“If he’s to be believed,” Kitty confirmed.

Picking up her embroidery hoop, Mrs. Bennet returned to her stitching. “I suppose one might corroborate the man’s worth through the colonel or Lieutenant Southland.”

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.”