Page 99

Suddenly, Elizabeth’s expression became sad, so he asked, “What is the matter, my love?”

“I-I do not suppose you have had time to speak to Jane about breaking the engagement.”

“I have not, but I plan to tell her directly after the court case is settled. According to Graves, she should be very happy with the outcome, and I plan to use that opportunity to say I wish to cancel the engagement.”

“Forgive me, but I cannot help feeling guilty for causing her more pain.”

William lifted her chin so that he could look into her eyes. “Elizabeth, listen to me. You are the only woman I have ever loved or ever will love. After Anne died, I told Richard that the only reason I would consider marrying again was to have a child of my own. Believing that you hated me, I said that if I ever married again, it would likely be to a widow with children of her own to rear. One who needed the support of a husband and, of course, one willing to bear children for me.”

“Then Jane is an excellent match,” Elizabeth murmured softly.

“Let me finish, please.” When Elizabeth remained silent, he continued.

“In addition, the hypothetical widow I spoke of would have to have NO connection to you. That is because—loving you as I do—I needed to cut all ties to you to have any peace of mind. Besides the fact that Jane and I would never suit, I could never marry any member of your family.”

Elizabeth raised her tear-filled eyes to him. “I understand. I would feel the same way about marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. Though I like him very much, being in the same family as you would make life unbearable.”

“Exactly!” William cried, embracing her tightly. “For now, we shall just pray for Lady Morgan to come to the logical conclusion. Meanwhile, shall you allow me to escort you inside?”

“I will, if you will grant one wish.”

“And that is?”

“This!” Elizabeth declared, rising upon her toes to place her lips on his.

Unable to resist, he returned the kiss as fiercely as it was given.

The music room

Later

William was delighted with the picture presented when he stepped inside the music room to announce that tea would be served shortly in the conservatory. Georgiana was playing her latest composition whilst Elizabeth sat beside her on the bench, turning pages. Mrs. Annesley was sitting in a nearby chair, tapping her toes. It was everything he had dreamed of when he pictured bringing Elizabeth here as his wife.

“Eating in the conservatory?” Georgiana stopped playing to cry excitedly. “That is a wonderful idea! With all the flowers blooming at present, it will be almost like enjoying a spring day.”

“I thought you might all be weary of being stuck inside,” William replied, winking at Elizabeth, who returned his smile.

“We are certainly ready for spring,” Mrs. Annesley replied from where she sat. “It took all of my resources to keep Miss Bennet in the house until just before Miss Georgiana’s return.” She nodded towards the ladies at the pianoforte. “Miss Bennet and Georgiana have been entertaining me ever since with their duets.”

“I am glad to hear it,” William replied. Then, he added, “Shall we all remove to the conservatory?”

He manoeuvred to stand close to Elizabeth so that when she stood, he held out his arm. After she placed her hand thereon, he began to walk the woman he loved out of the room.

Georgiana smiled at Mrs. Annesley as they followed the happy couple with their eyes. “It is just as I said when I received his letters from Netherfield: he is truly smitten with Miss Bennet.”

Mrs. Annesley shook her head, laughing in agreement. “I should never have doubted your insight for a moment. You read your brother like a book.”

“Which is not always a good trait to possess, especially if one has a brother such as mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“After what happened with Anne, I find myself always trying to save him from being too noble again. That is why I agreed to meet Miss Bennet. I believe his love for her is the only thing that may save him from Lady Morgan’s clutches.”

“Do you believe Lady Morgan is a fortune hunter?”

“Not at all. I think she is merely besotted with Brother. After all, seldom does one meet such a handsome man. In addition, I believe that in Lady Morgan’s dealings with him, she has realised he is kind-hearted and will always put his family first; subsequently, I imagine she will try to secure him by any means possible.”

“Can anything be done to assure her plans are thwarted?”