An Autumn Accord: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 4) by Elizabeth Ann West

by the fire. “That bastard’s seed truly took such a young girl?”
    Darcy nodded solemnly, not adding further explanation than his letters from last summer sent to both Richard and Mary. There were very few in the family who knew the truth of Lydia’s situation, and even fewer that she was already dead.
    “ Unfortunate circumstances, the poor girl was silly, but she didn’t deserve such a fate.” The Colonel raised his glass in an expression of acknowledging Lydia Bennet’s memory and took a sip.
    “ The child is hardy. Jane remained behind to raise the lad, with the support and assistance of Graham Hamilton.”
    “ Old MacFarmer has a lady at last, eh?”
    “ I would not jump to those conclusions, as of yet. You are worse than the mamas of the ton with your leap from acquaintance to ideas of matrimony. There are, – hesitations – on the part of Miss Bennet as I’m sure you can appreciate. By the by, how badly did you hurt Torrington?”
    The Colonel choked on his drink as he smirked. “The beatings and bruisings could not be seen when he was properly attired. I don’t believe the man sat for more than a week.”
    “ Are you mad! And if he demands satisfaction?”
    The Colonel held up his hand to stay his cousin’s admonishment. “I made it quite clear I would just as soon shoot him dead and find a way to put the law on my side should he seek retribution. The man’s a coward. And if you had been there, you would’ve realized Ms. Bennet was quite proficient at protecting herself before James and I arrived.”
    A stormy, dark expression clouded Darcy’s face. The very idea of one of his sisters, even a sister by marriage, left to fend for herself against such a notorious rake as the Viscount renewed his anger towards his aunt and uncle for their pathetic attempts at protection.
    The Colonel resumed their conversation, taking the opportunity to brook the subject of the family spat. “I understand you and Mrs. Darcy being quite cross with my mother and father, but the affection my parents offer is true. Even I am guilty of placing Miss Mary in grave danger, from the folly of a lack of experience.” Richard’s face fell grim as both men reflected on the events of the past summer.
    Darcy relaxed his weight against the back of his chair and considered Richard’s mea culpa. He knew too well the difficulties that came with performing the duties of guardianship over a young lady. He and Richard’s own blunders nearly cost Georgiana her reputation when they allowed her to visit Ramsgate with only a companion.
    “ We are to Hertfordshire in the morning. I will make an attempt to bring my wife’s sentiments around to reconciliation if you will agree to approach your mother?”
    “ Agreed.” The Colonel relaxed further into his chair and began to ask Darcy innocuous questions about the trip to Scotland. Darcy answered a few, choosing to ignore his cousins pointed barbs about his private life with Elizabeth, then resumed the offensive position in their battle of understanding.
    “ I do not relish telling another man how little patience I hold for suitors who dally with ladies of my family.” Darcy allowed his words in the master’s tone to hang heavily in the air for a moment before continuing. “The fact you are a cousin, and not merely a friend, grants you more time to arrive at a mutually satisfactory position. But my sister Mary carries her misery more prominent than she shows. Even if you are not ready to disclose your plans, I should like to know how you intend to form a life with a woman I earnestly agree to be a good match for your future happiness.”
    “ I won’t take your money, if that’s what you’re aiming to achieve.”
    Darcy leaned forward on his desk and clasped his hands together in front of him. He narrowed his eyes at Richard. “Don’t mistake me for your bombastic father. I care not if you go back to the Continent and seek to get yourself shot full of holes. I would