“A brothel?!”
“Yes, although it may prove to be a logical place to hold your wife and daughter to Wickham’s way of thinking. It is only a matter of time before he contacts you, since you are now in Town.”
“That may be, but he should know that I cannot simply procure sixty thousand pounds on short notice. In truth, ten thousand may be the best I can do, and even that will take one or two days. Much of my money is tied up in investments. Frankly, Richard, I care not about the money, as long as Elizabeth and Anna are returned to me. I would live in a pauper’s house if needs be, for I cannot survive without either of them.” Running his hands through his hair in exasperation, he continued, “If we do not find my wife and daughter soon, I shall go mad.”
“I know, I know.” Richard reached out and gave William’s shoulder a manly squeeze. “Do not despair, my friend. Let me see what else I can find out and get back to you later today, say mid-afternoon. I shall let Gardiner know you have returned and ask him to join us. Darcy, trust me, the day is young and now that you are back in Town, there will most likely be more activity. You should get some rest while you can.”
“NO LATER than mid-afternoon,” William emphatically said. “I shall be waiting.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
RESCUE
London
The Same Day
Gardiner’s Study
“Edward, may I come in?” Mrs. Gardiner asked as she tapped lightly on the door.
“Yes, my dear. Come right ahead. I am about to leave for Darcy House. It is good Mr. Darcy is back in Town. I pray the colonel will have some positive news for us this afternoon.”
“I hope so, too. I tell you, Edward, I cannot help but be excessively worried for Elizabeth and the child. Just knowing what Miss Darcy has suffered and that Mrs. Younge is dead, makes me ill.”
“I agree. We must not lose faith, my dear. Mr. Wickham will most likely contact Darcy soon, which should make the prospect of a quick resolution more hopeful.”
At that moment there was a knock at the door. “Come,” Mr. Gardiner called out.
It was Daniels. “Sir, there is a beggar woman at the back door. She is asking to see you regarding Mrs. Darcy and says it is urgent.”
“Bring her here; I will see her.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh Edward, do you think it wise?”
“I hope so. Let us see what she has to say.”
Daniels returned with the woman and admitted her to the study. Her clothes were threadbare and her shoes were quite worn through. The poor woman was exceptionally thin, and it was apparent to the Gardiners her struggles were many.
“My servant said you asked to see me. I am Mr. Gardiner, and you are?”
“Mrs. McCaughey, sir. I be bringin’ a message from me daughter who be workin’ at the house in Wapping where Mrs. Darcy and the little ‘un be kept.” Nervously twisting her hands, she continued, “I am to say ‘Elizabeth sent me’.”
Mr. Gardiner arched a brow, wondering if that was the same boarding house his man had discovered. “Wapping, you say?”
“Yes, it be close to Old Stairs by Oliver’s Warf.”
He nodded in affirmation. “I know that area well.”
“Me girl says ye best take me to Mr. Darcy so I can tell ’em everything. She says Mr. George come ‘round this morning sayin’ the house be watched so they be plannin’ to move Mrs. Darcy an’ the child tonight as soon as it be dark.”
“This is wonderful news! I will be more than happy to take you to Mr. Darcy. He will be very grateful for this information. We all are. Daniels, have the carriage brought around. And Madeline, perhaps you could have cook pack a small basket for Mrs. McCaughey before we leave.”
“Of course.”
“Thank ye, kind sir.”
