“Not everyone,” she assured him. When he raised his eyebrows, she said, “Lizzy does not know, nor do the other ladies or gentlemen,” she promised. This did not seem to comfort her brother, though he dutifully promised his secrecy,of course,and followed his sister back downstairs.
“Torrens, please assist my brother by bringing his and Mr Bingley’s hats,” Georgiana said meaningfully. “Give my cousin the key to that closet, so he can lock it from the inside, before anyone else finds him!” she hissed to the butler when her brother had gone.
Later, after breakfast, the ladies assembled in the drawing room to wait for their callers. Georgiana purposely seated herself in the corner near the grate in the wall, and bid Anne and Priscilla to join her. They both gave her a curious look for her request, but complied, and soon the room was filled with people. Mr Woodhouse was present, as he was nearly every day that they were at home to callers, and Lady Gordon called, as well as the Jenkins sisters, and Mrs Forrester.
As they did every day, Anne and Priscilla’s callers joined them. Sir Albert Swinton and Lord Lennox each brought hothouse flowers, and poured on flattery as if it were cream.
“Miss de Bourgh, how is all at Rosings? How do you and your mother fare there running the estate by yourselves? Do you find the work invigorating?” asked Sir Albert Swinton.
“We do not manage by ourselves entirely. My cousin Darcy comes each spring to assist us, and we are in close contact with him and my uncle throughout the year. They advise us well,” replied Anne.
“I am certain they must,” said Lord Lennox. “How is your father, Lord Matlock, Lady Priscilla?”
“I have not heard from my mother in several days, but the last I heard, he was mending well,” Priscilla answered.
“Was his injury very terrible? Do you think it will force your father to retire from his position as Foreign Secretary?” asked Sir Albert.
“I do not expect so,” answered Priscilla. “It was a terrible break, but he will certainly walk and ride again,”
“He will be lucky then. Not so many ministers are allowed to keep their positions when they fall unwell, or cannot stay in the capital. Especially during wartime,” said Lennox. “Another King or PM might have asked him to step down.”
“Nothing prevents my father from working, sir. He is the most tireless and industrious person I have ever met. I am certain that he works from his bed all day, every day, and must have the fastest royal messengers to relay his messages. Being in the country has never prevented him from carrying out his duties before.”
“Do you believe he will return to town before the elections in October?” asked Swinton.
“You asked me that last time you called, Sir Albert. I have no way of knowing what my father’s physician will allow,” answered Priscilla.
“I am surprised at that, I am certain Lord Matlock must be in constant communication with his sister,” said Lennox.
“Communication, yes, but constant? Why must they be in constant communication? What an odd thing to say. I am certain my father corresponds with his sister as often as he ought, and no more or less.” Priscilla was beginning to find the discussion tiresome.
“Well for him to have sent you all here, alone, and with no male protection-” started Swinton before he was cut off by Anne.
“Why on earth would we need male protection? My mother has been a dowager for many years, we are only too capable of taking care of ourselves.”
“Indeed, Father did notsendus here at all. We are here so my aunt may consult with a physician, nothing more,” said Priscilla.
“Besides, Darcy and his friend were just here, and William Bennet is in the house,” pointed out Anne.
“Bennet seems a nice enough fellow, but he does not strike me as very protective,” said Swinton. “It is a shame Colonel Fitzwilliam did not accompany Darcy into Eastbourne, now there is a man to have about a house full of ladies in need of protection.”
“Where did you say Colonel Fitzwilliam was again?” asked Lennox. “I cannot recall.”
“We have no idea where my brother is; he is off with the army, doing whatever it is that the army does,” said Priscilla.
“Why, exactly, do we need so much protection? Are you expecting an invasion of the French, Sir Albert?” asked Anne. Lord Lennox suddenly dropped his teacup and broke it.
“Oh dear, and the celandine pattern is Aunt’s favourite,” said Georgiana. “What a shame.”
The little party broke up as the footman came with a dust bin to clean up the broken pieces. The gentlemen took their leave and departed abruptly.
Colonel Allen visited after, and spent some time courting Caroline, but asked nothing in particular that was interestingto Richard, who was able to leave the closet undetected. Later that day, Richard came across Huggins. The thing about spies was that they often had particular patterns of meeting the same people at the same time and place frequently to exchange information. Huggins was no different, and Richard had found one or two of the man’s meeting places, and learned who some of his associates were by following him for days on end.
Richard Fitzwilliam was looking rough. He barely slept, and had little time, nor resources to bathe or shave. He must have shocked Darcy to no end this morning, he chuckled to himself. It was well that he heard Georgiana dragging Darcy away from the closet immediately after. She would ensure his cousin’s silence.
He waited and watched Huggins. Richard had made certain to arrive long before the man or any of his associates might be scouting the area, and found a well hidden place to listen. Huggins was fond of gardens, and seemed to meet people in them frequently. Richard would have to be certain he met Georgiana in other locations besides his aunt’s garden whenever possible. Richard watched as Colonel Allen approached Huggins, and the two began to converse.
“I spoke to Lennox and Swinton a short while ago. They are certain that the women know. They said that one of them even taunted them about the plot,” opened Colonel Allen.
