Whatever her past might prove to be—whatever truths were uncovered or overturned—she would no longer be at the mercy of them.
She would have chosen her future.
And in that future—
She would not be alone.
Chapter 34
Darcy woke before the servant came to call him.
For a moment, he lay still, staring up at the unfamiliar canopy, disoriented—until memory returned all at once.
Rosings.
Elizabeth.
The wedding!
He sat up at once. A strange lightness filled him—not the restless agitation of the day before, but something steadier. Anticipation. Certainty.
He was to be married.
And nothing—nothing—would prevent it.
A knock sounded at the door, and before Darcy could answer, it opened. Richard stepped in, already dressed, looking altogether too pleased with himself.
“Well,” he said, leaning one shoulder against the doorframe, “how does it feel to wake a free man for the last time?”
Darcy gave him a look as he rose. “If that is your idea of wit, I must question your readiness to stand up with me.”
Richard grinned. “Oh, I am perfectly ready. I simply wish to enjoy the novelty while it lasts. You, my dear cousin, are about to be bound and chained for the remainder of your life.”
Darcy reached for his banyan with calm precision. “You would do well to exercise caution in your mockery. If I recall correctly, you are not far behind me.”
Richard’s grin sharpened. “Ah—but I enter into my own chains with eyes wide open.”
“And a special license in hand,” Darcy returned dryly. Richard placed a hand over his heart. “A man must be prepared.”
Darcy shook his head, though there was a hint of amusement in his expression.
A servant entered with a breakfast tray and set it down neatly on the small table. Richard pushed away from the door at once. “Good. You are to eat.”
Darcy frowned slightly. “I would prefer to go and check on Elizabeth.”
“I would not do that, old chap,” Richard warned. “Bad luck and all that. Best eat up.”
“But—”
“No,” Richard said firmly, intercepting him. “You would prefer to collapse halfway through the ceremony from lack of food? Sit down.”
Darcy hesitated.
“I should like to know how she fares.”
“And I should like you to remain upright long enough to marry her,” Richard replied. “The ladies have her well in hand. You are not to see the bride before the ceremony—it is considered very poor form. And, I am told, rather unlucky.”
Darcy exhaled, reluctant but not unreasonable. “Very well.”
