Page 82 of A Different Impression

Once they were beyond her father’s hearing, she pressed William’s arm.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, keeping her gaze ahead. She feared that if she looked at him, his tenderness would undo what remained of her composure.

“You need never thank me for insisting that you receive the respect you deserve,” he replied.

Before Elizabeth could answer, Richard joined them. He glanced towards her father, a distinctly mischievous gleam appearing in his eyes.

“I understand Mr Bennet is particularly fond of libraries,” he remarked. “I shall be certain to describe Pemberley’s to him over dinner—in exhaustive detail.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him. “That would be exceedingly unkind, Richard.”

“Then I shall exercise restraint and mention only the upper gallery.”

William attempted to conceal his smile behind a cough, although Elizabeth was not deceived.

“You are both incorrigible,” she said.

“Your husband began it,” Richard replied innocently.

William offered no denial, and the three continued towards Lord and Lady Matlock.

CHAPTER 34

Mr Bennet Is Set Down

Now that Elizabeth had felt the quickening, Darcy began planning their return to Pemberley within a few weeks. Georgiana and Kitty would accompany them to Derbyshire, whilst Anne, Charlotte, and Jane were invited to choose whether they wished to join the party or make other arrangements.

Jane informed Darcy and Elizabeth that she intended to return to Longbourn. Bingley likewise meant to return to Netherfield after neglecting his leased estate for so many months and attempted to persuade the Darcys to spend several weeks there with him. Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged a glance before he firmly declined. He wanted his wife comfortably settled at Pemberley as early in her pregnancy as possible. Her bouts of nausea had begun to decrease, and he hoped that she would travel easily as they made their way back.

Anne and Charlotte took several days to reach a decision, during which Darcy frequently observed them closeted together in conversation. Eventually, they accepted the invitation to reside at Matlock House with Lady Matlock until the end of the Season.

His cousin’s frequent visits and obvious preference for her left Darcy in little doubt of his interest, although he could not understand what prevented Richard from declaring his intentions.

Darcy had little desire to intrude upon his cousin’s private affairs. Nevertheless, when Richard called one afternoon, he decided that a small amount of interference might be justified.

“So, Richard, Miss Lucas and Anne intend to remain in London until the end of the Season. What do you mean to do?”

Richard looked taken aback. “What do you mean, cousin?”

“What will you do about Miss Lucas? It is clear the two of you have formed some sort of relationship, and Elizabeth is convinced that Charlotte likes you quite well,” Darcy replied.

Richard groaned. “I had hoped she might care for me, but I did not allow myself to believe it. I knew I was seeking her company more often than I ought, but I told myself she understood that I had nothing to offer her.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It is possible that I am in love with her, Darcy. If Elizabeth is right—if Miss Lucas’s feelings are involved—then I have behaved selfishly. I cannot continue as I have, but I cannot offer for her either. I do not know what to do.”

“Why not?” Darcy demanded, genuinely perplexed.

“I have no settled home and no fortune sufficient to support her as she deserves,” Richard said. “Anne once offered me Rosings, and I refused it. I cannot ask her to alter her plans now simply because I have discovered that I wish to marry—nor do I truly want the estate. All my former objections remain. I only wish I had something better to offer Miss Lucas than the uncertainty of following the drum.”

“Allow us to help you,” Darcy offered cautiously. “Anne and I have already discussed a possibility—indeed, part of the proposal originated with her. She wishes Rosings to be occupied by someone she trusts, but she has no desire to relinquish ownership or surrender her authority over the estate.”

Richard regarded him warily. “What exactly are you proposing?”

Darcy cleared his throat. “Anne is willing to make one of the houses on the Rosings estate available as your residence if you agree to act as her representative there and assist Mr Shaw in overseeing the estate. Any authority you exercised would be clearly defined by Anne and the trustees, and all important decisions would remain hers.”

“And I would be what—a steward or your employee?” Richard asked, bitterness creeping into his tone.

He chose his words carefully, wishing to make clear that the arrangement was not merely a favour devised for his cousin’s benefit. “Neither. Your position at Rosings would be an arrangement between you and Anne, with the use of the house on the estate forming part of your compensation. Your authority and responsibilities would be established by her and set down in writing. Anne has approved the proposal in principle, but nothing will be settled without her participation and consent—or yours.”

Richard’s expression did not ease. “And what would I be expected to do besides assist with the estate?”