Darcy House
When Darcy and his sister entered Darcy House his first question asked if any messages arrived.
“Two, sir, I put them both on your desk. You received a reply from Mr Dumfries.”
“Thank you, Lewis. Georgiana, what shall you do this afternoon?
“I will sit with Mrs Annesley to discuss which events we shall attend over the next couple of weeks. I shall arrange for tea in my sitting room, should you wish to join us?”
“Perhaps. It will depend on my business.”
“Then I shall see you at supper, Brother. I wish you good luck with your business.” Georgiana smiled and retired upstairs.
Darcy entered his study and hurried across the room to his desk. He reached for the letters placed in the centre and picked up the one with unfamiliar handwriting.
Mr Darcy,
I am in receipt of your note and can beavailable to meet at your earliest to discuss the assignment.
D.
P.S. Your cousin speaks very highly of you.
He dashed off a quick note in response. When the messenger boy had gone on his way Darcy approached a window to stare outside. He was disconcerted to remain ignorant of what had been said between Elizabeth and his aunt. The younger woman’s words were certainly straightforward enough in the drawing room. He wished to know what passed between them earlier which led her to make such a bold statement.
No doubt Lady Matlock had attempted to be her usual forceful self with Elizabeth. It was after all, her natural tendency in regard to the rest of the family.
He rubbed a finger above his upper lip remembering the tilt of Elizabeth’s chin as she stated her own plans. He could not recall the last time he had seen another woman stand up to the countess.
Darcy retraced his steps to his desk and opened the message sent by Bingley.
Darcy,
I have not forgotten about my invitation. Perhaps the two of us might meet at the club or for supper at my house.
Too much time has passed since we were in each other’s company and there is much to convey.
Let me know at your convenience.
Bingley
Darcy let the letter fall to his desk. He had been remiss in not staying in contact with Bingley over the past several years. Clearly, Bingley had as much to relate as Darcy and spending an evening in his company was never a tedious occasion. Perhaps on one of the evenings Georgiana would attend an event with Mrs Annesley. He pushed the note to the side and gave his attention to long overdue correspondence.
The pile of business set aside on his desk was significantly lower by the time a knock on his study door signalled the arrival of Dumfries.
Darcy stood to greet the man who was ushered in by Lewis. “Thank you for coming, Mr Dumfries.”
“Just Dumfries, Mr Darcy.” The man was in his middle years, nearly bald, the sides unfashionably short, with a slight, yet muscular build. Of most significance was the absence of his left hand, the limb ending halfway down his forearm.
Noticing where Darcy’s gaze fell, he grinned, “A final gift from the war, and the reason I made a change in career.”
He replied in the negative to Darcy’s offer of refreshment and as soon as they were both seated, Dumfries displayed his no-nonsense character. “What do you require, Mr Darcy.”
It was a moment before Darcy replied, using that time to collect his thoughts. “A gentlewoman and her son may be in grave danger. She is a widow and has lately been informed her infant son is now an earl, following the deaths of all other males in the family line.”
Dumfries nodded slowly, “And the deaths? Natural causes or is there suspicion of foul play?”
“Two were natural, an army officer dead in battle and Mrs Carrington’s husband was a navy captain, killed at sea.” Darcy’s hands rested on the arms of his chair, but their grip tightened as he explained the apparent murders of the last remaining Carrington men.
