Page 36

After both men sat down on a sofa across from her, Jane suddenly felt the urge to say more. “I must ask you. Have you had a chance to speak with James Morgan? You did not mention him in your letter, Mr. Darcy, and I wondered if you would allow me to accompany you when you talk with him.” Jane looked down at her hands where she was busily worrying a handkerchief through her fingers. “I-I thought perhaps he might be more congenial if I were there.”

“He never answered my letter asking for a meeting,” William replied. “Therefore, I plan to call on him shortly, appointment or not. Moreover, because he has not answered my request, I think it best that Richard and I confront him alone.”

“I see,” Jane replied.

“Before we go any further,” William said, “may I enquire after your family? Is everyone well?” His thoughts had turned to Elizabeth as they always did whenever he was in her sister’s company. “I-I especially worry about Miss Elizabeth. Richard tried to locate her when we reached town, but your Uncle Gardiner said she was no longer staying with them, and she was not at Lady Cargile’s residence, either.”

“All my family was in good health when I left Netherfield. As for Lizzy, she returned to Netherfield just as I was packing to come here. I asked her to accompany me, but she was resolute that she would go to Lambton to speak to the owner of the bakery she wishes to purchase. She hopes to talk Mrs. Potter out of requiring a deposit. Whilst in that area, she also plans to meet with Constable Stone again.”

“It is worrisome that she seems determined to travel alone. It simply is not safe, especially for so handsome a woman,” Richard interrupted.

“I concur completely, Colonel, so I have asked our trusted servant, Mr. Hill, to accompany her.”

“I am relieved to hear it,” he replied.

“Mr. Darcy, I understand that in addition to accompanying me to the bank to sort out my accounts, you also needed some answers from me,” Jane continued.

“There are two questions I feel compelled to ask.” Taking the letter he had found in Mr. Humphrey’s file out of his coat pocket, he held it out to Jane. “I found this in a file under David’s name in his solicitor’s office. Do you recall if your husband ever mentioned it?”

Jane’s eyes grew wider, and one hand came to her heart as she read the pieced-together letter warning Mr. Humphrey to cease working with her husband. “I-I have never seen nor heard of it.” She looked at William. “Do you think this has to do with … with my husband’s death?”

“In light of all that has happened, I cannot dismiss it.” William folded the letter and placed it back in his coat. “I have been looking over the bank ledgers and could not find where David removed money to take with him to Derbyshire. I recall you saying he took funds to pay salaries.”

“I do not know much about the bank accounts, as I never bothered to look at them. My only thought is that David kept money in the safe in his office. He said it was money to pay the servants, and you saw what little was left in there when you were in his study. Perhaps he took that with him.”

“Perhaps,” William repeated. Then, sliding to the edge of the chair where he sat, he asked, “Do you recall me saying Mr. Graves had a request to make of you?”

“Yes.”

After glancing at Richard as if to ask for his support, William went on to repeat Mr. Graves’ argument for a man to take her place in court should their case end up there.

Once he had finished, Jane looked close to tears as she replied, “I-I do not know what to say. My intent was to honour David by mourning for at least a year before even considering another marriage, but I am not so foolish as to think it would not be in Alice’s best interests to provide her with another father as soon as possible.”

Unknowingly, her hand came to rest upon her stomach as she continued, “It would, of course, also be in the best interest of the child I am carrying. God knows I cannot be both father and mother and do a creditable job of it.”

Richard was quick to interject, “We know the thought of replacing Lord Morgan so hastily must be repugnant, but you must think of your children. Graves said you would not have to marry immediately, only that you should engage yourself to someone straightaway. Preferably to someone of consequence, a title would be preferred though not necessary. One who possesses large landholdings—such as my cousin does—would serve to impress the judges as well.”

“I-I cannot possibly marry until after I give birth to this child. I want him, or her, to carry David’s name. It is the least I can do for him.”

“No doubt,” William replied.

Richard shook his head at his cousin as though warning him to keep silent. “It is just as I told Darcy. He should not let his wife’s death define him. He must buck up and look to the future. If he takes my advice, it will serve him well. The same advice will serve you, if you will take it.”

Jane turned to study William. “Oh, Mr. Darcy! You know only too well how hard it is to lose one’s partner. To think you would consider helping me by becoming engaged is far more than I could ever have expected.”

Seeing that she had misunderstood his counsel, Richard tried to intervene. “I am afraid you may have misinterpreted what—”

Unfortunately, Jane suddenly released a sob, causing William to motion to his cousin to cease talking as she continued, “David would be so proud to know you were willing to step into his shoes and keep his family safe.”

Trying to find words to explain the misunderstanding without hurting Jane’s feelings proved impossible. Instead, William offered, “There is no need to come to a decision today. Please take several days to think over all you have heard. Whilst you do, try to recall any of David’s friends who might be suitable candidates under the circumstances.”

“I was never in company with any of them long enough to form an opinion. Furthermore, you are the kindest man I have ever met apart from my husband. However, I shall think over everything and give you an answer as soon as possible.”

William stood, “If you will excuse us, Richard and I have much work to do.”

“I understand. May I ask if you would be willing to dine with me and Catherine tomorrow night? It is rather lonely in this big old house without David.”

“I should be glad to attend tomorrow. Will you be available, Richard?”