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“I…I never gave her any expectation of—” William turned to grab the bottle of brandy behind his desk and poured a large glass.

“Pour me one as well,” Richard declared, taking the seat formerly occupied by the steward and reaching out to take the proffered drink. “I think we will have to plan our strategy quickly, before they get here.”

At that precise moment, a loud commotion upstairs interrupted their conversation, and William hurried out the study door without explanation, Richard on his heels. William reached the first floor landing quickly, having ascended the steps two at a time, to find Mrs. Drury struggling to keep Elizabeth from escaping her grip.

“Please, Miss Elizabeth. Do you not remember that we are in London now? You cannot walk out this morning. Besides, it is much too cold, and the wind is fierce,” her companion begged.

Elizabeth pushed away from Mrs. Drury, trying to get past her. Immediately, William moved to fold her in his arms, pulling her solidly against his chest. She stilled, taking hold of his coat lapels, and relaxed into him, laying her head on his chest. As she did, she took a deep breath, seeming to calm at the familiar sandalwood cologne permeating his clothes.

Mrs. Barnes had arrived by then and shared a look of astonishment with Richard, before composing herself into her normal head housekeeper mien. Richard’s expression never changed.

William whispered into her hair, the lavender scent making his heart beat faster.

“Shhh, Elizabeth. All is well, but it is still quite cold outside. London is much colder than was Meryton, and I would prefer you do not go walking about today.”

He nodded slightly to Mrs. Drury and then to the maid. “Come. Let Lula direct you and Mrs. Drury to the conservatory where you may enjoy the sunshine and flowers this morning. You can even eat breakfast there, if you like.”

Elizabeth did not move, still holding tightly to his coat. He smiled as he gently unclasped each hand, taking them in his own, and pushed her slowly back to create some distance between them.

Mrs. Drury came to Elizabeth’s side, taking one arm, while the maid stepped up to take the other. William lifted her chin, willing her eyes to focus on his. “I shall join you there in a short while, and we shall have that tour of the house I promised. Then perhaps we shall share a book.” Though there was no recognition or emotion in her eyes, her gaze never varied. He smiled lovingly at her and then stepped back.

“Please take Miss Elizabeth to the conservatory by the back staircase. Mrs. Barnes, please go before them, and see to it that there are no footmen in her view.”

“Yes, sir,” the elderly woman said as she hurriedly led the others down the hall. Soon they were all out of sight.

Having forgotten about Richard during the crisis, William was startled by a low whistle.

“If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it! What in the world is going on, Darce? Is that not Elizabeth Bennet? Whatever has happened to the poor girl?”

William motioned for Richard to be quiet. Looking about and seeing no other servants, he replied worriedly, “I find it hard to believe myself. Come, and I will explain it all, as I will most likely need your help.”

~~~*~~~

Thus, it was with Richard’s assistance that Lady Matlock and Mrs. Preston were thwarted in their attempt to encounter William at Darcy House. Richard met the two ladies as they ascended the steps, while he was coming out the front door.

“Mother!” he declared heartily, “imagine meeting you here. And Mrs. Preston, it is a pleasure to see you again so soon.” He bowed and the ladies nodded. “Alas, if it was your wish to visit with William, I regret to inform you that I was just inside, and William is not here. I would not take Mr. Barnes word for it at first.” He turned to address the widow. “My taciturn cousin sometimes has Mr. Barnes say he is not in when he has work to finish. Thus, I always confirm it for myself.”

Mrs. Preston was not quite sure what to make of the colonel’s revelation, but turned as he began to escort her and Lady Matlock back down the steps towards their carriage.

“I am on my way to White’s to confront him. Shall I tell him that you expect him for dinner tomorrow, Mother, and that the lovely Mrs. Preston will be in attendance as well? Will that suffice for the inconvenience of your finding him not at home?”

“Yes, thank you, Richard,” Lady Matlock answered, patting Richard’s cheek affectionately as he helped her into the carriage.

“Mother!” Richard blushed and said mockingly, “not in public!”

Watching his mother’s carriage wend its way down the street, he breathed a sigh of relief before remembering what he had just learned from William. A frown crossed his face as he turned to go back into the house.

Somehow, I must talk Darce out of this madness!

~~~*~~~

Chapter 7

London

Preston House

The next evening