Darcy hated that everyone noticed the delayed appearance of the De Bourghs and Southland. “The last I saw of the lieutenant, he and my cousin had their heads together. Probably discussing military protocol.” At least, part of what he said was true. He’d sent for his cousin to speak to the lieutenant.

As if on cue, Edward and Southland entered. His cousin turned to where Darcy stood, while the lieutenant purposely joined Georgiana’s grouping. “See,” Elizabeth said. “We knew we could find the colonel and the lieutenant together.”

Edward pointedly placed Anne on his arm. “Was I needed?” he asked jovially.

“Your absence was noted, Colonel,” Jane observed.

“Southland and I’ve decided to leave Tuesday morning. We had details to settle.” Darcy wondered how much of what his cousin said was true. Obviously, Elizabeth’s claim to have planned for Lindale’s heir was an agreed-upon story.

“Might we address gifts for the staff, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked softly. “I would excuse the servants after the midday meal. They’ll be engaged well into the evening tomorrow.”

“Of course, my dear. I’ll ring for Mr. Nathan.”



“May we speak privately?” Winkler whispered to Kitty.

Kitty shot a quick glance to where Georgiana spoke to Southland. “Perhaps we might walk about the room, Mr. Winkler? I could stand a bit of exercise.”

“It would be my pleasure, Miss Catherine.”

He placed her on his arm, and they ambled slowly about the room. “I would seek your advice, Catherine,” he said in a voice just barely above a whisper. “My conference with Mr. Darcy didn’t proceed as I’d hoped.”

Kitty frowned. “Did Mr. Darcy refuse us?” She, too, muffled her words.

“Not exactly. Mr. Darcy asked that we not marry until after Miss Darcy makes a match.”

Kitty nodded her understanding. “That makes sense. My sister and Mr. Darcy have spoken repeatedly of Miss Darcy’s presentation. It’ll consume much of their time.”

“My concern is what happens if Miss Darcy’s betrothal is delayed. We’ve spoken of a period of time for us to learn more of each other, but I’d envisioned a half year at most. The London Season doesn’t even begin until March and runs until autumn. What if Miss Darcy makes no match and requires additional Seasons?”

Kitty defended her friend. “That’s not likely. Miss Darcy’s delightful.”

“I agree,” Winkler directed their walk away from the others. “But around strangers, she is also excessively shy, and we’re both aware that Mr. Darcy would never force his sister into an engagement. Are we to wait through multiple Seasons?”

Kitty began to see the uncertainty of their arrangement. “And what if Georgiana’s Season is delayed? Shall not Elizabeth be busy with her confinement?”

Winkler edged closer to Kitty. “I’d not considered Mrs. Darcy’s delivery. What is her date?”

Kitty glanced about to assure privacy. “Some time in mid to late March.”

The clergyman fought for composure. “Then how will Miss Darcy make her Come Out? She cannot possibly make an appearance before the Short Season. Mrs. Darcy won’t be fit to travel before the autumn. How long must we postpone our joining?”

“I see no cause for delay. If Miss Darcy must wait, we could consider a summer match if all goes as we’ve spoken,” she reasoned.

“Unless you are Mrs. Darcy’s sister, and you have chosen a man without a title as your husband,” he said matter-of-factly.

Kitty stumbled, and Winkler steadied her arm. “Do you mean to say, Sir, that our joining would reflect poorly on Miss Darcy’s prospects?” she hissed.

“The ton judges a woman’s suitability by her family’s connections. How might I say this without offering an offense? Other than Mrs. Darcy’s, your sisters’ husbands would be rejected by the ton. Mr. Bingley has a fortune, but he holds no title.”

“And his fortune comes from trade,” she finished for him. Kitty paused to process Winkler’s reasoning.

“But you’re a gentleman,” she protested.

“I am. I don’t believe that Mr. Darcy feels our joining is a bad one. He would simply want it to occur after Miss Darcy makes a match.” He paused as they passed her parents. “What I wish to know, Catherine, is how long you wish to wait. I’ve told Mr. Darcy that I mean to marry you even if I must find another living.Would you follow me, Kitty, to a new position?”



“Come, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Nathan has the staff assembled in the ballroom. Mr. Darcy would have you attend his annual Christmas offering to his servants.”

“Of course.” Georgiana caught Elizabeth about the waist, and they started for the door, but Mr. Bennet’s clearing his throat stopped them cold.

“Yes, Papa?” Elizabeth asked with concern, but the mischief in his eye eased her thoughts.

Mr. Bennet winked at Georgiana. “It seems no one else will take advantage of the ladies. Well, I have no qualms in doing so.” He reached up and plucked two berries from the mistletoe ornament. Then he leaned forward to place a brief kiss on Georgiana’s forehead. “Happy Christmas, Miss Darcy.” Then he turned to Elizabeth. “To you, Child, I wish infinite happiness.” He raised Elizabeth’s chin and kissed her cheek.

She laughingly accepted his touch. “You staked out the mistletoe and waited for our approach,” she teasingly accused.