Page 39 of Pemberley's Imposter
“How is that even possible?” she exclaimed.
“It is when seven or eight boys force you down and nail the boards shut,” he replied flatly.
“Heaven forfend!” Elizabeth rose abruptly and began pacing in front of him. “Were you very young when it happened?”
“No, not particularly. I was fifteen. Tall and gangling, all arms and legs. I matured late and spent my days reading or studying, but the incident taught me that I needed to becomestronger. I had always enjoyed riding, but after that event, I rode for a couple of hours every morning. I joined the fencing club at school, and it turned out that it came naturally to me.
“I also entered Gentleman Jackson’s boxing academy when it opened in 1803. It was good exercise, but I am too tall and slow to excel at pugilism—not like I did at fencing at Cambridge, where long arms were an advantage. In any case, Bingley heard the boys bragging about nailing me in and freed me within minutes. That is why I am forever in his debt.”
“That explains something that has confounded me,” Elizabeth admitted.
“What is that?” he asked out of curiosity.
“I was surprised you would so readily welcome Bingley and my sister to Pemberley.” She looked away, staring unseeingly into the woods. “And why you shook and panted so violently in the tomb,” she added quietly. “Did you know who the culprit was and why they did that to you?”
“I do not know who. It happened so quickly, and I was terrified. The lads grabbed me from behind and pulled a burlap sack over my head, but I suspect I know why. Those of us who liked to study, attend classes, and read were laughed at by those who preferred hunting, gambling, and parties. Going to chapel was another pursuit they believed should be shirked as much as possible. Needless to say, I have always enjoyed learning and attended the service every Sunday.”
Chapter 14 An Ever-Fixed Mark
The Darcys waited one more day before they set out for Pemberley, to be certain Ellie was sufficiently recovered.
The open road was a hazard in itself; they had not escaped being drugged and bound only to be caught again, strolling by the roadside. The family walked through the forest, in sight of the road but hidden from passers-by, until they came upon a recognisable landmark or town.
Trudging through the forest was exhausting on Ellie’s short legs, so Darcy and Elizabeth took turns carrying their daughter to cover more ground.
Darcy tried to hide his disappointment when they had to stop for the day. Their progress had been slow. To conceal his annoyance, he busied himself with setting up camp and making a dry and sheltered place to sleep for the night.
He doubted he could fool Elizabeth, but she left him in peace until his disappointment dissipated by itself.
Two more days were spent in the woods, huddling together at night to keep warm, before Darcy recognised the inn in Darley Dale, halfway between Pemberley and Matlock. They were a mere six miles from home.
The Darcys were dusty, dirty, and unkempt, but Mr Darcy strode into the establishment with his head held high. It tookthe innkeeper a second before he recognised the most significant landowner in the area. When he did, the family was served a delicious and most welcome meal in a private room while a carriage was readied to convey them home.
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Pemberley
As soon as he crossed the threshold, Mr Darcy ordered refreshments to be delivered to the blue parlour. Mrs Reynolds blanched before her countenance was suffused with bewilderment. Elizabeth had no notion what the colonel had used as an excuse for their absence, but it was obviously something that did not encourage public questioning, and Mrs Reynolds had not expected them to return home so soon.
The colonel arrived with Georgiana, and the Bingleys followed shortly thereafter.
Mr Darcy’s mien betrayed nothing when he brusquely and without greetings bade everyone to follow him. He took the centre of the room and addressed them all.
“Mrs Darcy, Ellie, and I were taken by force, robbed, and left to die. We awoke from a drug-induced stupor in a remote cottage three miles from the Matlock estate, unable to move as our hands and feet were bound. The area was not familiar to us, which led to a convoluted return from a place situated scarcely more than ten miles from Pemberley.
“Richard and Georgiana, I want you to follow me to the Matlock estate to talk to the earl. There must be a gang of highwaymen or gypsies on his land. He needs to be informed and act accordingly.
“Bingley, I am giving you the authority to act in my stead and manage any problems Mrs Darcy does not feel confident to handle.”
Mr Bingley nodded gravely. Despite having gained years of experience in managing his own estate, this was clearly an unexpected honour.
“We need to eat and refresh ourselves, but time is of the essence. I intend to leave in a couple of hours. Richard and Georgiana, will that be sufficient time for you to pack and prepare to leave for Matlock?”
The couple replied in the affirmative.
“We are tired, hungry, and could do with a good bath. I hope this satisfies your curiosity for now. I shall explain it more thoroughly later. Mrs Darcy, Ellie, follow me please.”
Elizabeth and Ellie struggled to keep up with the master, whose strength had returned after he entered his own home. He led them to the private sitting room between the master’s and mistress’s chambers.
