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“You see, I am at present attempting to locate my wife, and when I find her, I shall finish my business ventures here and return to Italy with all due haste. She is very important to me, and I will not leave England without her.”

“Your wife?”

“Oh yes. I have been married for some time.”

Wickham’s thoughts returned to the report he had read, recounting the marriage to the very wealthy Lady Marlton a few years ago, and her subsequent death months later.

“And she is missing?”

“For several months now, though I was only recently informed.” Stefano appeared lost in thought before he spoke again. “I sent a personal representative to my father’s estate a while back, as I wanted him to look into some matters on my behalf. That was when I discovered she might not be ...”

His voice trailed off, and he stared into space as though there was something only he could see. Wickham had begun to wonder if the man had gone completely mad when he seemed to improve. “I have men looking for her even as we speak, and I have offered a handsome reward for knowledge of her whereabouts.”

“How handsome?” Wickham ventured.

“One thousand pounds for her location.”

“That is a substantial amount just for information. If you do not mind my asking, who is she?”

“No one of consequence—a penniless gentleman’s daughter from Hertfordshire. I daresay no one but I would want her.” He sighed heavily. “We were very happy until,” his voice took on an angry edge, “well, my father interfered. I fear whatever he told her must have had some bearing on her ... disappearance. Nevertheless, if I can find her, bring her home, I am certain we can be happy once more. In Italy, my mother’s family is well respected.” He smiled genuinely now. “You must think me daft pining for a woman, but she is the only person I have ever loved. She belongs to me, and if she is alive, I will not stop until I have her.”

“If she is alive?” Wickham repeated with some trepidation. “What do you mean?”

Realising his mistake, Stefano recovered. “I meant to imply that since she left my home unescorted, anyone could have harmed her. I hope to find her alive and well.”

Satisfied with that explanation, Wickham ventured, “Would you mind if I put word out among my various associates and see what pertinent information I can discover?”

“I appreciate all assistance, and I would just as soon pay you as anyone else.” He sat back down, and at the knock on the door called, “Come!”

Signora Giovanni entered noiselessly and set a tray of tea and cakes on the edge of his desk.

“Leave us!”

She quickly bobbed a curtsy and was out of the room by the time the count stood to pour himself a cup of tea.

“Let me tell you of the love of my life, Elizabeth.”

Rosewood Manor

Evan’s Birthday Dinner

Saturday Evening

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam looked quite dashing in his regimentals, standing between Evan Ingram and Fitzwilliam Darcy in the receiving line. Georgiana had insisted that he and her brother join them in welcoming the guests, many of whom were their neighbours, to Evan’s birthday celebration. Evan was dressed in dark blue, in pleasant contrast to his wife’s light-blue silk-velvet gown, trimmed in white satin, overlaid with lace along the hem, sleeves and bodice. William, as usual, was impeccable in black, though tonight he wore a dark gold waistcoat embroidered with black thread in an intricate design, attributable to Mr. Adams, his valet. He had insisted that William needed to dress in a festive manner for Evan’s birthday celebration.

Richard was delighted to be in the receiving line, as he was at ease conversing with strangers, and his position of honour enabled him to meet eligible women. Normally he would arrange dance sets before all were spoken for, but tonight he intended to stay beside William, except when he danced with Georgiana. Glancing sideways at his dour cousin, he had to smile. There had been a steady stream of love-struck women trying to catch the eye of his handsome friend, and at this point, William looked as though he wished the earth would open up and swallow him. In fact, only Richard’s promise to stay close had persuaded him to attend when his courage had failed earlier that day.

Just as there was a fortuitous break in the never-ending trail of people, Richard leaned over to tease him. “Smile! You look exactly like one of the statues in your garden.”

William murmured under his breath, “At this moment I wish I were!”

Richard chuckled at William’s jest, glad that he was taking the attention in stride. “Do not worry, Cousin. I have good news. Evan told me that the Black Widow is returning to London with her uncle. And if there are other harridans present tonight, they will soon learn that I am on duty!

~~~*~~~

A few feet away, a group of said harridans were discussing how very happy they were that the elusive Mr. Darcy had decided to brave society once again.

“I think it is just criminal that a man of his wealth and good looks is not married,” Mrs. Gunter, a tall brunette, declared cutting her eyes to take in William’s handsome figure in the receiving line. The other women in the small circle were already looking in that direction.