Page 23 of Shields and Roses

Bennet shook his head sadly. "It hurts me to see it all the same. In a way, Lizzy is in mourning and it helps fuel her playacting. Richard entering the military has changed everything. He is now, rightfully, classed as an adult. Before too many years she will be as well. Even if Lady Catherine and her spies were not a consideration, they can never again treat each other with the open and easy friendship they have shared up to now."

"Do you think she is in love with him?" Rand asked with concern.

"In a romantic sense, no, although I would say she loves him. She is still far too young to be 'in love' and they have always treated one another as siblings. I should say it is to my sorrow, because I know he would treat her with the respect she will one day deserve for her intelligence, wit and, I am certain, modest behavior. No, the one you will have to consider as a potential romantic attachment on both sides may be Miss Charlotte Lucas. There is an undeniable spark between them when she and Richard are together."

"He has not been trifling with her, has he?"

Bennet smiled and shook his head. "Oh, no. I do not think so. I heard enough of a recent conversation between them to believe they have not exactly admitted the attraction to one another, but Richard has warned her that he will not allow himself to form an attachment until he is older and has taken his career to a higher point, nor will he idly flirt with her or any other girl. It was subtly done, but I think she got the message."

"Well, in time I would not mind her for a daughter-in-law. She seems a sensible and well-brought up girl. If Richard comes to me in five or more years to ask for my blessing on a match between them, I would give it. However, I doubt she will remain on the marriage mart long enough for that to come about. He made her no promises, so far as you know, did he?"

"None at all," Bennet confirmed. "Or he would not have been quite so subtle in warning her not to expect anything from him."

"Well, if you catch a hint of anything in the future, let me know. I rather hope they might someday come to an understanding. She is certainly a far better match from the standpoint of personality and intelligence than any of the women James has been looking over. My eldest is not looking for a match so much as he is shopping for a dowry or connections to a title combined with a pretty face. I am rather glad my father has discouraged the two possible matches James was looking at recently, although I know better than to count on that forever."

"He will do what he will do and there is little likelihood he will listen to you over your father. You have known that about your eldest for some time. But you did not answer my earlier question. Is Richard settled with his new unit?"

"Very much so. He made me promise not to pull any strings to get him a plum posting. No matter how good it sounds to a parent, he told me he has heard it creates jealousy with the other men that means you have to work harder to prove yourself. Aside from that, there is the matter of continuing to make Catherine feel I resent his choice. We used my unwillingness to get him a prime post as the subject of a play argument within earshot of his brother. Richard gained a good post, all the same. He has gone in as a trainee under a relative of one of his former classmates. Richard's new commanding officer is known to be a fair man as well as a competent commander. My boy is well-pleased with the assignment."

"Then I will be pleased for him as well. I look forward to his letters as he starts to learn his way. Ah, I think we are nearing our cue. Would you quietly go check to make certain Miss Stanton is still in the music room?" Bennet asked.

"I will do better," Rand said. "If I take the back hall, I can sneak around to the main corridor and make her think I have just arrived. Then it will look even more like we are starting an argument from the beginning of the visit. It will also make it look better when I storm out again, since I did have my men keep my luggage on board the carriage and told them I would not be staying."

Bennet shook his head. "I hate to miss out on the actual visit from you, but that was a good idea, Rand. Go quietly. I hope this works. Travel safely after our performance, and remember, we are doing this to shield our children from harm, so play it well. I will look forward to your next letter via Gardiner."

"As will I, old friend," Rand said, standing and offering his hand to Bennet yet again. They shook hands in friendship before Rand quietly opened the door to make sure he would not be observed leaving the room. He could tell that Lizzy's lesson was just winding down and he heard Miss Stanton speaking, which confirmed she was still in the music room. That meant he did not have to chance taking a peek to check.

As quietly as possible, he turned into the small back corridor that was generally used by the servants. He knew it would take him back around to the main portion of the house, although he had never used it before. It took him past a side entrance to the house and what appeared to be a storeroom. He turned a corner head in the direction he thought he should go and almost ran into Mrs. Hill coming from the other way.

"Viscount Rand?" she said, speaking quietly despite her surprise. "What are you doing here, sir?"

"I was trying to work my way around so it would appear to those in the music room that I had just arrived," he explained.

Mrs. Hill shook her head and clucked her tongue slightly. "Ah, I see. The master should have just called me, and I could have escorted you around. Well, if you continue this way, you will be seen by a few servants who would not do very well at playing along with your plan." She opened a nearly hidden door in the wall. "Come along through here, sir."

Rand followed her through the door and found himself in the formal dining room. He never would have thought to try that door on his own. Mrs. Hill was correct – they probably should have called her for help. His guide opened the door that would lead back to the main corridor while motioning Rand to hold back for a moment. He saw her peer carefully down each direction before she stepped out and gestured for him to follow again. They were close enough to the music room now that he could hear Miss Stanton's voice as she was, presumably, starting the lesson with Mary.

"Please come this way, Viscount Rand," she said loudly, obviously playing for the audience. "Even if Mr. Bennet is not expecting you, we have standing orders that you are welcome anytime."

"Those orders may change after today," he said ominously, putting on a thunderous expression by thinking of how annoying it was that he had to work around the plots of his older sister. This had to be convincing.

This time, they made no attempt to hide as they passed by the music room door. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the three older girls in the room - Jane and Lizzy at writing desks set up for them on one side, while Mary sat at the piano forte with Miss Stanton, whose attention had clearly been caught by the comments. 'So far, so good,' he thought to himself as Mrs. Hill knocked at the study door, which he had deliberately left slightly ajar.

"Viscount Rand to see you, sir," Mrs. Hill said, opening the door a little more before stepping back to let Rand go by her. "Good luck, sir," she silently mouthed. With a brief nod, she headed back down the hall. The performance had begun.

"How good to see you, old friend," Bennet said as he approached the door. "I have been hoping you would come for your visit soon."

"Friend?" Rand asked testily, remaining in the corridor just outside the study door, as planned. "Really? Is that what you call yourself?"

"Why, Rand, whatever is the matter?"

"Interesting question from a man who thinks himself so smart. Well, scholar, the matter is you and your so-called friendship."

"So-called? Rand, we have been friends for years. What could have happened to upset you?"

"I have to wonder at your idea of friendship. Is it the act of a friend to incite a man's son to rebellion - to encourage him to disobey his own father and enter a dangerous profession in a manner that will likely end in his death?"

"Is this about Richard? Why would you characterize my support of him as inciting rebellion?"