Page 69 of Until My Last Breath

“I thank you, but no. At this moment, Richard and I share the same opinion,” Darcy said with a strained voice. If it was in his power, he would never take laudanum again.

“Daaarcy, how are ye?” Richard asked concerned after hearing his cousin’s moan.

“Well enough, Colonel,” Dr Alden replied instead. “Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth share something more than their mutual affection. Apart from their superficial scratches, they both have damaged noses.” He paused, admiring his work. “There. Now, let me see your old wound. God help us if I need to find flesh to stitch this hole together again.”

Fortunately, the stitches had held together, and although the area was still quite swollen and red, there was no further damage. Dr Alden simply cleaned everything and replaced the bandages, shaking his head. “Now, for heavens’ sake, lie down and rest — both of you. I need to see the others.”

Richard opened his eyes, taking a peek at Darcy’s face. Then, he began to laugh. But his amusement was short lived as he placed his hand over the area where the dagger had opened his flesh. “Daaarcy, I am sorrrrry,” he slurred, bursting into laugher again, more restrained this time. “You look… you look like one of those maaasked men in the theatre. You should see your face.”

“I am happy that, at least, someone can find amusement under these circumstances,” Darcy replied with a nasal voice, trying not to smile as an excruciating pain spread all over his face again.

It was in this relaxed atmosphere that Captain Walker found his guests teasing each other. In his way in to see them, he had found Dr Alden who explained the erratic behaviour of the colonel and Mr Darcy’s broken nose.

“I confess I am quite relieved to have you back in one piece, Mr Darcy,” Captain Walker said. “I was not completely sure it was the best decision to allow you to come with us. But as I would never stop you from doing what you needed to do to save your beloved, I can only be glad I was right.” He told Darcy of his personal experience with his wife and son. “Fortunately, everything ended well.” The captain stopped and looked down at Elizabeth. “You are a lucky man, Mr Darcy. Always remember that.”

“Yes, I am,” said Darcy, looking down at the woman who held his heart. “But, please, allow me to thank you for understanding what I needed to do, and for saving Elizabeth’s life — our lives. I am sure that, had your men not forced the door down, we would all be dead by now.”

“Forcing the door? No, sir. It was your cousin who opened the door for us. The fact that he found the strength to do so with a dagger nailed to his belly was… admirable. If you want to thank someone, you should thank your cousin — and Mr Chase, whose excellent aim saved your betrothed’s life. But, in everything else, you are very welcome. It was my honour to help you. I am sure the Crown will be very grateful.”

Darcy looked at his snoring cousin with a much deeper respect and admiration. Richard had sworn on his life he would bring Elizabeth back, and he kept his word. Laying down, and despite the pain, he was finally able to sleep.

Elizabeth was safe.

A couple of hours later, Dr Alden went to check his patients and found the three of them in deep sleep.

All was as it should be at last.

Chapter 11

18th April 1816

During their long and slow-paced return to London, Elizabeth and William encountered many of those men and women who had kindly helped Richard on his painful journey. Many of them, like the ladies from the small parish in Portsmouth, brought Elizabeth flowers, wishing her happiness and health.

The gang of smugglers and mercenaries acting in the south of the country had also been dismantled, thanks to the brilliant work of Mr Dayton, Mr Duncan and the other runners from Bow Street.

A letter from the constable in Eastbourne informed them that Dr Hayford was recovering well and sent his regards and congratulations for their upcoming nuptials. Upon the honour of having one of the couple’s sons named after him in recognition for his invaluable help, he declined. Habakkuk was not a name the good doctor would impose on another innocent child, he had told the constable.

It was with cheerful hearts that they finally arrived at Lord Matlock’s house in London.

“Lizzy! My dear, dear girl!” Mr Bennet shouted, running to his daughter as she stepped out of the carriage, enveloping her in a strong embrace. “Thank you, sir, Colonel, for bringing my girl back,” he added turning to the gentlemen with tears in his eyes.

Finally, the two families were reunited. Hugs and kisses wereexchanged, and more tears were shed. This time, however, tears of celebration and laughter.

After that initial reunion was over, they all sat to dine and listen to the details about the perilous journey.

Richard, taking upon himself the responsibility of narrator, was as cheerful and voluble as ever — or at least, what his wound would allow him to be.

To Jane’s great delight, Richard’s gaze, not rarely, was upon her. Theirs had been a more discreet and reserved reunion, as they did not have a formal understanding yet.

Around eleven o’clock that evening, Richard, Darcy and Elizabeth, exhausted by having relived all the tense moments of the last week, begged their relatives to allow them to retire. Their wishes were reluctantly conceded, as the family still wanted more details of what had happened. In the end, they all agreed to take up the conversation in the morning.

“And you, Darcy, are going to stay here with Georgiana until I am convinced you are well enough to return to your house,” Lady Madeleine said, assuming her role of mother goose again.

Darcy chuckled. It was good to be home.

~ ♥ ~

Around two o’clock in the morning, Jane was awoken by Elizabeth’s muttering. Unable to be separated just after a small time together, they had insisted upon sharing a bedchamber.

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