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“That is not a bad thing, my friend,” Richard jested. “You are honest, dependable and proper to a fault, so it is easy to figure out what path you will take. That cannot be said of many men.”

William laughed mirthlessly. “I am hardly the saint you think I am.”

Richard teased good-naturedly. “Oh, I do not think a saint would have considered marriage outside the law and the church.”

At William’s grimace, he promptly sobered. “Do not mind my kidding, Darce. Providence must have seen your selfless love for Elizabeth and intervened. After all, He provided a way out of this darkness.”

Just then the carriage came to an abrupt halt, and they could hear the footman as he climbed down to open the door. As Richard prepared to exit, William grabbed his arm.

“Thank you for coming with me. Without your calming influence today, I might have gone completely mad. To hear what Stefano did,” his voice faltered, “to my sweet Elizabeth.”

Seeing his cousin’s pain, Richard grasped his shoulder. “I am proud to have been there when you needed me, but know this—Elizabeth is safe right now, and you are the reason.”

Darcy House

The next morning

Richard took a sip of his tea and a bite of a sweet roll as he watched William open a letter. It had just been delivered on a silver salver, along with several others, and William had rifled through the stack, picking out this one specifically. It caught Richard’s attention, as William normally finished eating before bothering to look at the mail. A wide grin spread across his cousin’s face.

“You look as though you were expecting that.”

William gazed over the top of the missive. “I am sorry. I was going to inform you when everything was settled, but it is an answer from the vicar at Meryton, Mr. Williamson. He was a great friend to Elizabeth, and he and I became fast friends while I stayed at Netherfield. I wrote him before I left Pemberley, asking him to visit me while I am in Town. He should arrive the day after tomorrow.”

“So, Mr. Williamson from Meryton is the lucky fellow chosen to conduct some type of religious ceremony. Am I correct?”

“Yes.”

Richard studied him carefully. “Does this vicar know she is alive?”

“No, when we met, neither of us knew. But he was like a father to Elizabeth, and I know he will be as thrilled as I. And it will please her immensely if he visits Pemberley, whether he chooses to help us or not.”

“Let us hope that he fills the role nicely. By the way, I sent a courier for Lieutenant Marbury as soon as I awoke. We should hear from him by this afternoon, if I know my friend at all.”

William looked genuinely pleased. “Good. I am eager to get things settled and return to Elizabeth. Lord, I miss her so!”

Richard laughed. “I know how you feel. I am going to make time to call on Mrs. Largin tomorrow.”

“Am I to wish you joy?”

“Not yet, cousin, but I confided in mother as you wisely advised, and she has made it plain that she favours the lady. And she reminded me that grandmother left her a small estate in Derbyshire. Apparently, she and father have saved it for me all these years, hoping that at some point I would mature and marry.”

“Well, one out of two is not bad,” William smirked.

“Very funny, cousin!”

“In Derbyshire you say? What is the name of this estate?”

“Windmere.”

“Windmere is not twenty miles from Pemberley, but I thought it belonged to Lord and Lady Perkins, though she abandoned it after he died.”

“Apparently the Perkins had rented the estate from mother for years. With the passing of Lord Perkins last year, Lady Perkins moved to her daughter’s home. Mother purposefully did not seek another renter in anticipation of my becoming a respectable married man!” At this pronunciation Richard wagged his brows.

“And Aunt Evelyn is not a woman to be thwarted!”

“No.” Richard grinned from ear to ear. “No, she is not!”

William stood and embraced his cousin. “I pray that you have captured the lovely Mrs. Largin’s heart if that is what you desire. I cannot express how relieved I am that you will be able to retire from His Majesty’s service and become a poor working sod!”