Edward laughed uncomfortably. “I’m not a man who easily expresses his chagrin.” He chalked his stick. Taking a deep breath to steady his strike and his resolve, he said, “I came to apologize for my earlier remarks.” The balls scattered to the table’s four corners, and Edward moved to line up his second shot.

“There’s no need, Colonel.” Southland waited patiently for his commanding officer to miss. “You spoke from regard for your family. I cannot fault that notion. I should’ve practiced more restraint. Call it my overwhelming joy at being home again. There was nothing about America that I found comfortable: not the society, and not the conflict. I’ve thought of England and Lewes every day for over a year; then we arrived in Liverpool, and within hours I was speaking to someone who held similar experiences. It’s a poor excuse, Colonel, and I’ll refrain from anything beyond polite conversation with Miss De Bourgh.”

Edward finished his third shot. “So you don’t find my cousin attractive?” he asked tentatively.

The lieutenant leaned against the wall. “That’s a loaded question, Colonel.” His voice held his suspicion. “If I say that Miss De Bourgh offers no allure, you’ll wonder how a man could fail to see your cousin’s merits. And if I speak openly of Miss De Bourgh’s appeal, then you’ll choose another reprimand.”

Edward straightened and took a close look at his subordinate. “You have good reason to be cautious, Southland. I’m unsure of my own motives.” The colonel paused to gather his thoughts. “I’d take it as a personal offense if someone trifled with Anne’s affections, but a part of me would like to see my cousin know a flirtation’s pleasure. However, a person participating in such a dalliance must be aware that my aunt has denied Anne many of the events in which my cousin could develop into a sophisticated young woman. Does any of this make sense, Lieutenant?”

Southland stepped away from the wall. “Admittedly, Sir, your message is garbled. It appears you’re extending your permission for me to further a relationship with Miss De Bourgh.”

“But I’m not encouraging you to give Anne false hopes,” Edward clarified. “I’ll be brutally honest, Southland. Anne is of a gentle nature, and I suspect she’ll take the slightest of attentions as a serious plight, which means my cousin is very susceptible to heartbreak. Therefore, although I truly believe Anne needs to know a man’s regard, I wouldn’t wish her to suffer. My feelings in this matter are mixed.”

The lieutenant placed his stick on the table. “I’d enjoy the opportunity to know Miss De Bourgh better.” His gaze met Edward’s. “You do realize, Sir, that I’ve no title and no profession beyond my service to my country.”

“I understand perfectly, Southland.” Edward squeezed the man’s shoulder. “You must decide whether to pursue the connection. It’ll not affect our relationship unless you purposely hurt Anne.”



“Mr. Bennet, might I request a few moments of your time?” Winkler asked as the guests gathered for afternoon tea. When Mr. Bennet’s eyebrow rose in curiosity, Winkler quickly added, “Privately.”

Mr. Bennet nodded his agreement. “This way, Winkler.” He led the clergyman across the hall. “Will this do?” They had stepped into an empty drawing room.

The man glanced about nervously. “Yes, thank you, Sir.” He paused awkwardly. “Perhaps we might sit.”

“Of course.” Mr. Bennet led the way to a cluster of chairs. Once they settled themselves comfortably, Bennet asked, “What might I do for you, young man?”

Winkler nervously cleared his throat. “I wished to speak to you, Sir, regarding your daughter Catherine. Miss Catherine and I have become acquainted over the past two years; with each of her Pemberley visits, I’ve found my affections for your daughter have increased. I’d like your permission, Sir, to court Miss Catherine with the hopes of making her my wife.”

“You hold a tendre for Kitty?” Mr. Bennet asked with amusement.

“Yes, Sir.”

“You will excuse my surprise, Mr. Winkler. Although Kitty has her merits, I have never considered her as a woman who might engender the regard of a sensible young man. I mean, your wife must have additional responsibilities beyond her role as mistress of your household.”

“She would,” Winkler acknowledged.

Mr. Bennet shook his head in disbelief. “It wasn’t so long ago that Mrs. Bennet allowed Kitty and my youngest Lydia to be given up to nothing but amusement and vanity. My wife permitted our daughters to dispose of their time in the most idle and frivolous manner and to adopt any opinions that came their way. Love, flirtation, and officers filled their heads.”

Mr. Winkler frowned. “But was that before any of your daughters married? If I recall, Mrs. Wickham took her vows over two years ago.”

Mr. Bennet laughed lightly. “I suppose it was. At Longbourn, it seems we’re always preparing for a wedding. The time goes too quickly for an old man.”

Winkler smiled at last. “My father refuses to realize that my sister is two and twenty. To him, Rose is a willowy girl of twelve.”

Mr. Bennet sat back into his chair. “Then I must reconsider how I see Kitty,” he said easily. “It’ll be an effort, but I’m willing to broaden my opinions.”

Winkler appeared confused by Mr. Bennet’s witticism. “I’m certain that Miss Catherine would easily fill the role of wife.”

“I need no convincing, Winkler,” Mr. Bennet said. “I concede my earlier error.”

Again, Winkler was flustered. “I have… I’ve spoken to Miss Catherine, and we’ve agreed to a time when I might court her. This will allow Miss Catherine time to observe what will be required of her as my wife. I’ve plans to educate the village children and wish to organize a charity for our elderly. I’d expect your daughter to embrace those initiatives and add her own special insights. Of course, I wish to speak to Mr. Darcy also.As Mrs. Darcy’s sister, Miss Catherine could hold great sway in the neighborhood.”

“It would appear that you’ve thought this through thoroughly. Mrs. Bennet and I would like to see Kitty well settled, and having her close to Jane and Elizabeth would be to Kitty’s advantage. I’ve no objection to your suit, Winkler. It’ll please Mrs. Bennet, as well.”

“We would wait for Mr. Darcy’s approval before announcing our understanding,” Winkler said.

“Then I’ll refrain from informing Mrs. Bennet of this fortuitous event. My wife dotes on her daughters’ successes,” Mr. Bennet said in renewed amusement.

Mr. Winkler stood and extended his hand. “Thank you, Sir. Perhaps we might carve out time during your stay to speak of possible marriage settlements. With your permission I’d ask for Mr. Darcy’s participation in that interview. He prefers to be made aware of anything affecting his position as Pemberley’s master, and he’s my patron.”

“Count yourself lucky, Sir, that the great man’s aunt is not the one from whom you must seek favor.”



“Miss Darcy and I have made arrangements for our Christmastide celebrations in lieu of Mr. Darcy’s presence,” Edward explained to the group gathered for afternoon tea. “Of course, we’ll join Mr. Winkler for services, and then return to Pemberley for an abundant meal. Knowing Mr. Darcy, there’ll be plenty of wassail and appropriate trinkets.”