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As Richard made his way downstairs to break his fast, he glanced through the open door into the sitting room that separated William’s bedroom from Elizabeth’s. A large rocking chair took up a good deal of space in the room now, having been brought down from the attic just before Bennet’s birth. Richard was astonished to find his cousin in said chair, rocking and smiling at his dark-haired newborn whilst speaking softly.

Upon seeing Richard watching, William felt obligated to explain. “I found that after Elizabeth finishes feeding Bennet each morning, she can sleep for almost another hour before breakfast is served. This gives Bennet and me time for our little talks.”

Richard eyebrows rose. “I am not one to argue with a new father, but it seems to me that you are one doing all the talking.”

“Oh, Bennet may not speak yet, or understand entirely, but he will get used to the sound of my voice.”

“May I ask what you were talking about?”

“I was telling him I will never again trust Mr. Drummond to come when I need him.”

Richard laughed. “At least the man came as soon as he reached Lambton.”

“Long after he was needed to deliver my son! Still, he did examine Bennet and Elizabeth and declared them both well. Had they not been well, he would not have appreciated his reception.”

“You know, seeing you in that rocking chair brings to mind a similar scene I recall. It was just after Georgiana was born and, if memory serves, you had crept into your mother’s bedroom, removed your sister from the cradle and brought her to this very rocking chair. When the nursemaid discovered Georgiana was missing from your mother’s room, she almost had an apoplexy until she discovered Georgiana was with you.”

“If not for father’s understanding—knowing why I wished to hold her—I would likely have been banned from ever picking her up again.”

“Why did you wish to pick up an infant? You were only a boy yourself.”

“Perhaps because I had watched a brother and then a sister die before Georgiana was born. They both lived only a few hours, and I suppose I thought that would be my only chance to hold her. I was afraid she would die, too.”

“But she did not.”

“No, thank God she lived. Still, holding Georgiana so young, I got used to being with her and taking her everywhere I went as she got older. I will always believe that my early interactions with her are why we are still close after all these years.”

“So that is why you are rocking your newborn son?”

“Yes. Though I know he loved me, I cannot recall any interaction with my father before I was old enough to sit a horse. I want Bennet’s earliest memories of me to be that I was always there. Make no mistake, I have no expectations that Bennet will recall me rocking him or what I say presently, but I believe his soul will recall what his mind may not.”

William brought Bennet up to place a kiss on his forehead before resting the baby against his shoulder. “I want him to know that his father loved him from the very beginning.”

“I have no doubt that he will,” Richard replied. Then suddenly he smiled. “I am amazed that you can hold him so confidently. After all this time, I am still afraid to pick up Lady Morgan’s son for fear I may drop him.”

“It all has to do with familiarity. Once you get used to handling an infant, or a toddler, it becomes second nature.”

“Easy for you to say,” Richard declared wryly.

Just then a young maid poked her head into the room. “Excuse me, Mr. Darcy, but Cook wishes to know if she should send your trays up now.”

“Yes, she may, Abby,” William replied, standing whilst holding his son. The child stayed sound asleep as he carried him towards Elizabeth’s bedroom. “I shall put Bennet in the cradle and wake Elizabeth to eat. Whenever she is tired, she eats very little, so I like to make certain she eats at every opportunity.”

“I am amazed that you still care for her just as closely as you did after she was wounded.”

“I have been given the opportunity to care for the woman I love from now on, and I do not plan to waste it.”

“Why do I feel as though I have much to live up to when I marry? My wife will take one look at how well you treat Elizabeth and expect me to do likewise.”

“I assure you that will not be a problem if you marry someone as wonderful as Elizabeth.”

“Speaking of which,” Richard hesitated until William turned to see what he had to say. “Lady Morgan and I have grown closer. What with Father and I advising her regarding the warehouses, Netherfield Park and Morgan Manor, I have been around her enough to see another side of her—a kinder, gentler side. Perhaps she has returned to the girl she was before being forced to marry to save her family from ruin.”

“Elizabeth always said that she and Lady Morgan were close growing up because of Lady Morgan’s kind spirit. If she has resumed her former attitude, then I am glad. Moreover, Elizabeth and I have forgiven her and hold no ill feelings; therefore, if you wish to marry, we will wish you joy.”

“We have not come to any understanding presently; however, I wanted you to be aware of what is happening in my life since I resigned my commission. Father has been working with me regarding ways to make Brookstone Manor more profitable.”

“And if you and Lady Morgan were to marry, you would have the means to improve both Brookstone and Morgan Manor.”