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O sborne listened to the desultory conversation between Bennet and Bingley, twisting the glass of port idly between his fingers.

Bennet had noted how quiet Elizabeth had been and was expressing his concern as to her well-being. But Osborne had too much on his mind over what she had said to be able to join the conversation.

Bennet was like Gardiner; able to sit quietly while Osborne became lost in his thoughts. But Bingley was not that sort of man, and his inconsequential chatter made it difficult to think.

Perhaps Elizabeth would agree to go back to town tomorrow. The bruise on her face would fade wherever she was, and he thought it must have been a ruse to allow her to stay with her sister.

But she seemed tempted to be back in town now that Darcy was there.

He wished he knew more about young ladies and their emotions. Then he might be able to divine Elizabeth’s true feelings.

He smiled sardonically. Perhaps it would do him good to speak to Mrs. Gardiner, as well. She would know. He wondered why Elizabeth didn’t know that the Gardiners were intending to occupy their estate now and become known as gentlefolk.

After all, they’d only stayed in Cheapside for the pretence of being tradespeople so they could mediate between him and Elizabeth and help him keep their secret and Elizabeth safe.

He was indebted to them, and also happy that Gardiner had been related to the Bennet family. Such a family as they were had made it impossible for anyone to consider that the hidden Osborne daughter would be amongst them.

Osborne smiled at his thoughts. The Gardiners would do well.

The man’s expertise with investing for some of the highest in the land, and the association with himself, would have them accepted into society, despite Gardiner’s previous association with trade.

Osborne would sponsor the Gardiner boys at university, and the girls into society with Elizabeth’s assistance.

And Elizabeth would be happy. His thoughts turned to his daughter’s marriage. She could not inherit the dukedom, of course, and the title would revert to the throne. Osborne was sorry about that, although he had long since become inured to it.

But Elizabeth would inherit not just her dowry, but his estates. Lancaster Castle would be her home, along with other estates and thousands of acres of good English land.

His lips tightened. It was a tempting prospect … and put Elizabeth in a very difficult position. This incident with Wickham had brought home to him what danger she must constantly be in.

He roused from his thoughts when he realised Bennet and Bingley were gazing at him. “I’m sorry. Are we joining the ladies?”

“I think so, unless you have anything to say first?” Bennet’s voice was light.

“No. I am sorry for my inattention.” Osborne rose to his feet.

“No matter. I think Elizabeth probably said something to you which necessitated serious thought.” Bennet chuckled. “I am not unused to that sort of thunderbolt.”

Osborne smiled tightly. He regretted having missed so much of Elizabeth’s childhood to this man, despite that it had been of his doing.

He led the way into the sitting room and the three ladies rose to curtsy.

He nodded at them. “Thank you, Elizabeth, Mrs. Bingley, Miss Bennet.”

He drew up a chair beside Elizabeth. “I’m sorry, Father. I think I gave you much to think about,” she murmured.

“You did indeed.” He smiled at her. “You have a ready mind which you use well. I am proud to have you as my daughter.”

Miss Mary Bennet had gone to the pianoforte, and her playing covered the sound of their low-voiced conversation.

“If you speak to the apothecary in the morning, Elizabeth, I expect you can persuade him that you are fit to return to London in the afternoon.” He raised his eyebrows, and she laughed.

“You said I was only two weeks old when you ignored the strictures of the doctors and took me back to Consall.”

Osborne smiled wryly, not wanting to think of his state of mind at that stage. “Perhaps it is better to appear to bow to his opinion. Or would you like to come to Netherfield? With Mrs. Bennet indisposed, this house might be difficult.”

She leaned closer to him. “Has Papa told you of the cause of her malady?”

He shook his head. “I assumed it was shock at what happened to you.” And the loss of being the main focus of attention , he thought uncharitably.

“Well, yes, that didn’t help,” Elizabeth whispered. “But it is very early days yet, so we are not spreading the information. Mama is increasing.”

He stared at her in shock; although he knew ladies sometimes could bear a child well into their forties, it seemed rather … odd … that they would have a son or daughter young enough to be their grandchild.

“Oh!” He realised what it meant. “Do you think they wished to try once more for a son?”

Elizabeth smiled wistfully. “I am hoping that was their intention, having seen what Mr. Collins is like. But when I was walking out, I got too far ahead of Dawlish and the others, I think, because I was distressed they might be trying to replace me in the family.”

Osborne took her hand. “Elizabeth,” he said firmly, “you must not think that at all. No parent ever thinks to replace a lost child. All their children are different and loved for it. I think the hope is for a son.”

She nodded. “Mama will be anxious for the whole time until the birth.” She thought a moment and then sighed deeply. “Perhaps it would be better if we go to town tomorrow.”

He let his hand tighten on hers. “I believe so, too. We will go in the afternoon, then. If you rest well tonight, we may talk in the coach.”