Page 121 of Honor Requires

The ladies were assisted within, the door closing behind them with finality. Elizabeth did not move for several seconds. It cannot be—

Despite the doubts, she knew.

She turned at once, leaving the room with a swiftness that would have startled anyone who observed her. Her steps carried her down the corridor and toward the morning room where she knew Bramley was accustomed to spend the earlier part of the day.

He was there, seated at a small writing table, a sheaf of papers before him. He looked up as she entered, surprise flickering across his expression at her evident urgency.

“Elizabeth?”

“There is a carriage at Darcy House,” she said without preamble. “Two ladies have just arrived.”

Bramley set aside his pen. “And this concerns you because—?”

“Because I believe one of them is your cousin.” That was sufficient.

He rose at once, crossing the room to join her. “Come.” They returned together to the window, Elizabeth stepping aside just enough to allow him a clear view.

“They have already gone in,” she said. “But I am certain—Bramley, I have seen her before. At Ramsgate. It was only for a short time, but I could not mistake her.”

Bramley studied the house, then nodded slowly.

“And the other?”

“Mrs. Younge,” Elizabeth said, her tone tightening. “Her companion. I am equally certain of it.”

He glanced at her.

“You do not sound pleased.”

“I am not.”

The admission was firm.

Bramley considered this, his expression thoughtful.

“If my cousin has come to Town, it is curious that we have not been informed.”

Elizabeth’s gaze remained fixed upon the house.

“Yes.”

He was silent briefly.

“Will you call?”

She hesitated. “I do not know,” she murmured. “It would be…natural, perhaps. Given our extended correspondence. Though I would not wish to intrude where I am not welcome.”

Bramley inclined his head. “If she intends to keep the acquaintance, she will send her card.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes.”

He glanced at her again. “And if she does not?”

Elizabeth drew a breath, steadying herself. “Then I shall call.”

Three days passed. Elizabeth waited. She did not speak of it to Jane, nor did she mention it beyond that first conversation with Bramley. Her attention remained attuned, whether she wished it or not, to every movement at Darcy House. Each morning, she found some excuse to pass by the window. Each afternoon, she listened for the sound of a carriage drawing up across the square.

No card came.