Page 50 of Shields and Roses

"It sounded like Lydia was debating whether this was a situation she and Kitty could handle on their own or not. She was afraid that Miss Parks or Papa might think they were encouraging the officers somehow."

"I would like to read her letter when we get back, if I may. What you describe sounds like a disaster in the making. If I get the same feeling from her letter, we will reply by express first thing in the morning, both to Lydia and to your father. I do not think your father will blame the girls, and they need to be protected."

"That was my opinion," Lizzy said. "I probably would not have thought to send the response express, but I am glad you are willing to go to the expense."

"Oh, Lizzy, your safety and that of your sisters is well worth the cost. I hope your father will have a chat with the commanding officer. If the men are behaving that way with your sisters, they may be doing the same with other young women in the community. That is always a danger when the militia moves into town."

"You do not think they would hurt any of our friends, do you?" Mary asked.

"Some of the men might, if they thought they could get away with it. Just because a man is called a gentleman does not mean he will always behave like one."

"I think we are nearly at the house. I will get the letter for you straight away," Lizzy said, peering out the window at the poorly lit streets through which they passed.

"Thank you, Lizzy. I am glad you brought the subject up."

The rest of the short ride was made in silence. In addition to the exhaustion and excitement of spending the night at a ball, now they were all rather worried about what might be going on back in Meryton. It would be a long night before a message could go out to protect the sisters who were still at home.

Chapter 30: Enlightenment

Darcy looked up from his book in surprise on hearing the light tap at the study door. He was not expecting visitors that afternoon, and it was unlikely Bingley had just dropped by for a chat. Darcy knew his friend was scheduled to have dinner with Miss Mary and her family and was probably already with them. Although he and Bingley did not discuss any specifics, Darcy knew he had visited with Miss Mary several times in the last three weeks and was even talking about leasing an estate near her home so he could continue to visit after she left London to attend her oldest sister's wedding in a few weeks.

Putting down the book, Darcy indicated that the servant should enter. One of the footmen opened the door.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam is here to see you, sir. He has brought his bags and hopes to stay," the man said.

"Truly?" Darcy asked brightly. "Show him in right away!" he added excitedly, without waiting for the man to answer. "Oh, and have a room made ready for him."

"Yes, sir," said the footman before swiftly disappearing to do his master's bidding. A few minutes later, Darcy was up out of his seat and enthusiastically greeted his cousin almost before he entered the room.

"Richard!" he exclaimed. "It has been so long. I can hardly believe you are here!" What began as a handshake turned into an embrace as he welcomed the man who he considered to be almost a brother.

Grinning, Richard returned the embrace, giving his cousin a hearty thump on the back before stepping apart so they could get a look at each other. Despite the grin, Darcy thought his cousin looked worn and weary, although he appeared uninjured.

"How are you, Will?" Richard asked, his voice seeming to fill the tiny study. "I was amazed when Father wrote that you were in London and said you had been since January. I thought you would be back at Pemberley, seeing to the planting. After all, you had declared you would have nothing to do with the London Season until Georgiana comes out next year or the year after."

"It is not at all like me, I know," Darcy admitted, "but I have a good reason. I will explain shortly. For now, sit down and tell me, is it true? Do you really plan to leave the military and take up the far safer life of a landowner?"

Richard's expression grew serious as he took the seat his cousin indicated. The weariness Darcy noted earlier was much more visible now. Darcy quickly poured a drink, and Richard solemnly nodded as he accepted the glass.

"Yes, it is true," he confirmed. He took a sip of the drink before he continued. Although he smiled slightly at the intense relief that showed on Darcy's face, Richard was clearly ready for a serious talk.

"It was time, Will," he added. "Past time, really. I have had one too many close calls and lost one too many close friends to that interminable war. You have no idea what it is like out there, and I cannot even begin to describe it. I know it was what I wanted to do, and I have served to the best of my ability, yet one can only continue under such conditions for so long."

"You have not been injured, have you?" Darcy asked.

"Not seriously enough to matter, not physically, anyway. It is just...well, I had an experience, a very close call, just before I left Portugal that taught me how important it is to let those you love know about it before it is too late. There is someone I care for deeply and who has, I think, been waiting years for me to acknowledge the connection between us. It is long past time to tell her how I feel and part of that is leaving the military behind me so it can no longer divide us."

"I suspected you might be thinking of marriage. Who is she?" Will asked as he settled back into his chair.

Shaking his head, Richard responded, "No, I will not name her yet. It is only right that I speak with her first. Even if she decides against me, it is time for me to move on to other things, other challenges. I have already submitted the paperwork. I am now on leave until it is fully processed."

"That is wonderful news, and I hope the lady in question will give you the answer you wish. I expect your father will be over the moon with delight when you tell him you are retiring. Do you think it will finally heal things between you?"

At that, Richard chuckled although his voice was serious when he asked, "Can I trust you, Will?"

"What do you mean?" Darcy asked uncertainly. "You can trust me with your life. You should know that."

"Ah, but it is not only my life that would be affected should you fail to keep what I am about to tell you secret. Can I trust you to keep silent? Even if you disagree with my reasoning?" There was no hint of humor in Richard's voice now. He pinned Darcy with his gaze.