Page 58

He pulled back to study her. Tears slowly rolled down her face as uncertainty crept into her heart. Running the backs of his fingers over her cheek, he whispered, “I would rather live with you and have no children, my darling, than to live without you. However, you were born to be a mother, and a mother you shall be. We have excellent people employed to find a child to be ours. Somewhere out there is a small creature in need of parents, and the good Lord is working to bring him or her to us at this very minute. I have no doubt.”

Ana sniffled, smiling now. She ran her fingers over his beloved face, the stubble of a beard barely beginning. “Do you really think so?”

Evan’s face split with the most amazing smile—the same smile that had stolen her heart the day he found her thrown from a too spirited mount. His even, white teeth contrasted with the tan of his skin, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with adoration—all for her. Once again Georgiana was reminded of how blessed she was to have him in her life.

Unaware of her observations, Evan exclaimed, “Absolutely! I have no doubt that somewhere out there a child is making its way to us at this very moment.”

On the road home

William studied the face of the child destined to be his niece while she sat enraptured by the fanciful tale his cousin was weaving to entertain her. For one so young, she paid attention almost as well as Arthur, and her humour had been excellent for most of the journey, becoming irritable only when she tired. Fortunately, Richard’s masterful talent for creating stories—a skill honed beside many a campfire—saved them. Of course, the stories William recollected that Richard composed for his fellow soldiers were a lot bawdier!

“And so it was that Sir Richard, the noble knight, arrived just in time to save the beautiful Princess Millie from that old dragon—the evil Queen Catherine. Afterwards, that ugly, slimy toad, Collins, hopped into a deep hole and was never seen again in England!”

Millie giggled and clapped her hands in delight. This was the third story Richard had completely fabricated, using distinct voices for each character and a plethora of hand movements. Arthur, who was holding the girl, seemed almost as spellbound as his charge and continued to stare at Richard with his mouth open, as if expecting him to continue or begin another.

William’s lips curved involuntarily. “An evil Queen Catherine and a toad named Collins?”

Richard smirked. “I call them as I see them, Darce! Besides, it is never too early to teach Millie who can and cannot be trusted.”

“I am afraid the child will have to be kept away from Aunt Catherine and Rosings until she is old enough to know not to repeat your stories.”

“Every child should be kept away from our Aunt Catherine. Would that I had been!” Richard smirked, then sobered. “Besides, Georgiana goes near her about as often as you do, which is never!”

William shook his head at his cousin’s comments. Even if he did agree with Richard’s assessment of Lady Catherine, he hated that the family had come to such division. Sighing, he turned just in time to recognize a small post inn—a landmark that signified they were only a few miles from Rosewood Manor. Once there, the weary child would be able to rest, and they would have a respite from the long journey.

Unfortunately, he reflected, it also meant that he would have a great deal to explain. His sister and brother were completely unaware of Millie’s arrival, and though he felt sure that they would be delighted, he felt uneasy just appearing on their doorstep with a child in tow. He had considered sending an express, but gave up that idea when he had tried three times to compose a logical explanation for his impulsiveness. Talking with them face-to-face seemed to be the only sound alternative.

He shook his head as if to clear his mind. Since there was nothing he could do at this late hour, he closed his eyes, hoping to think of more pleasant things ... such as home.

Home—Pemberley—Elizabeth!

William paused at the thought. The word home had always evoked images of Pemberley, but now thoughts of home brought to mind Elizabeth. Closing his eyes, he envisioned the way she looked when last he saw her on the balcony. He allowed his head to fall back, sinking into the cushion. He could almost feel her in his arms. How I have missed you, my love.

Abruptly, his daydream was interrupted. “Mr. Darcy, I think she wants you to take her.”

William opened one eye to see Arthur looking from him to Millie. She was perched on the edge of his lap, holding out both arms towards him, while the boy was trying not to smile. Apparently, he had no trouble seeing the apprehension William felt reflected in that one eye.

“It has been a long time ... I do not know if I remember how to—” William stammered, sitting up straighter. He was interrupted by her protector.

“Millie does not bite.”

Richard’s chuckle drew a pointed glare from William. He quickly covered his mouth with his fist, and his shoulders shook as he tried not to make a sound while he continued laughing.

William’s gaze flicked back to Arthur in time to see Millie fall towards him, and he had no recourse but to grab her. Awkwardly, he tried holding her on the very edge of his lap, but she would not be satisfied and squirmed about until she sat snuggled against his chest. Then slowly, she raised her head to study him. Immediately, his gaze was captured by two intense blue eyes, and it was as though another small girl with the same blue eyes and golden curls stared back at him. Long forgotten memories overwhelmed his senses and he swallowed hard.

He knew just where to look—the heavy curtains in the library always had been her favourite hiding place.

“Why are you hiding, Gigi?”

“I ... I am not hiding, Fitzy.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I cannot be still. Papa is cross.”

“It is only for a little while.”

“But I would have a tea party.”