyes fell on the others who trailed from the door to greet them. “What the hell is Collins doing here?” he asked the waiting footman, who answered with a shrug.
Then he saw the one person who could answer all his questions. “Edward!” he called as he skirted the group encircling Elizabeth. “Thank God, you’ve returned safely.” He encompassed his cousin in an affectionate hug. “You’re a most agreeable sight.”
“Was on my way to Matlock, but the storm, and Georgiana’s being beset with so many guests, forced me to tarry until your return.”
Darcy said privately, “I’m afraid the Earl is at Lincolnshire with Lindale. Elizabeth and I stayed at Matley last evening.”
Edward nodded. “So I heard. First from Georgiana and then from Her Ladyship.”
“Lady Catherine? I don’t understand,” Darcy whispered urgently.
“Her Ladyship has taken refuge at Pemberley, along with Anne and the Collinses,” Edward disclosed.
“Lady Catherine is here?” Darcy said incredulously. “Now? How dare she!”
“She dares, Darcy.” Edward said cautiously. “I’ll explain in greater detail later.” They both shot a glance to the welcoming party. “For now, let’s escort Mrs. Darcy safely into the house.”
Darcy accepted his cousin’s advice. He turned to where his wife hugged Mrs. Collins. “Perhaps, Elizabeth, we might take this homecoming inside and out of the cold,” he suggested.
Her brightest smile graced his wife’s face, and Darcy’s heart leapt in pleasure. She caught Georgiana about the waist and headed toward the open doorway, but a brief word from his sister sent Elizabeth spinning around to meet the colonel’s eyes. “Edward,” she called and hurried down the steps toward him. “How did I miss seeing you?”
Impulsively, Edward caught Elizabeth and spun her around in the air before planting a kiss on her cheek.
“Easy,” Darcy warned with a bit of jealousy. “Do not damage my most precious possession, Cousin.”
Edward didn’t look at Darcy when he teasingly said, “Mrs. Darcy liked me first, Fitz.”
Darcy reached for his wife. “But the lady liked me best,” he said flatly.
“I love you both,” Elizabeth declared as she laced an arm through each man’s offered elbow. “Just in different ways.”
They followed the group who had greeted them to the morning room, where Elizabeth found her other sisters and Mr. Bingley. “You’ve been at Pemberley throughout the storm?” she asked as a footman poured tea for everyone.
“Miss Darcy was gracious and found everyone more than adequate shelter,” Bingley declared.
Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s gaze. “My dear, Georgie,” she said in admiration. “I’m so proud of you.”
Georgiana blushed. “Edward made it easier.”
“Georgiana required no assistance. She’s the perfect hostess,” Edward insisted.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy,” Caroline intoned as she entered the room. “My maid assured me of your return, but I had to see it for myself. It was naughty of you to leave Miss Darcy to serve in your stead.”
“Miss Bingley, I wasn’t aware you had plans to join Charles for the festive days. If I had, I would’ve sent a separate invitation in your name.” Darcy hated how the woman continued to ignore Elizabeth’s presence in his life, and he took perverted pleasure in his veiled insult.
“Miss Bingley is my sister of a sort,” Elizabeth said with her own twisted smile, something Darcy immediately recognized. “As such, she needs no invitation to join us at Pemberley. Miss Bingley is as welcome as say, Mr. Collins, for example.” Elizabeth gestured to her weak-chinned cousin, who had returned with gusto to his breakfast.
The clergyman swallowed quickly and washed down too large a mouthful with a quick gulp of ale. “Mrs. Darcy is all benevolence, Miss Bingley. My cousin does her husband credit.”
Darcy loved the interchange. It was the old Elizabeth, the one who delighted in the absurd, sitting casually between her eldest sister and her father. “For once, we agree, Mr. Collins,” Darcy said as he leaned back in his chair. “My wife is phenomenal.”
Mr. Manneville entered on that note, and Darcy rose with Edward for the introductions, and then welcomed the stranger into the group. However, he didn’t miss Edward’s steely stare to Darcy’s questioning glance. “My aide, Lieutenant Southland, is also with us,” Edward explained.
“And where is this lieutenant?” Elizabeth asked.
Although Elizabeth directed the question to the colonel, Manneville answered. “Probably waiting attendance on Miss De Bourgh,” he said flatly.
Darcy noted his wife’s momentary alarm. “Edward has just informed me, my dear, that my cousin Anne and my aunt have unexpectedly joined us for Christmastide,” Darcy said evenly.
He realized that until that moment, Elizabeth had thought he’d arranged for the Collinses’ visit. “How delightful,” Elizabeth said with a forced smile. “It’s been ages since we’ve seen Her Ladyship.”
As if on cue and followed by Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne entered on the lieutenant’s arm. Glancing at the full table, her eyes fell on Darcy. “Fitzwilliam,” she gasped in joyous greeting. “I heard you had returned. I’m so pleased to see you again.”
Darcy swallowed his astonishment. His cousin’s greeting was more words than he could ever remember Anne saying in one setting. Usually, a nod of the head or a weak smile was the extent of Anne’s conversation. “As I am you.” He started to bow, but she rushed into his arms, and so Darcy hugged her and kissed Anne’s forehead. “I’ve missed you,” he said before shooting Edward a raised eyebrow of amusement. He set Anne from him and said, “You’re looking well, Cousin.” Anne had color in her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes.
“I am well, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly. “We all went skating yesterday.”
“Skating?” Darcy questioned, and Edward confirmed with a nod. “I see that my sister had the foresight to take advantage of the weather.”
Georgiana looked cautiously at the colonel. “It was Edward’s idea and Lieutenant Southland’s execution. Mr. Manneville was also most helpful.”
Before Darcy could respond, Anne said, “Let me present Lieutenant Southland.” She gestured the man forward. “The lieutenant is Edward’s aide. Lieutenant Southland, this is my cousin, Mr. Darcy.”
The men exchanged bows. “It’s my honor to be among the colonel’s family,” the lieutenant said.
“The colonel is beyond family in our estimation,” Darcy responded before he directed the man to Elizabeth. “Lieutenant, may I present my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”
“I’ve heard the colonel speak so fondly of the Darcys, I must claim a prior acquaintance.” Southland bowed to his hosts.
“As Mr. Darcy has indicated,” Elizabeth said graciously, “Colonel Fitzwilliam is more than family.” She then bowed to Anne. “As is Miss De Bourgh. Welcome to Pemberley.”
Darcy noted Anne’s blush, but she managed to say, “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Darcy. Georgiana has served you and my cousin well in your absence.”
Elizabeth smiled broadly at Georgiana. “I would’ve expected nothing less. Mr. Darcy’s sister comes from the best stock.”
“That she does,” a strong, authoritative voice declared from the open doorway. “Georgiana is Lady Anne Darcy’s daughter. My sister served this estate in an exemplary manner.”
Everyone scrambled to his feet in acknowledgement of Lady Catherine’s presence. Darcy waited the span of three heartbeats before responding, “It’s true that Lady Anne has left a great legacy, but the current Mrs. Darcy reigns graciously as Pemberley’s mistress, and it’s under her tutelage that my sister has blossomed. They give honor to my mother’s memory.” He didn’t remove his eyes from his aunt’s face. His words warned her that he would brook no disparagement of Elizabeth during Her Ladyship’s stay.
Lady Catherine remained framed by the door until Edward led her to the table, but all the while she maintained Darcy’s gaze, only looking away when the colonel held the chair for her. It was the place that Elizabeth should’ve claimed, and Darcy saw the pleasure of his acceptance twist his aunt’s mouth. “The household hasn’t suffered in your absence, Darcy.The colonel has advised Georgiana in her duties,” she announced.
“I beg to differ, Your Ladyship,” Edward interrupted. “My cousin is quite capable. Georgiana and Miss Catherine had everything well in hand before Southland, Manneville, and I arrived.”
Elizabeth smiled brightly. “Georgiana and Kitty have become great friends — a fact that pleases me.”
“As well as me,” Darcy said to curtail any objection from his aunt.
“When you didn’t arrive as expected,” Georgiana said, “we were most concerned, especially with the weather.”
“If there had been some way to send word, I would’ve done so readily, but thick ice coated the northern shires. Luckily, we found shelter at a small inn outside of Harrogate. I apologize for causing you any form of anguish, my dear.”
“As with Edward,” Georgiana said softly, “as you have returned safely, I am content.”
“Prestwick’s Portal was quite an adventure in itself,” Darcy smirked.
The table’s curiosity exploded, and his guests bombarded him with requests for details. However, his wife’s frown caused Darcy to hesitate, and in the breadth of that hesitation, Mrs. Bennet swept into the room. “Oh, my dear Lizzy,” she exclaimed.
Immediately, Elizabeth was out of her chair and catching her mother to her. “Oh, Mama,” she sobbed. “I’ve longed for this moment.” Elizabeth choked out the words and held tightly to the woman.
“It’s all well, my girl,” her mother coaxed. “Letting one’s child go is never easy,” she whispered hoarsely. “Come, let us sit.” And in a rare understanding, very much as she must’ve done when Elizabeth was a small child, Mrs. Bennet caught Elizabeth’s hand and led her daughter to the table. “Let us refresh your tea.” And just like that small child, Elizabeth allowed her mother to tend to her.
Darcy watched the woman he’d never respected give Elizabeth a loving dose of maternal care, and in that moment, he ached for his own mother’s touch. Mrs. Bennet won his devotion with that simple gesture. “Your visit has surprised Mrs. Darcy,” he said. “And I thank you for making the journey from Hertfordshire.”
“Well, we would’ve come before if Mr. Bennet would have agreed to the trip, but the man prefers his study,” Mrs. Bennet said vituperatively.
“You’ve no more concerns about that matter, Mrs. Bennet,” her husband teased. “Now that I’ve seen Mr. Darcy’s library, I’ll return to Pemberley more times than my son may care to entertain me.”
Darcy didn’t understand Mr. Bennet’s indolent defense in dealing with his family, but he’d developed a fondness for the man. Mr. Bennet possessed a quick mind and a biting wit: two characteristics that Darcy admired in Elizabeth. “Pemberley’s door is open to you at all times, Father Bennet. No invitation is needed.” He shot a quick glance at his aunt, but, miraculously, Her Ladyship offered no comment.
“So, once again,” Edward said, leaning forward, “tell us what happened at the Prestwick’s inn.You have piqued my interest, Cousin.”
Another glance to Elizabeth displayed her uncomfortable stance, and it occurred to Darcy that his tale might embarrass her before his aunt, but the others would find Elizabeth’s courage remarkable. He wouldn’t allow Lady Catherine’s opinions to define his marriage. With a pause to draw Elizabeth’s attention, he began his tale of ice, of overcrowding, of community, of a couple denied a room and then facing the impossible, and of his incomparable wife who brought order from chaos.
“I cannot imagine sharing my room with complete strangers,” Caroline said censoriously. “What a quaint concept. Very far from Mayfair.”
“Sir Jonathan and Mr. Horvak shared a room,” Bingley reminded her.
“But they held a previous acquaintance,” Caroline insisted. “A stranger.” She shivered in disgust. “How did you know the Josephs weren’t thieves?”
Darcy eyed Bingley’s sister with renewed displeasure. “As we were all unable to travel because of the weather, a thief would’ve had difficulty escaping,” he said flatly. “Besides, the man holds a living outside Stoke-upon-Trent.”
“And they named the child after my cousin?” Edward taunted. “If I were you, Mrs. Darcy, I would demand satisfaction.You did all the work, and Darcy took the credit.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “I’m certain it would have done the boy irreparable harm had the Josephs named him ‘Elizabeth.’”
“Or made him a world-class pugilist,” the colonel observed.
“Or that,” Elizabeth responded.
Georgiana stood and acknowledged the others about the table. “If you would excuse Kitty and me, we’ll make a brief trip into Lambton.”
Darcy frowned. “What’s so important, Georgiana? Would not your time be better spent in helping the others hang the holly?”
“Mrs. Foxmour, Fitzwilliam. She lost her long battle with her illness. Kitty and Mr. Winkler aided the family in the lady’s last hours. I thought it best that Pemberley is represented at the service,” she said. “I’ll not be long. Mr. Winkler arranged an early service because of Christmas Eve.”
Darcy stood. “I’ll go.You remain with our guests.”
“But you have just spent hours on the road,” his sister protested.
Elizabeth caught his eye and gave a slight shake of her head. “Allow Georgiana and Kitty to handle it, Mr. Darcy. There are more than enough hands to decorate the house, and our sisters have performed admirably. You might call on the Foxmours later today.”
Darcy swallowed his need to control every estate detail. “Of course, Georgiana and Kitty are quite capable. Please inform Mr. Foxmour of my intent to call on his family before this evening’s service.” Georgiana nodded, and she and Kitty slipped from the room.
“Do you wish for me to accompany them?” Edward asked.
Darcy sighed in defeat. “My sister and Miss Catherine are no longer green girls. They’ll represent Pemberley properly.” It hurt him to let Georgiana become a woman; he would miss the young girl he’d raised after their parents’ deaths.
Elizabeth sighed also. “Fitzwilliam, I suspect we should change our clothes and then see to turning Pemberley green with holly.”
Darcy nodded his agreement. Turning to his butler, he said, “Have we found a Yule log, Mr. Nathan?”
“It’s in the kitchen waiting for Mrs. Reynolds’s orders.”
“Then tell the good lady to bring on the troops. I expect Pemberley to glisten with the Christmastide spirit.”
“Mr. Darcy, you be honoring me family, Sir.” Mr. Foxmour led Darcy to a place close to the hearth. Discussing the late lady’s exemplary life, several of his other tenants stood about the room. Darcy had accepted their reverence as part of his way of life.
“I apologize for missing the service. Mrs. Darcy and I were stranded in the North because of the weather.”
Foxmour nodded his acceptance with a quick jerk of his head. “Miss Darcy be sayin’ so, Sir. She and Mrs. Darcy’s sister be treatin’ me family well. Miss Catherine taught me wee ones to draw, and she be sendin’ a fine dress for me mother for the buryin’.”
Darcy hadn’t known those specifics, but he had no objection to his family interjecting themselves into his cottagers’ lives. He was in a battle to save his estate. The city’s draw had taken renters away, and he appreciated any “debt” which kept a family on the land.
“I’ll not keep you, Foxmour. I wanted to pay my respects and to see if you needed anything.”
“We be fine, Sir. Me wife has seen to me mother’s things.”
Darcy accepted the man’s reassurances. It was a matter of pride on Foxmour’s part. “If something arises, please call on me at the main house.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
He had left the decorations to his guests and his staff and had retreated to his study to review newly arrived correspondence and to escape the inevitable confrontation with his aunt. He had addressed a letter to his solicitor and another to his steward, Mr. Lynden, before the room’s door opened and his cousin slipped in and slid into the chair across from Darcy.
“I’m busy, Edward,” he murmured without looking up from the instructions he was writing.
“And I’m the cousin with whom you’ve shared everything since we were boys,” the colonel argued as he propped his booted feet on the corner of Darcy’s desk.
Darcy placed the pen to the side. “Then tell me what the hell Her Ladyship is doing at Pemberley,” Darcy grumbled.
“I wish I knew. She swears the weather left her no choice, but before Her Ladyship left Matlock, Lady Catherine sent word to the Collinses to meet her at Pemberley.”
“I thought the Collinses traveled with her.”
“They will return to Kent in the second coach, but Mr.Winkler brought them to Pemberley when the Collinses arrived on the mail coach in Lambton.”
Darcy growled, “Damn! I swear if our aunt ruins the Christmastide for Elizabeth…” Before the colonel could respond, a tap on the door took their attention. “Enter!” Darcy called.
The door opened to a hesitant Lieutenant Southland. “Excuse me, Colonel.” The man bowed. “Mr. Nathan told me where I might find you. Will you and Mr. Darcy allow me a moment of your time, Sir?”
Edward shot a quick glance at Darcy, who reluctantly agreed. “Come in, Southland.”
“Thank you, Sir.” The lieutenant quickly closed the door and came forward to stand politely beside the imposing desk.
“What may we do for you, Southland?” Darcy’s eyebrow rose in amusement. He gestured the man to a chair, one of the lessons he’d learned from his late father — never permit a man the advantage of standing over him.
“I seek your advice, Mr. Darcy, as well as that of the colonel. On a private matter.” Southland had, obviously, added the idea of privacy as an afterthought.
“If it deals with your service, Southland, perhaps we should discuss this at another time.”
“It concerns Miss De Bourgh,” the lieutenant said evenly.
Darcy sat forward with interest. “What of our cousin?”
“I wish to pay my addresses to Miss De Bourgh, and I seek your advice on how to approach Lady Catherine.”
Darcy shot Edward a conspiratorial smile. “This is a speedy arrangement, Southland.” Both men moderated their expressions. “Her Ladyship will question your motives, Lieutenant. Our aunt is quite protective of our cousin.”
The lieutenant stiffened, but his facial expression remained noncommittal. “I expected as much. I possess no title and have only limited connections. Lady Catherine would prefer that her daughter find a more compatible match.”
“You appear to be arguing Her Ladyship’s side of the issue,” Edward said wryly. “Trust me, Southland, my aunt will require no assistance in disparaging your suit, and although it is admirable that you anticipate Lady Catherine’s objections, your time would be better spent in convincing Her Ladyship of your worth.”
“Why do you not share with the colonel and me the reasons you believe you’d make Anne an acceptable mate?” Darcy coaxed.
This time Southland’s discomfort showed. “I’m not certain I can explain — not logically.” The man paused in contemplation. “The colonel will recall that the late Mr. Knight was my father’s cousin. I grew up with tales of Rosings Park and of the De Bourghs. I feel as if I have known the family all my life. As if my relationship with Miss De Bourgh is a matter of fate.”
“Her Ladyship will never accept Fate as reason,” Edward declared.
“Absolutely not,” Darcy agreed. “Southland, to win Lady Catherine’s approval you must think more ruthlessly. Her Ladyship has functioned admirably in a man’s world. Our aunt won’t mince words, and you can warrant her ability to poke holes in a weak syllogism.”
The lieutenant shifted uncomfortably. “Then what should I say?”
Edward laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back nonchalantly. “Be brutal. Point out the fact that Anne has never had a suitor and is not likely to ever have one. Present yourself as Anne’s last opportunity. Do not hesitate to remind Lady Catherine of Anne’s advanced age.”
Southland blustered, “I… I couldn’t defame Miss De Bourgh thus. She deserves better than such pettiness.”
Darcy corrected, “Anne deserves a family and a home of her own. She’ll never know such happiness unless you’re willing to fight for her. Be the swain in our cousin’s presence, but with Lady Catherine, treat your suit as a business proposition. What are the advantages of Anne aligning herself with you?”
“Unfortunately, by no fault of hers, Anne has long since lost her bloom. She can recover some of her youth. Her bubbly conversation upon Darcy’s arrival this morning proves that.”
“I’ve never known my cousin to be so animate,” Darcy confirmed.
Edward continued, “Besides providing Anne the opportunity to know marriage, stress your connection to Mr. Knight. Lady Catherine bemoaned her loss when the clergyman passed.”
“Of course, your allegiance to the colonel should serve you well. Her Ladyship will turn to the Earl for advice. I’m assuming, Edward, that you’d have no qualms in recommending Lieutenant Southland.” Darcy enjoyed this interplay. It had been too long since he and Edward had worked in tandem to solve a problem. Without complex explanations required, they’d always understood each other. It had been Edward who’d first offered compassion and then advice after Elizabeth’s initial denial of Darcy’s love.
“I’m more than pleased with the lieutenant’s service,” Edward announced, as if he recited the lines for the Earl’s benefit.
Southland took them to heart, nonetheless. “Thank you, Sir.”
“You’ve served your country. Don’t forget to stress that fact for Her Ladyship. Our aunt enjoys reflected glory. She’ll want to ‘steal’ your accomplishments,” Darcy explained.
Southland looked from one to another. “Do you believe it so?” he asked the colonel.
“Darcy knows our aunt well. Explain how you’ve served both on the Continent and on the American front. That’ll be a key issue for the Earl.”
Darcy said, “It’s important that you speak to Lady Catherine before she returns to Kent. I assume she’ll travel on Tuesday, as Mr. Collins will have missed three Sundays. Her Ladyship won’t tolerate the man’s shirking his duties. It would be unseemly for you to call at Rosings without permission.”
“So, I should speak to Her Ladyship tomorrow?”
“At the latest,” Edward assured.
Southland stood. “Thank you, Gentlemen. You’ve given me much to consider.” The lieutenant bowed and excused himself from the room.
With the sound of the door’s latch closing behind the man, Darcy released the breath he had held. “Was that wise?” he asked with self-chastisement.
Edward returned his booted feet to the desk. “Southland homed in on Anne immediately. At first, I warned him away, but the more I thought on it, the more I realized this might be Anne’s last chance.”
“And the man will have to face Lady Catherine eventually,” Darcy reasoned.
“And the fact that Southland’s request will occupy Her Ladyship’s interest until our aunt’s departure had nothing to do with our encouraging the man.” Edward’s lips twisted in a smirk.
“At least, the advice we gave him is the same that I would’ve issued even if I didn’t wish to distract Lady Catherine from Mrs. Darcy.”
They sat in silence — each analyzing his part in sending Southland off to face Lady Catherine alone. “I believe it’s time that the lieutenant receive a captainship,” Edward observed.
“Feeling guilty?” Darcy taunted.
“I just sent my aide into battle poorly armed. Yes, I’m feeling damned guilty.”