Darcy frowned and half turned to the hall. “Thank you, Benedict.” He started to walk away when the butler’s voice stopped him.
“There is something else, sir.”
Darcy turned back. “Yes?”
“Miss Bennet called while you were out.”
Darcy’s breath stilled. “When? What time?”
“Perhaps… an hour after you departed, sir. She did not remain long.”
“Did she state her business?”
Benedict shook his head. “No, sir. She appeared… somewhat distressed, but she left shortly after speaking with me.”
Distressed.
“Did you see which direction she went?”
Benedict shook his head. “She entered a hired carriage, sir. Not the Gardiners’ conveyance.”
That gave Darcy pause. “Ahiredcarriage?”
“Yes, sir. It was most unusual.” The butler hesitated. “And—”
“And?”
“I happened to notice, sir, that the carriage stopped at the end of the street. A gentleman entered and joined her.”
Darcy felt his entire frame tense. “Who?”
“I could not say, sir,” Benedict admitted. “It was too far to make out his face, and there were other carriages on the street partially blocking my view, of course.”
Darcy stared, struck dumb.
The butler cleared his throat. “I only mention it because it struck me as… curious.”
“You are sure? You saw someone get into thesamecarriage as Miss Bennet?”
“Quite sure, sir. I recall the door paint exactly, and it was the same which opened onto the kerb. I regret, sir, that is all I could see.”
Darcy narrowed his eyes. “Hold a moment, Benedict. I must wonder why you were staring after Miss Bennet’s hackney in the first place. Do you make it your habit to stand on the steps and look down the street after guests?”
Benedict swallowed visibly. “No, sir. It was only that her visit seemed… not quite the thing, do you see. And I must say, sir, with the attention you have been receiving of late, one must be cautious. Many ladies have attempted to gain your notice in recent weeks—”
Darcy had begun to pace, but turned on his butler with a cold, sharp look. “It is not your place to cast aspersions on a lady’s character.”
The butler stiffened, then inclined his head. “I meant no disrespect, sir. I merely felt it my duty to look after your interests.”
Darcy’s expression did not soften.
Benedict cleared his throat again. “I apologize if I have spoken out of turn. I only meant that there have been many ladies at the door of late, seeking an audience. Several each day, in fact. Your name has been in the papers, and there is always—” He hesitated. “Well. It is only natural, given your rising prominence, that certain individuals would wish to claim an acquaintance.”
Darcy’s lip curled. “Miss Bennet is not such a woman,” he snapped. “You are to accord her every respect, should she ever appear at this house again, expected or not.”
The butler bowed slightly. “Of course, sir. I ask your pardon.”
Darcy nodded curtly. “Very well. See that everyone has the same instruction. I will be in my study.”
