“How is he?” Elizabeth, who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, slipped her arm through Anne’s.
“He is alert.” A smile lit Anne’s face while tears slid silently down her cheeks. “Did Darcy tell you to wait here for me?”
“He did, though I have been anxious to see you.” Elizabeth pulled her close. “Now, tell me. Besides the injured leg, does he suffer any ill effects of his accident?”
A small joyful laugh bubbled out of Anne. “No. He appears to have just woken from a sound sleep. It is quite remarkable. Oh, Elizabeth, I am so relieved.”
“As well you should be. It has been a harrowing ordeal.”
“Mr. Kellet,” said Anne as he approached them. “Colonel Fitzwilliam asked to speak with you, but first he requires some broth and bread.”
“Right away, Miss de Bourgh.” A faint smile appeared on his face. “I am glad to hear it, miss,” he added softly. Then, with a flick of his hand, he summoned a footman and sent him scurrying to the kitchen. “Mr. Barrows and Miss Barrows have just arrived.”
Anne dried her eyes. “Perhaps my red eyes will drive him away. The Lord knows nothing else has worked. He is most determined.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “That he is, but he seems harmless enough.”
Anne shook her head. “Appearances can be deceiving, my dear.” She pulled Elizabeth into a small alcove near the front door. “Richard’s accident was arranged,” she whispered, “by Mr. Barrows.”
Elizabeth gasped.
“It is true.” Anne paused. “I will tell you more once our guests leave. For now, we must be on our guard, and I will do my best to discourage his suit.” She drew Elizabeth out of the alcove and toward the drawing room.
Lady Matlock greeted them at the door. “I was just going to check on my son. He is truly well?”
“He is.” Anne placed a hand on her aunt’s arm. “Thank you for entertaining my guests while I sat with him.”
“At his side is more your place than mine, and I am happy to give that place to you. I will go up now and see him.”
“The doctor is with him now, and he has requested that I send his friend up to see him.”
Lady Matlock chuckled. “He always was a quick healer and a restless patient. I shall not be long, perhaps five minutes, and then he can have his conference with his friend. He needs rest, whether he agrees with the fact or not.”
“He does not,” said Anne.
“He never does,” said Lady Matlock. “He never does.”
Anne laughed and entered the room.
“May I assume by your happy expression that your cousin is doing well?” asked Miss Barrows. “I had hoped to hear encouraging news about him, and I do hope I am not to be disappointed. I have missed having him in our company these last days.”
Anne smiled as politely as she could at the young lady. Indeed, Miss Barrows had become very interested in the well-being of Richard when it became obvious that Darcy’s affections lay elsewhere. However, she had been equally as attentive to Richard’s friend Colonel Alcock, especially when she had learned his father was a marquess. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is doing very well. So well, in fact, that he is going to take a source of pleasure from us for a while. Colonel Alcock, he is most anxious to see you.”
“I am surprised he did not just push the doctor away and hobble down the stairs. It is not like him to miss out on any entertainment.” Alcock chuckled. “The stories I could tell you, Miss de Bourgh, but I shall wait until Fitz is able to defend himself.” Colonel Alcock gave a small parting bow to the ladies.
Anne took a seat on a settee near Miss Barrows and breathed a small sigh of relief when Elizabeth sat next to her. Mr. Barrows, who had been moving toward her, shifted his route just slightly to take the seat next to his sister.
“You are looking well, Miss de Bourgh,” he said.
Anne shook her head. “Thank you for your generosity, sir, but I look far less than well.” She enjoyed the look of shock which quickly passed across the gentleman’s face. She had grown weary of his fawning and flattery. Since her polite discouragements had fallen on ears unwilling to hear them, perhaps a less subtle approach would do the job. “I have been far too occupied with the condition of my cousin to worry about the trivial matter of my appearance.” She heard a small gasping noise next to her and was sure Elizabeth was struggling to contain a laugh.
“Yes, well,” Mr. Barrows fumbled with his words for a moment. “Then your ability to look well under such trying circumstances is of greater credit to you.”
“I am sure it is.” Anne turned from him. “Mr. Bingley, while I was tending to Richard, Darcy mentioned you have an uncle who will be travelling through this area.”
Bingley sat forward a bit in his seat. “Indeed, I do. My uncle plans to meet one of his ships at Dover. He has not been pleased with some reports he has received regarding the captain and must speak with the man.”
“He is in trade?” Miss Barrows’ eyebrows rose, and there was a hint of revulsion in her voice.
“He is.” Bingley gave her an appraising look. “My father was also in trade. I am the first to be given the opportunity to become a landed gentleman. Thanks to their success…in trade.”
“How fortunate for you.”
“It is, is it not? Without my uncle’s hard work and that of my father, I would not have been able to let Netherfield and would never have met the lovely Miss Bennet and her family.” He took Jane’s hand and settled back into his chair.
“What do you mean without your uncle’s hard work? Did not your fortune come as a result of your father’s will?” Mr. Barrows cleared his throat and gave a small shake of his head at his sister’s question. She lowered her eyes and coloured slightly. “Forgive me. My curiosity has gotten the better of my manners.”
“Curiosity has a way of doing that. I have been known to be far more curious than entirely proper at times myself.” Bingley laughed lightly. “But to answer your questions, my father’s fortune passed to me upon his death with the stipulation that I use it to acquire an estate to secure my son, should I be so fortunate as to have one, in the more respected realm of the landed gentry. My uncle received full ownership of their business, a business that succeeded only through the dedicated efforts of both men. Therefore, my fortune can be credited to not only my father but also my uncle. And, upon my uncle’s passing, I shall receive his fortune as well since he has never married, and I am his heir.”
Miss Barrows blinked. “Oh, so your wealth will increase?” This time, her brother nudged her with his elbow.
“It will, and quite substantially. I will, of course, then be faced with the decision of selling or keeping the business. But, it is not a decision I hope to be faced with for some time.”
“Your uncle is welcome to stay here on his journey,” Anne said before Miss Barrow could ask any further questions. “It would be much more comfortable than any inn. When do you expect him?”
“He hoped to dine with me tomorrow. I could send an express to the inn he usually frequents in Bromley.”
“Oh, yes, you must. He must join us.” Anne cast a glance at Mr. Barrows to see how he would receive such information. Much to Anne’s delight, Mr. Barrows looked a bit uncomfortable.
“It is a pity we shall not be able to meet him.” He said. “I have matters of a pressing nature which must be attended to tomorrow.”
“What unfortunate timing for you! Perhaps if Mr. Bingley’s uncle is able to stop on his return, you might have the pleasure then.” Anne noted the look of amusement on Bingley’s face as Mr. Barrows’ eyes grew large, and he stammered his agreement. “And you shall miss our ride through the groves. I have a picnic planned, provided the weather holds.” She stood. “But for now, I would be most pleased if you would all join me for a game of pall mall.”
~*~*~
Anne tapped her ball, sending it neatly through the wire arch.
“Well done, Miss de Bourgh,” said Mr. Barrows as he leaned upon his mallet. “You have beaten me again.”
“It does not seem a hard task to do so. Tell me, do you not partake in the activity very often?” He had been following her about the lawn, and his presence was beginning to grate.
He gave her a tight smile. “I do not spend much time playing games. I am more a man of action. My life is not one of ease. I have a profession and not an estate.”
“So, an estate would give you a life of ease?” Anne’s brows rose. “If it is a well-managed estate, you may be able to spend some time in leisurely pursuits, but it takes much work to allow for the ease of which you speak.”
“Indeed. I did not mean to say there was no work involved in the management of an estate.” His words had a bit of an edge to them. “But you must admit, most of the working class have very few hours to spend in pleasure.”
“Absolutely,” agreed Anne. “We all benefit much from those who give of their time and skills to serve others. You, for instance, must allocate time to your studies and the needs of your parishioners. It is a great responsibility and one upon which many rely for guidance. Though you are also one of the fortunate, for your living is not inconsequential and allows for freedoms and luxuries that even my mother’s parson cannot afford.”
“Perhaps if Rosings had a master to run it, it could gain in productivity and the living could be increased.”
“Yes,” said Anne curtly. “I shall have to look for such a man. Good day, Mr. Barrows.” Anne stooped to retrieve her ball.
His hand on her arm stopped her from walking away. “I know of such a man ─ a man of action who is not unfamiliar with the running of an estate, a man who could provide for and protect you.” He ran a finger gently up her arm.
She dropped her ball and removed his hand from her arm. “I will thank you not to touch me in the future. I shall find my own choice, and it will not be you.”
His face turned hard. “Choices are not always ours to make. Sometimes they are forced upon us. I would take care if I were you, Miss de Bourgh. Not many men will look twice at a soiled dove.”
Anne narrowed her eyes and glared at him. “I am not soiled, and I do not appreciate your insinuation that I am. You are a gentleman and a man of the cloth. Such talk is most unseemly.”
He stepped a half step closer and whispered menacingly. “I assure you, Miss de Bourgh, when I report to one and all that you are soiled, it will not be an insinuation. You would do well to consider my offer to run Rosings. At least then when I have my way with you, it shall be as your husband.”
“Anne.” Elizabeth approached her from behind. “We have played through twice, and I would appreciate a rest. Mr. Bingley has gone to write his express, and Jane has gone to find a book to read in her room. Colonel Alcock has returned, so you may wish to look in on Colonel Fitzwilliam. Colonel Alcock says he was asking for you.”
“Asking for you, is he?” Mr. Barrows said softly. “It seems you and your cousin are very close ─ hopefully not closer than is entirely proper, or perhaps my assessment is true.” His eyes swept up and down her person before he bowed to take his leave.
“Mr. Barrows.” Her words stopped him. “You will leave, and you will not return. Your sister may visit if she would like, but you shall not set foot in my home or garden again.” She turned on her heel and taking Elizabeth by the arm, returned to the house.
~*~*~
Anne attempted to let go of Elizabeth’s arm as they entered the house, but Elizabeth held her firmly and directed her to the stairs.
“I am well,” insisted Anne.
“I am sure you are, my dear, but I am not going to be well until I know what that man said to you. And, instead of having you repeat it to me and then again to Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am attending you to his room.”
They stopped outside of Richard’s room. “You will tell him what was said, will you not?” Elizabeth knocked softly on the door before Anne could answer.
Anne peeked around the door as it opened, anxious to see if Richard was still awake. She breathed a sigh as she saw him sitting up in the bed and looking awake and even comfortable. “How are you feeling, Richard?”
“Bored.” He patted the bed next to him. “Come keep me company.” He frowned just a bit when she took the chair next to the bed. “Are your guests enjoying themselves?”
“Georgiana and Maria have tucked themselves away all day. I have not seen them, but I have heard music and giggling, so I am sure they are enjoying themselves. Jane is currently reading, while Mr. Bingley writes an express to invite his uncle to join us tomorrow. Colonel Alcock has been with you until lately and mentioned something about riding.” She smoothed her skirt and cast a glance in Elizabeth’s direction. “And the Barrows have left. I do not expect them to return.”
Richard’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Indeed? And why, pray tell, will they not be returning?”
“Because I have forbidden it. Well, to clarify, I have only told Mr. Barrows he may not return. His sister is free to call if she wishes. We shall see if her desire to flirt with Colonel Alcock overrides her disdain of trade.”
“Disdain of trade?” Darcy asked.
“She was very clear in our conversation with Mr. Bingley about his uncle that she does not approve of those who are in trade,” said Elizabeth.
“Is that so?” asked Richard.
“It is,” said Anne.
“So, that explains Miss Barrows’ reason for possibly returning or not returning, but what of Mr. Barrows?”
Anne again looked at Elizabeth, who urged her on with a small nod of her head. “He spoke in a most inappropriate fashion to me, so I told him he was no longer welcome.”
With a small groan, Richard pulled himself up even straighter in the bed. “Exactly how was he inappropriate?”
“Well, he made me an offer. He is quite interested in the position of master of Rosings. Interested enough to take me as a wife.”
“You banished him for making an offer of marriage?” asked Darcy.
Anne shook her head firmly. “No, I refused his offer out of hand.” She looked at Richard. “Do you promise not to do anything that will cause you further discomfort or injury?”
Richard’s heart dropped to his stomach, dread filled his belly. “I am not sure I am capable of making such a promise, but I shall endeavour to remain calm.”
“You shall not be able to remain calm. You may rant, and you may roar, but do not attempt to get out of that bed.” Anne gave him a stern glare.
“Anne, will you just tell me.”
“He threatened me.”
“How?” The dread he had felt a moment ago began to spread, his heart increased its beating, and his head began to throb. He clutched the blankets to keep from tossing them back and getting out of the confounded bed.
“He mentioned ruining me so that I would have no choice but to marry him.” Her face felt warm, and she dared not look up from her hands. “Then when he heard that you had requested to see me, he implied that perhaps I was already ruined, and that is when I told him he was no longer welcome in my home or garden.”
“I will kill him,” Richard growled. “If he utters one rumour about you or lays one finger on you, I will kill him. If it were not for this blasted leg, I would go have a few words with him now.”
“You would ruin Alcock’s plan,” cautioned Darcy.
“Devil take the plan, Darcy. The man has attempted to kill me, and now he has threatened Anne. I care very little about anything else in which he may be involved at the moment.”
“You say that now, but in a few hours when you possess a cooler head, you will still wish to know about his other activities.” Darcy stood and walked toward the bed. “Think for a moment. Anne, you said he was interested in the running of Rosings, did you not?”
“I did.” She wished to ask Darcy why that information was important but recognized his attempt to shift Richard’s thoughts. She smiled. Darcy and Richard had always been as close as brothers. They knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. One was always looking out for the other.
Richard scowled. “I know what you are about, Darcy.”
“Good. Then be of some use and redirect your thoughts without my prodding. Your deductive skills are as necessary to this plan and Anne’s safety as your leg, if not more so. And if you will direct your thoughts as you should, I can stop pacing around the room in an effort to capture your attention and go back to sitting beside Miss Elizabeth, who is far prettier company than a cranky old soldier.”
Richard huffed. “Oh, go back to your seat, Darcy. You have made your point. And I’ll thank you not to call me old.”
“You are older than I am,” said Darcy taking his seat next to Elizabeth.
“Oh,” said Elizabeth with a wink at Richard, “then you must be very old indeed if you are older than Mr. Darcy.”
Richard threw his head back and laughed.
“Thank you,” mouthed Anne to Elizabeth and Darcy. Then she turned to Richard. “Now about this plan. I should very much like to hear about it.”
Richard stopped laughing and cast a look at his cousin. “Do we tell them?”
Darcy shrugged his shoulders. “Do you really have a choice? You know how stubborn Anne can be when she wishes to know something.”
Richard sighed. “Right. Well. This goes no further than this room, and you will not attempt to take part in any of it. If you can agree to those two simple rules, I shall tell you.” He waited until he got a nod of agreement from both ladies. Then, he proceeded to lay out the plan.