Richard descended the stairs to break his fast slightly earlier than usual the next morning. He felt, after his behaviour the previous evening, he had best give Darcy some sort of apology. He hoped he would be the only one present so early, allowing him to eat his fill before his cousin made an appearance. This way he could apologise and escape without the need to partake in further small talk. He was still rather keen to call upon Anne. A midday stroll around Hyde Park on a summer's day was surely to fix any ill feeling she may still hold over his earlier sharp remarks.
Upon entering the dining room, he was surprised to find Georgiana already seated, a small pile of cold cuts and muffins upon her plate. A bowl of fresh chocolate sat by her side. Richard, smiling at his little cousin, reached for the bowl and took a large mouthful of the sweet, warm liquid.
"Honestly Richard," Georgiana cried at such an affront, but smiling all the same. "Please leave my hot chocolate alone, you may as well take it now, for I shall ask for a new one afresh."
"You begrudge me, your most beloved cousin, a taste of hot chocolate? Oh, Georgie you are cruel indeed, and you know you have always been my favourite relation. I am most mortally wounded."
"I am indeed your favourite," Georgiana smiled, "but that is still not excuse enough to steal from my plate."
He laughed and placed the stolen bowl at his usual place. He then proceeded to lift the lids of the serving platters and took a spoonful from each until his plate was high. Once seated, be tucked into his meal with much gusto. He enquired about Georgiana's plans for the day and happily listened while he ate.
"You seem in much better spirits today than that of last night," Georgiana said with some timidity. "Do not think me presumptuous cousin, but may I ask if all is well? It is unlike you to be so out of character. I was quite worried something must be quite amiss."
"Do not worry a moment longer on the actions of last night. I apologise, I was indeed not quite myself for a moment, but there is nothing the matter I assure you. Do not worry about me Georgie, all is well I assure you. I shall be right as rain as soon as this hot chocolate is refilled, I promise you."
Shaking her head in amusement, Georgiana summoned the maid to refill Richards bowl and bring a new one for herself.
"You are up early?" Richard remarked as he dipped a most delightful baked good into his chocolatey broth. "I did not expect to find anyone below at such a time."
"I am always downstairs at this time, it is you and my brother who take their leisure with the morning. Usually I have already been out for a morning ride with Anne for company. She is very good to me; she rides with me most mornings. I cannot tell you how lovely it is to have her in London. We have been on a great many outings. Why we even went to the opening of the New Egyptian Hall at Piccadilly. Lord Colville was kind enough to secure us tickets, they had giant wall murals of the great pyramids all they way to the ceiling!
"How thrilling," replied Richard. Bad enough he had to endure Anne speaking Lord Colville's praise, he now had to hear it from little Georgie.
"It is sad she is not still staying with us; however, I am very glad to have you now reside with us. I hope you shall say as long as it is convenient for you to do so. I know my brother is most pleased to have you. It is nice, is it not? To be altogether again, it has been quite some time."
"It has indeed felt like an age since we were last altogether. I am glad Darcy keeps you more at home. It is lovely to see you looking so well and settled."
Georgiana smiled at Richards kind words before dropping her gaze to focus upon her plate. Only he and her brother knew of her disastrous mishap at Ramsgate, and the dangerous position she had placed herself. She had been certain Richard would have killed Wickham upon their discovery if her brother had not intervened.
"I always think beef tastes even better the day after a feast," remarked Richard after emptying the final contents of his plate. "Now tell me, how was your ride this morning? It looks a jolly good day to be outdoors. I myself was contemplating just such an activity."
"Oh, sadly Anne was unavailable this morning. My brother is not keen to let me go alone with only one of the servants as chaperone. I am very thankful he even allows me to go with dear Anne. You know how protective he can be."
"Yes well, we all only want the best for you Georgie." He leaned across the table and touched the back of her hand. He gave it a reassuring pat. "All of us only wish to keep you safe and happy."
He sat back in his chair. He had eaten far too much. The waist of his breeches felt almost uncomfortably tight. Perhaps he should indulge a bit less when not on active duty.
"Did Anne happen to mention the reason for her absence?" Richard asked as casually as he could muster.
"She said she had an errand to run which had to be done as early as possible. It is likely something to do with the Mayweather organisation. They seem to work exceedingly hard in their support for the cause. Those poor girls with no family or fortune. I wish I was older and able to offer my services. Being young is quite the nuisance I can assure you."
"My darling Georgiana, enjoy your youth for as long as possible," came the wise words of Darcy upon entering the room. "Before you know it, your youth will be nothing more than a memory. Enjoy it, while you are still bright eyed enough to appreciate it."
"Good morning brother," replied Georgiana brightly. "I was merely speaking of wishing I was able to help Anne and the other charitable ladies in their endeavours to help those in need. Sometimes I wish I could be more useful."
"Well perhaps we can think of something. A little offering which can show your support, but not too out with the realms of your influence. I shall think upon the matter. Perhaps Anne may have a suggestion. I am sure we shall come up with something."
Georgiana stood and went to kiss her brother on the cheek. "I should like that very much. If you will excuse me brother, I think I shall practise on the pianoforte."
Nodding his approval at such a notion, Darcy took his seat at the head of the table as Georgiana left in search of the piano. Once certain his sister was out of hearing distance; he turned his attention to Richard.
"I must apologise for my questioning you last night. It was unjust. I have thought of it much through the night. I did not know the extent of the situation, and I am sorry for it. You are free to do as you wish and will always have my support, if ever you require it."
"Please do not apologise Darcy. lt is I who is more than ready to apologise to you. I am sorry for my outburst yesterday. Both at the dinner table and during our evening nightcap. There was no malice behind your words and intentions. I should not have taken it as thus. Let us both be sorry for what passed and think no more on the matter. All that matters now is what is to happen next."
"And what is to happen next?" Darcy asked as he took a sip of fresh, strong coffee.
"As discreet in my actions as I have been, I am sure you have likely heard rumours that these last few years I have been known to be on the lookout for a wife. I came very close to an arrangement last year. This year I have also had my favourites."
"I have heard nothing on the matter," Darcy replied. "However, I am not often out in company beyond those of my own sphere of influence. The gossip mill has never been my ally. May I ask who these favourites might be?"
"Indeed, you may not," Richard all but laughed. "If you do not yet know of the matter, I have no intention of giving my involvement away. As you are aware, there is but one woman whose good opinion I truly admire. If I was more. A true gentleman with money and stature of my own, I would not hesitate in making her my wife. However, as the situation stands, I am hesitant. I should never wish to be seen as unworthy in her eyes."
"Anne would never judge you so harshly. Do not use the words and actions of her mother to distort your own path. Richard we both know how disagreeable our aunt can be. You know as well as I she has only wished for one outcome and one outcome alone where Anne is concerned. Yet Anne is no longer in her mother's shadow. She is independent, both in spirit and fortune. You would have quite the prospect with such a bride. Anne is in possession of a great deal of property and income. You both would want for nothing."
"And in any other such case I would walk the aisle and be done with it. Yet, I must confess my conscious plays heavy on my mind. Why does the idea of being a kept man under the protection of Anne fill me with much displeasure; when the thought of doing so under the guard of another gives me no pains at all?"
"You care for her; hence you wish to protect her. It is a natural conclusion my dear fellow. No one wants to feel indebted to the one they love whole heartedly. The purest of feelings tarnished by the strains of reality."
"Yes, I believe you are right. It does not make my situation any less confusing."
"Your actions must be your own doing and yours alone. I cannot offer advice on such a matter. I only hope, whatever the outcome may be, that you and Anne may find future happiness in whichever path you choose."
"I thank you for reassurance, but I need time. I must consider all the options."
"You are still considering other options, as you so put it?" Darcy asked, rather surprised by this admission. He did not approve of such indecisive behaviour. How could Richard speak of his high opinion of Anne and his desire for her to be his wife, yet still think upon others? A man in love could only think of one woman and one woman alone. This was the case where Darcy's feeling were concerned.
"One does not enter the battle field with only one strategic move," Richard said as he rose from the table. "To do so would be a fool's mission. I shall leave you now, for I have business this morning elsewhere. I shall unlikely be present this evening, I have a prior dinner engagement."
"That is a pity, for we have been invited to dine at the Bingley's this evening."
"Oh, that is indeed most unfortunate. Though I am sure my presence shall not be missed. Please pass my apologies to Bingley. Though I am quite certain Miss Bingley will be pleased with one less person present to share in your attention."
"Humph," was all the response Darcy could muster in response at such an observation. He had become quite glad when Caroline had focused her frivolous attentions towards Lord Colville. She was still very attentive to Darcy when the other gentleman was absent from company. He often felt her far too familiar with his acquaintance than was proper, nor was such attention welcome. Picking up his morning paper, he disappeared behind the unfolded pages as Richard left the room.
Upon finishing her third loop of Berkley Square, Anne stopped once more across the street from number ten. Although she had not been inside the building before, she had on numerous occasions waited in the carriage for Lady Beatrice to emerge. Often they would travel together to various engagements and meetings for the Mayweather foundation. Anne always offered the use of her carriage, for she preferred the shape of the quarter lights.
Lady Beatrice had told Anne, on numerous occasions, that she was more than welcome to call any time she wished. She had even given Anne her card long ago. The card, at this very moment, sat snug in her reticule. Yet Anne had never needed to or seen a reason to call on her friend before this, for they were so often in one another's company.
It was still early. Though not so early as to be entirely improper to call upon a close acquaintance. They were indeed close acquaintances, and Anne was most certain that under usual circumstances Lady Beatrice would more than welcome Anne's presence.
But what if Richard was correct? What if the lady did not desire company? What good could Anne really do if the circumstances were so terrible? Poor Lady Bea. How awful Anne felt for not enquiring after a husband. Lady Bea seemed so happy, so confident. In all situations she was a charming social butterfly. Edward clearly adored the older lady, just as one would their own dear aunt. She was quite certain Edward saw her in that same light. Why had neither of them mentioned Lord Fraser?
At that moment the door of number ten opened and a small blonde haired boy appeared. He descended the steps two at a time and within moments was scurrying up the street at great speed and out of sight.
How odd Anne thought. No more odd than anyone observing you standing here for almost ten minutes, said the judgmental voice inside her. She glanced from side to side. No, she was positive no one was observing her silly behaviour.
Taking a deep breath she walked forward towards the large black door with its gleaming gilded numbers and rang the bell. She took a step back. She felt nervous. Perhaps she should not have come. She was just about to dart back down the steps and make her escape, when a clicking sound of a lock unfastening filled the morning air.
Oh Lord, she thought, as the door opened almost painstaking slowly. With the door only half open, Anne was met by the face of a rather kind looking gentleman, clearly the Fraser butler. He looked at her rather expectantly.
"My apologies for the early call... But I was rather hoping I would be able to see Lady Fraser. It is Miss de Bourgh calling. I have her card."
"I am afraid Lady Fraser is indisposed at present and is not accepting visitors at this time. May I suggest you leave your card with me and I shall see that my lady is informed of your call."
"Yes of course, my apologies. Do tell Lady Fraser not to fret, for I am sure I shall see her soon enough." She began to fumble in her bag. Why was it so difficult to find ones calling card when one wished to do so as efficiently as possible?
"My apologies, give me but one moment," Anne continued, her cheeks growing red with embarrassment. Suddenly grasping it, she audibly sighed in relief "There we have it. A Miss de Bourgh," Anne repeated as she held out her hand offering the card.
No sooner had the butler taken possession of the item than a hand appeared around the edge of the door, pulling it open wide.
There, behind the butler towered Edward. His dark hair ruffled and his shirt rather creased. His waistcoat was not present, and a dark mass of stubble covered his jaw.
"Anne what the devil are you doing here? Matthews let the young woman in. Have tea sent to the library and see that she is settled. I shall speak with Miss de Bourgh directly." With that Edward turned his back and walked back into the foyer and out of sight. Anne was ushered through the front door and led to a rather exquisite private library with books covering every surface imaginable.
Once seated with a tea tray at her side, Matthews left the room. Anne bit her lip. She had never seen Edward look quite so dishevelled, so tired and unkempt. Nor had he ever dismissed her. There meeting had not been its usual friendly warmth. In his most ungentlemanly dressed attire, he had never appeared more endearing and rugged in his complexion. She had never seen a man with such dark stubble across his chin. She liked it on him very well. She scolded herself. Do not be so frivolous to think on such matters when clearly there is something a miss. Poor Edward was clearly quite distracted. She wondered if Lady Bea was also in such a state of upheaval. Taking a sip of her tea, all Anne could do was sit and wait.