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“She expressed her gratitude and even embarrassment for needing me. I tried to impress upon her that she is not to blame for her situation, and that I am more than happy to do whatever I can.”

“Will Mr. Graham return today?”

“He plans to call every day until she begins her lying-in.”

“Graham is a good man. I know Darcy thinks highly of him—which is why he recommended that Lady Morgan utilise him.”

“Speaking of Fitzwilliam, where is my nephew?”

Richard explained what he knew of William’s quest to find Lydia and Elizabeth before Wickham located them. After he had finished, his mother appeared even more perturbed.

“Is it not enough that Fitzwilliam has engaged himself to Lady Morgan? Why must he be tasked with finding her sisters at the risk of his own life? Will the favours never end?”

Richard stood and walked over to the hearth, carrying his cup of tea. Taking the last sip, he pondered telling her about William’s entire history with Elizabeth Bennet. After all, he hoped to reunite his cousin with the woman he had always loved, destroying the walls each had erected to guard their hearts, and he felt his mother might be useful in talking sense to his cousin.

“There is a history between Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet that started long before he agreed to marry Anne.”

“I am not surprised to hear that. Fitzwilliam is excellent at keeping his life private, but why tell me this now?”

“Because I intend to force him to confront his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet ... at least before he agrees to wed Lady Morgan, whom I know he does not love.”

“When he first mentioned to your father and me the scheme about fooling the court with an engagement, I wondered if he had thought it through. I worried he could not break it off as easily as he thought.”

“You were correct, for I fear Lady Morgan has become the proverbial fly in the ointment. According to what Miss Catherine said yesterday, her sister is fascinated by the idea of marrying my cousin, and apparently even Lydia tried to convince her that Miss Bennet and Darcy have always been in love and always would be, but she would not hear it.”

“Surely Darcy made Lady Morgan aware that he was only doing her a favour when the notion of an engagement was first mentioned. Did he not stress that it would be in force only until the court case is settled?”

“Unfortunately, not wishing to hurt her feelings at the time, Darcy did not spell it out; however, we both emphasised often that the engagement could be broken after the trial has concluded. She must have had some inkling that my cousin was considering doing that, for she keeps mentioning the next step: marriage.”

As Richard sat his now-empty cup on the mantel, he shook his head. “I cannot say I am surprised, though. What woman would not jump at the chance to marry Darcy, and to secure him as a father for her orphaned children would be icing on the cake.”

Lady Matlock stood. “Well, I am of the same mind as you, so keep me informed. Fitzwilliam has performed enough good deeds for a lifetime, and it is beyond the pale that he should marry another woman he does not want just to be kind.” She walked over to give Richard a kiss on the forehead. “I intend to lie down until Mr. Graham calls. Are you going to stay or return to Darcy House?”

“I believe I shall return to Darcy House. I hope to find a letter from my cousin soon. In any case, I will return this evening to see how things have progressed.”

“Then I shall see you when you return.” With that, Lady Matlock left the room, and the maid who had brought tea in earlier returned to ask if he wanted more.

“No, thank you. I am returning to Darcy House,” he replied. Then his expression lit up with mischief. “Perhaps tell the cook that I intend to return this evening, however, and more of her delicious biscuits would be welcome then.”

The maid curtsied. “I will, sir.”

Pemberley

Later that day

At his next examination, the apothecary was pleased with Elizabeth’s progress, even if William was not. Her fever had stopped rising but had not completely subsided, and, though her cough was still present, she did not choke whenever she coughed as she had earlier. As a result, Drummond left to check on Drago, declaring that barring another emergency he intended to sleep in his own bed that evening.

Unable to see the woman he loved, William agreed to Mrs. Reynolds’ request that he rest in his own rooms, with a promise that she would inform him of any change in Elizabeth’s condition.

William had not slept for more than a few hours before worries began again to run amok though his mind, keeping him from sleeping soundly. Realising it was useless to stay abed, he rose to have a bath and a shave and to don clean clothes. Adams was tying his cravat when a light tap on the door leading from his bedroom into the sitting room next door caught their attention. They exchanged glances before Adams walked over to open the door.

Lydia was waiting without, and she leaned in to say quietly, “I know this is highly unusual, but my sister wishes to speak with Mr. Darcy, and everyone keeps telling her she must wait until she is better. Consequently, she asked me to bring him her request without anyone else knowing. Is he available?”

Aware the master was listening, Adams stepped aside to let him answer that question himself. Eager to see Elizabeth, William instantly crossed the room to the door.

“How is Miss Elizabeth? I truly wish to speak to her provided she is no longer delusional from the fever.”

“Other than still coughing occasionally, she is well,” Lydia replied. “The fever still exists but it is no longer high enough to affect her mind.”