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Since Darcy had never appeared, Richard quit the room and immediately encountered the butler, who was instructing two footmen in the foyer. Mr. Walker straightaway dismissed the men to acknowledge his favourite Fitzwilliam relation.

“Colonel, may I say how pleased I am that you are at Pemberley once more.”

“Thank you, Walker. You are most kind. Has my taciturn cousin taken to lying abed until the late hours of the morning?”

“No, I can assure you that the master arises quite early, sir. He is already out and about this morning.”

It was evident from his expression that Mr. Walker was withholding some pertinent information, and Richard wondered if Darcy had gotten in the habit of accompanying a certain young lady who loved morning walks. Not wishing to interfere, he made his decision.

“I see,” he stated. “Then I believe I shall just change into my riding clothes and go out without him.”

“Very good, sir!”

~~~*~~~

A while later, Richard sat astride his horse, letting the animal make its way slowly back down the path that led to the paddocks and stables. Having ridden for quite some time, he had not encountered anyone, save some guards, so he assumed he had been right about the morning walks. Unexpectedly, he caught sight of a patch of light blue and pulled his horse up short. In a nearby copse of elms a woman sat perfectly still atop her horse, almost entirely hidden from sight by the foliage. It was obvious that she was involved in studying something, as her attention was so focused that she had not heard or seen him. Richard followed her gaze to two figures in the distance, walking around the lake.

Ah! She is spying on Darcy and Miss Elizabeth!

As he looked back to the woman, she turned slightly, and he recognised Lady Waltham. A strange feeling invaded his stomach. From what Richard remembered, she could be a formidable foe.

Years before, he had overheard his father and George Darcy discussing her relentless pursuit of Fitzwilliam. It seemed she had been determined to have his cousin in spite of the objections of his family. He could still hear the concern in his uncle’s voice as he related the tale of hiring private investigators to peruse every area of her life and his relief at having found damning information, which Mr. Darcy used to end her designs on his son. It was most unfortunate that she still owned Ravenbrook, her first husband’s estate, only miles from Pemberley.

Richard’s contemplation was interrupted by the lady, who edged her mount forward, ostensibly to get a better view. He waited to see if she had intentions of riding towards his cousin or would leave unobserved. When it was obvious she had no plans to make her presence known, he kicked his horse into a trot, coming to rest beside her.

“Spying does not become you, my lady.”

Lady Waltham’s head swung around, but seeing Richard, the tight line of her mouth relaxed into a catlike grin, and her blue eyes softened.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she purred in an exaggerated manner, “I should have known you would be lurking somewhere nearby. You always had a gift for stealth, uncovering Fitzwilliam and me in ... shall we say ... delightfully compromising positions.” She smirked at his frown, pleased to have reminded him of her indiscretions with his cousin. “What is the matter, Colonel? Have you nothing to say?”

“As I am an invited guest here, it appears you are the one lurking,” Richard retorted. To his delight, Lady Waltham’s smile evaporated.

“Do not be so distrustful,” Lady Waltham challenged. “It does not become you.” Her eyes sought and found William again while she explained. “I accompanied Lord Greenwich, who is here to examine the colt he wants to purchase.”

“I understood that he was to come tomorrow.”

“That was his intention until I mentioned how much I would love to accompany him to Pemberley—but it had to be today.”

Richard looked towards the stable to see the earl conversing with the head liveryman. “But you are not with Greenwich,” Richard stated matter-of-factly. “You are hidden in this copse.”

“You are correct. When I saw that Fitzwilliam was not alone, I moved into these trees.” Her eyes stayed locked on the two at the lake. “As I sat here trying to decide whether to interrupt, I was reminded of just how rewarding it is to renew old friendships.”

“What a coincidence! I was just thinking that my cousin is no longer the smooth-faced boy you manipulated, but rather a man who has strong feelings regarding those who would try to steer him one way or another.”

She threw him her most seductive look as she cooed, “I love men with strong feelings.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed, and he hissed, “That does not surprise me at all, madam. But I can assure you that you will have no success with my cousin this time.”

“And what makes you so sure? I know Fitzwilliam to be a very passionate man. I was surprised to learn on my return to England that he never married.” She smirked. “Such a waste!”

“As he matured, he learned not to let his emotions rule him. He is an honourable man, not a curious boy.”

“Oh, but I believe I could pique his curiosity again.”

“Then you are deceiving yourself.”

Gwendolyn Waltham squared her shoulders. She was not one to give up easily. “I was going to see if Fitzwilliam wanted to ride out with me, but it seems he is occupied with that sickly cousin of his,” she uttered scornfully. “Miss Lawrence, I believe Cecile called her. I have to wonder why she chose Pemberley as the place to regain her health.”