He said, “Anders never confessed to actually killing Wickham, only that he wanted him dead. Cole implicated another as the actual murderer.”
Relief flooded her soul. She had known Mr. Anders all her life. Young Abigail was almost Lydia’s age, though her personality was much like Jane’s. Sweet and childlike, Abigail Anders deserved to have the perpetrator punished and her father declared innocent.
“Will he return to Hertfordshire?” Elizabeth wondered aloud, though she could not blame Mr. Anders for staying away.
“I spoke with him after they arrested Cole. He wanted nothing more than a new start. With that in mind, a ticket to America was purchased.”
Richard snorted. “You will never in a million years guess who else had a ticket for that same ship.” Before anyone could respond, he said, “Caroline Bingley.”
“What?” Elizabeth’s fingertips shot to her lips, too late to hold in her exclamation.
“Aye, apparently Bingley was as good as his word when he said he was letting go of his unruly sister.” Richard rubbed his palms together. “That immoral termagant will never again step foot on British soil if her brother purchased a one-way fare, which I cannot imagine he would not do. Ole Bingley, he is turning out to be a fine gent with a backbone of steel.”
Elizabeth was pleased that Mr. Bingley’s sister had left and that Jane would marry an honorable man.
Gazing up at her husband, she caught his eye. “My dear man, you should be content with the results.”
Before Darcy could reply, Richard continued while Darcy pulled her closer to him. “Darcy, being Darcy, had to go see Anders off. We were not even close to the docks when we heard Miss Bingley’s screeching and wailing. The most delightful thing was that she caught sight of us at the same time as Anders. Darcy yelled over the cacophony, ‘I wish you well’ to Anders. Of course, Miss Bingley incorrectly assumed he was addressing her. She blushed and thanked him for coming to rescue her.”
“She did not?” Elizabeth barely restrained her laughter.
“She certainly did.” The colonel sank back in his chair, enjoying telling the tale. “As one, we turned away from the dock, whereupon we spotted Bingley, who was also there to make sure the passenger departed as expected. To my surprise, Bingley had a scowl on his face the whole time, waiting until they untied the vessel and the tide began carrying them away.”
Elizabeth could not mourn the consequences of MissBingley’s attitude and actions. Caroline Bingley was getting exactly what she deserved.
Lord Matlock slapped his hands on his knees before standing. “I am certain that Elizabeth desires a hot bath, a warm meal, and the company of her husband. I, too, could use a good wash.” He looked at both his sons. “Tomorrow, I am for Rosings Park and then to contact Darcy’s uncle, the bishop, about Mr. Collins. Justice needs to be done. I want you both with me. Richard, bring your pistol in case that fool Collins refuses to shut his mouth when asked. Harry, it is time you learn how to use the authority you were born with in a manner that benefits Matlock instead of excessively spending your inheritance in advance. We leave at sunrise.”
Bowing to Elizabeth, he said, “It was a pleasure traveling with you, Mrs. Darcy.”
“And you, my lord.” Sliding her hand under Darcy’s, he helped her to gain her feet. Grateful, since her muscles were stiff from sitting in one position for days on end, he led the way to their chambers, never once letting go of her.
They barely madeit through the door before Darcy pulled her against him. She felt and tasted delicious in his arms. He breathed in the rosewater scent she dabbed at her temples, the back of her delicate ears, and the soft spot at the base of her neck.
“You are finally here.” He lovingly kissed her between each word.
“I am.” Elizabeth smiled against his lips.
Hours later,Darcy watched her sleep, her dark hair against the pillow, her hand resting on her middle. His love for her grew with the passing of each moment in time. She was precious to him. Never did he imagine how captivated he would be by his mate.
He chuckled to himself. Elizabeth was naturally curious. After they renewed their love and her long bath, she questioned him about not only what happened while he was in London but how it affected him. The name of the fake notary, Mr. Burt Rumple, tickled her. Each time Darcy said his name, she chuckled.
She stirred. Her eyes fluttered open. Her hand reached for him. Gladly, he covered it with his own, drawing it to his lips to kiss the tip of each finger.
“My love,” he softly breathed.
“Am I your love?”
Since their marriage, she always replied in that manner. Likewise, his response was always the same.
“Only you. Forever you.”
Her smile warmed him from head to toe.
He asked, “Tell me about Petey and Miss Lucas. How do they fare at Alderwood?”
Elizabeth laughed aloud as she rolled on her back, pulling the quilt up to cover her.
“Charlotte and Mr. Smythe, your aunt and uncle’s rector, spend almost every day together making plans for the care of local orphans. I have never seen my friend as happy and at ease as when she is in his company. He appears to favor her. I would not be surprised if they announced their engagement. As far as Petey, well, hegreatly feels the honor of serving in the stables of an earl. In fact, he approached me one day to ask if I would aid him in writing a letter of intent to Lydia.”
