Had he truly captured her heart?
Watching as he sat tall and straight in his chair, a light tug at the corner of her lips could not be helped, his presence a familiar, welcome thing her heart would not be parted from.
Yes. He had. And much quicker than she would ever have imagined.
“It is good to see you smile again,” Darcy remarked before taking a sip of his tea, his eyes fixed on her.
“Biscuit?” she asked, thankful he could not read her thoughts, though his brow raised all the same at her abruptness.
“Please?” he answered, an odd questioning tone emerging as he did.
Setting a biscuit on a small blue and white porcelain plate, Elizabeth held it out, Darcy’s fingers brushing against her own as he accepted it.
Rubbing her fingers, Elizabeth began to search for some topic, eager for a few moments of conversation that did not involve peril or woe. “Do you have plans for Michaelmas with your sister?”
“We either spend it at Pemberley or at one of our relations… both of us prefer Pemberley, though when it is only the two of us it can be rather lonesome.”
Lips turning, she tilted her head, “With four sisters and our parents under one roof, I suppose I have had little cause to consider what loneliness could be found. Even if most of my family fails to understand one another, there is still love and closeness of a kind. I know you and your sister are perhaps closer still, but I cannot imagine the sadness and loss which must cling to such times of year… I am sorry for that and can only pray future seasons hold more cheer.”
“I pray for that as well,” he answered seriously, his frame moving forward as if he sought to impart a hidden truth.
Focus solely on him, Elizabeth drew back with a start as a log shifted in the fireplace, a small laugh forming then growingas Darcy’s laughter met hers, the mood lightened and good conversation to be had for some time.
Yet, an hour later, with the return of Mr. Aldry and Mr. Peters, such pleasantries had to be forgotten as Elizabeth again told of her harrowing encounter on the drive–leaving out the more embarrassing details–and they in turn began to regale them with all they had discovered.
“Mr. Bingley and Lightcliffe chose to return home with your sisters,” Mr. Aldry said as he crossed one leg over the other, then balanced his tea precariously on the upper. “Lightcliffe hopes your mother’s knowledge of the area and people will lend some clue as to who might be involved.
“But Mamma does not even know of Mary’s disappearance,” Elizabeth worried.
“And he will not tell her,” Mr. Peters soothed, a displeased expression quickly sent to his friend.
“Of course not,” Mr. Aldry agreed as he shifted under the other man’s gaze. “It is only that we three discussed all we have learnt thus far and began to wonder, ‘could whoever Wickham is working with be nearby?’ True, we have no proof, and the two men may well remain far away from one another, but it is a possibility.”
Rubbing the arm of her chair, Elizabeth could not help the rise of apprehension at his words.Even if the man’s presence nearby would help them end all this, nothing about another villain in the region lent ease.
“Did you discover anything else today?” Darcy asked, his gaze drifting toward her even as he addressed the others.
“Unfortunately, no,” Mr. Aldry answered. “Leastwise, nothing in regard to the names you provided, but one of our contacts did hear rumour in London regarding our incident. Apparently, there is talk of a military man being whisked off in the direction of Scotland; the description and timing match your cousin, and it is likely they would have taken Miss Mary there as well–two locations would be too great a risk after all.” Frowning, he poked the handle of his cup, the delicate porcelain backing away until he steadied it with his other. “If only knowing where they were headed would provide greater clue as to how to find them.”
“Is there nothing more he can do?” Elizabeth asked.
“He will continue to make inquiries, and there is every hope he will learn more since he knows who to question now,” Mr. Aldry assured, “but given your encounter today, Miss Elizabeth, I fear we do not have much time.”
The air heavy as they each allowed the hush to be punctuated only by the crackling of logs, Elizabeth’s thoughts turned toward her sister.Was Mary afraid? Did she endure cold, or thirst, or hunger? Did they treat her well, or did they… No! She had to think on how to find her sister, not on whatever horrors she faced. As Mr. Aldry said, they had not the luxury of time.
“Is there anyone of my acquaintance you would have me question?” she prompted; the knowledge that Lord Lightcliffe had gone to her mother for information a clear sign Elizabeth had not done everything in her power yet–a shortcoming which would soon be remedied.
∞∞∞
Knocking on the door of her aunt’s as Mr. Darcy tugged awkwardly at his cravat, Elizabeth could only hope her aunt would be silent long enough for her to lead the conversation in the direction they required.
“Lizzy!” Aunt Phillips effused as the housekeeper let them in, her words paused as her gaze fell on the tall form of Mr. Darcy. Eyes widening in delight, she rushed as she all but pulled them further inside, “Do come in, Mr. Darcy! And you too, of course, Lizzy. What an honour to have you visit! I was only saying to your mother the other day, it is greedy of her to always be having these handsome young men in her home. Would you care for some tea, Mr. Darcy? Or do you prefer coffee? Whatever your preference, I am certain I can oblige.”
Her breath stilling long enough for Mr. Darcy to remark that tea would be fine, Aunt Phillips began again, “Oh, Lizzy, why did you not tell me you would be coming? And with Mr. Darcy at that! Come, sit in this chair Mr. Darcy, it is by far the most comfortable.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Phillips,” he answered with a light bow.
A blush forming as she pulled out her handkerchief, the action reminiscent of her sister, Mrs. Phillips left for a moment to make certain every care would be taken in seeing Mr. Darcy comfortable before scurrying back to the room and snatching the seat nearest him.
