Hamilton seemed to regard him warily, then nodded. “I thank you for your consideration. I would not want the lady I plan to marry to be regarded as anything less than respectable.”
The men stood in silence for a few seconds with Hamilton glancing out the window before looking back to Darcy. At last, Darcy asked, “And when shall I finally be able to wish you joy?”
“Soon. With the acquisition of this other property, I can have a dowager house built for her mother and sisters should the need arise. My plan is almost at an end.”
“Do you mean to say you will not offer for her until the home is complete?”
“Yes. What if the worst should occur before then? I cannot stomach the idea of residing under the same roof as her female relations, saving Miss Jane Bennet, of course. Can you blame me? You yourself have been exposed to them.”
“But you had grown up with them. I would assume you could manage their oddities more than most.”
“Just because I could does not mean I wish to.”
His small smile was likely meant as a bridge between both men, but all Darcy saw was the censure of Miss Elizabeth in his eyes. “How can you dangle about? The albatross that is the mother cannot compare to your protection! You rent a home in London for Mrs. Bennet. Or you secure Longbourn from whoever is to inherit until the dowager house is complete. You should not risk losing the prize for these mere excuses.”
“As you say. Well…” Hamilton extended his hand, interrupting Darcy’s treatise. “I must be off, Darcy. Thank you for your time. And your counsel.”
“Very well, then. Good luck on your endeavors.”
After Hamilton exited the room, Richard poured himself a generous drink. Darcy raised his brow at his cousin.
“After what I just witnessed, I would imagine you could use something to calm your nerves as well.”
“Calm my nerves…?”
“What was that about, Darcy?”
Darcy waved his hand dismissively. “Only some estate advice. He had a question about some land to purchase. That is all.”
“Oh?” Richard took a drink and studied his cousin as he sat on an ottoman. “Well, if it is nothing, then let me continue on my vein of thought. How lovely to see Miss Bennet this morning!”
Darcy’s eyebrows raised again, then he relaxed as a slight smile played at the corner of his lips.
Richard watched Darcy for a moment longer. “I have been ruminating on your future with Anne. Do you not think it would be appropriate for her to come by Darcy House more often to acclimate herself to her new home? She should begin to choose colors for the mistress’s chamber and take up her role as the future lady of Darcy House.”
Darcy then rose and walked to his bookshelf before choosing a tome. “You are right, Richard. There are only two months left before the marriage. Perhaps I need to concern my own efforts on preparing for my future.”
“The banns have not been read, have they?” Richard swirled the liquid around in his crystal glass and eyed his cousin.
“No,” Darcy said over his shoulder. “Aunt Catherine wants it to be done with special license so we can choose our date immediately with respect to Anne’s health in the winter. I did not fight her decision.”
“You never do.”
“Pardon?” he asked turning to face his cousin before reclaiming his chair.
“I said, you never do. You never fight anyone’s decision.”
“Your point?”
“And why not?” Richard asked him, slamming his hand down on the arm of the chair next to him. “Why not?”
Darcy stared at his cousin, speechless.
Richard stood and set his glass on a small table. “Why? Why do you not fight for want you want? Why do you simply accept your duty?” Richard threw his hands up in the air. “Darcy, you are one of the most powerful men in England. You are a brilliant land owner. You have increased the capital of Pemberley and holdings in the five years since your father’s death—more than in either your father’s lifetime or that of your grandfather’s.
“You are unwilling to accept less than perfection for your home, for Georgiana, from your staff…why would you not accept perfection for your own life?”
“Richard, I…”
