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Persuaded by his explanation, Elizabeth answered, “I pray everything is in order at Morgan Manor and you are able to move there soon.”

“So do we,” Jane replied.

Chapter 4

Pemberley

Six weeks later

As a steady rain assaulted Pemberley, William had no sooner exited his coach with Richard right on his heels than the front door opened to reveal his housekeeper and butler. Instantly, several footmen rushed past the two with umbrellas held aloft as they made their way down the steps towards the coach.

Once everyone was in the foyer, Mrs. Reynolds declared, “Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam. We have been worried that you might be held up because of the bridge that washed out near Leeds. Yesterday Mr. Jones delivered the lumber you ordered and he spoke of how much time it would take to go around that area.”

“Actually, other than being slowed by heavy downpours north of Leeds, we were fortunate enough to miss any serious problems,” William replied. “The worst we had to deal with were overflowing creeks and roads knee-deep in mud.”

As maids stepped forward to take their coats, gloves and hats, William noted the pained look that passed between the housekeeper and the butler. “Other than the weather, is there another reason for your unease?”

Mr. Walker nodded at Mrs. Reynolds, who began to speak. “I fear we received some very sad news whilst you were away, though we have yet to have it confirmed.”

William had tensed as soon as she mentioned sad news. “Does it involve Georgiana?”

“Oh, no, sir!” the housekeeper quickly interjected. “I apologise if I frightened you. It does not concern any member of your family.”

Annoyed to have been alarmed, William ran his hands through his hair in a bid to calm down. “Please, just come out with it!”

“Might we remove to your study first?” Mrs. Reynolds replied. “I believe it would be best if you were sitting down when you hear what I have to say.”

Clearly exasperated, William looked as though he was about to say something he might regret, so Richard placed a calming hand on his cousin’s arm and began to steer him towards the study.

“Come, Cousin. It will not kill you to do what she asks.”

The study

As soon as William was seated behind the imposing desk that dominated the room and the colonel took a chair in front, the housekeeper spoke. “I believe you know that Mrs. Barnes, your housekeeper at Darcy House, is a relation of Lord Morgan’s housekeeper in London, Mrs. Harris.”

At William’s nod, she added, “Knowing that you were in Scotland, Mrs. Barnes sent an express to me approximately a fortnight ago, asking if we were aware that Lord Morgan’s coach was set upon by highwaymen on the road between Sheffield and Chesterfield. According to her, it must have happened about two weeks after you left for Edinburgh.”

Seeing all colour drain from William’s face, she quickly continued, “Please steel yourself, sir. Mrs. Barnes was worried because—according to Mrs. Harris—everyone aboard the coach was killed, including the driver and two footmen.”

Instantly as still as a statue, William did not respond right away, and it took some time until he found his voice. “Morgan cannot be dead,” he murmured to no one in particular. “I-I just saw him when I was in London. He asked me to act as the executor of—” Unable to finish, he grew silent.

Mrs. Reynolds continued delicately, “Regrettably, I feared it might be true simply because a letter arrived for you from Netherfield Park not long after I received Mrs. Barnes’ letter. I laid it on top of your correspondence.”

As he looked to the silver salver that contained his mail, another concern suddenly crossed William’s mind. “Please tell me his family was not travelling with him.”

“As I understand it, Mr. Morgan and his solicitor were the only passengers inside the coach.” Seeing how pale William had become, she added, “I hope you understand now why Mr. Walker and I thought it would be kinder to warn you of what we heard before you opened the letter.”

Unable to totally absorb all that was said, William picked up the letter in question and stared at it blankly, a lost expression on his face.

Seeing his cousin so indisposed shook Richard, who replied to Mrs. Reynolds in William’s stead, “I am certain that Darcy appreciates your concern.”

Realising that their presence was no longer needed, the housekeeper and butler quietly exited the room.

Walking around the desk, Richard clasped his cousin’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze as he cautioned, “If you are to be of any use to Lord Morgan’s family, you must gain control of your faculties, Darcy.”

William took a shaky breath. “I do not know how I will be able to fulfil my duty to him so soon. In truth, when I agreed to be his executor, I told myself David would outlive me.”

“Knowing you as well as I do, it had to be the Almighty who prompted you to accept Morgan’s plea. God already knew exactly when you would be called upon to act.”