“I have the explanation, but I warn you, you are not going to like it,” said Miss Bingley, grimly. “The boats were nothing but an Illusion.”
A stunned silence followed.
Darcy felt as if his ribs were being squeezed. He struggled to breathe. His mind sifted through the implications. So, was everything that had happened for nothing? How could that be? Why would the French go through such an elaborate scheme? And why did they call it off when they were clearly winning the battle?
The answer hit him like the blow of a hammer.
“It was a decoy,” he said, in increasing horror. “They had no intention of landing here at all. The real ships have gonesomewhere else.” He turned to Elizabeth. “And it was Riquer who told us to come here. He has betrayed us.”
Chapter 26
That evening, despite Darcy’s assertion that it was Riquer who betrayed them, Elizabeth doggedly insisted on waiting to hear from him. She could not let her suspicions interfere with her mission. After all, she was still following the Prince Regent’s orders, and she would continue to do so until she heard otherwise. Besides, it was essential to know if Riquer had any more information that could be useful.
At the appointed time, Elizabeth carried a chair and sat outside the fort. She chose a place that faced inland, away from the sea. She did not know if she would ever want to look at the sea again. It had brought her nothing but terror.
She refused to think about Darcy’s statement. She did not want his words to color her interaction with Riquer. If it was true that he had betrayed them, it was unlikely he would contact her again. He had accomplished his purpose.
However, a few minutes later, she heard the swishing of the mirror, and Riquer appeared.
“You need to return to London at once,” he said, without even a greeting. His voice was urgent. “A fleet of balloons are moving towards the city. They are targeting the Prince Regent and the government as well as the King.”
If what he was saying was true, then all was lost. How on earth were they going to reach London in time? The balloon could fly much faster than a horse could gallop.
But if it wasnottrue— Riquer had sent them to Hythe, when the balloons were going to London. What if Darcy was right? Had Riquer given her the wrong information?
“Why did you not tell us this before?” she said, trying not to reveal any hint that she suspected him.
“I could not. I was not informed. I suppose they did not trust me. I only found out because my brother communicated through his mirror. He is coming to fetch me. He is on one of the balloons.”
She focused on getting more specific information. “How many balloons are there?” she asked, knowing Lord Matlock would ask.
“I cannot give you a number, but I know there are many.” He looked at something behind him. “I must go,” he whispered.
The mist swirled, and Riquer disappeared, leaving the mirror to reflect her face once again.
This time, there was no uncertainty about Riquer’s message. It was very clear. She could hear and see Riquer perfectly well, though she could tell he was trying not to be overheard.
If she had any doubts at all, it was whether she should believe him.
She dashed inside and sent a passing soldier to gather all the Royal mages around Lord Matlock’s bedside. Riquer’s statement would evoke a storm of reactions, and she was dreading having to answer their questions.
Darcy looked around him at the mages standing around Matlock’s bed, arguing. It was like the Council, all over again.
“We cannot trust anything Riquer says.” Darcy used enhancement to project his voice, and they stopped talking to look at him.
“We do not know that for certain,” said Lord Matlock, wearily.
How much evidence did they need?
“I will not stand here and argue for hours. When you have reached a conclusion, send for me. I am going for a walk. You will find me on the coastal path. I will not go far. I have cobwebs in my head and I need to clear it.”
He had reached the entrance to the fort, when he heard Elizabeth calling his name.
“May I join you?” she asked.
“As long you are not here to convince me that Riquer is trustworthy.”
Elizabeth did not say anything, and he regretted speaking harshly to her. “I’m sorry. I meant what I said earlier. I need to clear my mind.”
