“I think it best that I have Darcy come and help us,” the Countess decided, after a moment’s thought. “I imagine he will be here by tomorrow.”
“Very well, my lady; might you ask him not to tell my family about me just yet?”
The Countess nodded. “Very well. I believe that you are still quite tired, Miss Lydia, so I will have a tray sent to your room tonight.”
Lydia thanked her hostess sincerely; both ladies were well aware that Lydia was not someone who was fit to dine with the Earl and Countess, and everyone would be more comfortable if she dined in her room.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Mr. Darcy shook himself as if to awaken from a dream. How was this possible? He re-read the message he had just received.
Darcy,
Your Miss Lydia is here at my house. You must come and decide what should next be done. She asks that you not yet tell her family that she is found.
Your loving,
Aunt Eleanor
He raced downstairs to speak with Mr. Bingley and Georgiana.
“Just one day?” Georgiana asked.
“Possibly two.”
“But why?”
“My man of business needs me to sign some letters.” He did not like to lie to his sister, but the situation required it.
***
“Darcy, how is it that you are here already? I did not expect you until tomorrow!”
“I could not wait, Aunt, and it is not a long journey on horseback. Her absence has caused so many difficulties for the Bennets that I had to come at once, so that we might decide what to do.”
“She says she wishes to be with her relatives, the Gardiners, but she does not know the address. Perhaps the Earl’s man of business – or yours, for that matter – can discover it.”
“No need; I am quite familiar with the Gardiners.”
“I do not know the family,” the Countess said, her eyes narrowing.
“No, I suspect not; they are merchants.”
“I see; and you are familiar with them?” Her tone was tart.
“Yes, I like them very much.”
“I shall not comment upon your taste, Darcy, other than to say that you must be wary of harming Georgiana’s chances in any way.”
“I think I may be trusted to take care of my own sister. Where is Miss Lydia?”
“Upstairs in one of the guest rooms; might you not leave her there until tomorrow? It is quite late.”
“No, I think she is right; she should be with her relatives. Aunt, is she…” and here Mr. Darcy hesitated, uncertain how to pose such an indelicate question.
“With child? No, I think not.”
Mr. Darcy blew out the breath he had been holding.
