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The hurt she felt was evident in her eyes, but she was undeterred. “There was a time when you welcomed my touch, Fitzwilliam. Do you not remember our passion? We could still be good for each other, if you would only calm yourself and let passion have its way. I have never forgotten how fervent we were, but you would be astounded at the many ways that I have learned to please you now. Most men only dream of the sensuality I am offering to you. No other woman of your acquaintance can possibly match it. Let me live the rest of my life pleasing only you ... let me be your mistress.”

“Fortunately our relationship was years ago, when I was young and naive. When your husband died, I only meant to help you—never to become your lover. Thank God, I am no longer a gullible boy and will never again be taken in by someone as vulgar as you. So please, do not embarrass yourself further. Go back to your room and stay there. I mean to post a footman to assure that you do. I want you out of my home at first light.”

“And if I refuse?”

A decidedly angry voice came from the direction of the doorway, “Lady Waltham!”

Gwendolyn jumped at the sound of Lord Greenwich’s displeasure and paled as he opened the door that she had failed to close properly.

“I have heard it all. Come, madam! I will escort you to your room. You have upset Mr. Darcy long enough, and I, for one, am ashamed of having brought you here.”

Looking back at William, Gwendolyn realised that her gambit had failed. Huffing as she stooped to pick up her dressing gown, she donned it hastily before stalking to the door and stopping in front of the elderly gentleman. She hissed, “I need no escort, you old fool!”

Lord Greenwich watched her progress down the hall until satisfied that she was inside her room before addressing William. Without turning to look at his young host, he offered solemnly, “Please excuse me for insinuating myself into your business, Darcy, and for inadvertently bringing this woman here. Be assured that I shall remove her from your home tomorrow morning as soon as it is light. And you can rest assured that this matter shall never be spoken of by me.” Lord Greenwich closed the door behind him, not expecting a reply.

Adams came into the room barely a minute after that gentleman had retreated to his own bedchamber. A quizzical look spread across the valet’s face as he realised that William was not in the tub.

“Are you ready for more hot water, sir?”

“I believe I have been in all the hot water I can stand tonight, Adams. I apologise for the trouble, but I am going to bed. You may clean this up in the morning.”

Adams observed the tired slump of his Master’s shoulders as he headed into his bedroom. Scratching his head, the loyal valet poured the bucket of hot water into the tub and headed to his own quarters.

That is strange. The Master’s bath did not seem to relax him in the least.

Meryton

The Vicar’s Cottage

Mrs. Haversham found the former vicar where she often came across him, amongst the graves. He often tended his family plots, pulling weeds and tending to the flowers. Frequently, he would place wildflower cuttings by the headstones, as he had today. She watched as Mr. Williamson stopped at his parents’ graves first and then attended to his wife’s. But it was when he stopped at Elizabeth Bennet’s grave and pulled a few weeds before placing some wildflowers on her headstone, that tears filled her eyes. It was well known in Meryton that Elizabeth had been like a daughter to the old gentleman and her death had taken much of his spiritedness out of him, but it had been a blow to her as well.

Ah, dear Elizabeth, how you loved wildflowers! My Julie would have been so happy to be sharing her wedding day with you. You were such good friends. Taking a shaky breath, she pushed away heartbreaking memories, as the dear man stood and made a display of straightening his back. When Mr. Williamson turned in her direction, she approached.

“Do you think the weather is going to stay rainy, Mr. Williamson, or will the Good Lord smile on us and let the sun break out for the wedding tomorrow?”

The old vicar smiled at the grey-haired woman who made sure the church was prepared for the services every week. “Well, now, Mrs. Haversham, I believe we must have faith that what we ask in prayer, believing, we shall have. And I, for one, believe that we will have sunshine. And you?”

Mrs. Haversham smiled, her lined face suddenly transforming with faith. “Aye, Vicar, I believe we will have sunshine as well.”

“Good.” Mr. Williamson smiled. “It only takes two to agree in faith for something to be done.”

“Just as you have preached all these years.” She grinned to see the vicar beam. “I just wanted you to know that I have finished preparing the church, and I am going home. I must help my daughter with the wedding breakfast, and we still have much to do. It is not every day that a granddaughter weds.”

“No, indeed, my good woman, and I am proud to be the one chosen to conduct the ceremony.”

“Well, we mean no offense to Mr. Clary. He is a good man and all, but you christened Julie, and nothing would suit her, nor us, but that you conduct the marriage as well.”

“I assure you, Mrs. Haversham, that Mr. Clary takes no offense. He realises that years from now he will be marrying all the babies that he is christening lately. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall go home and practice what I shall say tomorrow.”

The old woman laughed. “Practice? You have used the same service for as long as you have been here. Surely, you know it by heart.”

Now it was Mr. Williamson’s turn to laugh. “I am getting older and, believe it or not, I am more forgetful. So I like to prepare as though it were my very first time. If I am relaxed and confident that I know the words by heart, then I can concentrate on calming the bride and groom and ensuring that they enjoy the experience as well.”

“Then that accounts for all the brides who sing your praises, Mr. Williamson.”

A smile split his face, and his brown eyes lit up. “I do not know about that, madam, but I do enjoy a good wedding.”

Suddenly, Mrs. Haversham saddened. “I could not help but notice that you placed flowers on Miss Elizabeth’s grave. You know that she and my Julie were lifelong friends. It is so sad that she did not get to marry in our parish, or even come back home to visit—and then, to be taken from us so young, and in such a horrific way.”