'For a nasty moment I thought you were in earnest. If the whole thing is to be a pretence then that's a different matter altogether. Just make sure the Sinclair and Hall families are included on the list.'
'I've already suggested to Lizzy that we have a house party in the summer. If she believes she is to invite suitable young ladies, as well as friends and family, this will make the whole thing more credible. I hate to deceive her, but it's better this way. If she was to know the truth she might reveal something and put her life in danger.'
'I agree, my friend. The Season has hardly begun – no one of any importance will be in London until April. You must hold a ball or some such nonsense. I'll leave it to your wife to decide which is the best option.' He tossed his napkin aside and stood up. 'Forgive me, but I must get on my way. I have to report at Horse Guards as soon as possible and even travelling post it will take me two days.'
Darcy nodded and his cousin marched out. Lizzy had taken to having her breakfast in the nursery with the children so he would seek her out up there. He enjoyed playing with the twins but was looking forward to the time when they could communicate with words rather than screeches.
Whilst he finished his meal he rehearsed what he would say to Lizzy to convince her that Hugo was genuinely in search of a wife. Although his cousin wasn't exactly a misogynist, he wasn't famous for his success with the fairer sex. As far as he knew the colonel didn't even keep a ladybird tucked away somewhere.
However, he was a handsome man, in his prime and had good teeth and a full head of dark hair. The fact that he was wealthy, and his pedigree was second to none, would be of more interest to the matrons seeking husbands for their daughters. Darcy smiled to himself. He rather thought the fact that his cousin was personable would be what attracted the young ladies.
He slammed his palm down on the table making the cutlery and plates jump into the air. Tarnation! He was thinking as if the search was genuine and not a fabrication to aid the government mission. He frowned. He sincerely hoped that no hearts would be broken by this duplicity.
His appetite had deserted him. He was a straightforward man and disliked dissembling of any kind. Now he was obliged to not only lie to his dearest Lizzy, but also to risk the happiness of an innocent girl. He pushed himself upright, hating what he had to do. It would be better to hurt two people than have thousands of British soldiers put at risk by the traitors sending information to France.
The nursery was empty. He scowled and a flustered nursemaid curtsied and explained. 'Madam has gone with Nanny and the twins for a walk.'
Darcy glanced out of the window. It was hardly the weather for perambulating around the garden but his wife believed fresh air was essential for their offspring whatever one might think to the contrary. He nodded to the girl and strode off in search of them.
*
'Madam, the master is coming this way.' Nanny said nervously.
Lizzy turned and saw that Fitzwilliam looked far from pleased. Why had he come out here to find her? Was there something of importance he had to tell her?
She handed Fabian to the nursemaid who had accompanied them to the parterre. 'Continue with the walk, I must see what Mr Darcy requires of me.'
When he saw she was heading his way he stopped and his expression changed. His eyes lit up and his smile warmed her, sending heatwaves to a most intimate place.
'Sweetheart, I'm glad you returned. I've something quite extraordinary to discuss with you and I think it best done inside.'
He offered his arm and she placed her hand on it. If she was honest she was quite glad to return as the March wind in their part of Derbyshire was decidedly cold. Her children were well wrapped up and would come to no harm in the bracing weather.
'Do you think we would scandalise Peterson and Reynolds if we were to run the remaining distance?' His grin made him look almost boyish.
'It's not their place to have opinions on such matters. If we are inclined to run and behave like children then surely in our own home we can do it?'
He needed no further urging and snatched her hand into his, held it hard, and then took off like a rabbit from a fox. By the time they reached the terrace she was breathless, her bonnet was askew and her hair tumbling from its pins.
He, as always, looked immaculate. Instead of being shocked at her appearance, he put a hand on either side of her waist and lifted her from her feet. 'You look enchanting, my darling, I almost wish we could continue this conversation in our bedchamber.'
She threw her arms around his neck and pulled his head down so she could kiss him. His lips were cold, but still sent heatwaves racing around her body.
She pressed her scarlet cheeks into his shoulder. 'If we hadn't scandalised the staff by running, we will certainly have done so by embracing so publicly.'
Gently he detached her hand and smoothed away two strands of hair that had escaped from beneath the rim of her bonnet. 'I love you, Elizabeth Darcy, and I don't care who knows it.'
Hand in hand they entered the house and made themselves comfortable in front of the substantial fire in the drawing room. Refreshments were brought without being asked for. Whilst she busied herself pouring out the coffee and cutting them both a generous slice of cake he watched her through half-closed eyes. She didn't trust him one jot. He was quite capable of snatching her up and carrying her to bed whatever she might say about the matter.
'Don't look at me like a wolf about to seize a lamb, my love. Take your coffee and cake and behave yourself.'
He lounged back against the chair stretching his long legs out towards the flames. 'Cousin Hugo wishes to get married and has asked for our help to find him a suitable bride.'
Her cake slid from the plate and she stared at him open-mouthed. 'Good heavens! If you told me he was about to sprout wings and fly I couldn't be more surprised. I thought him wed to his job – a lifelong bachelor. Whatever has made him change his mind?'
She scooped the cake back onto the plate and took a large bite. It was far too good to be wasted just because it had spent a brief moment on the floor.
'I am as shocked as you are, my love. I think the fact that he's just passed his name day, and is now nearer to two score years, might have been the impetus for this decision. I suppose he's thinking that his active service days will soon be over and then he will need someone to run his house in his retirement.'
She snorted inelegantly. 'A housekeeper would be adequate for that. He's never shown the slightest interest in our children – although he's always been kind to your sister.' She munched on the delicious cake as she thought about this extraordinary development. 'I suppose if he's serious in his intention we are the best people to assist him in this endeavour. Unfortunately, as I've not spent any time at all in Town, I've no idea where to look for suitable candidates.'
'I've already decided how best we can help him. We shall go to Grosvenor Square next month and accept as many invitations as we can. I'll go to the clubs and listen to the gossip and you can pay morning calls and make discreet enquiries about the eligible girls this Season.'
'That sounds like an excellent notion, my love. I believe we could accomplish that in a week or two and then be able to return here with a list of names to invite to the house party. Of course, some of the most likely debutantes will already be spoken for by the time summer comes – but I'm sure we can find a dozen from which the colonel can make his choice.'
'In which case there's no need to take the children with us. They will be perfectly well here in our absence.'
She was about to protest that she had no intention of leaving her babies for even so short a time when she realised his unwelcome idea made sense. 'As long as you promise we shall be there for no more than three weeks, and that we travel as speedily in both directions as we may, then I agree your suggestion has merit. I shall find it very difficult being parted from the children, but transporting them so great a distance doesn't make sense when we are only remaining for a week or so.'
'Do you
think we should hold a rout or some such thing?'
'Absolutely not. It's only necessary to make our list – we won't be there long enough to arrange a social event of any significance. I'm not averse to inviting a dozen or so to dine with us as that doesn't require a lot of planning, or sending out invitations weeks in advance.
'I hope you have an inkling as to what sort of girl he might be looking for as I certainly don't. You must speak to him in more depth before we begin our search, for there's no point inviting anyone who doesn't fit his criteria.'
'I should have asked him whilst he was here but it didn't occur to me to do so. One would imagine he would like a robust young lady, who prefers to be outside rather than indoors eating sweetmeats and reading periodicals.'
'I'm sure you're right, my dear. She must have a lively wit, be from a good family and not be an antidote or at her last prayers. The girl I think would suit him best wouldn't be straight from the schoolroom, but perhaps in her second or third season. As long as she is young enough to provide him with children I don't think even someone in her mid-twenties could be considered too old. Your cousin is a serious man and would not deal well with someone fifteen years his junior, with her head stuffed full of romance and other such nonsense.'
'Then let us hope we can find someone speedily, because I'd rather have my teeth pulled than spend time mingling with the ton.'
Although Fitzwilliam had changed in the time they'd been together he was still a gentleman who preferred to be with close friends or family. He was thought of as proud and arrogant – but she knew him to be neither of those things. He found it difficult to engage in trivial conversation, became uncomfortable and silent, and this was often misinterpreted as him being toplofty.
'I shall set things in motion, my love. We should be ready to travel by the end of the month. Before we leave we must spend time with Kitty and Georgiana. I could not possibly leave Derbyshire without knowing that my sisters are well.'
*
Darcy nodded. 'I'll leave things in your capable hands, Lizzy. I'll send two teams ahead of us so we can change horses when we stop for the night. If the weather remains clement we should complete the journey in less than three days if we take things at speed.'
'We shall still be obliged to use post horses when we stop for refreshments. I assume that the horses must set off several days before us so they can have time to rest. Surely even your extensive stables cannot do without so many horses? You will have to send four grooms, two with each team, and they will need to be mounted as well.'
'We can use the gig, or ride if we need to visit anywhere in the neighbourhood.' He stood up. 'I'm going next door to speak to Bingley. Are you coming with me?'
'No, Jane has gone to visit Kitty today. Are you sure that Charles hasn't gone with her?'
'I'll take the chance. I'll not be above an hour – shall we spend time with the children after they've had their afternoon nap?'
Her delighted smile told him he'd said the right thing. She rang the bell to summon the housekeeper and he left the premises through the side door. The Grand Hall was rarely used nowadays and neither was the main staircase.
Pemberley was too large and although he'd spent most of his adult life living here he wished they could move somewhere more manageable. Even Bingley and Jane were more comfortable living in the East Wing which had been converted for them.
He could reach their home by walking along the terrace and through the orangery. His friend must have seen him and was waiting for him by the door. Bingley's usual cheerful smile was absent. He looked distressed.
'Darcy, old fellow, I was coming to see you but it's better that we talk here as neither Jane nor Lizzy will be present.'
What now? He hoped it wasn't bad news about their baby – the thought of them losing their precious daughter made a cold lump form in his stomach.
His friend didn't elaborate but led him through the house to his study. He closed the door firmly behind him. 'It's my sister, Caroline, she's eloped with a damned fortune hunter. I had word by express just now. I should go after her but I cannot leave Jane as she's increasing again and baby Charlotte has only just recovered from a fever.'
'Did you know that both Kitty and Georgiana are also in an interesting condition?' He spoke without thought – and he'd given his word not to mention this to anyone.
'I did know and that's why Jane has gone to see Kitty. You have been involved in this sort of thing twice before, Darcy. I'd not know where to start.' He delved into his pocket and passed over the letter that had given him this disastrous news.
Caroline Bingley had run off with one Robert Forsyth – the youngest son of a baron. They were travelling in a hired carriage and, thank God, she'd had the sense to take her maid with her. Mrs Hurst, Bingley's sister, stated quite clearly the exact routes they would be taking. He looked up from perusing the letter.
'This has come at a most inopportune time. Lizzy and I are going to London in two weeks. She believes it is to find a husband for my cousin, but in fact I have business to undertake for the Prime Minister. You must give me your word you'll not reveal this to Jane or Lizzy.'
Bingley looked even more worried, if that were possible. 'I'll say nothing. Caroline is headed for Gretna Green – she must travel north in order to reach the border. She departed from my townhouse late yesterday and will have had to stop overnight somewhere. You should be able to catch up with her easily.'
'And what do you expect me to do when I find her? Her reputation will be gone – she has no choice but to marry this blackguard or she will be a ruined woman.'
Bingley dropped his head in his hands and Darcy was sorry for his harsh response. He patted his friend on the shoulder. He had no choice. He would have to do what he could – but he didn't intend to do it alone.
'The fact that your wife is increasing and your daughter recently unwell is no reason for you to remain here and leave this matter entirely to me. Bingley, you will come with me. Together we will rescue your sister and do our best to keep the matter from the tabbies.'
'You're right. I'm her brother and protector and I must do my duty. Caroline can come here – even if she is a fallen woman there's nobody to point fingers. As long as there's no bastard born, then she might come out of it unscathed.'
Hearing his friend speak so bluntly was quite shocking. 'I'll explain to Lizzy; you must leave a note for Jane. We'll ride. But I warn you, it's still possible we won't catch up with them. I cannot gallivant all over the country. If we do not waylay them today then they must deal with the repercussions themselves.'
'There's no need to elaborate. As long as we try to find her then I must be content. At least if she is obliged to marry Forsyth, he comes from a decent family. My sister has always been particular in who she befriends so the man must be personable at the least, and move in the same social circles as her.'
Darcy frowned. There was something about this that bothered him. 'Good God! What makes Mrs Hurst think they are going to Scotland to marry? Your sister is able to marry without getting permission from anyone – all they need to do is obtain a special licence and they can be married anywhere.'
'I'd not thought of that. This could be a fool's errand, couldn't it? Caroline has always known her own mind. She will marry the man and then reappear as if nothing has happened.'
'In which case, Bingley, why have you been sent to in a panic demanding that you do something?' Enlightenment dawned. 'There's only one reason why your sister is heading for Scotland – Forsyth must be underage.'
Chapter Three
Lizzy was busy writing a list of tasks to be completed before they moved to London when her husband burst in.
'Caroline Bingley has eloped with a man several years her junior – so young that I believe him to be below the age of consent. They are heading for Gretna Green and Bingley and I are going to make an attempt to prevent them.'
She dropped her pen and jumped to her feet. 'Good gracious! How very unlike Miss Bingley to do so
mething so wild. Of course you should go, my dear, you must do everything you can to prevent her making such a catastrophic error of judgement.'
'I think it to be a futile effort, Lizzy, as the chances of us coming across her are remote. She could be travelling by any one of a dozen routes – but we must make the effort and try to avoid an unpleasant scandal.'
'Shall you be gone for long? Are you taking the carriage and your valet?'
'We are riding and will travel light. It's a good fifty miles to the nearest direct route to Scotland. We know that she is travelling on this so have a chance of stopping her.'
He kissed her briefly and then strode off his mind no doubt already on the search. This morning she had been bemoaning the fact that her life was lacking excitement and now, not only were they to go to London, but Fitzwilliam was off to rescue Caroline.
In her opinion he was chasing a lost cause; for if a lady spent the night with a gentleman without the benefit of clergy their reputation was already gone. Marriage was the only way to rectify the situation. After all, had not her husband persuaded the dreadful Wickham to marry her youngest sister Lydia after they had been living as man and wife for more than a week.
She shuddered as she recalled how that marriage had ended. He had been killed whilst holding Georgiana prisoner in the hope that he could force her to marry his friend. Lydia had been packed off to India with a relative of Georgiana's husband. The last she'd heard was that her sister had already found herself another husband. She hoped this second marriage would be more successful than the first for all their sakes.
Jane was visiting Kitty and would be unaware of the drama unfolding at her home. Charles would have to leave her a note and this would be most unsatisfactory. Her sister must be told in person so Lizzy must go herself to The Old Rectory.
A Spy at Pemberley Page 2
