With a chuckle and a pat to the hand once again ensconced in his elbow, Darcy confessed, “Nor do I, love. Nor do I.”
~ / ~
Later that morning, Dumfries paid a call at Matlock House. He was shown into the parlour where Elizabeth sat with Jane, Georgiana, Darcy and Bingley.
“Mrs Carrington,” Dumfries bowed. “Jax reported to me regarding yesterday’s events. You have my sincere regrets for putting your life and that of your son’s at risk.”
“But they did not. How could they have known Wickham would squat in my home after we had vacated it?”
“My men should have done a better search before you and the earl entered.” His stance was stiff, and his jaw was tight as he spoke.
“Dumfries, my butler sent me a note this morning detailing what they found after searching through the house. Wickham, it seemed, had made himself a nest, probably since our removal to Matlock House. With half of the servants away, he had an easy time getting in, out and around the townhouse. None of us had any way to guess he had returned and stayed so close.”
“It still dunna sit well with me how my men were so helpless.”
“Sir, I will admit I was terrified at the time, but your men were below stairs, and we would have had to go past five of the guards. I am sure they were working on a plan to subdue Wickham before he could abduct me away. In fact, with no carriage, how far did the vicious man think he was going to get?” She attempted to alleviate the tension in the room with humour. Dumfries’ agitation was upsetting Darcy, who had risen from his seat to hover behind her. “Dumfries.” Elizabeth purposefully made her tone sharp. “My Alex was safe andthatwas the job.” She was comforted by the warm hand Darcy gently pressed on her shoulder. “My son was safe and there is no way Wickham is getting near him again. That is all there is to it.”
Dumfries darted his eyes between Elizabeth and Darcy, until he finally relaxed his posture. A new respect showed in his expression for the young woman seated before him. He bowed a little deeper than before, “Madam.” He began to turn and leave when Darcy stopped him.
“Dumfries, the attorney is working on a new lead. If they find anything interesting, might we call on your men to lend a hand?”
“Aye, sir. Most definitely.” He gave a final brusque nod, turned on his heel and departed.
~ / ~
The next few weeks saw an uptick in callers at Matlock House.
“I am afraid you must be present, Mrs Carrington,” Lady Matlock responded to Elizabeth’s complaints. “You need to show society you have nothing to hide. Your son’s life was in danger, now it is not, because of your bravery and that of the men who pledged to protect you both.”
“When you put it so, you make it sound romantic.”
“Indubitably. The romance of it will have all these ladies on your side, rather than gossiping viciously about you.” The older woman’s eye held a gleam of triumph.
“Who knew Society was such a battlefield?”
“One that often draws blood,” concurred Lady Matlock. “A reputation is a fragile thing, especially at the hands of one’s enemies.
Jane shivered. Still distraught over Elizabeth’s ordeal, she refused to let her sister out of her sight.
“Jane dear, how would you like to visit our aunt and uncle? We can send them a note and find out the best time to visit.”
“Will you finally tell them everything?”
“Yes, I think it is time. I am also hoping to entice Papa to visit. After all, there are now several libraries he can get lost in.”
Laughter filled the room. It felt good to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere after so many days of tension.
“Or,” teased Jane, “you can send him to Darcy House and have Georgiana stay here with us and Kitty.”
“It will be quiet here when you ladies leave.” The stalwart Lady Matlock’s comment had an air of wistfulness to it.
“You shall miss Alex the most, I think?” Head tilted, Elizabeth was both teasing and commiserating.
“Indeed. I anticipate being a grandmother very much. It is one of the reasons my eldest son remains in the north. He said my constant perusal of his wife’s middle agitated her.”
“Children are one of God’s mysteries. They come when they are ready.” Then, thinking of Charlotte still waiting to be blessed, she continued, “or not. Our mother was blessed five times over, yet without a son she lived in fear.”
“How different things might have gone…” Jane whispered.
