When their eyes met, the careful mask he wore faltered for just a heartbeat, and she caught a glimpse of the turmoil beneath his calm exterior. She was not alone in this yearning. Somehow it did not assuage her feelings to know that he suffered too. Mr. Darcy had taken her words with grace despite the way they must have pained him.
The silence between them stretched on, and she suddenly wished she could take it all back.
“Miss Bennet,” he said at last, “I cannot let this matter rest until we have found the truth. Please do not ask it of me.” His gaze lingered on her for just a moment longer, and she again felt the pull between them—undeniable, and yet, had he wished to act upon it, he would have.
“I am grateful you remain willing to help,” she said, her voice just above a whisper. “If it is a matter of gaining my consent to continue your investigations, please know that you have it.” She could not bring herself to say anything more.
With a final nod, Mr. Darcy turned and made his way toward the door. Elizabeth’s eyes followed him. She wanted to call him back, to explain again that it was not her who wished for him to go, but her throat tightened, trapping the words inside.
The door closed softly behind him, and Elizabeth stared at the space where he had been, her mind filled with wishes that would not, could not be fulfilled. Had her connections been higher, or his lower, perhaps . . . But it did not matter. For whatever reason, he had not desired to deepen their relationship.
And even knowing this and that she had done what was right for her mother, Elizabeth could not shake the feeling that the decision she had made was terribly, painfully wrong.
The next morning, Darcy stood in the courtyard with Thompson and his other men, puffs of frozen air accompanying each order he issued. The men rubbed their hands together and huddled close, away from the prying ears of the servants who were loading their trunks and all of Georgiana’s new purchases on the carriage.
“Gentlemen, I cannot stress enough the importance of your vigilance in my absence,” Darcy said, glancing at each of the three men. “Thompson, I want you to maintain a close watch on the property. Pay particular attention to any unusual activity near the boundaries or in the woods, and if you must hire more men to guard the house, you may do so at my expense.” If Mr. Bennet wished to repay him, Darcy would discuss it with him at a later date. The older man was no match for him in stubbornness.
Thompson nodded, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set. “Yes, sir. I'll keep extra men on patrol, day and night.”
Thatcher and Freedman joined them as Darcy was responding. “I will go to the bookshop and speak with the owner.”
“You cannot ask around in town yourself, sir,” Thatcher said. “You will scare him off for sure. Freedman will stay here. I will go to town.”
Darcy hesitated, but Miss Bennet had given him her leave to continue the investigation, so he felt within his rights to give orders to Thatcher and Freedman. “Understood. Visit the bookshop, then, but the other shops as well, the taverns—anywhere people might gossip. If you hear any more rumours or insinuations, inform me at once.”
Thatcher nodded. Miss Bennet must have spoken with him, for he accepted Darcy’s authority. “Of course, Mr. Darcy. I'll be discreet, but thorough.”
He turned to Freedman. Thatcher was not a large man, though he was strong and canny. Freedman was like a tall stone wall. It was not possible to be discreet when one was Freedman’s size, but intimidating would work just as well. “Freedman, while Thatcher is away, you must be responsible for both the women.”
Freedman grunted his assent. It was enough.
Darcy's voice dropped even lower. “And all of you, keep a watchful eye on Mrs. Bennet. Her concerns are at the heart of this matter. If her agitation increases, if she says anything that might shed light on the situation, or if there is anything I can do for her comfort, I ask that you send word to me at once.”
The men exchanged a glance before nodding solemnly.
“Remember,” Darcy added, grinding out the words, “the safety and well-being of the Bennet ladies is our utmost priority. Whatever is going on here, we will uncover it. I must return to Pemberley for now, but I expect daily reports. Use the fastest horses.”
As he finished speaking, the front door of Hollydale opened. Georgiana emerged, followed by Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth. Darcy watched as his sister embraced both women, noting the unrestrained affection in the gestures.
“And gentlemen,” Darcy said quietly, his attention back on Thatcher and Freedman, “Mrs. Bennet must not know the extent of our concerns or actions. You may, however, apply to Miss Bennet if need be. Is that clear?”
“Clear. Sir.” Thatcher sounded put out.
“I know I am preaching a sermon you all know by heart,” Darcy said by way of an apology, “but take my insistence as a sign of my worry. I cannot like that I have been effectively removed from the house by a man who was positioned just within Mrs. Bennet’s hearing. I promised to look after Mrs. and Miss Bennet, and that is what I mean to do, even if I cannot be here myself.”
Thatcher’s expression softened a bit at this confession, and he exchanged looks with the other two men. “You can count on us, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy’s nod was terse. “I thank you.”
He stood straight and turned to greet Georgiana, whose eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“Are you ready, dearest?” he asked, offering his hand to help her into the carriage.
Georgiana nodded, casting one last look at the Bennet women. “Yes, though I shall miss them terribly. I was hoping to spend more time with Miss Bennet this week. Fitzwilliam, are you certain we must go?”
Darcy's expression softened. “For now, yes. But I promise we will return soon.”
As he helped his sister into the carriage, Darcy caught the eyes of Thatcher and Freedman over her head. His gaze was intense, a silent reiteration of his orders and the gravity of the situation. The men straightened, and they each offered him the slightest of nods.
