by Abbey North
He sat in the darkened drawing room, which provided a good view of the hallway leading to the front door. He heard footsteps on the stairs a short time later and wasn’t surprised to see a small, slight figure slip into view. Despite the cloak obscuring her, he was positive it was Anne.
She slipped out the front door, and he waited a couple of moments before following her. Once outside, he saw her easily enough even with the cloak, and he followed at a discreet distance to verify where she went. He waited until she had crossed the grounds and disappeared behind the stables before returning to the house. Her actions confirmed his supposition. Anne, not Lizzy, was the blackmail victim.
He groaned softly as he recalled his words to Lizzy, issued from jealousy and anger. They were far more condemnatory than he felt about his cousin’s actions. In light of the life Anne had lived, he could hardly fault her for finding some happiness, even if the man was wildly inappropriate.
He’d not been prepared to extend the same understanding to Lizzy, and he squirmed as he made his way back to his quarters, realizing how unfair he had been. He owed Lizzy an apology, and he intended to issue it forthwith. He also intended to offer his assistance, though he imagined she might protest.
In good conscience, he couldn’t allow her to face the possibility of running into a blackmailer alone, but he knew Lizzy well enough to know she wouldn’t be dissuaded from the course she had set, and the promise she’d given to his cousin to try to find out who was extorting her.
Her loyalty was one of the things he admired about her, and now that he realized how he had misjudged her, he was once again able to focus on her good traits and return his resolve to stay the course he had set earlier in the day. Perhaps he was still a fool, but that wasn’t enough to dissuade him now that he knew the truth.
6
Lizzy could barely hide her dismay when Fitzwilliam Darcy stepped into the sitting room at Hunsford the next day, though she hoped she managed a polite smile. Their last exchange still weighed heavily on her, making her voice cooler than normal when she said, “Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy.”
He bent his head to her in a respectful fashion. “Good afternoon, Miss Bennet.” He turned his attention to Charlotte. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Collins.”
If Charlotte were startled by her visitor—and she must be, for what possible reason would Darcy have to call at Hunsford during teatime—she barely showed it in her manner. Instead, she got to her feet and went over to stand near him, giving him a bright smile. “How marvelous to see you, Mr. Darcy. We were about to enjoy tea. Will you sit with us?”
“I would be honored,” said Darcy as he sat down.
Charlotte smiled at both of them. “If you shall excuse me for a moment, I will ask Mrs. Tesch to fetch another cup and saucer for us.”
Sensing he wanted to speak with her alone, and Charlotte had likely realized that since she was going to speak with Mrs. Tesch instead of ringing the bell, Lizzy said, “You might want to check on Maria as well. The poor dear had such a terrible tummy ache from the fish.”
Charlotte frowned, her concern for her younger sister obvious. “Yes, you are quite right. I shall return shortly.” There was a hint of knowing in Charlotte’s gaze that suggested she understood Lizzy was requesting time alone with Mr. Darcy. She probably had no idea why, but no doubt, she was imagining something fanciful, like romantic reasons.
Lizzy almost laughed aloud at the thought, but she maintained silence and composure until her friend had left the sitting room. Then she turned to glare at Darcy. “Why are you here?”
“I could pretend I came by for tea, but we both know the topic I wish to discuss.”
“Perhaps you would like to chastise me further about my illicit relationships and ability to be blackmailed upon such short arrival? Or perhaps I have indulged in this affair with the groom for the many years I have been coming to visit Charlotte? That is six visits in total, counting this one. I might have seduced all manner of gentlemen around this part of the country.”
Rather than look uncomfortable or even chastised, Darcy irritated her by laughing. “I do not underestimate your charm and skill, Miss Bennet, but I have realized the error of my ways. I know who the victim of the blackmail attempt is, and I come to offer my assistance.”
Her eyes widened, but she refused to fall for the trap. “Certainly, you know,” she said in a sarcastic voice. “You have only one wish, and that is for me to reveal the name to confirm your supposition, correct?”
His eyes widened, as though he was surprised she didn’t believe him. Did he know her at all? Did he recall any of their interactions? She shook her head at his obliviousness.
“It is my dear cousin Anne, is it not? She is the one involved with the groom.” He said the words calmly, as though Anne lowering herself to be with a servant didn’t besmirch the family name and reflect badly on him.
Her mouth dropped open in shock. “How did you discover that?”
“I saw the two of you whispering quite conspiratorially last night, so I waited up to see if Anne sneaked out. She did and went to the stables. After that, I returned to the house, for I had no wish to further intrude upon her privacy.”
Lizzy could barely understand the words coming from his mouth. “You confirmed it and did nothing to stop it?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Why should I? I figure my cousin deserves some happiness, and though I am surprised she has found it with a groom, it is hardly likely to be revealed. If it were, that would be a catastrophe, for Lady Catherine would not take it well. Other than Lady Catherine learning of the affair, there is only one possibility that truly concerns me.”
Inferring his meaning, she said, “I understand there are ways to prevent getting with child.” She blurted it out before realizing how inappropriate her statement was. Her face flushed, and she opened her fan to wave it at her face in a frenzy. “I cannot believe I said that.” What was wrong with her?
Darcy looked shock for a moment, but then his lips twitched with amusement. “I am surprised a woman of your standing knows that, but yes, there are methods. I assume Anne revealed that to you?”
Lizzy’s face flushed even hotter. “It was Carlos,” she said in a low voice, reluctantly admitting the truth.
He frowned. “It was Carlos?”
“He is her lover.” The word hung between them, and it heightened her discomfort. “I challenged him about his willingness to hide his relationship with your cousin, asking what if there were a child, and he assured me that would not happen. It was a very awkward conversation, at least as awkward as this one.”
If he was bothered by the discomfort of their current discussion, he didn’t seem inclined to reveal that. Rather, he frowned sternly at her. “You should not have interrogated the groom alone. He could be the one behind the blackmail attempt.”
Lizzy was impressed with his thought processes, which she hated to admit. “I did think of that, but I firmly believe we can rule him out.” How naturally she had fallen into saying we about the investigation. There was certainly a comfortable familiarity about working with Darcy, despite the animosity between them. She could rely on him to have a sound mind and steady nerves, which were both essential skills for investigating such matters, even if he did have a ridiculously delicate spot that made him vulnerable to attack.
“How can you be sure?” asked Darcy.
“He was quite convincing. He betrayed no sign of lying and acknowledged the theory as a possibility. I am certain he is not the one extorting Anne.” She almost grinned at herself, thinking what cheek. She sounded as though she were an expert on the matter. She shook her head at herself in a dismissive fashion. “I believe it was someone else. If you doubt that conclusion, perhaps you would like a conversation with Carlos as well?”
Darcy looked thoroughly uncomfortable at the idea as he shifted in his seat. “I do not believe I wish to do that. It feels like an infringement upon Anne’s privacy when she did not ask for my help. I shall take your wor
d on the matter.”
That caused an unexpected warmth in Lizzy’s chest that spread throughout, making it difficult to breathe for a moment. She recalled the same level of trust he’d displayed in Meryton when he didn’t insist on inspecting the shed of stolen property before going with her to report it to Colonel Forster and Constable Walters. There was something touching about his faith in her, at least when it came to solving mysteries.
She cleared her throat, clinging desperately to the reminder that he still disapproved of Jane and would do everything he could to block her happiness. “I have the matter well in hand.”
“I shall join you this evening to be certain.”
She shook her head. “I do not require your assistance, Mr. Darcy.”
His lips twitched. “Indeed, but you shall have it nonetheless.”
She wanted to continue to argue, but Charlotte returned then, bearing another cup and saucer and the news Maria was feeling better, though planned to sleep for the rest of the day. Lizzy declared that a wise plan and poured herself tea, determined to ignore Darcy’s presence as much as politely possible, and equally determined not to reveal the drop location for the blackmailer’s payment.
Of course, it might be helpful to have him along. He was a sturdy sort of fellow, and though prone to injury while allowing the villain to escape, he might prove useful. If that meant spending more time with him, she wasn’t certain she could stomach the prospect. Being in the vicinity of Darcy left her feeling uneasy, with her skin itchy and too tight. Her heart was prone to race dreadfully fast at the least provocation.
She couldn’t explain her reaction to him, and it seemed wiser to steer clear of him entirely. She was resolved to do just that as she drank tea, made gracious conversation, and mentally ticked down the minutes until Darcy had made a polite showing of his visit and could excuse himself without offense. When he finally left, she breathed a deep sigh of relief and leaned back in her chair.
“I do believe he fancies you, Lizzy,” said Charlotte.
Lizzy scoffed. “Mr. Darcy could never find anything about me of which he approves. He would never allow himself to pursue such a course of folly. Besides, I cannot stand the man.”
Charlotte arched a brow. “If you insist, then it must be true.” There was only the faintest note of doubt in her friend’s tone, but her eyes sparkled teasingly. “You would never be one to delude yourself about your feelings for someone, of that I have no doubt.”
Lizzy frowned at her. “Were I to be silly enough to have affection for Mr. Darcy, I would admit it to myself and do my best to stamp out such a weakness. I assure you I do not.” She fanned herself again briskly. “The idea of Mr. Darcy courting me is quite ridiculous, I assure you.”
Mr. Collins entered the room then, revealing he must’ve heard part of their conversation. “Indeed it is, Cousin Eliza. I am glad you are wise enough to know that and nip such girlish fantasies in the bud. After all, Mr. Darcy is practically betrothed to Miss Anne. He would never condescend to look upon you in such a favorable fashion, for you are too beneath his notice.”
Lizzy heaved a sigh. “I must agree with you on that, Mr. Collins. Mr. Darcy would never consider me someone of interest or an equal. To be honest, I find that nothing but a relief.”
“Indeed, it would be far beneath the man. I could hardly imagine him having the magnanimity to do such a thing. It boggles the mind, and Lady Catherine’s response would be outrageous.” The clergyman trembled, his fear obvious.
“I would not wish to be you if Mr. Darcy did have a tendre for you, for it would enrage her ladyship dreadfully so. She is determined to see Anne wed to her sister’s son. I find it quite appalling you would even slightly consider the notion, Cousin Eliza.”
She barely stifled the urge to roll her eyes. “I was not considering the matter, I assure you, Mr. Collins.” She could have pointed out Charlotte was the one who’d made the suggestion, but she didn’t want her dear friend to have to endure a long lecture either. “I wonder what Lady Catherine would think of Darcy’s intentions toward Caroline Bingley?” she asked before she could think better of it. Realizing she had introduced a delicate topic, and not wishing to be a gossip, particularly in front of Mr. Collins, she quickly clamped her lips tightly closed.
Mr. Collins frowned. “Of what do you speak?”
Lizzy hesitated before shrugging a shoulder. “I am certain it is nothing. There was a brief rumor during their visit at Meryton that perhaps he planned to offer for Miss Bingley. Surely, it must have been idle gossip if he is determined to marry Miss Anne.” Why that thought made it difficult to breathe, she refused to consider.
Instead, she gulped her tea, swallowing the lump in her throat that felt like it lodged in her chest, and managed to take a deep, if shaky, breath. “It matters not to me whom Mr. Darcy marries. I venture, I could not care less about the topic if I endeavored with every fiber of my being to do so.”
“A wise perspective,” said Mr. Collins. He still appeared disapproving as he looked at her and clicked his tongue. “I expect better than girlhood fantasies from a sensible woman like yourself, Cousin Eliza. You must not allow yourself to deviate from a logical course. I have no doubt there is a man who will take you, though he is unlikely to be a vicar and certainly not someone of Mr. Darcy’s caliber. Perhaps a tradesman, or even an apprentice? I am certain we must know someone who would be an ideal match for you. What do you think, my dear?”
Charlotte stirred herself to answer in a bland fashion, saying, “I do not believe I know anyone who would suit Lizzy as well as Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Collins gasped at the suggestion. “You must be teasing me, dear Charlotte, for you are far too sensible to promote such a disparate match. It would be too far beneath Mr. Darcy to even consider such a thing.”
“Indeed,” and Lizzy, attempting to hide her amusement. “It would be like asking him to bend over and scrape dirt from his shoes, dear Charlotte. His valet would surely be a better choice for that task. In fact, I have no doubt his valet would be much more appropriate to woo me than Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Collins frowned again, apparently incapable of recognizing any sarcasm. “That is an admirable idea, but he is in service. Surely, he would have to leave service to get married, for how could he devote himself to his master’s needs if he had a wife to balance? If you are particularly interested in Mr. Darcy’s valet, perhaps we could arrange something with Mr. Darcy though? He might be willing to give the man a settlement and allow him to take up residence somewhere, perhaps a small cottage at Longbourn. I have no objection to you and your husband living there after we have taken over the land upon your father’s death.”
Lizzy lost all taste for amusement or sarcasm. Instead, she kept her expression neutral when she said, “I do not know Mr. Darcy’s valet. If you shall excuse me, I believe I might lie down. I feel a headache coming on.” Its arrival had coincided with Mr. Collins joining them, and Charlotte’s sympathetic look suggested she understood that.
She marveled at her friend’s patience and ability to stay married to the man while maintaining some semblance of contentment. Charlotte was certainly a strong woman, and Lizzy admired her for being able to endure the cross she bore as she left the sitting room and made her way to the small guestroom assigned to her.
The headache she had invented, which had become slightly real though soon dissipated after being out of Mr. Collins’s vicinity, provided a handy cover for her to take dinner in her room, and then she dressed in a dark gown and dark veil as she waited for the hours to tick by until midnight. When it was near time for the blackmailer’s meeting, she got to her feet and slipped from her room.
She moved quietly down the hall, pausing to ensure she heard snoring, or at least silence. Maria seemed deeply asleep, with occasional snores emitting from her room. She could hear nothing coming from the Collinses’ room, but she assumed they were both asleep. Charlotte had likely gone to bed a couple of hours ago, since she found it trying to maint
ain her energy levels all day without frequent naps and a lot of sleep at night. Mr. Collins had no doubt joined her by now, as Lizzy had observed during her stay on this occasion and others, he was typically in bed by eleven on nights they were not dining with Lady de Bourgh.
That cleared the way for her, so she slipped out the front door a few minutes later, crossing the grounds of Rosings Park with a single candle she had lit and brought with her. She had every intention of snuffing it out once she reached her destination, and she realized as she walked toward the rose garden, there might be a flaw in her plan.
She should have made the walk this morning or this afternoon in the light, to be sure she went to the right section. After all, Rosings Park had multiple rose gardens, but she hadn’t considered it might be difficult to find the ornate bench mentioned in the first letter.
Now, as she stumbled through the second rose garden, finding more ornate furniture, though she wasn’t certain any could be described as a bench, she started to get frustrated. Time was ticking away, and if she chose the wrong stakeout point, the blackmailer would get the payment and escape.
She should have asked Anne which garden the extortionist referenced when she told her to leave the payment. Lizzy’s confidence in her investigation skills started to plummet as she realized she had no idea which garden to go to.
She nearly jumped out of her skin and let out a startled shriek before a hand closed over her mouth. It was a familiar hand, and the man smelled like Mr. Darcy, so she wasn’t terribly shocked to discover it was him when she recovered from the start and stepped away as his hand lowered. “What are you doing here?”
“I am taking you to the right garden.” If he was smug at all, he didn’t reveal it. He simply sounded businesslike when he said, “You want the south garden. The bench mentioned is a particular favorite of my aunt’s, since Uncle Lewis had it made for her shortly before his passing. Shall we?” He held onto his arm, as though they were about to take a pleasant morning stroll across Rosings Park rather than hide and apprehend the blackmailer.