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“I am always available to dine with a lovely woman, and tomorrow is open for me,” Richard said, smiling.
Jane returned the smile. “Then Catherine and I shall expect to see you both at eight o’clock tomorrow.”
Chapter 9
London
As the cousins entered Darcy’s carriage, William called out the address of James Morgan’s warehouse as their destination. By way of explanation, he said to Richard, “I had rather get the interview with James Morgan over with today, if possible.”
Once the vehicle began to roll, Richard could hold his tongue no longer. “Tell me, Cousin. Why did you keep me from correcting Lady Morgan’s assumption that you were offering to engage yourself to her?”
“Once she began to cry, I had not the heart to humiliate her by pointing out her false assumption. I decided it was best to wait and see if she thinks of a more suitable gentleman to whom she may wish to engage herself.”
“And what if she does not? What if she decides you are the only man she wishes to be engaged to?”
“I-I will deal with that if it happens. Meanwhile, join me in praying she can think of a better candidate.”
Richard shook his head in astonishment. “Darcy, you married one woman you did not want because she lied about being ashamed to die an old maid. Now you are considering marrying another you do not want merely because it will help her in court. Why not wear a sign about your neck that reads, available for marriage to ladies in distress?”
“Richard,” William said, dragging out his cousin’s name to emphasise his displeasure.
“Honestly, Cousin, you do not have to single-handedly save the feminine population of the world, you know.”
William released a deep sigh. “Though I cannot fathom being married to Elizabeth’s sister, one cannot compare Lady Morgan to Anne de Bourgh. Lady Morgan is, and has always been, meek and kind-hearted, whereas Anne proved to be Satan’s right-hand in disguise. Mayhap if Jane Morgan chooses to engage herself to me, we can agree to call it off after the court case is settled—if, indeed, it goes to court. A broken engagement will not damage her reputation, if she is the one to break it, and, surely, she would realise ere long that though we have been acquainted for years, we have absolutely nothing in common.”
“Where have I heard that before? Oh, yes! Leighton swears he and Lady Susan have nothing in common!” Richard laughed and punched William on the arm. “And this in spite of the fact that they have been married for five years.”
“And your point is?”
“I dare say most of the married couples I know have very little in common, even Father and Mother, which is the case with most marriages of the ton. Having nothing in common has no effect on forestalling marriages of convenience every day.”
“You are not being helpful.”
“On the contrary. If I can keep you from making another mistake because of your soft heart, I will have done my duty. Think of yourself for a change, my friend … not to mention Georgiana. I dare say she will not be in favour of you engaging yourself so soon.”
“In truth, after the debacle with Anne, Georgiana will never accept anyone I may choose, so it would be nonsense to consider her opinion.”
“Do you wish to know what I truly believe?” Richard asked, now sporting a wry grin.
“I believe you are going to tell me regardless.”
“Methinks you are still fixated on rescuing Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Everything you have done since she refused your proposal has been for that reason, you know. And if Lady Morgan is not settled well in another marriage, Miss Bennet will take it upon herself to support Lady Morgan and the balance of her family, whilst barely eking out a living for herself.”
“Think what you will, but I would never marry Lady Morgan merely to help Elizabeth.”
“Dream on!” Richard declared. “Remember who you are talking to, Darcy. You cannot fool me when it comes to the depth of your regard for Miss Elizabeth. You would walk to Hades and back barefooted for her sake.”
William looked away, pretending to focus on something outside the carriage window. At length he said, “I-I must do what my conscious dictates.”
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt in front of James Morgan’s warehouse. Once the steps were lowered, William instantly exited the vehicle and watched as Richard followed him to the pavement.
Before heading towards the building, William laid his hand on Richard’s shoulder. “Do not think your concern is not appreciated, my friend. Though I may protest, I know you have my best interests at heart.”
Richard nodded solemnly. “Keep that in mind the next time you decide to disagree with me.”
William smiled wryly. “I can only promise to try.” Glancing up then at the sign over the entrance to the warehouse, he sighed. “The day is not going to get any longer. We had best get on with it.”
Morgan Enterprises
