He held out his arm in a most demanding manner, and I knew immediately he was most definitely aware of his commander’s orders. Laying my hand upon his arm, I allowed him to escort me below without saying another word; though I wished I were able to remove the impudent grin from his countenance. Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, he led me to the study where the men remained with Elizabeth.
“Georgie, I thought you were resting.”
Fitzwilliam’s voice was as weary as he appeared.
“I am well, but you have not slept.” Relinquishing the Captain’s arm, I approached my brother and took his hand. “It will not do for you to exhaust yourself. There are others who can take up the search while you rest.”
“Indeed, Poppet,” Richard nodded from his place behind Mr. Bingley’s desk. “I have told him as much myself. Perhaps you may have more success.”
I eyed my cousin. He looked as though he was also fatigued, but I knew he was accustomed to fighting through a lack of sleep. The determined gleam in his eye told me he would not rest until Mr. Wickham was found.
Turning toward Mr. Bennet, I smiled. “Sir, I believe you have delivered clothing for Jane and Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Mrs. Nicholls is seeing to it.”
“Then I shall show Elizabeth to my room where Jane is resting and she can do the same.” I turned back to Richard and gave him an imperial smile. “I am certain you have gained all the information you need for a time?”
Elizabeth looked to Richard who nodded. Wearily she stood and moved toward me.
Once we were together, I turned toward my brother once more. “Come, Fitzwilliam. You must escort us and then continue on to your own room.”
A harsh laugh resounded about the room. “You heard her, Darcy. You are being called to do your duty, and a delightful one at that.” Richard’s intelligent eyes scoured the trio, his lips twitching with merriment.
“Miss Darcy,” Captain Jacobs stepped up beside me. “Will you be remaining above with the Bennet sisters?”
I could feel my cheeks burn once more, knowing I had every intention of returning below once Elizabeth was settled.
As if knowing my response, the soldier continued. “Perhaps Mr. Darcy should escort Miss Bennet alone if you are inclined to return.”
Seeing Richard’s brow furrow, I quickly turned toward my brother. “Perhaps the Captain is correct. As I am not to be unattended, it would be best if you escorted Elizabeth and I remained here.” I glanced back to the officer, bowing my head as I said in a sarcastic tone, “Thank you, sir, for being so thoughtful.”
“At your service, miss.” He bowed deeply, his actions as mocking as my words.
My brother frowned as he glanced between us. “I believe it would be better should you rest, Georgie. You do not sound like yourself.”
Adopting my sweetest smile, I patted Fitzwilliam’s arm. “I assure you, I am well. I find sleep evades me at this time and I would rather attempt to be useful here.”
“Very well,” he responded reluctantly, “since you insist.” He held out an arm to Elizabeth and smiled. “Shall we?”
A soft, weary giggle escaped her. “You sound as though you are asking me to dance, sir, not escorting me from the room.” A blush covered her cheeks as their eyes met.
All about them were witness to the flash of fire which blazed in Fitzwilliam’s eyes as he looked upon the lady before him. Taking her hand and placing it upon his arm, he turned toward the door and spoke softly to her. “I suppose it is because I had every intention of requesting your final dance last evening.”
“But, Mr. Darcy, we had already danced the supper dance. What would people say?”
They left the room before he could respond, but a few moments later Elizabeth’s light laughter was heard flowing down the stairs. I looked longingly toward the door, wishing I were with them so I could hear what was said. A soft chuckle at my side drew my attention and I turned to glare at Captain Jacobs, certain he had been able to read my thoughts.
“Well, Colonel,” Mr. Bennet sighed. “It appears we must have this business done with as quickly as possible in order for my elder daughters to secure their futures.”
“Indeed, sir.” Richard leaned forward. “I will reassure you, my cousin is the best of men. I believe they will be happy together. Miss Elizabeth appears to be just what he requires to make him more jovial.” He turned his attention toward me. “Poppet, why do I feel you know more of this than any in the room? Perhaps, in future, I should enlist you as one of my spies. What brought you to Hertfordshire?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I took a seat near his desk. “I missed Fitzwilliam and decided to accept Mr. Bingley’s invitation to visit Netherfield.”
“After initially refusing? Were you aware Mr. Wickham would be here?”
My eyes grew large. Does he believe I intended to follow the lout about? Drawing my shoulders back and raising my head, I gave him my most wilting Darcy look. “I most certainly was not. I know not whether being aware of his presence would have changed my decision, but I have no desire to see that man again.”
Richard struggled to maintain his cool expression and finally succumbed to another hearty laugh. “Good God, Georgie, you are beginning to look like Darcy at his fiercest. Stop it this instant. I believe you.”
“You should not say such things, Richard.” I glanced about.
“Forgive me, Poppet.” He stood and rounded the desk, stopping just beside me where he knelt and took my hand. “Darcy assures me Mr. Bennet is trustworthy, and Captain Jacobs is aware of your prior encounter with Mr. Wickham. He is my most trusted officer. He has been following Wickham for some time; keeping an eye on the man and making certain he had no contact with you.”
My jaw fell open. “You had no faith in me?”
“No, I believe the worst of him! I feared he may attempt to kidnap you and then say you ran away with him.” His eyes drifted away from me. “I will admit to fearing he could use his silver tongue to convince you of his love and steal yours once more.”
“Richard!” I was incensed. “You still see me as that thoughtless child? Fitzwilliam has explained to me what Mr. Wickham is. I would not be fooled again. I know what my family expects of me; what could come of my reputation. I would never …” Tears burned hot against my eyes, and I turned and fled the room before they spilled down my cheeks.
I could hear the gentlemen calling after me, but I did not stop until I was in the gardens. Even then, I continued until the tears blinded me and I was forced to slow for fear of tripping. As I neared a bench, I dropped down and cradled my head in my arms upon it, releasing my anguish.
When my tears began to slow, I lifted my head in search of my handkerchief. Realizing I had left my reticule inside, I muttered under my breath until I noticed something white dangling at my side.
I turned and found Captain Jacobs standing nearby. His back was toward me, but a handkerchief hung from his hand, just within my reach. Reluctantly, I accepted it and wiped away the tears before blowing my nose. As I began to rise, he turned and took my elbow to assist me.
“My cousin has sent you to look after me?” I asked bitterly.
“I am certain he would have done so, but I followed you on my own volition.” Once more, he turned his back toward me as I brushed the dirt from my skirt and righted my appearance.
I opened my mouth to speak, but my voice came out in a barely audible whisper. “Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it, miss.”
He still faced away from me, and it began to irritate me. “Lord, you may turn around. I suppose I am decent.”
“Forgive me, Miss Darcy. I simply wished to provide you with the privacy you may prefer at this time.”
“While watching my every move,” I muttered as I dropped onto the bench.
At that, he did turn and looked at me condescendingly. “I am not watching you, rather watching over you. Can you not see I am here to protect you?” He cleared his throat and nudged a stone w
ith the toe of his boot. “When the Colonel and I were in battle, we would speak of home as a way to keep our spirits high. I have come to think of you as family.”
Reticently, I raised my eyes to look at him. Since we met, he had reached out to me; looked after me. Yes, he had reprimanded me at times, but he had been correct regarding my behaviour. Perhaps he was simply acting the way Fitzwilliam or Richard would when in my presence. So why does it offend me?
Shaking away my thoughts, I forced a smile. “Captain, I believe we have started ill. Will you forgive my insolence?”
His eyes lit as a smile crept across his countenance, showing him to be much younger than I had originally believed. “Of course, milady,” he said as he dropped into an exaggerated bow causing me to giggle. He held out his hand. “Shall we return inside?”
Taking his hand, I stood, brushed the dirt from my skirts once more, and then wrapped my hand about his arm. “Tell me more of how you met my cousin. How old were you?”
His chest rumbled with laughter and I felt it against my arm. “I was but a few years older than you, having not yet reached my majority. As I told you, my father was concerned regarding my tendency to speak openly regarding my beliefs. He feared I would not do well in school and hired tutors instead. I far exceeded his expectations and, I believe, he felt the need to find something else for me.” We walked toward the house as the Captain explained how cruel young men could be and his father’s hopes to see his son protected.
I nodded. “Young ladies are quite the same. You have not yet met Miss Lydia Bennet, I believe, but she could easily rival the meanest girls in the best finishing schools.”
“Oh, I am familiar with Miss Lydia.” His frown spoke louder than his words. “She has made a point of speaking to all the officers.”
“Does she vie for your attention?” I smiled at the thought of Lydia flirting outrageously with the serious man at my side.
“I dare say she attempted it, once. She has since found me to be too disagreeable and gone on to other pastures.” He shivered and I fought the urge to laugh.
“You do not appreciate a pretty young lady showing you attention?” I asked innocently.
“If a proper young lady wished to speak on gentle topics, I would not be displeased no matter her appearance. However, I see little of worth in Miss Lydia beyond her looks.” Captain Jacobs became thoughtful. “I have often wondered how she came to be so unlike her sisters.”
“From what I have gathered, the elder sisters have spent a great deal of time with relatives. Miss Lydia is her mother’s favourite and has rarely been from home.” I fell silent lost in my thoughts.
It felt wrong to be speaking so calmly regarding this young girl who had fallen victim to Mr. Wickham’s charms. I knew only too well how convincing the man could be. Perhaps Lydia was more innocent in this situation than was believed. Worse, what if she was not with Mr. Wickham and Miss King? What tragedy could have befallen her? “Miss Darcy?”
We were no longer walking and the Captain stood at my side, watching me closely. I wondered which of us had stopped first as I lifted my gaze to meet his.
“Are you unwell? You appear quite distressed.”
His concern for me resounded in his words and I was forced to look away again. Why does my heart beat so when he looks at me in that manner?
Taking a deep breath, I turned back to him. In order to maintain some calm, I stared at a small white scar along his left cheek, just below the bone. I had not seen it before and began to wonder if he had earned it in battle. Oh, this will not do. I must look a fool.
Closing my eyes briefly, I hoped my complexion was not as rosy as I feared, then responded. “I was just wondering if Miss Lydia is truly with Mr. Wickham. What if we have all misjudged the situation? Could she have left Longbourn in hopes of coming to the ball and now be lost or injured?”
The Captain’s features relaxed and he laid a hand upon mine, which rested on his arm. “You have a caring heart, Miss Darcy. From what I have learned, I believe it is safe to say Miss Lydia had no intention of attending the ball when she left Longbourn.” We began walking once more. “Her ball gown remained behind, but she had taken a few belongings. It is true there was no note as to her whereabouts, but Mr. Bennet has given a list of places she may have gone. Colonel Fitzwilliam is arranging search parties as we speak. If she is not with Wickham, she will be found soon enough.”
“Though you anticipate she will be found with him.” I stared at his profile. He had not removed his hand from mine, and I found his touch to be comforting.
We had reached the porch leading to the side entrance and he guided me up the steps, but he paused before entering the house.
“Shall we rejoin the others?” The Captain’s voice held a hint of hesitation. “I should see if there is anything the Colonel requires of me.”
“Of course.” I bowed my head, but neither of us took a step forward. “Thank you for following me. I should not have run out as I did, but the thought of what occurred last summer continues to fill me with guilt and shame. My brother has been exceedingly patient with me, but Richard continues to see me as a small child who requires constant supervision. It is frustrating.”
His hand came into my line of vision just before he gently placed a finger beneath my chin and lifted my head to meet his gaze. “Of what are you guilty? Being drawn in by a pair who plotted against you? Why should you be ashamed? For trusting a woman who was charged with guiding you? I am certain the men in your life would rather you relinquish these ideas and move forward.”
My pulse rushed as I stared into his hazel eyes, noticing for the first time the flecks of amber, which caught the sun and shimmered. So distracted was I, that I did not notice the door open a few feet away until I heard a gentleman clearing his throat. The Captain and I both startled and turned toward the sound.
“I suppose you were simply waiting for someone to open the door before entering?” Richard asked, a rare frown gracing his lips.
“Forgive me, sir.” Captain Jacobs bowed as he allowed his hand to fall to his side and escorted me inside.
Once we entered the study, he led me to the settee and saw me seated. He then continued toward the desk and viewed the maps of the area. “Where shall we begin?”
I felt my cousin’s eyes upon me, but refused to meet his gaze. Instead, I stared resolutely at the Captain’s back as I attempted to sort out the emotions that bubbled inside me.
Chapter Nineteen
The search parties had been gone for some time and we ladies who remained behind at Netherfield were anxious for their return. Any manner of enterprise had long ago been abandoned until we all sat staring towards either the windows or the doors; hopeful of seeing some movement.
I glanced about as I stretched my neck, now stiff from remaining in one position too long. Elizabeth’s soft laugh drew my attention.
“Forgive me, Georgie, but Miss Bingley assures me a turn about the room is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.” She rose and approached me, holding out her hand. “Shall we?”
A sad smile graced my lips as I agreed and joined my friend in walking about the room. Neither of us spoke, though we hesitated in front of each window we passed, gazing longingly across the landscape.
“I just do not understand,” the soft whispers began once more and we all sighed in unison.
Mrs. King had been reciting this mantra every few minutes since the gentlemen made her aware of their concerns regarding her daughter. The lady was certain they were mistaken, but could provide no other explanation for her daughter’s disappearance.
“He seemed like such an agreeable gentleman.”
Mrs. Annesley, who remained at Mrs. King’s side, patted her hand but said not a word. What more could be said than what had already been spoken?
Being so near to Elizabeth, I could almost feel the frustration roll from her in waves as she took a deep breath. “Perhaps we could walk in the garden?” she asked no one in part
icular.
“I believe the gentlemen wished us to remain inside,” Jane said firmly as she eyed her sister.
“But if we remain together, it is no different than us being together inside.” Elizabeth took another deep breath and released it slowly. “Perhaps I am simply tired of staring at these four walls.”
I looked hopefully toward Jane. “I would like a bit of fresh air.”
Sighing, Jane turned toward the older ladies. Mrs. King stared off as she had since the gentlemen left while Mrs. Annesley met her eye and nodded.
“I suppose a brief walk about the gardens nearest the house might revive us.” Jane turned toward us. “Lizzy, I believe you and Georgiana should play for us when we return inside.”
“Certainly,” Elizabeth nodded as she glanced toward me for agreeance.
“It would be preferable to sitting in silence,” I whispered for only my friend to hear.
Bonnets, pelisses, and shawls were gathered and we stepped out the side door a short time later. Mrs. King followed where Mrs. Annesley led, though she seemed unaware of her surroundings. Jane stayed close by in the event her assistance was required while Elizabeth and I set a faster pace and soon left the others behind.
“Please do not go far,” Jane called to her sister.
Slowing slightly, we turned and waved our acknowledgement. Taking a path, which would bring us back around to the others, we began speaking softly.
“Is it possible they have been found?” I asked.
Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. “I cannot say. If they were at the nearest location, the men would have returned by now. Though I suppose it would be foolish for Mr. Wickham to remain that close. I fear …” She bit her lip and looked about. “I fear the Colonel is underestimating Mr. Wickham. Surely he has left Hertfordshire. He would be foolish to remain.”
Sighing, I shook my head. “I fear my cousin is rarely wrong. He and Fitzwilliam are very similar in that regard; they both study things until they understand them thoroughly. Richard has made it his business to understand Mr. Wickham better than that man knows himself.” I dropped my head and studied the tips of my shoes, which peeked from under my gown as I walked. “If Richard believes Mr. Wickham will come for me, I am afraid he will do just that.”
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 18
