Page 60 of Lord Lonbourn's Daughter
“No, he wanted you to marry because you do not like each other very much. His marriage to Annabella may not have been a passionate union, but they are content. She is the daughter of a marquess and connected to the Duke of Cavendish, which makes her above Elizabeth in station. He has bested you in a twisted sense, Darcy.”
“I am an earl, above your brother in rank and his father’s equal. Why would he chance making me his enemy?” Lord Longbourn enquired in disbelief.
“Pardon my frankness, my lord, but my brother has little respect for you. You do not use your seat in the House of Lords—a capital offence in Crawford’s mind. His political engagement is a deep-rooted trait. He cannot countenance why you choose not to use your voice when you have one at your disposal.”
“I still cannot see it, but you know your brother better than I, Colonel Fitzwilliam. However, a piece is missing in this puzzle.”
“There!” Mr Darcy exclaimed. “I found Mrs Younge’s address on a note. It is in Edward Street, close to the Newgate prison.”
“Good, we should divide ourselves up. Some must go to Edward Street while the others must go to Matlock House to question my brother.”
“I shall take my men to Mrs Younge’s establishment to fetch my daughter and the scoundrel she has married. You two may go and wring the neck of the viscount, Colonel. I trust you can accomplish that despite him being your brother. I suggest we delay your union to my Jane until this travesty has been resolved.” Their father had a menacing edge to his voice that none of the occupants of the room had heard before.
“But Papa!” Jane pleaded.
“You are coming with me, child. Lydia may need convincing to return home with us. Elizabeth, I leave it up to you whether you come with me or follow your husband.”
“I shall go with Mr Darcy to Matlock House.”
“I think you should retire, Elizabeth. It has been a tiring day,” Mr Darcy suggested.
“Out of the question,” Elizabeth retaliated, glaring at her husband who relented under her dagger-shooting gaze.
#
Matlock House, four o’clock in the morning
Lord Matlock and his wife had not yet retired. They were speaking quietly between themselves when their youngest son, Darcy, and Elizabeth descended upon them.
“Where is Montgomery?” Richard bellowed with more force than necessary.
“He has retired for the night. Why, is there any news?”
Richard did not deign to answer before he bolted from the room. His heavy tread could be heard pounding up the stairs.
“We have some questions about the affair we thought the viscount may have the answer to,” Darcy offered. His formal address clearly made the countess aware that something was amiss.
Richard returned the next instant.
“He is not here, and his horse is missing.”
“Zounds, he must have gone straight to Edward Street. We must follow him at once. I beg your pardon, Aunt and Uncle, an explanation must wait for another time. Makehaste, we have not a moment to lose.”
Their party was gone as swiftly as they had arrived, leaving a worried earl and countess behind.
#
Edward Street
Elizabeth’s father’s carriage was still outside the building when the Darcys’ carriage approached. Lord Longbourn was dragging a howling Lydia by her arm while her husband followed, wedged between two of Longbourn’s most sturdy footmen.
Mr Darcy hastened to alight from their carriage.
“Meet us at Bennet House. I shall explain there,” Lord Longbourn barked.
“Certainly, Longbourn, but did you happened to see the viscount?”
“No!”
