“I will express my gratitude,” he assured. A slight movement to his left caught his attention, and Darcy turned his head to find his cousin standing solemnly by the door. “Edward?” He recognized the colonel’s agitation. Darcy prayed his cousin hadn’t had second thoughts: It would break Georgiana’s heart, and Darcy wouldn’t have it. He hadn’t resigned himself to the match, but he wouldn’t stand by idly and see his sister hurt.

“If you’ve had your breakfast, Fitz,” Edward said gravely, “I would speak to you privately.”

Darcy felt Elizabeth tense. “I’ll send a tray to your study,” she said softly.

Darcy offered a curt nod and turned to where his cousin waited. Neither man spoke as they wove their way through the bustling hallways. Not until the door closed solidly behind them did either even breathe. “If you wish to withdraw your suit, Edward,” Darcy began, but an incredulous look from his cousin cut Darcy’s threat short.

“My regard for your sister remains, but you may have second thoughts in giving your approval when you discover my news.” Edward maintained a serious mien.

Darcy gestured to their usual chairs. “Let us discuss your news.”

Edward sighed. “I’ve delivered possible scandal to your doorstep, Cousin. I ask your forgiveness in advance.” Edward sank heavily into his favorite chair.

Darcy took his seat behind the desk and sat forward. “Suppose you start at the beginning.”

For the next few minutes, the colonel explained what had occurred, including the previous night’s delivery.

“From the Regent himself, you say?” Darcy questioned.

“Evidently Prince George trusted no one else,” Edward said. A light tap at the door signaled the arrival of their breakfasts. “I’ll see to the tray; you read the letter.” Edward rose and handed Darcy the refolded missive.

The footman placed the tray on a table and then bowed from the room. “My Goodness — what a tangled web we weave,” Darcy murmured as he set the letter to the side. “The question is what we choose to do next.”

“We have to find what the Regent seeks. If we delay, Prince George will send armed men to Pemberley’s door,” Edward observed.

“That’s just what we need,” Darcy grumbled. “A few more unaccounted-for guests.”

Edward handed Darcy a filled plate. “Can we solve this before Matlock is tainted by association?”

Darcy smiled cynically. “Of course, we can do what is necessary, but I’d prefer not to use force when we have a houseful of ladies.” He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers on his lap. “Obviously, Lady Catherine won’t be happy when she discovers the truth, and she’ll quickly inform the Earl. We need to devise a way to solve the Regent’s dilemma before everything escapes Pemberley’s control.” He tapped his fingers against his chin. “I planned the perfect Christmastide for my wife. Little did I know that God and Country had their own plans.”



Darcy found Southland and Manneville in the billiards room. “May I join you?” he asked as he casually shed his jacket and reached for his favorite cue stick.

“We play for sixpence,” Southland warned as he lined up his next shot.

Darcy smiled easily. “I can afford a half shilling.” He stepped out of their way as the men finished their game. While Southland ran the table, Darcy carefully watched both men. The lieutenant was not a man he would’ve chosen for Anne, but he was pleased that his cousin had found someone, at last. “I didn’t properly welcome you to the family, Southland,” he drawled.

The lieutenant looked up after completing his shot. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I’ll do my best to bring honor to the De Bourgh connection.”

“That won’t be easy,” Manneville taunted.

The man’s attitude set Darcy’s senses on edge. “Why do you say that?” He forced evenness into his tone.

Manneville said matter-of-factly, “Her Ladyship is accustomed to having her own way.”

Darcy’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “What woman is not?” he asked as a challenge.

Manneville rested his cue stick against his side. “I beg your pardon, Darcy, but your aunt is more formidable than most women.”

“Miss De Bourgh says Her Ladyship has always been resilient. That Lady Catherine needed to complement Sir Lewis’s weaknesses,” Southland defended his future family.

Darcy would prefer to turn the conversation. He would need to speak privately with Southland regarding what to divulge in public, but for now, Darcy needed time to interact with both men. “Lady Catherine hasn’t had the leisure of having a husband to address a man’s world. I have great hopes that Southland can assume some of those responsibilities.”

“Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Darcy.”

Manneville chortled. “Do not flatter Southland, Darcy. He needs to enter this marriage with his eyes fully open.”

“Unlike you, Manneville, I would offer, instead of ominous predictions of Southland’s ultimate failure, my expertise as a landowner. Why do we not give the lieutenant the benefit of our knowledge? You have a large country house. Is that not correct?”

“It is.”

“Then let’s join forces. As part of the Boxing Day celebration, I’ll hear disputes and petitions from the locals who depend on Pemberley for their livelihoods. Why don’t you two join me? With each request, we can point out the merits and the deficits. That way Southland can practice the responsibility without damaging others.”

The lieutenant looked from one man to the other. “Is this a common practice? Hearing disputes?”

Manneville grumbled, “All the time.”

“Then I would appreciate your insights, Mr. Darcy. You too, Manneville,” Southland said excitedly.

Darcy took his turn at the table. Smiling amicably to win over their agreement, he said, “Afterward, we can enjoy the celebration.” He added hastily, “But I’ll swear you both to secrecy: I’ve asked mummers to perform tonight.”



Edward traced a path through the deserted Pemberley hallway. Darcy had distracted Edward’s traveling companions, and the colonel needed to take advantage of the moment. Except for the possibility of being caught, he and his cousin had planned for every contingency. Being discovered would mean that everyone would know what the Prince would prefer to keep secret. Easing the door open, he slid into the dimly lit room. The afternoon’s winter sun had started its descent, but enough light remained for his mission. Shoving away from the door, Edward went in search of something damaging to a person’s reputation.