“I have no appetite at all. I will eat when everyone has returned safely.”
Mr. Bennet rose, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “Tell them to keep the food on the table, Lizzy. We will be back sooner than the blink of an eye with the young ladies in tow. We will probably encounter them at the end of the lane.”
But by now, night was approaching, and Elizabeth was also growing alarmed.
“If there has been an accident, we will need a carriage. Could you ask the coachman to see to it please before you go, Darcy? You and Bingley ride ahead of us, and I will follow with Papa.”
“I see,” said Mr. Bennet. “So I am to be coddled like an old man, then?”
“No, that is not what I meant. I would feel better if you came with me, Papa. Two heads are better than one if there is danger.”
Chapter 14
Darcy and Bingley set out on the Surrey road, back in the direction of Richmond, accompanied by a postillion who would be sent for help if needed. Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet were following some way behind. Darcy hoped they would find the young ladies before nightfall.
They had been twenty minutes on the road when a man came riding towards them. From the distance, his clothes suggested a postillion, but Darcy could not be sure. Since Mr. Bennet had mentioned it earlier, Darcy was alert to the threat of highwaymen. It was far better to err on the side of caution than to be caught unawares.
“Prepare to set up a Ward,” he murmured. Bingley grunted in reply.
However, as they drew closer, the rider took off his cap and waved it at them. It was hard to tell from this distance, but he seemed familiar.
“Oh, look, sir! It’s Noah.” The postillion waved back enthusiastically. “Well met!”
Noah approached them quickly. “Lord Redmond sent me to look for help in the next village.”
“Have the ladies been attacked?” cried Bingley.
“There’s been an accident. There were branches on the road and the carriage struck a tree.”
“Anyone injured?” said Darcy.
“The coachman is in some pain, but I don’t know anything more. Lord Redmond sent me off before I had a chance to find out.”
“Well done,” said Darcy. “If you do not need a fresh horse, ride on to let Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Darcy know. They are not far behind us. Return with them.”
Having received his instructions, the postillion went on his way. Darcy turned to the postillion accompanying them. “You had better ride ahead, Perry.”
“Yes, sir.”
“They should never have sent them in the carriage alone,” said Bingley. “I told the Council it was a bad idea. I should have gone with them.”
Spotting the signs of panic in Bingley’s eyes, Darcy endeavored to restore calm. “You might have been the one injured. Then the ladies would have been forced to look afteryou.”
“You’re right.” Bingley brightened. “Besides, we do not know if there were injuries. The postillion did not seem to think so.”
“Exactly. Redmond did not provide any details.” It was impossible to know. Redmond may have lost his head. Or he may have underestimated the situation.
They soon came upon the coachman, who was sitting on the ground. He raised an arm for them to slow when they approached, but lowered it when he recognized Darcy.
“It’s a blind corner. I’m trying to slow anyone wanting to pass. Thank goodness you have come. I did not think Noah would have reached the inn so quickly.”
“We were already on our way.” Darcy noticed the empty sleeve of the coachman’s greatcoat. “Are you injured?”
“Bone is broken. Miss Bingley was kind enough to remove some of the pain, but she cannot do anything more until the bone setter has seen it.” He looked miserable. “I am sorry, Mr. Darcy. I should have reacted faster. I was coming round the corner and didn’t see the rubble on the road until I was almost upon it. I tried to avoid it, but I was thrown from the box, and you can see the result.” He looked anxiously at Mr. Darcy, indicating his arm. “Does this mean I will never work again?”
“You need not be afraid of that,” said Darcy. “I will make sure you find employment. It was not your fault. There has been a storm. We had a similar situation.”
“Thank you, sir, but you had better go ahead. Miss Bennet is injured.”
