“How is he faring?” Elizabeth asked. “Is he able to speak?”
Both of Darcy’s aunts put their teacups down to stare at Elizabeth.
“The particulars are of no consequence,” Lady Catherine said dismissively. “My nephew will recover in due course. The Darcy constitution has always been remarkably robust.”
Elizabeth bit her tongue, desperate to demand more information but knowing she had no right to press. Instead, she focused on Georgiana, who had not spoken a word since their introduction. The girl was watching her with a peculiar intensity, her fingers nervously pleating the fabric of her dress.
“Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said gently, “I believe your brother spokeof your accomplishments at the pianoforte. Do you still enjoy playing?”
Georgiana started, as if surprised to be addressed directly. “I—yes. Though I have had little heart for music these past months.”
“Understandably so,” Elizabeth said, her voice softening with sympathy.
Georgiana’s eyes flickered nervously between her aunts and Elizabeth. She opened and closed her mouth, as if she were debating whether to speak.
“What is it?” Elizabeth urged, knowing she was going beyond propriety. “Has your brother?—”
“His condition is a family matter,” Lady Catherine said sharply. “Miss Georgiana, you will oblige me by remembering that family matters should remain within the family.”
The girl blushed and turned her gaze to her teacup while fiddling with the lace doily. She had wanted to convey something. Perhaps allay her fears about Darcy’s condition or offer comfort.
The nausea returned, stronger this time, and Elizabeth pressed a hand to her stomach, drawing a sharp glance from Lady Eleanor.
“Are you unwell, Miss Elizabeth?” she inquired, her tone neutral but her eyes keen.
“A slight indisposition only,” Elizabeth replied. “It will pass.”
Lady Eleanor hastened to pour Elizabeth another cup of tea. “If you require a spell of rest…”
“Perhaps.” Elizabeth seized on the opportunity. Of the two aunts, Lady Eleanor was less intimidating. Her eyes were kind, and Elizabeth imagined Darcy’s mother was similarly dispositioned. “Your ladyship, I wonder if I might impose upon your kindness for a private word?”
Lady Catherine’s expression grew thunderous. “I cannot imagine what matter a young woman of your station could have that would require private conference with Lady Eleanor.”
“Catherine,” Lady Eleanor said mildly, though Elizabeth detected steel beneath the gentle tone. “I am perfectly capable of decidingwhom I will or will not speak with privately. Miss Bennet, I should be happy to grant you a few moments of my time.”
Elizabeth followed Lady Eleanor to a small sitting room. Once the door closed behind them, Elizabeth found herself face to face with a woman whose kind eyes held unmistakable intelligence.
“Now then,” Lady Eleanor said, settling herself in a chair and gesturing for Elizabeth to do the same. “What is this matter of delicacy?”
Elizabeth took a deep breath. This was her chance—perhaps her only chance—to reach someone in Darcy’s family who might listen to her story with an open mind.
“I have something that belongs to Mr. Darcy,” she began carefully. “Items that were entrusted to my care. I should like to return them to his family, but I confess I am uncertain how to proceed.”
Lady Eleanor’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Indeed? And how did you come to possess my nephew’s belongings?”
Elizabeth drew a deep breath. “At the Red Lion Inn in Barnet. Mr. Darcy was staying there in December when I…” she hesitated, “…when circumstances brought me there as well.”
“The Red Lion?” Lady Eleanor’s eyes widened. “That is where Fitzwilliam was last seen before his attack.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth confirmed, her heart racing. “He left the inn on the morning of December third to secure a coach for London. He never returned.”
Lady Eleanor’s gaze fixed on Elizabeth, as if deciding her veracity. “Darcy was traveling by horseback and had no need for a coach. Although…”
Elizabeth could feel her cheeks heat. “He had graciously offered me transportation to my Uncle Gardiner’s house.”
“Ah, yes, I have heard of Edward Gardiner.” Lady Eleanor’s expression was neutral. “He called several times. I suppose he had an item of business.”
Elizabeth could wait no longer. She leaned forward, imploringly. “Your ladyship, will you let me know how Mr. Darcy fares? How he was found?”
