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William could not help but smile widely at the mention of his love. “Elizabeth is well, Charles. In fact, she almost seems to be the lively young woman I first met in Hertfordshire. It is unbelievable how she has improved in the last three weeks.”

Charles sighed with relief. “I am so glad that I shall have some good news to impart to my Janie. She has been so worried about Lizzy.”

“I can see that you are well—how are Jane and Peter?”

“Jane is doing so much better. She has followed the doctor’s orders and is improving daily. Now Peter ...” Bingley shook his head at the thought of his son. “Peter is a wonder—healthy and unruly as any two-year-old.”

“That is how it should be! I wish all three of you could come to Pemberley for a visit—to see Lizzy’s improvement for yourselves. I know it would do her a world of good to see her family.”

“Hmm, well, the doctor has not given Jane permission to travel yet, but I will mention it to her. Mr. McGuire has hinted that she may be given permission to travel after her next examination. She has bent the good physician’s ear about her determination to visit Lizzy, and I daresay it would lift her spirits to find her sister recovered. Her letters have really made a very positive difference in Jane’s disposition already.”

“Please let me know when Jane is free to travel, and I will send my best coach.” William squeezed Charles’ shoulder. “I know you have a good coach, but my latest purchase is far superior to other coaches, mine and yours, and I insist that she travel in as much comfort as possible.”

“Thank you, Darcy. You are too kind, and I readily accept for Jane’s sake. I will let you know as soon as we are given clearance. Now, for the other reason I stopped by today.”

William’s eyebrows rose in question.

“As I promised in my letter explaining Caroline’s betrayal, I came to London to confront her.”

William glumly sat back down. The mention of Caroline’s treachery caused his stomach to begin to twist in knots. He motioned for Charles to take a seat. “So, did she accept your terms?”

“Not at first. But after I explained the alternative, she was eager to do whatever was necessary to have her allowance restored. I have given her until the end of next week to confess her sins, as it were, to her acquaintances. Then she shall remove herself to our aunt’s home.”

“I cannot imagine her confession, if she makes any, will do much good. The harm has already been done. People prefer to remember the scandals and not the retractions. I have already been confronted with the gossip that Elizabeth is my mistress.”

“I am sorry, Darcy. I know her admission will never totally undo the damage, but I have to try. Besides, if it only serves to make Caroline the laughing stock of London, if not the surrounding counties, I shall be satisfied. Perhaps then she can do no more harm, as no one will take her seriously. She may well end up an old maid if this gets out. Then, I shall use her dowry, as well as her inheritance, for her upkeep.”

“That could mean supporting her for the rest of your life.”

“Yes. But Father left her enough in his will to live out the rest of her days, perhaps not comfortably, but adequately. And I will be most diligent to make sure she stays within her allowance in the future—no more supplementing her extravagant spending, now that she has shown her true nature. She hurt Jane as well as Lizzy, and I shall never forgive either offense. I am just thankful that you have not shunned me because of my sister’s audacity. Your friendship is dear to me.”

“Never think I would blame you for the actions of your sister. Besides, you have tried to check her during our entire acquaintance, but she refused to listen. She must now suffer the consequences of her actions.”

Charles stood and walked towards the door with William following. Charles clasped his hand again. “I shall leave you to your work. I intend to retire early, so that I can depart for Netherfield first thing in the morning. I miss my family.”

William’s mind immediately flew to Elizabeth. As I miss my love. Shaking off this gloomy thought, he swallowed the large lump in his throat. “Can I not convince you to stay for dinner? Richard is here and his father will join us shortly. We could at least dine together.”

“I am sure you have business to discuss, and I still have to make arrangements for Caroline’s journey to York next week, as well as prepare for my departure.”

“I understand. Then allow me to wish you a safe journey home. And please begin to make plans to visit Pemberley as soon as Jane feels well enough to travel.”

“We will, Darcy. Tell Elizabeth that we send our love.” Charles’ face sobered. “I should thank you again for taking care of her. Her safety and recovery are entirely your doing. Jane and I shall be forever in your debt.”

William shook his head. “It is completely the other way around. I shall be forever indebted to you for bringing her back to me.”

Their eyes locked, each determined that they were the debtor and fully aware that neither would concede. Conscious that William was giving up far more than he, Charles clasped him in a hug.

“You are the one who is unable to marry the woman you love. I think you have made the greater sacrifice. God bless you, Darcy.”

Determined not to let the tears filling his eyes show, Charles turned and was out the door before William could reply. Moving to the doorway, he followed Charles’ departure from the house in silence.

What will he and Jane think of our decision to live as man and wife? Surely they will understand, even if no one else does.

~~~*~~~

It was only a few seconds later that Richard exited the billiard room, heading in the direction of the study. He was surprised to find William standing in the doorway, still staring in the direction in which Bingley had gone.

“Did I hear voices? Were you talking to someone?”