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“Is that because a certain former officer, the master of Rosings Park has caught your eye?” Elizabeth asked slyly.

“No…yes…possibly,” Mary hedged. “I have not seen Mr Fitzwilliam for some time, as he has been working hard to put his estate to rights. I hear his cousin has been a great help to him.” She paused to cogitate. “We were never anything beyond friends; he may not even think of me in that way.”

“I thought we addressed him as Richard?” Elizabeth enquired.

“Well, yes, I meant Richard. If he attends my ball, I will know if there is any interest by the set, or sets, he requests.” Mary got a dreamy look in her eye as she spoke of Richard dancing with her.

“You know neither Archy, Uncle Edward, nor Uncle Frank will allow any man who has not declared himself for you to dance more than two sets. Even with two, it would have to be someone like Richard who has known you for a long time.” Elizabeth paused and changed the subject, slightly.

“You do know there are rumours about your dowry in society, do you not? Add to that the connections you have, and you will be a prime target for matrimonial intrigue. We will have to guard against fortune hunters, which is why no new acquaintances will be granted more than one set.”

“I am very happy that I, we, are all so well protected.” Mary smiled as she had a thought. “Can you imagine any man attempting something with John, Brian, and some of their men posted at points in the ballroom?”

“No, I cannot.” Elizabeth giggled. “It would not be a mistake a man who tried his luck would make again.”

“What say you we take a ride among the trees in Marylebone Park? After my practice this morning, I could do with a good ride on Aphrodite, and I am sure you would like to let Jamil run a little, even if you have to use the hated side-saddle because we are in London.”

“That is a good idea. I will go to the nursery and see if either Gracie or Winston needs to be fed, kiss Matty, and then I will have Lettie assist me into a riding habit.”

“May I join you to visit my niece and nephews?”

“What kind of question is that? You know you are welcome to visit the nursery any time and how much the children love you, especially when you play the pianoforte. You have them all in fits of giggles—well, for the twins, smiles and gurgles.”

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Ever since word reached the Ton that Richard Fitzwilliam was no longer a poor second son but the master of Rosings Park and Fitzwilliam House—not to mention the owner of the rather large former de Bourgh fortune—he had become as much of a target for those with marriage on their minds as was his cousin, William.

Even though his income was less than that of the Darcys, the fact that he owned his property already, unlike William, he was seen as a more attractive target for those looking to marry a rich and well-connected man.

“It is good to be back in London again,” Richard told his cousin as they rode in Marylebone Park. As this park was far less used by the Ton than Hyde Park, they liked to ride here instead.

“It is, is it not?” William drawled. “Your desire to attend this Little Season has nothing to do with a certain Miss Bennet’s entry into society, does it?” As soon as he mentioned her younger sister, William’s mind conjured the face of Her Grace, the Duchess of Hertfordshire.

He had come to realise he was in love with Lady Elizabeth, and it was a love which would never be requited. He was not blind. Beside the fact she was married, she and the Duke were besotted with one another.

Even had she not presented him with an heir and a spare, William was certain the love he had witnessed between them would not abate, even had they no children.

If that had occurred, then he was sure His Grace would not have repined Barrington succeeding him to the title.

He would not, could not, ever allow anyone to know how he felt about Lady Elizabeth.

He would love her from afar, and having her as his ideal woman would make finding a wife nigh on impossible.

He was brought out of his head when he heard Richard speak.

“When does Bingley arrive in London?” Richard enquired.

“In the next few days,” William replied. “I look forward to seeing him again. He has vowed that none of us will be in company with the shrew. He has checked her behaviour and does not allow her to manipulate him any longer. I like this strong, assertive Bingley.”

“I, too, am impressed.” Richard cogitated for a second. “On a different subject, do you think Miss Bennet or her guardians will grant me more than one set with her?”

“You may ask her and Lady Elizabeth yourself.” William cocked his head towards the two riders—with several escorts—approaching them.

“Richard, William, well met,” Elizabeth called out as they approached the cousins, who were on their stallions. “I assume like us, you prefer to be away from the ‘see and be seen’ crowd on Rotten Row?”

“Good day, Lady Elizabeth, Miss Mary,” Richard greeted and gave a half bow in the saddle.

William mirrored his cousin’s salutation. “You have the right of it, Lady Elizabeth. That and the fact we can ride freely in this park without all the horses, carriages, and people.”

The guards maintained their positions, as the two men were known to them and were no threat to their charges.

The former officer guided Invictus until he was riding next to the lady to whom he was losing his heart. “Miss Mary, are you looking forward to your coming-out ball?” Richard queried.

“Did I not give you leave to address me as Mary?” She asked with an arched eyebrow, just like her older sister was wont to do.

“Yes, Mary , you did, but that was when you were younger, before you came out in society. I did not want to assume, but I am more than pleased to address you thus and have you call me Richard,” he replied with a wide grin.

He decided it was now or never. “Mary, do I ask too much to reserve the supper and final sets with you at your ball?”

“I would be happy to cede those sets to you, but you need permission from one of my guardians to dance a second set with me,” Mary explained. “For my part, I hope you are granted permission.” Mary blushed deeply at her forwardness.

“In that case, unless you or Lady Elizabeth object, William and I will ride back to Hertfordshire House, so I may make my request of Hertfordshire,” Richard stated.

Elizabeth had been watching the interaction with glee. “I believe that Archy is at his leisure, so he will be able to see you when we return,” she said. “How is everything at Rosings Park, and how does your Cousin Anne do?”

“Richard is doing very well,” William responded as he rode next to the lady who had unintentionally bewitched him. He was careful to keep a proper distance.

“I have had good teachers,” Richard asserted. “William here has been invaluable, but my father, Uncle Robert, Andrew, and Barrington have all assisted me. As far as Anne goes, she is as well as can be expected. In fact, she is with me in London and will attend Mary’s ball at Hertfordshire House.”

After a nice convivial ride, about an hour later, they reached Hertfordshire House. Richard had his interview with the Duke, and much to his and Mary’s pleasure, the request for a second set was granted.