“In the woods, you say?” She glanced back over her shoulder. “So that’s where she went. I thought the little minx was asleep and went downstairs to be about my chores. When I returned she was gone.”
“We think Mr. Wickham must have found her after she left the note, but before she returned home.” Kitty said softly.
Clucking her tongue, Mrs. Hill continued to mutter about us not thinking of our own safety until we came at last to the house and she reached to open the door leading to the kitchen. “Inside now. Go on with you.”
As we entered the house, the smell of sweet bread filled the air and I realized I had eaten very little that day. When my stomach rumbled its annoyance, Mrs. Hill motioned toward the table.
“Cook, fetch some of the freshly made butter and that warm loaf. The girls have just come from a long walk and need nourishment. Did Samuel return to the stables?”
“Yes ’m,” Cook responded as she took down two plates and moved the kettle over the fire. “Sit down. I’ll put the tea on to steep then cut the bread.”
Though both of us felt the sting of Mrs. Hill referring to us as ‘girls’, I recognized our actions had been exceedingly immature and unwise. I looked at Kitty and realized she was as thankful as I that no ill had come to us.
A moment later the door leading to the hall banged open and Mary stood before us. “I do not suppose the two of you are familiar with the scripture ‘Honour thy father and thy mother’?” She placed her hands on her hips as she shook her head. “Georgiana, your brother was beside himself with worry; as was my sister. They have taken a few men from the search parties and are out looking for you this very moment.”
I was about to respond, but Mary continued. “And you, Kitty! Is it not bad enough that Lydia has run away, and now you find it necessary to follow in her footsteps?”
“I did not run away, Mary.” Kitty raised her eyes to the ceiling. “After Papa left I thought of something else that might be helpful. Georgiana and I decided to investigate it ourselves instead of forcing the men to return to Netherfield once more.”
“And yet your leaving Netherfield did cause the men to return there.” Mary shook her head, a scowl upon her face. “I simply cannot understand you. Is it not bad enough that Lydia has acted so foolishly? Mr. Collins is speaking of returning to Kent so as to distance himself from this scandal. I fear he will never propose now. No one will, and we will be forced to remain at Longbourn until Papa is gone and Mr. Collins returns to toss us all out into the hedgerows.”
I had never seen Mary so angry. There was no fear, like when Kitty had realized the consequences of Lydia’s actions. This was righteous indignation if I had ever seen it.
“Now, Miss Mary.” Cook stepped in front of the middle Bennet daughter. “The girls know they were wrong. I’ve put on tea. Would you like a cup? I have freshly made butter and warm bread as well”
“No thank you, Cook,” Mary said abruptly while continuing to stare at Kitty and myself. “I will be in the front parlour trying to convince Mr. Collins that we are not all wanton sinners.” Finally, she glanced at the servant. “Please have Mrs. Hill bring us tea and Mr. Collins’ favourite biscuits as well as some of the sweet bread.”
Throwing one more glare in our direction, she turned and stomped from the room. The silence that descended after her departure was only broken by the sound of Cook’s preparations. Kitty and I kept our eyes lowered until plates were set before us. Reluctantly, we began to nibble at the treat, though it was now sour to our stomachs. Uncertain what was expected of us, we both remained seated until Mrs. Hill returned with Samuel close behind her.
“... should remain here,” Mrs. Hill was saying as they entered.
“I believe Mr. Darcy thought it best the ladies return to Netherfield. With the officers coming and going …”
“That Wickham could slip in a side door without being suspected,” Mrs. Hill finished. “No, I think the less they move about the better.”
Samuel frowned as he looked at us. “Well, I best ride out to find him and tell him what you’ve said.”
“Is Miss Lizzy still with him?” Mrs. Hill had lowered her voice as they walked to the door, but I was still able to catch her words.
“Yes’m.” Samuel smiled broadly. “When she found them missing, she ordered one of Mr. Bingley’s horses saddled and rode out herself to find Mr. Darcy. He was a sight sore at her, but she told him Mr. Wickham wouldn’t give her a second glance without a dowry. And she refused to go back to Netherfield, so he demanded she stay with him so he could protect her if need be.”
Mrs. Hill’s grin matched his. “He did, eh? Perhaps some good will come of this dreadful business after all.”
“Only if the others are found without a scandal. I can’t imagine the gentleman being able to overlook such a family disgrace, no matter his inclination.”
As their smiles faded, the servants nodded and separated. I caught Mrs. Hill’s eye as she turned back toward the kitchen table. The sadness there was unmistakable, causing me to shiver.
Please, Lord, do not let everyone’s hopes be in vain, I prayed silently as I followed Kitty and Mrs. Hill out of the kitchen.
***********
The door to the back parlour flew open as Fitzwilliam burst through it. I was immediately wrapped in his arms, barely able to see Elizabeth embracing Kitty just behind him. As fast as the hug had begun, I was released and held at arm’s length.
“Just what were you thinking?” he demanded.
“Forgive me, Fitzwilliam,” I whispered as I stared at the buttons of his waistcoat. “I believed we could be of assistance.”
“By frightening me out of my wits?” He led me to the sofa and took the seat beside me, holding my hands in his. “Georgie, what possessed you to go off without saying anything to anyone?”
Elizabeth stepped forward, her arms still about Kitty. “I believe I can answer for her. It is dreadfully frustrating sitting at Netherfield waiting for word of what is occurring elsewhere.”
Fitzwilliam gave Elizabeth an exasperated look before turning back to me. “You have said as much before, Miss Bennet, but I am asking Georgiana.”
“Elizabeth is correct, Brother.” My voice was forceful in protection of my friend. “When Kitty thought of the hollow log, we knew it was possible there would be nothing there. We did not want to take someone away from the search in vain. We were together the entire time. Nothing happened to us.” Though I had started strong, my voice ended in barely a whisper under the weight of his obvious disapproval.
He released one of my hands and reached into a pocket to retrieve the note we had found. With a heavy sigh, he responded. “It appears you were correct. All this proves is that Miss Lydia knew what she was about.”
Kitty took a step forward. “But it says nothing of Miss King. Do you think Lydia knew Mr. Wickham had Miss King?”
“It is difficult to say,” Elizabeth answered as her eyes searched Fitzwilliam’s.
“One thing it does tell us, your sister was not as trusting of Wickham as he thought she would be.” He looked to the note once more. “It appears he wanted her to leave whatever he requested, but she would not do so.”
The weariness in Fitzwilliam’s voice tugged at my heart. Once more my brother was beset by Mr. Wickham. How many more times would it be so?
“What will you do now, Brother?” I asked softly, not meeting his gaze.
Taking a deep breath, he looked to Elizabeth then back at me. “I believe it best that you and Miss Bennet return to Netherfield. The constant activity there with the soldiers should keep Wickham away.”
“But what of Kitty?” I asked as I glanced toward my friend.
“Miss Catherine may accompany you, if she so desires. I shall ask Samuel to escort you.”
He stood, but paused when Elizabeth cleared her throat. Hearing him take a deep breath, I looked up. It appeared my brother was bracing himself for battle.
“Yes, Miss Bennet?”
“Mr. Darcy, I believe we have already spoken of this.”
“And I believe you understand my feelings on the subject.”
“Can you not see I would be helpful …?”
“No, I cannot! Elizabeth, you are a distraction!”
“I beg your pardon? How do I distract?” Fire shot from Elizabeth’s eyes as she glared at him.
“I cannot think clearly when you are about!” he shouted. “Blast it, woman, do you not see I would be completely useless for fear of you being injured in some manner.” He took a deep breath and looked at her beseechingly. “Will you not respect my wishes in this?”
The look of confusion which settled upon Elizabeth’s features nearly caused me to laugh. Before another word could be said, Fitzwilliam stepped forward and took Elizabeth’s hand in both of his. Slowly, he raised it to his lips and kissed it reverently.
“Please,” he whispered.
Elizabeth’s nod was barely perceivable, but Fitzwilliam smiled. “I shall have Samuel escort you to Netherfield, and I will return to you as soon as we find our quarry.” He kissed her hand once more before releasing it and rushing from the room.
When he was gone, Elizabeth stood staring at the door through which he had passed. Kitty and I exchanged knowing glances, barely able to suppress the giggles which bubbled within us.
“Insufferable man,” Elizabeth mumbled as a smile tugged at her lips.
Chapter Twenty-One
Several minutes after Fitzwilliam’s departure, Elizabeth appeared to regain her composure. She then proceeded to scold us for leaving her behind with no idea where we had gone.
“I knew not what to tell your brother.” She paced before us as she waved her hands about. “I knew he would be beside himself, which he was; and I could give him no possible reason for your disappearance.”
Both of us begged for her forgiveness, which was reluctantly given just before Mrs. Hill announced Samuel was waiting for us. Once we were inside the carriage, a silence descended which threatened to suffocate us. Kitty took it upon herself to lift our spirits by chattering about anything which entered her mind. The most difficult task became avoiding mention of Lydia and Miss King.
Halfway to our destination, I was lost in my own thoughts and it took a moment before I realized my friend had fallen silent. I turned and found Kitty with a small smile playing about the corner of her lips as she stared at her sister. Following her gaze, I learned the reason for her amusement. Elizabeth was turned toward the window, a dreamy expression on her countenance as she caressed the hand Fitzwilliam had kissed.
As we exchanged a knowing glance, the carriage jerked to a halt. It rocked when the driver dismounted and we all leaned toward the door in anticipation of some explanation since we had not reached Netherfield and were, in fact, out of sight of any structures.
When the door was yanked open, it thoroughly startled us even though we had anticipated it. Samuel stuck his head inside and urged us all to remain in place until he returned. The door closed as abruptly as it had opened and he was gone.
Elizabeth, Kitty and I exchanged worried glances before we gathered around the window to see what had drawn his attention. A soft whimper escaped from Kitty, and Elizabeth reached out to take her hand.
“Samuel would not leave us if he thought it was unsafe. Besides, the footman is still with us.” She pointed toward the young man standing just a few feet away.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I surveyed the area before looking out the opposite window. “Have you any suspicion of why he would stop here?”
Kitty shook her head, but Elizabeth hesitated. After a moment, her eyes widened. “I had not thought of it.”
“What?” we asked in unison.
“The Schmitt’s home.” Opening the door, she stepped out and surveyed the trees before them.
“Of course!” Kitty followed Elizabeth, taking hold of her hand.
“Who are the Schmitts?” I asked, choosing to remain in the carriage.
Elizabeth turned back to look at me before explaining. “Tenants of Longbourn. They left immediately following the harvest to visit family and are not expected back for several weeks.”
Kitty nodded and added, “Lydia has been caring for their animals.” Both Elizabeth and I stared at her in surprise until she blushed. “I had not thought of it before. It was the only time she wished to be alone and I enjoyed that time by myself.”
A frown overtook Elizabeth’s countenance as she released her sister’s hand and began to pace. “Did you not find it suspicious that Lydia would do something for another person? She dislikes work of any nature.”
Kitty dropped her eyes to her fingers, which twisted in front of her, and whispered, “I was pleased to be away from her. I thought no more of it.”
“Oh, what has she been doing there?” Elizabeth muttered under her breath and made to move toward the woods.
The footman stepped forward hesitantly. “Miss Lizzy, Sam said you weren’t to follow.”
Placing a sweet smile upon her lips, Elizabeth turned her attention toward the young man. I could see it was done simply to placate the youth, and I wondered if it would succeed.
“Jeremy, I know your brother said we should remain, but I believe I can be of assistance to him. Please stay and keep an eye on the other ladies.” Her smile brightened a bit as she stepped closer to him. “I am certain you will not allow any harm to come to them. You have grown into a fine young man.”
The lad blushed as he glanced toward Kitty and me. By the time he turned back to respond, Elizabeth was already entering the woods.
”Miss Lizzy!” he called after her, but it was too late. “Blast!” Jeremy muttered as he turned back toward the carriage. “Well, get inside. I’ll not have Sam thinking I can’t keep you two in order,” he grumbled.
Kitty nodded sheepishly and climbed in beside me. We both sat staring out the window, hoping for some sign of what might be occurring.
***********
I had begun to think the sun would set before we returned to Netherfield. Jeremy stood directly in front of the carriage door, facing the woods. There had been no sign of Elizabeth or Samuel; to be precise, there had been no sign of any movement at all.
A soft sigh issued from Kitty, breaking through my contemplation. I looked to my friend who appeared exceedingly remorseful.
“Kitty, what is the matter?”
“I should have known something was suspicious. Why did I not think of the Schmitts when Papa asked me?”
Slipping an arm about her, I began to rock in a comforting manner. “But Elizabeth did not think of them either. Do not blame yourself. You gave them other suggestions.”
“Yes, but that might have drawn them further away.” A tear slipped from the corner of her eye and made a slow track down her cheek. “What might have happened to them in the meanwhile?”
“I am certain all will be well. We must not lose hope.”
I had barely finished speaking when the sound of horses’ hooves pounding the ground could be heard. “Listen! It sounds like a battalion is descending upon us.”
We both moved toward the windows, but were unable to see what was approaching when Jeremy stepped away from the carriage and then ran for the front. Within seconds, the coach rocked and began to move slowly forward and to the side. I grabbed the overhead strap as we lurched forward when the equipage left the road.
Before Kitty or I could react, we heard the screams of horses and shouts of men attempting to rein in the beasts. Our carriage swayed as the other raced past, barely missing us. When the other coach had drawn to a halt, a new sound assaulted our ears.
“Why have we stopped?”
The high-pitched scream was all too familiar to me and I cowered into the corner of the seat. Kitty looked at me with great concern before glancing toward the window.
“If we have not arrived at our destination, there is no excuse for this inconvenience!”
The sound of men’s voices were followed by anothe
r loud shout. “What care I for a wayward carriage? It should not have been in the roadway. Let them tend to their own. I must speak to my nephew immediately!”
The door opened and Jeremy glanced inside. “Forgive me, ladies. I wasn’t expectin’ a coach to be travellin’ this road at that speed. We barely made it outta their path in time.” He looked at us with concern. “You weren’t injured, were you? Miss Darcy, you look mighty pale.”
“Miss Darcy?” The woman’s voice sounded from just outside the door and Jeremy was pushed roughly aside. “Georgiana! What are you doing in this unknown carriage? Why are you not with your brother?”
“Aunt C-catherine,” I stuttered. “We were not expecting you.”
“No,” the lady’s eyes narrowed. “I am certain you were not, but I am here and all shall be made right at once. Where is your brother?”
I hesitated, knowing I must not say anything regarding Mr. Wickham and the missing ladies. “He and Richard are out riding with the gentlemen of the area and some officers from the militia.”
“A hunt? Well at least there are no ladies present.” Aunt Catherine screwed up her face and reached forward to take hold of my arm. “Come along. You will ride with me to Netherfield.”
Instinctively drawing away, I shook my head. “But what of Kitty?”
A curious expression crossed my aunt’s countenance as her gaze fell to the ground. “What kitty?”
It took all of my power to withhold the laugh threatening to escape. “My friend, Miss Catherine Bennet.” I raised my hand to indicate the young lady at my side.
“Bennet?” Aunt Catherine’s eyes narrowed further as she stared at the Kitty, who was making every attempt to disappear into the squabs. “You cannot be the grasping nobody who has imposed herself on my nephew. Are you one of the Bennets of Longbourn?”
“Y-y-yes, ma’am.” Kitty quaked in her seat and I took her hand.
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 20
