Kitty had no idea why the colonel had entered Mr. Manneville’s room, but his actions said something was amiss. In the U-shaped wing, she could see into the American’s room from her dressing room. But today the view held a determined-looking colonel. Curiously, she watched Mr. Darcy’s cousin do a thorough search of Manneville’s dresser and traveling chest. “I wonder what he seeks,” she said aloud, but there was no one in the room but her. “What could be so important that the colonel would risk being discovered in an awkward situation?” Standing behind the draped narrow portal, she watched in fascination as the colonel continued to seek a mysterious treasure. He ran his hand under pillows and behind paintings. Evidently, he must have felt her intense gaze because he looked up suddenly.

Kitty tried to jump back, but he’d seen her. The colonel strode to the window and stared directly at her. For a moment, she thought he’d madly storm to her room and demand her secrecy. Instead, he put a finger to his lips as if to shush her and then brought his palms together to plead for her cooperation.

Instantly, Kitty nodded her agreement. The colonel smiled brilliantly and blew her a kiss. She blushed, but gave a small curtsy. He returned to the room, and Kitty caught up her pelisse and headed for her room’s door. She thought, He has a wonderful smile — the kind of smile that could light up a woman’s heart. No wonder Georgiana has fallen for him.



“If you, Gentlemen, will excuse me, I wish to return to the house and freshen my waistcoat,” Manneville announced as he stood and stretched. “I hope you’ve a better understanding of the type of situations you might encounter. At home, I hold such meetings once monthly when I’m in residence at my country house.”

“It’s been enlightening,” Southland agreed.

Darcy took out his pocket watch to check the time. He’d hoped that Edward would’ve made an appearance. They’d planned for his cousin to search the American’s belongings while Darcy distracted the man, but Edward was to come to them when he’d discovered what the Regent sought. However, the colonel hadn’t appeared, and Darcy feared the worst. “You’ve no reason to change,” Darcy assured. “I try to present the image of a country gentleman for these events.”

“That’s kind of you, Darcy, but I’ll still make my way to the main house. I promised Miss Bingley my escort tonight.”

Unable to say anything else to dissuade Manneville, Darcy offered a simple bow and prayed that Edward had completed his task. “I’ve one more petition to hear before I can leave. Please tell Mrs. Darcy I’ll return as soon as possible.”

“Of course, Mr. Darcy.”

With some trepidation, Darcy watched the man depart. Reluctantly, he motioned to the footman to allow in the next petitioner. “This will be a simple request,” he explained to Southland. “Mr. Forrest wishes a loan to expand his business.”

“What might the good man do with the money?” the lieutenant inquired.

“That is what we’ll hear.”



He’d have to concoct some sort of explanation for Mrs. Darcy’s sister of his search of Manneville’s room. At least, his presence in the American’s room hadn’t sent the chit into hysterics. She’d actually encouraged him with her nonchalance. “Where to look now?” he grumbled. He didn’t have time to search the suite’s every corner. “I need to think like a conniving blackguard,” he mumbled. Checking the door briefly for security, he said, “I knew the man was too good to be true.”