They both got to their feet, moving off the couch, turning to face the door.
“Hello?” called Mr. Darcy.
But there was the sound of a key fitting into the lock and the door opening, and they both looked to see that it was the servant from before, the one who had told them how to get to the east wing study.
“Ah, there you are,” said the servant. “You must have gotten turned around and accidentally locked in. His Grace is seeking you, as is his uncle Bishop Sulles. With me, if you please?”
She and Mr. Darcy exchanged a look. Then he looked down at his clothes, but they looked… fine, she thought.
He took off after the servant and she brought up the rear, and the servant led them through the house to a room where they found Neithern, Georgiana, Mr. Houseman, Caroline Bingley, and the man who must be Bishop Sulles waiting for them.
“They seem to have gotten locked into a sitting room, but I let them out,” said the servant.
Elizabeth was thinking about what it would have been like if the servant had come only ten minutes earlier, what the servant would have opened the door on. She felt herself flush furiously.
“You were with her?” said Georgiana. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“We were looking for you,” said Mr. Darcy, but unfortunately, his face seemed to have turned crimson as well.
Elizabeth decided to study her feet. It seemed the best course of action, she decided.
“Fitzwilliam, they are going to make me marry Neithern or possibly kill us all,” said Georgiana. “And I don’t know what I want anymore. I do like Neithern, but this one says I have to be inseminated or something and I don’t think I like the sound of that.” She pointed at Sulles. “So, tell them that we won’t say anything about Neithern and Houseman and everything else, would you, please? I wish to go home.”
“That’s what this is about,” said Mr. Darcy, his gaze darting between the men and settling on Sulles.
“We understand you know some very damaging information about our family,” said Sulles. “We can’t let you tell anyone about that, of course. If your sister marries into the family, it would hopefully mean that you would keep your mouth shut of it, for her sake.”
“I don’t know if I wish to marry anyone,” said Georgiana.
“Then you do not have to,” said Mr. Darcy. He turned to Sulles. “I have no intention of sharing any of your secrets.”
“And I’m just to take your word on that?” said Sulles.
“I’ve known for weeks,” said Mr. Darcy. “I haven’t told anyone about it yet.”
“Well, there is Miss Bingley here.”
“I tell you,” said Caroline hotly. “I found out about this on my own.”
“We should have been more careful that we weren’t being overheard, I suppose,” said Mr. Houseman. He caught Elizabeth’s gaze.
“I’m sorry,” said Elizabeth. She looked at Caroline. “You spied on us?” Truthfully, there had been enough spying on Elizabeth to last her a lifetime.
“You haven’t had any reason to tell anyone yet,” said Sulles.
“In fact, it would likely benefit Elizabeth if it was known,” said Neithern softly. “It seems that Mr. Darcy is loyal to her, first and foremost. So, if he has not chosen to tell the secret, it must be because she has told him not to.” He waited, looking at her.
“I don’t think there is any reason to say anything about it,” said Elizabeth. “I promised you, Your Grace, that I would not, and I have no reason to break my word.”
“You do, in fact,” said Mr. Houseman, eyeing her. “You could benefit the most from the truth coming out.”
“Well, it is not as if anyone would believe me,” said Elizabeth. “I cannot prove it.”
“There is the marriage certificate between your mother and the late duke,” said Neithern.
“Which is in your possession, not mine,” said Elizabeth. “You would fail to produce it if I made a claim. I have no way to prove it, as I say.”
“And if you did?” said Sulles, looking her over. “If you could prove it, would you?”
