“He opened the door, sir! I didnotlet him in!” insisted the butler.
On this point, Darcy could appease his ill-treated houseman. “He is known to do that. I suppose Bingley is nearby?”
“Here I am! My apologies. Archie has a horrible habit of breaking and entering.”
Clearly wishing to leave the room and go where he might regain his composure, the butler asked, “Is there anything you require, sir?”
“I have an appointment at Sotheby’s I shall not be able to attend. Be so kind as to send Lawrence in my stead. He knows my wishes.”
“Very well, sir,” the butler said in his usual dignified fashion. With a warning side glance at Archie, he departed.
Richard leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. “What brings you to Darcy House, Bingley?”
Darcy bit his tongue. He supposedhe ought to be polite and at least hear Bingley out before he asked Georgiana about the good news in Miss Mary’s letter.
“Caro is packing for Scarborough. She says she would rather live with our aunt than remain another moment in London.” Bingley sank into the chair beside Richard and leaned his head against the back of the chair. “I do not know what to do with her. She is making me and everyone around us miserable. None of her friends will see her. Even Louisa has asked her not to call. I had decided that it would be in Caro’s best interest to stay in London and face the full consequences of her slanderous tongue, but I will admit that, after a month in her company, my forbearance is wearing thin.”
“Why would her aunt wish for her company in Scarborough?” asked Richard.
Bingley raised his finger. “That is what I said! Caro did not take too kindly to the point, but it is true, nonetheless.”
“Will you give in to her demands?” Georgiana asked.
“No. I will endure my sister’s wrath if it means that I might gain some of Jane’s respect.”
“It takes time to earn respect, and exponentially more so once it has been lost,” Darcy reminded him.
“A painful lesson, and one I am determined not to waste,” Bingley said firmly. Only then did he finally notice Richard. “What in heaven’s name happened to you?”
Before the conversation got completely distracted,Darcy asked Georgiana. “What news have you had from Longbourn?”
Another broad smile, a big breath, then…
“What is the meaning of this?!” demanded a female voice that made Richard blanch. Archie hid under Darcy’s chair.
“Mother! What are you doing here?” Richard rose from his seat in such haste he tripped.
Darcy steadied him.
Aunt Helen tsked and went about the room, greeting each of them with kisses on the cheek and increasing Richard’s suspense until she finally reached him. Catching him by the collar, she sniffed.
“I can explain,” Richard offered.
“Try,” she commanded, letting go of his collar and signaling for him to continue with a look that bore ill for her son.
Richard opened his mouth, but no words came out. Darcy, too, was at a loss. They could not reveal where Richard had gone, and Darcy did not wish to mention the paintings again lest his aunt draw certain conclusions before he was ready. Timing was of the utmost importance.
Georgiana rang for some tea. “Stay and have some cake with us, Aunt. It is all my fault, and I feel wretched for asking Richard to try to secure a Mario Rossi painting for me. They have become incredibly difficult to find.”
Darcy watched his aunt’s reactionintently without seeming to do so. He desperately needed her cooperation if the next part of his plan was to work.
Aunt sat and fanned her face. “The ladies in my circles speak of nothing else! Everyone wants a Rossi painting.”
Bingley nodded. “It has become a game to find the hidden initials.”
“I asked my maid if she might help me secure a Rossi I heard of at… at a market of sorts. You know, one where they sell antiques.”
Darcy’s ears rang.A washer woman with soft hands.His aunt’s maid? His aunt was an admirer of Mario Rossi! It was a struggle to contain his immense joy and keep the excitement out of his tone. “Was she successful?”
