“He is young, but what better experience than estate managing to help him gain the resolve he lacks? You must own that he displays an admirable strength of character to be so unaffected by his critical, grasping sisters.”
Richard continued swirling his drink, clearly unconvinced.
“As for guidance, he only requires good direction until he is able to make his own choices.”
“And you are the best one to give such direction? As if you do not already have enough to manage, you must take on Bingley and his entire household? He is a man, for goodness’ sake, not a property!”
Reasonable arguments, but they were all nullified with one, simple, undeniable fact. “He makes Georgiana happy.”
“And what Georgiana wants, she gets? You are coddling her, Darcy.”
Darcy felt the accusation like an undeserved slap in the face. What did Richard know of the past four months? His cousin lived his life by the orders of others—be it his commanding officer or his mother. He had not been in Ramsgate. He had not dealt with Wickham or seen Georgiana’s heart break before his very eyes. He had not been forced to conceal what, if discovered, would ruin her prospects. Clasping his trembling hands together, Darcy commanded his voice to steady. “She wept for weeks, refusing to eat, and keeping to her rooms. I tempted her with instruments, music, paints, books… all her favorite things, but the only creature she allowed to console her was Serafina.”
“Why, then, do you not give her another cat instead of Bingley? Georgiana might only like him because she senses your approval. You do not need a new project; you need a wife! You are soon to be twenty-eight.”
“Is that your purpose in coming here, Rich? You might have spared yourself the journey and saved your breath, for I cannot rightfully see to my own happiness until I am convinced that Georgiana is safe and content.”
“And you think Bingley is the answer? You do not know how to help Georgie any more than I do. She needs a sister. You need a wife!”
“How could I neglect her for another woman just when she is recovering from her heartsickness? You cannot expect me to be so cruel.”
“She seemed to be perfectly fine to me minutes ago.”
Darcy gestured wildly. “Thanks to Bingley.” Clasping his hands again, Darcy calmed his breath. “I am well aware that he is full young, but so were we once.”
“Can you remember that far back?”
Darcy ignored the comment. An eternity had passed since he had been able to live with only his own future in mind. But his experience had taught him that a great deal could be learned in a short period of time, and this gave him hope for Bingley. “A few years managing his own affairs, having others dependent on his care, will grant him the maturity and steadiness he lacks.”
Richard looked at him askance. “He is a puppy! A lovable puppy, but time consuming and far too amiable for his own good.”
“I shall not actively encourage the match. In fact, my aim is to encourage Bingley to let an estate some distance from Pemberley. There is a serviceable property in Hertfordshire, only half a day’s ride from London. It has been empty for several years and will need more of Bingley’s attention than the other options my secretary found.”
“Keepyouoccupied, you mean. What if Bingley falls in love with some country squire’s daughter? What will you tell Georgiana then?”
“He will be too busy for flirtations.”
Richard barked a laugh. “Bingley? Too busy for a pretty face? This is high-handed, even for you!”
A floorboard creaked outside the door, putting a quick end to their conversation. Georgiana’s beloved pet wandered inside, pushing the door wider as she passed, the bell around her neck jingling with every step.
Richard leaned down to pet her. “Was that you that made the floor squeak? You should tell Cook not to feed her extra scraps. Or is this the doing of the mouser in the kitchen?”
Serafina left Richard to hop onto Darcy’s lap, displaying her superior taste. “She is too grand a lady to pay the tomcat any mind.” He rubbed under her chin. “Besides, with the servants trained to listen for her bell and Georgiana’s constant doting, such an unseemly union is unlikely.” She leaned against his chest, rubbing her head against his jaw and purring loudly.
“Cats are not as fastidious as you are. Come, Darce, I have had to delay romance until I could afford to wed without being mercenary in my selection, but you—”
Darcy did not care for the direction of this conversation. “How are your investments performing?”
Richard frowned, but he allowed for the shift in topic. “Thanks to my early investments in the colonies, I have had sufficient capital to invest in other industries. Had you not advised me against Trevithick’s steam locomotive, I would be even better positioned.”
“His ideas are sound, but his engine is too heavy. In my opinion, Matthew Murray and George Stephenson will do more to advance the locomotive.”
Richard grinned. “While you and the gentlemen in your clubs argue over who to back, I shall continue to invest in the steel used to make the iron behemoths.”
Darcy was glad Richard had used his strategic mind to benefit himself outside his military profession. He could not remain in the army forever, nor was he the kind of gentleman to be content living off the charity of others.
“That was a nice aside, Darcy, but I shall carry out my mission. Every year you delay marriage gives Aunt Catherine more reason to believe you intend to marry Anne.”
