Uncle set his cup and saucer on the table. “Colonel Fitzwilliam has been kind enough to keep us informed of his progress regarding Lydia’s impending nuptials and Mr. Darcy’s whereabouts. Both your father and I intend to assist as much as we can.”
Aunt touched his hand. “My dear, might I suggest that you allow the colonel to communicate what has transpired to Lizzy while you begin making arrangements?You have many business contacts in town, as well as Bennet’s university chums, to alert.”
“Yes, we shall be writing and sending messages for most of the day.” Uncle patted her hand in turn. “There is no time to lose. Brother, shall you join me in my study?”
Without protest, Elizabeth’s father departed from the room with Uncle. Papa’s indolence had caused a great deal of suffering to their family, and while he had vowed to take a more active role as the head of their household, it pleased Elizabeth to see proof of his determination.
Aunt motioned to her sewing basket at the table and chair behind the settee, facing the window to allow Elizabeth and the colonel a degree of privacy. “I shall be right here if you need me.”
Elizabeth clutched her hands together. “Have you received any word of Mr. Darcy?”
The colonel’s smile disappeared completely.
“I see.” She spared him from having to say the dreadful words. “What has been done to recover him?”
“I have been to Bow Street and to the morgue, a trusted friend is making inquiries with the River Police, and my father has hired several men to assist us.” Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke quickly and precisely, like a military commander. “It is only a matter of time.”
Before he is found alive … or otherwise, Elizabeth completed his sentence in her mind. She swallowed hard, a notable tremor in her voicewhen she spoke. “Do you have any reason to believe he has come to harm?”
“I do not know. Thus far, I have seen no evidence to indicate Darcy is in imminent danger.”
She appreciated his delicacy, but she needed the truth. “Nor have you evidence to imply he is safe.”
The colonel nodded.
Elizabeth chewed on her lips. “Does Mr. Darcy have any enemies?”
“Gentlemen such as Darcy always have enemies—people who resent their privilege.”
“Such as Mr. Wickham?”
“If you are asking if Wickham is responsible, I do not think so. To believe him capable of elaborating such an extravagant plan would be to give him more credit than he deserves. He has always been one to exploit opportunities that fall into his lap, but I have never known him to exert himself to create those opportunities.”
As tempting as it was to peg a crime on a man whom she held in contempt, Elizabeth had to agree. “What of the press gangs? We often hear shouts of protest coming from the market or down by Uncle’s warehouses. All of his apprentices carry letters on their person.”
“My father met with the First Lord of the Admiralty, who has agreed to send dispatches to his commanders. Such a measure takes time, but if acaptain is disinclined to believe Darcy is a landowner, Melville shall sooner convince him than Darcy shall.”
Lord Matlock must be a powerful man, indeed, to have the freedom to gain an audience with the viscount on such short notice. And to think, she had refused his nephew…
Refusing to dwell on a past she could not alter, Elizabeth asked, “What about a kidnapper? Or the Resurrection Men?” She swallowed hard, her heart beating in her throat.
“There has been no ransom note, and I have yet to receive word from the men I sent to the Royal College of Surgeons with a miniature of Darcy’s likeness.” He dropped his voice and leaned toward her. “Does this concern for my cousin’s welfare signify that he has redeemed himself in your estimation?”
Elizabeth’s exhale quivered. “He never deserved my poor opinion to begin with. For several months I have considered Mr. Darcy with nothing but the most profound respect.” She looked down at her hands and blinked and blinked.
“I am glad to hear it. Especially after that fine speech he made at Hunsford Cottage.”
Her gaze whipped up to his. “He told you of that?” Oh, what she would give to erase that scene from her memory. She prayed Mr. Darcy did not dwell on it as much as she did.
“His remorse was great.”
Elizabeth groaned. If it had been possibleto defend her family’s shameful conduct, her indignation at the time would have at least been righteous. “He said nothing which was not true.”
“But his manner speaking of it was unfortunate. It is no wonder you called him out.”
Her face burned with shame. She did not deserve the colonel’s understanding when there was no excuse for her cruelty. “I lashed out in anger. Not a day goes by that I do not wish my spiteful words unsaid.”
“A sentiment Darcy has also voiced. I do not mean to chastise, Miss Elizabeth, but rather to reassure. I hope Bingley’s return to Hertfordshire shall appease your mind.”
