Page 72 of A November to Remember

“No need to risk injury, Dawson. There is a better way. We shall eavesdrop,” Darcy said and moved to the door.

Dawson followed closely at his heels. “Shamelessly, sir?”

Darcy adjusted his cuffs as he stepped into the passage. “With dignity, Dawson. Like gentlemen.”

They navigated the hallway silently, avoiding creaking floorboards. Stopping outside Robert’s door, Darcy pressed his shoulder against the oak panel and tilted his head. Dawson took up a corresponding position beside the other doorpost, clasping his hands behind his back and staring blankly at the opposite wall.

Inside, Robert was holding court.

“We are trying to assist you, Bingley, because you are dragging your feet.”

“I do procrastinate,” Bingley’s guilty voice followed. “I am aware. I appreciate the support immensely, Keathley. Miss Bennet is an angel, but I am not persuaded she holds any regard for me. Especially after returning to Longbourn, she barely smiles at me.”

“That is because you have been cold towards her!” Robert exclaimed.

“We have been through all this many times, Robert.” A chair creaked loudly, protesting under Richard’s considerable weight. “Let us move on to the Alliance’s true purpose.”

Darcy held his breath and pressed his ear harder against the wood.

“An Alliance? With whom? What purpose?” Bingley sounded bewildered. “I thought you were focusing on my happiness.”

“Never mind the particulars. Your happiness is within your grasp, Bingley, if only you would refrain from listening to your sisters,” Robert said, allowing a pause to build. “We are going to bring Darcy and Miss Elizabeth together.”

Outside the door, Darcy closed his eyes, a wave of heat rushing up his neck. His cousins were plotting his romantic prospects like chess players moving the pawns on the board.

“Darcy and Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley gasped. “But I thought they despised one another! Though during her stay here, they were quite civil, I must say.”

“The assembly was a disastrous blunder,” Richard agreed, the sound of him chewing on something crunchy echoing through the door. “But they are perfectly matched. He has been out of his wits since the card party at Lucas Lodge, when she utterly eviscerated him. He needs a woman who will not tolerate his brooding, and she needs a man who can appreciate her intellect. Our task is to clear the path.”

“The primary obstacle on that path is wearing a white neckcloth and residing at Longbourn.” Robert’s boots thudded as he paced the room. “Mr Collins.”

Darcy frowned, leaning closer.

“His purpose is to marry, and all the Bennet daughters are in grave danger. Though Mrs Bennet and her adorable sister are taking great pains to steer the rector to Miss Charlotte Lucas. But!” Robert sighed heavily. “After watching the poor woman endure him for an afternoon, I have reconsidered the strategy.”

“Miss Lucas is a sensible woman,” Richard agreed.

“Too sensible for him. I believe we should steer Collins towards Mary Bennet,” Robert said, his voice teasing.

A loud coughing fit erupted from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of someone pounding on a back.

“Absolutely not!” Richard roared.

“Colonel, you are spraying crumbs on my master’s dressing gown.” Boodles delivered the reprimand in a tone of glacial horror.

“I do not care about the dressing gown!” Richard bellowed, slamming a fist onto a wooden surface. “Miss Mary is no great performer at the pianoforte, I grant you, but she appreciates a good sandwich! She is a woman of culinary respect! I will not see her sacrificed to a pompous windbag who talks about hens!”

“The colonel makes a valid point, my lord.” Dickinson stepped into the fray, his voice gruff. “A man must protect his supply lines. Miss Mary understands provisions. She hands him food without being asked. That kind of support is rare in a civilian.”

“I know, Dickinson! Brother, I am jesting. I know of your esteem for Miss Mary. We leave her alone.”

The bed creaked as someone settled on it.

Darcy had heard enough. He grabbed the handle and shoved the door wide open.

“Aha!” He stepped inside, assuming his most lethal scowl.

Dawson moved beside him without hesitation, raising his chin in silent judgement as he surveyed Boodles and Dickinson.