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Taken aback to be singled out, William replied, “If you think it important, I will address the subject with Lady Morgan.”

“It is of the utmost importance,” Mr. Graves declared before he stood. “When I return from Scotland, I would like to see first-hand the wills in question and to hear that you have convinced Lady Morgan to engage herself to someone of significance. If we start out on the right foot, we shall have a better chance to make our argument.”

After Mr. Banks and Mr. Graves had left, William and Richard both sat silently nursing glasses of brandy and considering what they had heard. At length, Richard posed a question. “You do realise that Mr. Graves came up with the perfect solution for both you and Lady Morgan, do you not?”

“I do not have the privilege of understanding you.”

“Do you not recall telling me that if you were ever to marry again you would likely choose a widow with small children who wished only to be a wife and mother? Someone kind and meek who would be willing to have your children?”

“I see where you are going with this, Cousin, but I could never marry Jane Ben … Lady Morgan. She is entirely the opposite of what I find attractive.”

Richard was not impressed. “You are prevaricating, my friend. As I recall, you never mentioned being attracted to her as a requirement.”

“Because I plan to spend the rest of my life with whomever I marry next, it would be prudent were I at least attracted to her. Besides, there is another significant problem with Lady Morgan.”

“Which is?”

“Being married to Anne was literally torment. When she died, I vowed to find—” William hesitated, seeking the right words. “My life has held little joy since Father died, and I wish to live the rest of my life without constant heartache.”

“And were you to marry Lady Morgan?”

“Being thrown into Elizabeth’s company, without any hope of ever making her mine, would be even more excruciatingly painful than my marriage to Anne.”

Richard stood and walked over to grasp his cousin’s shoulder. “I am sorry. Until this moment, I never really understood the depth of your love for the lady.”

“But for the fact that you seemed determined to match me with Elizabeth’s sister,” William replied quietly, “I would not have told you.”

“You have always preferred to suffer in silence than ask anyone for help.”

“I do not consider my misfortunes something someone else should have to bear.”

“I am family, Darcy. Family should carry each other’s burdens … or at least help to carry them.” William did not answer—a response that did not surprise Richard. Thus, he continued, “In any event, have you considered that Miss Bennet has already forged a life of her own apart from her sister, and were you to marry Lady Morgan, as much as Miss Bennet apparently dislikes being near you, she might never darken your doorstep?”

“I-I cannot be certain of that. Besides, I would never wish to drive a wedge between them.”

“Perhaps you are correct; I may have been too optimistic,” Richard replied. “Lady Morgan may no more consider marrying you than you would consider her.” He walked to the liquor cabinet to refill his glass. “When do you plan to see Lady Morgan again?”

“I shall send a letter asking her to come to Town as soon as may be prudent. She must attend the bank in person to take David’s name off their accounts, and I have questions that need answers. Moreover, whilst she is here, I wish to learn her opinion of Mr. Graves’ suggestion. David had many acquaintances, and I imagine she has met some of them. Perhaps she will recall someone who might satisfy the need for a fiancé quickly. Will you be available to accompany me to her townhouse once she arrives? Obviously, I cannot call on her alone.”

“Most likely that will not be a problem. Just send word once you know when she will arrive so that Father cannot coerce me in to accompanying him to his club that day.”

“I will be happy to.”

Chapter 8

Netherfield Park

Days later

As Jane prepared to leave for London, she went to find Elizabeth, who had arrived from Town only two days earlier. She found her sister leaning against the balcony railing outside her bedroom. The room was beautifully appointed with a wallpaper featuring light blue flowers with silver leaves and stems that glistened whenever the sunlight streamed through the windows and brought back many memories for Jane. Once she attained the balcony, she ran her arms around her sister’s waist and hugged her from behind.

“Do you recall when Caroline Bingley asked me to dine with her and Mrs. Hurst and Mama made me ride Nellie instead of taking the carriage? It rained and I came down with a terrible cold and could not get out of bed for a se’nnight. I was so embarrassed, but you walked all the way here to keep me company, which helped alleviate my humiliation. This room is the one I stayed in whilst recovering, and you and I thought it the most beautiful bedroom we had ever beheld.” Jane sighed heavily. “Now it seems as though that happened to two entirely different people, does it not?”

Elizabeth’s thoughts had been of another kind entirely. On the quiet of the balcony, she had been thinking of a certain walk in the garden she had shared with the taciturn, prideful Mr. Darcy whilst she stayed with Jane at Netherfield. She could now admit to herself that, despite her better judgement, she had fallen hopelessly in love with him during that stay. What a cruel twist of fate it had been when she learned he had been in love with her the whole time—something he had confessed during his proposal at Kent. She dared not mention any of that to Jane, however, since her sister had no idea how much she still loved and regretted him.

Turning to meet Jane’s smile, she said, “I agree. In hindsight, it seems a vague memory of something that happened to others.”

They were both silent for a few minutes before Elizabeth asked, “Would you mind answering a very personal question?”