Fitz scoffed, but Darcy understood. It would take a great deal for Howard to restore his own self-worth—he had gone against every principle by which he had previously governed his life. He would have to find his way again, something which might take the rest of his life, and with no guarantee of success. Still, it was right that Howard, having transgressed every proper feeling and behavior, now cede the field. Fitz and Henry had made certain the men who had harmed Elizabeth were in prison and would be tried on other charges, relieving her from the necessity of appearing in court.
This terrible Gordian knot had at last been severed.
Darcy and Howard had both lost their parents young, inherited early, and had younger sisters in their charge. But Darcy had used the precepts of honor to guide his behavior when things went awry. Howard had twisted honor until it was unrecognizable, using it to excuse each reprehensible action.
If Howard removed himself and his sister from England, Elizabeth would have nothing to fear. That had been his purpose in this, after all. As he pondered the matter, Darcy realized that Elizabeth’s good opinion was now more important to him than any code of behavior. She believed in forgiveness. Once he was assured that she was safe, it was right to offer it. But it was difficult.
“That will do for now,” Darcy said firmly. He was weary to the bone. He needed to go home to his wife. “Mr. Howard, you might have responded to your sister’s plight in a dozen ways that would not have harmed anyone else. You chose to make yourself a criminal, to introduce violence into our lives.” He stared at Howard as though he could bore a hole through him. “Were it not for our sisters and my wife, I would see you tried and hanged for it.”
“You are fortunate to be dealing with Darcy in this,” Fitz growled. “Your sister is responsible for her own part here. I would not take her sensibilities into account.”
His cousins were still staring at Howard with their arms folded across their chests. Darcy thought he had never seen them looking so alike.
“We will finish here and see you back at home, Darcy,” Henry said quietly.
“Tomorrow, Henry.” He nodded at Fitz. “Elizabeth and I will call tomorrow.” He turned his back and walked away.
Elizabeth felt something tickling her nose and swatted at it. She curled up on her side, but the sensation returned. Slowly, she opened her eyes.
William was touching her nose with the ends of her own hair.
“I had visions of my wife awaiting my return, ready to throw herself in my arms,” he teased. “Alas, she had slept the day away, not at all concerned for my welfare.”
Before he could finish, Elizabeth threw her arms around him and nearly knocked him off the bed. “Are you well?”
Her husband smiled smugly, quite satisfied with himself. “Ah, this is the welcome I was hoping to receive.” He bent forward to brush his lips over hers. “I am well. Howard did not follow the rules, but I won the day.”
Elizabeth was so relieved she nearly wept. “Well done, Mr. Darcy.”
“Now,” he said firmly, pulling away, “I hear that you had a rather busy morning.”
She gasped. “Did Henry find Harriet? Was she able to tell him anything? He was supposed to send word!”
Darcy held out a folded message. “I believe the maid was waiting for you to wake.”
Elizabeth sighed. “What a time to fall asleep!”
“In response to your questions,” Darcy said fondly, “Henry did find Harriet and she was able to tell him a good deal. He arrived at Angelo’s fashionably late and as dramatically as usual.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. She was pleased Henry had arrived before the match had concluded.
“How did you even think of it?” he asked, stroking her cheek with a thumb.
“I was up until all hours turning it over in my mind,” Elizabeth told him. “Mr. Howard could not be the man you claimed him to be and yet act the way he had. Not without a reason. His sister had been disgraced. I thought that his actions must have to do with that, and I considered what my youngest sister might do in such a situation. When I woke, it occurred to me that Miss Howard might have boasted of her tryst, and if so, her friend could be worked on.” She embraced her husband again. “I am so happy you are home!”
“I have married a very clever woman,” he mused, staring deeply into her eyes. “It speaks well of me.”
Elizabeth beamed at him as he took her in his arms. “I agree on both counts.”
“I missed you,” he murmured in her ear.
“Then you must stay here with me the rest of the day,” she proclaimed. Elizabeth was almost afraid to ask, but she did. “What will happen with Mr. Howard? Will he keep his distance?”
William reached out to stroke her cheek. “Indeed, he will. Henry was quite convincing. Howard has admitted to being in the wrong. His sister claimed that I was her seducer.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak but was so angry she merely shut it again.
William smiled a little at her. “He will settle his affairs and leave England permanently. I believe Fitz is greatly anticipating escorting him to the docks.”