Page 161 of Honor Requires

“They will,” Richard said. “Though I do not expect the proceedings to be drawn out. There is little to contest. Their own records, combined with the testimony gathered, leave them with few avenues of defense.”

Darcy inclined his head once more.

Richard considered him, his gaze sharpening. “Have you been up all night?”

Darcy did not attempt to dissemble. “I have.”

Richard exhaled, leaning back in his chair. “I thought as much.”

“There is a certain…restlessness,” Darcy said, choosing the word with care. “The mind does not easily relinquish a habit so long maintained.”

Richard’s expression was sympathetic, though his tone remained practical. “It will pass.”

“Will it?”

“I believe so,” Richard replied. “You have carried this for years. It will take time for the absence of it to feel natural.”

Darcy moved, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced once across the room. “I had thought,” he said slowly, “that when the moment came, I should feel…more.”

Richard’s mouth curved faintly. “Triumph?”

“Perhaps.”

“And instead?”

Darcy paused. “Relief,” he said at last. “And a sensation I cannot name.”

Richard nodded. “That is likely for the best.”

Darcy glanced at him. “You think so?”

“I do,” Richard replied. “If you had felt only triumph, I might be more concerned for you.”

A faint, humorless smile touched Darcy’s lips. “Then I am spared your concern.”

“Not entirely,” Richard said dryly.

They fell silent for a moment.

Richard shifted, his tone altering. “With this concluded, there remains another matter.”

Darcy met his gaze. “My family.”

“Yes.”

Darcy turned away briefly, his attention returning to the window, though he did not see what lay beyond it.

“They must be told.”

Darcy drew a breath. “I am aware.”

“They have believed you dead for years. They have mourned you. They have lived in ignorance of all that has been done.”

Darcy’s jaw tightened.

“And now,” Richard went on, “you have the opportunity to set that right.”

Darcy did not immediately answer. It would not be fair to leave them suffering his loss. “There will be questions,” he said at last. “Explanations required. Matters that cannot be easily reconciled.”