“They are, in truth, small daggers, my dear. The clerk assured me that ladies wear them as hat pins or to secure a chignon.”
Georgiana selected one and fixed it into her hair. Turning, she said, “How does it appear, Fitzwilliam?”
“It is lovely, Georgiana. No one would suspect it to be a weapon.”
Georgiana removed the pin and placed it in the box. “I shall wear one, or both, each day until Mr. Wickham is captured.”
“I hope the man I have engaged to find him succeeds soon. Until then, we must take every precaution.”
Georgiana’s expression grew serious. “Fitzwilliam, might he attempt to harm you?”
Darcy did not make light of the question. “It is possible.” He opened his jacket and produced a pistol. “You need not fear for me. When I go out, I have my weapon and am accompanied by two footmen. I shall not ride out alone until he is secured.”
She drew a breath. “That is some comfort. I wish we might return to Pemberley.”
“So do I, but my aunt has arranged two dinners, each with two eligible ladies. When I declined the Knightley ball, she settled upon these smaller engagements instead.”
Georgiana giggled. “Are they to contend over you then?”
“I trust it will not come to that.”
Chapter 2: Flight
March 30, 1811
Lydia shivered in the cold. Every few minutes, she was obliged to set down the heavy portmanteaux to rest her aching arms. She searched the misty lane. No carriage. Had he forgotten her? She lingered a moment longer, then took up her bags and continued on.
At last, she heard her name called. “Lydia. I thought you had forgotten your beau.”
She dropped her bags. “Wicky! I feared you had gone on without me. My arms are quite worn out.”
He came up to her and stooped to take the bags. “Come along, my dear, or the sun will rise and we shall be seen.”
She moved beside him with quick steps as he strode down the lane. He placed her things in the boot, then assisted her into the carriage. After giving directions to the hired coachman, he joined her.
She caught his hand and laughed. “How delightful this is. I have visited my uncle in London only a few times, but we have never enjoyed any amusement. I long to attend the theater, to view all the sights, and to purchase new gowns.”
He made no reply, but sat in silence, his gaze fixed upon the passing scene beyond the window.
They had traveled for an hour when Lydia placed her hand upon his arm to gain his attention. “When will we stop to eat?”
Frowning, he brushed her hand aside. “We shall eat when I say so. Be quiet and leave me in peace.”
The girl drew back in astonishment. Her handsome swain had never addressed her in such a manner. His expression held such severity that she withdrew into a corner of the carriage and, before long, fell asleep.
The same morning, Elizabeth stood upon the summit of Oakham Mount as dawn broke over the world. Pink and gold streaked the sky, and she drew her shawl more closely about her shoulders against the chill. This, in her estimation, was the most beautiful corner of the world. She filled her lungs with the sweet, fresh air and waited for the sun to rise.
Then she saw movement. The light was faint, and the mist rising from the ground obscured her view, so at first, she was not able to discern who ventured abroad so early. Then she saw it was a woman dressed in dark clothing. It was Lydia. Her sister was burdened with a large portmanteau in each hand. Where was she going at such an hour? Straining her eyes, Elizabeth was able to discern a carriage some distance down the lane, and then she saw him. Mr. Wickham.
Elizabeth gathered up her skirts and ran down Oakham Mount and into the house. A light burned in her father’s study. She rushed in, breathless. “Papa, Lydia is running away with a man. She is walking down the lane with two portmanteaus. And there is a carriage.”
Mr. Bennet had risen when she entered. “Good heavens. Who is the man? Who has she run off with? Come, Lizzy, you will accompany me.”
He hastily wrote a note to his wife.
Mrs. Bennet,
I have received an express from Edward. Madeline is ordered to her bed, or she risks losing her child. Lydia and Elizabeth are to assist the Gardiner family where they may.
