Page 19 of The Earl’s Second Chance

Richard answered with brutal honesty. “Until this morning, I did not know. Now I know only that I will not ask anything while she is wounded by you.”

“How noble.”

“No. Merely decent.”

Richard left. The door closed with quiet finality, which wounded Darcy more than a slam.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Two Courtships

Richard waited a week before calling at Grosvenor Square.

He waited not because his feelings diminished, but because they became too serious to disguise as chance meetings. During those seven days he spoke to his father, who listened without interruption, and to Hartley, who laughed aloud.

“Jane and Elizabeth Bennet?” Hartley said. “We shall become brothers twice over.”

“You have not yet secured Lady Jane.”

“Neither have you secured permission to address Lady Elizabeth.”

Their smiles faded together.

“Darcy?” Hartley asked.

“Made her an abominable proposal and received the answer it deserved.”

Hartley swore softly. “Does he know of your intentions?”

“He knows my feelings. I did not know them myself until I heard him wound her.”

The Earl of Matlock regarded his younger son across the library. “Are you certain this is not rivalry?”

Richard’s expression altered.

“I have been a second son all my life, sir. I know the taste of receiving what another man does not want. I would sooner cut off my good leg than ask Elizabeth to accept a proposal made from competition.”

His father nodded. “Then ask Herfershire for leave to court her.”

Lord Herfershire received Richard in the book room at eleven.

“You are recovering from a wound,” he said. “You possess a commission, little private income, and a cousin my daughter presently dislikes with enthusiasm.”

“All true.”

“What do you offer her?”

Richard did not speak of Elizabeth’s dowry, his father’s generosity, or future expectations.

“Respect. Honesty, even when it is uncomfortable. A home in which her mind will be welcomed. Whatever work my body and judgment can provide. And affection that has become the most serious fact of my life.”

Lord Herfershire leaned back.

“Good answer. Incomplete.”

Richard waited.

“Will you laugh at her passions when they inconvenience you? Will you leave correction, children, estate, and society to her while you congratulate yourself on understanding them?”