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He did not love her, and he would not lie to her. If she accepted an offer knowing he could only offer friendship, perhaps, in time, a familial love would grow.

“There is nothing to forgive, Mrs. Preston. Would you like to race back to the stables? Then, perhaps, we could see if Mrs. Winters has finished the muffins she was baking this morning while we await Georgiana.”

Cecile beamed. “I would love that. Perhaps Georgiana will join us before long, and she and I could play one of the duets we have been practicing.”

“Perhaps.” William forced a smile. “May I assist you in remounting?”

“You may.”

He held her mare still, positioning her stirrup and taking her arm as he helped her up. Then handing her the reins, he turned to focus on his stallion. He mounted with the practiced, fluid movement of an experienced rider. His strong, athletic body sat astride the horse as if they were one entity. His physical attributes were mesmerizing, and Cecile gazed at him as if spellbound. She startled when he spoke, motioning for her to take the lead.

“Ladies first!”

Cecile nodded absently, kicking her mare into a canter, leaving William staring after her as she quickly put distance between them. He shook his head in wonder as he realised that she was the first woman he had given any consideration to since he met Elizabeth Bennet. Frowning, he remembered his vow not to compare every woman to her and kicked his stallion into a gallop.

Rosewood Manor

Weeks later

“Oh Cecile! I knew William would admire you! It was just a matter of getting to know who you are. You do realise he is very shy.”

Cecile smiled, more confidant of William’s esteem now. They had spent a considerable amount of time in each other’s company in the last two weeks, almost always in the company of Georgiana or Evan.

“I think your brother is the most handsome, interesting man I have ever met.”

At Georgiana’s gasp, Cecile covered her mouth and blushed. “I—I realise how terrible that sounds, but you must understand that my marriage was arranged. I never respected Owen, and over the course of our marriage, I grew,” her voice softened, “to care less for him.”

Georgiana reached out to take her hand. “Evan disclosed some of your ordeal. I am so sorry that your marriage was so unfulfilling. I cannot imagine...” Georgiana could not continue.

“Do not grieve for me. It seems a lifetime ago.” Cecile’s sad face suddenly changed as a small smile began and grew larger. “And now I have a wonderful sister, and she has a wonderful brother!”

Georgiana laughed with her. “Yes, my brother is wonderful, is he not? And if I remember correctly, he will be here for dinner in less than two hours, so we had better begin our preparations. I am hoping that soon he shall have something important to talk to my husband about.”

They giggled and hugged like schoolgirls. This was the scene that greeted Evan as he entered the drawing room. Seeing the scheming looks on both their faces, he turned and went right back out the door. Smiling to himself, he heard them laugh even louder as he hurried down the hallway to his study.

Darcy had best be on his guard or else he shall be betrothed before he knows it!

Pemberley

The knock on his study door was so light that William wondered if he had imagined it. The second knock convinced him he had not, and he called, “Come!”

Mr. Walker pushed opened the door, and seeing William at his desk, hurried in that direction with another basket loaded with mail. Setting it on the desk, he bowed and turned to leave.

“I thought Mrs. Ingram said she answered all the mail, except for my personal letters, while I was away. I know I have gone through a large stack already.”

“Mrs. Ingram did go through the mail, sir, but she found these in another place and asked me to deliver them to you.”

William sighed loudly. “I suppose I have no choice but to read them.”

Mr. Walker smiled. “You may do with them as you wish, even discard them.”

Now William smiled. “That is an excellent idea! Thank you, Mr. Walker.”

“You are very welcome, sir,” Mr. Walker smiled in spite of trying to maintain his serious mien and turned to leave.

“One other thing.” The elderly butler stopped, once again turning to face William. “While I was away, did my cousin Richard Fitzwilliam stay at Pemberley?”

“Why, yes sir. He was here a few times, but Mrs. Ingram always approved his visit first.”