“Well done, men. Let us return home. I shall write a note and have it delivered to the post office. If the gang confirms the missing goods consist of the cache of lace, then we have accomplished what we set out to do.”
“Sir, how are we to mark the cave so the gang may identify it?”
Sir Gareth answered, “Raise a cairn of stones before the entrance.”
The men set immediately to work. Before long, six large stones stood piled one upon another before the adjoining cave.
Then they all returned to Rosings.
Sir Gareth asked, “At what hour do we dine?”
“Seven o’clock. I shall see you then.”
Anne hurried up to Elizabeth’s bedchamber. She found the three sisters standing close together, reading a letter Elizabeth held near the candlestick. They looked up when Anne tapped upon the door and entered with Georgiana.
“They found the treasure. Crates upon crates of lace.” Anne removed her gloves as she spoke. “Richard has sent an express to Fitzwilliam. He asks that the excisemen seize both the smugglers and the goods in Lewisham, nearer London and far from Rosings. He wishes to keep us entirely removed from the affair.”
Elizabeth lowered the letter. “I hope they seize the brandy at the same time. I begin to fear venturing outdoors lest I stumble across more contraband.”
Anne agreed. “I have not taken out my phaeton since the brandy was discovered.”
Mary shivered. “It is fortunate you have not. You might have been abducted.”
A heavy silence settled over the room.
At length, Anne spoke again.
“We must not go out, not even to the rose gardens, until we are assured it is safe.”
She grinned at Jane. “Richard invited Sir Gareth to dine with us tonight. That man is besotted, my dear. He labored through the entire night and returned again today after only a few hours of sleep. He told Richard he was working to make this county safe for its womenfolk.”
Jane’s eyes shone with happiness.
Georgiana asked, “Miss Bennet, do you believe he means to offer for you soon?”
Jane covered her mouth with her hand to conceal her girlish giggle. “I believe he does. Twice already he has appeared upon the verge of it, but somehow the words fail him.”
“Jane, for goodness sake, give him more encouragement,” Elizabeth said. “Do not be so guarded. Smile at him.”
Jane laughed again. “Lizzy, I have. I feel almost shameless. I have been so encouraging.”
Anne added, “You are so reserved that what you consider shameless, others would regard as merely polite.”
The ladies dissolved into laughter.
Then Anne asked, “You have received a letter, Lizzy?”
“Yes, from my father. He shall arrive tomorrow for the wedding. Did Fitzwilliam mention he invited a guest to your house?”
“He did. I have prepared a bedchamber for him adjoining Jane’s room. Your mother is not coming?”
“No, Annie. My mother and I have never been close. In truth, I have proved a disappointment to her. She says she has failed me, for in spite of all her interventions, she still considers me too spirited and independent. She believes Papa has spoiled me, and no eligible gentlemen will want me.”
“Well, my dear, Fitzwilliam considers you perfect. He admires a woman who is neither a sycophant nor a simpering ninny. You were made for one another.”
Anne looked toward Mary. “How do you fare, my dear?”
Mary had settled into a chair near the hearth.
