If only there had been another way?Darcy frowned as he gripped the fire poker, the prodding of logs welcome as he considered the situation.But what? The truth would have soiled Mary’s reputation immediately, even if the kidnapping were to be believed, and Wickham? He and the men working with him would merely have done what they were presently doing. Spreading false tales.
Perhaps,he conceded,it had been a thing unavoidable.
Perhaps, no matter what they had done, the outcome would have been the same.
“A letter for you, sir,” Mr. Innings said from behind him, Darcy’s shoulder twitching as he turned.
“Thank you,” Darcy answered, his tone rife with silent irritation as he accepted the letter.Always that man managed to arrive without him knowing!
Observing the scrawl upon its outside as the butler departed, Darcy pivoted toward the window, “Elizabeth!”
“What is it?”
“It is my cousin, I know the hand!” Ripping the seal, Darcy scanned its contents, his eyes brightening as he looked at Elizabeth. “They are safe… weary and worn, but they escaped and are presently staying with a Mr. Johnson.”
Laying a hand on his arm, Elizabeth gazed at the letter, her smile broadening at every word read. “Safe.” she breathed, “Thank the Lord!”
Growing quiet, Elizabeth’s joy appeared to fade, a soft determination to the words which followed, “I think it best you retrieve them alone, or with one of our friends.”
“But your father? Yourself?” he began to question, a deep crease in his brow.She had never wanted to stay out of things before?
Fingers knotting around one another, Elizabeth answered, “I would go if I thought it might help, or at least not do harm, but the sudden departure of any of my family will only inflame the gossip. Your leaving, though noticed, will not cause people to question it in the same way. Perhaps, if we are able to have you take the clothing we brought here, and bring my sister back appearing respectable, then?”
“Then people may be kinder?” he asked softly, her disheartened nod echoing the unlikelihood of such kindness. “Then I shall becertain to bring along your sister’s trunk; I only wish there were a ready chaperone for the return trip.”
“I know it is unlikely the effort will cause people to be kinder to Mary when she returns, indeed, all those who are for or against her at present are unlikely to be easily swayed. Still, I have to cling to hope. And, if nothing else, I know Mary should be far more comfortable in her own clothes than not; she deserves some comfort.”
“Indeed she does. Unfortunately for my cousin, I have none of his clothing with me, though Aldry is of similar size. I shall invite his more charitable nature to arise and hope the clothing fits… clean clothes of any sort are certain to be welcome.”
“You plan to bring Aldry with you then? Or Peters?”
“Whoever is willing to come,” he answered, his gaze turning toward the clock, “and whoever can be ready within the hour. I do not plan to make Fitz or your sister wait any longer than they have to.”
Turning toward the door, Elizabeth moved with intent, her once worried tone replaced with purpose, “I will see that Mary’s trunk is still packed and…” she hesitated, returning to his side, her sister’s handkerchief pulled from a pocket, “would you give this to Mary for me; tell her I love her and miss her. That we all do.”
Tucking the handkerchief safely inside his coat he nodded, “Of course… It will be alright, Elizabeth. For what it is worth, I promise to do everything in my power to make it so.”
A hand laid on his arm, she smiled up at him, saying, “I know you will,” before turning to leave.
Somehow, he would have to make his word good.
∞∞∞
Within an hour he, Aldry, and whatever supplies they deemed necessary, were set in Darcy’s coach, the goodbyes displeasingly short as Aldry closed the door and they rode on.
For as long as he might, Darcy kept Elizabeth’s gaze, the steady pace of the horses causing her to grow small and distant, and in that moment Darcy had no doubts.He would ask for her hand at the first opportunity and pray that her answer was all he hoped.
Netherfield Park and the familiar landscape around it faded, Aldry’s posture grew slouched, the firm vigilance seen on nearly every occasion prior allowed ease as a long silence permeated the coach. Yet, though Darcy considered sleep a welcome thing, his thoughts were set against it, every clue, every question which had been raised, taking full use of his mind.
How would they prove Wickham’s involvement? Everything Mrs. Phillips had heard would amplify anything they might find, but it alone would not convict. Unless Fitz had proof he did not, or Elizabeth, Peters, or Lightcliffe discovered something while they were away, Wickham might find himself a free man.
Perhaps, another man involved might testify against Wickham? If any could even be identified and apprehended.Rubbing at his heavy eyes, Darcy gazed out the window, the passing world fading into nothing but shadows.At least Bingley had not returned before they had left. Not that the man was guilty, of course, but there had been one less explanation. One less chance of something being said to the wrong person; one less chance…
His thoughts at last dissipating into the world of sleep, Darcy’s form pressed into the corner, though his questions followed him even into his dreams.
Chapter 16
Miss Mary Bennet, somewhere in Scotland
