Darcy leaned against the wall in the hall outside the billiard’s room. He looked at his watch. “How long do you suppose we should wait?”
“Five more minutes should do.” Lady Matlock sat on a small bench across from him.
“Do we tell Lady Catherine?”
Lady Matlock shook her head. “As things stand between Anne and her mother, it really must be her decision.”
Darcy nodded.
“You will approve of her suitor, will you not?” Lady Matlock smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I am sure you will get no opposition from Richard.” She covered her mouth with her hand to contain a laugh.
Darcy smiled. “I am quite certain that Richard will only accept one answer.”
“Indeed.” Lady Matlock smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her skirt. “You did not come to see Anne this afternoon.”
“I chose to read after my ride.”
“Ah. I see.” Her tone of voice told him she did not believe his reason. She folded her arms, tapped a finger on her arm, and looked at him expectantly.
He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Very well. I needed some time to think.”
“Did something happen at Cobergs?”
Darcy’s brows rose in surprise. “How ─ no, do not tell me. Kellet?”
Lady Matlock tapped her nose with her finger.
“Does the man know everything?” Darcy asked incredulously.
“He is very resourceful.”
Darcy pulled his watch from his pocket once again. “Would he know anything about a secret my aunt does not wish to be made known?” He asked casually as he checked the time.
“Why do you ask? Has something been said?” There was a hint of something unsettled in her voice though Darcy could not put a name to it.
“Did Kellet not tell you?” He smiled when he heard the huff of exasperation the question was meant to evoke. He lowered his voice. “Not much has been said, yet it is enough to raise concern.” He pushed off from the wall. “Our time is up. Shall we interrupt?” He rapped on the door before pushing it open.
“Are we to wish you happy?” Darcy bit back a smile at the spectacle before him. Richard’s cravat was askew, and his hair was rumpled while Anne’s cheeks glowed a rosy red, and at least one hairpin had worked its way loose.
A smile split Richard’s face. “Whether you wish it or not, we are happy.”
“Yes, about that.” Darcy began to pour a set of celebratory drinks. “Is there not someone who needs to grant permission before you can assume your happiness?” He lifted a teasing eyebrow at Anne.
She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “I believe I have the approbation of one of my advisors.”
“It certainly appears you do,” murmured Darcy, earning a glare from Anne. He handed her a small glass of wine. “And your other advisor, do you expect it will be a challenge to earn his approval?” He handed a glass of wine to his aunt, who was clearly enjoying the teasing.
“Well,” said Anne as she took a seat near the fire. “At one time, he was the most serious and thoughtful fellow, but I fear he has changed recently. There seems to be something about him that is different, a lightness to his air, a lack of worry that is most disturbing. I do hope this change has not addled his thinking so much that he cannot see the wisdom in such a match as Richard.”
Darcy chuckled as he joined the group near the fire. “I would fear for his mental capabilities if he were unable to see the benefit to both of you.” He sipped his drink. “But, I understand he has come to learn recently that there is more to marriage than advantageous alignments. Thanks to the help of some very astute friends and cousins…” He dipped his head in a small bow of gratitude “…your other advisor finds himself on the brink of such happiness as you currently claim and would most assuredly give his blessing.”
He sat his drink aside and donned his business façade. “Of course, the details of the marriage must be worked out thoroughly so that all parties are satisfied, and the future of Anne and any issue from the union would be secured as stipulated by Uncle Louis’ documents. However, even before we get to such details as those, there is the issue of the selling of Richard’s commission. A letter must be written and sent as soon as possible on that account.”
“I shall write it before I retire tonight. Will you include your offer?”
Darcy nodded. “I think it most expedient if both the notice of selling and the offer of assistance be made simultaneously.”
Lady Matlock gave her son a questioning look.
“I know of a man in my unit who is looking to move up in rank. He is well-suited for my position, and I would feel a great deal of peace leaving my men in his care. However, I do not know whether he has the blunt to purchase the commission.”
His mother nodded her understanding. “And Darcy has offered to extend the man some credit — money he realizes may not be regained?”
“Money he will not ask to be returned,” said Darcy. “I shall supplement whatever he lacks for the purchase as a gift.”
“A gift?” Anne asked.
“I consider it an investment in the happiness of two most beloved cousins.” His cheeks pinked a bit at such an admission. “What is wealth if it cannot be used in creating happiness and security for those we love? I shall hear no objections regarding my decision.”
Lady Matlock reached over and patted her nephew’s arm. “Your mother would be proud. She used to say those very words. I believe she drove her father to distraction at times with her insistence on giving where she saw a need. Thankfully, she married a man who encouraged that trait in both her and her children.”
“Thank you, Aunt.” Darcy took another sip of his drink before returning it to the table and his attention to the matters at hand. “Anne, your mother will need to be made aware of your betrothal, but how and when you wish to inform her is entirely up to you. My hope is that, by the end of your house party, she will have come to her senses regarding Miss Bennet and all will be restored to some semblance of normal.”
“An announcement of your engagement may help her come to her senses more quickly,” suggested Lady Matlock.
“Indeed it would,” agreed Anne. “But I prefer that she come to her senses without such aid.”
“As do I,” agreed Darcy.
“There are reasons for her determination,” said Richard. “I do not know what they are, but not even our aunt does not act without cause. There is a reason she insisted on Darcy as a husband for Anne. There is also a reason she will not allow Anne to go to London.” He held up a hand to forestall the comments he knew he would face from both Anne and his mother. “A reason other than her health. And then there is the secret you heard mentioned, Darcy. After her demonstration at the chess table, I cannot help but think that the reasons all lead to the protection of Anne, though, I cannot begin to imagine how they tie together.”
Anne looked between Darcy and Richard. “And what secret is this?”
Both men shrugged. “That is just it. We have no idea what it is, but we do have reason to believe that someone is planning to use it to their advantage to force Anne into accepting his offer.” Darcy turned to his aunt. “That is what I was contemplating this afternoon following my ride.”
Richard looked at his mother. She appeared a bit pale and startled, but she did not look so curious as he knew she could be. There was no narrowing of her eyes or lift of a brow nor was there any pursing of her lips. “We may not need to talk to Kellet, Darcy. I believe I know someone who will be a far better source of information.” He smiled as his mother’s eyes grew wide, and she gave her head the slightest of shakes. “Oh, no, Mother. You must tell us what you know if we plan to protect your future daughter.”
“Perhaps, Richard,” said Anne. “You should explain exactly how I am in danger. Surely whoever this gentleman is who is planning on coercing an acceptance of his suit cannot succeed since I am already promised to another.”
Richard shook his head in frustration. “I do not know how you are in danger, but I suspect it all hinges on this secret.” He turned expectantly to his mother. “Would you agree?”
Lady Matlock nodded slowly. “I know some, but I do not know all. I had not credited what I have heard as truth but as mere gossip; however…” Her voice trailed off.
The three cousins sat in silence, waiting for her to continue. Her brow furrowed, and she tapped her lip with her finger as she thought. Finally, she sighed. “Perhaps it is best if I just tell you all I have heard with the caution, of course, that what I know is from secondary sources, so it may or may not be valid.” She scowled. “I do not like to gossip. In fact, I despise it. It is not right and holds the power to harm innocent individuals.”
Anne, Darcy, and Richard nodded their understanding.
“I am quite certain,” she continued, “that the most damning parts of the story are fabricated, but it does not have to be true to be damaging. It needs only to be thought plausible.” She sighed again as if resigning herself to the distasteful task of relating unpleasant news. “When you peel away all the details and get to the bare facts, there was scandal surrounding Catherine’s marriage. According to James, it was a patched up job. An acceptable choice was forced upon her when she was found in a compromising position with another unacceptable choice. Anne would be tainted by this scandal should she ever come out in London, for there is some question as to whom her father might be.”
She turned to Anne. “Although neither of us believes your father is anyone other than Louis de Bourgh, this rumour is the reason your uncle and I have never pushed to give you a proper come out. It is also why your father stipulated in his papers his wish for you to look for a husband outside of London.” Her eyes filled with tears. “And why he wishes for you to marry someone in need of an estate. Had Catherine’s first choice been a landed gentleman, she may have been allowed to marry for love. Your father loved your mother…not at first, but eventually…; he often regretted the fact that he could not give her the happiness which was taken from her.”
Anne dabbed at her eyes. “How tragic! My poor mother!”
“Indeed,” agreed Richard.
A scratching at the door interrupted any further conversation.
“My apologies, my lady,” said Kellet as he entered the room. “But, there is some information of which you may wish to be apprized.” He stood and waited for permission to continue.
“Of course, if you deem it worthy of my notice, it must be so,” said Lady Matlock.
“Mr. Collins had come to call on her ladyship.”
“At this late hour?” Lady Matlock’s eyes grew wide in surprise.
“He was summoned.”
“To what purpose?”
He looked quickly at Darcy. “It concerns one of the guests at the parsonage.”
“Is he with Lady Catherine?” Lady Matlock was on her feet.
“Not yet, my lady. He is about to arrive. I spied his approach through the window.”
“So, there is time for me to intercept him?”
“There is, your ladyship, but I see it doing very little good.” He glanced about nervously. “It is not my place to say, but the man has very little sense. He will do whatever his patroness commands.” He shifted slightly. “Might I speak freely, my lady?”
“Of course.”
“Lady Catherine has instructed the grooms to have a carriage ready at first light. I believe she intends to have Miss Bennet removed from the parsonage, but not until after the young lady has been sufficiently remonstrated by her cousin. As I see it, my lady, the young miss has done nothing to deserve such treatment. I do not know the best plan to prevent this unpleasantness, but I will do whatever you ask.”
He turned to Mr. Darcy. “I fear, sir, that letters will be, if they are not already being, written to the young lady’s father. I should think your attendance on him before such communication is received may be the only way to prevent his displeasure with a match between yourself and his daughter.”
“I shall call at the parsonage straight away,” said Lady Matlock. “Darcy you will attend me. You must speak to Miss Bennet regarding your interview with her father. Indeed, Miss Bennet must be removed from the parsonage.” She looked to Mr. Kellet and spoke softly. “Is Mr. Collins given to violence?”
“He may lock her in her room and restrict her actions, but I do not believe him capable of harming her.”
“And his wife? Would she suffer should I insist on Miss Bennet attending me at the dower house?” She clapped her hands. “Yes, that is it. She should be moved to the dower house this very night.”
“As you request, my lady. Mrs. Collins will be able to deal most effectively with her husband. I am certain she will help him to see a need of not angering the Earl of Matlock, my lady.” He gave her a sly smile.
“Just so. My husband would be very displeased if his wife and niece were slighted.” She chuckled. “Thank you, Kellet. You will stand without the door of their meeting for me while I am out?”
“Of course, my lady. I shall give you a report as soon as you have returned.” He bowed to take his leave.
A footman entered as the butler exited. “Your carriage is waiting, my lady.”
Richard could not suppress a small burst of laughter as a maid entered, carrying his mother’s outerwear. “He is a most efficient butler, is he not?”
“That he is,” she agreed. “It will serve you well to befriend him.” She smiled as Darcy’s man entered with his coat and hat. “Darcy, I shall await you in the carriage. And Richard and Anne, please try to look like a young couple in love ought to look when you pass Mr. Collins in the hallway. He must see something to cause him to wonder about the two of you.” She began to head out the door. “Kiss her if you must,” she called over her shoulder.