Stafford looked very displeased. “The man does have a knack for a grand entrance—reminds me of a distant cousin on my father’s side—likes to come late to every engagement so he might be the center of attention—a deceptive conceit.”
Lady Catherine displayed a determined smile. Her words, however, belied her attempt at politeness. “If I were never to see the man again, it would be too soon.”
“It appears the lieutenant has a few critics,” Sir Phillip remarked to no one in particular. His notice reminded Darcy to listen to what people said between the words, and that even silence spoke volumes. Of course, he expected Nigel Worth would disapprove of Harwood—the man’s interest in Anne would make it so, but to hear Stafford voice his dislike surprised Darcy. His eyes first met Elizabeth’s and then Spurlock’s. They both returned his gaze with interest; they, too, had heard the tone of the viscount’s words.
Not unexpectedly, Anne had absented herself from the group. Darcy had anticipated her reluctance to see Harwood before their intended meeting. At Elizabeth’s earlier suggestion, he had sent Georgiana to Anne’s room to keep their cousin company. “One never knows whether Harwood might speak to Anne privately,” he told his wife. “He may try to intimidate Anne or even play on her sympathies.” Now, he wondered if his prediction had proved true: Perhaps Harwood had chosen to confront Anne—even going so far as to appear at his cousin’s bedroom door. Darcy’s first instinct was to rush from the room and to put an end to the man’s plan, but Elizabeth, who had graciously abdicated her position of importance at the room’s center to his aunt and who now, quite naturally, sat on his right, whispered, “Georgiana will send word if the lieutenant calls unannounced on Miss de Bourgh.”
Darcy shot her a surprised look, but Elizabeth remained impassive, feigning no knowledge of what had just passed between them. “How is it that after barely a year of our marriage you are capable of reading my thoughts so expertly?” He leaned toward her—a private moment between husband and wife. If others saw, they would think he gave her instructions regarding a household matter.
Quite naturally, she turned her head and murmured, “We have an undeniable connection—a oneness that spans the universe.”
“I love you,” he whispered into her hair.
Elizabeth flushed but made no other comment.
“Mrs. Wickham,” Lord Stafford spoke sympathetically to the woman across from him, “how long will you remain with your sister? Shall yours be a lengthy visit?”
Lydia had been exceedingly quiet. In fact, few had seen her since her hysterics had sent her elder sister flying across the room. Although she answered civilly, her response lacked her usual exuberance. “If my sister will tolerate my intrusion, I had hoped for another fortnight, at least. My husband will not return from Bath before then. I so despise being in Newcastle without him—going among the officers unescorted is simply not done.”
“Going unescorted in society is always frowned upon, Mrs. Wickham,” he casually noted.
Lydia nodded passively. “So it is,Your Lordship.”
Elizabeth joined their conversation. “Of course, you must stay with us, Lyddie.” She knew her younger sister’s sense of guilt greatly outweighed the “crime.” “You have seen nothing of Pemberley or of the neighborhood, except for the sledding hill.The weather will change shortly, and we will have much to occupy us, I assure you. I do know how you thrive on social interactions.”
“Thank you, Lizzy,” she murmured. “I would enjoy spending time with you and with Miss Darcy. I truly miss my sisters and walking to Meryton daily and teasing Mary and Mama and Papa.”
Elizabeth smiled indulgently at her youngest sister. Lydia Wickham, although married for more than a year, was but seventeen and was still a young girl.“As do I, Lydia. We shall raid the village shops of their finest, and I will see a smile upon your face again.”
The girl gave her sister the shyest of smiles. “I will honestly try, Lizzy.”
After the refreshments, Darcy dutifully led his aunt into one of the smaller drawing rooms, away from the main hallway. He sent a footman for Anne and asked Mr. Worth to join them shortly. “I wish to speak to you privately,Your Ladyship,” he said as he set the door ajar. Lady Catherine said nothing, but she graciously accepted the support of his arm. Darcy became more aware of her feebleness, but it did not change his resolve to speak honestly to his mother’s only sister. Once she was comfortably seated, he continued. “I am gratified by your agreement to remain at Pemberley, Aunt, but it is my understanding that you have made no move to apologize to Mrs. Darcy. I thought I made myself perfectly clear on that point.” He seated himself across from her, settling back into the cushions and giving the impression of being completely in control.
“I have had no opportunity.” His aunt shifted a bit uncomfortably, adjusting a shawl about her shoulders to fill the awkward moments.
“Did not Mrs. Darcy call upon you earlier to assure your presence at tea?”
He watched her in silence, forcing her to respond. “Yes,” she said grudgingly.
When she added nothing more, Darcy frowned. “Was that not an opportunity to address your regrets to my wife? No one would have had reason to hear but Elizabeth.”
“I could not find the words.” For a brief moment, her countenance softened; then a shuddering gasp for air brought her haughty stare.
Darcy shuttered his true feelings. “Then I suggest not only do you find the words, but you also find the opportunity to utter them in sincerity to Mrs. Darcy, or else I will personally have your belongings packed and will order your carriage.”
“You would do such a thing!” she declared.
“Do not cross me, Aunt, for you will lose. If I must choose between you and my wife, Elizabeth will win every time.”
“You would turn your back on all I have done for you—turn your back on your family?” Lady Catherine charged.
Darcy sighed in disbelief. “In a heartbeat.” Somewhat irritably, he continued, “Besides, my family is here—at Pemberley—Georgiana and Elizabeth and the child she carries.”
“Mrs. Darcy is to deliver?” Incredulity peppered the words. With her usual harrumph of disdain, Lady Catherine added, “ She will probably present you with a daughter.”
“If Mrs. Darcy gives me ten daughters, I would find no disappointment. The estate would simply go to one of Georgiana’s children. In fact, I would work twice as hard for my daughter, for she would need a valuable settlement to secure her future, and as much as I would enjoy teaching my son the intricacies of owning this estate, an entailed property is not the end of the world.”
His aunt looked at him in surprise. “You mean of what you speak? You affect this girl that much?”
“I do, Lady Catherine. My marriage to Elizabeth was the pivotal moment of my life. Of all I have accomplished, it is the summit.” Darcy smiled with satisfaction; he saw that his aunt finally understood.
She tasted frustration first and then shame. At last, Lady Catherine spoke. “I will do as you ask, Darcy. I will offer Mrs. Darcy an apology.”
“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” Before he could say more, Anne entered the room, followed only seconds later by Nigel Worth. Once they had seated themselves together, Darcy remarked, “We have only moments before Harwood’s appearance; I thought we might reiterate what we all know. I suspect Harwood will withdraw his demand for Anne’s hand in marriage, for such was never his intention.”
“The lieutenant wants money,”Worth snarled.
Darcy eyeballed him closely. “How are you so positive of Harwood’s motives,Worth?”
“Only yesterday evening, the lieutenant threatened to exact a fee for his silence.”
“You spoke to Harwood? When?”
“After the evening’s performance,” Worth admitted. “He and I exchanged words when I warned him away from Miss de Bourgh.”
Anne turned suddenly. “You did that? Warned Robert away from me?”
Anne’s use of the lieutenant’s
familiar name bothered Worth, but he made himself ignore it. If she chose him now, what did it matter if she had once considered someone else? “How could I not do otherwise? The man upset you, and I will not look the other way in such matters.”
“You take too much on yourself, Mr. Worth,” Lady Catherine asserted.
Anne snapped, “Quiet, Mother. If Nigel chooses to defend my honor, I am most gratified.”
Actually taking away the earlier sting, the use of his Christian name on Anne de Bourgh’s lips thrilled Worth. “I would have said more except for our agreement to make it appear that you traveled to Liverpool to meet me.”
“I wish I had been so astute,” Anne whispered and dropped her eyes in embarrassment.
Darcy recovered the conversation.“Do we know for how much Harwood will ask?”
“The lieutenant’s exact words to me were,‘More than you have.’”
“And how much is that exactly, Mr. Worth?” Lady Catherine asked.
Worth sucked in a deep breath. “Do you ask,Your Ladyship, of my financial soundness?”
“I believe my aunt wishes to know the extent of your—er—worth,Worth.”
Nigel rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “As if I have never heard that one before, Darcy.”Then returning his attention to Lady Catherine, he became serious once more. “My grandfather left me a small bequest, which I have invested wisely—thanks to my knowledge of law and business. At last accounting…somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty-two thousand pounds. My practice brings in five hundred to six hundred per year.”
“Thirty-two thousand!” Anne exclaimed. “Then you do not need my fortune.Why did you not tell me?”
“It is not who I am. I determined some time ago to not spend more than I could afford. A single man has few expenses, and as for announcing my worth, I preferred a woman to choose me, not my purse strings.” He looked deeply into Anne’s eyes, holding her gaze.“We will speak more of this once we have properly dealt with Lieutenant Harwood. I shall have you know it all.”
“Thank you, Lord Stafford, for agreeing to speak to me.” Sir Phillip took up his pen to make some notes.
Stafford leaned back in his chair, casually letting his hand dangle over the arm. “I respect Mr. Darcy and would willingly face anything for him.”
“Good… . . . good.” As was his way, the baronet made eye contact with Adam Lawrence. “Mr. Darcy has told me of the various deaths, as well as the attack on his footman. He informs me that you thought his wife’s sister to be involved somehow. Might you enlighten me as to what brought you to that conclusion?”
Adam looked away, the intensity of the magistrate’s stare bothering him. He hesitated. “How do I say this?” he muttered.
“It is between us,” Sir Phillip assured him.
Adam flushed. “As a future earl, I am…am accustomed to having women of various stations approach me. Some are innocents, and I avoid them. Most whom I indulge are married women who seek some excitement from a very dull relationship. Although the lady never expressed in words an invitation to her bed, the invitation remained, just the same. I have heard it many times, Sir Phillip. I did not mistake the intent of Mrs.Wickham’s attentions.”
“I am well aware of the lady’s husband, Lord Stafford. He is trouble, and I do not doubt that his wife might need someone to champion her cause.” Sir Phillip laid the pen to the side.“And your cousin,Your Lordship?”
Adam smiled knowingly. “My mistress, Sir Phillip.”
“As I assumed, young man.”The magistrate’s grim features softened slightly. “You care for Miss Donnel?”
“Probably more than I should,” Stafford admitted. “But I could never marry her…my father would keel over dead if I dared to marry below what Society demands that I take as a wife.”
Sir Phillip frowned. “I care not for the new ways. In my day, a man married the woman whom his father told him to marry, and then he tried to make the best of what Fate had given him—make a tolerable life. Yet, I see men like our host marry for love, and I envy the contentedness written across their faces. Perhaps someday you shall know such happiness, too, Lord Stafford.”
“Possibly.”
Sir Phillip took up the pen again, indicating they were on the official record once more. “And do you still believe Mrs.Wickham to be party to the murders at Pemberley?”
“I no longer believe the lady to be directly involved, but try as I will, I cannot completely exonerate Mrs. Wickham.” The magistrate gestured for Lawrence to continue. “It was Mrs. Wickham’s silk stocking wrapped around the maid’s neck. And it was her room left in shambles—and her hysterics, which placed Mrs. Darcy in danger.The list could go on and on. I simply cannot shake the uncanny feeling that the lady is more involved than any of us know.”
“I shall keep your warning in mind,Your Lordship. I never disregard a hunch—however irrational it may seem on the surface.” Sir Phillip made a quick notation. “Now, tell me anything else you believe I should know.Tell me what you saw when you accompanied Mr. Darcy on his investigations.”
“How much longer must we wait for Lieutenant Harwood?” Lady Catherine grumbled.“I am not in the habit of waiting for my lessers.”
“None of us are, Aunt.” Darcy moved to the bell cord. “Let us send to the man’s room and determine what delays him.”
Anne reached impulsively for her mother’s hand.“Mother, I regret bringing such shame upon your household.” Anne swallowed hard, but she did not look away.“I hope you can forgive me someday.”
Surprisingly, Lady Catherine took her daughter’s outstretched hand and cradled it in her two gnarled palms. “You have been an exemplary child throughout the years.We shall deal decisively with this worm of a man.”
Darcy nodded to Worth, indicating that his aunt had taken a major step by not chastising her daughter.
“Thank you, Mother,” Anne whispered.
“I suppose you will tell me,” Lady Catherine said with her usual sarcasm, “that I shall have to tolerate your choosing your own mate—much as your cousin Darcy has done.”
Anne glanced quickly at Mr. Worth. “You shall, Mother, but I have learned to think more clearly and less impulsively.”
“Then your experience in Liverpool will have been a serviceable lesson.”
A light tap at the door curtailed the conversation. “Come,” Darcy called from his seat.
Murray bowed to the room. “May I serve you, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, Murray. Please seek Lieutenant Harwood in his room and tell the gentleman that we await him.”
“Right away, Mr. Darcy.”The footman backed out of the room. Yet, before Murray could turn and make his full exit, Mr. Baldwin appeared.
“Excuse the interruption, Mr. Darcy. Booker reports that Lucas has returned, and your cousin the colonel rides with him. They should be dismounting in the drive at this moment.”
“Excellent, Mr. Baldwin.” Darcy stood immediately. “Let me greet Edward properly, and I shall bring him to see you, Aunt. Do not begin your discussion with the lieutenant until we return. I sent for the colonel because of Harwood’s arrival.”
“Will Edward help us?” Anne pleaded.
“It is my wish, Cousin.” Darcy quickly followed his butler from the room.
Within moments, Darcy strode forward to greet one of the two men he counted as his closest acquaintances. Edward Fitzwilliam, one and thirty, was not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman—he moved with the ease of a well-bred man. When Darcy entered the foyer, he found the colonel disposing of his greatcoat and gloves.
“Edward, you have come!” Darcy called as he embraced the man. “You are a welcome surprise.”
Edward Fitzwilliam returned the embrace.“Your letter gave me no other choice.”
“Edward,” Elizabeth said as she materialized beside Darcy, “we are ever so glad to see you.”
Impulsively, the colonel picked her up and spun the petite Mrs. Darcy about. “My goodness, Cousin. Marria
ge treats you very well.” He set her down gently. “You are absolutely glowing.”
“Unhand my wife,” Darcy half threatened.
“Mrs. Darcy always liked me best,” the colonel teased.
Darcy grumbled, “Do not remind me, Cousin, or I may have to run you through.” Darcy caught Elizabeth’s hand and possessively pulled her to him. “The lady married me,” he warned with a raised eyebrow.
Edward retorted, “You are not a second son.”
“Gentlemen,” Elizabeth cautioned, “we are all where we were intended to be. Colonel, quit teasing my husband. He lacks a sense of humor in the matter.”
“That is why I enjoy bringing it to his attention.” The colonel winked at Elizabeth before good-naturedly slapping Darcy on the back. “Where is my ward?” Edward demanded.
“Our ward,” Darcy corrected.
“Here,” Georgiana said from halfway up the first flight of steps. She had rushed from her room as soon as word had come of Edward’s arrival.
The colonel’s eyes lifted to find her, and his heart lurched in his chest. “You cannot be my Georgiana.” He lovingly examined the girl as she slowly descended the last few steps. “You are a beautiful lady, where I was expecting a gangly young girl.”
“My sister does not recognize her value,” Elizabeth whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, taking note of the anxiousness in Georgiana’s eyes.
“Well, she shall learn it from me,” the colonel asserted. He walked toward her, opening his arms to accept Georgiana into his embrace. “You are exquisite, my Dear,” he spoke softly to her upturned face before kissing the tip of Georgiana’s nose. “I shall have to sharpen my sword to run off all the men when they see you, Sweetling.” He turned his younger cousin back to her brother.“Shall we be entertaining the idea of a London Season for my girl this year?”The colonel beamed with pride, but Elizabeth saw the look of disappointment on Georgiana’s face. She would need to speak to Darcy’s sister privately.
The Phantom of Pemberley Page 29
