Page 10

Richard blew out a breath in relief. “Good. You can have your choice of the most beautiful women in England. Why should you choose someone so painfully plain and boring?”

Frustrated, William sighed heavily. “I am not interested in any woman at this time, Richard, but if I decide to marry, it will not be simply for beauty.”

“Well, then you would certainly be safe with Mrs. Preston on that count!” William started to protest, and Richard held both hands up. “I am sorry, but I have never lied to you, and I will not begin now.”

“Richard! That is enough about Mrs. Preston!”

“I assure you, not another word, if you agree to come.” He pouted and William smiled.

“If I can finish my work,” William motioned to the pile of papers on his desk, “I will come. But I can only stay a short time. I have to leave the next day for Meryton.”

“Meryton? Why Meryton?”

“I am going to help Charles Bingley with some estate matters at Netherfield. I will not be staying long, as I have much to do at Pemberley.”

“Bingley? Oh yes, the chap who married Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s sister.”

He watched a light turn off in William’s eyes. “Did I say something wrong, Darce?”

“No.” William said softly, turning so as not to face him. “Not at all.”

William’s countenance declared something entirely different, and it was not lost on Richard. He decided to test a theory that had been brewing in his mind for some time.

“I wonder what has become of Miss Elizabeth.”

William did not answer. Instead, he diligently studied his pen as he let it roll slowly over his fingers and back again.

Richard tried anew. “I suppose she is probably married by now.”

William shifted in his chair, taking a deep breath, but still did not speak. Just as Richard gave up hope of a response, he replied solemnly, “I imagine I will discover the truth of your speculation when I am at Netherfield.”

Surprised to get this much from his taciturn cousin, Richard offered, “I know you admired Miss Elizabeth when we were at Rosings, and shortly after that you went away. Is she the reason you left? The reason you are going to Meryton now?”

William stood abruptly, irritated at Richard’s queries. “Charles is a friend, and I have neglected him. He needs my help, and that is the only reason I am going.”

“It was only a question, Cousin.”

William’s frame relaxed, and when their eyes met, he barely smiled. Richard moved to him, clasping him around the shoulders as they moved towards the door.

“I suppose I should leave so that you can finish and attend my mother’s ball. I will see you in two days.”

“Two days,” William repeated.

“See that you are there, or I shall come fetch you!”

The sound of Richard’s raucous laughter as he made his way through the foyer caused the corners of William’s mouth to lift into a small smile, and it was not until he recalled his questions about Elizabeth that it faded away. Frowning, he went back to his desk and slumped down in his chair. Picking up the next letter, he began doing as he had always done, burying his feelings beneath the weight of his responsibilities.

London

Hurst’s Townhouse

The door slammed, and Caroline flounced into the room, throwing packages on the floor. “Can we not afford a footman to carry these? Really, Louisa, it is embarrassing not to have someone to do these things for me!”

“Then I suppose you should marry a rich man who has a large number of servants. Mr. Hurst cannot afford another servant just to follow you about. Besides, have you not spent all your allowance this month?”

Caroline shrugged. “I shall have to ask Charles for more. He has plenty. Besides, I must have a new gown and accessories, as I have just heard the most wonderful news! Mr. Darcy has returned to London, and you are aware of the significance of that!”

“No. Suppose you tell me.” Louisa replied sarcastically, knowing her sister would not notice her disgust.