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At that very moment, there was a commotion in the hallway. As Mr. Barnes’ voice got louder, William stood and headed around his desk. It was clear that the butler was trying to explain to someone that Mr. Darcy was in a meeting.

Richard, however, realised straightaway that the person the butler was addressing was his mother. She must have learned that William was in Town, and nothing would do but for her to chastise him for not coming to see her.

The door flew open, and Evelyn Fitzwilliam walked in exultantly, Mr. Barnes close on her heels.

“Fitzwilliam, would you please inform Mr. Barnes,” she reached William and tiptoed to place a kiss on his cheek before continuing, “that the rules of the house do not apply to me!”

William tried not to smile, but his lips refused to cooperate. “Mr. Barnes, you will have to excuse my aunt. Evidently, she does not expect to follow my rules, but I thank you for trying to enforce them, in any event. You may go about your duties.”

Mr. Barnes bowed, cast a look of annoyance at Lady Matlock, then turned and left the room. Not taking her eyes off her nephew, Evelyn Fitzwilliam’s brow knit until she saw the corners of William’s lips lift slightly. Then she smiled radiantly.

“Well, Fitzwilliam, it seems you have once again come to Town without letting us know. What does one have to do to see one’s own flesh and blood, especially when he is a few streets away?”

Promptly, William stepped forward to clasp his aunt in a tight embrace, picking her up and twirling her about.

“Fitzwilliam!” she cried, laughing, then instantly assumed a serious countenance and began smoothing her skirts when she was back on her feet. “Do not think, young man, that you can redeem yourself so easily. Why have you not been to call on me?”

Just then she noticed Richard, who had moved out of her line of sight the minute he heard his mother’s voice. “And what kind of son will not tell his own mother when his cousin is in Town?”

Richard had watched the scene with great amusement but now sobered and shrugged, his eyes flicking to Darcy. He would not betray the fact that William asked him not to say anything to his family.

Not wanting to cause problems between mother and son, William confessed. “It was my request that Richard not say anything, Aunt.”

He challenged his aunt’s feigned glower, dimples flashing. “Will you not be seated and let me explain?” She nodded, so he guided her to a chair before returning to sit behind the desk.

“Whenever you are aware that I am in London, you plan several soirees to put me in the way of eligible women. I have much to accomplish in a short time, and I did not want to be distracted by attending dinners and balls. I would have called on you before I returned to Pemberley.”

She smiled, though not too apologetically. “You are correct, but what if I promise it will be only a family dinner?”

“Then I shall accept, but I have to warn you that Richard and I are on the trail of the man who married Anne and abandoned her. Whenever the investigator sends notice, we must leave—even if during dinner.”

“So, you have located that scoundrel? Does Edward know?”

Richard interrupted. “Not located yet, Mother. And no, father does not know, so please do not say anything. We would like to handle this ourselves, as father might get in the way and be hurt.”

“And you and Fitzwilliam will not?”

“We will be very careful. I will tell Father once we have the blackguard in custody, not before.”

At the resolve on her son’s face, Evelyn Fitzwilliam nodded. She knew Richard was a fine officer and used to this type of exercise, and he was not one to take risks. She also knew that he was right.

“I will not tell him, but pray, be careful.” She looked between them. “Both of you.”

William interjected, “You may count on it. Now, when am I expected for dinner?”

His aunt’s face softened. “Would day after tomorrow be satisfactory? Edgar will be home then, and I would like to have all the family together.”

At William’s worried look, she added, “You need not be concerned; Jacqueline does not accompany Edgar anymore.”

William could not tell her that seeing just Edgar was not much better. “Day after tomorrow will be perfect.”

“I suppose I should leave so you two can work on whatever you are planning.” Neither man voiced an objection, so she stood and reached to take William’s hand in one of hers, while patting it with the other. “I shall look forward to seeing you again.”

She turned to wink at Richard. “You know you are expected. Now, would you please see your mother to the carriage?”

As Evelyn Fitzwilliam swept out of the room, silk skirts rustling, William and Richard exchanged concerned glances. Shrugging, Richard rushed and caught up with her as she donned the cloak that Mr. Barnes held. It was not until they began descending the front steps that she finally spoke.

“He has his heart set on someone.” It was more a statement than a question and it caught Richard off guard.