“I will make my excuses to Lady Matlock. She will understand.”
“I’ll wait by the entrance, ma’am.”
“Come, Jane.” Elizabeth stood erect, steel in her backbone. What were the paltry words of petty women when someone was determined to murder her son?
Darcy saw Elizabeth and Miss Bennet just as they scurried out of the ballroom. He tried to catch them up but there were too many guests hindering his path. Both ladies were nowhere to be seen by the time he reached the entrance.
Turning around he found Lady Matlock’s eyes were watching him.
“What happened?”
“An incident at Carrington House. I know no more than that.”
“Alex?” His tone came out hard.
She rested a hand on his arm, cautioning him to control his emotions. “I understand he is well.”
“I must go to her.”
“You shall do no such thing.” To anyone observing them a smiling Lady Matlock was having a pleasant and private conversation with her nephew. What they could not see was the tight grip she held on to his forearm, physically inducing Darcy to bring himself under better regulation.
“Catherine may be a termagant, but if she was spewing those rumours, I assure you others might be thinking along similar lines concerning that young widow and her son. Especially considering your unusual behaviour with her this evening. We shall call on them tomorrow during calling hours. Now make yourself amenable and dance with some of the wallflowers.” Sheglowered at Richard who had just approached them, “Both of you.” Then she turned and walked away, gracefully reengaging with her guests.
Richard stared after his mother with a smile of both confusion and humour. “What did you or I do now?”
Darcy rolled his eyes, and he too stalked away. He would watch over Georgiana until she was ready to depart. Contemplating anything other than the wellbeing of Elizabeth and Alex was beyond him.
~ / ~
Elizabeth held herself together until she saw Alex was well, still asleep in his crib.
“He is well, ma’am. I promise.” Dorothy was quick to reassure her. “Those guards are worth their weight in gold. Alex is well.”
“What happened?”
“I am not rightly sure. I was here with Alex and then there was a commotion. One guard came in to check on us and told me to be prepared should we need to leave quickly.” She pointed to a small satchel with Alex’s things peeking out of it. “After the noise of a ruckus, another guard came in and said all was well, and you’d be here soon.”
Elizabeth could not tear her eyes from Alex. Jane edged close to her sister. “Lizzy, shall I go find out what happened?”
Elizabeth took a moment to collect herself and drew in a long breath. “No, Jane. I shall go.”
“We shall go together.” Jane was not going to leave her sister alone.
With a clipped nod Elizabeth strode out of the room Jane trailing behind hurrying to keep up.
Jax was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, but what caught her attention was the burn smell.
“Aye, Ma’am he tried his ol’ trick. Might’ve thought we’d be less vigilant with your bein’ out, an’ did not consider our numbers. I’m only vexed what with needin’ to put out the fire, the blaggard got away. Beggin’ your pardon ma’am.”
“Was anyone hurt? Burned?”
“No, Ma’am. But there is some damage to the house. Won’t be able ta see ’ow bad ’til the morning.”
She faced him head on, “I care nothing for the damage. I thank you for keeping my son and everyone else safe.”
He offered her a shallow bow, “’Tis our job, ma’am, but also an honour ta keep the earl safe.”
Wishing him a good night, Elizabeth finally felt the shaking in her body. She reached out for Jane who was quick to clasp hands.
