“Why would he? I may be the second son, but I am not a bad prospect.”
“You know that is not what I meant.”
Fitzwilliam scoffed and waved him off. “You are right. I forgot who I was talking to. ’Tis a fair concern.”
“You will still have to wait a few weeks—the banns must be read. You may even need a licence.”
“A parson’s blessing will suffice for now,” the colonel said, brushing aside the formalities. “We shall see to the rest in due course.”
Although he had half expected this outcome, Darcy was still surprised by the speed with which events were unfolding. Just days ago, such an action would have been unthinkable.
He took a moment to ponder the information. It was a rushed decision, but who was he to object? This was a good match, and they were in love. Well, at least Anne was. He had separated a couple in love before, bringing great pain to both parties, and he would not make the same mistake a second time.
Darcy extended his hand. “Congratulations are in order. This is welcome news, and I wish you and Anne every happiness. She deserves some joy after all she has endured.”
The colonel nodded his acceptance. “You know,” he said, “I always assumed Lady Catherine would outlive us all. Anne’s future was too uncertain, so I never considered her a serious prospect until just recently. Had she lingered another year or two, I would have been long gone—married to money and dull conversation.”
“None of us could have foreseen this. Her death has changed many things.”
“Good riddance,” Fitzwilliam said bluntly.
“We only need to await the constable’s arrival. Bevan called this morning to express his sympathy for the fire and offer his house in case we need more lodging. He sent word to the mainland requesting help in the investigation. The coroner will probably arrive tomorrow or the day after.”
The colonel lifted one shoulder. “There is not much to say. The crime is solved.”
“That should be left to others to decide.”
“Collins attacked Anne, and we know he was responsible for our aunt’s murder.” The colonel pounded his fist into his palm to emphasize his words.
“Yes, it appears so.” Darcy rubbed his chin, doubt creeping into his heart once again. “Though I am not certain.”
“Why would you think otherwise? The evidence against the parson is irrefutable.”
“I know not what to think anymore. His last words were so confusing.”
Fitzwilliam's eyebrows arched up. “Youspokewith him? What did he say?”
“Nothing that made much sense. He went on like a madman, rambling in regard to the house, Anne, and evils that endure within the walls of Rosings. He even said the family was not to be trusted.”
“God knows what was in his mind. After all the abuse he suffered from our aunt, I would not be surprised if he intended to kill all those related to her, you and me included.”
“Perhaps. He visited the old chapel several times and found some obscure writings within the family chronicles. Perhaps that affected his reasoning.”
“The man was mad. We cannot have expected him to act rationally. Anne told me Collins was completely out of his wits when he attacked her.”
He nodded, too tired to argue a different conclusion. “There is also the matter of Mrs. Jenkinson’s death.”
“I still believe it was an accident.”
Darcy laid his head back on the armchair, lacking the strength to argue further. His eyelids were heavy, and he struggled to keep them open. He blinked slowly and glanced at his injured hand. Could Mrs. Smith’s medicine be the cause of his present fatigue? Probably not. Five or six hours of rest were not enough to compensate for three days of sleeplessness and the hardships his aching body had been put through. Perhaps he should retire for the day. Slumber had served to ease the pain that morning, and surely it would make him feel better now.
He slowly climbed the stairs and, without any other ceremony than taking his shoes off, let his body sink into his bed and fell fast asleep.
***
Elizabeth knocked softly on Charlotte’s door before entering. Her friend sat on the bed, her hands resting limply in her lap, eyes swollen from hours of crying.
“Charlotte?” Elizabeth’s voice was gentle as she approached. “Maria told me you were upset and would not come out of your chamber.”
