Page 47 of Without Pride and Prejudice

“I did.”

We both stared at Monroe for a moment in silence, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. I hoped she was having the sweetest dreams, and that I was part of them—that somewhere deep inside she knew how sorry I was and that losing her would be the greatest tragedy of my life.

“Sir,” Kingston was hesitant to speak. “I’m not sure if this is a good time, but I have some news about Miss Monroe’s ex-fiancé.”

I raised Monroe’s hand and kissed it. “What news?”

“It appears that Tony Baker is not actually a guest at Pride and Prejudice Park. He is on their payroll.”

Shocked, I craned my head toward Kingston. “He’s an employee of the park?”

“Yes, and there’s more.”

“More?” I was still reeling from the first bit of information. I couldn’t imagine why the plumber was working for the park. Why had the park lied and said he’d paid to play Mr. Wickham?

A grim expression washed over Kingston’s features. “Yes, sir. Tony Baker embezzled a hefty sum from his last employer.”

“His last employer, as far as I know, is his family’s plumbing business.”

“That’s the one, sir.”

“That prick. He gaslit Monroe and made her feel as if it were her fault he was terminated, because she’d tried to help him. Sounds as if he was helping himself—it wasn’t her fault at all.But why come here, of all places? I know it’s not to win back Monroe.”

“I don’t know, sir, but I will keep digging.”

“Thank you, Kingston.”

Kingston stood. “If that is all, sir, I’ll leave you for now.” He gazed affectionately at Monroe. “She looks happy.”

I studied her more closely. Her lips seemed more curved, and my heart took hope.

“She’ll wake up when she’s ready to face what’s waiting for her.” Kingston gave me a knowing look.

“I’m waiting for her,” I assured him. “I’ll renounce my title if I must. The time is ticking, but I have a week to do so.” Under the Peerage Act of 1963, I had a year to disclaim my peerage.

“Sir, excuse me for being blunt, but I don’t think for one moment that would be her wish. All she needs from you is to believe in her. In my opinion, she would be a most excellent duchess.” He turned and walked away without another word.

I gathered Monroe’s hand between my own, taking in every part of her, from the contour of her cheeks and the graceful line of her jaw to her thick, dark eyelashes that seemed to tease me. “Please, Monroe, open those always-curious and engaging eyes of yours. I’m here and I’m yours. Forgive me for my ridiculous pride, please. I need you. I want you. All of you. We can even watchLove Never Diesif you want, though I know it will ruinThe Phantom of the Operafor me.” Monroe thought we should at least give it a go because she was determined to watch every musical in existence, but I’d talked her out of it. “Wake up and let me help you make your dreams come true. Let metalk Duke of Blackthorneto you. I’ll make you forget you were ever obsessed with Mr. Darcy.” I half expected her to wake up and extol all the virtues of her beloved hero.

When she didn’t awake, I whispered, “Be my duchess, Monroe. I believe in you.”

“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter.”

MONROE

MR. DARCY STARED AT ME, waiting for my reply. His commanding presence held me captive, along with the allure of his broody eyes and tight jawline. Yes, it was all Fitz, but this man in front of me recognized me as a woman, and his intense gaze confirmed it. He wasn’t hiding from me like Fitz had, even though I’d said foolish things to him earlier.

Please don’t hate me, Jane Austen. I had to dance with him. To say no to him now might completely ruin your story—my story. “It would be an honor to dance with you.” I had to stop myself from giggling. The teen girl inside of me was dying. Or maybe we were both dead. Who cared? Well, I did care, but I would think about it after I danced with Mr. Darcy. It would be like dying and going to heaven, every pun intended.

Relieved, Mr. Darcy offered his arm.

Oh. My. Gosh. I was going to touch him again—albeit with gloves on, but still. This was huge.

I was so glad we’d taken dancing lessons at the park. Hopefully now I wouldn’t look ridiculous. Knowing my luck, I was bound to mess things up, but so far, so good tonight. Even Mary’s hair had stayed in place, and she was dancing yet again.

When I took his arm, every goose bump I owned came to life. They all said,Hello, Mr. Darcy.

I swear, every eye zeroed in on us as we made our way to the middle of the dance floor. Mrs. Bennet pointed and seemed almost faint with happiness. To have two daughters dance with the handsome, rich newcomers had to be more than her nerves could handle. No doubt she’d heard about the ten thousand a year.

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