“Why do you not share with the colonel and me the reasons you believe you’d make Anne an acceptable mate?” Darcy coaxed.

This time Southland’s discomfort showed. “I’m not certain I can explain — not logically.” The man paused in contemplation. “The colonel will recall that the late Mr. Knight was my father’s cousin. I grew up with tales of Rosings Park and of the De Bourghs. I feel as if I have known the family all my life. As if my relationship with Miss De Bourgh is a matter of fate.”

“Her Ladyship will never accept Fate as reason,” Edward declared.

“Absolutely not,” Darcy agreed. “Southland, to win Lady Catherine’s approval you must think more ruthlessly. Her Ladyship has functioned admirably in a man’s world. Our aunt won’t mince words, and you can warrant her ability to poke holes in a weak syllogism.”

The lieutenant shifted uncomfortably. “Then what should I say?”

Edward laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back nonchalantly. “Be brutal. Point out the fact that Anne has never had a suitor and is not likely to ever have one. Present yourself as Anne’s last opportunity. Do not hesitate to remind Lady Catherine of Anne’s advanced age.”

Southland blustered, “I… I couldn’t defame Miss De Bourgh thus. She deserves better than such pettiness.”

Darcy corrected, “Anne deserves a family and a home of her own. She’ll never know such happiness unless you’re willing to fight for her. Be the swain in our cousin’s presence, but with Lady Catherine, treat your suit as a business proposition. What are the advantages of Anne aligning herself with you?”

“Unfortunately, by no fault of hers, Anne has long since lost her bloom. She can recover some of her youth. Her bubbly conversation upon Darcy’s arrival this morning proves that.”

“I’ve never known my cousin to be so animate,” Darcy confirmed.

Edward continued, “Besides providing Anne the opportunity to know marriage, stress your connection to Mr. Knight. Lady Catherine bemoaned her loss when the clergyman passed.”

“Of course, your allegiance to the colonel should serve you well. Her Ladyship will turn to the Earl for advice. I’m assuming, Edward, that you’d have no qualms in recommending Lieutenant Southland.” Darcy enjoyed this interplay. It had been too long since he and Edward had worked in tandem to solve a problem. Without complex explanations required, they’d always understood each other. It had been Edward who’d first offered compassion and then advice after Elizabeth’s initial denial of Darcy’s love.

“I’m more than pleased with the lieutenant’s service,” Edward announced, as if he recited the lines for the Earl’s benefit.

Southland took them to heart, nonetheless. “Thank you, Sir.”

“You’ve served your country. Don’t forget to stress that fact for Her Ladyship. Our aunt enjoys reflected glory. She’ll want to ‘steal’ your accomplishments,” Darcy explained.

Southland looked from one to another. “Do you believe it so?” he asked the colonel.

“Darcy knows our aunt well. Explain how you’ve served both on the Continent and on the American front. That’ll be a key issue for the Earl.”

Darcy said, “It’s important that you speak to Lady Catherine before she returns to Kent. I assume she’ll travel on Tuesday, as Mr. Collins will have missed three Sundays. Her Ladyship won’t tolerate the man’s shirking his duties. It would be unseemly for you to call at Rosings without permission.”

“So, I should speak to Her Ladyship tomorrow?”

“At the latest,” Edward assured.

Southland stood. “Thank you, Gentlemen. You’ve given me much to consider.” The lieutenant bowed and excused himself from the room.

With the sound of the door’s latch closing behind the man, Darcy released the breath he had held. “Was that wise?” he asked with self-chastisement.

Edward returned his booted feet to the desk. “Southland homed in on Anne immediately. At first, I warned him away, but the more I thought on it, the more I realized this might be Anne’s last chance.”

“And the man will have to face Lady Catherine eventually,” Darcy reasoned.

“And the fact that Southland’s request will occupy Her Ladyship’s interest until our aunt’s departure had nothing to do with our encouraging the man.” Edward’s lips twisted in a smirk.

“At least, the advice we gave him is the same that I would’ve issued even if I didn’t wish to distract Lady Catherine from Mrs. Darcy.”

They sat in silence — each analyzing his part in sending Southland off to face Lady Catherine alone. “I believe it’s time that the lieutenant receive a captainship,” Edward observed.

“Feeling guilty?” Darcy taunted.

“I just sent my aide into battle poorly armed. Yes, I’m feeling damned guilty.”

Chapter 15

Darcy found her in her chambers. Hannah assisted her mistress with a clothing change. They’d attend the services that she’d suggested to Mr. Winkler last summer. Elizabeth thought it a unique opportunity at the time, but now she wasn’t so certain. Christmas would fall on Sunday, and she’d thought the day’s significance would be lost to the usual Sunday service. The thought had occurred shortly after she’d discovered that for a third time she carried Darcy’s child, and her fear and her maternal instinct had both arisen at the same time. Elizabeth had thought it a good omen to recognize the birth of the Christ child in a joyous manner.

“Could we not have a celebration of the children?” she had asked Mr. Winkler over afternoon tea. Her hand had instinctively rested on her abdomen.

Winkler had responded enthusiastically, “It’s a wonderful idea. Mr. Lancaster’s been working with some of the village and estate children. How about a children’s choir?”

The idea had grown from there, and tonight would be the first such celebration. Elizabeth was a bit worried over the community’s reception.


Upon his entrance, Darcy motioned Hannah away and took up the lacing of his wife’s gown. They actually each served as the other’s dresser on a regular basis. It was part of their natural closeness. “You look lovely,” he said as he examined her appearance. The deep forest green dress brightened her hazel-colored eyes and contrasted with Elizabeth’s pale skin.

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder at him. “I feel lovely.” Her smile followed. “Thank you for today. Returning to Pemberley to find my sisters and parents was a gift I’ll cherish always.” She turned into Darcy’s arms and lifted her chin for his kiss.

“The contented look in your eyes when you were in Father Bennet’s embrace was worth the trouble of arranging everything. It’s been too long since you had the Bennets as company.” He pulled her closer and buried his face in Elizabeth’s hair. “I want you to be happy, Elizabeth.”

She turned her head to kiss his temple. “I am happy, Fitzwilliam. I cannot imagine being any place but Pemberley, but seeing my dear family again has been a balm to my grieving heart.You’ve given me so much of yourself in your gesture.”

Darcy kissed her deeply. His wife smelled of the lavender oil that she preferred in her bath, and she was warm and soft in his arms. “I want you safe — want to protect you. I love you, Elizabeth.” He kissed her fiercely with all the love they shared.

Elizabeth laughed easily when his lips released her. She rested her head on his chest. “We’ve everything we need as long as we’re together.”