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“It will be as you suggest. But you are right, we have to do something. She is like a plant that is just withering away.”

--

Andrew Fitzwilliam, Viscount Stonehaven, read the short note from his mother. Rather than wait until September to visit, as she suggested, he would cut short his hunting trip and journey down to Bath in the middle of August. It immediately brought to mind a certain young Baroness who he could not get out of his thoughts. That it was two more weeks without the company of Darcy was just a bonus. Andrew was finding his cousin to be ever more stern. There was more than a touch of Cromwell about Darcy, puritanical and pompous. They appeared to have the same perspective on fun!

--

“You have told me that I can ask any question, and that you will not be offended.”

“That is true. What do you wish to ask?”

“Are you hiding on your estate?”

“A fair critique of my behaviour. I am not hiding, yet at the same time I appear to be trapped as a rich widowed Lady, without the protection of a male relative.”

“It is too soon for your requests to be addressed and for Mr. Lawrence to potentially find someone. It is just that I have always seen you as brave, and it is unlike you to be so passive.”

“I am enjoying spending time on the estate. It brings me much peace, and it is here that my memories of Peter are the strongest.”

They had been 56 years apart in age, but it was clear that Lady Napier had genuinely loved her husband. When you have made a love match, even a tragically short one, then everything you compare it to is going to appear less pure.

“But, your point is well made. Please let Mr. Jones know that I will being heading to Bath tomorrow. The main reason is to further deplete the inventory of Mr. Arbuthnot’s store, but we will dine out while we are there.”

The following morning Elizabeth and Harriet headed into Bath. Joining them in the carriage was Ingrid while the coachman and the groom were joined by Mr. Jones and another of the guards. All four men, as well as Ingrid, had cleaned and reloaded their pistols. But then they did before every trip. None of them ever took any chances.

After a pleasant, and profitable for Mr. Arbuthnot, visit to his book store, they excited onto the bright summer street.

“Shall we walk or take the carriage?”

Elizabeth did not get to answer and she was quietly addressed.

“Baroness Napier?”

It took her a moment to remember the name to go with the face.

“Lady Wilson.”

They curtsied to each other.

“I am sorry to accost you in the street, especially as I am on my way to another engagement. I will send you a note this week.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Lady Wilson.”

The deep masculine tone had them both turning towards the tall officer in his scarlet tunic.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

“Lady Napier, will you allow me to introduce this gentleman.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“There is no need, Lady Wilson. I have been introduced to the Colonel by his mother. We danced and shared supper at one of the events during the season. Colonel.

She curtsied. His bow was deep in return. Lady Wilson wanted to stay and gather some gossip but she was already late and had to depart.

“Lady Napier, it is a pleasure to see you again. I recall being told your estate was just out of town.”