Alex huffed, “So she dumped me Nick off at an old fisherman’s hut?”
“Just so.”
Darcy felt Elizabeth’s fingers pinch his arm. “Why did you continue in this deception? Did you not have enough evidence to take to the authorities? That list is impressive in its length.”
Mrs. Annesley shook her head. “The prosecution would have fallen squarely on my shoulders. Mrs. Finchley would have discredited me before I couldeven present my proofs. She would have the complete support of the families intent on keeping their secrets safe.” She turned to Uncle. “Had I told you that your own nephew had a secret twin, would you have believed me?”
“I see your point,” he admitted.
She turned to Darcy, her eyes pleading for a reply.
He had to own to the truth. “I would not have believed you until I saw Nick with my own eyes.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I would have exposed myself and secured nothing more than my own death sentence. All those children, all those families who have no idea what really happens at her lying-in houses … they would continue in their ignorance while those innocent babies are slaughtered right under their noses—their own kin. When I saw Miss Darcy, saw that she was of an age to require a companion, I made myself available. What safer place could I find than with the Darcys—a family Mrs. Finchley avoided for the failure and danger they represented to her?”
Darcy straightened. “Your references were impeccable. I checked them myself.”
Clasping her hands together and looking down, she said, “Forgive me, sir, but after years surrounded by criminals, it was not very hard to fake my references. A few coins here and a few well-placed mentions at the right places there … I know it was wrong to deceive you, and my guilt has increased with every kindness you and Miss Darcy have extended to me. Iaccept full responsibility for my deception. I lied to you to secure my position. I kept silent when I might have spoken. I know you to be a gentleman of strict values and unbending honor, but I hope your sense of justice will encourage you to trust me now.”
Strict and unbending. Months before, Darcy would have taken Mrs. Annesley’s assessment of his character as a compliment. Today, they felt like blows. Swallowing his tattered pride, he asked, “Why did you flee?”
“Mrs. Finchley called here, at Matlock House. She recognized me. I knew she would come after me, and I feared Miss Darcy might come to harm should she attempt to protect me. Fleeing was the only way I could keep Georgiana away from that monster until you returned and I could throw myself on your mercy and beg you to help me put an end to this devastating business.” Pressing her hands together in supplication, she pleaded, “Please, let us help those ladies and children in her clutches, and then you may do with me what you feel is best. I shall not run from you.”
Nick leaned closer to Darcy. “We’ve tarried long enough. Why waste time on this fish when there be a bigger shark in the waters?”
Darcy nodded. Nick was right. He addressed Mrs. Annesley. “We must go after Mrs. Finchley immediately. How you act henceforth shall determine how we deal with you later.”
“Thank you, sir,” she answered gratefully.
Georgiana went to her, wrapping her arms aroundher shoulders. “My brothers are fair. You can trust them.”
“They have already been more understanding with me than I had dared to hope. I will not abuse their kindness.”
Uncle cleared his throat, commanding attention. “Darcy, Nick, you shall accompany me to Mrs. Finchley’s residence. We shall ensure she is in and keep guard to ensure she does not attempt to escape until the authorities arrive. Richard, you shall accompany Mrs. Annesley and Miss Rothschild to Bow Street. Summon Mr. Rouncewell and as many constables as you can to meet us.”
Mr. Gardiner prepared to take his leave. “We shall return to Gracechurch Street. If I may be of any service, please do not hesitate to send for me. However, right now I believe my wife and I shall feel better once we have seen our children are safe with their nurse.”
“Of course. I shall keep you informed of any further developments,” Uncle offered.
Alex tugged on Elizabeth’s hand, pulling Darcy with her. “Then we’ll return to Gracechurch Street with ye. I’ll go mad not knowin’ what’s happenin’, but I promised Mr. Bennet I’d keep her safe.”
With a parting squeeze, Elizabeth let go of Darcy. It took all of his resolve not to pull her back into his arms. She smiled at him, and her parting image haunted him across town as his sense of loss deepened.
CHAPTER 44
“Do you trust this Mr. Rouncewell explicitly?” Mrs. Annesley asked. Even knowing her surname was an assumed one, Richard could not bring himself to think of her as Mrs. Bird. There had been enough upheaval for one day without adding another complication.
“Yes. He is a good man—a man without a price.”
Mrs. Annesley clasped her hands together and looked out of the carriage window. “Such men are rare, Colonel.”
Unfortunately, she was right. Otherwise an operation such as Mrs. Finchley’s could never have succeeded. Life should be precious, priceless. But there were too many who would not hesitate to trade life for a fortune without a second thought.
Turning away from the window, Mrs. Annesley relayed, “Too many runners and even a couple of themagistrates are under Mrs. Finchley’s thumb. They have relatives who have benefited from her services.”
Richard understood her concern. “I shall speak only with Rouncewell. Once he sees your list, he will know whom to avoid and whom to approach.”
Mrs. Annesley handed the papers to him. “Here, you keep them.”
