Page 40 of Until My Last Breath

Richard looked down at Jane and they both smiled in relief.

Mr Huxtable added, “We just need a plan to rescue both of them tonight. You know, before Mr Wickham… takes her.”

“Then, Mr Huxtable, allow me to help you,” Richard said. “Some good men from my battalion are currently in London, and I am sure they would be happy to assist us. I will send for them immediately.”

“I thank you, Colonel,” replied Mr Huxtable. “That would be excellent. It just leaves us to decide on a strategy of how to rescue them.”

“And do you ’ave any suggestions, Mr Huxtable?” Mr Duncan asked.

“In fact, Dr Hayford has already come up with an idea. It seems our brave doctor offered to keep the ruffians as busy as possible tonight, as he pretends to be checking on his patient. He thought we could use that moment to strike them. Dr Hayford said one of them, a man called Mr Brown, usually accompanies him upstairs. If we manage to invade the house while the doctor is examining Mr Darcy, there will only be two of them downstairs. With the help of your men, Colonel, I believe we can succeed.”

“What about the man in the room? Brown. Do you think he keeps a gun with him?” Richard asked.

“It is quite likely,” replied Mr Huxtable. “If we manage to enter the house in silence as soon as the doctor enters, we can keep watch on the staircase and surprise Brown when he leaves the room. Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth would be out of danger.”

“What about the doctor?” Miss Bennet asked. “Do you not think he might get… hurt?”

“Miss Bennet, Dr Hayford was a brave officer in his time. I am sure he is aware of the risks.”

It was decided that Mr Huxtable, Richard and his officers would head towards Eastbourne as soon as they could contact the men and gatherwhatever was necessary.

Once inside the carriage on their way back, Jane raised her eyes and met Richard’s concerned gaze on her.

“I will do everything I can to bring them back. I promise.”

“I know,” Jane replied, her cheeks reddening. “Colonel, please do not judge me... I do not know if I will have another opportunity, or the courage, if I do not do it now.”

Richard frowned. “What is it, Miss Bennet?”

“I would like you to take this.” She took something from her reticule, placing the small object in Richard’s hand. “It was a present from Lizzy to me. I want you to keep it, to remind you of the lady you are going to rescue. But also,” she raised her eyes to face him, “to remind you of the lady who will be waiting for you… to have it back when you return home, safe and sound.”

Their gazes locked and Richard’s mouth suddenly became dry at the look of tenderness on her face. His heart was beating so loudly he was sure even she could hear it. He looked down to his hand and found a small golden cross attached to a delicate necklace.

Inhaling slowly a couple of times, he took her hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them. “I will cherish it,” he said softly. “And I promise you, I will do everything in my power, I will move heaven and earth to bring your sister back to you… and your father.”

An unknown wave of happiness washed his soul. In that carriage, surrounded by uncertainties, he was sure of one thing: despite their short acquaintance, Jane Bennet had stolen his heart. From that moment on, he knew he would do anything for her. He cupped her wet face and caressed it, finally smiling. “God help me. I will come back.”

Richard understood finally what had possessed Darcy to act so recklessly when Miss Elizabeth was concerned.

~ ♥~

Back home, it took Richard less than two hours to gather his men, swords, pistols and munition and begin their journey to Eastbourne. Mr Darcy’s personal physician, Dr Alden, had joined the group as a particular request from Georgiana.

Mr Duncan, who had already presented a report to the Magistrates’ Court in Bow Street about the pirates, decided to stay behind and help in that part of the investigations as an alternative plan, in case the rescue attempt did not succeed.

Lord Matlock sent several letters, among them one to the Prime Minister explaining the involvement of the army and requesting further assistance from the navy.

The remaining details would be discussed on the way to Eastbourne. The weather was dry, promising a reasonably fast trip, giving them enough time to arrive at their destination before sunset, around eight o’clock at that time of the year.

As they approached the coast, the horses became agitated.

“It seems the weather here is not as favourable as it was in London, Mr Huxtable,” Richard observed, seeing the curtain of fog ahead of them.

“I am sorry to agree, Colonel. This cold breeze coming from the sea together with the wet and warm soil are the propitious conditions for a foggy night. I was hoping to have a normal day length, but with this fog, I believe it will be dark much earlier. We shall need to move faster and position our men around the house before the fog becomes too dense.”

Richard agreed. His mind was now completely focused on the strategy they had planned. He felt the cold blood running through his veins almost as if he had been informed Napoleon’s troops were approaching. This time, however, he was not defending his country, but fighting for the life of his cousin and Jane’s sister.

When they were close enough, they dismounted. With a nod from Mr Huxtable, the men silently approached the house, scattering around the property. The main objective was to invade the house at the agreed signal. Richard and Mr Huxtable positioned themselves at the front, some yards away from the entrance. The unkempt garden had been very useful for this.

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