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“I assure you that I can keep myself under good regulation, especially when it concerns my future wife’s wellbeing.”

Mr. Graham studied William for much longer than was comfortable before replying, “Once I believe she has recovered enough to endure a marriage ceremony, I will inform you both. What you do with that information is up to you and her.”

“That is all I ask.”

In the garden

As Richard escorted his cousin around the gravel path in the garden at Darcy House, the subject turned to Elizabeth, as it did often of late.

“It is such a beautiful day that I wish Elizabeth could join us … if only to sit in the swing,” Georgiana declared. “She laments not being able to feel the warmth of the sun on her face.” She laughed, shaking her head in amazement. “She is the only lady I know who does not make use of a parasol or a bonnet to stave off the sun, and cares not one bit if she develops more freckles across her nose.”

Richard laughed. “She is certainly singular in that manner. I recall Lady Catherine warning her about how one day she would regret letting her skin brown in the sun. Miss Bennet merely smiled and continued to walk about Rosings Park’s trails as she always had.”

Georgiana giggled. “Brother told me so many things she said in reply to our aunt’s officiousness that I halfway wish I had been there to see it in person.”

As Richard pulled a face and looked at her as though she had grown two heads, she added, “Only halfway, mind you! I do not relish being in Aunt Catherine’s company if I can help it!”

“Neither do I, Poppet! Neither do I.”

Suddenly William appeared out of nowhere. “There you are!” he cried, stepping in front of his sister, causing her and Richard to abruptly stop walking.

“Elizabeth wished me to ask if you would bring to her room the book you and she were reading yesterday. For the first time since her injury, she is sitting in a chair in her bedroom, propped up with pillows around her.”

“How is she bearing it?” Georgiana asked.

“Thus far, remarkably well.”

“Excellent,” Georgiana replied. “If you will excuse me, Richard, I shall go directly to Elizabeth and keep her company whilst she is up and about.” Having said that, she did not wait for an answer; instead, she practically ran towards the door that led into the library.

“Well,” Richard said dryly as he watched her enter the house. “I used to carry some clout with Georgiana, but now I fear my company comes second to Miss Bennet’s.”

“Do not feel bad,” William replied. “I am her brother, and she favours Elizabeth’s company over mine, too.”

“Your company I can understand,” Richard replied. “After all, you are as dull as a solicitor rambling on about facts, whilst I am always entertaining. I dare say she should not favour anyone’s company over mine; however, I give her leave to accommodate Miss Bennet until her health improves.”

“Your kindness always astounds me.”

“As it should.”

A sudden sound from the stables garnered both their attention, and they walked in that direction. Once there, they watched as a new black stallion was being brought into the paddock from the back alley.

“Whose horse is that?” William asked.

“Mine,” Richard replied. “I purchased it yesterday from Lord Melvin. I hope you do not mind me having it brought here.”

“You must know I do not mind. I knew you were uncertain about your usual mount and considering replacing him, since he is nearing twenty, but I had no idea you had followed through.”

“Until now, you have been too busy for me to share the news; but Lord Melvin decided to reduce his stables since his son was killed in service to His Majesty and there is no one to leave his estate to.”

“I saw that in the paper. It is a shame that Lieutenant Melvin died so suddenly and at such a young age, especially when he could have avoided being a soldier in the first place.”

“Yes, it is. Moreover, his death has made me think about my future. This old body is growing weary of sleeping in tents on the ground more often than in a bed, and my aches and pains grow worse with each campaign. Being a soldier is not for the faint-hearted or for old folks.”

“You are only two and thirty, which is certainly not old, but I would rather you resign your commission in order to avoid being sent to the continent again and risk being killed.”

“I appreciate your concern. Mother has become increasingly worried with each deployment, and though Father does not say it, I can see the anxiety in his eyes each time I must leave the country to fight Boney or some other tyrant.”

“Does this mean you aim to search for a lady with a fortune who can support you in the manner in which you wish to become accustomed?”