“Come with me, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Riggs said as she bustled past, and his dilemma was solved.
Darcy ascended the stairs behind the housekeeper. As he reached the landing, he paused, caught off guard by the scene before him. Miss Elizabeth Bennet stood in the hallway, a picture of composure despite the late hour. Her hair was pinned up, and she was fully dressed, as if the disruption of her sleep was a mere trifle. She was issuing clear, concise orders about the preparation of his room and spoke to Mrs. Riggs about hot soup and drink for the men who would remain with the intruder overnight. Darcy was captivated by this glimpse of Miss Bennet competently managing a crisis with grace and authority.
Mrs. Bennet stepped out into the hall to speak to her daughter and saw him standing there. As though she had entirely forgotten her insistence he be turned from the house, she said, “Mr. Darcy, I am sure that the man who broke into the kitchen tonight was the same man I overheard in the bookshop in Lambton.”
Miss Bennet turned to gape at her mother.
“Do you know who he is?” Mrs. Bennet inquired, ignoring her daughter.
“We do now, madam,” he replied. “His name is Morris Fitch.”
“Why did the man Mamma overheard in the bookshop turn up here?” Miss Bennet asked, but before he could reply, she had worked it out. “Oh.”
Darcy nodded at her. “Precisely.” He turned his attention to Mrs. Bennet. “I am afraid Mr. Fitch said those things to manipulate you. He hoped you would send me away, leaving you all vulnerable.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes filled with tears, and Darcy hastened to add, “But your quick thinking and bravery prevented his plan from succeeding.”
She blinked owlishly.
Miss Bennet took the opportunity to step forward and say, “Mr. Darcy, you must be exhausted. I have asked Mrs. Riggs to prepare a bath for you and open your former room.”
Darcy nodded gratefully.
Mrs. Bennet dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “Mr. Darcy, I... I must thank you for your intervention this evening. I have misjudged you terribly.” She paused, looking a little overwhelmed. “I believe I shall retire now. Goodnight, Mr. Darcy. Lizzy, I know you will see Mr. Darcy has everything he needs.”
With that, Mrs. Bennet retreated to her chambers, leaving Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy alone in the hallway.
Elizabeth turned to face him, her eyes bright with a mix of gratitude and amusement. “It appears she has returned to matchmaking, Mr. Darcy. My apologies for the swiftness of it.”
He scratched the back of his head, not knowing what to say. In truth, he was pleased to be pushed together with Miss Bennet—if that was what she wanted too. “Think nothing of it, Miss Bennet.”
She took a deep breath. “I must add my deepest thanks for your actions tonight. You have done us a great service, particularly considering . . .”
Darcy inclined his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “It was my pleasure to be of assistance, Miss Bennet. Though I must say it was your mother who struck the decisive blow.”
Miss Bennet let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “I must confess, that is a wonder to me. And I never thought I would see my mother thanking you so earnestly.”
Darcy's smile widened. “Nor did I, Miss Bennet. This night has been full of surprises.”
Elizabeth nodded, her own smile growing. “Indeed it has.” She paused, her expression becoming more serious. “Please, do not let me keep you from your rest.”
They gazed at each other for a moment longer, and Darcy thought he detected something like longing in Miss Bennet's look, a quiet yearning that made him wonder if her heart was inclined to him.
It was Miss Bennet who broke the silence. “Good night, Mr. Darcy. I hope you sleep well.”
“Good night, Miss Bennet,” he responded, his voice warm. “And the same to you.”
Chapter Nineteen
The house was bustling with activity when Darcy returned to Hollydale. He had been involved in the apprehension of Mr. Fitch, and so Darcy felt it right to recuse himself from the duty of a magistrate. Miss Bennet met him at the door with her accustomed cheer. “Mr. Darcy, do forgive the commotion. My father sent a message ahead to tell us he will arrive today. The rest of my family shall be here a week before Christmas, and there are quite a few of them, so we are preparing their rooms. I trust all went well with Mr. Erickson?”
“It did, Miss Bennet.” He handed the silver candlesticks to a waiting footman. “Freedman and Thatcher are returning the other items to their proper places. Mr. Fitch has confessed and will be held in gaol until the assizes. He is likely to be sent to Australia, unless your father recommends otherwise.”
Miss Bennet paused to look him directly in the eye. “Are you making a suggestion, Mr. Darcy?” She arched one eyebrow.
“He did not, as I had feared, intend any of you personal harm. He might be sent somewhere out of the country, as anindentured servant for a year or two to learn a skill, a better way to earn his keep and away from those to whom he owes debts of honour.”
“Rather than Botany Bay, you mean. And do you happen to know someone who has such a position for Mr. Fitch?” she inquired.
