Betrayal (The Darcy Legacy Series Book 3) by Deborah E Pearson

Author:Deborah E Pearson [Pearson, Deborah E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Interquel, Others POV, Pre-Canon
Goodreads: 200011616
Published: 2023-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

A voyage without companionship, that is to say without conversation, is one of the saddest pleasures of life – Madame De Stael

THE COMPANIONS

The fire crackled in the grate happily as the four men sat in quiet companionship. They laughed merrily and discussed the events of Thomas’ grand tour. Most of it had, as would be expected, been happy and carefree.

“Did you find out what happened that night at the theatre in Paris?” William Lucas asked.

Thomas shook his head. “My cousin, Mr Collins was there when I woke up and gave me such a description of my behaviour it was simply too fantastical for me to believe. As for the rest I do not know what to think.”

“You have to have a suspicion,” Mr Long said.

Thomas exhaled loudly. “I really do not know what to think.”

“Have you seen or heard from your cousin since?” Lucas asked.

Thomas wanted to laugh. “We have never been close, there is no way that I would have any reason to see him. I am not even sure why he was over there.”

“So you are not aware that he is here right now?” Mr Davies asked.

Thomas whipped around too fast hurting his neck. “WHAT? Why would he be here?” Uneasiness rippled through him.

All the men shrugged, but none answered as none knew the answer. Their discussions turned to other things and Thomas decided it was time to trust those around him. Thomas called for Gregory and then asked his friends to accompany him to the old hunting lodge. They agreed and made their way there walking slowly over the frosty grass. The snow had disappeared two days ago, but the temperature was still freezing and the ground hard. They were only halfway to the old hunting lodge when the housekeeper, Mrs Hill, came flying across the field. Thomas and his friends stopped and waited for the harried housekeeper to catch up.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, sir,” she began.

“There’s no interruption. What is the problem, Hill?” Thomas asked.

“You have two visitors, sir. Mr Darcy arrived about five minutes ago and your cousin only moments after him. I’m sorry to say it sounds like your cousin is upsetting your father. We’re handling it as well as we can, but your father refuses to make Mr Collins leave.” Mrs Hill looked guilty and glanced away from Thomas.

“Speak freely, Hill.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I only want to say that your father is too fond of that young man. He has always been,” she said quietly. “If you were to ask me, I would have banished that young man from the house years ago.”

“I understand,” Thomas said. Then after silently conferring with his friends, they turned and went back to the house, not one of them guessing what was to greet them when they got there.

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