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“You need to investigate that new will.”

Lord Morgan looked away. “As you are well aware, I have not had the funds to hire anyone to investigate anything; however, that will be my first priority once my finances are in order. Meanwhile, I dread thinking that if something were to happen to me, James might try to step in as the heir to Morgan Manor. Even though the manor is in disrepair, with all the land it could be sold for a good deal of money, and those funds should go to Jane.”

“I agree.”

“There is something else you should know about James.” As William’s brows furrowed, David confessed, “In addition to everything else, he is obsessed with Lizzy. He even sought my influence to force her to marry him.”

At the look of surprise on William’s face, he added, “James has been enamoured of Lizzy since they were first introduced. She never paid him any attention, and against my advice, he approached her about a courtship. She refused him outright, declaring that she could take care of herself, thank you.” David shook his head, chuckling softly. “You, of all people, know how stubborn Lizzy can be.”

Praying that the faux smile he had assumed would keep his friend from detecting how painful a recollection that was, William remained silent.

“In any event, James thought her refusal was because he was not legitimately a Morgan, which only increased his resentment towards me.”

Lost in regrets of his own, William was startled when David asked, “Are you listening, Darcy? You look miles away.”

“I confess that I was woolgathering just now. Pray, forgive me and continue.”

“So, you see, there is no one else I trust to do what is best for Jane, our children and the Bennet family.”

“Wait! What is this about the family?”

“I should have mentioned this sooner, but should Mr. Bennet die, naturally I will be responsible for his wife and children … or I should say you would be, if you step in as executor.”

“Is Mr. Bennet still in good health?”

Morgan decided to be completely honest. “I suppose you have heard that Mr. Bennet suffered an apoplexy not long after Lydia’s folly and is now confined to bed. Frankly, I did not think he would last this long.”

Resting his chin in his hand, William ran a finger slowly across his lips as he tried to come up with a kind way to decline. “I must ask, why would you want me to be in charge of Jane’s family when you know how much they dislike me? Especially Miss Elizabeth?”

“Mrs. Bennet may talk ill of you now, but she would sing your praises if you stepped in to take care of her and her daughters. My Jane has no hard feelings towards you and, as for Lizzy disliking you, where did you get that idea?”

“After you married Jane, you asked me never to visit you unless I was expressly invited. From that day until now, we have always met in London … alone. I presumed the reason our relationship was handled in this manner was because it would not subject Elizabeth to my company.”

“The decision to keep you apart was entirely my idea. I felt it would be too painful to force her, or you, to suffer the other’s company.”

Regretful of how meanly he had spoken of the Bennets, especially after how badly he was treated by his own relations, William murmured, “Elizabeth had every right to refuse me. She was better than I deserved, and if I could apologise, I would … but I fear it too late for that.”

Knowing what William said was likely true and wishing to steer the conversation back to his request, Lord Morgan said, “Look, Darcy, think of being my executor in this manner: I am still young, and most likely it would be many years from now before you were called upon to serve. By then, hopefully, all of Jane’s sisters will be married and the responsibility for them will fall to their own husbands.”

William smiled wryly. “You forgot Mrs. Bennet.”

David chuckled. “Perhaps if she is still alive, she will have mellowed a great deal, and you can push her off on one of her children. Only make it Kitty or Mary, and not my Janie.” Then, he sobered and leaned across the desk with pleading eyes. “Please, Darcy. I must finish amending my will, and I dare not appoint someone who does not wish to do the job.

William sighed heavily. “Your arguments make it unreasonable to refuse, especially since you are still so young and healthy.”

Excitedly, Morgan jumped to his feet. “Excellent! I will send word to Mr. Humphrey to finish the documents by adding you as executor. It should not take long, for he had everything finished except for that one matter. I will send for you the instant it is time to return and sign the documents as a witness.”

“I hope to leave Saturday morning.”

“I am certain that will not present a problem,” Morgan declared.

Meryton

Netherfield Park

Two weeks later

“Lizzy! What brings you to Netherfield today?” Jane cried upon seeing her sister framed in the front door. “If memory serves, you were not set to visit again until next week. Did Lady Cargile lend you her carriage again?”