Page 28 of The Earl’s Second Chance

“As the future Earl of Matlock, you will appreciate my peculiar position as heir to Longbourn.”

Hartley regarded him. “Not especially.”

“It is an estate of consequence.”

“I am sure it is.”

“And upon Lord Herfershire’s death—many years hence, naturally—I shall—”

“Collins,” Richard said, appearing at his brother’s shoulder, “did you not sign an agreement concerning that sentence?”

Mr. Collins retreated toward the bishop.

Darcy attended quietly. He congratulated both couples, offered Richard his hand, and received a brief, fierce embrace instead.

“Do better,” Richard murmured.

“I am trying.”

Elizabeth saw and was glad.

At twilight, the brides changed for travel. Jane and Hartley would go north to a Matlock estate in Derbyshire. Richard and Elizabeth would spend a fortnight in a secluded house on the Sussex coast before travelling to Oakmere.

Fanny fussed with Elizabeth’s cloak, then lowered her voice.

“Mrs. Gardiner explained…married matters.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed. “She did.”

“A husband must be considerate.”

Elizabeth glanced toward the doorway, where Richard waited with barely concealed impatience.

“I believe mine intends to be thorough.”

Fanny gasped, then laughed so loudly that Jane came to investigate.

Richard handed Elizabeth into the carriage. Once the doors closed and the cheering faded behind them, husband and wife looked at one another in the gathering dark.

“Seventy-three miles,” he said.

“To Sussex?”

“To the nearest door I may lock.”

Elizabeth’s pulse quickened.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she murmured, though he was a colonel no longer, “I foresee a very long journey.”

He drew her onto his lap.

“Then we had better begin.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The House by the Sea

The wedding journey became a study in anticipation.