Elizabeth glanced about the room, her eyes narrowed. “I do not see how that could be, but for your peace of mind, we shall look.”
She took up the metal poker from beside the hearth and then handed the small metal shovel to her companion. Together they searched behind the drapes, within the dressing room, and then Jennie’s adjoining bedchamber.
“Jennie, lock your door and keep the poker near you until we hear from Higgins. There may be a stranger in the house.”
The maid hurried to do as she was told.
The two women returned to Georgiana’s room and seated themselves upon the small couch. Georgiana reached for Elizabeth’s hand.
“I am glad you are here with me. I am frightened beyond anything.”
Elizabeth returned the pressure of her fingers.
“Mr. Darcy has ensured that there are many able men in the house to protect you, and you are not alone. We shall be safe, my dear.”
She drew a slow breath, willing calm into her voice, though in her heart she wished that Mr. Darcy were present to stand between them and all that threatened.
“Let us take up a book and try to occupy our minds while we wait, if we can.”
Chapter 19: Ambushed
Cooper drew near to the Manvers estate and observed a hearse standing before the entrance. He reined in and wondered who within the manor had died. Only two men, dressed in black, stood beside the cart.
He guided his horse into a small grove and waited.
Within half an hour, six servants in livery emerged, bearing a coffin. It was placed upon the cart, and the two men followed behind as it turned onto a narrow lane, no doubt leading toward the family burial ground. Cooper narrowed his gaze, wondering who the men might be. Neither seemed of an age to be the Earl.
When they had gone, he circled to the opposite side of the manor, tethered his horse to a gatepost, and made his way through the kitchen gardens until he stood near enough to observe the back entrance. A well stood nearby, half concealed by hedge and shrub, and he took shelter behind the thick growth to watch.
An hour passed before a maid appeared, carrying two buckets. She approached the well and began to draw water.
Cooper removed his hat and kept his eyes lowered.
“Miss, I came to inquire after employment, but I see there has been a death in the house. Might you tell me whom I should address, and when I ought to return?”
The girl looked him over from head to foot, then fixed her gaze upon his face.
“Mister, we are all wondering whether any of us shall keep a place here, now that the Earl is dead. I only hope I shall be paid for this month’s wages.”
Cooper lifted his eyes.
“The Earl of Manvers is dead?”
“Aye,” she replied. “They say he gambled away his money, and some believe one of his creditors shot him down for not paying what was owed.”
Cooper’s expression sharpened.
“Was it a violent death, then?”
“Violent?” She said bitterly, “I should say so. He was shot in the back as he walked toward the stables. Whoever fired stood not ten feet from him. One shot was all it took. He never saw it coming.”
She hesitated, then added with blunt honesty, “Not that any of us laments his loss, except that we may not be paid, and may lose our positions besides.”
“But he was an Earl,” Cooper observed. “Surely his heir will settle matters with the servants.”
The maid shook her head and, overcome, sank onto a bench.
“They say he has no heir. The steward sent for the solicitor, who will search the records. We all pray they find someone, sir, someone who will make things right. The tenants are set for a good harvest, but if there is no one to manage the estate…”
