Page 85 of Compromise & Consequence
“Everything is in there. Even more than what I have told you,” Collins said, wringing his hands. “I would never have allowed her to hurt my cousin.”
“Does Anne know what her mother is about,” Richard asked.
“Absolutely not!” Mr. Collins drew back in revulsion. “She is delighted with the fact Mr. Darcy has married and can now pursue… Oh dear, I was not supposed to talk about that either.”
“You are having an exceedingly difficult day, are you not, Mr. Collins?”
Jane’s soft voice cut through the tension.
“Indeed, I am.”
Darcy decided to take some pity on the man.
“Mr. Collins, if what you have assured us is true, I will make it my mission to ensure Aunt Catherine never finds out how I discovered her nefarious plans.”
“I can help with that, Mr. Collins,” Richard added. “In my line of work, I come across all sorts of unsavory characters. If pushed for details, I will let slip that some ne’er do well sold her out for clemency. She will believe such gobble-dee-goo because she thinks none of her servants would ever betray her confidences.”
“Some of what I shared was not told to me in confidence. I was working in the northeast corner of my garden and overheardsome men talking. They, of course, had no idea I was behind the hedgerows and talked openly about what she had ordered them to do. I believe they were looking forward to the task.”
Dread and fury fought for purchase in Darcy’s gut. It was imperative he discover what Aunt Catherine planned.
“I must go and read this letter. Richard, would you and Miss Bennet please escort my wife back to Longbourn?”
“Of course.”
“Do not let her out of your sight. I have a bad feeling about all this.”
Darcy turned back toward the manor while Richard and Jane, along with Mr. Collins, hurried to catch up to Elizabeth and Miss Lucas.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Is it as bad as we expected?”
These were the first words Richard spoke as he entered Mr. Bennet’s study and closed the door behind him. Darcy nodded and then turned his attention to Bennet, who paled to the color of a bed sheet the further he got into the missive. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he leaned over and vomited into the waste paper basket by his desk.
“Let me see,” Richard demanded and Bennet handed over the letter.
Darcy watched his cousin closely and knew he had come to the vilest portion of the letter when he turned preternaturally still, his face transforming into a mask of stone. He had seen that expression before and knew these unknown men were already dead, they just weren’t aware of that fact yet.
“I will leave for London immediately. Father must be made aware of what she planned and I will send a contingent of good men to guard you whilst you are here and to escort you back to London.”
“I have strong footmen. They are capable.”
“No, Darcy. This calls for specific talents and your footmen, while strapping lads, would not be prepared to sink to the same depths as these Cretans if required. My men are trained in this and will not lose sleep.”
“Elizabeth and I should return to London with you.”
“Absolutely not! If you return too soon, you may tip Aunt Catherine off that you know something. Also, your wife would never forgive you if she could not see her closest friend married.Let her enjoy the day in peace and happiness.” Richard folded the letter and placed it inside his pocket. “This also gives me time to put things in place for her protection.”
Bennet stood, his face pale, sweat beading on his forehead.
“Colonel, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If we lost Lizzy…” Tears formed in his eyes. “I do not think my heart could take the loss. Not this way.”
“I had not intended to speak so soon, but I love Jane and wish to marry her. I consider you my family, Mr. Bennet and will do what needs to be done to protect them. As will Darcy.” He clicked his heels together and gave Mr. Bennet a formal bow. “I must leave now if I wish to make London this afternoon. I will send notice of what I have put in place with my men.”
Richard left the room and Bennet sank back into his chair. He then scrunched his nose and pulled the lanyard to summon the butler.
“Forgive me, Griggs,” he said when the man appeared and handed over the basket. “I am afraid my nerves got the best of me when the colonel asked for Jane’s hand.”
