“That is what we’ll hear.”



He’d have to concoct some sort of explanation for Mrs. Darcy’s sister of his search of Manneville’s room. At least, his presence in the American’s room hadn’t sent the chit into hysterics. She’d actually encouraged him with her nonchalance. “Where to look now?” he grumbled. He didn’t have time to search the suite’s every corner. “I need to think like a conniving blackguard,” he mumbled. Checking the door briefly for security, he said, “I knew the man was too good to be true.”

His eyes searched the shadows. It was too dangerous to light a brace of candles. “Where, oh, where,” he recited as he walked quickly about the room. Then he spotted it: a small box on the wardrobe’s top. Only the box’s edge appeared above the ornate trim that topped the press.

Scooping his find from its hiding place, Edward sat the small, thin box on the bed and lifted the lid. He’d found them: Princess Charlotte’s letters to Captain Hesse. Reaching into the box, Edward removed the incriminating evidence and stuffed the tight bundle under his coat and beneath his arm. “Great,” he sneered as he also secured a locket, a twist of hair, and a miniature of Her Royal Highness. As he searched for other items, a crash outside the door drew his attention. “Damn!” Hurriedly, he replaced the lid and tried to secure the box in its proper place. Then he looked frantically around for an escape.



Thinking it would be pleasurable to tease the colonel about his escapades, Kitty left her chambers, with her pelisse in hand. She still wondered why Mr. Darcy’s cousin had chosen to invade Manneville’s chambers. Evidently, just like her father, Colonel Fitzwilliam thought the American had something to hide.

Deep in thought, she turned the corner, and her heart sank. Manneville topped the stairs. “Mr. Manneville,” she gasped. “I… I didn’t expect… to encounter you, Sir. I thought… I thought you to be with Mr. Darcy.”

The man took a leisurely assessment of her. “I came to freshen my things, Miss Catherine.” He took a step toward her, and Kitty automatically countered with a backward retreat.

From behind him, she noted that the American’s chamber door opened slightly and then quickly closed. “As… as did I.” She would like to avoid the man, but Kitty wouldn’t allow the colonel to be discovered. “Did Mr. Darcy finish his business?” she asked as part of her ruse.

“I believe he speaks to the last petitioner.” Manneville closed the distance between them. “I was wondering, Miss Catherine, if you’ve promised all your dances to the clergyman?” He moved closer still.

Kitty swallowed hard. She desperately wished Georgiana had placed the colonel’s traveling companions in a different wing. She glanced around, hoping that someone else would appear, but she was on her own. “Mr. Winkler would prefer that I save the majority for him.”

“Does Mr. Winkler control you, Miss Catherine?” He had backed her into a corner with his advance. “Why do you not allow me to show you what a man of the world knows?” He leaned closer as if to kiss her.

Kitty turned her head sharply to avoid him. “I’m perfectly content with Mr. Winkler’s knowledge,” she defiantly declared.

Manneville stroked her cheek with his fingertip. “How do you know you do not like molasses if all you’ve ever had is honey?” He caught her chin and turned her face to his. In a heartbeat, his mouth took hers in a demanding kiss of challenge.

Kitty thought this the most disgusting moment of her short life. Even more disgusting than the stale ale on Mr. Denny’s breath when he kissed her under the mistletoe at Aunt Philips’s Christmas dinner. Without considering the consequences, Kitty jerked her knee up and made contact.

With a profane curse, Manneville staggered backward. In doing so, a vase crashed to the floor. “How dare you?” he roared as he caught her wrist and jerked Kitty toward him.

Kitty whimpered from the shock of his rage, but she fought to free herself. “Let me go,” she cried.

“Remove your hand, Manneville,” Edward’s lethal voice came from their left. They both turned to find the colonel’s unsheathed sword aimed at Manneville’s chest.

The American pointedly released Kitty’s arm, and she scrambled behind the colonel.

“I’ll give my cousin your regrets for the evening.” The colonel barely controlled his ire.

“Why should I withdraw?” Manneville straightened, but pain remained written on his countenance.

The colonel nudged Manneville with the sword. “Because I desire it. If I choose to tell Darcy of your perfidy, you’ll not be accorded even that much compassion,” he warned. “We’ll leave for London at daybreak.”

Manneville snarled, “Is that how it’s to be?”

“That’s exactly how it is.”The colonel gestured with the sword toward the American’s room. “I’ll have a tray sent up.”

Manneville paused when he reached the spot where Kitty still hid behind Colonel Fitzwilliam’s back. “You’re a fascinating possibility, Miss Catherine.”With an abbreviated bow, he turned toward his room.


As soon as the American’s door closed, Kitty caught at the colonel’s arm. “Thank God,” she moaned and leaned into him.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he caught her to him. “Let me take you away from here.”

Kitty’s limp legs actually moved — a fact, which surprised her. “Thank you, Colonel.”

“It’s I who should thank you,” he whispered close to her ear when he turned her toward the stairs. As they slowly descended, he cajoled, “You kept my confidence while fighting off a blighter of the worst kind. I’m in your debt.”

Despite being shaken by the experience, Kitty looked pleadingly at him. “Would you tell me why you searched Mr. Manneville’s quarters?”

The colonel gave his head a slight shake. “I cannot. It’s part of my duty to Country. That’s the most I may share.” They paused on the landing. “Unfortunately, I must ask your forbearance. If we inform the others, scandal could rock Mr. Darcy’s household. I require your silence. You cannot tell anyone of Mr. Manneville’s assault or of my mission.”

“Is it that important, Colonel?”

“Maybe not to you or to me, but very much so to those most high in our government.”

Kitty realized immediately that not only had this man protected her today, but also he paid her a great compliment: He thought her a woman he could trust. She had found family among her sister’s new connections. She smiled in relief. “On these two conditions,” she teased, “shall I give you my oath of silence.”

“Two conditions?” He, too, smiled in an emotional release. “You’re a greedy one.”

Kitty ignored his taunt. “First, you partner me during this festivity’s dances. I do love to dance, and I imagine you are very adept.”

“Will Mr. Winkler allow another gentleman the pleasure of your hand tonight?”

She thought of how much of her heart she’d already conceded to the clergyman. “The key word is gentleman,” she rejoined.

The colonel chuckled. “And your second condition, my dear?”

“A lady likes a bit of gossip. You, Sir, have stolen my greatest glory. Give me something worthwhile to replace my lost treasure. Tell me you return Miss Darcy’s affections.”

The colonel’s countenance registered his obvious surprise. “Miss Darcy’s regard? What do you know of my cousin?”

“Only that Georgiana tenderly holds you in her thoughts.”

The colonel barked out a laugh. “Poor Mr.Winkler has no idea what a delightful enigma he has claimed.” He smiled easily. “I’ll ask your forbearance again, Miss Catherine. I wish to speak to the Earl before anyone else knows, but I intend to make Georgiana my wife.”

Kitty squealed. “Oh, I knew it!” Impulsively, she hugged him. “Next to my own marriage, this shall be one that most thoroughly pleases me.” With happiness restored, she took his arm again. “This second secret may not be of national importance, but I much prefer it to the first.”



With a signal to those in wait, Darcy stepped to the temporary platform constructed at one end of the large open area. Everything had been removed and scrubbed clean. His staff had outperformed themselves. His wife and family had taken their places on the benches arranged across the front of the open area, and he was ready to begin this annual celebration. His cousin had seen to the only impediment: Mr. Manneville. The colonel had placed two footmen, with orders to guard the American’s room, outside Manneville’s door. “Good evening,” he said loudly, and everyone quieted immediately. “Mrs. Darcy and I wish to welcome you to Pemberley. We’ll begin tonight’s festivities with a special performance.” He gestured to his left. “So let us begin.” Darcy returned to the benches to sit beside Elizabeth. Capturing her hand, he brought it to his lap. “This should be entertaining.”