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“He is.”

William’s voice was sympathetic, as he realised it could just as likely have been him. “I see.”

“But that is a discussion for another time. Speaking of Anne, Edward visited her here in London after her hasty marriage and the equally hasty disappearance of her husband. He was appalled at her mental decline. He said it was no wonder the cad had seen an opportunity to take what he wanted and then leave.”

“What has been done to recover her dowry and dissolve the marriage?”

“Edward has men looking into everything—the possibility of having Anne secretly committed to a hospital for the insane in Ireland, the possibility of an annulment due to her mental defects, and the whereabouts and background of the man she married. Thus far, there is much confusion as to his real identity. He apparently has used several titles, count….Viscount, and we have no idea where he may be. Anne, of course, is of no help.” She shook her head in bewilderment. “It has been most puzzling, and I am afraid it will become more so before this is settled.”

She smiled wanly. “I suppose we should be grateful that the man left so soon after the wedding and has not tried to oust Catherine from Rosings. Can you imagine what a debacle that would be? She might reside here in London, near me for God’s sake, for the rest of her life.”

William could not help but smile at his aunt’s words. “Well, I am glad that Uncle is handling that chaos, as I have no stomach for it after Aunt Catherine’s diatribe when I refused to marry Anne.”

“I am glad you did not let them place that burden on you. She is, after all, Edward’s niece and his responsibility, not yours.” She studied his face. “Is there anything you would like to tell me, Fitzwilliam?’

William toyed with the pen on his desk for a moment before lifting his eyes. “No. Not at this time, Aunt.”

“Then, may I assume you will tell me, all in good time?” she asked, standing to take her leave and reaching to take his hand.

William smiled warmly. “You may rely on it.”

Rosewood Manor

The Library

“Oh look, Evan! A letter from Cecile!” Georgiana was practically walking on air as she ran into the room, holding the letter aloft. “She must have some wonderful news to share for us to receive a letter this quickly!”

Evan laid the book he was reading aside, trying not to laugh. His wife’s enthusiasm was exhilarating. Her light blue eyes, a match set to her brother’s, sparkled as she plopped down across from him to begin reading. He was admiring the way the sun bounced off her golden curls, when he saw her countenance go from pleased to distressed in a matter of a few seconds.

“Darling, is everything all right?” Georgiana did not answer, her eyes never leaving the crisp linen stationery. “Ana?”

Slowly she appeared to focus on him. “I…I do not understand.”

“Understand what, love?”

“Cecile writes that William was indifferent to her when he returned to London from Netherfield. She saw him at a dinner party at my aunt and uncle’s home and…” She looked back at Cecile’s words, a puzzled expression, causing her brows to knit.

“And?”

Georgiana responded, reading word for word. “He acted as though we were barely acquainted!”

Mumbling to herself, Georgiana began again to read the short letter, as if by doing so, she would find she had been mistaken.

Evan shrugged. “Well, your brother can certainly be aloof, especially in crowds, but never to those with whom he is familiar. I have never known him to be less than a gentleman where a lady is concerned. What do you suppose would give her that impression?”

“Cecile writes that he told her he has too many responsibilities to think of marriage at this time.” She stood, beginning to pace back and forth with great agitation. “I thought he had decided to marry, to begin a family…I thought we had it settled before he left!”

“Ana.” Evan stood then, grabbing her arm as she walked past and pulled her into an embrace. With great exasperation, she blew away a curl which had fallen into her eye. He pulled back to laugh at her, gaining him a glare in return.

“Georgiana Celeste Darcy Ingram! Your brother is a grown man, and you cannot insist he marry.” As she started to protest, he held up his hand. “He never forced you to marry.” Her eyes dropped to her shoes. “He supported your decision not to marry, and you managed quite well until you met a dashing, charming rogue whom you simply could not resist.”

Her smile returned and she hit his arm. “Oh, you! You make me feel so guilty.” She kissed him quickly and pulled back to look at his face. “I cannot help but worry. I love him so much, and I know he is lonely. You may not be able to tell, but I can. It tears me apart to realise how much love he has inside, yet he is all alone. I want him to have someone to love, like I have you.”

Evan hugged her close. “I agree, love. However, having known Darcy since I was a lad, I understand his intensity. He will not be happy unless he finds the deepest kind of love—the kind we share. As much as I care for Cecile, I could never imagine his marrying her for love. For convenience perhaps,” he said, “but not love.”

Georgiana shook her head. “You are right. All this time I have pushed him to court Cecile, when she may not be his choice. Perhaps I should just make sure that more of my unmarried acquaintances are invited here so that he is thrown in company with them. Perhaps, then he might meet someone he could love!”

“That sounds like a splendid idea, sweetheart.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “As long as you do not push, and you allow him to decide!” He sat back down, pulling Georgiana into his lap in one smooth motion.