This dilemma concerned her. Try as she might to be a capable, supportive wife, her lack of attachment to Pemberley allowed her to see what he could not. They were so newly married that adjustments were to be expected. Therefore, she determined to let nothing steal their peace until their future home was decided upon. To this point, her husband, when necessary, took a hard stand when an issue involved the protection of her or Georgiana. He was also ready to listen to either of their expressed opinions.
She inhaled slowly, not wanting to draw undue attention to herself. The best she could do was to allow him to decide on his next step on his own. It is what she would want him to do for her.
He calmed as if a cooling breeze blew over his overheated flesh. “Perhaps the better plan would be to ask Richard to search the courts to see if Cinna is a fraud. Once I find him, charge him, and have him arrested, a confession detailing his crimes and Simon Cole’s involvement should follow if he’s at all sensible. This will be far more damning evidence against the actual perpetrator of the theft. I suspect the courts would fine and transport Cinna. I will see Cole in Marshalsea with the rest of the thieves and debtors for the rest of his life. Hanging would be far too easy after what he has done.”
She kissed him soundly, giving him her full support.
“You are a wonder,” Darcy whispered against her temple. “Had I not heard the name aloud, I never would have suspected Cole of making this large of an error.”
Happy that she could help, she said, “Will this be the end, then?”
“If this, indeed, is what has happened, then yes, this will be the end.” Holding her in his arms, he slowly rocked her side to side. “Imagine being the mistress of all you saw, Elizabeth. The house, the grounds, the fine art, the many guest rooms where our friends and family, those who remained loyal to us throughout this trial, will come and enjoy the delights of Pemberley. We will have picnics, boating, hunts, games, and feasts every day. Once our guests return to their homes, we will display our tenderest private affections to each other in every room in the house.”
She was diverted by this motive. “Exactly how many rooms are there?”
“One hundred twenty-six.”
“Oh!” She agreed wholeheartedly. “You, sir, are a brilliant strategist. I gladly accept your proposal.”
Picking her up, he spun her around and around, his lips brushing her forehead, the tip of her nose, her chin, then her lips.
“I love you, Elizabeth Darcy.”
She whispered, “I will never tire of hearing those words, my beloved. I love you most dearly. Please say them again.”
32
By the time the Matlocks arrived from Town, almost two weeks passed with no news from Richard.
Late that night, Darcy shared his uncle’s comments with Elizabeth.
“They had a devil of a time getting here. The roads were all ruts, the weather rendering them dangerous, far more so than when we traveled to Derbyshire.” Pouring himself a cup of tea, he added, “Richard’s regiment arrived at the Royal Docks a week before aunt and uncle left London. Fortunately, they had my cousin return early because of Georgiana’s elopement since the battle his troops fought immediately after Richard departed the continent was hard won. Elizabeth, the reported casualties were many. Richard removed himself from Matlock House to his barracks since he was spending countless hours with the injured.”
Elizabeth considered what her husband left unsaid. “How tragic.”
“Yes.” Darcy rested his chin on his palm. “I now understand why we have had no news about the notary. My cousin’s attention is elsewhere. Drat!”
“Which is as it should be, is it not?” Elizabeth hoped for a simple response. Instead, she barely got any reaction at all. “Legatum nostrum, Honor,” she murmured under her breath.
His response was instantaneous. “The Darcy family motto?Our Legacy, Our Honor? Why would you possibly mention this now?”
The irritation in his tone was clear.
Breathing deeply to slow the blood racing through her veins, she said, “Your aunt and uncle could have lost their son.”
He swiped his hand across his mouth. “Yes, they could have, though they did not. Thank God.”
Tilting her head to the side, she studied him carefully. Finally, she judged that the time was ripe to express her deepest concerns. Putting it off any longer would not make it easier.
“Fitzwilliam, do you recall when Mr. Crosgrove explained why he dressed plainly despite his wealth?”
“He wanted a quiet life with his wife, and he did not want her to be the target of greedy fortune hunters after he was gone.”
“That was how you explained his reasoning to me.”
“Why are you bringing this up now, Elizabeth?”
She rose to stand before him. Teasing the back of his hand with her fingertips, she wove them around his fingers. “One of the first things I loved about you was how quickly you apologized to me after insulting me at the assembly. I could tell by your countenance, by the wayyou looked at me directly, that you were sincere. Something else that did not fail to impress me was the way you spoke about your sister when we discussed your situation atop Oakham Mount. Despite her flaws, your affection for her never wavered. When you eventually declared your love for me because you are a man of honor, you have never given me reason to doubt your word.”
