Hugo held out his glass. 'Another for me, if you please. I've no intention of doing anything as unpleasant as blackmail. It should be relatively simple to get him to give me sufficient information to either convict or clear him. He's terrified of his wife.'
Darcy replenished his friend's drink and downed his own. 'I'm going out to the stables but will then go and speak to your cronies. Are you coming with me or do you intend to skulk in here?' His smile took the bite from his words.
'I'd much prefer to remain here but shall not do so. I'd like to solve this case before I resign.'
When they emerged from the study the wall sconces were still flickering, but there was no evidence of either staff or guests. Peterson would be lurking somewhere waiting to douse the remaining lights as soon as he was certain his master was abed.
*
Lizzy was satisfied the evening had been a success and none of her guests were as yet aware of the unwanted occupants of the West Wing. How her staff had kept the matter secret from the other servants she had no idea, but she was pleased with their loyalty and discretion.
Everyone had either departed or retired apart from herself and her father. She was disturbed by his expression. He had something to say and she doubted she was going to like what it was. With a sigh of resignation she beckoned him to follow her upstairs to her private sitting room. Once safely inside she gestured towards an armchair and waited until he had flicked aside his coat-tails and settled himself.
'Papa, tell me at once what is troubling you.'
'Your sister is determined to have young Richard Sinclair and Mrs Bennet will not hear a word against the match. However, I don't like Sir Robert, there's something untoward about him.'
She kept her face averted hoping her disquiet would not be revealed. Although her father was somewhat lackadaisical in his duties as a parent he was not a stupid man and would immediately recognise her expression for what it was.
'Lizzy, look at me, my dear. There's something you need to tell me before things progress any further.'
Reluctantly she looked up. 'I have been sworn to secrecy, it's a matter of national security and however much I want to tell you the whole, I cannot do so.' No sooner had she spoken than she realised her catastrophic error. She should never have mentioned the words "national security".
His eyes widened and then his lips thinned. 'There's no need to say anything else, my dear. He, and that unpleasant friend of his, Hall, must be up to their necks in treasonable activities.' He raised a hand as she was about to protest. 'I'll not have any daughter of mine associated with such a family. She needs my permission and she will not get it. The Bennet family might not be wealthy or important but they are honourable and loyal to King and Country.'
There was nothing she could say that could remedy the situation. She could hardly lie to her own father. 'What are you going to do? Mama will have a conniption fit when you tell her Mary cannot marry Richard Sinclair. I should never have said anything to you. You must give me your word you will not reveal the reasons behind your refusal.'
He nodded and pushed himself upright. 'Believe me, Lizzy, it gives me no joy to deny Mary her heart's desire. I never thought she would fall in love and I doubt she will do so again. She will remain a spinster and take care of your mother and me in our dotage.'
He left the room without bidding her good night and she was too miserable to go after him. Her maid was waiting to help her disrobe and was full of chatter about the other servants. She didn't appear to notice how quiet Lizzy was.
When she was down to her petticoats she stopped the flow of words. 'Thank you, I can do the rest myself. Good night. I shall ring when I require you tomorrow morning.'
Somewhat surprised by this abrupt command, but too well-trained to comment, the girl curtsied and slipped away. As soon as she was sure she was alone Lizzy rummaged through the shelves in the dressing room and found herself a warm, long-sleeved, cambric morning gown which dropped over her head and did not require any lacing at the back.
She pushed her stockinged feet into indoor slippers, found a suitable wrap, and was ready to find Fitzwilliam and warn him that Pemberley was about to erupt in the most hideous fuss. Dealing with the spectres that had been resident for centuries paled into insignificance in comparison to her mother in one of her spectacular rages.
Where would her husband be? He and his cousin had retreated to the study an age ago – would he still be there? She prayed that he might be because she was certain her father would not wait until the morning to issue his ultimatum.
With her skirts held clear of her feet she dashed down the wooden staircase that would lead more directly to the study. As she skidded around the corner she saw Fitzwilliam and Cousin Hugo emerge and turn to stride off in the opposite direction. Forgetting she was supposed to be a mature and sensible matron, she raised her voice and yelled at him.
'Wait. I must speak to you. Something appalling is about to happen.'
He stopped so abruptly that his cousin cannoned into his back and they both staggered about as if in their cups before Fitzwilliam managed to regain his balance. He did not look particularly pleased to see her.
'Good God, Lizzy, what were you thinking? You cannot go about the place yelling like a fishwife.'
She arrived at his side and clutched his arm. She could not help but be aware that Hugo was leaning nonchalantly against the wall, his eyes brimming with amusement. He might find the situation funny but he would change his tune when she told him what had transpired upstairs.
*
His wife seemed unperturbed by his reprimand. 'I must speak to both of you immediately. I've no intention of doing so out here.' She pointed to the study and he exchanged a resigned glance with Hugo before following her inside. When she had revealed the extent of the disaster he was dumbfounded.
Hugo rallied first. 'Mrs Bennet will let the entire establishment into our secret. Sinclair and Hall will take off and I shall be lucky not to be court-martialled.'
Darcy had been thinking the same but an alternative occurred to him. 'Could you not get to them first? If they agreed to become double agents in return for their immunity…'
'Devil take it! That might work. Lizzy, can you try and forestall Mr Bennet? Explain that both men are working with the government, not against it, and to reveal their identity could place all that has been worked for in grave danger. I need to speak to both gentlemen before the house erupts.'
'Will agreeing to your proposition mean that the families will not be disgraced? That Sir Robert and Mr Hall will no longer be in danger of losing their estates and reputations?'
'I will not be able to get them off entirely. However, if they agreed to live quietly abroad then I believe I can keep the matter quiet and both Lady Sinclair and Mrs Hall will be able to continue to live their lives untrammelled by unsavoury rumours.'
'I think that will be a solution which appeals to everyone, apart from the gentlemen themselves. Mary will be able to marry Richard Sinclair and you can offer for Miss Hall.'
She didn't wait for confirmation of her statement – they all knew what she said was true. 'I shall expect you in our apartment in due course, Fitzwilliam. I sincerely hope my disastrous indiscretion can be rectified to everyone's advantage.'
Hugo looked happier than he had for years. 'We shall go and speak to them together – I've no idea where their chambers are situated in this vast place.'
'I hope this doesn't take too long as we've yet to tackle the matter of the West Wing.'
He led the way through the silent house at any moment expecting the air to be met by wails and screams from his mother-in-law but so far all was well. He stopped in front of the room Sir Robert occupied.
He knocked and his summons was answered immediately. The door swung open a few inches – then it was pulled right back. 'Come in, come in, I've been expecting you.'
This was a curious greeting – had he somehow learned what was going to happen? 'We need to talk to you and to Hall
. Send your valet to fetch him here.'
The man nodded and disappeared into his bedchamber to pass on this instruction. Whilst he was busy Darcy spoke quietly to his cousin. 'Something is wrong. Why should he be expecting us?'
There was no opportunity for a response as Sir Robert returned. He was unnaturally subdued – his usual bombastic character no longer in evidence.
'Would you care to sit down, gentlemen? Forgive me if I do so, I'm not feeling at all well.' He collapsed onto the nearest chair, leaned his head against the back and closed his eyes.
There was little point in starting this discussion until both gentlemen were present. Less than ten minutes later the door was pushed open violently and Mr Hall burst in.
'What the devil do you mean by it, Sinclair? I ain't one for being dragged from my bed by anyone.'
Darcy hid a smile when he saw Hall wasn't wearing a shirt under his jacket, but his nightgown.
'Take a seat, Hall, and hold your tongue. It was I that sent for you.'
For a moment it seemed that the man might bluster, continue to protest at his rude summons, but then he exchanged a glance with his friend and subsided onto a chair.
It didn't take long for Hugo's proposition to be set before them. The pair of them were like deflated balloons by the time he'd finished explaining in great detail what awaited them if they didn't agree.
Sir Robert eventually cleared his throat and answered. 'If you want to know the truth, sirs, I'm damned glad we can stop. We have no notion who is passing on secrets as we picked them up at a variety of hiding places. However, as our very lives depend on it, we will discover who's behind it and lead him into your trap.'
Hall looked ten years older than he had when he'd come in. 'If I have this straight, once the traitor has been captured we are to exile ourselves abroad?'
'I can arrange for you to be attached to the East India Company and you can then legitimately go away on business for several years. If you are astute you might well return wealthy men. However, you will remain overseas until you are given permission to come home. You must hand over the running of your estates to your sons before you leave.'
The deal was done and he and his cousin left the two of them to discuss their fate. In Darcy's opinion they had got off lightly and should be thanking God they had been spared the noose.
'I suppose we must now get on with the other business, although I would much prefer to retire.' He rubbed his eyes and yawned loudly.
His cousin clapped him on the back with such vigour he was sent staggering forwards. Darcy turned, about to snarl at Hugo but was forestalled.
'Leave the matter to me, my friend, I'm made of sterner stuff than you. I can go several days without sleep and still fight a battle. I give you my word the old reprobates and their strumpets will be gone before you rise tomorrow.'
'In which case I shall forgive you for the unnecessary violence to my person.' He grinned and raised his hand in salute. 'We will convene at eight o'clock before we break our fast. My study?'
'I suppose I must speak to Mr Hall and ask his permission to address Jennifer, but I am loathe to do so. I think in the circumstances I shall speak to young Richard instead.
'I think the sooner this matter is brought to a conclusion the better. I intend to give false information to each of the men I suspect and then we will know his identity when either Sinclair or Hall are given the papers.'
'That should work, my friend. It's a great pity you didn't think to do this before you dragged me into your machinations.'
Hugo shrugged and they parted company in good spirits. Darcy strode through the house eager to reach his own apartment and discover if Lizzy had indeed averted a family crisis, or if that was yet to come.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lizzy flew into the house and arrived a trifle breathless at the door to her father's sitting room. Thank the good Lord! She could hear someone moving about inside so she wasn't too late to avert a disaster. She tapped politely and whoever was inside hurried across to open the door.
'Good evening, Mrs Darcy. Mr Bennet isn't here. I believe that he's gone to see Mrs Bennet.'
She thanked her father's valet and dashed off to the suite of rooms which her mother occupied. These were a distance from this apartment and she prayed she would be in time to prevent Papa from poking the hornet's nest.
There was no need to knock as the door was open – it was strangely quiet. She stepped in to find the room deserted. 'Mama, are you there? I require to talk to you immediately.'
Her mother's elderly abigail shuffled out from the bedchamber and curtsied. 'Madam is with Miss Bennet – the master was just here asking after her.'
Fortunately Mary's room was only two doors down. As she raised her hand to knock her mother screamed. Lizzy was too late. She burst into the chamber just as her mother opened her mouth to howl a second time.
Her father was clutching the back of a chair but looked fiercely determined. Mary was ineffectually patting mama's hands but looked equally shocked.
Lizzy closed the door and reached her mother in two strides. 'Enough. Do you intend to wake the entire house with your caterwauling?'
Her appalling rudeness was sufficient to prevent the next outburst. Her mother straightened as if stuck by a hatpin. 'How dare you speak to me like that? Mr Bennet, are you going to let your daughter treat me so shabbily?'
Her sister instead of joining in the condemnation collapsed into an abject heap and tears streamed down her cheeks. Lizzy drew a steadying breath and faced her family.
'I'm not sure what Papa has just told you but I can assure you he has spoken out of turn and has quite misunderstood the matter.'
Now she had mortally offended her father as well. He glowered at her but made no comment. It was Mary who recovered from her misery and scrambled to her feet.
'Oh dearest Lizzy, please tell me my life is not in ruins. That Sir Robert is not to be taken away in shackles as a traitor.'
'Sit down all of you. What I'm going to tell you is in the strictest confidence and must not be spoken of anywhere. Do you understand me? I could be sent to the tower for revealing this information.' Her mother was an inveterate gossip but when the happiness of her daughter was at stake Lizzy believed she would hold her tongue.
This was a master stroke and all three focussed their full attention on her. 'Both the gentlemen in question are double agents and this must not be revealed. It's imperative they complete their mission.'
Her mother mopped her eyes but still looked bewildered. 'I don't understand. Are they traitors or are they not?'
Mary quickly explained what being a double agent meant and her mama eventually grasped the salient points. 'I knew it all along, Sir Robert and Lady Sinclair are now my dearest friends so could not possibly be involved in anything nefarious. Mr Bennet, you must speak to Richard tomorrow and give your permission. I think I shall ask Mr Collins to conduct the service. I'm sure he will be honoured to do so. I don't expect he will have officiated at such a prestigious service before…'
Her father called a halt to this babbling. 'Mrs Bennet, have you lost your senses? Are you suggesting that our daughter marry the son of a spy? When word gets out – and you can be very sure it will – the family will be ostracised. Nobody will wish to be associated with a man involved in such dubious dealings, however noble his motives.'
This wasn't going well. It seemed that her father was not going to give his permission after all. Then before her mother could resume her screeching Mary stepped in.
'Papa, I don't care what Sir Robert has done. As long as he isn't going to be arrested then I see no reason why Richard and I cannot be together. You can hardly blame my future husband for the behaviour of his father.'
'I wasn't aware that he had made you an offer. He should have spoken to me before doing so.'
Mary's cheeks coloured. 'I told him not to do so until I'd broached the matter to you first. We have only been acquainted for a day or two but we both know the moment
we met that we were destined to be together.'
For a moment it hung in the balance and then her father nodded. 'Lydia, married a villain and was bitterly unhappy. Lizzy, Jane and Kitty have all married exemplary young men and I don't have the heart to deny you despite my reservations. Reluctantly I'll give you my blessing, Mary.'
Lizzy began to relax but then he continued. 'But you will be married by special licence, in private, and there will be no announcement made in The Times. I hope you will have the decency to keep your distance from Longbourn and not taint your family by association. The Bennet name must not be dragged into any unsavoury scandal.' He frowned. 'Whatever your assurances, Lizzy, I'm certain Hall and Sinclair are not to be trusted.'
Her sister smiled. 'Thank you, Papa, as long as my family is present I need no one else. Richard has told me he has an excellent estate in Kent and I'll be perfectly content to remain in seclusion with him there.'
'Then I shall speak to your young man tomorrow and have him set things in motion. Perhaps Darcy will allow you to marry in the chapel here.' He nodded at his wife, smiled at Lizzy and walked out, presumably satisfied events had turned out as he wished.
'Mary, I'm so happy for you. Richard is an excellent young man and I look forward to welcoming him into the family. You might not be welcome at Longbourn, but you may visit here as often as you wish.'
Her mother was the only one less satisfied with the outcome and she continued to protest that there was to be no wedding breakfast, long list of guests or public celebrations. Lizzy embraced her sister and left her to escort their parent back to her own apartment.
Fitzwilliam appeared in the passageway outside their bedchamber just as she arrived. 'Everything has been smoothed over, my love, and it would appear there's to be another Bennet wedding in our chapel.'
*
He took her hand and led her into their rooms. 'My cousin intends to offer for the Hall girl – so no doubt he will expect to be married here as well.'
A Spy at Pemberley Page 20
