Interior of the billiard room at Lupton House, Devonshire

Lady Matlock waited until she saw Lady Catherine reach for her glass at the end of dinner before broaching a topic which she knew would not be well-received.

“Catherine.” She paused.

Lady Catherine looked at her expectantly, her wine glass halted in its progress to her lips.

“No, please, have some wine before I continue. You may find you need it.”

Lady Catherine’s brow furrowed, but she sipped her wine and blotted her mouth with her napkin.

“Since Mrs. Kellet is having Anne’s rooms thoroughly cleaned, I was wondering if this might not be the best time to have them redecorated for you.” Lady Matlock paused a moment, but not so long that her sister-in-law had time to speak. “Since Anne is soon to marry, it would be best to have her return from the dower house to the mistress’ suite. I expect her husband will be taking the master’s suite of rooms, and it would be dashed awkward to have his room adjoining yours, do you not think? It would not be at all proper to have him traipsing about the house in search of his wife.”

Lady Catherine’s mouth hung open, and it took a moment for her to collect herself before she could reply. Plates were removed, and glasses were refilled. “Married soon?” She rose and gave Darcy a pointed look. “I do not see how that is to happen when she has no suitors.” She proceeded to move to the sitting room, wine glass in hand.

“Oh, but she is a beautiful young woman in possession of a sizable fortune. She shall not be in want of a husband for long,” reasoned Lady Matlock. “Why I know of several young men of my acquaintance who would suit. I only need an opportunity to make the introductions.” Lady Matlock seated herself near Lady Catherine while Darcy and Richard placed themselves at a chess game nearby.

“But not in London,” interjected Darcy. “Anne wishes to marry from Kent.”

Lady Matlock pondered this information. “That will make it a trifle more difficult, but not impossible.”

“I will not have her marrying anyone associated with James. I will not trust them, for I do not trust him.”

“I really do not understand why you are so set against your own brother, Catherine. Whatever did he do to lose your faith in him? As he tells it, you were very close when you were children.”

Richard watched a shadow of sadness pass across his aunt’s face before her features once again grew hard.

“That was long ago, and many things have happened between then and now.  Some can never be undone, so it does not signify.” She looked sternly at Darcy and Richard. “I trust you both know a young lady is more than a mere pawn to be used and sacrificed in the play of a game?” She had risen and stood beside the game table. Purposefully, she moved a few pieces on the board. “I am trusting you ─ as I have been left no other option ─ to protect my daughter as if she were the most valuable piece on that board ─ no matter the cost.”

Richard studied the scene she had left. His king, the most valuable piece, stood in danger with merely a pawn for protection. He had two options; one offered him a move closer to capturing Darcy’s king while the other would allow him to protect his pawn and subsequently his king. If he took the first option, his pawn would surely be taken, and his king would be more difficult, though not impossible, to defend. Should he choose the second option, he would strengthen the defense around his king, but his queen, his most powerful piece of defense, would be lost.

He knew his skills as a player; to lose the pawn and place Darcy’s king closer to capture was the route he would have decided upon in normal play, but this was not normal play. He was to imagine that pawn as Anne and defend her as he would his king. Without a second thought, he left his queen to be captured.

Richard looked at the hand which lay on his shoulder and then to the face of his aunt. She smiled softly at him. It was a new expression. For a moment, a mere moment, he glimpsed the vulnerability within her. To say that this startled him would be owning only half the truth. He had never thought of her as anything but the epitome of strength and determination. So strong, so determined, that, at times, she was very like a dragon, hunting, and slaying as it saw fit, ruling its domain with tenacity.

Richard’s eyes returned to the board as he watched Darcy capture his queen. He wondered if fear provoked her tenacity. He had seen battle. Even the most soft-spoken of soldiers became as a roaring lion in the face of peril. What had his aunt suffered that had caused her to become as she now was? He hoped his conversation with Mr. Kellet, whom he had yet to question, would be enlightening.

As chance would have it, the very gentleman entered the room carrying a letter on a tray. “Begging your pardon, sir. It seems this was not delivered to you as it should have been.” He bowed and extended the tray to Richard. Richard took the letter and thanked the butler. As he turned the letter over in his hand, his brows pulled together.

Darcy gave him a quizzical look.

“It is from Alcock.”

“A reply?” asked Darcy softly so that others in the room would not hear.

“Impossible. It is not an express. This was marked yesterday.”

“Billiards?” Darcy offered, rising to leave the room.

Richard nodded and followed. He broke the seal as he walked and as soon as they had entered the room, he dropped into a chair and began reading the contents. Darcy patiently arranged the balls on the table and then leaned against its edge, cue in hand, arms folded across his chest, one foot crossed over the other.

Richard drew in and then expelled a large breath. “There are more rumblings of war from America.”

Darcy nodded. “That is not new. There has been unrest for some time in that quarter, what with the trade restrictions and all.”

Richard shook his head. “The unrest is deepening. Gore has returned from the Canadas, and there are mutterings of Brock needing reinforcements against a possible attack on British North American holdings.”

“Brock? He would be hoping for experienced men, would he not?”

Richard nodded and took up his cue. “To protect against desertions.”

Darcy took his shot. “And you are experienced.” He watched his ball roll across the table, hitting just where he had hoped. “There is talk that your company will be called to go.”

Richard laid his cue on the table and ran his hands through his hair. He could not concentrate on a game. “Save for a few, the whole company has experience. It would be an ideal unit to send.”

“How soon?”

“Alcock expects the decision will be made known within the month. I could be gone before summer.” He had returned to his chair, his head rested on the back of it, his hands scrubbed at his face. “It would not be a short tour. A year, minimum, but there is no guarantee that things will conclude so quickly. Look at France. How many coalitions have there been, and the Corsican still tramples where he wills?”

Darcy took a seat near his cousin and waited. He knew Richard would eventually speak about what truly troubled him concerning this news.

“I knew when I purchased my first commission I could and would be called on to serve his majesty in locations far from home. And I have served on foreign soil for long stretches of time in desperate conditions, but…” His voice trailed off. He lifted his hands and shrugged. How could he admit to no longer wishing to serve?

“You have served well. Was not your unit distinguished for its excellent service? To step aside and allow another to take your place would not be unthinkable. You have spoken of doing so before.”

“But what do I step aside to do? This is what I was trained to be. I am a second son, and so, I must earn my way.”

Darcy rested his steepled fingers against his chin. “Or, you must marry well.”

“I have no time to find an heiress before I make this decision, Darcy. If the decision is to be made in a month’s time, I must sell my commission before it has been made public so that I do not look like a deserter. I could not bear to bring such shame to my family. And what family would wish to tie themselves to a disloyal second son with little income?”

“Deserter?” Darcy was incredulous. “A deserter is one who runs from his duty, leaving his fellow soldiers at a disadvantage. I know you would not leave your men unless you knew they were in capable hands. Did you not mention a Wetherald who has been hoping to purchase a higher commission?”

Richard stared at his cousin. “You are right. Wetherald has been anxious to move up, and he is an excellent soldier, good seat, excellent with both firearm and sword. But last I heard he was still saving his tuppence. He may not be able to purchase my commission from me.”

“Would he be adverse to a loan?”

“Darcy! I cannot have you buying my commission.”

“Why? I am free to do as I see fit with my income, and using it to assure the continued safety of my sister’s guardian seems a proper use. Besides, I am not buying your commission, I am aiding one of his majesty’s finest to advance in the ranks. A repayment schedule will be drawn up. It will be a business arrangement, nothing more, nothing less.”

Richard raised his brows in disbelief.

Darcy smiled sheepishly. “Very well. It will be a business arrangement where I do not care if I lose money as the safety of my money is not the main objective. ” He rose and straightened his coat. “So it is settled. You will introduce me to Wetherald. I will make him my offer of support, and your commission shall be yours no longer. You are welcome to stay with me until such time as you find an heiress to marry.”

There was a light rap at the door before it began to push open. “Might we join you?” Richard’s mother poked her head inside the door. “Anne was getting lonely up in her rooms, so we came in search of company.”

She opened the door the rest of the way and allowed Anne to enter before her.

“Oh, please, stay seated,” said Anne as Richard made an attempt to rise at her entrance. She took the cue Richard had discarded on the table earlier. “I wish to play.”

“You play?” questioned Richard. She definitely held the cue as if she was experienced.

“Mr. Kellet taught Mrs. Jenkinson and me. It can become quite dull around here at times.”

Darcy laughed. “And your mother allows this?”

Anne’s eyes sparkled. “I have convinced her it is an appropriate amount of exercise for one with my constitution.” She eyed the table. “I assume it is my turn since Darcy is not stalking his prey.”

“Stalking my prey?”

“Yes, you become decidedly focused when there is a plan to make. Your eyes narrow, you pace, the room could catch fire about you, but you would continue with your ruminations until the plan was formed to perfection. Very like an animal intent on capturing its next meal. So since you are standing there conversing, I assume it is not yet your turn to eliminate your opponent?”

Darcy scowled. “Take your turn.”

Anne laughed and did just that.

Darcy eyed where the balls lay on the table. “I think I should know if the room was on fire,” he muttered.

Lady Matlock smoothed Richard’s hair back into place. “The news was not good?” she asked.

Richard shook his head.

“Will you tell me? Or will you think it will worry me too greatly?” She took the chair next to Richard where Darcy had been sitting and eyed the letter that lay folded on the table between them. “From Colonel Alcock?”

Richard nodded.

“So it is as your father feared. You are to go to Canada.”

“Canada?” Anne’s cue connected with her ball at an odd angle. Her gaze being drawn first to her aunt and then Richard.

“There has been no announcement,” said Richard. “It is merely conjecture.”

“But Canada?” said Anne again.

“There is talk of reinforcing the border against possible invasion by the Americans,” explained Lady Matlock. “It is all very vexing to be sure. Matlock has been talking of the unrest for weeks now.”

“There is naught to fear, Aunt,” said Darcy. “Richard is to sell his commission. He will remain in England.”

“You will sell your commission?” Richard was sure he heard a faint amount of hope in his mother’s voice. She had never been comfortable with his choice of profession.

“I am considering it.”

“But it must be done quickly, mustn’t it?” He was certain he could now hear the excitement in her voice.

“If I sell it, I will no longer have an occupation. Darcy has offered to let me stay with him for a time, but I must re-establish myself in some useful manner. A source of income must be found.” He looked at Darcy, hoping that his cousin would not mention the part about marriage.

“An estate. You need an estate.” His mother’s enthusiasm was growing.

“And how do you expect me to get an estate, mother. I do not have that kind of blunt.”

“But your father has connections. I am sure there is someone who would be willing to negotiate a reasonable agreement. And, you are the second son of the Earl of Matlock. There are many who would desire the family connection. You are an attractive young gentleman, I have no doubt you could marry some heiress.”

“Mother,” he groaned. “You are partial to me because I am your son. I assure you, I am not the catch you think I am.”

Anne had come to sit across from Richard and his mother. She had been listening intently to all they had been saying. “No, no, she is right.” Her heart raced as she considered what she was about to say. “You need an estate. Your skills would be well used in its running. You can manage people, and you can foresee problems. Added to that, you have a compassionate heart that would surely garner loyalty from your servants and tenants.”

She dared to look up from her hands, which were clasped tightly in her lap, to see what his reaction was to her words. What she saw made her falter for a moment. His shock was evident in the slight opening of his mouth and the wideness of his eyes. But his eyes were also filled with what looked like pleasure at her words of praise. Perhaps her idea would not meet with immediate rejection. Perhaps there was hope. Her heart dearly wished it to be so. She took a breath and allowed her eyes to dart first to her aunt’s smiling face before returning to study her hands.

“You are as handsome as you are good.” She blushed. “Any young woman would be deliriously happy to marry such a gentleman, but you must not marry just any heiress.” She swallowed. “You must marry me.”

She heard the gasps from her cousins and aunt and hurried on lest one of them should stop her from speaking. “As you know, I have an estate and a substantial dowry, both are things you need. But that is not why you must marry me.” Anne bit her lip and twisted her hands. “Oh, I do not know if I can say it.”

He took her hands in his. “Look at me.” His voice was soft. She lifted her eyes to his face, his face that wore a hopeful smile. “Do you…could you…eventually…do you think you might come to love me?” He stammered.

She shook her head ever so slightly, and his eyes began to lose their light, his smile began to fade. She shrugged. “I already do. That is why you must marry me, for I could not bear to see you married to another.”

“You love me?” The door closed softly behind Lady Matlock and Darcy. “How? When? Why?” His mind was filled with questions. He did not understand how he could have been so fortunate to have earned her love. He still wondered at his own love for her. If she were to ask him these same questions, he was not sure he would be able to answer them.

“I truly do not know.” Anne laughed lightly. “I know I have loved you all my life, but it was not until…well…I am not sure where it changed from the love one has for a cousin to the love one has for a man.” She looked at him in confusion, her cheeks rosy.

“But the knowledge of it has been a slow realization which started while I anxiously awaited you to be with me when I was to confront my mother with that letter.” She clasped his hands more tightly. “There was none I desired to be at my side more than you. And when you would greet me each morning with a kiss.” She rubbed her thumb lightly across his knuckles as she spoke. “I longed for it to be so each day. And when I was tired, and you forced me to rest, and then you carried me to my room when I lacked the strength to take the stairs on my own, I knew I wished to always be cared for in such a way.” The words tumbled from her mouth, one thought falling on top of another.

“When you mentioned you may be sent to Canada,” she looked at him earnestly, “I thought my heart had been rent from my chest. I cannot describe the relief I felt when Darcy let it be known you were to sell your commission.” Her gaze softened, and she smiled. “As your mother spoke of making a favourable match, I knew what I had to do.” She lifted his hands to her lips and kissed them. “I must offer for you.” She slid from her chair and knelt before him. “Will you accept me? Will you allow me to be your wife?”

He withdrew his hands from hers so he might use them to cup her lovely face. “My Anne.” His voice was filled with admiration. “My beautiful, beautiful Anne.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers before pulling back slightly and looking into her eyes. “Nothing, absolutely nothing, would make me happier than to call you my wife.” He kissed her lightly once more before taking her hands and helping her to her feet, so he could draw her into his embrace and kiss her more thoroughly.