part0018

D arcy ached down to his bones. Between hunkering down on the cold stone floor, alternately subduing Collins from fleeing and picking him up off the floor when he swooned, it had been a very long evening. Finally, with Fitzwilliam’s assistance and copious amounts of alcohol, they had Collins asleep in a pile of blankets. Between Rosings and Fitzwilliam keeping watch, Collins would be under control.

Darcy staggered from Rosings’ lair, every joint screaming in the bright moonlight. Darcy laced his hands behind his head and stretched, neck and knuckles popping with the strain. Yes, a brisk walk was just the thing he needed. If only it was a simple walk he was taking.

Fitzwilliam had sent him to break the news to Lady Catherine, assuming one of the minor dragons had not already done so. The discovery of dragons by the dragon-deaf was no small event. It had been a long time since a true Deaf-Speaker was recognized, and he had been a far more acceptable man than Collins. What was Uncle Matlock going to do with the news when Walker delivered it?

Walker? Bloody hell, how grave the news that he should return so very quickly?

He landed on Darcy’s outstretched arm, hide pale and dusty, weary lines etched on his face. His wings drooped, and he huffed for breath.

“Are you well? What do you need? Water? Meat?”

“Yes, and brandy would be capital.” Walker panted hard, unable to stand upright.

Walker leaned into Darcy’s shoulder as they hurried to the manor by way of the kitchen.

In half an hour, they were settled comfortably in his chambers with a pan of raw meat, a dinner tray, and a bottle of brandy. For a quarter of an hour, they ate in silence, the soft nighttime breeze whistling through the window and the crackle of the fire the only sounds between them.

Darcy poured Walker’s small glass and a snifter for himself. Oh, that was a welcome bit of civilization after a day and night that had been anything but.

Walker downed his glass and pointed to the bottle. Darcy obliged.

“Before you finish this one, perhaps it would be wise to share the news from Matlock with me first?”

Walker shuffled to turn his back on Darcy. “There is official word in the satchel.”

“Which cannot possibly tell the entire story.” Darcy released the satchel straps and scratched between Walker’s wings.

He turned this way and that as Darcy tended to the many itchy spots the satchel straps left in their wake. “Lady Elizabeth has finally taught you something truly useful!”

“I am sure she will be grateful to know that.”

“You should let her know of your regard toward her.”

“And that is the urgent news from Matlock?”

“I think it is related.”

“How is that possible?”

“Pemberley.” Walker stuck his head in the brandy glass and gulped.

Cold prickles coursed down the back of his neck. “What has any of this to do with her? Matlock should be concerned with that bumbler Collins.”

“That might have been your purpose, but it is not Matlock’s only concern.”

“Perhaps I should just read the missives.” Darcy reached for the satchel.

“Matlock asked that I tell you myself first, to soften the blow.”

Darcy jumped to his feet. “Soften what blow?”

“Finish your brandy, and I will tell you.”

Darcy gulped the last of the fiery liquid and slammed the snifter on the small table. “Tell me.”

“Despite Bennet’s reports—which by the way he wrote strongly in your favor—there are those who still doubt that Pemberley can be properly imprinted upon humans.”

“What more do they want than Bennet’s word? Cowntess Rosings agrees. Anyone who has seen her pining for Miss Elizabeth can see—”

“That is rather the problem. They have not seen, and so they doubt. The possibility of a dragon that would readily harm humans is no small matter in the Order. There must be a consensus very soon.”

There was something very ugly and ominous in Walker’s voice. “Or?”

“Pemberley’s life is in the balance. Duge Cornwall has declared that she must be … dispatched if there is any question at all as to her imprinting. She has been called to appear before the Blue Order Court and defend herself.”

Darcy fell into the nearest chair. “She is an infant! How can she possibly be expected to do so?”

“You will be permitted to be with her. Rosings will give her testimony as well. And I and Cait, every dragon who has been in contact with her—”

“Including that ghastly wyvern?”

“Longbourn has been summoned to appear as well, but his own matters will be his primary concern. And before you ask, it is not something I am authorized to tell you.” Walker looked aside.

Darcy grumbled under his breath. “When?”

“The hearing is in five days.”

“How am I to get an infant dragon to London in five days?”

“She will still fit in your carriage. If Miss Elizabeth rides with her, she will be fine.”

“How can I ask her to do such a thing?” He squeezed his eyes shut and pinched his temples.

“Lady Elizabeth is as solicitous for Pemberley’s well-being as you are.”

“Perhaps, if Georgiana invites her to stay with us at Darcy House, then it will be a respectable visit.”

“I am quite certain that after this afternoon, they will both be anxious to get away from the hub-bub at Rosings.”

“I am sure of it. But will not Miss Elizabeth be necessary to inducting Collins to the world of dragons?”

“Earl Matlock has remanded the issue to the Blue Order. He does not want to bother designing a course of introductions if Collins is deemed a danger to dragon-kind.”

“You cannot be suggesting—”

“I am suggesting nothing; it is a given. If Duge Cornwall deems him unworthy, he will not leave the court proceedings. Collins has been the source of significant concern for quite some time, having Longbourn entailed upon him. But that is not your concern. It is Lady Elizabeth’s. Which returns us to the salient point: tell her how you feel about her.”

“No, not now. It will sound insincere in the midst of asking so many favors from her.” Not to mention he did not need a dragon meddling in his personal affairs.

“Why are you so stubborn?”

“When I want your advice in these matters, I will ask. Keep to the tasks at hand.”

Walker ducked his head under his wing for a moment, his way of regaining his composure. “You should leave tomorrow as early as possible. Pemberley will need time to acclimatize to London before facing the Blue Order Court.”

“The household has gone to bed. I cannot—”

“I will wake your sister and Lady Elizabeth. You can talk to all of them, including Pemberley in the cellar chamber.” Walker took off before Darcy could protest.

He finished his brandy and let his head fall back against the chair. Dealing with the Collins calamity was bad enough. But this? A summons from the Blue Order to Court, to stand before the Dragon Conclave and defend his dragon and his reputation. He scrubbed his face with his hands.

At least he would not have to face it alone. With any luck, Miss Elizabeth would be by his side.

“Wait just a moment there, young woman.” The words hung like dust motes on the morning light.

Why did her feet obey Lady Catherine’s commands when her mind screamed run ? The hairs on the back of Elizabeth’s neck stood as Lady Catherine’s distinct footfalls approached down the corridor of the guest wing.

“Where do you think you are going?”

“I cannot imagine that is actually your question, Lady Catherine, for I know you have had that answered several times.”

Six times as a matter of fact, the first time at dawn that morning and nearly every quarter hour thereafter.

“Stop your impertinence at once! I have no patience for it now.”

Perhaps, if that was what she wanted, Lady Catherine should stop asking stupid questions that incited it.

Elizabeth clenched her fists. “Then pray, detain me no further, your ladyship. Mr. Darcy is impatient to get underway.”

“I will not have you in a carriage with my nephew!”

“He is not riding in the carriage. There is no room with a dragon, two dogs and two young ladies.”

“You know what I mean. Do not pretend that you do not.” Lady Catherine shook a pointing finger in her face.

“Madam, I must hurry, pray state what you require of me, and allow me to leave.” It would have been so satisfying to stomp like a dragon, but it would have been decidedly unladylike.

“I require that you stay and marry Mr. Collins. I myself will procure a special license and engage a Blue Order Bishop to be here tonight. You may have the honor to be married from Rosings Park.”

“Whilst your offer is no doubt generous, I have no intentions of marrying Mr. Collins.”

“It is your fault he is now aware of dragons. Marrying him is the only way you may right the wrong that has been done … that you have done.”

“Lord Matlock’s directive has expressly forbidden any such action be taken until the Order decides what is to be done with him.”

“Have you no compassion for your own cousin? If they decide against him, it will be your fault. If he is safely married to you, they will be reluctant to make you a widow. Had you accepted him as you should have—”

“Aunt Catherine!” Darcy’s booming voice filled the corridor.

She whirled to face him in an angry wind of swishing skirts. “You will not speak to me in that tone, Nephew.”

“You will allow Miss Bennet to pass and you will cease haranguing her on this issue.”

“Listen to you taking up for the little light skirt who has distracted you from your family duty.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks burned.

Darcy pulled himself up to tower over Lady Catherine. “You will not insult Miss Bennet, who is here doing a favor for Pemberley.”

“She has done nothing as far as I can tell. You spoil your dragon terribly. Anne would have been able to manage the problem had you merely given her the chance.”

He turned his back and ushered Elizabeth toward the grand stair. “Pray forgive her. I am appalled—”

“She is who and what she is, Mr. Darcy. Not unlike most dragons. There is no hope of changing them.”

He paused on the steps and caught her gaze. “My aunt is entirely out of order. You have already done so much for us, and yet we have asked even more. I do not even know where to begin in expressing my appreciation …”

His eyes, they were so striking—especially when he looked at her like that—why had she never noticed?

“Of course,” she looked aside and descended the stairs, her cheeks flushed for an entirely different reason.

The carriage waited near Rosings’ lair. Pemberley chased the puppy around it—or was it the puppy chasing her? It was difficult to tell. April zipped back and forth between them as they went. Georgiana stood aside with Dog, her head whipping around to follow them all. With any luck, they would all be tired and ready to sleep on the journey.

“I believe Rosings expects a take leave.” Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the lair. “May we enter, Cowntess?”

Rosings met them at the entrance. “I will see you at the Conclave. I will speak in support of Pemberley. You have convinced me, Miss Bennet, and I will stake my reputation on Pemberley’s fitness to join the dragons of England.”

Elizabeth curtsied deeply. “I am honored by your recognition, Cowntess.”

“As you should be.” The corner of Rosings’ mouth rose. Perhaps she did have a sense of humor after all. “Cait will accompany you to London. You may send her to me should there be need to communicate with Rosings Park prior to the Conclave.”

“You are most gracious, Cowntess. We will welcome her company whilst we travel.” Darcy bowed from his shoulders.

“You are well-mannered, but not much of a liar. We all know she may not be the best of company, but she is loyal to me and to Pemberley. She asked to accompany you.”

Now that was surprising.

“I imagine this is going to be a very memorable journey.” Elizabeth laughed. “Thank you for your hospitality. You have been all things gracious and kind, to me and to Pemberley.”

Rosings nodded and shuffled back into her cavern.

“I believe we have been dismissed.” Darcy quirked an eyebrow. “I fear the coach may be a bit crowded. I hope it is not too uncomfortable for you.”

“It shall be fine. I am accustomed to riding six ladies to a carriage, sir, I am certain this can hardly be more taxing.”

Darcy handed her into the carriage to join Georgiana. It required both he and Fitzwilliam to assist Pemberley into the carriage. She had to wrap her tail tightly around her feet and tuck her wings back a mite awkwardly, but all told, it was more comfortable than squashing up between Kitty and Lydia.

April zipped in and perched on the frame of the side glass. Cait took one look inside and perched on top of the carriage, beside Walker, which was, of course, why she volunteered to join them on the journey. At least she and Walker were getting on well.

Finally, Dog and Puppy jumped in and Darcy shut the door with exaggerated care.

“You will like Darcy House very well, Miss Bennet. I know you will.” Georgiana leaned into the side wall. “It is a lovely place, though I find I may not know it as well as I had thought. I never knew there were chambers in the cellars or dragon tunnels beneath.”

“It is rather exciting to learn the entire city of London is connected by such tunnels. All the great houses and important buildings—even the Houses of Parliament are accessible to the dragons.”

“Is your uncle’s house part of the tunnel system?”

“He is an Honored Friend of the Order, but his house is not great enough to be part of the tunnels.”

Pemberley lifted her head. “Uncle drove cart here?”

“Yes, he brought you here.”

“You stay me? You stay me!” Pemberley thumped her tail against the side wall.

Elizabeth patted Pemberley’s shoulder. “You will break the carriage, dearling, pray stop.”

“But you stay me! No go!”

“I will. I will be at Darcy house with you, just as I was here. There is no reason to be so upset.” She stroked Pemberley’s neck.

“I … I scared.” Pemberley tucked her head under Elizabeth’s arm.

“What are you afraid of?” And who had been telling her frightening tales?

“Big dragons live London?”

“Big dragons, small dragons, and many Dragon Mates. London teems with dragons.”

“They not like me?” Pemberley forced her head behind Elizabeth’s back.

“I feel that way often,” Georgiana said softly. “Whenever I meet new people, I wonder if they will like me or not. It is very … uncomfortable.”

Pemberley pulled her head out so fast, she nearly knocked Elizabeth out of her seat. “Gigi scared, too?”

“Yes, I am scared, too. I do not want to go, either.” Georgiana stared at her hands, wringing them hard enough to muss her gloves.

“We all feel afraid, sometimes,” Elizabeth said. “It is natural to be afraid, but you cannot allow it to run away with you. So, Georgiana, pray come sit beside me, and Pemberley, put your head in my lap.”

They obeyed. She slipped her arm over Georgiana’s shoulder and cradled Pemberley’s head in her hand. “There that is much better. We will be in London before you know, and I am sure it will be a very busy time, so I want you to close your eyes and rest while we can.”

Georgiana and Pemberley were asleep before a quarter of an hour passed.

The Conclave was in just four days. Time enough for a visit to the Blue Order library. Surely there she could discover what the Conclave needed to see to be secure in Pemberley’s imprinting and ensure the court would see it. They had been through far too much together. It would not end in the Blue Order Court.

It simply could not.

The journey to London was as uneventful as any might be in a carriage carrying two dogs, two young women and a baby dragon. If they had to do this again—but pray they did not!—both Georgiana and Pemberley might benefit from a dose of the same cordial used by Mrs. Forster’s maid before they next traveled by carriage.

In the mews behind Darcy House, a well-kept garden greeted them, hedges and a stone fence shielding the house from the view of the necessary out-buildings. But even those were clean and tidy.

The carriage pulled up directly to a wide stair leading to an area much like the front service area. Surrounded by a graceful wrought iron fence, wide steps led to a door far deeper than the typical service door. Darcy dismounted and handed his horse off to a waiting groom and unlocked the iron fence with a large key, the head of which vaguely resembled a dragon’s head in profile.

He handed Elizabeth and a nearly green Georgiana out of the carriage. She hurried into the house. Hopefully the housekeeper would have some peppermint tea for her.

Pemberley nearly tumbled arsey-varsey onto the cobblestones. “No like carriage.”

“Get her some water.” Elizabeth looked for a pump.

Darcy dashed off and returned with a large bucket. Pemberley promptly stuck her head in and guzzled the entire bucketful.

“Was it a very difficult journey?” Darcy asked.

She tried to smile, but it was certainly a weak effort. “Two of my sisters do not ride comfortably, so it was not entirely unfamiliar.”

He dragged his hand down his face. “At least we are here with time enough for her to recover before—”

“Yes, before that.” She touched the edge of his sleeve. “It will be well. You must believe that whole-heartedly. If you have any doubt, the Order will see that. Dragons are incredibly perceptive to such things. It is part of their prey instinct, to find the one in the herd that is easiest to run down, the one most afraid, lacking confidence. Your certainty is as important as the testimony we offer.”

He licked his lips and swallowed hard, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. “Of course, you are right.”

She stayed her hand just before she wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Pemberley bounded up to them, splashing them with drips of water from her face. “Better now.”

“Very good. Let us get you downstairs to your chambers. The servants have fitted it up just for you.” Darcy ushered them toward the stairs, wide and deep enough to accommodate a rather large dragon.

“Have you Dragon Friends among your staff?” Elizabeth stepped down the first step, steadying Pemberley as she tried them.

Neither one of them had realized Pemberley had never traversed stairs before. This might be more difficult than expected, particularly with the two dogs underfoot.

“The housekeeper and butler have Dragon Friends. Not as exotic as Blanche and Quincy, they are rather mundane minor drakes. I think they will be pleased with my sister’s newfound appreciation for dragons, though. I suspect they always resented having to keep themselves hidden from her.” He opened the door at the base of the stairs. “The house has no chamber to accommodate both human and dragon together, so Miss Elizabeth will have to stay upstairs.”

Pemberley gasped. “Her not stay? Her leave me?” She wound her neck around Elizabeth’s waist.

“No, dearling, I am not going to leave you. I will simply be upstairs, which is very close to you. It is not at all the same thing as leaving you.” She glanced at April in her hood. “Will you stay with Pemberley so she will not be alone?”

April wrinkled her snout a bit.

“The dragon chamber is very comfortable, and anything you request will be brought to you,” Darcy said softly.

“I am sure the kitchen has some honey …”

“Indeed, it does.”

“Very well.” April flitted to land on the top of Pemberley’s head crest. “I shall stay in the cellar.”

She took Pemberley’s face in her hands. “You know, I do not go anywhere without April. As long as she is with you, you can be certain I am nearby. If you need me, you can send April to find me, and I will come directly.”

Pemberley hung her head and huffed. “But want you.”

“We do not always get what we want. Sometimes even dragons must compromise.”

“But I vikontes.” She stamped a front foot.

“I will not have you behaving that way.” She thumped Pemberley’s nose.

Darcy drew in a sharp breath.

What was he thinking? That this sort of behavior should be coddled? Heavens, what kind of dragon would she grow up to be if they did that?

Pemberley whimpered. “You come visit me?”

“Of course, I will. Very often. You will hardly know I have been anywhere else.”

Two knee-high minor drakes scurried up, a livery badge with what must be the Darcy crest slung around their necks. Male and female and, given the way they looked at each other, they must be a mated pair. Drakes without such a bond rarely lived together.

“Miss Elizabeth, Pemberley, may I present Amber and Slate, Dragon Friends to the housekeeper and butler.”

The little dragons stepped forward and bent their front legs, touching their heads to the ground. They must have been named for their sparkling wide eyes which matched the corresponding stones.

“I am pleased to meet you.” Elizabeth nudged Pemberley.

“Pleased, too. You live here?”

Slate, the larger and bolder of the two took half a step forward. “We do. Our Dragon Friends have suggested that, if Mr. Darcy so wishes, we might stay present in the cellar to attend to your needs.”

“You play with me?” The tip of Pemberley’s tail wagged.

“If … if … the Master desires.” Amber glanced at Darcy, eyes wide.

She seemed nervous, but it was not the sort that came from ill treatment. The little drake gazed at him with a mix of respect and an almost canine desire to please. Only a very well-treated dragon looked at a man that way.

“That would be very pleasing.” Darcy nodded and smiled at them.

Both drakes’ tails flicked happily.

“May we take you to your chamber?” Slate asked.

Darcy gestured them on.

Soon they had Pemberley happily established in a clean, spacious dragon lair complete with a well-appointed nest for her and two baskets for her dogs. Amber even pointed out a lovely carved niche where a nesting basket for April might be placed. That mollified April’s bruised pride.

Shortly thereafter, Pemberley instigated some sort of romping game that made sense only to the dragons. Darcy beckoned Elizabeth to another set of stairs and led her up.

After introducing the housekeeper and butler, a couple as bonded as their dragons, he took her on a brief tour of the house. Elegant understatement characterized every room, and though the evidence of dragons appeared throughout, it was subtle and tasteful, rather the exact opposite of Rosings Park. Finally, he showed her to her chambers.

“Your trunk should be waiting for you. The housekeeper has assigned a maid to assist you. She should be up shortly.”

“Thank you. May I ask a small favor? Might I send word to the Gardiners that I am here? I am sure they will understand why I must stay here with Pemberley, but it would be thoughtless—”

“Of course. Would you like to pen them a note? I will have a servant ready to deliver it.”

Several hours later, after a light meal, Darcy, Georgiana, and Elizabeth gathered in the parlor—not the formal drawing room, for none were up to anything so proper. The décor was like the rest of the house, quiet and elegant, but mostly comfortable. It was a room where one could relax and feel welcome. Exactly the sort of place she most needed right now.

Georgiana played the pianoforte while Darcy read and Elizabeth added observations to her commonplace book. Though maintaining a perfectly correct posture, his regular glances in her direction shouted his abiding curiosity about the contents of her book.

Perhaps she would offer to allow him to read some of it, only the most recent volume, though. Perhaps after she re-read it herself, just to be sure—

The butler bustled in and whispered a few words to Mr. Darcy who nodded. The butler returned a moment later, “Mr. Gardiner and Miss Mary Bennet.”

Elizabeth jumped, dropping her pen and nearly knocking over her ink. She dashed toward them. “I am so pleased to see you! I had no idea you would come!”

Uncle caught her hands and kissed her cheeks. Mary was oddly more reserved, but Heather peeked out from under the edge of Mary’s bonnet. Phoenix popped out from the other side.

“Georgiana, I have told you about Heather and Phoenix. May I introduce them now?” She held out her hands and they perched on her fingers.

“Perhaps you should introduce your sister first?” Uncle chuckled.

Elizabeth blushed. “Forgive me, Georgiana. This is my sister Mary.”

Mary curtsied. “Pleased to meet you.”

“What adorable little fairy dragons!” Georgiana stared with wide-eyed wonder.

Heather and Phoenix obliged with their cutest looks.

Darcy arranged chairs in a conversational knot and invited them all to sit as the housekeeper brought tea.

“Where is April?” Mary smoothed her skirt over her lap.

“She is downstairs keeping Pemberley company.”

“Pemberley is here?” Uncle asked, his brow knotting in thought.

It probably would not take a great deal for him to work out why that might be.

“May I see April? It has been so long!” Heather hopped and flapped her wings. “And Pemberley too, of course. Is she much grown now?”

“Might I show them downstairs?” Georgiana asked.

“I think Pemberley would enjoy that a great deal.” Elizabeth glanced at Darcy.

“Pray come, Miss Mary!” Georgiana rose with all the charm of a little girl hosting her first tea party.

Mary followed, wearing her tolerant older-sister mien, one she often donned for Kitty.

“I confess, your presence in London is a surprise, but a very welcome one. Might I surmise that it has something to do with the upcoming Dragon Conclave?” Uncle asked.

“We have been summoned here to plead Pemberley’s case for imprinting to the Court.”

Uncle nodded, chewing the side of his lip. “Multiple cases are usually addressed at the Conclave.”

“Multiple cases?” Elizabeth’s face turned cold.

“I have been charged with presenting you this.” He reached into his coat pocket and handed her a letter sealed with a blue wax dragon seal. “It is a summons to appear before the court when they convene with the Conclave.”

“The complaint against Longbourn?” Her hands trembled as she took the document.

“It is a bit more complicated than that. Longbourn has filed a counter complaint against you. You will be required to answer those charges as well.”

She rose on quaking knees. “Charges? Against me?”

“He accuses you of neglecting your duty as his Keeper, refusing to marry Collins and running off entirely, thus abandoning your Keep.”

“Abandoning my Keep?” Her voice rose barely above a squeak as she wandered toward the windows. Outside, traffic bustled and children ran past, most of them probably utterly oblivious to dragons and all the drama they caused.

“Pray, do not think I support these charges in any way. I am only the bearer of the summons. We did talk about the likelihood that this would happen.”

“Yes, yes, I know we did. Pray excuse me a moment.” She slipped from the room.

Where could she go? It was not as if she knew her way around the house very well. But she could get to the mews.

Quick steps took her through the back doors and into the little garden.

Uncle had warned her to expect this response from Longbourn. Had she been a fool to hope that Longbourn would have owned his transgressions and repented?

Soft steps echoed from the stairs. Mary’s. She had heard them too many times in the hall at home to mistake them. “Pemberley is very sweet, is she not?”

“She has grown a great deal since she left Hertfordshire.” Mary stood just behind her shoulder.

“How is everyone at Longbourn?”

“I am sure I should not say so, but I wish you had not left. Papa has been unwell since that day and has only got worse. Mama has only been kept in tolerable order because of Jane’s wedding—which you missed. Jane was very disappointed over that. And now it is over, Mama is diligently trying to see Kitty and Lydia married off to officers. And Longbourn! The creature is inconsolable in your absence. He does nothing but grump about, demanding to be placated in every possible way whilst complaining all the while that I am not you. Please come back.”

Elizabeth held her breath and counted to ten—almost to ten—and slowly turned to face Mary. “I told you what Longbourn did.”

“He has denied it most categorically. And I believe him.”

“So, then what did I hear coming from the cellar?”

“Your own conscience reminding you of what you must do for the good of all.”

“And you truly believe that?”

Mary pressed her fist to her lips. “I am sorry. It was not kind of me to say such a thing. I am just overwhelmed.”

She took Mary’s hands between hers. “What has happened?

“Everything. Or nothing. I really do not know. Everything is so different and confusing. And Lydia has been saying some very strange things of late.”

“You know I have never been able to make her out. If she were a dragon—”

“How can you make jokes as such a time? Lizzy, I am truly frightened.”

“I wish I had answers, Mary, but I am as much at a loss as you.”

Mary covered her face with her hands, muffling a sob. Elizabeth pulled her into her shoulder and held her close.

Uncle approached and laid a hand on Mary’s shoulder. “She has been beside herself with worry over the summons. She has invented all manner of disastrous outcomes.”

“She is not far from right.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Whilst in Kent, Mr. Collins discovered dragons. I am sure they are planning to try his fitness before the Conclave. They will not permit him to leave if he is found wanting.”

Mary’s sobs grew louder.

“Great heavens, I had no idea.” Uncle slipped his arm over Mary’s shoulders. “We shall make it through this. I am certain of it. I had best take her home, though.”

He guided Mary to his carriage and a few minutes later, they were gone.

“Miss Elizabeth?”

Why did Darcy choose now to appear—and stand so very close?

“Forgive me, I could not help but overhear …”

“The ability to hear dragons does make one apt to hear other things, too, does it not?”

“Whatever may happen with regard to Longbourn and Collins, I hope you know you have all the support my sister and I can offer.”

How hopeful his expression, here in the moonlight.

He ran his fingers along the edge of her shawl. “It is chilly out here. Perhaps you should come inside. You would like some drinking chocolate, perhaps?”