Jane gasped, though the laughter in her voice betrayed her. “Why, Lizzy! I do not recall you being so cynical before.”
Elizabeth merely arched a brow. “One must be at least a little cynical, or one risks becoming a fool.”
Jane chuckled, but before she could respond, a sharp call rang through the street, followed by a wave of excited chatter.
Elizabeth turned toward the sound, her breath catching as she saw a small but growing throng of men gathered outside the coaching inn. The crowd was thick, and as more joined, the murmur rose to a buzz of urgency.
Jane sighed, already turning away. “I do not know what they are about, but I would rather not be jostled.”
Elizabeth, however, saw the fluttering sheets of paper being passed from hand to hand. Her heart clenched. She grabbed Jane’s sleeve, tugging her back. “Wait. I need to see.”
Jane blinked at her. “See what?”
Elizabeth did not answer. She darted forward, weaving carefully through the crowd and not caring who jostled her. A few men glanced at her in surprise—ladies did not usually push their way into such gatherings—but she paid no mind.
A gentleman she recognized—Mr. Howard, a neighbor of her father’s—was folding a broadsheet and tucking it under his coat, his face twisted in a look of deep dissatisfaction.
Elizabeth swallowed and mustered her nerve. “Mr. Howard, sir,” she said, stepping close. “Might I—might I see?”
The man turned, startled to find her there. For a moment, he hesitated, then gave a disgusted shake of his head and thrust the paper toward her. “Take it,” he grumbled. “I have seen enough.”
She took it with trembling hands.
Jane still looked perplexed. “Lizzy, what is going on?”
Elizabeth’s fingers fumbled over the page, her eyes scanning frantically.Where was it?The words swam before her.
Jane grabbed her arm. “Lizzy! We shall be trampled if we do not move.”
Elizabeth barely heard her.
Jane gave an exasperated sigh and plucked the broadsheet from Elizabeth’s grip, leading her firmly away from the crowd. “Come,” she said in that gentle but implacable way of hers. “We shall go over to the tobacconist. There is light outside his window there, and you may find what you seek without getting crushed.”
Elizabeth allowed herself to be led, though her pulse pounded. The moment they reached the quieter side of the street, she snatched the paper back, her eyes darting across the text.
And then she found it.
Election Returns for the County of Derbyshire
Stanton Declared Victor by Narrowest of Margins
The long-contested election for the seat of Derbyshire has drawn to a dramatic and unforeseen conclusion. The final tally, concluded latelast evening, confirmed Mr. Miles Stanton as the victor by a margin of but a single vote over his challenger, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.
Elizabeth blinked. Forgot to breathe.Darcy lost.
Byonevote.
She groaned in denial, her stomach twisting with agony. But then her gaze caught the next line, and her breath hitched.
However, in a shocking turn of events, it has been learned that Mr. Stanton was placed under arrest at his London residence in the early hours of this morning. It is reported that credible evidence has been presented before His Majesty’s Government linking Mr. Stanton to illicit dealings with known French operatives. The precise nature of these dealings remains, as yet, undisclosed to the public, though sources close to the matter suggest charges of smuggling, sedition, and acts against the Crown.
As a consequence of his arrest, Mr. Stanton shall be disqualified from taking his seat in Parliament. The authorities have yet to confirm the particulars of the legal proceedings that will follow, but it is expected that a special by-election will be called to determine who shall assume the seat.
As of this printing, no formal declaration has been made regarding potential candidates in the forthcoming contest. However, given the extreme narrowness of the original result and thewidespread support garnered by Mr. Darcy, it remains to be seen whether he shall once more put himself forward for consideration.
Further details will be provided as this matter unfolds.
Elizabeth stared, the words imprinting themselves into her mind as the street, the people, even Jane’s voice, faded into the background.
