Then again.
Drugged.
Taken away in the night.
Forced marriage.
His hands trembled slightly as he lowered the paper. “What on earth is happening at Longbourn?” he demanded.
Charlotte shook her head helplessly. “I did not see Elizabeth. Kitty brought it to me from her. She told me Mary struck Elizabeth earlier, and that Elizabeth had been crying in her room.”
Darcy pressed his lips together.
“She also said Elizabeth was behaving strangely,” Charlotte continued. “But nothing that suggested this.”
Darcy ran a hand through his hair. “I know Mary… strongly dislikes me,” he said slowly. “But why would Mr. Bennet—?”
Charlotte could only shrug. “Elizabeth has always been his favorite. I cannot imagine why he would do something so extreme… especially something like drugging her.”
Darcy nodded grimly.
“I must go to Longbourn immediately.”
Charlotte hesitated. “Mr. Darcy… be careful.”
He looked at her, surprised by the quiet concern in her voice. “I will.”
“I should return home,” she said.
Darcy moved toward the door. “I will escort you to your carriage.”
Charlotte flushed slightly. “I did not bring one.”
Darcy stopped and gaped at her.
“There was no time,” she explained. “I only had a moment of privacy to read Elizabeth’s letter before realizing what it contained. By the time my father’s carriage could be readied…”
Her voice trailed off before she added, “I did not know how to explain my need for it, in any case.”
Darcy glanced toward the dark windows beyond the hall.
She had come alone.
On foot.
In the dark.
Across the village with soldiers and fields with no lighting.
His respect for her rose sharply.
“Go to the ladies in the music room,” he said quickly. “Ask Mrs. Hurst to arrange a gig for you.”
Charlotte nodded.
“But do not explain anything,” Darcy added. “Tell them only that the gentlemen will speak to them shortly.”
“I understand.”
