A deeper colour tinged his ears. “That is true. However, I have returned to Pemberley from time to time.” He raised his index finger. “Rest assured, I have never intruded upon your private moments with Elizabeth. But I have indulged in glimpses of the two of you from afar, sometimes with your children. In addition, I have stopped at the nursery a few times, including today, just before I appeared to you.” His hand lifted to his chest. “I cannot express how honoured I am that you named your son Graham.”
“Well, there is no denying that you made an impression upon us. You also assisted my brothers, my aunt, and my cousin Anne, and I suspect you had a hand in Mr. Andrew Oakley’s transformation as well. No doubt you are aware the former Mrs. Sarah Mead married him in December 1815.”
“Indeed, I contrived the idea of using Mr. Oakley in that particular manner, although the manoeuvre could not have succeeded without my family’s assistance.” He sat forwards in an erect posture. “I have a favour to ask of you.”
I stiffened. What could he possibly want?
“With your agreement, I should like to be a presence in Graham’s life.”
“What sort of presence?”
“I want to return once each year and stay for a few days to spend time with Graham as a friend and advisor.”
“A few days each year?”
“Yes.” He smoothed his lapel, and his smile took a sheepish turn. “My absence in 1815 caused a bit of chaos, so my family is adamant that I stay no more than three days at a time.”
Shorter visits ought to be easier for me to tolerate, yet he could complicate our lives in unforeseen ways. I twisted my signet ring.
“My hope is that your son will view me like an uncle or a friend.”
Did I want Graham to return…or to advise my son? I raised the brandy to my mouth but lowered it without taking a drink. “What if I refuse?”
He sobered. “Then I shall respect your wishes.”
“Well, that is a vast improvement over last time.”
With a wince, Graham lowered his gaze. “Since then, I have learnt my lesson. I shall not abuse my powers again.”
I took a sip of brandy. “In any event, I should not make this decision without Elizabeth. After you left, I told her everything.” I rang the servant’s bell, and my butler soon arrived. He started when his gaze veered towards Graham.
“Rutley, ask Mrs. Darcy if she would care to join Mr. Graham and me here.”
“Yes, sir.”
Within five minutes, the door opened and Elizabeth entered. Graham and I stood. Since my youngest son’s birth, she had eschewed her usual hair arrangements for a simpler one and dressed in plain, muslin gowns such as the current green garment. Nevertheless, her beauty and captivating presence animated the room.
She glanced at me, then went to the angel, extending her hand. “Graham, this is a pleasant surprise.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “Elizabeth, I am delighted to see you again. You are as beautiful as ever.”
“That is a generous falsehood.” She brushed her hand down the sleeve of her gown, and her lips pursed. “I wanted to greet you, though I am not dressed to receive guests today.”
“Anyone would be privileged to look upon your loveliness.” Graham shot me a quick look. “I know Darcy agrees with me.”
“You are correct.” I moved a chair closer to the other two, and we all took seats. I restated Graham’s request for her benefit.
Elizabeth studied him. “Why do you want to do this for our son?”
He leaned towards her, placing his hands upon his thighs. “Well, as he is my namesake, it seems fitting for me to be a part of his life. And as a second son, he is the one most apt to benefit from the attention. Bennet enjoys the advantages and respect commensurate with being the heir, whilst Jane has the distinction of being your only daughter.”
She locked eyes with me. “What are your thoughts?”
“Well, notwithstanding Graham’s explanation, it would be odd for him to engage with our youngest son but not with Bennet or Jane.”
“Yes, I agree.” My wife tapped her lower lip. “After all, whilst our children are young, they will often be together.”
“I understand your concern.” Graham’s sight flitted between Elizabeth and me. “So, you will allow me to spend time withGraham as long as Jane and Bennet, assuming they are present, are invited to join us.”
