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He folded his hands in his lap. “I am contemplating a significant change in my circumstances in the near future and want to apprise you of my plans.”

A significant change? I moved to the edge of the chair. “Do you mean to resign your employment?”

“Oh no, sir.” His dark eyes grew wide. “If possible, I want nothing more than to continue serving you as I have done these past eleven years. However, you ought to know that I intend to propose marriage to Sarah Jones today.”

“Marriage?” By Jove, I blurted the word in an intemperate mode. With an indrawn breath, I sought a more dispassionate tone. “Pardon me, but I never expected this from you. I had formed the erroneous conclusion that wedded life did not interest you.”

“In the past, I believed that to be true as well. Until I met Sarah, I had never considered taking such a step. She is a singular woman.”

“I surmise your suspicions with regard to her have been dispelled.”

“Indeed, sir.” He winced. “I am ashamed to recall my adverse imaginings back then. After I had known her but a few days, it became clear that she is the last person who could be guilty of any wrongdoing. She is all that is kind, considerate, and gracious.”

“Has she confided in you about her past?”

“No, she has not.” Lines formed between his brows. “I…um…gather the subject is painful, and I hope one day she will want to speak of it. Nevertheless, I care not what happened before we met. I love her with all my heart.”

“And…” I hesitated, for perhaps my question would not be well received. Yet I should not want him to err in the way I had once done. “Do you have reason to believe she returns your feelings?”

“Yes, I have no doubt of that. She and I formed a rapport almost from the beginning of our acquaintance, and she has chosen to spend her free time with me.”

The tension in my shoulders dwindled. “I am very happy for you, and I know Mrs. Darcy will be delighted to hear the news as well.”

“Thank you, sir. I should be obliged if you would wait to tell Mrs. Darcy until after I have spoken to Sarah.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Rest assured, I shall make every effort to attend you with the same diligence as before.”

“I have no doubt of that.” Of course, as a husband, Winston’s needs would alter. “When you are wed, you will require a new residence. You may have your choice of the unoccupied cottages at the west end of the grounds. Furthermore, John will take over your duties one day each week, and Sarah will receive the same day off.” For the past four months, our intelligent and capable young footman had been receiving instruction from my valet.

He sat straighter, and his palms drew together. “Thank you, sir. I greatly appreciate your generosity.”

“Not at all. You deserve no less.” I stood and offered him my hand. Winston rose to his feet and gave my hand a hearty shake. He inclined his head then quitted the room.

On my way downstairs, I pictured Elizabeth’s expression of surprise upon hearing the happy news—she would be delighted. Throughout the day, I should be tempted to tell her before she heard the tidings from Stone or someone else. Nevertheless, I should abide by Winston’s wishes and wait.

That evening, I returned to my chamber to change for dinner with no little anticipation. Elizabeth had given no hint of having heard whispers of an impending union. Perhaps I should be the one to reveal the information to her.

However, my expectant smile vanished upon my first glimpse at Winston. He entered the room in a wooden gait. His complexion had a queer, pallid look, his bearing slightly hunched.

“Good God, Winston, you are ill! Why did you not have John take over your duties?”

“Nay, sir. I am not unwell.” Yet Winston avoided my gaze, and even his voice lacked its usual vitality.

“It is clear you are not yourself.” Dash it all, had Sarah refused him?

“I apologize for alarming you, sir.” His clenched hands twisted before him. “There is not…Sarah did not accept me.”

“That is a shame. I am very sorry to hear it.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“If you would like to take a few days, perhaps go see your brother in London—”

“Indeed no, sir.” He shook his head and straightened his spine. “The best solace I have is the satisfaction from serving you. I have no wish to go elsewhere at present.”

“Very well.” I had lived with this singular variety of rejection for months in the year twelve, and the remembrance of that agony remained fresh in my mind. Nothing I could say or do would ease his hardship—that power rested with the object of his affection.