Page 6 of Dear Friend

“No. Though I should very much enjoy being present when you finally explain it to her.”

“You will not be.”

“Such a pity.” Richard took another sip of his brandy. “If not Anne, what sort of woman do you mean to marry?”

“I have never thought it necessary to enumerate her qualities.”

“I am disappointed. I had expected a list of considerable length.”

“I require nothing unreasonable.”

“Excellent. What do you require?”

Darcy ought to have dismissed the question. Yet his thoughts went unexpectedly to Pemberley and to memories old enough that their edges had softened without disappearing entirely.

“My parents were happy,” he said.

Perhaps perceiving the seriousness in his cousin’s tone, Richard allowed the smile that had lingered throughout most of their conversation to fade.

“My father valued my mother’s judgement. He sought her company when there was no obligation to do so.” Darcy paused. “I remember hearing them laugh together.”

He remembered his mother seated beside the fire at Pemberley, his father standing behind her chair while she attempted, unsuccessfully, to maintain a severe expression at something he had whispered. The words themselves were lost. Her laughter was not.

“The house was different after she died,” Darcy said, rousing himself from his reflections.

“You were young.”

“Not so young that I have forgotten.”

Richard inclined his head.

“I do not imagine affection sufficient in itself,” Darcy continued. “There must be respect, suitability, some agreement of principle. But if I am to spend my life with a woman, I should at least wish to find pleasure in her company.”

“Steady, Darcy.” Richard gestured with his free hand. “Take care, or you shall have us believing you a romantic after all.”

“I am being practical.”

“Of course.”

“I should like to admire my wife and respect her judgement.”

“And love her?”

Darcy hesitated only a moment. “Yes.”

Richard stared at him.

“You need not look so astonished.”

“I am not astonished that you should wish it. I am astonished that you admitted it.”

“You asked.”

“I ask you many things. You generally answer only those which suit you.”

Darcy reached for the correspondence. “Then enjoy your victory quietly.”

Richard laughed. “I shall wait with great interest to meet this extraordinary woman.”