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“I might agree if Mother had not recently informed those ladies that she had learned your engagement was only a ruse to allow you to represent Lady Morgan during court.”
“Why would she—”
“Now, do not disparage Mother. She only wished to begin downplaying the idea that the two of you would marry. Those ladies have reputations to uphold and do not like their suspicions being proven wrong, so I doubt they were behind it.”
“Surely, you do not believe—”
“Lady Morgan is behind it? Lately she has been acting more possessively when it comes to you, so I would not put it past her. My question is, will you show this to Miss Bennet before court begins this morning? Someone is sure to mention it to her at some point today.”
“Elizabeth has been so hopeful of late, that I do not wish to crush her spirit by showing her this before speaking with Lady Morgan once the trial is settled. Besides, she may have had nothing to do with it.”
“I suppose you can always hope that is the case.”
“In any event, I am glad you are here early, for I need to commandeer you to ride in my other carriage.”
“And why would I do that?”
“Last night Georgiana decided she wished to attend the proceedings, and, of course, Mrs. Annesley will accompany her. They inspired Miss Elizabeth to go as well, and though I had rather she not, I could think of no way to dissuade her without hurting her feelings.”
“Why would you want to dissuade her?”
“Even though I have assured Elizabeth that I would not marry her sister under any circumstance, she still feels a great responsibility for Lady Morgan’s emotional state. I fear what she might say in front of Elizabeth.”
“I see.”
“Since my usual carriage will be full, I had decided to send Marshall and Harrigan in my other vehicle as an escort for Lady Morgan. Now that you are here, however, I hope to persuade you to take the job. I feel Lady Morgan will not be happy being escorted by mere servants.”
“After you took my place by going to Lambton to look for Miss Bennet and Mrs. Wickham, I owe you that and more.”
“Whatever your motive, I will be grateful.”
With that, William swallowed the last bit of coffee in his cup and stood. “I had best send servants upstairs to gather all who intend to ride with me. Meanwhile, you have just enough time to eat, if you desire to, before fetching Lady Morgan.”
“I ate with my parents, so no, thank you. I am wondering, though, if your guests are ready to leave? I see no signs of anyone having broken their fast other than you.”
“Because we needed to leave early, I suggested they take trays in their rooms this morning. The trays would be a reminder to get up and get dressed.”
Richard stood, donned his hat and gave it a tap. “I have no doubt that you suggested the same thing to Lady Morgan with a hand-delivered note yesterday.” He chuckled aloud. “You are nothing if not a creature of habit and accustomed to directing everyone. Subsequently, since I have already eaten, I shall be off to fetch her and Mrs. Wickham, who are no doubt awaiting me.”
“I believe you are correct that Mrs. Wickham will go. She asked me several days ago if she could attend, and I have no reason to believe she has changed her mind,” William replied before walking to the door with Richard on his heels.
Elizabeth, who had been about to enter the dining room when she heard her name mentioned and stopped to listen, felt her heart sink with everything Richard had to share. Instantly, she whispered a prayer that Jane had had nothing to do with the newspaper article.
As William and the colonel exited the dining room on their way to the front of the house, Elizabeth pressed against the door to the linen closet, praying not to be found out. She was successful, and once their footsteps faded, she rushed back up the stairs to her bedroom to await the summons to come down.
Lady Morgan’s Townhouse
“Hurry!” Jane cried as Sally helped her don her pelisse. “Find my gloves!” she then barked at the maid. “Mr. Darcy’s carriage should be here at any minute, and I will not have him waiting on me. No proper woman keeps her future husband waiting.”
“I do not think you will have to worry about that!” Lydia murmured quietly from where she stood near the front door. Then, she said aloud, “I have said it before, and I shall say it again: Mr. Darcy is in love with Lizzy. I will bet my last farthing that she is the one he wishes to marry.”
“I do not care to hear your opinion, Lydia, because love means very little when one’s standing in society is at stake,” Jane replied. “And Mr. Darcy has always been a proud man, conscious of society’s expectations. If he wishes to marry again to beget children of his own, then surely he must consider their future. Lizzy is entirely too headstrong and unpredictable to step into the role of wife and mother for a man of his standing. Besides she has made it plain that she does not like him. Therefore, I am certain he will think twice before breaking our engagement to pursue her.”
Suddenly, she stopped speaking to give Lydia a closer look. “Why are you dressed to go out? You were not invited to attend the court proceedings.”
“Oh, but I was!” Lydia cried. “I asked Mr. Darcy days ago if I could attend, and he said that anyone was welcome. That is when I decided I would go.”
The sound of a carriage on the street below drew Lydia to an etched glass window beside the door. Upon seeing Darcy’s carriage, she cried, “They are here!” Quickly, she stepped aside to allow the footman access to the door.
