Darcy wedged his knees against the cushion, and Nick was grateful he imitated his brother’s posture when the carriage jolted and turned abruptly. “He used to race curricles before he came to work for me,” Darcy explained.
Nick chuckled. “Ye know how to pick a fine crew.”
“My estate is only as sound as the people in my employ.”
“Just like me ship.”
“It is not so different. We are both masters in our own domains.”
“‘Cept yer quarters’re far more extensive than me frigate. Over one hundred men occupying one hundred thirty-five feet from bow to stern gets crowded.”
“You shall love Pemberley. High ceilings and large rooms indoors, rolling green hills and forests as far as you can see out of doors.”
The shelter he’d never known. The place he’d have played with his brother and cousins instead of mending nets with raw fingers in a damp hut. Where he’d have been loved by a mother and father instead of working to pay his way until he was old enough to apprentice on a ship with nothing but the shirt on his back and a pair of castoff shoes that didn’t fit. Not that Nick carried any resentment toward the old man who’d taken him in. He’d fed him, taught him a trade, let him learn to read, and never raised his hand against Nick. He’d even given him his name. After knowingwhat his fate was supposed to have been, Nick was grateful for his life.
He rubbed his chest. “Sounds lovely, Darcy.” So lovely, he didn’t want to see it until he’d learned to control his resentment. He’d make peace with the past, then he’d embrace his future with no reserves. His family deserved as much, and so did he.
The carriage slowed. They were close.
Darcy peeked through the glass, leaning forward abruptly. “What is that blackguard doing here?”
Nick snapped to attention. The door to the Gardiners’ house was open, and Wickham stood in the entrance with his arms crossed, a smirk on his mug. Nick clenched his fists at the sight. He’d love to draw that man’s cork. The slimy eel wouldn’t think himself so charming with blood running out of his nose and staining his starched shirt.
Darcy descended from the carriage and charged across the street. Nick tried to catch up with him to prevent him from doing what he would do for the both of them.
But he was too late.
The fool lifted his chin haughtily. “Not so high and mighty now, are you, Darcy?”
Leaping up the steps, fist raised, Darcy landed a solid shot right where Nick had imagined punching only moments ago.
Wickham’s reaction was most satisfying.Shriveling into himself, covering his face, he sputtered and moaned.
Darcy was too dignified to gloat or exchange a word with the rogue. He breezed past Wickham, where the Gardiners’ man attempted to suppress a smile. “They are in the parlor, sir,” he announced.
“Thank you, Parrot,” Darcy answered coolly, as though nothing had transpired. He was so smooth and composed, and Nick could not be prouder.Thatwas his brother.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and tossed it to Wickham before continuing into the parlor. He could be smooth, too.
Connell stood when they entered. The satisfaction on his face stopped Nick short.
“My uncle was looking for you,” Darcy said.
Mr. Gardiner rubbed his temples. His wife stood behind him, clutching the back of his chair. Elizabeth’s jaw clenched, and Alex cast him a look that tensed every muscle in Nick’s body.
Connell stood. Gesturing at the Gardiners, he stated, “This family is harboring a known criminal.”
“His Lordship, the Earl of Matlock—”
Connell raised his hand, stopping Darcy short. “Notthatcriminal.” His smile widened and he pointed at Alex. “That one.Sheis wanted for crimes against the Crown.”
Alex’s nostrils flared. “I am not!” She attempted tostand, but Elizabeth reached for her arm to prevent it. Less confidently, she added, “I don’t think.”
Nick could reach into his boot and rid them of Connell with one flick of his dagger. He dismissed the idea the instant it reared its ugly head in Nick’s mind. Aye, they’d be free of Connell, but he’d have murdered a man in cold blood in front of people who believed him changed. He couldn’t betray their trust like that.
There had to be another way. He met Alex’s gaze, and was relieved to see her fingers relax at his warning look.
Darcy stepped closer, his shoulders brushing against Nick’s. When Nick looked at him, Darcy winked. Twice.
