Mrs Gardiner handed out tea, offering a few minutes for everyone to compose themselves.
“What do we know?” Mr Gardiner began laying out the pertinent points. “On two occasions a man was specifically watching the ladies as they visited the warehouse and dressmaker one day. And now to the park where Jane and Miss Darcy were with the children.”
“The beard,” came Jane’s whispered response.
“Yes. He was bearded. Which may indicate a desire to hide his identity.”
“And my sister is the common thread.” Darcy’s voice was nearly a growl.
Mrs Gardiner gasped. “The two men!”
Elizabeth shook her head, “I had forgotten about that.”
“About what, pray?” Darcy retorted sharply.
“Kitty, Elizabeth and Jane’s sister at Longbourn wrote to inform us of two men asking questions about Elizabeth and her ‘child’ in Meryton.”
Darcy leant back in his chair, all his tenseness gone in an instant. For one moment he was relieved, but then he focused on Elizabeth.
She shrugged one shoulder “I have no notion why, unless they were Lord Carrington’s men, but he is dead, so why continue watching?”
Chapter 20
Jane hid another yawn, but Elizabeth noticed how pale she was. Catching her aunt’s eye, she nodded in Jane’s direction.
Mrs Gardiner took Jane’s hand and whispered in her ear. At first Jane shook her head, then nodded. She stood and curtseyed, “If you will forgive me. I am afraid the day’s events have taken a toll on me.” The men had stood when she did and bowed, wishing her well and a swift recovery.
Elizabeth followed her out of the room, “Jane?”
“I am well, Lizzy, I just need rest. You remain for the discussions. They are too important. Either yours or Miss Darcy’s safety is at stake.”
Elizabeth re-entered the drawing room hearing the same details being discussed again. They simply did not have enough information.
Apparently, Mr Darcy felt the same, for he stood on her return. “I fear we shall not come to any conclusion this day, nor do we know enough to determine who might be watching. My first instinct is to take Georgiana back to Pemberley, but as you said, she may not be the one they are after.” He raised one brow at his sister, “And I do not doubt Georgiana would have much to say should I order her to go.”
“Indeed, I would, Brother,” was Georgiana’s primly sweet reply.
“I agree, Mr Darcy.” Mr Gardiner had also risen to his feet. “May I suggest we meet again in a couple of days with fresh and calmer minds? I shall hire an extra footman or two to patrol the perimeter of my home. Perhaps, we will be fortunate in catching the man.”
Elizabeth bid goodbye to Georgiana, whilst Darcy bestowed on her an intense stare.I can only imagine he is angry about his sister being placed in the path ofsome unknown danger. I hope he does not blame me, or Alex.
~ / ~
Darcy paced his study. The thought of Georgiana being the target of some nefarious fiend set his blood boiling. Not to mention, with all the turmoil, his resolution to ask Elizabeth if he could call on her, was pushed from the forefront of his mind. He only recollected it once they were leaving and there was no time for a private word with her.
It will have to wait.Georgiana must be my first priority.Now will be the perfect time to speak with her about an idea I have long been contemplating.
Exiting his study to seek out his sister, the sounds of the pianoforte informed him of her location. He sent a request through a footman to send tea to the music room, before following the beautiful, moving notes. He stood in the doorway and watched her play, until she finished the piece.
“That was beautiful, Georgiana.”
Her head whipped towards him startled. “Oh, I did not see you there.”
“I imagine not.” He smirked, “It is difficult to see when one’s eyes are closed.”
She shook her head and chuckled, but her cheeks pinked a little. “Did you need me for something?”
“Yes, I sought you out to discuss an idea with you. With everything we have learned today, I feel now is the perfect time to implement it.”
