Page 20 of The Heir and Spare
He nodded. “Aye, sir.”
Fitz made a quick work of his brother’s short missive.“I’m in London, looking for that creton, Wickham. He’s done more damage than we should have allowed, now absconded with a local girl from outside of Meryton. Please do your best to pick up any trail he may have left in the area and also discover his debts, as I’m certain he has them.”
Fitz frowned.
“And then off to our aunt’s, please. I am entangled in this mess until its conclusion, and our aunt is requiring attention. Please send the rider back with your response.”
He eyed the man waiting on the horse. “Can you remember a short answer?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Tell my brother I will do as he asks, and I await his company at Rosings Park.”
The man nodded.
But Fitz held up a hand. “Please repeat it back to me.”
When he did with admirable accuracy, Fitz sent him back on his way with coin.
No movement from the house told Darcy he had some time before they would depart so he waved a servant over. “Please bring me a saddled horse. I have some business in town before we leave. And alert the others as to our delayed departure.”
“Very good.” The servant bowed and hurried off.
Even though Fitz grumbled to himself at being ordered about by his twin, he was rattled with news of more treachery from George Wickham. The man had almost destroyed their sister Georgiana. He had been a menace to the town of Derbyshire all growing up, and he had somehow cultivated their father’s special attention.
He’d been given an appointment to the church which he gave up, instead favoring the military. But his hunger for more had obviously not been sated as gambling debts and unmet expenses followed him everywhere he went. But what he could hope for from a local woman of little means was a mystery. The families seemed respectable, though. He was hard pressed to imagine a scandal of any kind coming from Meryton. And yet, George seemed to bring about havoc in the best people’s lives. Georgiana had truly thought him in love with her. Only when they’d shown proof of his visits to another woman on the very night they were to elope, did she give up her loyalty to the snake. But the immediate crumbling of her confidence right in front of their eyes had been heartbreaking for both brothers.
He clenched his fists. Oh, he’d find him all right. He’d find every last problem Wickham caused in that small town first. He’d expose him for what he was.
Sounds of another horse approached.
The servant walked up the main drive with his horse. Fitz waved him over. “Hurry, man. I must make haste.”
The servant jumping to a run was gratifying to Fitz. And it helped alleviate his angst to begin. He was done waiting.
When at last the horse’s reins were in his hand, he leapt onto its back and was about to gallop swiftly in the direction of town when a voice carried to him. “Wait.” A woman on a horse called out again. “Please. Wait.”
He shifted his weight and turned his horse to see something he might remember forever.
Miss Jane sat astride a horse, her hair free and flowing out behind her in great golden waves. She rode at speeds he’d only seen men attempt and when she was almost upon him, pulled to a stop so quickly, he was afraid she might unseat herself. But she brushed the hair from her face and breathlessly asked, “Did I miss him?”
Fitz’s heart thumped two extra times and he was filled with misgivings about their departure. Here was a woman who definitely cared.
“Um…no. You will find him up at the house, sort of despondently puttering about.”
Her wavering mouth lifted at the corner. “I cannot allow him to leave without first speaking. I…cannot.” Her eyes welled and he waved her on.
“Say no more. Please. Go find him at once.”
She nodded and then took off again at breakneck speed down the front drive to Netherfield.
Fitz shook his head. He’d never been so wrong about a couple. He’d give a lot to see how that conversation changedthings. But he had other work to do, and with any luck, he’d have some answers.
Chapter 12
Jane and Elizabeth
Jane had never done anything so reckless. But here she was, tearing up to the front drive on a horse, almost to the door of the Bingley estate. A servant appeared on the front stoop, and Caroline’s face with open mouth stood out in an upper window. But Jane cared not for any of them. She had one wish only, and that was to see her beloved Charles.
