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“I should probably leave that to Darcy, but it is unlikely you will ever hear it from him, and I think it only fair that you know the truth … especially since you and he cannot communicate without crossing swords.”

Richard then proceeded to tell Elizabeth everything about his cousin’s hasty marriage, including how Anne had deceived Darcy, himself, and most of the family regarding her health, then alienated Georgiana, and caused her own untimely death. Shaken, Elizabeth sat silent for some time afterward.

When at last she gathered her thoughts, she murmured, “And to think I thought so meanly of him after hearing he had married so swiftly following our … I had no idea.”

“Most people do not,” Richard replied. “To this day he tries to protect his family from the impact of the whole disgusting episode by revealing the truth only to those who must be told.”

“Does Jane know?”

“She knows a little. I happened to be there when she mentioned the extent of her despair after Lord Morgan’s death and commented that Darcy must still suffer over Anne’s untimely demise. Instantly Darcy disabused her of the notion that his marriage was a happy one, saying that though he did not wish Anne to die, he could not mourn her passing. He promised to fully explain later.”

Elizabeth nodded.

“Now, if I may, I would like to ask you a question.”

Taking a shaky breath, Elizabeth murmured, “You may.”

“Has Lady Morgan informed you that she and Darcy are engaged?”

From the stunned look that crossed Elizabeth’s face and the tears that instantly filled her eyes, it was obvious she had no idea. It was also apparent that she still cared for his cousin. Gratified that his intuition had served him well, Richard quickly added, “He is not in love with her if that is what you are thinking.”

As Elizabeth’s eyes widened and one lone tear slid down her cheek only to be instantly swept away, Richard quickly explained Mr. Graves’ reasons for forcing Lady Morgan to enter an engagement.

Afterwards she remained silent, so he added, “Whilst Darcy and I were trying to make helpful suggestions as to whom she should engage herself, your sister assumed some comments I made about giving Darcy similar advice to move on with his life, meant that I was putting forth my cousin as a good candidate.”

Richard raised his shoulders and sighed in exasperation. “I tried to rectify the situation then and there, but Darcy secretly waved me off. Later, when I asked him why, he said that, given Lady Morgan’s present condition, he did not wish to make her feel foolish by pointing out that she had assumed incorrectly. He prayed she would pick someone else, but as surely as Darcy is the best man I know, your sister came to the same conclusion and would not consider anyone else.”

Elizabeth smiled wanly. “Even when he was … exasperating, Mr. Darcy was always a gentleman.”

Hoping Elizabeth would tell Lady Morgan the truth, Richard continued, “Darcy wishes to end the engagement after the case is settled. He even suggested that much when we were discussing the whole matter with your sister. I fear Lady Morgan heard only what she wished to, though, for she seems determined for the engagement to end in marriage.”

“I-I see.”

“Obviously, his kind-heartedness may once again force Darcy into an alliance he does not want. In fact, I believe that only the hope of another chance with you could induce him to tell Lady Morgan the truth.”

“Even if,” Elizabeth began, stopping to wipe away another stray tear. “Even if I still cared for Mr. Darcy, I could never knowingly ruin my sister’s chance for happiness. Jane sacrificed everything to save our family. Even though she came to esteem Lord Morgan, it was not the love match of which she had always dreamt. In truth, I know her well enough to accept that if Jane entered an engagement with Mr. Darcy so soon after David’s death, she must have fallen in love with him at least a little. I shall just have to accept that and live with the consequences.”

Richard sighed loudly. “I shall never understand why otherwise sensible people feel honour-bound to put aside their desires just to gratify someone else’s. First Darcy, and now you.”

“Surely you do not think it admirable to hurt my sister when I can simply remain silent?”

“I suppose it comes down to your definition of hurt. If it were me, I know it would hurt more to be fooled into thinking my partner wished to marry me than to find out later it was all a lie.”

“For someone never married, you seem quite the authority on the subject.”

“If I am, it is because I have seen how many marriages are ruined by lies. I also watched as your refusal, followed almost instantly by Anne’s treachery, crushed Darcy’s soul. He spoke to me of his regretful proposal but believe me when I say he never meant to insult your family; his motive in all things is to be completely honest, which often works to his detriment. As for Anne, he consented to marry her merely to fulfil her wish to die with dignity, whilst her motive was to make him miserable for not marrying her years before.”

“I know Jane would not deliberately try to make Mr. Darcy miserable.”

“I agree; she is not the sort of woman to do that. In her case, his misery would be unconsciously done, though just as harmful. Darcy is too good a man to spend his life being wretched. He does not deserve that, and neither does Lady Morgan. She will be, however, once she learns she is not the woman he dreams of … the woman he longs for.”

He watched another tear run slowly down Elizabeth’s cheek. “And she will find out. Pretence of that sort kills the soul; it can never be completely hidden.”

The carriage began to slow as they reached the centre of Lambton. Glancing out the window, Richard said, “Will you not consider accompanying me to Pemberley? I know Darcy would rather you stay there, especially with the rogues who killed Lord Morgan still at large.”

“I would feel strange staying in his home after … No. The inn will do just fine. Besides, I am not afraid,” Elizabeth quipped, forcing a smile.

Gathering her skirts to step out when the carriage stopped, she said, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, in hindsight I have said more to you about my feelings for Mr. Darcy than I should. Let me plead with you to keep our conversation private. No good would come from him or Jane discovering my feelings.” Richard’s hesitation prompted her to add, “Please. Swear that you will tell no one what I said.”