Page 155 of Pride and Prejudice Resolutions

Robert and Jane, newly returned from his estate in Cornwall themselves, were already seated. The Viscount was lounging in his chair as though it were a throne, Jane serene and lovely in a gown of pale blue that made her look like a watercolour come to life. Georgiana, tucked beside Jane, twisted her napkin into a knot, her usual composure frayed at the edges.

The Earl did not bother with pleasantries. "About time you graced us with your presence, Darcy. I was beginning to think you had escaped to the Continent."

Elizabeth, ever the diplomat, smiled sweetly. "We considered it, my Lord, but Darcy insisted we could not abandon you to Richard's antics."

Darcy shot her a look. "Elizabeth."

She patted his arm. "Do not fret, my dear. I shall behave. Mostly."

Robert, who had been regaling Georgiana with an exaggerated account of their journey, perked up at the mention of Richard. "Speaking of our wayward Colonel, where is he? I wager he is hiding in the library with a bottle of brandy."

"He is not hiding," the Countess said, her voice smooth as silk. "He is merely fashionably late."

Darcy took his seat beside Elizabeth, who immediately leaned in to whisper, "Your uncle grunts more than usual. Was Richard particularly egregious?"

"Not a clue," Darcy replied, just as the doors opened and Richard strode in, his dress uniform immaculate, his expression one of a man marching to his execution.

"Ah"" Robert grinned. "The prodigal son returns. Richard, you look as though you've been dragged through a hedge backward. What have you been up to?"

Richard ignored him, bowing stiffly to his parents before taking his place beside Georgiana. "Nothing that concerns you, Robert."

"On the contrary." The Earl's voice cut through the chatter. "It concerns us a great deal. Sit down, Richard. We have matters to discuss."

Richard sat. The footmen began serving the soup.

Georgiana, who had been silent thus far, shot Elizabeth a pleading look. Elizabeth, understanding instantly, gave her a subtle nod.Later, her expression promised.

The Earl wasted no time. "Richard. Report."

Richard's spoon paused halfway to his mouth. "On what, sir?"

"Your progress in procuring a dowry. And the wife that comes along, of course."

"Henry!" Lady Matlock's eyes were wide and disapproving. "That was vulgar."

"I beg your pardon, my dear. But we are well past civilities right now." He turned to Richard."Tick-tock,"he mouthed.

A beat of silence. Robert's grin widened. Darcy's eyebrows rose. Jane's hands stilled in her lap.

Richard set down his spoon slowly. "I have nothing to report on that front, Father."

"Then why are you roaming the parlours with that Bingley chit three times a week? You were supposed to court her dowry." The Earl looked genuinely confused.

Richard cleared his throat. Then coughed. Thrice.

Robert leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with predatory interest. "Oh, this is marvellous. Richard, are you actually courting Miss Bingley? I thought you declared you would rather eat a live frog."

"I am not courting her," Richard managed, reaching for his wine glass. "I am assisting her."

"Assisting her in what, precisely?" the Countess asked, her tone deceptively mild. "Finding a husband? Or avoiding one?"

Richard drained half his wine in one swallow. "Both. Neither. It is complicated."

"Complicated," Darcy repeated, his voice dry as dust. "Since when do you involve yourself in matchmaking, Richard? You once told me the entire enterprise was a waste of resources."

"It became necessary."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with barely suppressed laughter. "Necessary for whom, Colonel?"