Jane and Elizabeth turned puzzled looks on their aunt, but rose to stand when she did, in preparation of the unknown caller.
The maid returned and curtseyed, “Lady Matlock, ma’am, and Mr and Miss Darcy.”
~ / ~
Darcy House
Darcy woke as the sun rose, and unable to rest any longer in his bed, went for an energetic ride on Rotten Row. His thoughts were in turmoil, and the activity calmed him enough to come up with another idea to assist Mrs Carrington and Master Alex.
As soon as he returned and changed for the day, he shot off anurgent message to his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and asked his valet to arrange for a footman to send it immediately, directly into Richard’s hands.
That done, he went down to breakfast, determined to linger over coffee until either Richard showed, or it was time to collect Lady Matlock for their visit to the Gardiners.
“Good morning, William.” Georgiana entered with a light step and prepared herself a plate.
“Good morning, Georgie,” William’s response was succinct and distracted.
Sitting next to William, she looked at him, but did not speak, instead requesting tea from the footman standing by.
After she had consumed a few bites in silence, she laid down her cutlery. “William?”
“Hmm?”
“William,” Georgiana spoke louder to capture his attention.
Darcy looked up and blinked at her. “I beg your pardon, dearest. I was woolgathering.”
Biting her lip, Georgiana hesitated before finally saying, “Are you worried?”
He knew to whom and about what she was referring to. “Finish eating, Georgie, and we shall move to my study.”
Mrs Annesley had joined them by then and she too completed her meal in time to adjourn with the siblings to the study.
Giving instructions they were not to be disturbed unless Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived or sent a note, Darcy shut the door of his study and beckoned the ladies to be seated.
“To answer your question, Georgie, yes. I am worried. First and foremost, I am concerned for the safety of the Carringtons and the Gardiners. An unknown person is watching, and as Mr Graham informed us, the earl and his son were most likely murdered, following the natural deaths of his other two sons.”
He rubbed his thumb along the side of his index finger, a frown deepening between his eyebrows. “She…they are all vulnerable, making them an easy target. One would not even need to start a fire at the Gardiner residence. The houses are connected on their street, he might start a fire in the next house over and half thestreet could burn. Far too many people are at risk.”
The companion remained silent, but Georgiana expressed her dismay, “What can be done to keep them all safe?”
“I sent a note to Richard asking for his help. His schedule may not allow him to come in person, but at the least, I requested his best plan of action, were you in danger.” He smiled apologetically at his sister. “Forgive me, I wished to make the urgency of the matter clear to him.”
“It is well, Brother.” She clutched her hands on her lap, the knuckles showing white.
Darcy leant forward in his seat to catch her eye, “Georgie, we will do everything we can to safeguard our friends. Pray be at ease.”
A knock on the study door startled them all. “Come.” Darcy commanded.
The door opened and the butler entered, balancing a salver with a note lying on it. He approached Darcy and gave a slight bow, offering the tray. “From Colonel Fitzwilliam, sir.”
“Thank you, Lewis.” Checking the time, Darcy called after him. “Please have the carriage ready to leave in one half hour.”
“Yes, sir.” Lewis bowed again and exited the study, shutting the door behind him.
Darcy stood, “excuse me.” He opened the missive as he walked over to the window.
Darce,
