He read that passage again.
“Mr. Allen seems to love her very much…”
Allen loved her. There was no surprise in that. What man, once he came to know her, could fail to fall in love? Yet Georgiana had not written that Elizabeth loved him in return. Only that “she has opened her heart to him, for she appears quite happy, and when he is with us, she has eyes for no one else.”
Perhaps there was hope.
She had not yet fallen in love. Perhaps…
He must not delay. If there remained any chance at all, he must seize it.
Darcy moved to the writing desk, and within a short time, two letters lay completed. The one addressed to Charles requested his hospitality. The other was written to his solicitor.
“Kendall, use the marriage articles my father prepared for his marriage to my mother when drafting my own.”
He sent his groom with the two letters to Matlock to be delivered by express, and then he dressed for dinner and went to join his family.
When he entered the drawing room, he was pleased to see Phillip seated upon a sofa in quiet conversation with Lady Abigail. In another part of the room, Richard sat in a corner with Lady Anise, listening intently as she spoke. Aunt Helen and Uncle Henry attended closely to Lady Harrington, who was recounting some anecdote with cheerful laughter.
His family appeared much improved. Richard’s shoulder had mended entirely, and Phillip was again upon his feet. Though he remained somewhat weakened by his ordeal, he had regained much of his weight, and he was able to walk outdoors for short distances before he tired. Darcy felt no anxiety for his elder cousin’s recovery. He drew near to his uncle and addressed him.
“Uncle Henry, I must depart early tomorrow morning upon an urgent matter of business. May I request a word with you in your study? It is still an hour before dinner. My cousins should be present as well.”
Henry Fitzwilliam studied his nephew’s face, and his own expression grew grave.
“Of course, nephew. Richard, call your brother. Let us retire to my study. Helen, my dear, we shall return in time for dinner.”
Lady Helen turned anxious eyes upon her nephew. “Is Georgiana well, Fitzwilliam?”
His expression softened into a smile. “She is very well, Aunt. She spends her days visiting tenants and sewing garments for the poor and could scarcely be happier unless she were permitted to eat ices at Gunter’s every day.”
Lady Helen laughed.
“It is only business that requires discussion with my uncle, for I must leave in the morning before he rises. You will excuse us?”
“Of course. I shall not trouble myself if it is only business that has distressed you, my dear boy.”
When they were seated in the earl’s study, Darcy began.
“Uncle Henry, Richard, and I have completed our inspection of the estate. The land is in good order, and preparations for the spring planting are completed. I have written to the architect who will draw up the plans for the drainage system on the west side. Since Richard continues to act on Phillip’s behalf, I have provided his name, and Evans will direct correspondence to him.”
He paused. “Uncle, I released the head groundsman today.”
Henry’s eyebrows rose sharply, and both cousins straightened.
“The man was embezzling. Upon reviewing the ledgers, I discovered that he has stolen 5,000 pounds over the past 5 years. I am sorry to say that this could only have occurred with the knowledge of your steward. As the men are related, I believe the steward concealed the theft on behalf of his uncle. You must determine whether you wish to dismiss him as well.”
Darcy continued. “I received a letter today and must return to London to address a personal business matter.”
Seeing their concern, he added quickly, “It is a simple matter that requires my attention. You need not worry for Georgiana or for me.”
He turned to Richard. “John says he will recover the money his uncle embezzled. He will meet with you tomorrow to return it.”
“Write to me at Darcy House if you require any further assistance. I will take my leave of you now, since my plan is to depart early tomorrow morning.”
Darcy moved toward Phillip and embraced him. “I am glad beyond measure to see how well you have recovered. When next we meet, I expect you to be entirely yourself again.”
Then he turned to his uncle and embraced him. “Uncle Henry, I hope to return within two months. Write to me if you require my presence sooner.”
