Not enough of a fall, Darcy thought. However, he recalled that the former Sir Reginald was not a young man. Ten years from now might well be the rest of his life, or most of it.
“But they shall live,” Elizabeth said softly, and Darcy’s heart went out to her. She was so much better than he.
“Because you asked for mercy,” Adrian replied. He paused. “King Frederick was evidently moved. But justice must also be served. Public confession, a decade of servitude, and permanent banishment seemed most fitting.”
Darcy saw Elizabeth’s shoulders relax slightly. “Thank you for telling me.”
Adrian waved a hand. “Now then, there is also the matter of your title.”
Darcy shook his head. “Elizabeth already has a title.”
“I was not speaking to Elizabeth,” Adrian said, smiling.
Darcy felt a frisson of alarm. “No.”
Adrian ignored him. “You see, Elizabeth, when one marries a princess—which Darcy shall be doing in approximately eight weeks’ time—certain accommodations must be made.”
“What sort of accommodations?” Elizabeth asked. She sounded amused.
This was not amusing.
“The king means to offer Darcy a title. It is customary, you see. As a courtesy. And I must recommend that he accept it.”
“No,“ Darcy repeated.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “You do not want it.”
It was not a question. Darcy felt something in his chest ease at her immediate understanding. “No.”
“Why?”
How to explain this without sounding either pompous or ungrateful? “My uncle Lord Matlock has been attempting to secure a barony for me. He believes it would give me consequence as well as a seat in Parliament where I might vote precisely as he instructs me to.” His mouth twisted slightly as he took Elizabeth’s hand and lifted it to his lips. “I have declined my uncle’s offer. Repeatedly.”
Elizabeth studied him with that penetrating attention that suggested she was seeing far more than he intended to reveal. “You do not wish to be obligated.”
“No.”
“But this is different,” Adrian interjected. “A Thurnian title carries no parliamentary responsibilities for you. There will be no English politics.Just rank and precedence at court so that you can sit with Elizabeth during celebrations and ceremonies and be of assistance to her in her duties.” He paused, then added slyly, “And it would satisfy your uncle’s sense of importance without actually giving him what he wants.”
Darcy frowned. He had not considered that. And if it would help him to assist Elizabeth . . . His glance found her earnest gaze upon him. She would not ask him to do this. She would accept whatever he decided and navigate the consequences herself. Which made him want to accept.
What this woman did to him.
He sighed. “Very well.”
Adrian’s grin was triumphant. “Excellent. I shall inform King Frederick you shall accept with grace.”
“I did not saythat.”
“You implied it.”
Elizabeth bit her lip, clearly suppressing a smile, and Darcy found himself torn between irritation at Adrian and pleasure at having amused her.
“Areyousatisfied?“ he asked Elizabeth, ignoring Adrian entirely.
She tilted her head, considering him. “I would have been satisfied either way,” she said softly. “But yes. I think this is fitting.”
“Fitting?”