“Beaumont assured me they would not disclose Elizabeth’s residence. Dunwich is clever enough that it will not take him long to conclude she is residing with her sponsor, but he knowsyou are in town. Your mother made certain that everyone understood I am betrothed while you are married and bereft.”
Richard chuckled. “Cousin, something of this nature could only happen to you. How is it that you attract such chaos? I am remembering that disaster mother hosted. And your public humiliation at Miss Honeyfield’s hand, and now Lady Sophia’s ball. If I understand correctly, while betrothed to Elizabeth, you also managed to secure an understanding with Annie and another with Lady Isabella. You do get about, Darcy.”
“Go on, laugh. There is no need to spare my feelings.”
Richard sobered. “By the by, the free traders were caught in Lewisham. The customs officers secured the crates of lace and the brandy hidden in the old tower. They also raided three barns filled with cognac. Dragoons have been called in. All this activity in the south county is driving the gangs back northward. Going forward, we need only make timely reports, and the excise officers shall prevent them from entrenching themselves again.”
“So, the district has been cleared?”
“Not entirely. It shall require another three or four months, for they are still tracing additional storage sites. We mean to return at Easter. By then, most of it should be concluded.”
“And are you free from suspicion in the eyes of the gang?”
“I believe so. Acting upon the information we provided, the authorities established surveillance and tracked a wagon traveling southward from London. The smugglers were intercepted in Lewisham while attempting to collect a shipment. They made it appear the fault lay with the gang itself for failing to discover they were being watched.”
“I am relieved to hear it, Richard. You deserve to raise your family in peace. You have had more than enough of battles, weapons, and danger.”
Richard took a long drink.
“I am officially no longer Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy. My release papers arrived three days ago. I have been in the military since I was seventeen. I am thirty now. I scarcely know what to do with myself.”
Darcy chuckled. “Wait until it is time to prepare the fields for planting, and then the tenants begin quarreling amongst themselves. You shall have more than enough to occupy your attention. If you wish, I can provide you with a list of improvements Aunt Catherine refused to undertake upon the estate.”
Richard laughed. “Not tonight. Tomorrow shall arrive soon enough.”
Just then, there was a tap on the door.
“Enter.”
Georgiana peeked timidly around the edge of the door.
Darcy’s eyes softened. “Come in, my dear. I expected you would be asleep by now.” He glanced at his watch. “It is one o’clock in the morning.”
“Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth says I may sleep in her room if you approve.”
“Is she unwell, sweetling?”
“No, brother, but I am afraid. I understand that Lord Dunwich cannot possibly break into this house, yet still I am frightened,and I fear I may suffer night terrors. I am certain that if I sleep with Elizabeth, they shall not trouble me.”
Darcy draped an arm about her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her curls.
“Very well, dear. You may spend the night with Elizabeth. But take care not to keep her awake. She endured a long and exhausting evening at the ball and requires her rest.”
“Yes, brother. She declared herself so tired she was likely to fall asleep in the chair should she remain awake much longer.”
Georgiana kissed the two most important men in her life and then hurried away to prepare for bed.
Richard rose. “I am to bed, Darcy. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?”
Chapter 42: Lord Dunwich
“Miss Bennet is not at home, my Lord.”
“Not at home, or not at home to me?”
The butler’s expression did not alter. “Not at home, my Lord.”
Lord Dunwich remained upon the step for a moment in thought. He handed the bouquet of costly greenhouse flowers and his calling card to the butler. “See that she receives these.”