A reluctant smile tugged at her mouth. “Tell me, Lady Matlock, is it customary for the maids to inform the master and mistress on all my doings?”
“Naturally, and by-the-by, do not fret over misplaced letters. I have it on good authority that the Atlantic crossings are fearful just now.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Thank you, my lady.”
Lady Matlock pointed a finger. “Elizabeth, there is something you ought to know. My husband and Darcy determined when you first came that your connection to poor dear Richard would remain secret until such time as they felt sure of you.”
She nodded. “I am aware of this.”
“Well, the thing is, there has never been any cause to introduce you in Society. Anne and Mr Bingley are the only ones who know all the facts, and they are speaking to no one. I suppose the War Office has a record of you as his wife, if the earl can get that much from them, but as far as the world knows, Richard died a bachelor. Now, the question is how to manage introductions.”
“Is that really necessary, Lady Matlock? I do not intend to trade on my connection to your family, and I have no business trying to cultivate a social web.”
The lady shook her head gravely. “Like it or not, Elizabeth, youareconnected to the family, and—ah, here is the earl to explain the rest.”
Elizabeth stood when Matlock walked into the room, then sat again at his invitation.
“Have you told her, my dear?” he asked of the countess, who shook her head.
Elizabeth tensed in anticipation. The expressions of both were set, determined—pleased, yes, but whatever they were about to tell her was not open for discussion. A decision had been reached, and it was to be for her to accept it.
“Elizabeth, I have not spoken so openly to you on this matter, but it is time we discussed the future. Darcy assures me that you will not desire to return to America, is that correct?”
She blinked, swallowed, and tried to relax her knotted fingers, so they did not appear white and nervous. “Yes,” she answered, though her voice was uncooperative.
“Very well. As you know—or perhaps you did not know, but no matter—Richard had some few assets. The principal among these is approximately three thousand pounds, presently invested in the four percents, which were placed in his name on our mother’s behalf. He had also a flat in London, though it was not entirely unencumbered. I have investigated, and parting with it will only bring you a few hundred pounds, but the cost to maintain it—”
“I do not wish to live in London,” she answered quickly.
“I thought not. I have a small cottage in mind—one of my more recent acquisitions, approximately four miles to the north-west of here. The land is rented to a farmer, but the cottage is presently vacant. It is tidy and handsome, though not large. With your income, and what can be gained from the sale of any property you wish to dispense with, I believe you can live there quite comfortably.”
The breath left her, and she merely stared, unable to speak. The only sound in the room for at least thirty seconds was a ticking clock.
The earl glanced uncomfortably at the countess. “Understand, we are not trying to rid ourselves of you…”
“No!” she blurted. “I had not thought that at all. Your offer is exceedingly generous, my lord. It answers… well, it would satisfy every possible want, but what troubles me is how I should repay you. I understand that the rent on such a cottage would—”
“Rent!” Lady Matlock laughed. “I do not think she understands, my dear.”
“But I could not accept charity. I already feel so indebted to you, and I cannot ask you to look after me the rest of my life.”
The earl frowned. “If it pleases you, you may consider it a temporary situation, but one I shall be in no hurry to dissolve. Will that suit?”
She nodded jerkily. What else was she to do?
“Excellent,” he replied, and slapped his hands on his knees then rose to his feet. “I believe my wife wished to discuss other matters, so I shall leave you now. I am for London in the morning, and I ought to have thought of it before, but would you care to accompany us? It is only a short business trip; I shall not be remaining for any of the season’s festivities. Anne means to come, but she will be staying at her own flat, of course. What of it? You could view Richard’s old flat for yourself, put aside anything you wish to keep. I will likely dine with Darcy and Georgiana, as well.”
Elizabeth felt herself shaking her head long before she found her voice. “No… no thank you, my lord. I think it would be best if I did not go.”
“As you please. I will be sure to give them your greetings, of course.”
She looked down at her hands. “Please say that I… I wish them my very best.”
London
“Darcy!Didyourvaletgive you the slip?” Reginald pointed at Darcy’s face when he walked into the hall of Darcy House from his carriage, gaping openly. “Smooth as a baby! Why, you look seventeen again!”
“Thank you, I think,” Darcy answered dryly. “How was your journey? No trouble with the ice, I trust.”
