Immediately, Elizabeth felt the stability of his suggestion. The carriage, while extremely comfortable, was not made forfour people on one bench. Yet, being pressed between the wall and Jane offered security. Knowing the colonel was now on the property increased Elizabeth’s confidence that they would survive unscathed. When they arrived at Netherfield without damage, she knew that her confidence in the man was fully warranted. Except…it was Mr. Darcy who protected them, not his cousin.
Mr. Darcy said, “Once inside, we will need a count of everyone in the house. If you ladies tally the guests, including ourselves, then I will consult with Bingley, his housekeeper, and butler. Mrs. Hammond, I believe that your calming presence will be best suited by reassuring the ladies that you lived through much worse and thrived.”
The silence of Mr. Collins was noteworthy. He was likely to need help rather than provide it. What a fool!
Mr. Darcy quickly escorted Mrs. Hammond into the great house before returning for Jane. By then, the rain fell in torrents. As Elizabeth reached for Mr. Darcy’s arm to step down from the coach, lightning ripped across the sky, with thunder pealing less than a second later. It was close. Too close.
Elizabeth caught a wisp of the colonel’s voice on the wind. “Get the horses in the barns and the carriages in the carriage house.” Turning in his direction, she caught the look of his horse when another bolt of lightning struck, immediately followed by booming thunder. The animal’s tail was up, his ears were pinned back, and his eyes were crazy as he pranced in place. The colonel’s lips continued moving, although she could not hear any sound. He was soothing his horse, staying in control.
Clasping her hand over her pounding heart, her admiration escalated.
“Come, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said.
Oh, good lord!What did she truly know of the colonel? That he was friendly and Mr. Darcy’s cousin. What did she know ofthe man whose arm offered her protection and safety? That Mr. Darcy was far more than she ever expected him to be.And that he was standing in the rain with his hand extended, waiting to help her inside.Lizzy, you are a dunce.
CHAPTER 14
Bedlam reigned inside the house. Bingley barked conflicting orders as he practically turned in circles, lost at what to do.
Darcy glanced around the entry, looking for someone capable of helping with the chaos. Bingley’s housekeeper, Mrs. Nicholls headed in Darcy’s direction, stopping immediately in front of him. On her arrival, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet helped Mrs. Hammond across the room to a comfortable chair. Once she was seated, the sisters began counting those who remained, using their dance cards to keep track.
“Sir, Mr. Bingley directed me to you.” Wringing her hands, she said, “Never has Netherfield weathered a storm like this. Wind is stealing in through the casings in the east windows and slate tiles from the roof are already dotting the ground, allowing the rain inside the attic. The ballroom is the largest room in the house where we can gather farthest away from the windows, which are shaking in their frames. Shall I have the footmen begin moving chairs and sofas inside, placing everything in the middle of the room?”
“Certainly.” He continued to scan the room. “Where are Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?”
Disgust evident on her face, she said, “They retired to their chambers as soon as Mr. Bingley closed the ball to have their maids pack their belongings for London, sir. They intend to take their brother away from Hertfordshire at daybreak.”
Good god!Foolish, self-serving women!
He knew how to act. Netherfield’s great house was a sturdy structure under average weather. This weather was far from routine. Likely, it had never been tested by fierce winds. Additionally, several tall windows were fitted into every available wall. Apparently, it was built for show, not safety. “Mrs. Nicholls, continue closing all the windows and curtains. Snuff the candles in every room outside the ballroom and kitchen. Lock every door that can be locked. Once this is done, require all servants to join us. Do hurry!”
Not twenty minutes later, sofas and chairs were grouped around the center of the ballroom with a few lanterns flickering on heavy side tables. Piles of blankets were heaped on the stand where the orchestra had played.
Mrs. Nicholls gave him an updated report. “The majority of the servants and musicians Miss Bingley brought from London have removed to the dower house, the original residence, where they were staying. The old house is built of brick and stone, which should see them safely through the storm. They have enough provisions to last them for a while if they are careful. Only the minimum remains here. The card room has been closed now that Mr. Hurst and Colonel Forster have joined us. There are two bed chambers upstairs that are locked with individuals inside. One belongs to Miss Bingley. The other party is unknown.”
“I see.” Darcy wiped his temples with his handkerchief. The furniture he helped move was heavy. “Tell Bingley, please. His sisters are his problem. I shall take care of the other room. Likely, it is a timid miss who is paralyzed with fear.”
Before he turned away, Miss Elizabeth presented him with a list that read:
Guests and servants (23)
Unaccounted for:
Mrs. Hurst
Miss Bingley
Mrs. Forster
His eyes moved down the list as she said, “Apparently, my father returned to Longbourn several hours ago. The officers who were here only a few moments ago chose to depart.”
“Very good. I thank you.” Nodding absentmindedly, he reviewed the list again. Was it Mrs. Forster in the other locked room? Why on earth was she not with her husband?
Before he could request Colonel Forster to accompany him, Richard rushed into the room.
“The animals are secured in the stables. There are few lanterns burning. No candles.” He wiped his face with a cloth provided by a passing footman. “I shall hurry to my room to change before coming down to see how I can help.”
Darcy said, “The doors have been locked since it has been determined the windows and roof in that portion of the house are unsafe. We want no one hiding in a room where they could be harmed.”
