Page 91 of Ashes and Understanding
“Perhaps we tell people that my cousin has been asked to look into the matter as a matter of routine,” Darcy suggested. “As London is still in disarray and the military has been asked to restore order, the murder of an insurance agent could fall under that purview.”
“Very good,” Colonel Forster said. “I may even hint at how nice it must be to be the son of an earl and able to stay at a manor for the investigation. That will make it seem as even less important.”
“Excellent plan, so long as the men are ordered to cooperate,” the colonel replied. “Additionally, if you could spare a reliable sergeant or lieutenant—someone discrete and absolutely trustworthy—I would like to use him to perform introductions and report on any suspicious movements among the men. Nothing formal, just… observations.”
Colonel Forster nodded. “I have a man in mind. Loyal as the day is long. He will say nothing to anyone, and he’s been with me long enough to know who talks too much and drinks too hard.”
“Perfect,” Fitzwilliam said, rising.
Colonel Forster walked them to the door, his expression grave. “If this truly is a matter of espionage, Colonel, then you have my full cooperation.”
Darcy extended a hand. “Thank you, Colonel. We will speak again soon.”
“And remember, Colonel, that this is up the utmost secrecy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam added. “There are only three men in Meryton who are aware: myself, my cousin, and now you. If word of this gets out, I will know its source.”
Darcy gave Colonel Fitzwilliam a confused look but remained silent as Colonel Forster offered his assurances of discretion. After taking their leave, he waited until they were alone before saying, “Only three, Colonel? I believe you forgot a person who knows about the situation.”
“I saidmen,” Colonel Fitzwilliam replied, mounting his horse with deliberate nonchalance. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not a man. And I very much doubt she would let me forget it.”
Darcy stared at him for a moment, then gave a short, dry laugh. “You’ve a dangerous habit of dissembling.”
“Dangerous is one word for it.” The colonel glanced sideways at his cousin. “One man down.”
“Now for the second,” Darcy said. “And a far more talkative one. You had best give him the same story that Colonel Forster will be putting out. I am a bit surprised you trusted him, to be honest.”
“I have my reasons,” the colonel said mysteriously. “I will follow your lead for the magistrate, though.”
The remainder of the ride to Lucas Lodge was made in silence. When they were shown into Sir William’s study, the garrulous man rose to his feet with pompous ceremony. “Mr. Darcy! What an honor, what an honor, to be one of the first to be introduced to your friend. And a colonel, no less!” He bowed deeply. “Allow me to welcome you to Meryton, sir. And may I say, you have the bearing of a man accustomed to command!”
The colonel, with practiced grace, returned the bow and offered a genial smile. “You do me too much credit, Sir William.”
“Allow me to present my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Darcy said dryly. “He is here to assist you in your investigation of the death Mr. Smithson.”
“Ah, capital!” This exclamation was accompanied by the slight dimming of Sir William’s smile as he was reminded of the sordid event. “The whole town is abuzz about the matter; having the presence of an officer to investigate—particularly one with such connections—will cause quite a stir.”
Darcy shared a look with his cousin, the corner of his mouth twitching ever so slightly. Sir William, oblivious to the undercurrents, gestured grandly for them to sit.
“I see what you mean,” the colonel murmured under his breath as they moved towards the chairs. “This will require a different sort of handling than Colonel Forster.”
Darcy leaned close, his voice wry. “You are about to learn that information flows two ways in Meryton—so be careful what you stir.”
With Sir William Lucas beaming before them and the scent of tea and pipe smoke thick in the air, Darcy settled in, bracing himself for the next round of diplomacy in waistcoats and smiles.
The real work, after all, was only just beginning.
Chapter 21
The morning at Longbourn passed in relative peace—until Bingley arrived to call on Jane.
Elizabeth had been seated beside her elder sister in the drawing room, helping her to mend a torn hem, when he was announced by Hill. Mrs. Bennet immediately fluttered forward with cries of welcome, while Kitty and Lydia scrambled up from the floor where they had been playing a child’s clapping game with discarded ribbons.
Bingley greeted Jane with a bow and a smile so fond, Elizabeth had to glance down at her lap to hide her grin. He sat himself next to her, and the two began to converse in quiet whispers. Mrs. Bennet prattled on with Kitty and Lydia, who had resumed their places on the floor in spite of their guest, leading Elizabeth to flush slightly at their poor behavior.
Her choice of companion having been commandeered, Elizabeth did her best to tune out the room and focus on her mending, buther mind raced.Where are Mr. Darcy and his cousin? They said they would call again this morning to continue our discussion.
At a pause in their exchange, she quickly spoke up. “Are Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy not with you today? I trust everyone at Netherfield is well.”
Bingley looked up, startled— as if he had entirely forgotten anyone else was in the room. Elizabeth bit back a smile at his besotted behavior as he stammered his response. “I… I believe they were to make one or two calls before coming to join me here, but they left before I did. But yes, everyone is… well at Netherfield, thank you.”
