Darcy found Southland and Manneville in the billiards room. “May I join you?” he asked as he casually shed his jacket and reached for his favorite cue stick.
“We play for sixpence,” Southland warned as he lined up his next shot.
Darcy smiled easily. “I can afford a half shilling.” He stepped out of their way as the men finished their game. While Southland ran the table, Darcy carefully watched both men. The lieutenant was not a man he would’ve chosen for Anne, but he was pleased that his cousin had found someone, at last. “I didn’t properly welcome you to the family, Southland,” he drawled.
The lieutenant looked up after completing his shot. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I’ll do my best to bring honor to the De Bourgh connection.”
“That won’t be easy,” Manneville taunted.
The man’s attitude set Darcy’s senses on edge. “Why do you say that?” He forced evenness into his tone.
Manneville said matter-of-factly, “Her Ladyship is accustomed to having her own way.”
Darcy’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “What woman is not?” he asked as a challenge.
Manneville rested his cue stick against his side. “I beg your pardon, Darcy, but your aunt is more formidable than most women.”
“Miss De Bourgh says Her Ladyship has always been resilient. That Lady Catherine needed to complement Sir Lewis’s weaknesses,” Southland defended his future family.
Darcy would prefer to turn the conversation. He would need to speak privately with Southland regarding what to divulge in public, but for now, Darcy needed time to interact with both men. “Lady Catherine hasn’t had the leisure of having a husband to address a man’s world. I have great hopes that Southland can assume some of those responsibilities.”
“Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Darcy.”
Manneville chortled. “Do not flatter Southland, Darcy. He needs to enter this marriage with his eyes fully open.”
“Unlike you, Manneville, I would offer, instead of ominous predictions of Southland’s ultimate failure, my expertise as a landowner. Why do we not give the lieutenant the benefit of our knowledge? You have a large country house. Is that not correct?”
“It is.”
“Then let’s join forces. As part of the Boxing Day celebration, I’ll hear disputes and petitions from the locals who depend on Pemberley for their livelihoods. Why don’t you two join me? With each request, we can point out the merits and the deficits. That way Southland can practice the responsibility without damaging others.”
The lieutenant looked from one man to the other. “Is this a common practice? Hearing disputes?”
Manneville grumbled, “All the time.”
“Then I would appreciate your insights, Mr. Darcy. You too, Manneville,” Southland said excitedly.
Darcy took his turn at the table. Smiling amicably to win over their agreement, he said, “Afterward, we can enjoy the celebration.” He added hastily, “But I’ll swear you both to secrecy: I’ve asked mummers to perform tonight.”
Edward traced a path through the deserted Pemberley hallway. Darcy had distracted Edward’s traveling companions, and the colonel needed to take advantage of the moment. Except for the possibility of being caught, he and his cousin had planned for every contingency. Being discovered would mean that everyone would know what the Prince would prefer to keep secret. Easing the door open, he slid into the dimly lit room. The afternoon’s winter sun had started its descent, but enough light remained for his mission. Shoving away from the door, Edward went in search of something damaging to a person’s reputation.
Kitty had no idea why the colonel had entered Mr. Manneville’s room, but his actions said something was amiss. In the U-shaped wing, she could see into the American’s room from her dressing room. But today the view held a determined-looking colonel. Curiously, she watched Mr. Darcy’s cousin do a thorough search of Manneville’s dresser and traveling chest. “I wonder what he seeks,” she said aloud, but there was no one in the room but her. “What could be so important that the colonel would risk being discovered in an awkward situation?” Standing behind the draped narrow portal, she watched in fascination as the colonel continued to seek a mysterious treasure. He ran his hand under pillows and behind paintings. Evidently, he must have felt her intense gaze because he looked up suddenly.
Kitty tried to jump back, but he’d seen her. The colonel strode to the window and stared directly at her. For a moment, she thought he’d madly storm to her room and demand her secrecy. Instead, he put a finger to his lips as if to shush her and then brought his palms together to plead for her cooperation.
Instantly, Kitty nodded her agreement. The colonel smiled brilliantly and blew her a kiss. She blushed, but gave a small curtsy. He returned to the room, and Kitty caught up her pelisse and headed for her room’s door. She thought,
“If you, Gentlemen, will excuse me, I wish to return to the house and freshen my waistcoat,” Manneville announced as he stood and stretched. “I hope you’ve a better understanding of the type of situations you might encounter. At home, I hold such meetings once monthly when I’m in residence at my country house.”
“It’s been enlightening,” Southland agreed.
Darcy took out his pocket watch to check the time. He’d hoped that Edward would’ve made an appearance. They’d planned for his cousin to search the American’s belongings while Darcy distracted the man, but Edward was to come to them when he’d discovered what the Regent sought. However, the colonel hadn’t appeared, and Darcy feared the worst. “You’ve no reason to change,” Darcy assured. “I try to present the image of a country gentleman for these events.”
“That’s kind of you, Darcy, but I’ll still make my way to the main house. I promised Miss Bingley my escort tonight.”
Unable to say anything else to dissuade Manneville, Darcy offered a simple bow and prayed that Edward had completed his task. “I’ve one more petition to hear before I can leave. Please tell Mrs. Darcy I’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy.”
With some trepidation, Darcy watched the man depart. Reluctantly, he motioned to the footman to allow in the next petitioner. “This will be a simple request,” he explained to Southland. “Mr. Forrest wishes a loan to expand his business.”
“What might the good man do with the money?” the lieutenant inquired.
“That is what we’ll hear.”
He’d have to concoct some sort of explanation for Mrs. Darcy’s sister of his search of Manneville’s room. At least, his presence in the American’s room hadn’t sent the chit into hysterics. She’d actually encouraged him with her nonchalance. “Where to look now?” he grumbled. He didn’t have time to search the suite’s every corner. “I need to think like a conniving blackguard,” he mumbled. Checking the door briefly for security, he said, “I knew the man was too good to be true.”
His eyes searched the shadows. It was too dangerous to light a brace of candles. “Where, oh, where,” he
