They prayed for their sister. For her life. For mercy that no violence would be committed against her person.
Jane wept while Elizabeth struggled to offer comfort.
“Dear Jane, I am certain Mary remains safe for the present. The gang wants its goods returned. That alone prompted them to seize her. They believe she belongs to a wealthy and well-connected family. They will not harm her unless they lose all hope of recovering the contraband.”
A sharp rap sounded upon the door, startling both sisters.
They looked up as the Fitzwilliams entered the room.
“Ladies, we have spoken with Ben, Annie’s friend. He believes the goods have most likely been concealed within the caves. Ben, his brother, and two trusted servants from Rosings have already gone to search for them. I shall join them as soon as I have changed my clothes and boots.”
Richard looked between the sisters before continuing.
“Miss Elizabeth, I have dispatched an express to Darcy. I instructed him to remain in London until he hears from me. If the goods are found and your sister is returned to us safely, he is to contact the Board of Customs. Should we fail to locate the goods, he will return and assist in the search.”
Both sisters had risen to their feet.
Anne crossed the room and threw herself against Elizabeth.
“Lizzy, I would never willingly have brought this calamity upon your sister. It should have been me.”
Elizabeth drew Anne nearer. “It is not your fault, Annie. Pray be at ease. Perhaps the missing goods shall be discovered within the next few hours, and this nightmare brought to an end. Sir, do we know what was stolen?”
“Not yet. I have written a note which is being delivered to the post office now. The gang should receive it by morning, thoughif anyone at the post office in Westerham belongs to them, they may receive it tonight. I requested a description of the missing goods. It may prove to be the barrels of brandy Darcy discovered in the old ruin, but we dare not make assumptions and worsen matters further.”
Richard adjusted his gloves.
“For the present, we must await confirmation. Meanwhile, Drake and a trusted servant are opening every cellar beneath the kitchens in search of contraband, and we continue examining the caves. If you will excuse me, I must return to the search.”
Anne motioned toward the doorway, and Georgiana Darcy peered timidly into the room. Tears streaked her face.
“Lizzy, you must hate the very sight of us.”
Elizabeth released Anne and held out her hand. “Come here, Georgiana. I do not hate you nor anyone else. This is no one’s fault, perhaps not even Lady Catherine’s. They may have forced her to conceal the goods. You must remember that your aunt and cousin were two unprotected women. Lady Catherine acted for the safety of herself and her daughter.”
Georgiana crossed the room and settled beside Elizabeth, wrapping her arms tightly around her.
“All shall be well, you will see. The colonel and his men are doing everything within their power. Our task now is to remain strong and keep our courage. And we may pray.”
Beaumont volunteered to join the search when he learned from Richard what had occurred. Together with Richard, Ben, and two trusted servants, he helped search cave after cave along the base of the bluffs.
Most proved not to be true caves at all, merely hollows and depressions in the rock, but some stretched deep into the earth and required far longer to examine.
The men labored throughout the night.
Chapter 31: Succor
Mary crept along a deserted alley in the direction of the church steeple.
At one point, the alley joined the main road passing through the village. She drew back into the shadows. She dared not be seen. Any woman abroad at such an hour without an escort would be taken for a woman of ill repute.
She retraced her steps until she reached the end of the alley, then entered the woods and skirted the village until she came upon the church grounds.
Emerging from the trees, she crossed the green.
The parsonage ought to stand nearby.
She moved along the church wall, grateful for the height of the stone enclosure shielding her from view. Reaching the gate, she looked carefully in both directions.
