Page 62

O sborne sank into his comfortable armchair with a groan. Lancaster was really much too far from town to do the journey with impunity too often — especially now he was older.

Darcy was young and fit, of course. He would also be without the ducal commitment to the House of Lords, so he might well make most of his life away from town, between Lancaster and Pemberley.

Osborne smiled; Elizabeth would like that, he thought.

She had been accustomed all her life to living on a country estate, and he thought the experience of town this season had not enamoured her to the place.

Especially the happenings at the Chamber.

Osborne shuddered. At least it was over.

He smiled and reached for the sheaf of letters that had arrived here since they left town. The express post riders were proud of the speed at which they could deliver across the country, and Osborne appreciated it.

He recognised Lady Jersey’s hand on one of the letters — and Bennet’s on another. The others seemed more routine.

He was more curious as to what had happened in London, and he broke the Jersey seal first.

Your Grace

As we agreed, I called on Darcy quite early this morning. I think you were right, his impulse had been to follow you to the north at once, but he seemed pleased to know that he would find out the import of what had happened last night.

In fact, I think he may have decided to wait a day, because the staff did not yet appear to be preparing for his journey.

I had not been there more than a few minutes before he interrupted the way I was initially telling the tale, and asked to be reassured that Lady Elizabeth was well, and not harmed.

I am impressed at his apparent devotion, and can see in his eyes the care he has for her.

You will be amused to note that he was exceedingly careful when he avoided answering my questions as to where he had met her, and was relieved when I told him I was not offended by his discretion and would still welcome his sister at her come-out.

He seems to be a devoted brother, and I am sure you are right that he would be a good match for Lady Elizabeth. She will certainly liven him up somewhat!

You will also be amused to hear that he has already had one of his small estates near Lancaster brought to full readiness for him to stay in if it proved to be near where Lady Elizabeth might be.

I have heard briefly from my husband about the happenings in the Chamber.

Apparently, the Lord Speaker is being very careful as he considers what course of action is open to him.

Lord Monmouth has made impassioned representations to him and already sent his wife and son back to Monmouthshire, which may be enough to prevent the Speaker taking too punitive an action.

However, I have already intimated to Jersey that I will only be satisfied that ladies will be safe in future if it can be seen that the Speaker will be firm in his dealings with miscreants.

Now, as to this becoming public knowledge. I have already heard enough from other ladies that rumours are swirling. I have made it abundantly clear that they know I was there, that I know what happened and that I will cut the family and rescind their vouchers to Almacks next season.

I have informed my husband and hope it will also get back to the Lord Speaker and he will understand that we will no longer sit idly by while young ladies are blamed for the actions of hot-headed young men who think they are above the rules of society.

I have decided we will remain in town a week or so longer, until most families have left for the country. Then I can ensure that while the incident can be smoothed over as much as possible for Lady Elizabeth’s sake, the Monmouth family still pay the price next season.

I will write again later tonight or tomorrow, when Jersey has told me what the Speaker has decided.

Young Darcy has no idea at the moment what happened, but I have no doubt there will be some inflated and confused stories in the papers, and he will have read those by the time he calls on you. I think his anger will be great; he is obviously very protective of Lady Elizabeth already.

I hope I will have the pleasure of her company again in the autumn. Regardless of her marital status by then, I believe she needs to hold her head high in society next season.

Yours, etc

Sarah Jersey

Osborne smiled, resting the letter on his lap. He was grateful Elizabeth had sought the assistance of Lady Jersey at the reception; she could not have chosen a more influential figure, and it seemed that Lady Jersey would ensure Elizabeth’s reputation was not harmed in any sense. It was well.

Osborne climbed to his feet to pour himself a drink. He would have time for that, and to read Bennet’s letter, before he must refresh himself from the journey and take tea with Elizabeth.

Bennet’s hand was neat and precise. Osborne had grown to enjoy his turn of phrase and surprising insights over the last handful of years since he had informed the man of Elizabeth’s true identity.

He wondered idly what news there was from Hertfordshire that Elizabeth’s sister might not write to her about.

Your Grace,

I was called upon immediately after luncheon today by Mr. Darcy, and I understand from him that you have set out with Lady Elizabeth to the north early this morning.

Darcy! Osborne sat up. What had he gone there for?

I was surprised to see him, and he seemed a little discomposed to be here. But I understand that he will stay at Netherfield tonight and then travel north.

He gave me to understand that with your consent, he has been calling upon Elizabeth, and I wondered at it, but did not comment.

He did not say that anything had occurred in town, but it seemed to me that something must have, because he did say that the end of the season has arrived not a moment too soon, and you felt she would be safer in Lancaster.

He was not his usual fluent self, I thought, but I gained the impression that he hopes he might soon be in a position of being able to offer for Lady Elizabeth, and hopes she may return his affections and give him the honour of her hand.

He told me that he thought she would be pleased if, as well as gaining your consent, he spoke to me as her childhood papa to gain my consent, unnecessary though it is.

I confess I was quite touched at the thought, and he seemed anxious to convey to me the depth of his devotion to her.

I am surprised, though, because I felt you would not have been able to put the knowledge that he is a Darcy behind you. If you have, then I can tell you that I believe him and am sure he loves her deeply — if it makes any difference to your decision.

Yes, it made a difference. Osborne folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket, along with the one from Lady Jersey.

Let Darcy tell Elizabeth about his call on her papa. His lips curved; she would be very touched by his thoughtfulness, as he himself was.

He leaned his head back. Already he was becoming used to thinking of Darcy without the prod of anger in his mind at the thought of the name.

He nodded to himself. It had begun with those letters of condolence, years ago. This Darcy was a fine young man, and Osborne was rather ashamed of his stubborn antipathy. He could certainly have no objection to a marriage between him and Elizabeth, and it would be a relief to have her safe.

He grimaced — would he really be able to face staying with them at Pemberley? He doubted anything had changed there, and, even though it had been twenty years, the memory and pain was still sharp and clear.

He could stay at Consall Hall, of course, but that might be uncomfortable, especially as Lord Robert had been found wanting in his mind.

Peak House! Of course. He could stay with the Gardiners whenever he wished, and they would make him welcome; without being over-familiar, they still were not obsequious.

It would be restful, and he could assist in having the children accepted as sons and daughters of a gentleman.

They would be honorary nieces and nephews and would help occupy his time until grandchildren ran around Pemberley to help him feel at home.

He shuddered; would Elizabeth be safe in childbirth? With an exclamation, he jumped to his feet. He must not think about that at this moment. It was time to refresh himself and join her for tea.