Page 43 of The Heir and Spare
“I guess not, though there is always more to be done.”
“I thought we might walk the roads a bit to make sure there aren’t some who haven’t made it?”
He hesitated but a moment, thinking of the danger, discomfort, and growing chill, and then nodded. “Of course. I’ll ask for two lanterns.”
They could be walking for a long time in the dark, and the two of them couldn’t do much to help anyone they found. But they would be able to go back for help. And perhaps they could bring some others.
Miss Elizabeth beckoned to someone and in a moment, three larger boys stood at his side. “These three would like to help anyone we find get back to here. I think with some extra muscle, we should be fine.”
He could only nod, once again amazed at her ingenuity and planning. “I agree. Thank you to you three. Tell me your names.”
They told him in turn. Brothers. Elijah, Malachi, and Isaiah. “Those are excellent, strong names.”
“Our mama found them in the Bible, listening to our good vicar on Sundays.” Elijah grinned. “She’s real proud of that.”
“As she should be.” Miss Elizabeth reached for the lantern that someone had brought from the house. Darcy hefted the other. “Now let us be off. I heard of a particular street that might not have been cleared of everyone.”
Everyone followed Miss Elizabeth who stepped away with determined strong steps out into the darkness. The light lit her face, and once again Darcy was enchanted. She was a beacon. The warm glow brought out the beauty in her features. He could have stared all evening.
They kept their voices down and listened as they walked. Every now and then Miss Elizabeth called out, “Hello! Is anybody there?”
House after house appeared empty. Miss Elizabeth walked slower and slower. With any luck, everyone had been cleared out and all were safe. She rubbed her arms under her coat.
“Are you taking a chill, Miss Elizabeth? I cannot forgive myself if you become ill. Perhaps we should return? We can ask the servants to do one more pass-through this evening?”
But then they heard scratching.
“Hello?” Miss Elizabeth hurried toward the sound. But after a few steps, she screamed and disappeared.
He ran forward, tripping on root branches and sliding on newer mud, bringing him to the edge of a hole of some sort. One of the boys behind him reached out to grab him by the collar.
He placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.” Then he yelled, “Miss Elizabeth!”
She moaned down below.
He lowered his lantern, trying to assess what he was seeing.
The other three approached carefully. “She’s down there. I see her.” Elijah pointed.
“Mama always said he could see in the dark.” Malachi nudged him.
“Elizabeth.” He pleaded with her in his mind to be well.
She didn’t respond.
“I have to get down there.” He turned to the boys. “Help lower me. Then you can run for help. But someone needs to be with her.” He turned to lower his legs backward, reaching for their hands.
“Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, but you don’t know where you’re landing.”
“Just make sure I don’t land on her.” He gritted his teeth as roots scratched at him through his shirt. He lowered himself as far as he could go, then grasping their hands, he was lowered a bit more before he said, “Let me drop. Then go for help.”
They did, and the ground came sooner than he was expecting. “Oof.”
“You alright, Mr. Darcy?”
“I am. Can you toss me the lantern?”
They did, and he caught the glowing object out of the darkness. It was an interesting experience to see only light coming toward you when all else was dark. He held it up. Theywere in a hole, with wet, slippery mud at his feet. “Elizabeth.” He stepped carefully to the other side of the space.
