Page 54 of Until My Last Breath

“Let us find her together, Richard. Let us find Wickham and put an end to all this sordid business, once and for all.”

Richard let go of Darcy and looking into his eyes, he saw not only determination — but also the stubbornness by which his cousin was known. He nodded. “Yes. Let us find them together.”

Darcy returned to his companions, who were silently observing the interaction, and proceeded with the introductions. A report of the day’s activity and achievements was presented.

“I am glad. Indeed, very good news. I can only hope now that Mr Lynch, who is familiar with the town and the port, along with Mr Duncan’s help, can be able to reach places and people that you could not, and find out where that bloody pirate ship is,” said Darcy flaring his nostrils.

Mr Lynch and Mr Duncan left the house to make their way to the port and the local jail, as some of those arrested might have some information toshare.

After their departure, Darcy excused himself to change and be attended to by Dr Alden. Once properly dressed, he sat to have something to eat, and Richard took the opportunity to talk to his cousin again. He was curious to learn how Darcy had managed to bear the journey from London to Portsmouth in his present condition.

Darcy’s countenance darkened at his cousin’s enquiries. “You above everybody else should know I could never stay back when so much is at stake; when Elizabeth’s life is in such danger. They say that love and hate are the two most powerful forces to move a man. I guarantee you I have plenty of both.”

“And how are you faring?”

Now Darcy smiled. “Not very well, I am afraid.”

“I do not need to ask about your heart,” Richard said, full of remorse. “I have already guessed what happened between you and Miss Elizabeth, but I would be more assured if, at least, you were not in much pain.”

“I am sorry, but I cannot oblige. Every part of my body hurts like hell. I cannot see very well with my left eye, and with these cuts to both sides of my mouth I am afraid to open it, fearing that the top of my head would be detached and fall.”

Richard, who was mortified by his cousin’s first words, frowned, finally realising Darcy’s teasing. “May the devil carry you, Darcy, you big buffoon!” he said, half angry, half relieved, smiling back at his cousin. They were in need of a good laugh.

Too soon the levity of their exchange was replaced by stern glances.

“Richard, I have left my new will with your father. If for any reason I am not able to come back, I have left Pemberley and half of everything I have to Georgiana. The other half I divided between you and Mr Bennet, hoping that Elizabeth does not share my fate. It is the least I can do for her and her family after she saved my life.”

“I am sure it will not come to that. We will find her, Darcy, and we all will return home. You will see.” Richard’s lips quivered. “So, did you manage to solve your problems with Miss Elizabeth?”

Darcy gave him another weak smile and was about to relate his story, when the door was opened and Mr Duncan and Mr Lynch entered, their clothes soaked through. What a time for such strong storm. They were quickly conducted closer to the fire to dry themselves and have a hot drink.

“So, gentlemen, did you have any success?” Darcy asked.

Mr Duncan gave him a satisfied smile. “Indeed we ’ave, sir. Questioning some of the men arrested today in exchange for deportation instead of ’anging was enough to find out that the real pirate ship has never moored in England. Instead, they sailed from the tiny Saint Anne Island, off the northwest coast of France. As we know, English smugglers and mercenaries started to add young ladies to their cargo of contraband recently. Considering that piracy practically ended in the Atlantic for some time now, those pirates are in fact supplying buyers from the east part of Europe at a market in Istanbul. They receive supply of goods and ladies from other countries as well. They plan to sail from the island on the 14th, or 15that the latest if the weather wasn’t favourable — which surely was the case today. It seems Providence is smiling at us, Mr Darcy. We ’ave a chance to reach them at last.”

“Richard,” Darcy said, standing up. “We will need a ship.”

“I am sure there must be a ship belonging to the navy in Portsmouth,” Richard said. “My father said he had contacted the Prime Minister and he has authorised us to seek help from the army or navy.”

“You are right, Colonel,” Mr Dayton intervened. “There are a couple of ships from the Royal Navy moored here. I confirmed it from the manifests we gathered this morning. One of them, I believe, would be perfect for the task ahead. I will send a man to ask the captain to receive us.”

Around eleven o’clock that night, they received an invitation to meet the captain at their convenience. As for their request for help, the captain would just need to wait for an authorisation. Word would probably reach them by next morning.

After some further conversation, it was decided that Darcy, Richard, Dr Alden and Mr Lynch would go on board. Once the expectedconfirmation arrived, Captain Owen would take a message to Lord Matlock, informing him of their success in rescuing several young ladies, and all the remaining details of their possible sea journey. Mr Duncan would accompany Owen, as his services would be more useful in London investigating the network around the kidnappings.

Soon enough, Darcy’s carriage was ready and loaded, and the four gentlemen were on their way to the ship.

TheUlysseswas a magnificent warship with an experienced crew. Its captain, Mr Benjamin Walker, was a serious man in his late forties, with enough scars on his body to testify to his tough life at sea in times of war.

Despite his stern demeanour, Captain Walker gave the group a warm welcome. “Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to receive you all on board theUlysses. I am just sorry that the circumstances are so dreadful.” He gave Mr Darcy a sympathetic look. The message had informed him about Mr Darcy’s ordeal and the abduction of his betrothed.

Turning to the colonel, he continued. “I have heard many admirable stories about Lord Matlock and his family, serving king and country, not just in Parliament, but also in the battlefield. It is an honour, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Now, please, tell me all.”

Once all the facts were finally presented, Captain Walker said, “Yes, I have heard stories about these new pirates, but was never asked to check on them. It seems that the war against France was regarded as a higher priority. But with this information, it would be a great mistake not to finish this bloody business as soon as possible. The fact that your betrothed is directly involved in this sad affair and further help was granted by the Prime Minister, I am sure Commodore Norton will not hold his approval.”

“May I dare to believe theUlysseswould be ready to sail as soon as this authorisation arrives?” Richard asked. “As we mentioned before, our information is that the pirates would be leaving the day after tomorrow. If we cannot arrive at Saint Anne in time, it will mean a much longer pursuit down to the Mediterranean.”

There was silence in the cabin. Darcy’s heart was beating so loudly that he could almost believe his companions could hear it. He had notthought of such a possibility. He knew he would search for Elizabeth until the end of the world if necessary, but the more they delayed, the colder the clues leading to the pirates’ location would turn — and only God knew what she was going through already.

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