Page 24 of Lord Lonbourn's Daughter
Colonel Fitzwilliam oozed cold fury when he was apprised of the abductions in Lord Longbourn’s study.
“I am not too worried about my own daughters,” Longbourn admitted. “It is obvious that Miss Darcy is the main target. Kitty and Lydia were unfortunate—being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your sister’s fortune of thirty thousand pounds exceeds my daughters’ by ten thousand pounds. I am relieved their additional assets are not known because I have no time to fend off mercenary suitors. Which reminds me…I have delayed interrogating that Bingley fellow for long enough. As soon as thismatter is settled, I shall address the young buck vying for my eldest daughter’s notice.”
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With sufficient funds for everything from lodgings to bribes, Colonel Fitzwilliam had sent messages by express to half the country by the time he left. No expense was spared if it could lead to the recovery of Georgiana and the earl’s daughters. But he had an additional incentive for success on his mission—to see the light returned to the eyes of a certain beautiful lady. He had always deemed himself a fixed bachelor, but now he was no longer certain it was the only way he could be happy. The army was losing its charm every minute he spent in her company. He could not subject the woman to a life following the drum; the lady was the daughter of an earl and must expect certain comforts that the army could never provide. For the first time, Colonel Fitzwilliam played with the thought of selling his commission.
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After watching the colonel ride off in a cloud of dust, Darcy and Lord Longbourn were left behind with nothing to do.
“Should we involve the Earl of Matlock?” Lord Longbourn wondered.
“I have contemplated the same but have yet to decide. Perhaps my aunt would be just as much use. She once threatened to have me horsewhipped, asserting connections in London’s underworld. I doubt she was speaking the truth, but if so, she might be able to ferret out any rumours ofnew girls in townif the girls are being held captive here in London.”
“That sounds far-fetched,” Lord Longbourn replied sceptically.
“Yes, but it is either that or doing nothing,” Darcy complained.
“Your house or mine?” Longbourn enquired.
“I suspect that our houses are being watched. It would seem less suspicious if I invited the Matlocks to my house for a family dinner,” Darcy suggested.
“You are correct, but I would like to be a part of the discussion, Mr Darcy,” Longbourn implored.
“I intend to invite you and your daughters. Someone must entertain my aunt and Annabella. My aunt could demand to join the gentlemen if the viscount and his wife are out of town. They are spending more and more time in Derbyshire,” Darcy explained.
“Sensible chap, your cousin. Are you thinking of this evening or the next?” Longbourn enquired.
“This evening. We have not a moment to lose. I shall summon Matlock, and while we await his arrival I need to go through my correspondence. There might be a clue hidden in the pile of letters stacked on my desk.”
Darcy bowed stiffly to Lord Longbourn and limped to his house next door. Walking was painful with his sore limbs, which had not had any rest for twenty-four hours. The taxing ride and lack of sleep rendered him stupefied. He ordered a bath, and after his ablutions fell into a short, disturbed sleep where the events of the last few days came back to haunt him. He jolted awake after half an hour and summoned his valet.
Darcy’s valet, Grey, was a man of many talents. He sometimes served as secretary and responded to the letters of invitation Darcy had not the time to answer himself. This day was no different. He dealt with the business letters himself while Grey declined invitations to soirées, dinners, balls, and at homes at a nearby table with a writing desk. He must have something to keep him occupied; the waiting was driving him mad.
“Here is one from Mr Bingley. Are you certain you would decline?” Grey enquired.
“When is it?”
“A dinner at Hurst House for tomorrow evening.”
“Yes, I must decline. Write that I am sorry and shall make amends.”
“Certainly.”
The silence between them stretched out as they both delved into their piles.
“There is an invitation from the Duke of Chesterfield,” Grey announced, jolting Darcy from his dismal thoughts.
“Really? I do not believe I have ever been to Wingerworth. Not for as long as I can remember. I might have been as a child. My father mentioned him from time to time. He was his first cousin once removed. Why is he inviting me?”
“To a house party, I believe. He wants you to come to his home at your convenience.”
“Ah, that is regrettable, but I cannot accept at this point. Do not reject his invitation but let it be known that I have businessengagements that will occupy all my time in the foreseeable future. As politely as you can, please.”
“Of course, sir.”
Darcy was hoping to find some kind of clue to his sister’s abduction amongst the post. A letter demanding money would even be welcomed if it led to the discovery of Georgiana’s whereabouts, but he would be content with a clue that may lead them in the right direction. Someone he had forgotten to pay, bought a prized animal from under his nose, or displeased in any way. He found nothing, not even the slightest indication that something might be amiss. He sighed and decided to go for a ride before dressing for dinner. A hard gallop would clear his mind and sort out his thoughts. Besides, he could not bear to sit idle; his every moment was haunted by conjectures of Georgiana’s peril.
