Darcy nodded slowly, feeling some of his resolve return. “You are right. I cannot control what Wickham does, but I can control my own actions.”
“Exactly. The moment he takes a false step…”
“No,” Darcy’s voice was sharp. “We cannot act against him directly without proof of wrongdoing. Elizabeth would see it as further evidence of my vile nature.”
“Then we gather proof. Carefully, methodically, until even she cannot deny what he is. The snake’s mask will slip, and Miss Elizabeth will notice.”
The sound of a ship’s bell echoed across the water, signaling that their departure time approached. Darcy looked toward theMeridian,where their future awaited, and then back toward the shadows where Wickham lurked. “He has made this personal, Richard. This is no longer only about ancient treasures.”
“It never was from the beginning, as you already confessed.” The colonel’s smile lacked warmth. “Very well. Let us see who proves to be the better man: you or George Wickham. I know where my money will be placed.”
As they walked toward the gangway, the weight of the challenge ahead settled upon Darcy. Winning Elizabeth’s heart had seemed difficult enough before. With Wickham working against him, it appeared to be at first glance, nearly impossible.
However, “nearly impossible” was not the same as “exactly impossible.” Darcy had never backed down from a fight when it mattered. This one mattered more than anything in his life.
George Wickham pressedhimself against the filthy warehouse wall, his uniform coat unbuttoned and his usual smile replaced by a sneer. From his concealed position, he had a perfect view of theMeridian’s deck as Darcy and the colonel prepared to board.
Colonel Fitzwilliam cut an impressive figure, a man accustomed to command. His presence was unexpected, but he was not Wickham’s concern.
Darcy arrived, showing equal parts superiority and panic as he scanned the docks for the threats he knew were present. The muscles in Wickham’s jaw flexed as he saw his childhood companion. How easily Darcy demanded respect, how readily the crew would defer to his wishes. Money and breeding opened every door and smoothed every path. Well, soon enough, Wickham would experience the same.
“Passenger Wickham!” came a rough shout from behind him. “Best be getting aboard if ye do not want to swim to Gibraltar.”
Wickham turned toward theHenry Sr.,moored several berths down from theMeridian.Where Darcy’s vessel gleamed with fresh paint and proper rigging, theHenry Sr.showed her age in weathered wood and patched sails. Her crew looked to match, a collection of weathered sailors with manners that would have scandalized the drawing rooms of Meryton.
“Coming,” he called out, though he allowed himself one last look at theMeridian.Darcy would never have left Georgiana behind to take such a dangerous journey unless a sizable treasure was to be found. It must be a fortune in gold and jewels. After all, ancient pharaohswere not fools. If there were one treasure hidden, there would have to be others.
He smiled to himself as he shouldered his single travel bag. Let Darcy enjoy his comfortable passage to Portugal. TheHenry Sr.would sail directly to Gibraltar, arriving days ahead of theMeridian.By the time Darcy’s party reached the Mediterranean, Wickham would be in position to discover exactly where this treasure hunt led and claim his rightful share.
“You’re cutting it fine, mate,” growled the boatswain as Wickham climbed aboard the ship. “This ain’t a pleasure cruise.”
“I am sure it is not,” Wickham replied pleasantly, though he eyed the crew with wariness. Still, being a passenger on any vessel was infinitely preferable to another tedious day of militia duty. Denny and Saunderson could manage without him. They had done so often enough when he had found more entertaining pursuits.
As for deserting his post… Well, what were military obligations compared to the promise of wealth beyond measure? Levinson had been infuriatingly vague about the details, but his drunken hints had been enough to tantalize Wickham with visions of the riches he deserved.
With the gold coins procured from the viscount sewn into the lining of his coat, he kept only two smaller coins in his pocket. They clinked together as he moved. It would not do for the crew to realize that he carried enough to be a worthy prize. No, he would play the part of an impoverished traveler seeking his fortune in distant lands until he reached port. Once he had determinedwhere Darcy sailed after Gibraltar, he would plan the next leg of the journey.
TheHenry Sr.drifted away from the dock. Wickham positioned himself where he could still see theMeridian.Darcy’s tall figure disappeared below deck. Soon enough, that proud head would bow before him. Then he would have everything that Fitzwilliam Darcy had denied him.
9
By nightfall, Darcy threw off the rough wool blanket as another wave of nausea rolled through him. The irony was not lost on him. He had always prided himself on his excellent health, routinely enduring long days in the saddle without complaint. Yet here he was, reduced to a pale shadow of himself by theMeridian’srelentless swaying motion.
Above, the colonel’s voice carried over the wind as he spoke with the captain on deck. The sound of Richard’s hearty laughter drifted down through the open porthole. Darcy closed his eyes in misery.
“Here, Cousin.” Richard entered their cabin soon after, carrying a tin cup. “Cook gave me some weak tea and a biscuit to help settle your stomach.”
The effort to sit up sent Darcy’s head spinning and his stomach roiling. “I cannot, Richard. The very thought…” He swallowed hard, fighting another wave of sickness.
The colonel settled on the edge of Darcy’sbunk. “It might help to go up on deck. From there, you can keep your eyes on the land until you are stable.”
“I cannot move.” Darcy hated the weakness in his voice. “How long before we reach calmer waters? Will the Mediterranean be any better, or must I endure this torment for the entire voyage?”
“I regret, but we are still on the Thames. It will not get much smoother than this for a while.”
A sudden gust filled the sails, and the ship lurched violently starboard. Darcy wedged himself deeper into the bunk. At least his lack of appetite would save him from having to eat the questionable food typically served aboard merchant vessels.
“Richard,” he managed between labored breaths. “Did you confirm with the Port Authority that theMary Catherinedeparted yesterday?”
