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Elizabeth despised having to lie, but she could not let Lydia lose hope again. “I-I have not heard back from him yet. I intend to go to Netherfield Park as soon as I leave here, so I may soon have news to relay.” She jostled Emma about, making the baby laugh. “Now, tell me more about my lovely niece. What wondrous skill has she learned now?”

“Emma is so smart. I believe once she starts to walk, I will never know where to find her. Honestly, she is the best baby … all the women here say so. She hardly ever cries and tolerates whoever happens to pick her up. Is that not the wildest thing you have ever heard? Imagine me—the one who gave Mama and Papa the most trouble—having a daughter who is no trouble at all.”

“I think it is wonderful!” Elizabeth said, kissing Emma again. “Has she tried to stand yet?”

“She tries to pull herself up, and I fear she will be very bowlegged if she continues in this fashion. She is much too young to put all her weight on her legs.”

“Then she is very much like you in one manner.” At Lydia’s raised brows, she added, “Emma will not be held back.”

“I suppose she is,” Lydia said with a laugh. Then she changed the subject. “If you no longer have a position with Lady Cargile, will you remain at Netherfield Park or come back to stay with our aunt and uncle in Cheapside whilst you look for work?”

“I hate to burden the Gardiners with my presence since Uncle has still not been able to return to work and their finances have suffered. Aunt Madeline confessed that if not for Anthony taking charge of the warehouse, their income would already have been severely curtailed,” Elizabeth replied, referring to the Gardiner’s oldest child.

“How old is Anthony now?”

“He was eighteen his last birthday.”

“I cannot believe he is that old. It seems like only yesterday we celebrated his twelfth birthday.”

“It is hard to fathom. Children grow up fast, so let that be a lesson for you regarding Emma. Enjoy her whilst you can.” Elizabeth stood to leave. “I will be busy looking for positions for companions or governesses as I await word on the jewels. Still, I shall try to write you as often as possible even if it is only to tell you all is well.”

“I hope you do not forget, Lizzy. You are my only hope for the future, and I cannot wait until you and I take control of our lives. Maybe after I make something of myself, I can stand to face the rest of our family.”

Elizabeth tried not to let Lydia see the tears that rushed to her eyes. “I-I am looking forward to that, too.” Placing her niece back in her sister’s arms, she gave Emma one last kiss, saying, “I must be off if I wish to reach Netherfield before dark.”

“Yes, it is best to leave now.”

Elizabeth reached for Lydia’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I love you and Emma. Just remember that.”

“We love you, too.”

Lady Cargile’s Townhouse

The next morning found William and his cousin sitting in a drawing room at Lady Cargile’s townhouse. After learning that Miss Elizabeth was not there, they decided to speak to Lord Addison, who was in residence. Mrs. Cartwright had taken their calling cards and left to inform her new employer that they were waiting to see him. The cousins kept silent lest anyone overhear what might be said. Instead, they exchanged many exasperated looks whilst a clock on the mantel slowly counted down the hour.

Just about the time William decided to try to locate another servant to find the one that had disappeared, Mrs. Cartwright suddenly reappeared. “If you will follow me, Lord Addison will see you now.”

Exchanging one last frown with Richard, William followed the servant through a door across the room and down a hallway with his cousin on his heels. At the end of that hall, they turned right into another hallway and stopped abruptly for the woman to knock on a door, causing Richard to bump into William.

“Come!” a disembodied voice called.

The woman opened the door, announcing, “Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to see you, sir.”

“Show them in.”

The first thing William noticed about Lord Addison as he stood to greet them was his impressive attire. The last time he recalled seeing the man at White’s, he was not dressed nearly so exquisitely. In addition, Addison appeared much handsomer than William recalled, with thick blond hair and steely grey eyes that crinkled when he smiled, as he did now. William’s inspection ended when Addison began addressing him.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy!” he declared as though greeting an old friend. “Please, have a seat.” Though wary of Addison’s misplaced familiarity, William shook his hand and sat down in the chair their host offered.

Lord Addison nodded to Richard, “And you as well, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

As Richard sat down, Addison added, “It has been ages since we were in each other’s company, Darcy. If memory serves, we participated in a poker game at White’s not long before your marriage. By the way, I was shocked to hear about Mrs. Darcy’s accident. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.”

Ignoring the sympathy expressed, William said, “And may I offer my condolences for the loss of your aunt? When we enquired about speaking with Lady Cargile, your housekeeper informed us that she had recently passed.”

“Yes, yes. Aunt Agatha’s death has been a hard blow, especially right on the heels of my wife’s, as it were. She was my last close relation on earth.”

Since Lord Addison had focused entirely upon William, Richard could not refrain from rolling his eyes for William’s benefit and barely had time to alter his expression before Addison turned to address him.