Richard rose at once, crossed the room, and struck his cousin heartily upon the back. “I knew you could do it if you would but set your mind to it. Did you at last remember to compliment Miss Elizabeth’s eyes?”
Darcy grinned and looked almost boyish. “I told Elizabeth that I love her, and she accepted me.”
Richard poured a drink for himself and his cousin, and then they talked about Darcy’s plans to marry and return to Pemberley with his young wife. Eventually, Richard steered the conversation to that which concerned him most. “And how did you leave Lady Catherine and Anne? I have not had word from them since I saw them in Kent.”
Darcy chuckled. “You will not believe what I will tell you next. Aunt Catherine dressed herself in widow’s weeds, and Anne was also dressed in black bombazine dresses that should have been discarded years ago. Our aunt must have last worn them when Uncle Louis passed away. Poor Anne was swimming in those old rags. They traveled as Mrs. and Miss Douglas, and you are looking at Mr. Drummond, a near relation.” He finished his drink. “They wore heavy veils and remained in their rooms when they dined unless I was able to secure a private parlor. Lady Catherine is afraid of the gang, and she fears they have a long reach. Her deceit was effective. No one looked twice in theirdirection. I left the Miller brothers to guard them, well armed and supplied with ammunition. I have no fear for the security of our relations.” He looked at Richard and grinned. “I believe you may have secured our cousin’s affections. She is concerned for you and your safety.”
Richard’s expression hardened. “And I fear for her, so far away in Scotland where I cannot protect her. Yet what choice had we? We must cleanse this corner of Kent. The network is strong, but we will break it, at least in Hunsford parish.”
Darcy poured himself a glass of brandy and gestured for Richard to continue.
“I met with the War Office,” Richard said. “They are encouraged by our findings. Men trained in intelligence are already scouting Rye and Romney Marsh, tracing the trade routes and the storage locations. The dragoons will push inland toward Hunsford from the coast. My men will be posted at Rosings. Ashworth has agreed to pay his share toward their wages, and I will speak to Warwick and six other principal landowners within a twenty-mile radius. If all contribute, the cost will be fairly borne. Ashworth has also agreed to lease the barn and allow me to convert it into barracks. With a kitchen and a few alterations, it will comfortably house the men. Lady Catherine’s smuggler money will cover Rosings’ portion for the lease of the barn.”
Darcy leaned forward, impressed. “How many have you taken on?”
“Six,” Richard answered. “All ex-soldiers, trained as scouts and with firearms. Once the dragoons break the gang’s strength, six will suffice to keep this section of the county clear, especially with vigilance from the farmers and estate owners. If our menshoot on sight, the smugglers will quickly learn to use other routes. Perhaps they will move further north.”
Darcy’s eyes gleamed. “You have accomplished more than I thought possible in so little time. When do we return?”
“In two days,” Richard replied. “The last two soldiers are due to report. The light dragoons assigned to Hunsford will arrive on Thursday, along with two new excise officers to replace the corrupt pair. The men in Romney Marsh will track the contraband here, but they mean to lie low until they can identify as much of the network as possible.”
Darcy rose and clasped his cousin’s hand. “Well done. You give me hope that I may soon be free to fetch Georgiana and return to Hertfordshire. I would court my lady openly until the wedding day.”
Richard laughed. “It is a fine sight, Fitzwilliam, to see you in love. I did not think you capable of such a sentiment, much less of being so besotted. Your Miss Elizabeth has done what no other has been able to.”
Darcy only grinned.
Early the next morning, Darcy met with his solicitor and provided the details to be included in the marriage settlements. Once drafted, they were to be dispatched to Mr. Bennet. By one o’clock, he and his valet set out for Rosings, Darcy on Rowan, and his man and baggage followed behind in the carriage. Though he longed to be with Elizabeth, duty called him to Kent, and he was resolved to serve Richard until the danger passed.
Three days later found him on the bluff in Sir Louis’s old garden, with a spyglass in hand, surveying the countryside. From thisvantage, he commanded the view for miles. Richard joined him that same afternoon.
Darcy lowered the glass. “Did your soldiers arrive?”
“Yes,” Richard replied. “I lodged them in the dower house. I gave out that they are laborers who come to work on Lady Catherine’s drainage scheme. It will serve as cover until the dragoons reach us. They plan to move swiftly. Once the gang begins moving kegs from the barn, our men will be ready. You and I will take shifts here, while two of Rosings’ best grooms surveil to the west.” Satisfied, Richard returned to the house to sleep for a few hours before he took up the night watch. Darcy, meanwhile, settled in with the glass, watching for the North Kent Gang.
Chapter 53: Laying the Trap
Darcy watched from his vantage point while the mules picked their way slowly across the fields, their hooves sinking soundlessly into the damp earth, until at last they reached the barn. Four men labored in silence, unloading the heavy kegs one by one. The business consumed most of the night. At three in the morning, when Richard appeared, Darcy was weary from his long vigil.
Richard asked, “How does it go?”
Darcy lowered the spyglass. “I sent Percy and John to the village. They have gone to rouse the dragoons quartered there, with John serving as their guide. The plan is to send a scout to follow these four smugglers when they depart. We must learn where they go, and then await the wagoneers who will carry the kegs forward to London. It may be only hours, or it may be a day or two. By the volume of kegs brought in tonight, there can be little storage left in the barn. They had difficulty fitting in the last few.”
Richard glanced toward the building and nodded grimly. “Are they still inside?”
“Yes. I believe they are asleep. The mules are tethered in the little copse to the right.”
“I imagine wagons will be brought in at dawn,” Richard said. “The back roads will serve well enough for London. The six men I have hired will ride with the military, in case the carts are divided and the contraband diverted elsewhere.”
Darcy studied him. “You mean delivered to permanent warehouses?”
“Yes, or to middlemen who distribute to tradesmen in the larger towns. Either way, the military will gain intelligence from this experiment.”
Richard’s jaw tightened. “So long as we break the back of the smugglers in this corner of Kent, I will be satisfied. I have seen enough of war. I wish the years of my marriage to be spent in peace.”
Darcy inclined his head. “With Ashworth restored to Blackwood, and yourself at Rosings, there will be stability here.”
Darcy handed the glass to Richard, and he returned to the house to sleep.
