Darcy's Journey

by M. A. Sandiford

  Darcy shook his head. ‘Miss Bennet’s health has improved since her rescue. This shows that she was never ill in the first place. Her symptoms were merely those of withdrawal from the opiate.’

  ‘It could be argued that her recovery testifies to the success of the treatment.’

  ‘The balance of probability favours my interpretation.’

  Graf smiled. ‘In other words, you are not sure.’ He turned to Carandini. ‘Signor, what is it that you want?’

  Carandini looked longingly at Elizabeth. ‘I would like my fiancée to be returned to my household, so that we might proceed with the wedding. As for Signor Darcy, I assume the appropriate penalties will be applied.’

  ‘Miss Bennet is not your fiancée,’ Darcy said.

  Carandini pointed to the desk. ‘I have documentary evidence of her consent.’

  ‘Forged,’ Darcy snapped.

  ‘Stop!’ Graf raised a palm. ‘Again, Mr Darcy, how can you possibly support such an assertion? You were not present. You have no idea what happened.’

  ‘I have Miss Bennet’s testimony.’

  ‘Very well, let us hear from the lady herself.’ He faced Elizabeth, speaking as if to a child. ‘Enlighten us. Did you sign this document?’

  Darcy tensed, anticipating her denial, but after what seemed a struggle she said only, ‘I cannot be sure.’

  Graf raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? Perhaps I am out of date, but I would have expected a young lady to react to a proposal of marriage with greater attention.’

  ‘I was so tired. Signor Carandini kept telling me that I had to sign. I did not know what the document meant. He said it made no difference, since I had already signed it, and he only needed a copy …’

  Graf turned to Carandini. ‘Is this true?’

  ‘No.’ Carandini’s voice rose to a nasal whine. ‘Signorina Bennet signed the agreement in full knowledge of its import.’ He looked at Elizabeth with forced magnanimity. ‘I forgive my fiancée her error. No doubt Signor Darcy has worked on her since the abduction, confusing what was once a clear memory.’

  ‘Signor!’ Graf was incisive. ‘This time, it is you that I must hold to the evidence. You have no knowledge of what passed between Mr Darcy and Miss Bennet after she left your house. Your assertion is speculation.’

  ‘I have the signed document,’ Carandini insisted.

  ‘Indeed.’ Graf spread his arms. ‘I have no evidence to counter your assertion that Miss Bennet signed a betrothal agreement. There does, however, seem doubt as to her mental state at the time. You have admitted she was being treated with an opiate. I believe our best course is therefore to ascertain her feelings now.’ He turned to Elizabeth. ‘Miss Bennet, having witnessed your performance this evening, may I assume you have recovered from the side-effects of the drug, and can express your wishes clearly?’

  She replied quietly but firmly. ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m delighted to hear it. Pardon the blunt query, but it must be asked. Do you wish to marry Signor Carandini?’

  ‘I do not.’

  ‘You are definite on this point?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Has there ever been a time when you felt differently?’

  ‘Never.’

  Graf turned to Carandini with a gesture of resignation. ‘That seems clear enough.’

  Carandini’s face had darkened to purple. ‘This is nonsense,’ he spluttered. ‘Signor Darcy has seduced my fiancée and poisoned her against me.’

  ‘Please.’ Graf gently hushed him. ‘I understand that you have acted in good faith, as has Mr Darcy, but I beg you once more to refrain from speculation. You say Mr Darcy has manipulated Miss Bennet’s feelings. How do you know? The only direct evidence available is the testimony of Miss Bennet herself.’

  Carandini looked imploringly at Elizabeth. ‘No-one could doubt our attachment. I vividly recall her smiling face, her joy in making music together. Ask my mother, my sister …’

  ‘Such signals can be misinterpreted, especially when two people come from different cultures.’ Graf faced Carandini and lowered his voice. ‘Signor, I am persuaded that we have here a misunderstanding, and that you, like Mr Darcy, have acted out of genuine concern for Miss Bennet’s welfare. Your disappointment is understandable, and you have my sympathy. I must ask you, however, to make your peace with Mr Darcy, and withdraw your claim to Miss Bennet’s hand.’

  Carandini looked at Elizabeth once more, his face suffused with pain, then tore himself away and said petulantly, ‘So you are giving my fiancée to Darcy, even though he has broken into my house, removed her by force, and fled using a false identity?’

  The commander frowned. ‘I am going to be lenient and overlook your accusatory tone. But let us be clear. Miss Bennet is not your fiancée, and her future is as yet undecided. All that has been established is that she is no longer under your protection. As to the other points you raise—’ He turned to Darcy. ‘Mr Darcy, do you admit breaking into Signor Carandini’s property, and would you be willing to compensate him for any expenses incurred?’

  Darcy thought for a while. ‘Yes, if for instance there has been damage to the balustrade.’

  ‘One must consider also the cost of hiring men to go after the intruders.’

  Darcy sighed. ‘I am willing to discuss it.’

  Graf made a note. ‘Good. Now, the question of travel documents. This is a clear offence, as you are doubtless aware. I am persuaded that you acted out of concern for Miss Bennet, but even so there must be redress. I am not going to question your account of how these papers came into your possession. However, I cannot sanction their illegitimate use. There will be a fine, let us say of a hundred ducats, and I ask your word of honour that it will be paid as soon as is practically feasible.’

  ‘You have it.’

  Another note. ‘Finally, we come to the matter of Miss Bennet’s future.’ He turned to Carandini. ‘You may leave now, Signor. I will inform you of my decision over any financial compensation due to you.’

  Carandini rose, glowering at Darcy with unmistakeable hatred, and walked slowly to the door.

  Graf waited, listening for departing footsteps, before turning back to Darcy. ‘Let us go straight to the point. I understand from Fraulein Edelmann that you have been living as man and wife.’

  ‘A pretence only, necessary for our escape.’

  ‘I accept your assurances. Still, it cannot be denied that the situation is compromising. Miss Bennet came to Italy with the Carandini family. She has been under Signor Carandini’s protection; now it would seem she is under yours. Before allowing you to go free, I need to ascertain the nature of your connection.’

  Darcy looked at Elizabeth, who accepted this as a cue to speak up. ‘Mr Darcy is a long-standing friend of the family, and his best friend is engaged to my sister.’

  ‘And as to your own relationship?’ He faced Darcy. ‘If it were generally known what has occurred, would you be prepared to marry Miss Bennet?’

  ‘Gladly, if she will have me.’

  Graf turned to Elizabeth. ‘Miss Bennet?’

  She hesitated. ‘May I ask the tendency of this question?’

  ‘To prevent any contingency in which you are constrained to marry against your wishes.’

  Elizabeth looked at Darcy. ‘Very well. If it were necessary to marry Mr Darcy, I would be honoured to do so.’

  ‘Good.’ Commander Graf paused. ‘I need your word, Mr Darcy, that there will be no further use of the Ashley papers, and that they will be returned as soon as possible to their owners. Otherwise you are free to go.’ He sighed. ‘I hope one day we can meet under more propitious circumstances.’

  Darcy bowed. ‘I am indebted to your diplomacy.’

  Graf hesitated again, then smiled. ‘Then indulge me. Honour apart, Mr Darcy, do you have feelings for Miss Bennet?’

  ‘I love her.’

  He turned to Elizabeth. ‘And you, madam?’

  Darcy gaped at her as she replied, without hesitation, ‘I
love him.’

  30

  What have I done?

  Elizabeth blinked. She was in bed, at the Pavonis. No, the Zambonis. They were in Verona. Darcy was no longer next door. He had been assigned a room at the other end of the house. They were no longer passing as the Ashleys. Hilda had informed Signor Zamboni and his family of the pretence. Once again they were Mr Darcy and Miss Bennet—both single.

  For now.

  She rolled out of bed and mechanically went through the motions of washing and dressing. She noticed the blonde wig incongruously perched on a chair and put it away in a drawer.

  ‘I love him.’

  Had Darcy believed her?

  She rallied. Perhaps he realised that there was nothing else she could say. Yes, Commander Graf was apparently willing to let them go in any case. But might he not have changed his mind? The commander had a tenderness for her, she had sensed. He had spoken to her as if to a favourite daughter or niece. He would not wish her to be compromised into a loveless union.

  What a mess!

  She recalled the embarrassment of the previous evening, after their return from the Castelvecchio. The relief that she had evaded Carandini, and Darcy had escaped with a fine. Their awkward reception at the Zamboni residence, where Professor Pavoni had already explained their predicament to the family, and Fraulein Edelmann had retired early, professing tiredness. Strangely, her admission to Graf had not worried her then. After a bowl of soup she had gone to her room, and fallen asleep directly.

  She put on a plain muslin dress and went downstairs.

  ‘So, madam.’ Hilda Edelmann was alone at the breakfast table, Darcy having left to withdraw funds from a bank. ‘What are we to call you today?’

  ‘Elizabeth. Or Miss Bennet if you feel we are no longer friends.’

  ‘Then it will have to be Miss Bennet.’ Fraulein Edelmann spoke in a monotone, as if struggling to hide her outrage. ‘Friends confide in one another, do they not?’

  A maid passed and Elizabeth requested coffee and two boiled eggs. She took a brioche from a basket and tore off an end to check the filling. ‘We thought it would be easier for everyone if there was no need to dissimulate.’

  ‘So, you judged me less intelligent than you and hence incapable of sustaining the deception?’

  Was this aggressive, or some kind of ponderous humour? In either case, Elizabeth was in no mood to apologise. If Hilda wanted a fight, she could have one.

  ‘Perhaps you are. How could I tell?’

  A stifled guffaw suggested she was on the right track. They ate awhile in silence, before Elizabeth asked:

  ‘What happened yesterday? After the constables took us away?’

  Fraulein Edelmann drew herself up, folded her napkin, and clasped her hands demurely together. ‘I was naturally alarmed that my esteemed accompanist had been arrested. From Professor Pavoni I learned that the charges would be serious, including impersonation and abduction. Had I had any sense I would have left you to your fate. Instead I went to the castle to plead with Commander Graf, who had come over to wish me well before the recital. He was sympathetic, but made no promise. He would listen to the evidence and seek an equitable conclusion. A messenger was dispatched, and you know the rest.’

  Elizabeth extended a hand across the table. ‘You saved us, Hilda.’

  Fraulein Edelmann smiled regally, ignoring the hand. ‘You may thank me if you wish.’

  ‘I would if you didn’t look so satisfied with yourself.’

  ‘As you please.’ Another regal look, this time without the smile. ‘In all honesty, I cannot approve.’

  ‘Of what?’

  ‘I understand that you had to conceal your identities. But why play the roles of man and wife?’

  Elizabeth waited as the maid served her breakfast. ‘We had papers only for a married couple.’

  ‘Adjacent rooms? Dearest Giles? Was it essential to be quite so intimate?’

  Elizabeth hesitated, appreciating the force of this. At the same time, she was in no mood for an inquisition. ‘You may believe of me what you like, Hilda. It is none of your business anyway.’

  Fraulein Edelmann looked away, with the hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. She regarded Elizabeth again with a tilt of the head. ‘Mr Darcy is certainly a fine gentleman.’

  ‘He would be flattered to hear you say so.’

  ‘Are you not of the same mind?’

  Elizabeth took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. ‘He is an honourable man and has been a good friend to my family. Since in your opinion we are not friends any more, I will keep my personal feelings to myself.’

  ‘Yes?’ Fraulein Edelmann raised her eyebrows. ‘Then so shall I.’

  In a coffee house overlooking the Roman amphitheatre, Darcy sat opposite Brigade Commander Graf. The Austrian had a sweet tooth: as well as stirring three spoonfuls of sugar into his coffee, he ordered a plate of Krapfen, iced doughnuts filled with apricot jam. He was evidently a familiar customer, ushered to a corner table that offered the most comfort and privacy.

  ‘Have you chosen your route?’ Graf asked.

  ‘North, through Tyrol.’

  ‘Ah.’ Graf licked jam from his doughnut. ‘West would be shorter, but you are wise to avoid France.’

  ‘Have you news of Bonaparte?’

  ‘Almost daily. I cannot reveal details, but as you will imagine, coalition armies are mobilising, and converging on France from all directions.’ He paused. ‘I wonder …’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Will you travel with Fraulein Edelmann?’

  ‘I hope so. The arrangement has been useful.’ Darcy sighed. ‘Provided she can forgive our deception.’

  ‘I would count it as a favour if you did. I have known Hilda since she was a child, and it would concern me if she had to travel alone over such difficult territory.’

  ‘We can follow main roads,’ Darcy said. ‘Trent, Bozen, Brenner pass to Innsbruck. I am assuming, of course, no further pursuit by Carandini or his agents.’

  ‘You will carry fresh letters of safe conduct with my signature,’ Graf said. ‘As to Carandini, I believe caution is still advisable. I have warned him that any attempt to detain Miss Bennet will result in his immediate arrest. There remains however a possibility that he will seek revenge against you. I do not see him as a man with the stomach for direct combat. He might, however, hire an assassin. It is unlikely, I know, but I have seen cases where an attack has been ordered through intermediaries so as to conceal the source.’

  Darcy frowned. ‘Do you really see this as a risk? If so, I ought to take steps to protect Miss Bennet, and also Fraulein Edelmann if she accompanies us.’

  ‘Perhaps I exaggerate. However, jealous lovers are notoriously irrational, and Carandini impressed me as a man who is—how can I say—obsessive.’

  ‘I will employ guards.’

  ‘It would be wise, especially until you reach the border with Austria.’ He smiled wryly. ‘This is proving an expensive tour for you, Mr Darcy.’

  ‘My credit is certainly running down, but it should be sufficient.’

  Graf looked away, munching through another doughnut. ‘Unfortunately this is not a safe time to travel in any part of Europe. Officers are seconded to the forthcoming war, leaving depleted forces to maintain order.’ He sat up suddenly and slapped the table. ‘Listen. Two corporal guards from my brigade have been summoned to Austria, departing tomorrow. Shall I instruct them to accompany you?’

  ‘By all means.’ Darcy hesitated. ‘I would of course pay for their services.’

  Graf shook his head. ‘Count this as a favour for me. I could not face my friend Oberstleutnant Edelmann again if I allowed his daughter to come to harm.’ He glanced at a clock on the opposite wall. ‘I must leave now. Have we any more to discuss?’

  ‘Only the settlement with Carandini.’

  Graf dismissed this with a wave of the hand. ‘Leave it with me. I have your 100 ducats for the fine, and will subtract any expenses for Caran
dini from that. I will tell the guards to call later today to make arrangements. Auf Wiedersehen, sir, and my best regards to Miss Bennet.’ He took a few steps, then turned back with a smile. ‘If it is not out of place to say so, I hope for a happy outcome there too.’

  With plenty to assimilate, Darcy remained for a second cup of coffee. Through Fraulein Edelmann’s mediation they had gained the support of the regional commander, and could now travel on with an armed guard. Carandini had been forced to retreat, his claims dismissed. Most miraculous of all, Graf had elicited a declaration from Elizabeth so precious that he hardly dared believe it. I love him. Was she dissimulating, to ensure their safe passage? It was possible of course, but her tone had been heartfelt. He could have sworn that she really meant it.

  How to proceed? He could seek a private meeting later that day, to clarify her meaning. But his instinct was to let matters lie. It was safer to focus on the practical necessities of the journey, and give Elizabeth time to reassess her feelings. He smiled, enjoying the unfamiliar sensation of hope, and recognising the true reason for his reticence. He was afraid that if pressed, she might recant. He had heard the words he always dreamed of hearing; for now, that was enough.

  PART II

  31

  April 1815, one week later

  On a sunny morning, with a breeze so warm that it caressed the skin, Elizabeth took breakfast outside an inn overlooking the Duomo in Bozen. Seated opposite, Darcy was discussing the cathedral with Fraulein Edelmann. It was apparently very old, 12th century, with subsequent modifications in the Gothic style including a six-cornered ascent to the belfry. Elizabeth leaned back, sipping tea, and let the technicalities pass her by as she took in the beauty of the square which, according to the all-knowing Hilda, had been completed just a few years ago on the orders of King Massimiliano—whoever he might be. On an island in the centre, a flower market was doing brisk business: it would be delightful to pay a visit later. After all they had been through, such simple pleasures were a welcome reminder of normal life.