A soft sigh passed through her lips. “I must put my estate up for sale.”
“That is a shame. Is it not possible to retain the property?”
“No, I do not believe so.” Her chin inched lower. “The former steward embezzled from the estate and left with the stolen funds. I hired a Bow Street runner to find the reprobate, but he has been unsuccessful.” With a quirk of her mouth, she frowned. “The property is a short distance from Manchester.” She related her tale further, providing pertinent details with regards to the former steward and the Bow Street investigator.
“Well, despite how dour the situation may seem, I hope everything resolves to your satisfaction.” I parted from her at thestairs and went to the library. I chose a comfortable chair and reposed as I worked out the best way to proceed.
Thirty minutes later, I rapped upon the door to Lady Rebecca’s chamber, and the lady herself answered. Her head tilted, her eyes wide. “Mr Graham.”
I gave her a playful grin. “Pardon me, but I happened to be present when an express rider came with this letter for you. I assured the butler that I should deliver this to you at once.” I passed the correspondence to Lady Rebecca. Behind her, a maid placed clothing into a portmanteau. “I bid you farewell and wish you a pleasant journey.” With a bow, I withdrew.
“Thank you, Mr. Graham.” Lady Rebecca closed the door. I retreated a few yards down the passage and waited. By and by, a gleeful shriek came from the lady’s room.
With a soft chuckle, I continued to my guest chamber. It had taken me no little trouble, but I had directed Mr. Notley, the Bow Street officer hired by Lady Rebecca, to the errant steward’s whereabouts, so he could take the embezzler into custody, along with the remaining ninety-five percent of Lady Rebecca’s stolen funds. I had indulged my fancy with the delivery of the express, since the arrest would not occur until later today. Yet I could not resist giving her the happy news now. Thus, I should ensure that no one involved would be concerned with the timing of the notification.
I stood before the looking glass and smoothed my blond locks, whistling a cheerful tune. What other problems might I solve for the mortals whilst I am here? I should remain alert for other opportunities to make myself useful.
Lady Catherine
My face infused with heat at Lady Rebecca’s announcement.Part of me wanted to rail at her for leaving before she fulfilled her side of the agreement. Yet her presence no longer mattered, for I had already decided to abandon the design.
I waved my hand at her. “Very well, then. You may go.”
Yet Lady Rebecca remained standing near the entrance to my chamber. Her face twisted into a scowl, and she directed her finger at me. “You brought me here under false pretences. Mr. Darcy is as content in his marriage as a man can hope to be, and his wife is gracious and charming. The only deceitful and contemptible person in this house is you!” She spun round and left the room, slamming the door behind her.
How dare she!With a shrill cry, I threw my walking stick to the floor. It landed on the padded rug with an unsatisfying thud.
With drooped shoulders and a bowed head, I took slow, laboured steps to the chair nearest the window and collapsed upon it. How had everything gone so wrong? And whatever should I do now?
Chapter 10: A Rousing Song
Elizabeth
Ihad changed from the picnic when a servant arrived with a note. I perused the unfamiliar feminine handwriting.
19 September
Dear Mrs. Darcy,
I wish to offer you my sincere gratitude for the gracious hospitality and care you and your servants have provided me throughout my visit. I shall depart as soon as my maid can collect my belongings.
Pray accept my sincere apology for my behaviour since my arrival. I regret ever having listened to Lady Catherine. Due to my dire circumstances and my belief in the falsehoods she had told me concerning the state of your marriage, I had agreed to assist her. However, I had already decided against any further cooperation with Lady Catherine when an expressarrived for me today with welcome news requiring my immediate return to London.
I shall remember you with admiration, and I wish all the best for you, your husband, and your family.
Cordially, Lady Rebecca Seymour
What welcome news!Notwithstanding Lady Rebecca’s evident change of heart, I should rest easier when she left Pemberley. Maybe if she had a few physical flaws and a few less accomplishments, her company would be easier to tolerate.
At the knock on my door, I called out an invitation and Fitzwilliam entered.
He leaned in, kissed me, and glanced at the note in my hand. “Is aught amiss?”
“On the contrary.” I handed him the message.
He skimmed the writing and set the paper on the table. “It is a shame Lady Rebecca is not taking my aunt with her. Of course, now we have Anne here as well. I trust you do not mind her presence.” The gravity in his gaze induced me to discard the teasing reply I might otherwise have uttered.
“Not in the least. I am glad for the opportunity to become better acquainted with her.” I raised an eyebrow. “Bennet seemed quite comfortable with her at the picnic.”
