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D arcy sat over his early breakfast. The morning sun angled through the south-eastern facing windows, and all was well with his world.

A morning gallop in the Park. Then a bath and now breakfast. He would have time to read the papers before attending Osborne House for his morning call.

This might only be the third day since he first called on Lady Elizabeth, but already he knew his affections and wishes for her were burgeoning. The words of the duke that first evening had allowed his hopes to surge far past what he had ever permitted himself before.

Lady Elizabeth’s manner seemed also to indicate to him that she welcomed his calls, although he was careful never to presume too far after that first call; which, he’d reflected, had moved too fast. He was fortunate not to have paid the price.

He glanced at the clock. Another hour, then he would be able to see her again.

Perhaps he ought to write to Georgiana. Maybe he could introduce her if he brought her back from Pemberley.

But it would be the best part of a week travelling there to escort her to town.

He did not wish to miss a single day with Elizabeth.

The butler entered the room, the silver letter tray extended. “A note from Osborne House, sir.”

Darcy’s heart stopped. A masculine, mature hand — the duke himself had written. What could have happened? Darcy could not break the seal fast enough.

Darcy

I regret that we will no longer be in town for your calls, and must also send our regrets for our dinner engagement with you.

There was an incident at the House of Lords last night, and I have taken the decision, given Elizabeth’s feelings, to take her to Lancaster earlier than I had previously intended.

We are leaving at this moment, so I cannot take the time to explain to you, but we will be at the Castle — I hope before the sabbath rest day forces us a delay on the road.

Should you find yourself in the area at any time, please feel free to send round your card.

Osborne

Darcy forced himself to stay in his seat, when his entire desire was to ring for his servants and depart at once for the north.

He breathed slowly, forcing himself to calm consideration. What incident could have possibly happened?

And Elizabeth. He found himself praying that she had not been seriously harmed. But how could he wait longer to find out?

House of Lords. Of course. He snatched for the paper and turned to the court pages, running his finger down the list of yesterday’s events.

His lips tightened, there was to have been a reception in the House in the evening for the lords and their ladies. Surely Elizabeth would not have been importuned there?

His anger rose. Many lords were debauched and unworthy of their titles. He despised those who would besmirch the reputation of the House.

He would travel tomorrow, and not be at risk of finding himself staying at the same inn. He couldn’t prevent a smile; he would not risk increasing the strain on his thawing relationship with the duke. But how could he wait to find out what had happened to Elizabeth? Was she badly affected by it?

The pain for Elizabeth was tight in his heart as he sat, thinking through what he needed to do before he could leave for Pemberley, and then onto Briarwood, the small available property he owned that was close to Lancaster Castle. Nothing would keep him away.

As the breakfast room door was open, he heard the faint sound of the door knocker, and frowned. It was much too early to receive formal calls, and Richard would have rapped on the door in his code of informing the footmen who he was.

But this could be no coincidence after receiving the note from Osborne House, and Darcy rose from the table.

A footman carried a card on a silver tray. “The Countess of Jersey, sir.”

Darcy was puzzled. He knew who she was, of course, and had been introduced to her when he’d been at Almacks in the early days of his majority. But he hadn’t spoken to her for years.

But he could hardly wait. It must be something to do with what had happened to Elizabeth.

He crossed to the hall, and bowed at her. “I am honoured at your call, my lady. Please come through to the drawing room.” He signalled to his housekeeper to order tea.

He waited with scant impatience for them to be seated and the tea poured, when he might expect her to begin the conversation. He was fortunate she didn’t delay things with light conversation.

“I’m sorry to call so early, Mr. Darcy, but I agreed with His Grace that I would call this morning, and he didn’t wish you to follow him to the north before I called at the formal hour.” Her eyebrow arched slightly, and he smiled wryly.

“He obviously knows me better than I had considered, my lady.”

She was obviously curious. “I had thought his antipathy was absolute?”

Darcy didn’t think he was inclined to say too much, not knowing what had been said before. “I am now more fortunate, madam.” He waited with some impatience for her to explain what she was here for.

She placed her teacup down carefully. “I understand His Grace was going to send you a note this morning to explain why he was leaving town with Lady Elizabeth?”

Darcy nodded. “I have read it, but it did not explain what happened.”

Lady Jersey’s gaze was astute. “He told me you have been calling on her, so you needed to know the reason was not in order to prevent your further calls.”

He couldn’t wait longer, but sat on the edge of his seat. “Lady Jersey, please can you inform me if Lady Elizabeth is well?”

She met his gaze. “I believe she is more angry than distressed. There was a bungled attempt at a compromise, but I can assure you that it failed, and she was not harmed.” She raised her hand to prevent him interrupting her while she picked up her cup and saucer again, and settled into the chair.

Darcy’s patience was being stretched thin this morning. “I am sorry, my lady, but I need to know. This … attempt … it will not force her to wed whoever it was?”

She shook her head. “No. But there will probably be some talk, which will inevitably affect her standing.” She sighed, then smiled.

“She is a delightful and spirited young lady. While the servants were looking the other way, she fought the man off, returned to the reception and came to me for safety. I believe her delicate appearance means her determination is underestimated.”

Darcy’s rage rose. “Fought him off? He laid a hand on her?”

“Be calm, Darcy, and I’ll tell you what happened.

But after we called the duke and he summoned the Lord Speaker, he asked me to escort Lady Elizabeth back to Osborne House to keep her safely away from the curiosity of those around us.

Afterwards, he spoke to me to see what was the best thing to do.

” Her haughty features broke up as she smiled mischievously.

“And that is why I’m here. His Grace is wondering if you would be intending to travel north? ”

Darcy bowed his head. “I do have a small estate near Lancaster, and I had already had it brought up to full staff, in the event I might need it during the summer months.”

“Pemberley is a very large property, with many holdings around the country,” she observed. “I think you have been the target of fortune-hunters yourself.”

Darcy nodded. “It was obvious, I think.”

She nodded and changed the topic. “Is it true you became acquainted with Lady Elizabeth in the country before anyone knew who she was?”

Darcy had to consider his words carefully. He must not offend this lady — her support would be needed to help Georgiana at her come-out, but he certainly wasn’t going to furnish her with gossip.

“I have been known to Lady Elizabeth a number of months,” he said cautiously. “But I know that His Grace, at the moment, feels discretion is one part of keeping his daughter safer.”

Lady Jersey huffed a laugh. “That is a very diplomatic way of telling me not to seek further information, Mr. Darcy.” Then she seemed to relent. “I am not offended, and I will welcome your sister when she comes out into society.”

Darcy thought he could risk a little humour. “That is a considerable relief, madam.”

She considered him thoughtfully. “You seem to have hidden depths which I had not seen before. Perhaps I can understand better why he asked me to come here — and why he is not refusing your calls on Lady Elizabeth.” Then that mischievous smile made a reappearance.

“As I said, she is delightful. I think she will certainly keep you young.”

Darcy tried not to wince. He was still not convinced of her ultimate acceptance of him — he wanted her love for him to be as strong as he felt for her.

“I do not wish her to feel forced into any sort of arrangement.”

“No, I can understand that.” She seemed thoughtful for a few minutes. Then she rose to her feet.

“I shall leave you now. I have no doubt you will intend to leave for the north very soon.”

Darcy escorted her to the door. “I am grateful for your call, my lady. Although I am curious to know the name of the person involved, I know I must seek it from the duke and not press you further.”

He watched as her coach pulled away, thinking.

Perhaps he would go north by way of Hertfordshire.

He would speak to Bennet. If he would have the opportunity to make an offer to Elizabeth, she might like it if he had spoken to her papa as well as her father.

Then he could stay the night at Netherfield and be half a day closer to Lancaster than he would be if travelling from town.