Page 37 of Until My Last Breath

Jane smiled and nodded. “I am happy to help with whatever I can, Colonel.”

At the sight of her smile, Richard stammered a bit at the beginning, but then explained how Darcy’s parents had died, leaving Georgiana in her brother’s care, ending with her almost elopement with Wickham.

“Miss Bennet, this is the reason I have asked you to come with me. I am convinced that despite the pain you are now suffering for your sister, you will be able to bring some comfort to Georgiana, especially when she learns about her brother’s injury and who was responsible for it.”

There was nothing else to say, so they kept silent. Mr Bennet soon fell asleep. The poor man was beside himself with worry.

As Richard observed the passing scenery, Jane took the opportunity to study him. Something about him had touched her heart, stirring something strangely deeper than Mr Bingley had ever reached. The colonel was a tall man with a strong constitution. In her opinion, he was as handsome as MrDarcy, if not more so when wearing his elegant uniform, despite some scars on his face. That, in fact, just added to his charm. Although his manly features were very attractive, it was his manners that had impressed her most. He was kind, open and honest. And in spite of his experience in war, he showed a vulnerability that spoke of a man of strong feelings; he had not lost the ability to love. But above all, she felt that he was a man who could be trusted and surprised herself by thinking she would do anything to see him smiling again.

That thought startled her.

How was that even possible? She had known him for no more than two days. She did not know what to think of it.

Richard noticed they were approaching London, and his expression darkened. “After stopping at my father’s house, I am planning to visit Mrs Younge, one of Wickham’s former paramours. She worked as Georgiana’s lady companion before we realised it. I need to see if she can give us any information about his whereabouts.”

Richard and his guests were received by red eyes and anxious faces. Introductions were performed and refreshments ordered. But he was not inclined to waste any time and quickly shared with his father his intentions to visit Mrs Younge. They decided that Lord Matlock, Mr Duncan and Mr Bennet would accompany him. Jane would remain in the house with Georgiana and his mother, Lady Madeleine.

Before leaving, Richard and Jane exchanged glances, and nodded to each other.

The four gentlemen left for a less noble area of the town. Only minutes separated Mayfair from their destination at St Giles. The carriage stopped in front of an alley, and they walked down a narrow path between old houses until the colonel stopped at one particular door. He rang the bell and waited.

“How did you know where she lived?” Lord Matlock asked his son.

“After last summer’s incident, I tracked down most of Wickham’s old acquaintances.”

In a few minutes, a beautiful young woman opened the door.Recognising Richard, she startled. “Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

“Mrs Younge, we meet again. You must remember my father, Lord Matlock. That is Mr Bennet, and this is Mr Duncan, a detective from the Magistrates’ Court of Bow Street, who is investigating a very delicate situation. I told them that you would be glad to assist us. Can we come in?”

With trembling hands, Mrs Younge showed them in, heading to a small parlour. She knew that a visit from the colonel and someone from the Magistrates’ Court was not a good sign, but the fact that the earl himself was there was even worse. She was petrified at the thought of what Wickham could possibly have done. Why else would they be here?

“Well, gentlemen, how can I be of assistance?”

“We are looking for a Mr Wickham, ma’am,” Mr Duncan started. “Do you know where we can find ’im?”

She swallowed hard, squeezing her hands together. “I’m sorry, but I cannot help you. I have not seen Mr Wickham since last summer. We took different paths since then.”

The gentlemen exchanged glances, and Richard nodded to Mr Duncan.

“Mrs Younge,” Mr Duncan said slowly, “We don’t have a minute to waste, so I’ll be quite direct, and then I’ll ask the question again. This time, I want you to think carefully about how you’re going to answer it.” He looked at her for a moment to ensure she understood the meaning of his words. “Mr Wickham is a prime suspect in the kidnap of Miss Bennet and Mr Darcy, Lord Matlock’s nephew. Mr Darcy was shot, and both of ’em were taken hostage yesterday morning, from Rosings Park, in Kent. I’m sure you know that kidnapping and attempted murder are both punishable by death, not only for the perpetrators but also for those somehow involved in the crime. I’d be very happy if you could ’elp us to locate Mr Wickham.” Seeing the panic growing in her eyes, he added, “And I would be very grateful, of course, to anyone who could ’elp us to find these criminals and bring them to the justice.”

Mr Duncan’s words had the desired effect. Mrs Younge brought a hand up to her chest, as the words left her mouth. “It cannot be.”

“Mrs Younge, please, we need to find him as soon as possible,” Richard intervened. “If you help us to find him, I am sure the magistrate can find a way to mitigate your share in this sordid plan.”

“Do you swear I won’t be hanged?” she asked, suddenly taken by panic. “I didn’t know any of this.”

“I give you my word, Mrs Younge. I will guarantee your personal well-being during the whole trial. You can count on it.”

She gave the gentlemen one last look, then said, “Yesterday, the miscreant came to me again, his face disfigured as if he had brawled with a big boar and lost, saying he needed my help; that he was going to obtain some money and would pay me later. I told him he could go back to the same hole he had come from, and that I didn’t want anything to do with him ever again. He begged and asked me to provide him with at least a room, just for a couple of days, and after that he would leave.” She lowered her eyes. “I know I was being naïve to believe him, but I agreed. I just… I mean, I didn’t know he was… in such a trouble.”

“Is he here now?” Richard asked.

“No. He went out this morning and didn’t say whether he would return today. He did not bring any personal belongings.”

“You said something about his appearance. What happened?” Richard asked.

“I believe he had been beaten, quite badly actually.”

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