Jenny listened to everything Elizabeth had said, and before leaving turned and whispered, “I be thinkin’ on it.”
That was several hours earlier, and when Jenny did not come again, Elizabeth worried that she may have somehow frightened the girl with her pleas. Since then, she and Anna had not beenattended by another servant, and there was no more food to be had, save for a small bit of bread and a little water in the pitcher.
“Mama, I am scared. I wish I had Dolly and Janie and Papa.”
“I know, sweetheart. But we have each other, and I shall sing to you and tell you more stories while we wait for Papa to come for us.”
“Yes, Mama,” Anna said, trying to hold back her tears.
Caressing her daughter, Elizabeth murmured, “Papa will come soon, so you must not be afraid, little one. I will not let anyone harm you. You are my precious girl, and I love you.”
“I love you, too, Mama.”
It was not until much later while Anna was napping that the door was again unlocked and Jenny came forth bringing a tray with some more bread and cheese. “I am sorry, ma’am, I could not come sooner,” Jenny whispered. “The Missus sent me out to do her bidding this afternoon, and I only jus’ returned. I found me mum while I was out, and she say we should help ye and the little one.”
“Truly?” Elizabeth rushed to the young girl, taking her hands. “You have no idea how much this means to us. I promise you, you and your family will be taken care of.”
“Me mum says the Missus and Mr. George are wicked to do as they have, and people are hung for such crimes against the gentry. Me mum will come by me room tomorrow morning, an’ if I give her the direction, she be goin’ to tell Mr. Darcy where ye be.”
“Oh, thank you, Jenny. You and your mother are very kind. Tell me, where is this house located?”
“It be in Wapping, ma’am.”
“Wapping, I see. Wapping is a long way from Grosvenor Square where we have our house.” She paused for a few seconds in thought, and then said with enthusiasm, “My Uncle Gardiner lives at 6 Gracechurch Street in Cheapside. It is far closer thanGrosvenor Square. Do you think your mother could find her way there?”
“Yes, we be knowing Cheapside, Ma’am. I be telling her: Mr. Gardiner at 6 Gracechurch Street.”
“Thank you, dear girl. You and your mother are very kind. Mr. Gardiner and his family should be home from church around noon. When your mother goes to the house, tell her to say Elizabeth sent her and she must speak with Mr. Gardiner at once. She should tell Mr. Gardiner that I am asking him to take your mother to Mr. Darcy so she can tell him everything about this place and where we are being held.”
“You need not worry, ma’am. Me mum be doin’ as ye ask.”
“Thank you, Jenny. When your mother sees Mr. Darcy, please tell her to say that Mrs. Darcy and Anna are well, and that Mrs. Darcy has promised to help you and your mother and brother. And if you would,” she reached in her pocket and pulled forth a pink ribbon, “Please ask her to give him Anna’s ribbon as a keepsake until he can come for us.”
“Yes, ma’am, I be tellin’ her.”
“Bless you, Jenny.”
Darcy House
Early Sunday Morning
Despite the dangers of traveling at night, William’s driver had pressed the horses and entered the perimeter of London shortly after midnight. Once they arrived at Darcy House, William picked up Elizabeth’s small trunk with Anna’s things and went directly to his study to await Richard. Hoping his cousin would have some positive news, he poured himself a brandy and sat behind the desk with his feet up and eyes closed.
Dear Lord,he prayed,I beg of you, please let no harm come to them.
Reaching into his side pocket, William retrieved the little cat figurine Elizabeth had given Anna. He methodically stroked the smooth wood while he waited. Finding it on the corner of his wife’s vanity at Rosings Park, he imagined that Anna had put it there as she sat in front of the mirror, with Elizabeth brushing her long hair.
Going to his own room, he had found his wife’s robe on his bed and her slippers on the floor next to his. How he longed for his dear wife. When he enquired of Molly, he was told Elizabeth had been sleeping in his room while he was gone. Even though he was excessively worried for her and Anna, somehow he trusted Elizabeth would comfort and reassure their daughter while they were captives. She was a strong woman and would do her best until they were once again in his care. George Wickham would not dare hurt either of them if he wanted his money.
In hindsight, if he had not been so angry and had instead given Wickham the money when he first asked for funds, this entire situation might have been thwarted. He should have known that Wickham would not walk away without seeking revenge, and in the end, he made good on his threat.
It was not until first light that Richard finally arrived at Darcy House. Hearing his footsteps in the hallway, William thrust open the door and bellowed, “What the devil took you so long!?”
“Cousin, it could not be helped. One of Wickham’s men was watching for your arrival and was spotted by one of my men. As soon as your carriage pulled up, Wickham’s lackey took off and my man gave chase following him to one of the lesser gaming houses on the East end. I was promptly alerted, but before we could apprehend old George, he managed to leave the building unnoticed. That man must have watchers at every corner to haveescaped so easily. I suspect he has promised a pretty penny to all of his associates in return.”
“No doubt!” William spat with disgust. “Do you have any idea where he has taken Elizabeth and Anna?”
“Not yet, although one of Gardiner’s men discovered that Mrs. Younge’s cousin runs a boarding house in Wapping and is having the house watched as a precaution. Thus far the house has been fairly quiet; that is, if you could call a brothel quiet.”
