“Do you love her?”
“Who?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam sat across from Darcy, leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, and sighed before looking up at his cousin. “Yes.Anne. Do you love her? Do you really love Anne?”
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley had been raised to hide his feelings. He was allowed the freedom to express his joy and fears as a child but with the loss of his father, duty and responsibility took the forefront of his life. He looked up at Richard and said nothing.
“My dear cousin,” Richard said. “I am not the only one who knows your secret.”
“Anne?” Darcy asked, darting to his feet. “Please tell me Anne has not perceived it.”
Richard harrumphed. “How can she not? When you are in her presence, you hardly speak to her unless it is in regards to the weather or her health. You show little interest in her.”
“Who would know her likes or dislikes other than her mother? And still, I can assure you that even Lady Catherine is unaware of Anne’s favorites.”
“Her favorite what?”
“Anything. Painter, author, color. Who would know those things? She would have to speak to learn any of these.”
“Some might say learning such things are a necessity to a happy marriage.”
Darcy shook his head. “Well… Honor and duty is all that is required of me to fulfill a lifetime of marriage.”
“What would your mother say? Your father?”
Darcy threw up his hands and paced around the study. “It is my mother’s wish so I assume she would agree.”
After a moment, Richard cleared his throat. “Da Vinci.”
“Pardon me?”
“Da Vinci. Anne’s favorite artist is Da Vinci. Her favorite author is Shakespeare. She especially likes his comedies. But her favorite artist is Da Vinci.”
“And how do you know this?” Darcy slowly walked to his desk and sat down, studying his cousin intently.
Richard met his scrutiny directly. “I asked her.”
“You did?”
“Yes.”
Darcy let out a deep breath. “And why Da Vinci?”
Richard waited a moment before answering. “Because he is not only an artist but an inventor, mathematician, and scientist. Anne found a book about Da Vinci’s experiments and was enthralled by his discoveries. She has a very sharp mind.”
Realization hit Darcy’s as he wondered at his cousin’s feelings for Anne.
They slipped back into silence.
“And where is this conversation to lead, Cousin? What has been going through your mind?”
Richard grinned and leaned forward in his chair. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet? I am not sure I understand your meaning.”
“Do you not?”
“No, I do not.” Darcy opened his ledgers and took up his quill. “Now, if you will excuse me, Richard, I have work I must attend.”
