Kitty recognized her mother’s manipulations. “I’ve no desire to live in America,” she asserted.

“Who says the man cannot be convinced to stay in England?”

Kitty’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mr. Manneville despises English tea!”

Mrs. Bennet chortled. “What does that have to do with anything? I’ll speak to him myself to determine his true intentions.”



“Southland, I’ve been looking for you.” Colonel Fitzwilliam cornered his aide in the library.

The lieutenant scrambled to his feet. “I apologize, Sir. I was unaware of your return to the house.”

“Some thirty minutes ago,” the colonel offered a mild reprimand.

The lieutenant remained at attention. “Again, I apologize, Colonel. While I was reading, I evidently lost track of time, Sir.”

“Relax, Lieutenant.” Edward reeled in his temper.

Southland lowered his shoulders. “How may I serve you, Sir?”

“You can tell me what you’re about. What’s this I hear of your having an intimate conversation with my cousin?”

The lieutenant’s glance was so brief that Edward couldn’t read the man’s true motive. “I assume, Sir, that you refer to my speaking to Miss De Bourgh.”

“You had better not have spoken intimately to Miss Darcy,” Edward growled.

“As Miss Darcy is so much younger than Miss De Bourgh?” Southland asked uncertainly.

Edward jerked his head up in surprise. “As Miss Darcy is an innocent.” Warning rang in Edward’s tone.

“And Miss De Bourgh is not?”

That was the wrong thing to say. “I’ll not tolerant insolence, Lieutenant!” Edward swallowed his initial anger. “Damn it, Roman! You know that wasn’t what I meant. Miss De Bourgh is equally as innocent, but she has a companion with her at all times. At Pemberley, Miss Darcy’s companion allows her charge some freedom. I’d not approve of your approaching either cousin.”

“Did I say something to offend Miss De Bourgh? If so, I’ll apologize immediately, Sir.”

“Miss De Bourgh didn’t appear offended by your conversation,” Edward conceded.

The man appeared puzzled. “Then what brings your ire, Sir?”

“I’ll not have my cousin made an object of scorn, Southland.”

“Scorn, Sir? Why would you believe I meant to scorn Miss De Bourgh?”

Edward’s gaze locked on his aide’s countenance. “Miss De Bourgh isn’t the type men seek out for simple conversation.”

“I don’t understand why not, Sir. Miss De Bourgh is quite handsome and very literate. She may be a bit shy, but in small gatherings, I imagine the lady shows very well.”

Edward narrowed his eyes. “Are we both speaking of the same Anne De Bourgh?”

The lieutenant frowned. “I speak of Lady Catherine’s daughter.” He paused briefly. “You do recall my brief connection to Rosings Park, do you not, Sir?”

Edward stammered, “Of… of course, Southland.” The colonel’s brow rose in curiosity. “Then you truly enjoyed your time with my cousin?”

“Absolutely, Colonel, and I’d be honored to join Miss De Bourgh again.”The man’s honesty rang true, but Edward still questioned whether any man could give Anne his attentions without first considering her dowry. She had cowered under Lady Catherine’s reign so long that he was certain that Anne had lost the vibrancy she once possessed. It would probably become his father’s province to find Anne a suitable marriage of convenience, one of which his aunt would approve — possibly to a widower who needed a mother for his children. “And I’ll avoid Miss Darcy unless her companion is present.” Southland’s words brought Edward from his thoughts.

The colonel’s voice was hesitant. “Allow me to caution you, Lieutenant. I didn’t bring you to Pemberley to feather your social connections.You’re Mr. Darcy’s guest, and you’re my assistant. I expect you to perform under those guidelines. I appreciate your earlier kindness to Miss De Bourgh; yet, I cannot condone your laying a liaison’s foundation with any of the females under Mr. Darcy’s protection. If that’s your purpose, you’ll know the Earl of Matlock’s full power, as well as your commanding officer’s, in response.”

“I understand, Sir.”



“Our husbands should be on their way back,” Mrs. Joseph remarked. “And the other gentlemen are coming down to breakfast.”

Elizabeth said pointedly. “I am grateful for your presence in that regard. If you and Mr. Joseph hadn’t joined us, I would have cautiously taken my breakfast in my room. None of the men have been rude, but it’s quite intimidating when one is the only woman among so many men. Like an invasion of holy ground.”

Mr. Horvak and Sir Jonathan stopped at the table to pay their respects. When Elizabeth and Mrs. Joseph started to rise, Sir Jonathan said, “Please. That’s not necessary. We’re kindred souls — those waiting for the Christmas spirit to clear a way home.”

“Do you suppose we should even attempt a journey today, Sir Jonathan?” Elizabeth asked.

“My coachman came by earlier, and he seemed to think we’d need another day.”

Elizabeth frowned. Despite enjoying Mrs. Joseph’s company, she wanted to be elsewhere. “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Joseph are completing their own analysis.”

“I suspect your husbands will come to the same conclusions,” Mr. Horvak said.

As Nan entered with the gentlemen’s meals, Elizabeth said, “We’ll leave you to your breakfast.” Noticing Mary’s sudden grimace, she added, “Mrs. Joseph requires a bit more rest.”

“Of course, Mrs. Darcy. We’ll speak later.” The two men bowed out.

Elizabeth supported Mrs. Joseph to her feet. “Is something amiss?”

The woman frowned. “I suddenly feel very light-headed. Probably nothing — especially for a woman eight months with child. Other women would be considering their confinements.”

“I suspect that you didn’t sleep well last evening,” Elizabeth added as they slowly climbed the stairs.

“Better than I would’ve in the stable,” Mary said ironically. “When one is as large with child as I, sleep doesn’t come easily.”

“Then you’ll take the bed and find some required rest.You were very brave to attempt this journey under the circumstances,” Elizabeth assured as she held the room’s door for her new friend.

However, a second grimace twisted Mary’s countenance, and the woman caught the door frame with white knuckles. “I suspect I shouldn’t have had so much ham. It is so salty, and it makes my stomach cramp if I don’t drink enough water with it.”

“Then let’s get you to bed and order some fresh drinking water.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You’re proving to be an excellent friend.”

Elizabeth insisted that Mary stretch out across the bed. Once she had the lady settled, Elizabeth draped a blanket over her. “I expect you to nap for at least an hour. I shall tolerate nothing less,” she politely ordered.

“And what shall you do while I sleep, Mrs. Darcy?” the woman asked with half-closed eyes.

Elizabeth smiled contentedly.“I have some letters to entertain me.”

Chapter 6

Edward sat alone in the library. He would need to join his young cousin in Georgiana’s efforts to entertain a diverse household. “Who would’ve thought Georgiana capable of handling any of this?” he asked aloud. “Not I. I saw only a child, but Georgiana is no little girl — not even a silly, giggling teen.” The realization brought a smile. He had always considered his cousin ethereally beautiful — her golden blonde, nearly white hair framed a heart-shaped face. She fought to keep the curls in place, but Edward had always preferred it when the wisps broke free and draped over his cousin’s forehead and cheeks. Gone were the bows and ribbons of a young girl. In their place, Georgiana sported the sleek fashion of a well-dressed lady. With the smile remaining, Edward expelled a deep sigh. “No time to ruminate over more pleasurable ideas. Her Ladyship awaits.” He shoved to his feet. “To everything there is a season.”