The Earl chuckled. “Yes, it would not do for you to be seen armed to the teeth. Very well. I shall have them wrapped and ready when you come.”
With that, Darcy took his leave.
He walked the short distance back to his townhouse and went directly to his study, then rang for the butler.
Higgins entered at once, flustered. “Sir, I did not hear you arrive.”
“Never mind, Higgins. I came in through the library.”
He gave instructions for travel preparations, then added, “Send Peter to me.”
Darcy sat down to write a note to Charles, another to Richard’s batman, and the last to Mrs. Gardiner. The note to Elizabeth’s aunt proved more difficult, for he did not know precisely what to say. There was no understanding between him and Elizabeth, yet he could not bear to leave without informing her.
After a few minutes, he managed to compose a short missive:
Mrs. Gardiner,
My sister wished to shop at Hatchards with the two Miss Bennets, but unfortunately, I have been called away, andmust travel into Nottinghamshire tomorrow morning. Please accept my apologies, and convey them to your nieces. When I return, I shall call, that we may arrange to shop together, and perhaps also to visit Gunter’s.
Sincerely,
F. Darcy
He had just sealed the note when his footman presented himself.
“Mr. Darcy?”
“Send Robert at once to the Gardiners with this note.” He handed him a second paper. “This is the location of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s batman. See if you can run him to earth. Tell him the Colonel is needful of his services.”
“Yes, sir.”
Darcy next wrote to Kendall, sharing what he had learned and urging him to continue his inquiries. He left the notes for Charles and Kendall with the Butler, then went to the music room to speak with his sister.
“Georgiana, I am leaving for Nottinghamshire on business for Uncle Henry. I fear I must leave you here alone, since Aunt Helen is at Matlock nursing Philip. Will you be well by yourself?”
“I have remained here alone before, brother. I shall be quite well. May I invite Miss Elizabeth for tea?”
His expression eased.
“Yes, do so, my dear. She will be a comfort to you. I do not yet know how long I shall be gone, but I doubt it will be more than a fortnight. Reach out to Kendall if you have a need.”
As he returned to his study, Higgins approached.
“Mr. Kendall is wishful to speak with you, sir.”
“Send him in.”
The solicitor entered a moment later with Darcy’s letter in his hand, still sealed.
“Sir, I have not yet been able to obtain any useful information regarding the Earl of Manvers, but I have learned that the Earl of Harrington was a very wealthy man. Both daughters have dowries of fifty thousand pounds apiece, and the eldest, Lady Abigail Stanhope, will inherit the estate and the greater part of his fortune should her brother die before her.”
Darcy’s expression sharpened.
“The title will become extinct, sir, for there is no other male heir, should anything occur to the son before he has progeny.”
“Kendall, you have done well. Please continue with your inquiries. I leave in the morning. Send communications to Hadden Hall, and I will answer as I am able.”
When he was again alone in his study, he sat for a long while gazing unseeing at the portrait of his parents that hung above the hearth. His thoughts were wholly engaged with Elizabeth Bennet.
