Fitz looked at Darcy, then back at his brother.
“What is the point in telling you, dunderhead, when you have no concept of time?” Fitz shot back.
For the next few seconds, not another word was said. Then, suddenly, the three of them dissolved into fits of laughter.
Once they were able to bring their hilarity under control, Uncle Byron said, “Care to share the joke with us?”
“Ah, no, Father. It is better that we not do that,” Stafford said.
At his words, Fitz and Darcy began chuckling again, while Stafford simply grinned.
The earl and countess smiled at each other and shook their heads.
During luncheon, they spoke about the terrible storm Darcy endured in Hertfordshire and the state of Netherfield Park.
“Do you think Bingley will try to find another estate to lease?” Stafford asked.
“He might. I think if he were to come across another one so close to London, he would definitely lease it,” Darcy said.
After the meal, they continued to visit. Fitz’s new wealth and prospects were discussed. He informed his parents of his decision to begin searching for an estate.
“Since there is a possibility that it could take a while to find an estate, I would rather not delay,” Fitz said.
“I think that is an excellent plan, son,” Uncle Byron agreed.
“I am glad you think so, Father, because I have other plans that you will not be quite so pleased with.”
“Is that so?”
Watching her son closely, Aunt Sophia said, “Let us continue this conversation in the parlor.”
“Of course, Mother,” Fitz said.
When they entered the parlor, Darcy closed the door behind them and took a seat. Fitz had remained standing.
“You have not changed your mind about leaving the army?” Aunt Sophia asked, a worried expression on her face.
He smiled at her. “No, Mother, I assure you I have not changed my mind.”
She brought her hand to her chest and sighed a deep breath of relief.
“Andrew and Darcy both have reminded me of the attention my newfound wealth will garner," he began. "Once it is publicknowledge, I know it will not be long before I am hounded by the matchmaking mamas and their daughters.”
“I know it can be a hassle, son, but it is to be expected. You need not be any more gracious to the young ladies than you already are,” his father assured him.
“Of course, I shall be gracious. What I shall not do is marry one of them.”
“You mean to remain a bachelor?” his father asked with raised brows.
“No, sir, I mean to marry, just not—”
“Just not a young woman of the ton,” Aunt Sophia correctly deduced.
He gave her a short nod. “That is correct, Mother.”
The earl’s brow furrowed as he stared at his youngest son. “I do not understand, Richard. Why do you not wish for a young woman from your own circle?”
“Let us face it, Father. Most of these young women were never an option for me. The families of the ton did not consider me as a possible suitor for their daughters, and that is fine. However, I see no reason to change that now simply because my situation has changed. Even before I came into this inheritance, I was no pauper. I had a tidy sum in my own right. It may not have been enough to please most families, but if I had taken an heiress to wife, we would have been well-off,” Fitz said.
