“I’m not surprised,” Elizabeth remarked, getting to her feet. “Might I ring for some tea, Uncle?” At his nod, she rang the bell, and returned to her chair. “Where does he wish me to meet her?”
Her uncle looked grim. “He will call here with her tomorrow. I understand he is not going to tell her — or his family — where they will be and he is hoping she might be persuaded to stay until he is more certain of her security.”
Elizabeth nodded, wondering if she could gain the confidence of Miss Darcy. “What are we to tell Jane and Aunt Gardiner?”
Uncle Gardiner smiled. “Let’s go through together now, and explain. You ought to move into Jane’s chamber tonight, so if Miss Darcy agrees to stay, she will not feel she has taken your room from you.”
38
Darcy smiled across the coach at his sister. “Are you well, Georgiana?”
She smiled back, a little uncertainly. “I am, although I confess I am a little puzzled at the secrecy of this outing with you.”
He nodded. “I will be able to explain in a few moments, but I expect you are feeling more at ease now you know you will not be forced to marry Wickham.”
Her smile transformed her face. “Oh, yes! William, I’m so happy you came back to us in time to prevent it, I couldn’t see any way out, except …” she shuddered a little, and he leaned forward to take her hand in his.
“I’m happy I’ve found you and the rest of the family, too, Georgiana. You are the most delightful sister I could ever have imagined, and I want you to be confident that I am determined to ensure your happiness at all times.”
Her smile deepened. “All right, William. I will be very much happier once I know where we are going this morning, and why you asked Uncle Henry if we could use the Matlock coach, when I know you have begun using the Darcy ones.”
His eyebrows rose, he had not realised she was so astute. “I use the Darcy ones when there is no need to hide where I go, Georgiana.” He glanced out of the window. “But we’re going to stop and take tea in the Swan Inn at Richmond, so I can explain to you where we are going after that.” He smiled at her. “I think we’re nearly there.”
Two hours later, they drew up outside number twenty-three, Gracechurch Street. Darcy hoped Mr. Gardiner had warned his family of Georgiana’s shyness, and also hoped Mrs. Gardiner was as welcoming as her husband. He could be confident that Miss Bennet would make everything all right for Georgiana, and his heart beat fast at the thought of meeting her again, even though the presence of his sister would mean he’d not be able to speak privately to her.
He looked round carefully as he assisted Georgiana from the coach, and nodded at the coachman. “Go round to the mews.” He knew the stables were at the rear of the properties here. As they climbed the steps, he reminded himself that Miss Bennet’s older sister was staying, too. She was Miss Bennet. His own Miss Bennet, he must call her Miss Elizabeth, and his heart swelled at the thought of being able to say her given name thus.
He was glad the door opened as they reached it, and he could get inside the house. He couldn’t imagine the source of his foreboding, and knew Richard would scoff at the thought of Wickham being able to do anything from his jail cell. Even Georgiana had looked surprised.
“But he can’t hurt me now, William. Why do you want to hide me away?”
He’d shaken his head. “There is something I don’t understand, dear sister. Please accommodate me in this matter. I hope to discover what discomposes me so much within the next day or two, and I’m sure you will become friends with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The rest of the family is very amiable, too.”
He’d been rather disconcerted by her knowing look when he’d talked of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Surely young ladies of her age ought not to think thus? But he’d had to hide a smile. The Miss Bennet he’d first seen, that long-ago day, she would have had an equally knowing look.
Georgiana hung behind him slightly as they were announced to the family. He was pleased to see they all looked welcoming, but none of them pushed themselves at his sister.
“Come in and sit down,” their hostess encouraged. “We’re very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy, and so glad your brother has finally found his family.”
Darcy’s gaze turned to Miss Elizabeth. She was standing demurely by her chair, having risen and curtsied with the others. Her smile was cheerful, but not too sympathetic, and he took his sister to meet her as soon as the pleasantries allowed.
“I’m really pleased to meet you at last, Miss Darcy,” she greeted. “Perhaps you’d care to sit here while your brother talks to my uncle and meets my sister.”
Darcy was a little nonplussed at her words, but turned to do as she’d suggested. He set himself to get to know the elder Miss Bennet, and thanked Mrs. Gardiner for being so welcoming. When he had a moment to glance at his sister, she seemed to be deep in conversation with Miss Elizabeth, and he was pleased to see she seemed to be enjoying herself.
“If you do wish her to stay with us, William, I’m sure Lizzy will assist her to enjoy her stay.” Gardiner’s eyes were on them, too, as they rose to their feet and crossed to the pianoforte in the corner of the room and began a conversation over the manuscripts.
“I think she would be safe at Matlock House, but she’d have to remain indoors, and I cannot see that she would feel happier being trapped there.” Darcy watched them and sighed. “I will have to get over this feeling there is something amiss.” He glanced at Gardiner. “I hope Mrs. Gardiner does not feel I am imposing upon her with my request.”
Gardiner glanced at him. “She does not. In fact, she seems pleased she is able to help. She’s been very anxious for you — from the time you first told us you were being observed by the officer.”
Darcy wondered what it was about, but she was drawing closer, and there was no time. “It seems Miss Darcy will be happy to stay with us, Mr. Darcy. Please don’t be anxious for her. But is your cousin likely to search for her here? And what ought we to tell him?”
Gardiner frowned. “I suppose it depends how long this is likely to be. If the period is extended, then your earlier idea of your sister going into Hertfordshire might need to be enacted. Lizzy would be happy to go with her, if necessary.”
Darcy bowed his head. “I thank you for your great assistance to me. I can never repay your kindness to me.” He saw Gardiner shake his head. “It’s true. However, let us say I will attempt to resolve the issue within two days. If my cousin calls, it will be at the warehouse, won’t it? Will they direct him here?”
39
Elizabeth watched their guest over breakfast the next morning. It had been rather difficult at first, especially as the girl was so anxious about her brother, and Elizabeth wasn’t certain exactly how much she was supposed to know. But playing duets on the piano had eased her mind, and they’d had a merry evening eventually.
Uncle Gardiner was going to his warehouse. Jane and their aunt were going to call at the modistes — Aunt Gardiner was in happy anticipation of a certain announcement soon. So she and Georgiana would have the opportunity to become better acquainted. It hadn’t been long before the girl had confided in her about the formality of her upbringing and her longing for real friends. So Elizabeth had declared they ought to call each other by their given names, because it would help them become friends.
So they were alone together later that morning when the housekeeper came anxiously to the door. “Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth looked up. “Yes, Mrs. Evans?”
The woman glanced at their guest. “A coach has arrived, Miss Bennet. It bears the Darcy crest, and the coachman says he’s been sent by young Mr. Darcy. Their father is very ill and asking for Miss Darcy. You’re to go to Darcy House at once.”
Georgiana jumped to her feet, her face distressed. “Oh, poor Father! I must go to him.”
“Wait a moment.” Elizabeth reached out to her new friend. “I’m sure your brother would have come himself for you if it was all right for you to go. Let’s send
a servant to him to ask him if all is in order.”
Georgiana looked at her in amazement. “But he must have told them where to come to find me.”
The housekeeper coughed discreetly. “Miss Bennet, the coachman did ask for you to accompany Miss Darcy. He used your name.”
Warmth flooded through Elizabeth. Was Mr. Darcy prepared to ask his father’s blessing if he thought he was about to pass? She didn’t think anyone else knew her name — except the cousin. Overlying the warmth, a suspicion grew. She turned to the housekeeper.
“Has my uncle’s coach returned after conveying him to the warehouse? Perhaps we ought to use that coach, as we can turn round and come back if we need to.”
“No, Miss Bennet. Today, Mr. Gardiner is undertaking calls.”
“I want to go to Father.” Georgiana sounded determined. “Even if you don’t want to come too, Elizabeth, I can take my maid.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I won’t ask you to go alone, Georgiana. But it seems odd, the very first day you’re here, and not under the protection of your cousin or your brother.”
“Well, if it will make you feel better, we can call at Matlock House first, as it is on the way, and tell my aunt what we are about.” Georgiana tossed her head and spoke to the housekeeper.
“Please ask my maid to fetch my things.”
“She has already done so, Miss Darcy.” The woman bobbed her head.
The two of them moved into the hall. Elizabeth could see the coachman waiting by the door, impeccably dressed in his livery.
“Do you recognise him?” she whispered to Georgiana.
“Yes,” the girl nodded. “He’s the head coachman, and it’s the finest coach that’s been sent.” She put her hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Everything is fine. You don’t need to come unless you wish to.”
But the message had asked her to go too. And Uncle Gardiner had said that Mr. Darcy had asked them to shelter Georgiana. She could not let her go off alone.
As Georgiana was assisted into her coat by her maid, Elizabeth turned to the housekeeper. “Mrs. Evans, as soon as we have left, send at once to my uncle — oh dear. You said he was on calls today.” She raced through the options in her mind. “No, get Mr. Evans to write at once to Matlock House, to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and tell him what’s happened. Ask him to tell Mr. Darcy, wherever he might be.”
“Not Darcy House?” Mrs. Evans looked confused.
“No. Matlock House. Through Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth murmured. Everything was almost certainly in order, but Elizabeth had to make sure someone knew — just in case.
The coachman descended the steps before them, checking the vehicle was ready for them. One footman held the lead horses’ heads, and the other the door. Elizabeth was reassured, and climbed in after Georgiana, feeling the coach rock as the footmen climbed up behind them.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Georgiana sighed. “I hope Father rallies, it would be sad if he passes such a short while after finding William.”
“Let’s hope he recovers soon.” Elizabeth smiled at her. “It won’t take long to get there and we will see for ourselves.”
“It may be half-an-hour or so,” Georgiana looked out of the window. “Depending on how busy the roads are.”
Elizabeth sat back and tried to think how she might feel if she’d been summoned to her father’s sickbed. She was quite certain she’d be considerably more distressed than Georgiana was. “Do you have happy memories of your father?” She tried to engage her.
“Not really.” The girl’s eyes filled with tears. “All I remember is feeling guilty Mama had passed after I was born, and Father disliking me because of it. And, as I got older, he told me I had to marry Mr. Wickham so Pemberley would be all right.”
She looked away miserably. “I never remember being happy, not until William came to see us in Scotland. I could hardly believe it.”
Elizabeth felt her lips twitch. “Whatever did you think when you first saw him?”
Twenty minutes passed, Georgiana cheerfully telling Elizabeth the story. But Elizabeth was growing increasingly concerned.
“I don’t like to interrupt, Georgiana, but is this the right way to Matlock House, or to your father’s home?”
Georgiana’s eyes widened and she glanced out of the window. “No, it’s not,” she said fearfully.
Elizabeth stood up in the swaying coach and banged on the roof, but the coach didn’t slow. She kept her face as calm as she could, but her heart filled with dread. There had been a reason Mr. Darcy had not felt as secure as the rest of the family, and it seemed he’d been right.
She sat back down and took Georgiana’s hand. “We don’t know each other very well, do we? But we have to trust each other.” She noted the girl’s disordered breathing — she looked close to hysteria. “Breathe calmly, Georgiana. We must make a plan.”
“It must be Mr. Wickham.” Georgiana’s voice was high and fearful.
“I think you’re right.” Elizabeth patted her hand. “So, the first thing you have to do is tell me as much about him as you can, so we can make the best decisions. You must keep calm. And the very first time we stop, we must insist we need to retire. Then we can get away and ask for help.”
The other girl’s eyes were wide and fearful. “But he will have thought of that. I’m sure we’re prisoners.”
London was falling behind them, and the countryside was pressing in. Elizabeth’s lips tightened. There would be fewer people they could ask for help when the stopped, which they surely must soon.
When the shout from outside came, she squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I can’t see an inn. I want you to be prepared to follow me and run if it seems the only thing to do.”
“But they’ll catch us!” Georgiana looked frozen with fear. Elizabeth nodded.
“We will not run unless it seems we have to. But first, we must find out what this is all about.”
As the coach slowed, a burly man jumped onto the step outside the coach door each side. They would not be able to run, even had they wanted to. Elizabeth surpassed a shudder. This had been well planned.
The coach stopped. One of the men jumped down and the door opened long enough for a dishevelled man to climb in, followed by both of the other men, who were roughly dressed and looked like thugs. Georgiana gave a squeak of fear and buried her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“Aren’t you going to greet me as a lady should, Georgiana?” The man’s oily words caused another shudder to convulse the girl, and Elizabeth drew herself upright.
“Your manner is not conducive to reassuring Miss Darcy.” She allowed a look of contempt to cross her face. “I presume you are Mr. Wickham?”
“You presume correctly, Miss Bennet. And I’m delighted my little trap has caught you both so neatly.” He leaned forward, a venomous look on his features. “As if Darcy could think I’d give up what I’ve worked so hard for!”
In a moment, he was calm and collected once more, and sat back between the other two men. If he had not been so dishevelled, he might have been the consummate English gentleman.
“What have you done to him?” Elizabeth couldn’t prevent herself.
Mr. Wickham’s eyebrows rose. “Nothing at all — yet. But the coachman and many of the staff are mine. As soon as I was arrested, I knew.” His smile was animal in its ferocity.
“The Fitzwilliams are too complacent. So here we are. Georgiana will be mine when we reach Scotland — and you, Miss Bennet, are my Darcy trap. When he comes to find you, I’ll be ready, and a terrible accident will befall him once more. This time, I will ensure it is permanent.” He raised his feet onto the seat opposite him, and Georgiana shrank away from his booted feet.
“But others will know, and you will hang for it.” Elizabeth’s mouth was dry, she knew Mr. Darcy would come for her.
“Oh no, my dear young lady. The only person alive who will know will be my dear wife.” His expression hardened. “But if I think she will inform, I will quickly be
a widower — a wealthy widower who has Pemberley and all the wealth of the Darcy family.”
Elizabeth felt Georgiana shuddering, fear apparent in her rapid breathing and little gasps. “Perhaps you ought to ride outside, Mr. Wickham, if you insist on frightening Miss Darcy so severely.”
He smirked. “Oh, no. Dear Georgiana needs to become accustomed to my presence — and I would not like you planning anything untoward, would I?”
40
“Why the devil did you take her there?” Richard’s fury washed over Darcy, whose heart was already cold with dread.
“Nobody knew she could be there — except for you and your family! You must have talked in front of the servants, and Wickham will have discovered the connection through them!”
“That’s enough!” The earl’s voice was like a whiplash, and both of them turned to him. “Have some respect for your mother, Richard. And you, Darcy. Nothing will be gained by this unseemly argument, and there is much to be lost if we waste time.” His uncle turned to the servant.
“Please tell me again exactly what you know.”
The man bowed. He was very well turned out for a household in Cheapside, and Darcy could see his uncle revising his opinion of the place. But he was too filled with fear for Elizabeth and Georgiana to be amused by the thought.
“Yes, my lord. The … the Darcy’s fine coach appeared. It was in full livery, with all the servants that would be expected. The head coachman came up the steps, very well-spoken.”
“How do you know it was him?” Richard barked. The man quailed.
“The housekeeper heard Miss Bennet ask Miss Darcy if she recognised him, sir. And she said she did. And he knew exactly why she was there, and he asked for Miss Bennet by name too.”
The Lost Heir Page 17
