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“Do you mean both your cousin and your ward, or just your cousin who is your ward?”

He saw the distinction.

“The former. I doubt that our joint ward could keep the news from her other guardian.”

“I see.”

Still not sign of agreement or not.

“Wickham was seen and heard planning to gain funds through a variety of illicit means. When he found out about me, previously unknown to him, apparently I jumped to the top of the list of his intended victims, this his attempt last night. He and his fellow thief were caught by my guards. They made the foolish mistake of assuming they were not competent just because they had lost an arm in the war with Napoleon. That mistake ultimately cost them their lives. The other man was named Denny, by the way. Wickham was in pain and feverish, and was persuaded to answer all of Mr. Jones’ questions before he would be granted treatment. He expired before the end of the questioning. It is through this questioning that I learned of Miss Darcy and the events during the Spring of the year ’11.”

She stopped and looked at the Colonel. He realised that it was so he that should speak.

“I ask again, may I tell my ward and her brother that he is dead, even if I give no details?”

“Why?”

“It will ease the suffering of my ward. And she will be unable to conceal it from her brother.”

“Why should your ward’s suffering be eased.”

Richard Fitzwilliam was aghast at the cold tone.

“She is still not recovered from what happened. You would condemn her to a life of misery?”

Lady Napier had a frighteningly cold expression.

“Did you leave her to be raised by a band of gypsies?”

It was an insulting remark.

“Of course not.”

“So you are telling me that she was tutored carefully, as society would demand, in the expectations of a young heiress. To paraphrase the words of that tiresome bore Fordyce, ‘a lady’s reputation is brittle and once lost is lost for ever’.”

The Colonel realised that there was no sentiment in the lady opposite him.

“She was only 15 years of age.”

“I will not insult you by suggesting she is simple minded. She knew what she was doing, and she knew it was wrong.”

Richard was sweating, this was not going anything like as he expected.

“You are to stand up with General van Grant at his wedding to Miss Manners. We both know this as you have invited me to be your guest at the wedding.”

Richard had no idea what the relevance of this was.

“This is merely a hypothetical, I know nothing of Miss Manners. But if I knew that she had agreed to an elopement with the son of a steward when she was 15, what should I do? Is it not my duty to inform General van Grant of the history of the young lady?”

Richard watched as Lady Napier sat back, no expression on her face, looking almost bored by the whole subject.

“I do not know what to say Lady Napier.”

“An honest answer. I am going to say nothing of course. I will not ruin the reputation of a young lady, even if I am extremely conflicted at her behaviour. I suggest that you look through old copies of the Times and find a ship that sank with the loss of all aboard. Tell your ward that Wickham was fleeing on that ship and he is gone forever. The sea will not give up any evidence.”

The Colonel stood.

“It will be as you suggest. You have given me much to consider this day and I need to think on all that you have said. Will you allow me to call on you next week?”