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Evan’s tone was sombre. “Darcy told me of the names you gave his colts, Ana, so I do not feel comfortable leaving the task to you.”

Smirking, she leaned over to take Millie in her arms. “Come, love. We shall just ignore your papa and try to come up with a suitable name.” Glancing at Evan mischievously just before she stepped out of the room, she ventured loudly, “Perhaps Petruchio.”

A loud groan, easily heard by most of the house, caused Georgiana to break into a fit of giggles. Millie giggled as well, not truly aware of the reason, but simply because she loved to laugh ... especially when her parents did.

Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms

BELIEVE me, if all those endearing young charms,

Which I gaze on so fondly to-day,

Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms,

Live fairy-gifts fading away,

Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art,

Let thy loveliness fade as it will,

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart

Would entwine itself verdantly still.

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own,

And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear,

That the fervour and faith of a soul may be known,

To which time will but make thee more dear!

No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,

But as truly loves on to the close,

As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets

The same look which she turned when he rose!

~~~*~~~

Chapter 32

London

The Castle Inn

Morning

Wickham was not surprised that the count now resided at an inn. The last time he had seen the man at his townhouse there were few servants in attendance, and boxes were stacked everywhere about the rooms, presumably awaiting shipment to Italy. Still, he was dumbfounded as to why the count had not kept him informed of his change of address. After all, how were they to work in partnership to reclaim the man’s errant wife if he could not be found?

For a few moments after he arrived at the townhouse in Grosvenor Square to find it abandoned and locked securely, Wickham entertained the idea that the count might have left for Pemberley on his own to seize his wife. However, as he stood peering at the unanswered door, a man had stopped to enquire if he could be of service. That gentleman turned out to be a neighbour whose servant had overhead the former resident give orders for a coachman to take him to the Castle Inn. Slightly annoyed, George made his way to the inn and now stood before the count in a very agitated state.

“Did you not think I should have been notified of your move? After all, I was the one who located your wife and devised a plan to spirit her away from Darcy’s estate!”

Count Stefano sat in the only comfortable chair in the small sitting area of his room, his feet resting upon a stool. At Wickham’s exclamation, he stood, his eyes narrowing, causing Wickham to take a step back.

“I am well aware of your contributions to my future happiness, Mr. Wickham. However, it would be wise of you to remember that you answer to me and not vice versa. The only reason you were not notified earlier was my need for haste in vacating the premises of my former residence.”