“Tha’ may not please the missus.” Mrs Hobbs entered the room and closed the door.
“Mrs Carrington is not in a position to object at this point.” Darcy’s mien was stern.
“We will not turn our backs on ’er. Thrown out of her home and bein’ like she is…” she tutted, shaking her head. “Jest ain’t right,” she continued muttering.
“Mrs Hobbs, I must have a few minutes of Mrs Carrington’s time.”
“Sir! The missus ain’t in a condition to-”
“We need her family’s direction, Madam,” Darcy cut her off. “I am afraid I must insist.” His frown and firm look sent a silent message. “My sister shall accompany me.”
She nodded slowly in understanding. “Aye. I will send a maid for ye’ when the missus is made presentable. Meanwhile, I’ve asked my husband to send up the trunks she was travellin’ with.”
When Mrs Hobbs departed Darcy took a seat near his sister. “Georgie, we know nothing about Mrs Carrington, so it is important to get her family’s directions. We know her father’s estate, but not his name or the complete directions to it. If the worst should happen…” He grimaced, “I would hate for them to be left ignorant.”
“I agree, Brother.” Georgiana’s voice was quiet. “That would be most dreadful.”
A soft knock on the door sounded and Mr Darcy called out, “Come.”
A young girl entered, and curtseyed. “If ye please, sir. The mistress says ye can go up now.”
They climbed the inn’s stairs, following the maid up to the top floor, near the back of the inn. Even the loudest noise would be hard to hear in the public rooms.
The door was open swiftly upon their knock. Darcy took a stance just inside the door. Georgiana was beckoned closer by Mrs Hobbs.
“Come dearie, wash her face down with the cool water. It will be refreshing for the missus.”
The labouring woman was propped up on pillows, a sheet covering her body and a shawl over her shoulders.
“Mrs Carrington,” Darcy called to her. “Is there anyone we can contact for you?”
“My family. But they are not in position to come-”
“Madam,” he cut her off. “Let us write down your information. I think it best to write to your family.”
She looked at Darcy, her eyes meeting his stern expression. Understanding his true concern, she bit her lower lip, but nodded, “Thank you, sir.”
She gave him the direction for the Bennets of Longbourn, near Meryton in Hertfordshire. “It is just my father and older sister athome, at present. Perhaps for now, only a short note to tell them of some delay? I do not wish to cause them any concern at this time.”
Her dark, expressive eyes beseeched him, and he could see the haunting of old pain in them. Nodding once in agreement, he stepped outside the room but remained waiting in the corridor whilst Georgiana conversed quietly with Mrs Carrington. Mrs Hobbs joined him in the hall.
“Will she be well?” Darcy’s voice cracked. The memory of his mother’s passing still haunted him to this day.
She gave him a searching look. “Only the good Lord knows tha’, sir.”
“Our mother…” he could not continue.
“Ah well, I’m sorry for tha’, sir. We will do our best and pray for a happy endin’.”
Georgiana exited the room a few minutes later and bidding goodnight to Mrs Hobbs they descended back down to the private room.
Darcy gestured for Georgiana to enter, but he approached the innkeeper.
Darcy looked around at the busy public room. “I regret the inconvenience but thank you and your good wife for your kindness. I wish to make it clear I will cover any costs. Shall you keep serving or encourage them,” he nudged his chin in the direction of the drinkers in the common room, “to leave early?”
Mr Hobbs responded with a chuckle, “Nay, sir. A few more drinks in ’em, an’ they will no’ hear a thing. One of my boys will keep watch here; make sure they don’ get too rowdy.”
Darcy nodded. “I shall need to send some letters by express. If you could make those arrangements for me?” He started to move away, then turned back. “Do you have a couple of rooms available for us, should we require them?”
