“We’ll have to shut down the shop,” Lydia said.
“This is an emergency,” Lizzy countered.
Jane hesitated but then said, “I agree. Wickham is putting Lydia in danger, he should go.”
Kitty finally nodded in agreement. “You should leave. I’m going to call the police.”
Lydia turned on her sisters. “You can’t kick out my husband.”
“Something is going on with him, and it's putting you and all of us in danger,” Lizzy said. “Whatever is happening, he needs to figure it out. For your sake.”
“No, they’re right. I’ll go,” I said quietly. I pivoted to walk out the front doors of Cupid’s Confections.
“What? No, Wickham! You’re one of us. You’re family.” Lydia watched me with wide eyes.
“I’m not, Lydia. And it’s time we stopped pretending.”
“Wickham—”
“I’m sorry, Lydia. Please, stay here and be safe.” I turned to Lizzy. “Take care of her.”
The harshness in Lizzy’s gaze softened. “I will.”
I left Cupid’s Confections and grabbed my phone, pulling up Darcy’s number. Things were getting dangerous. I needed to find a way to put an end to this for good.
Chapter 12
ItextedDarcy.
We need to talk. Now.
He responded almost immediately.
Ok. I’m at Netherfield.
I drove over to Netherfield, jumping out of Mr. Rothschild’s car and hurrying up the steps.
Oscar was startled when I burst in, quickly putting away his phone. But he didn’t fail to meet me with his normal, “Oh, it’s you.”
“Where’s Darcy?”
“Ifyou’ll follow me, I’ll take you to him in the study.” But I rushed past him, much to his consternation, and made my way up the stairs.
Darcy was sitting in his chair across from council member Tom Selving.
“No matter what the council says, I assure you that you have my loyalty, Your Highness.” Tom leaned forward. “I’ll do everything in my power to prevent them from acting against you. I know how you support medical innovation, and we must keep that moving forward.”
“I appreciate that,” Darcy said. “Especially considering our history.”
“That’s water under the bridge, my boy. What matters is the here and now.”
They both turned as I walked into the room. Darcy had on a comfy yet stylish sweater, and the other fae wore a suit and tie.
“If you’ll forgive me, Mr. Selving,” Darcy said. “I’m afraid I have an urgent matter that needs attending to.”
“Yes. I will go.” Mr. Selving rose and nodded to me. “Wickham. When is your next big concert?”
It felt odd sometimes, being addressed by people I had little contact with as if we were common friends. But it was partof being in a semi-famous band, so I’d learned to roll with it. I smiled. “I’m not sure. We’ve had a few setbacks that must get worked out. But hopefully soon. The band will be at Club Meryton this Friday.” Despite the Grey Doors playing at Lydia’s party, I hadn’t fully committed to going. I should probably tell Bradley.
