“After you, sir.” The scowling footman James held the door, ready to lead the man to the front of the house.
When the man had gone, Jane sat slowly, shaking and pale.
“Oh, Miss Jane, I see now why you were so frightened! The other man who came before was genuinely looking for someone, he instantly said you were not his sister, and kindly took his leave. This man wassodifferent!He was obviously lying. Charles, whatever could that villain have wanted with her?” Mrs Bingley embraced Jane comfortingly.
“I shudder to surmise the answer to that, my dear. I think we wouldallbe better off not speculating.” Mr Bingley frowned. “If you ladies will excuse us, I believe Sir William and I will ensure that Mr Eddy finds his way out of Meryton.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Darcy and Fitzwilliamrode their horses up to the front door of Netherfield shortly before half past one in the afternoon. They had returned from Flitwick Manor early that morning and joined the family for breakfast, then called upon Longbourn after to speak with Mr Bennet.
Tea had not yet been served when the two gentlemen joined the others, and the time spent waiting for its delivery was spent hearing of the search for the two men at large, and the fate of Mr Wickham.
“A message returned from Hardwick this morning that two men fitting the description of the two robbers entered the village there, ate at the inn, then purchased bread and cheese before leaving on foot, but they have not been found on the roads, it is clear they are cutting across country,” Colonel Fitzwilliam informed them. “The men attempted to hire horses at the livery, but the horses there were all let. Sir Gregory knows a man with hounds who can track a man; he has been sent for. We have items with their scent from the cottage they lived in. I do not believe it will be long before they are caught.”
“What about Mr Wickham?” Lydia asked.
“Wickham has run out of resources, I am afraid, Miss Lydia.” Mr Darcy answered her. “It seems that he has been bereft of alternativessince he deserted the militia in the summer. He returned to this area and used his knowledge of the environs around Hertfordshire to prey upon its inhabitants. It is my understanding that the regiment performed training maneuvers all over the county, and he used his knowledge of the roads and houses to his advantage, all the while keeping what he considered a safe distance from Meryton so he would have less chance of being recognised. He could never have returned to Derbyshire. He is recognised everywhere there.”
Darcy shook his head. “I do not think even my connections could influence the matter of his fate. He has not committed murder, but hehasrobbed at least twelve carriages that we know of since August. He has taken three hostages for ransom, one an underage girl who returned in love with him, and with child. I do not even believe transportation will satisfy the judges. He will be executed. The only question is how and when. The militia will have their say as well in the matter due to his desertion. He is to be taken to London on Monday; Richard and I shall accompany the party, and attend the trial. It is necessary for me to travel to town, in any case. I must meet with my solicitor, and return with the marriage settlement. I should have done it already, but I was too well entertained here.” He smiled at Elizabeth.
“Will you return by Christmas Eve?” asked Georgiana worriedly.
“We will; I expect we shall return on the twenty-third,” he promised. “Have we ever spent Christmas apart?”
Georgiana looked relieved. “Of course not.”
“Where is the tea?” demanded Mrs Hurst. “What on earth have you ordered to make it take so long, Jane?”
“Here it is, Mrs Hurst, here it is.” Mrs Nicholls entered with three footmen pushing trolleys. On one trolley was the tea service. On the other two were trays lined with what appeared to be golden squares of toasted bread with something over the top.
“Cheese toasties!”exclaimed Jane excitedly. “Oh, Iadorecheese toasties.”
“Happy Birthday!” bellowed Elizabeth and the younger ladies.
“Lizzy told me about one evening where you spent a whole night in your rooms speaking of your craving for this, Miss Jane.” Mrs Bingley smiled as she poured tea, and the footmen served cheese toasties for theothers on plates. “We spoke to the cook about the ingredients you mentioned, and the cook said she has a cousin who makes such things for her employers. A messenger was sent to St Albans for the receipt. I do hope it is just how you like it.”
Jane closed her eyes in bliss as she sank her teeth into the shredded cheese mixed with egg, mustard, and butter, toasted over bread. “Oh, Mrs Bingley, this isperfect!It could almost be from my mother’s kitchen. That is… if I knew where my mother’s kitchen was.”
“Can you remember her face?” Lydia asked curiously.
“I have an impression.” Jane wiped her mouth politely. “I believe my sister Cassandra is named after her. My sister is very beautiful, and very good; much like Mrs Bingley.”
“This looks vile,” Mrs Hurst objected. “We are supposed toeat this?”
“Dear Lord, it is delicious! Darcy, is it not delicious?” Colonel Fitzwilliam had already consumed his. “Is there any more?”
“Of course there is, Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Jane served him another plate, taking his empty one and putting it on the tray beside her.
“Jane, youcannotbe serious.” Mrs Hurst held her plate as if there were a snake upon it.
“Give it here then.” Mr Hurst held his hand out, and his wife gave him her plate in disgust.
“There is sponge cake as well, Louisa.” Jane hurried to ensure her sister-in-law’s comfort.
“Richard is correct, I find this meal strangely enjoyable.” Darcy finished nearly as quickly as his cousin.
“I fear that I can never enjoy mustard,” Mary confessed, uncertain what to do with her plate.
