“This is my holiday. Why should I not choose the best possible body? Just look at these splendid accoutrements.” I ran my hand over the Italian wool coat.
My brother shook his head.
“To what do I owe this visit?” I resumed walking and Clive followed suit.
“You must have known your actions here would not go unnoticed. Your interference with a mortal’s lot has caused our father a great deal of anxiety. You have never gone to such lengths before. Why did you do it?”
Invoking an air of indifference, I shrugged. “When I observed a man take a fatal fall, I acted on impulse to save him. Afterwards, I decided to sojourn in the world of mortals for a time.”
“We are allowed to delay a mortal’s death for no more than seven days.” Clive bent his head to view me. “Are you aware of this?”
What did he take me for? My lips pressed together.
Clive nudged my shoulder. “Graham?”
My exhalation sent wisps of my blond hair aloft. “Yes, of course I know that rule. There is still a bit of time left. Perchance I shall find a way to prevent the man’s death.”
“What did you have in mind?” My brother’s eyes took on the appearance of steel slits. “Do you hope to sacrifice another person in the man’s place?”
“Well…um…I have not finalised the details, but that is a possibility. I understand it has been done on rare occasions. I may substitute another individual if that person is in close proximity to him at the time of his expected death. That should not be too difficult to arrange. I have someone in mind—the man’s aunt, who is staying at the estate.” A distinct image of Lady Catherine’s wizened features came to mind.
Clive’s index finger jabbed my shoulder. “That is but one of the ideas you have contemplated. Have you not imagined taking his wife, Elizabeth, instead and giving her the gift of immortality so she may become your companion?”
Devil take it!My jaw shot forwards. “You have been spying on me! How dare you!”
“What did you expect? Father insisted that I determine why you are here. You cannot keep secrets from me. My skills have always surpassed yours.”
With a groan, I dug my fingers into my nape. Why did my deuced brother have to be so perceptive? “Very well. Maybe I have considered such a plan, but I do not believe it would work. It would be difficult for any mortal to agree to such a drastic change of circumstance with equanimity. And since she has a young child, I do not believe she could be convinced to leave him.” An acrid taste filled my mouth as I uttered that last sentence. I could not alter this truth, much as I may wish to do so.
“Father will be incensed to learn that you have been imposing yourself on these mortals. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are good, decent people. You have no cause to toy with them.”
“What can you mean?” My voice gained strength. “I have done Darcy a tremendous favour! I know very well that he is a fine, honourable man—that is why I cannot decide the best way to proceed.”
“You are deluding yourself and indulging your whims at this man’s expense. You do not want to help Mr. Darcy—you want to be him.”
What? My brother misunderstood me. I did not wish to be Darcy. Did I? No, of course not! I rubbed my hands over my hair. “Despite the fact that I may have considered other options, my primary object now is to save Darcy’s life. I understand it will be a complicated manoeuvre that must be timed with care. If I fail in the endeavour, I shall remain and provide what comfort I may to Mrs. Darcy. She is certain to be devastated by the loss.”
“You are a quixotic fool!” His words dripped with sarcasm. “You propose to spend the next fifty or so years here to comfort Mrs. Darcy? I suppose you plan to marry her.”
“Perhaps. I know not. I should not expect her to fall in love with me straight away. I realize she loves her husband very much, but this body I chose is exceedingly attractive to every female I have encountered and a great many males as well. I am confident I could win her love in time.” In actuality, Elizabeth’s behaviour in my company, though delightful, did not assure me that I could win her heart; she almost seemed to be immune to my charms.
“The longer you remain here, the higher the likelihood that your powers here will diminish.”
“What?” I took an unsteady step and came close to stumbling. “I have not noticed any loss in my abilities. That is not true, is it?”
“Father believes it to be so. Few angels have chosen to remain here more than a day or two, so we cannot be certain.”
Egad, could I bear to stay on here if that meant I should eventually become as helpless as any other mortal?
“Are you in love with Elizabeth Darcy?”
“Me? In love?” An effusive laugh burst from me. “No, of course not. I enjoy Elizabeth’s company and find her attractive. Whyshould I not? She has a unique charm. Her mind is sharp, she has a marvellous sense of humour, and she is extraordinarily kind and generous.”
“I see.” Clive raised his brows, his gaze probing me. “And what of the other lady with whom you have spent your nights?”
“You refer to Sarah Mead.” I swallowed. “She understands that my stay is temporary.”
“And yet you hope to remain and keep company with Elizabeth Darcy.”
