“Edward should return from his inquiries soon,” her aunt replied, setting the tray down with unusual force. “Though I confess I’m growing more concerned about your health than his investigations.”
Elizabeth looked up, startled by the sharp edge in her aunt’s typically gentle voice. “My health?”
“You’ve eaten practically nothing for days. You’re pale as parchment, and don’t think I haven’t noticed you rushing from the breakfast table each morning.” Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes were kind but determined. “Perhaps it’s time we consulted a physician.”
“Absolutely not. I’m perfectly well. The worry is?—”
“The worry is making you ill,” Mrs. Gardiner finished. “And that serves no one, least of all your husband should he return and find you in such a state.”
“He will return, won’t he?” Elizabeth held onto the fact that Darcy was fastidiously responsible. “Even if he’d decided the marriage was a mistake, he would deal with it honorable.”
“Something has happened to prevent him.” Mrs. Gardiner placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Your uncle will call again at Darcy House.”
Elizabeth bit her fingernails. “Do you think they’d give him any news?”
The last time Mr. Gardiner had called, the butler simply said that no one was taking calls. When her uncle pressed him whether Mr. Darcy was in town, the butler had refused to give the information.
“He will announce that he has business with Darcy.”
“That maybe true.” Elizabeth opened her husband’s portable writing desk. “There’s correspondence. Bills and notices. I didn’t mean to pry, but…”
“Darcy would not have left this with you if he hadn’t planned on returning,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Please, Lizzy, come down to the breakfast room.”
Elizabeth managed a weak smile, and followed her aunt down the stairs. The front door opened and three figures appeared from the entryway—her uncle, her sister Mary, and a lady’s maid. Behind them, a footman brought in their traveling cases.
“Mary?” Elizabeth hurried the last few steps, almost slipping as she caught herself by the banister.
“Lizzy.” Mary’s voice cracked on the name, and Elizabeth rushed forward to embrace her middle sister. Mary felt thin in her arms, almost fragile.
“What has happened?” Elizabeth asked, pulling back to search her sister’s face. “Is everyone well at Longbourn?”
Mary’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Lizzy, no one is well.”
Elizabeth held her sister tightly, alarm coursing through her at Mary’s obvious distress. Over Mary’s head, she met her uncle’s grim gaze.
Mr. Gardiner removed his hat and gloves with sharp, angry movements “Perhaps we should move to the parlor. There is much to discuss, and none of it suited to the entryway.”
Mrs. Gardiner immediately rang for tea and refreshment while Elizabeth guided her sister into the parlor.
Once they were settled, Mr. Gardiner ran a hand over his face, red with either the nippy air or anger. Elizabeth braced herself, recognizing the look of a man about to deliver unwelcome news.
“I did not send word ahead of our arrival because there was no time. Events at Longbourn have deteriorated rapidly.”
“Our parents?” Elizabeth asked, tightening her grip on Mary’s hand.
“In good health, physically at least.” Mr. Gardiner’s tone suggested their mental state might be another matter entirely. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me begin with my inquiries regarding your husband.”
“You found him? Is he well?”
“I did not find him, but I do not believe he is well.” Mr. Gardiner’s expression was grave. “This time, his butler informed me that Mr. Darcy was ‘indisposed’ and not receiving visitors. When I pressed for more information, I was firmly but politely shown the door.”
“Indisposed,” Elizabeth repeated. “Not absent, not traveling—indisposed.”
“Yes, which suggests he is there, but unable or unwilling to receive callers.”
“But surely if I were to go myself.” Elizabeth’s heart leaped. “Did you leave a message?”
“No.” Mr. Gardiner’s tone brooked no argument. “A merchant like myself was already treated with barely concealed disdain. A young woman claiming to be Mrs. Darcy would be shown the door immediately, if not worse.”
