Darcy’s eyes opened to the first streaks of light working their way between the window shutters’ slats. He inhaled his wife’s sleep-seduced body as she burrowed deeper into him, seeking his heat as her own. Even during the warm summer months, Elizabeth woke in need of the day’s heat; and from that first morning when they had awakened in each other’s arms, Darcy had willingly provided it. Enjoying her softness along his body’s length, he tightened his embrace. Elizabeth had invaded his dreams, haunted them, in fact, from the night of the Meryton assembly, the night he had first laid eyes on her.
He would wake in yearning, thinking of how it would be to fill his lungs with her scent and to know her taste on his tongue. Elizabeth’s ardent spirit had ruined his life — the arrogant and presumptuous life he had led before meeting her: the dreadful time when he had simply existed, half-alive and half-dead. Sometimes, he had wished that he could explain how much she had changed everything he had known before her, how much joy Elizabeth brought him each day. He had even considered begging her to forego their having a child. If it meant losing Elizabeth, Darcy would rather not have an heir. Pemberley could pass to Georgiana’s children.
A light knocking brought his senses fully alert. Easing Elizabeth away, Darcy unwrapped the blanket and sat on the bed’s edge. Standing gingerly and testing his legs, he had taken several steps in the door’s direction before he recalled the double occupancy. He reached for his shirt and pulled it over his head and then cinched a robe over that.
Watching his step in the crowded room, Darcy made his way to the door. Opening it, he found Mrs. Washington and Nan holding ewers of hot water. “Morning, Sir,” the inn’s proprietress whispered. “Brought ye fresh water.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” he said huskily. “Put it on the table.” He gestured to a small side table along the wall.
“Breakfast be ready in half an hour, Sir,” she informed him.
“Mr. Joseph and I will be down soon, the ladies a bit later.” Darcy remained by the door. “How does the weather look?”
“Stopped raining. Now if we kin get some sunshine to help with the meltin’, things might return to normal.” Mrs. Washington brushed a hair wisp under her cap.
Darcy had wanted to depart for Derbyshire. “What are the travel possibilities?”
“Mr. Washington say it’ll not happen ’til the morrow, but ye kin sees for yerself when ye come down, Sir.” She turned to leave. “It be a good thing, Mr. Darcy. What ye and Mrs. Darcy did.” With a quick glance about the room, the woman disappeared into the dark hallway.With a disbelieving look of her own, Nan closely followed.
Darcy hefted one of the ewers and carried it to his side of the room. Pouring some water in a bowl, he undressed to the waist and washed as best he could. Then he lathered his face and finally lit a candle so he might see his reflection in a small mirror. Removing the razor from its case, he ran the edge along the whetstone to sharpen it.
“So handsome,” a husky whisper brought his attention to the bed’s female figure.
Smiling broadly, Darcy teasingly leaned over her, pretending to want to kiss Elizabeth while spreading the lather from his face to hers. “Morning, Love,” he whispered seductively.
“No!” she gasped on an inhalation and shoved hard against his bare chest. “You cannot, Fitzwilliam.” She pulled the blanket over her head, further muffling her words of protest.
Darcy gently wrestled the linens from her hands. Leaning over her and pressing his weight across Elizabeth’s body, he lovingly caught her hands and brought them to rest above his heart. “I could.” He draped himself closer. “But I would not.” He paused to give her time to stop squirming. “If you promise me your loyalty.” He shielded his words from the Josephs.
Elizabeth quieted before staring deeply into his eyes. “I’m far from devoid of proper feelings where you’re concerned, Mr. Darcy. I love you to distraction.”
Darcy stroked her cheek. “My heart beats out a love staccato — one bearing your name, Lizzy.”
A hushed conversation from the partition’s other side told him that the Josephs also stirred. He released Elizabeth and sat on the bed’s edge. Taking a steadying breath, Darcy spoke loud enough for all to hear. “Mr. Joseph, if you’ll see to the fire, I’ll light the candles. Mrs. Washington has brought hot water. I suggest we dress and go down to breakfast. Then the ladies can see to their needs and follow us.”
From the screen’s other side, he heard the stirrings come to life. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I’ll inform you when I’ve completed my ablutions.”
“Perhaps we can assess the road conditions ourselves.” Darcy reached again for the razor and adjusted the small mirror. Making the first swath, he added, “Mr. Washington doesn’t hold out much hope, but I’d prefer to draw my own conclusions.”
“Good morning, Edward,” Georgiana said from her place at the table’s head. She’d purposely arisen early because she knew her cousin would be one of the first to breakfast. Her eyes followed his movement. For nearly three years, Georgiana had pined after the man. Edward Fitzwilliam had offered her comfort when she’d foolishly considered an elopement with George Wickham. Along with her brother, the colonel served as her guardian. He had, over the years, read her bedtime stories and tended to childhood injuries.
However, the incident with Mr. Wickham had changed everything. She’d learned, despite her naiveté, some very hard lessons, and Edward had guided her every step. Because of him, she’d allowed her shame to fall away. As proof, Georgiana would offer her ability to converse with Kitty about Lydia Wickham’s marriage without fighting the fear of someone else knowing of her earlier insensibility.
“Good morning, my dear.” Edward bent to kiss her cheek. “You’re up early.”
“I keep country hours,” she countered.
The colonel began to fill a plate from the covered dishes. “I wanted to inspect the roads to see whether it would be safe to send a messenger to the Earl regarding my return.”
Georgiana’s gaze followed his shoulder’s line to his narrow waist, which the cut of his uniform emphasized. His familiar form looked leaner, but there was nothing wrong with the colonel’s appearance. At age one and thirty, he’d now served in the British military for a decade. During those years of service, she’d stood silently cheering his successes as he neared his career’s pinnacle. But while the colonel saw to his duty in the American war, Georgiana had taken a vow that if he returned home safely, she’d no longer remain silent.
Edward came to the table with a plate heaped high with eggs, bacon, and kippers. He speared one and inspected it. “Thank God for British food, at last.” He took a hefty bite.
“You’ve lost weight, Edward.”
“I plan to allow your brother’s generosity to add a few pounds to my frame.”
Georgiana breathed easier. She’d worried whether he might rush off to William’s Wood. “Then you’ll remain with us for a few days? I’d enjoy that very much.”
He smiled lovingly at her and reached for her hand. “You didn’t think I’d leave you alone with Lady Catherine in residence? With Darcy away, our aunt will take advantage. Even after Darcy’s return, I’ll tarry a few days.Your brother isn’t likely to be of a mind to accept an invasion of his marital bliss.”
She interlaced her fingers with his. “Although I truly welcome your presence in dealing with Her Ladyship’s demands, I pray that Pemberley offers other inducements.” Georgiana slid her hand up his sleeve. “You were missed, Edward — more than words may express. You were always in my prayers.”
Georgiana noted the exact second her cousin’s demeanor changed. He said nothing out of the ordinary, but she heard the hitch in Edward’s breathing. It matched hers. A frown graced his forehead. As if he were unsure what had just happened, the colonel said, “I thought of you always. Ask the lieutenant. He’ll tell you that I’ve sung your praises on two continents.”
She slowly removed her hand and returned it to her lap. “What more could a lady request of a man she admires?” she asked with a bit of amusement when his eyes followed her hand. “To be spoken of… to have her name on his lips.”
“There you are, Elizabeth.” Darcy stood to greet her. He took her hand and brought it to his lips.
“Mrs. Joseph and I took a few moments to reorganize the room. I apologize if we kept you waiting.” She smiled glowingly at him.
Darcy wouldn’t criticize. Despite a few dark shadows under her eyes, his wife appeared happy. He wondered what it was about Mrs. Joseph that gave Elizabeth a sense of calm. Whatever it was, Darcy would foster the relationship. “We’ve ordered breakfast.” He seated her beside him.
“I’m ready to break my fast,” Mrs. Joseph boldly declared. “I kindly tell Mr. Joseph that eating for two is a tiring occupation.” The woman accepted her husband’s assistance.
Mr. Joseph braced his wife’s weight. “This journey’s been difficult for you, my dear. We should’ve thought better of it.”
“Mother Joseph is ill,” she explained. “We could do nothing else. Our consciences demanded it. I don’t regret any discomfort we’ve experienced.” She smiled sweetly at her husband. “We must think of it as an adventure.” Mrs. Joseph laughed lightly. “Besides, we’ve made the acquaintance of the Darcys, and I, for one, cannot imagine how our journey would have been without them.We’d be picking straw from our hair and worse without their charity.”
Resigning himself to her logic, Joseph sighed deeply. “I was quite warm last evening — a much better situation than I expected when Mr. Washington announced a lack of rooms.”
“Then let’s learn of our new friends, Matthew. I want to genuinely call Mr. and Mrs. Darcy by that designation.”
“Miss De Bourgh.” Southland bowed from the library’s entrance. “I beg your pardon. Mr. Nathan said I might find the colonel here.”
Anne De Bourgh looked up tentatively. “I believe my cousin planned to check the road conditions. He’ll return shortly.”
The man eyed her with an interest Anne rarely experienced. He actually appeared to seek a conversation with her. “Would I be disturbing you, Miss, if I waited with you for the colonel’s return?”
Anne shot a quick glance at her long-time companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, and with a nod, the lady silently agreed. Swallowing her initial shyness, Anne managed, “Certainly, Lieutenant. Would you care for tea?” She gestured to the pot on a nearby serving table. As he slowly approached the chair where she remained seated, Anne fought for composure. She couldn’t remember the last time a gentleman had sought her company.
“That would be quite pleasant, Miss De Bourgh.” He took the seat across from her. “Dark English tea was one of the things I missed the most while serving in America. People do not brew a proper cup of tea anywhere but on our shores.”
Anne nodded to the cream and sugar, but Southland declined with a shake of his head. “Have you traveled extensively, Lieutenant?” she asked. To the best of her memory, this was the first time in over a decade that she had entertained a gentleman without her mother’s structuring the conversation, and Anne wondered how she was doing. Silly as it seemed, she hoped Lieutenant Southland didn’t find her a complete ninny.
“More than I care to think, Miss. Mostly, I’ve spent time in the East… at least, until I took on the role as the colonel’s aide. America, even with its less civilized circumstances, was a more obliging situation than were Persia and India. The States have a common thread — a very British thread — flowing through the countryside. The Americans may oppose our rule, but they practice our language, our religions, and our system of government.”
As indecision crossed her countenance, Anne questioned, “And do not our British colonies offer similar values?”
Southland’s gaze appraised her cautiously. “No, Miss De Bourgh. Even though we’ve colonized other lands, only North America has assumed our culture and made it its own.”
Intrigued by his opinions, Anne’s eyes narrowed as she seriously considered his words. “Would you consider returning to the Americas, Lieutenant? I mean, after the war. Is there something unique that would impel your return?” Foolishly, she prayed he wouldn’t mention another woman.
“Oh, no, Miss De Bourgh,” he said emphatically.“I’m more than happy to have my feet planted firmly on British soil.” He slanted a quick glance her way. “If I received orders to ship out to America, I’d go, of course, but I’d prefer to finish my duties in England.”
“Finish?” Anne returned her cup to its saucer. “Do you plan to leave the service, Sir?”
The lieutenant’s grin widened. “As we have Napoleon on Elba, I don’t anticipate a need for my role much longer. I’ll leave with what salary is due me. At this time, I’ve not considered a settlement.” He said slowly, “My father would prefer that I marry and set up my nursery.”
Anne blushed thoroughly. Although her own thoughts had drifted to marriage, she still thought herself doomed to spend her life alone. She needed no reminder of the barrenness of her existence. “A marriage often solves a young man’s future,” she said softly.
“At five and twenty, it would appear that I should consider my father’s advice.”
“Where do you call home, Lieutenant?” Mrs. Jenkinson finally asked from her position across the room. As Anne’s companion, she would normally curtail her intercourse with those her employer entertained, but Anne had sent the woman a pleading glance, and luckily, Mrs. Jenkinson had turned the conversation from the marriage topic.
“Outside of Lewes, on the way to Hailsham, Ma’am.” His voice held a familiar inflection. “You must forgive me, Miss De Bourgh. I confess that I hold an acquaintance with Rosings Park. My father’s first cousin was Mr. Knight, Mr. Collins’s predecessor. Knight often wrote to my father of the comings and goings of Hunsford, and I’ve seen Rosings Park on several occasions… at least, I’m familiar with the estate’s gatehouse.”
“Is my cousin, the colonel, aware of your connection to our family?” Anne asked suspiciously.
A mischievous smile expressed his admission even before the lieutenant pronounced the words. “Aye, Miss. The colonel quickly recognized my curiosity regarding the Right Honorable Lady Catherine De Bourgh and Rosings Park, and I confessed the connection, weak as it may be. The good colonel then humored me by regaling me with tales of Hunsford and Her Ladyship. Of you, also, Miss De Bourgh.”
Anne frowned with disbelief. “The colonel spoke of me? Surely, you must be mistaken.”
“I assure you, Miss De Bourgh, that Colonel Fitzwilliam included you in his retellings. Generally, he spoke of your childhood… of his and Mr. Darcy’s tormenting their female cousin and the girl’s father taking them to task for their unkindness. The colonel regretted his participation… in hindsight, that is.”
Anne said incredulously, “Boys have no compassion.”
“I cannot concur, Miss De Bourgh. Boys simply see the world from a narrower scope. They don’t consider their actions’ consequences,” he said smoothly. “Yet, the colonel also spoke of his delicate cousin Anne whose smile could light up a room if she only cared to share it with others.”
His words utterly stunned Anne. “You jest, Lieutenant. It’s unkind to tease me, Sir. I cannot conceive of Edward verbalizing such thoughts.”
“Yet he did, Miss De Bourgh. Your cousin holds you in the highest regard.”
Lieutenant Roman Southland knew full well his words’ effect on the spinster Miss De Bourgh. He had made it his business to become well versed with the De Bourgh family. As a child, he’d heard his cousin speak of Rosing Park’s grandeur, of Sir Lewis’s affability, and of the bounty and beneficence the bestowing of a valuable rectory had had on the Southland family.
When the colonel’s aide-de-camp’s position had become available, Southland had actively pursued it. From the beginning, he’d felt an affinity with the colonel, and even with the past year’s dangers on the American continent, Roman hadn’t regretted his alliance with the Fitzwilliam and De Bourgh families. Somehow, unconsciously, he felt that he belonged with them.
As Southland was a minor son, some would see his obsession as a means to better his position in life, but that was never the intent. Roman truly believed destiny had claimed him. Finding the De Bourghs at Pemberley provided an unusual opportunity, and he’d do all he could to bring fruition to his hopes.
“The second of five sisters,” Mrs. Joseph gasped. “How ever did your mother manage?”
“Mrs. Bennet has a tenacious spirit,” Darcy growled.
Elizabeth laughed ruefully. “My mother,” she explained, “did not consider Mr. Darcy a viable suitor.”
“You jest?” Mr. Joseph asked incredulously.
Darcy mockingly smiled. “It seems that Mrs. Darcy’s cousin Mr. Collins and his rectory on my aunt’s estate tempted my mother in marriage. She sat her sights on the dear clergyman for my wife’s mate.”
“Be fair, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth offered a half-hearted reprimand. “My mother thought only of my future. Besides, Mr. Collins shall inherit Longbourn, and Mrs. Bennet wished to preserve the family connection. And even I had no idea of your regard at the time.”
Mrs. Joseph squeezed Elizabeth’s hand in affection. “How did you ever find your way to Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy responded in Elizabeth’s stead. “Thankfully, my wife’s own tenacity won out. She refused her cousin’s plight and gave me an opportunity to win her hand.”
“A true love story,” Mrs. Joseph declared. “Just like in the Minerva Press novels of which Mr. Joseph says I shouldn’t pollute my mind.” She laughed softly. “But I’m of the persuasion that when a man loves a woman he can conceive of no other in her place; and even though men still run the world, it means nothing without that particular woman by his side.”
“That’s my wife,” Joseph chuckled. “The incurable romantic.”
Mr. Manneville bowed to the Bingleys and to Kitty Bennet. “Might I join you?”
“Certainly.” Bingley gestured to a nearby chair. “We’re enjoying some early morning tea. Mrs. Bingley must work up her appetite,” he said with loving amusement. “Would you care for some?”
The man’s nose rose in displeasure. “I would prefer coffee if it’s available.”
Jane Bingley motioned a footman forward. “Allow me to order some, Mr. Manneville. I fear neither Mr. Bingley nor I have developed a taste for the beverage.”
Manneville straightened his jacket as he sat. “What of you, ladies?” He addressed Caroline and Kitty. “Have either of you taken to the so-called bitter taste of coffee?”
Kitty answered immediately. “Although Mr. Darcy’s staff always makes it available, I’ve not had the nerve to sample the brew. It does have a robust aroma though.Very tempting.”
“That it does, Miss Catherine,” Manneville agreed.
Caroline sniffed audibly. “The only way I could tolerate the drink would be to weaken it with plenty of cream and sugar.”
Manneville challenged, “That’s my sentiment when it comes to tea.”
Manneville noticed how Bingley squirmed, indicating his discomfort with the conversation’s tone. The man would make an easy mark in a card game, he thought.
“I hope you found your accommodations adequate, Manneville,” Bingley said.
“My unknown host does himself proud, Mr. Bingley. Of course, a ship’s onboard accommodation is always lacking unless one captains the vessel; yet, my American home has the best, and I’m accustomed to such luxury.”
“Mr. Darcy’s home is one of England’s finest,” Bingley asserted.
However, before the man could finish, Caroline interrupted. “I wouldn’t have thought, Sir, that one might find anything as grand as Pemberley in the Americas.”
“Then you would assume incorrectly, Miss Bingley. I don’t pretend that my own house can rival Mr. Darcy’s, but my simple plantation house does boast twenty chambers and a more than adequate ballroom.”
“Twenty bedchambers?” Kitty gasped.
“Yes, Miss Catherine,” he said proudly. “And of course, I’ve a home in Charleston, overlooking the bay.”
Manneville expected Bingley’s caution. “You’ll find that in British society, Manneville, people do not discuss their wealth or lack thereof.”
Self-mockingly, Manneville chuckled. “I’m well aware of British norms, Mr. Bingley. My father made certain of my education in such matters. However, I don’t plan to tarry in England. I’m in the country to see to family matters and to test the marriage market. And, as far as announcing my wealth in British society, Sir, I’m at a disadvantage. When you or Mr. Darcy or the colonel walks into a room, everyone already knows you and your family history.”
“You mean to seek a wife, Mr. Manneville? A British wife in America?” Jane asked with more than a little curiosity.
“It is my wish, Mrs. Bingley. A British wife would rule South Carolina’s society, and I’m an ambitious man. Such a wife could bring me glory,” Manneville said bluntly.
Bingley sputtered, “You’re… you’re very direct, Sir.”
Manneville’s smile widened. “I suppose that I am. It’s my American upbringing. I simply never saw any reason to hide the obvious. It would give me no advantage.”
“Is having the advantage important, Mr. Manneville?” Caroline asked suspiciously.
“It’s an absolute in both business and life, Miss Bingley.”
“Will you, ladies, be well while Mr. Joseph and I examine the road conditions? We thought we might take a walk in the main road’s direction,” Darcy said as he stood and put on his gloves.
“We’ll finish our tea and then return to the room, Fitzwilliam. Nothing ill shall occur during broad daylight.” Elizabeth stated the obvious.
Darcy squeezed her hand. “We shan’t be long — less than an hour.”
Darcy and Mr. Joseph walked along the rural road, scrutinizing the area carefully. Although some thawing had occurred, the icy conditions remained. “This could refreeze overnight and make travel slower.” Joseph indicated the water accumulating in the ditches lining the road.
Darcy made his own observations. “But the road is graded well. See how it curves down to allow the runoff.There’s little water on the road’s surface. Another day should permit our escape. I imagine the main road has already opened to limited service.”
“It will be a slow go, nevertheless,” Joseph added. “Between the resumed traffic and the storm’s remnants.”
Darcy turned toward the inn. “I suppose we should start back. I wish to speak to Mr. Simpson regarding his assessment of the dangers before discussing our plans with Mrs. Darcy.”
“You seek your wife’s opinion, Mr. Darcy?” Joseph’s eyebrow rose in disbelief.
“As my wife is very astute, I’d be a fool to ignore her fine mind.” Darcy suspected that his marital bliss came not from his seductive prowess but because he treated Elizabeth as his partner rather than as chattel. He was of the mind to believe that she’d never have consented to marry him if he hadn’t admitted that she had taught him about selfishness. He remembered well his confession to Elizabeth:
“I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. Unfortunately an only son, I was spoiled by my parents, who allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you? You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but more advantageous. By you I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”
“Then it’s as Mrs. Joseph asserts? Yours is a love match?” Joseph added smugly.
Darcy walked on in silence for a few minutes. “I would’ve assumed, Sir, that you, too, cared deeply for your wife. Was I mistaken?”
“You’ve not erred. My wife holds my highest regard.”
“Yet, you refuse to admit to loving your wife,” Darcy observed.
Joseph countered, “I do not hear your professions, Sir.”
Darcy chuckled. “I see how it is. If I’m man enough to admit to loving Mrs. Darcy, you could follow suit. If that’s what it takes, Joseph, I confirm that I’m hopelessly in love with my wife. You now have my permission to admit your own weakness.”
The man reddened. “I assure you, Mr. Darcy, that I do not require nor seek your permission for anything.”
Darcy’s smile widened. “And that’s how it should be, Joseph. My affection for my wife — my decisions regarding my estate — my sister’s guardianship — are all mine. They’re none of your concern unless I choose to share them, as your life belongs to you until you care to speak of it. Do not mimic another man’s actions, Joseph. Do what’s best for you. That’s a lesson which I learned from Mrs. Darcy.”
Only the crunch of their boots on the frosty lane broke the silence for several minutes. “I didn’t mean to offend, Mr. Darcy.”
“You didn’t offend, Joseph. I spoke because I observed in you my own tentative nature. We men are not free to express our thoughts. Women strike up instant relationships. Look at our wives as proof. It is how Society deems our roles so we must develop confidence in our choices, and, more importantly, we must guard against accepting outside examples as the norm. The true north is what works for us — what makes us personally satisfied with our lives.”
“What do you think of Mr. Manneville and the lieutenant?” Mrs. Bennet asked Kitty as they laced the threads of a matted waistcoat they repaired for Mr. Bennet.
Kitty had taken refuge in her mother’s room. She had accepted responsibility for monitoring Mrs. Bennet’s activities. Kitty, who loved creating fashionable designs, concentrated on the looped stitches forming a monogram. “They’re fine-looking gentlemen,” she mumbled.
“I’d imagine that one or both would be considering marriage,” Mrs. Bennet hinted as she fluttered about the room.
Still involved in the stitching, Kitty absentmindedly responded, “Mr. Manneville said as much earlier today.”
“Did he now?” Mrs. Bennet asked with delight. “That’s a fine situation.”
Kitty’s head snapped up in full attention. “Mama, don’t even think it! Mr. Manneville will return to America.”
“But the man is very rich, is he not?” Mrs. Bennet’s tone conveyed the direction of her thoughts.
“If he’s to be believed,” Kitty confirmed.
Picking up her embroidery hoop, Mrs. Bennet returned to her stitching. “I suppose one might corroborate the man’s worth through the colonel or Lieutenant Southland.”
Kitty recognized her mother’s manipulations. “I’ve no desire to live in America,” she asserted.
“Who says the man cannot be convinced to stay in England?”
Kitty’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mr. Manneville despises English tea!”
Mrs. Bennet chortled. “What does that have to do with anything? I’ll speak to him myself to determine his true intentions.”
“Southland, I’ve been looking for you.” Colonel Fitzwilliam cornered his aide in the library.
The lieutenant scrambled to his feet. “I apologize, Sir. I was unaware of your return to the house.”
“Some thirty minutes ago,” the colonel offered a mild reprimand.
The lieutenant remained at attention. “Again, I apologize, Colonel. While I was reading, I evidently lost track of time, Sir.”
“Relax, Lieutenant.” Edward reeled in his temper.
Southland lowered his shoulders. “How may I serve you, Sir?”
“You can tell me what you’re about. What’s this I hear of your having an intimate conversation with my cousin?”
The lieutenant’s glance was so brief that Edward couldn’t read the man’s true motive. “I assume, Sir, that you refer to my speaking to Miss De Bourgh.”
“You had better not have spoken intimately to Miss Darcy,” Edward growled.
“As Miss Darcy is so much younger than Miss De Bourgh?” Southland asked uncertainly.
Edward jerked his head up in surprise. “As Miss Darcy is an innocent.” Warning rang in Edward’s tone.
“And Miss De Bourgh is not?”
That was the wrong thing to say. “I’ll not tolerant insolence, Lieutenant!” Edward swallowed his initial anger. “Damn it, Roman! You know that wasn’t what I meant. Miss De Bourgh is equally as innocent, but she has a companion with her at all times. At Pemberley, Miss Darcy’s companion allows her charge some freedom. I’d not approve of your approaching either cousin.”
“Did I say something to offend Miss De Bourgh? If so, I’ll apologize immediately, Sir.”
“Miss De Bourgh didn’t appear offended by your conversation,” Edward conceded.
The man appeared puzzled. “Then what brings your ire, Sir?”
“I’ll not have my cousin made an object of scorn, Southland.”
“Scorn, Sir? Why would you believe I meant to scorn Miss De Bourgh?”
Edward’s gaze locked on his aide’s countenance. “Miss De Bourgh isn’t the type men seek out for simple conversation.”
“I don’t understand why not, Sir. Miss De Bourgh is quite handsome and very literate. She may be a bit shy, but in small gatherings, I imagine the lady shows very well.”
Edward narrowed his eyes. “Are we both speaking of the same Anne De Bourgh?”
The lieutenant frowned. “I speak of Lady Catherine’s daughter.” He paused briefly. “You do recall my brief connection to Rosings Park, do you not, Sir?”
Edward stammered, “Of… of course, Southland.” The colonel’s brow rose in curiosity. “Then you truly enjoyed your time with my cousin?”
“Absolutely, Colonel, and I’d be honored to join Miss De Bourgh again.”The man’s honesty rang true, but Edward still questioned whether any man could give Anne his attentions without first considering her dowry. She had cowered under Lady Catherine’s reign so long that he was certain that Anne had lost the vibrancy she once possessed. It would probably become his father’s province to find Anne a suitable marriage of convenience, one of which his aunt would approve — possibly to a widower who needed a mother for his children. “And I’ll avoid Miss Darcy unless her companion is present.” Southland’s words brought Edward from his thoughts.
The colonel’s voice was hesitant. “Allow me to caution you, Lieutenant. I didn’t bring you to Pemberley to feather your social connections.You’re Mr. Darcy’s guest, and you’re my assistant. I expect you to perform under those guidelines. I appreciate your earlier kindness to Miss De Bourgh; yet, I cannot condone your laying a liaison’s foundation with any of the females under Mr. Darcy’s protection. If that’s your purpose, you’ll know the Earl of Matlock’s full power, as well as your commanding officer’s, in response.”
“I understand, Sir.”
“Our husbands should be on their way back,” Mrs. Joseph remarked. “And the other gentlemen are coming down to breakfast.”
Elizabeth said pointedly. “I am grateful for your presence in that regard. If you and Mr. Joseph hadn’t joined us, I would have cautiously taken my breakfast in my room. None of the men have been rude, but it’s quite intimidating when one is the only woman among so many men. Like an invasion of holy ground.”
Mr. Horvak and Sir Jonathan stopped at the table to pay their respects. When Elizabeth and Mrs. Joseph started to rise, Sir Jonathan said, “Please. That’s not necessary. We’re kindred souls — those waiting for the Christmas spirit to clear a way home.”
“Do you suppose we should even attempt a journey today, Sir Jonathan?” Elizabeth asked.
“My coachman came by earlier, and he seemed to think we’d need another day.”
Elizabeth frowned. Despite enjoying Mrs. Joseph’s company, she wanted to be elsewhere. “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Joseph are completing their own analysis.”
“I suspect your husbands will come to the same conclusions,” Mr. Horvak said.
As Nan entered with the gentlemen’s meals, Elizabeth said, “We’ll leave you to your breakfast.” Noticing Mary’s sudden grimace, she added, “Mrs. Joseph requires a bit more rest.”
“Of course, Mrs. Darcy. We’ll speak later.” The two men bowed out.
Elizabeth supported Mrs. Joseph to her feet. “Is something amiss?”
The woman frowned. “I suddenly feel very light-headed. Probably nothing — especially for a woman eight months with child. Other women would be considering their confinements.”
“I suspect that you didn’t sleep well last evening,” Elizabeth added as they slowly climbed the stairs.
“Better than I would’ve in the stable,” Mary said ironically. “When one is as large with child as I, sleep doesn’t come easily.”
“Then you’ll take the bed and find some required rest.You were very brave to attempt this journey under the circumstances,” Elizabeth assured as she held the room’s door for her new friend.
However, a second grimace twisted Mary’s countenance, and the woman caught the door frame with white knuckles. “I suspect I shouldn’t have had so much ham. It is so salty, and it makes my stomach cramp if I don’t drink enough water with it.”
“Then let’s get you to bed and order some fresh drinking water.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You’re proving to be an excellent friend.”
Elizabeth insisted that Mary stretch out across the bed. Once she had the lady settled, Elizabeth draped a blanket over her. “I expect you to nap for at least an hour. I shall tolerate nothing less,” she politely ordered.
“And what shall you do while I sleep, Mrs. Darcy?” the woman asked with half-closed eyes.
Elizabeth smiled contentedly.“I have some letters to entertain me.”