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William fiddled with the pen in his grasp, twirling it back and forth over his fingers. “We went over this in London, Richard. I know the cost and, in the end, if everything becomes common knowledge I do not care.”

Richard sighed. “No, I suppose not.” He sat up straighter. “What does Georgiana plan to do now?”

“She wants to befriend Eliz—Miss Elizabeth, but I will not allow it until Elizabeth regains the progress she had made before this incident. I fear, though, that Georgiana will never truly accept Elizabeth. My sister is intent on seeing me properly married.”

Richard studied William’s face. “And you cannot marry her.”

William’s gaze met his and held it. “I am acutely aware of that.”

Just at that moment, the door to the study flew open again. “Well, well, what have we here?” Evan Ingram strolled in casually, smiling at his brother and cousin. “You have arrived just in time for my birthday dinner party, Richard!”

Richard’s face lit up, and he smirked at William. “I would love to attend. Unlike some, I am not averse to meeting single young ladies. Please say there will be some in attendance?”

Evan’s eyes sought William as he shook his head in resignation. “Of course, you know my wife! Ana is the consummate matchmaker.” Only Richard laughed as Evan continued. “She has invited most of Derbyshire, and we have friends coming from London. Some will stay with us, and others will stay with their own families in the area. There should be perhaps fifty friends and relations, if not more.”

Noting the scowl on William’s face, Evan hurried with his mission. “I am truly sorry to have invited myself in, Darcy, but your man was not in the foyer.”

William waved his hand in dismissal. “It seems anyone is welcome to walk into Pemberley unannounced today.”

Evan lifted his brows as he cast a glance to Richard, who sheepishly volunteered, “I am afraid I was not expected or announced either.” Richard eyed William as he enquired of Evan, “When is this event? My dour cousin has said nothing.”

“Tomorrow night. I was sent to learn if Darcy would still attend.” His eyes locked with his brother’s. “Ana is very sorry for her actions. She hopes that what transpired will not cause you to abandon my birthday dinner and the dance afterward.”

William lowered his gaze. “You are aware that I dislike associating with a gathering of people I do not know.”

“I understand completely, though I think you have met most of them. All Ana asks is for you to say you will come.”

A look of resignation swept over William’s face and Evan and Richard exchanged worried looks as the seconds passed. Finally, William answered in a voice so low it could barely be heard, “I will come.”

~~~*~~~

In the middle of that night, Richard awoke to the sounds of the rain pounding against the windowpanes and winds howling. Looking about the room, the glow from the dying fire gave off just enough light for him to recognise his favourite room at Pemberley. Suddenly lightning flashed, illuminating it entirely. He relaxed. Perhaps it was only the storm that made him uneasy.

However, being the consummate soldier, he lay quietly, intently listening a while longer. At once he realised that the sound he thought had been the wind howling was actually a woman crying. Quickly, he threw back the covers, slipped from his bed and donned his dressing gown. Opening the door as quietly as possible, he looked out into the dark hall, lit by sparse candles along the walls. Stealthily, he moved in the direction of the noises that were coming from across the hall and several rooms nearer the grand staircase.

As he neared the rooms once occupied by Georgiana, he noticed that one door was not fully closed and at that second heard a moan and someone speaking. He hurried to peer inside. A lone candle illuminated the room enough for him to see his cousin sitting in the window seat, holding Miss Elizabeth. She leaned into him, her cries muffled against his chest. His arms were about her, one hand held the back of her head, while the other stroked her back. William’s deep baritone was easy to make out, even as he whispered words of comfort to her.

“Do not cry, sweetheart. It is only a storm. You are safe. William is here.”

As he soothed her, William rocked her gently back and forth and occasionally kissed the crown of her head. Embarrassed to be watching so tender a scene, Richard slipped quietly away from the door, closing it as he did so.

You are lost, my friend. Totally, hopelessly lost.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 12

London

A Townhouse

Grosvenor Square

George Wickham felt ill. Not only had the dreary weather, constant rain, and lightning brought down his spirits, but also the sway of the carriage as it lumbered along the uneven streets did not aid his queasy stomach either. His unsettled constitution might have reflected the excessive amount of brandy he had consumed the night before, but more than likely was due to his dread of this afternoon’s meeting.

Lately his business associate, Count Stefano, had become quite hard to anticipate. Exceedingly cheerful one day, he could be equally gloomy the next, and his temper was violent when stirred. In addition, the man was either trying to swindle him or had begun to experience lapses in memory regarding their agreements on monetary matters. This was quite irritating to Wickham, as he had bargained with his own associates based on what he expected to be paid.

The man is certainly peculiar! But then again, any man who would abandon wealth and privilege for life as a rake and a thief has to be peculiar. Could he not have pretended to be a gentleman for his father’s benefit and carried on with his amusements in secret?