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D arcy climbed the great steps of Pemberley, smiling at his sister.

“Good morning, Georgie!” He extended his hand, and she rushed to hug him.

“William! It’s been so long. I’m so pleased you’re here.” She raised her head. “But why didn’t you tell me you would be arriving?” She stepped back and observed him carefully.

Darcy offered her his arm. “I couldn’t miss the opportunity to break my journey here and see you, my dear. Let us take some refreshments and exchange our news, perhaps.”

Georgiana took his arm, and they turned for the door. Then she hesitated and looked back. “Are you not staying, William? The servants are not unpacking the coaches.”

“I cannot stay more than a few hours today, Georgie,” he said carefully, watching the light in her eyes die.

He patted the hand that rested on his arm. “But I wonder if you might want to join me when I have explained myself.”

She brightened immediately. “I’m glad I didn’t stay at Matlock with Aunt Alice if I might have missed the opportunity, William!”

Darcy berated himself. Of course, he’d seen little of her for some months, and she must have missed him. Naturally, he’d missed her, but his mind was occupied with Elizabeth, so he’d not considered properly his sister’s feelings.

But he wondered if it would have been easier in Lancaster if he had been able to arrive without worrying about the occupations of his sister.

Still, he would do what was needed to please these two ladies in his life.

And he might have the opportunity to introduce Georgiana to Elizabeth.

He hoped they would be good friends, even if Georgiana could not replace Mrs. Bingley for closeness to Elizabeth.

“Tell me,” Georgiana sat on the edge of the sofa, teacup in hand, “have you seen more of Miss Elizabeth Bennet? You seemed to really enjoy her company when you wrote about her from Hertfordshire.”

Darcy felt warmth spreading round the back of his neck. He must not show his embarrassment. But of course, things were different now.

“Richard told me I’d mentioned Miss Elizabeth in my letters, Georgiana. I assure you, it was unconsciously done.”

Georgiana laughed. “When I told him it seemed that way, he said it must mean you were enamoured with her.”

Darcy jerked his head irritably. “Yes, well. It was very difficult, because Miss Elizabeth was the daughter of a minor country gentleman, and the family had some members with deplorable manners, absolutely deplorable. I could not consider aligning myself with the family, even though she was all that was delightful.”

Georgiana seemed to diminish in her seat. “Was? Has something happened to her? Oh, William, I’m so sorry.”

He reached out his hand. “Don’t be, Georgie, dear. I will admit that I had some bad months after I realised she had left the country when I returned to see her, and I seemed to have lost the opportunity to court her.” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“But in your study of the society pages, you’ve noticed the arrival of Lady Elizabeth Osborne in society?”

She nodded, frowning. “How does that connect to Hertfordshire, though?”

He smiled tightly. “It appears that the Duke of Lancaster was beside himself with grief at the loss of his wife in childbirth, and also felt that his daughter would not be safe in society, so he hid her away secretly as a baby with a minor family in Hertfordshire for her childhood.”

Georgiana’s hands were over her mouth. “No!”

He chuckled. “Yes. But I don’t know if you know much about the history between the Osbornes and the Darcys? I haven’t felt the need to acquaint you with it.”

“History? No.” She looked puzzled.

“Well, if we are travelling on, I can explain it all in the coach, as it is a long story. But suffice it to say, the duke was determined that no Darcy could possibly be welcome in the same room as an Osborne.”

“Oh, William!” Georgiana’s eyes were huge as she stared at him. “What will you do?”

“Again, I’ll explain in the coach, Georgie.

But I think we are on the right path, and I hope you will wish me well.

” He rose to his feet. “Now, I will go up and refresh myself from the journey, we can have a good lunch, and then, if you still wish to accompany me, you can pack and we may leave soon afterwards. I’d like to get as far as Cheadle Hulme if possible, before we stop for the night. ”

As he washed in his familiar chamber, Darcy considered what to say to Georgiana. He had almost forgotten she was a young lady now, and could not be kept without knowing of his intentions. But until he was sure of himself, he didn’t wish to raise her hopes — or seem too confident himself.

On an impulse, he crossed the room and opened the door to the adjoining chamber where the mistress of Pemberley would take her place. He looked round the room, remembering visiting his mother in the mornings when he was a small boy.

The room was spotless, of course. He would expect nothing less with the loyal and efficient staff he had here, but the decor was dated and dull.

He must speak to Mrs. Reynolds before he left for Lancaster.

Elizabeth would want to refurbish the chamber to her own tastes, but it must be refreshed before he brought her home.

It was the day after they had arrived at Briarwood, and he had settled Georgiana with Mrs. Annesley before taking his leave of her for the morning.

Darcy gazed at the castle as he approached. It was a daunting vista; did he really want the responsibility of all this? He had more than enough wealth; more than enough people whose lives were under his power to improve or harm.

He shook his head. If it was the only way to be able to take Elizabeth as his wife, then that was what he would do.

A bewigged footman appeared at the door, and Darcy forced his expression to remain impassive — a knight in armour would have appeared less incongruous. Behind the man was the butler, who bowed courteously.

Darcy extended his card. “His Grace suggested I call with my card when I arrived in the country.” He placed the card on the small silver tray extended by the butler and followed him into the great antechamber.

He didn’t have to wait long before the butler returned. “This way, if you please, Mr. Darcy.”

The duke’s library was as pleasant as Darcy’s own, the light illuminating only the lower area. He glanced up at the soaring pillars to the great arched ceiling.

“Yes, it is hard to heat in the winter,” the duke was following his gaze. “I live mostly in the newer, smaller wing and leave the castle to the sightseers on their tours in the north. The income is pleasing.”

“However, I am impressed with this room, Your Grace,” Darcy smiled, relieved to find the duke seemingly cordial.

“I received you in here, because I want you to know what you are taking on.” The man’s gaze was astute.

Darcy nodded ruefully. “I must say, it is something I would not willingly do — unless it was the only way to take Lady Elizabeth as my bride.”

The duke’s lips twitched. “Her being the heiress to all this is more an impediment than a draw?”

“Certainly,” Darcy agreed. “Those who are avaricious and need the estate would not think so, but I think you feel that is not a good basis for a happy marriage for your daughter.”

“Yet here you are, not at all deterred by the stories in the newspapers.”

“I am not deterred, sir, but I would like your reassurance that Lady Elizabeth was not harmed.” He hesitated. “Lady Jersey called on me just after I had received your note, but she did not say much, and I would like to ease my mind by your confirmation that your daughter is well.”

The duke waited until the coffee had been served, and they were once again alone. “I don’t like to think of it. It was Monmouth’s son, Viscount Castleton, the fool. He and his mother hastily hatched the plot for if Elizabeth retired while the lords were discussing business.”

Darcy’s ire rose. Elizabeth ought to have been safe in that place.

“Yes.” The duke looked tired. “He tried to drag her behind one of the curtained alcoves, knowing that the servants are there to turn away from witnessing anything untoward. Elizabeth, of course, had felt she’d be safe in the presence of the servants.”

He sat forward. “Darcy, I had hoped — and I know Elizabeth did, that you might agree to officially court her, or become betrothed. I think she would wish to feel a developing affection between you, rather than a formal arrangement. But now I believe she will still not be safe from an attempt to compromise her or abduct her to Gretna until she is actually wed.” His eyes were hooded.

“Will you do that for her? Make her safe?”

Darcy bowed his head. “I would like to call upon Lady Elizabeth and ascertain her wishes before I answer you, if you please.”