Page 56 of Shields and Roses

"Now that we have settled that matter," Madeline said, gesturing for them to sit. "I would hope to turn the conversation to other things in the short time before we go in to dinner. In fact, I should like to hear from Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please, tell us about your return and your future plans."

Taking the indicated places, the two men sat. Richard told them of his impending retirement and the steps he had already taken to see it through. Along with the others, Darcy learned that his cousin already had a purchaser lined up for his commission and would see a handsome return on the transaction. They were discussing the advantages and disadvantages of some of the estates Darcy and Viscount Rand had identified as possible purchases when they went into the dining room.

~o~

By the end of the evening, Darcy thought it was by far the most pleasant dinner party he had ever attended. Remembering Richard's comment about having these members of Miss Elizabeth's family on his side, he was determined to put his best food forward and make a positive contribution to the conversation. After the initial bit of discomfort had passed, he found himself conversing with the others as if he had known them as long as he had known Bingley and Richard. The conversation flowed freely, including all and never leaving him to feel excluded or out of place.

As they slowly rode back to Darcy House that evening, he thanked Richard for insisting they visit. "I would not have had the nerve to go there on my own," he said, "and that would have been my loss."

"I am glad you enjoyed it. We may not have accomplished the primary goal of reintroducing you to your mystery woman, but we did take a big step forward. After all, Mrs. Gardiner and Mary both said they would write to her, and we now have an invitation to stay with Bingley at that estate he just leased near Longbourn."

"The Gardiners and Damasks seemed very pleased that the entire extended family had been invited to stay at Netherfield Park with Bingley so they could all attend Miss Bennet's wedding without straining the resources of Longbourn. I can tell from seeing them together that he and Miss Mary are well-matched. There is little doubt he will soon be asking for at least a courtship. And, clearly, he now has the all-important support of her aunt and uncle to help him along."

"True. Bingley seems steadier than I remember him. He was not exactly flighty, but he could be impulsive. This is a good change for him. And it will be good for him to get a taste of landownership through that lease. I expect it will be interesting to see what he makes of his time at Netherfield Park."

"For my part, I was pleased to hear his sisters will not be joining us there, especially because it is a result of Miss Bingley receiving ongoing attention from Mr. Lollard."

"I wish her good fortune there. She has the advantage of both good looks and a good dowry. Her personality is not to my taste, but Mr. Lollard may feel different. She would profit from his family connections while still having much to offer in return."

"Bingley would like to see her well-settled, and I agree, as long as she is not settled with me."

"Hear, hear! And here we are at Darcy House. I am looking forward to a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed. That has not been my experience of late."

"You are most welcome, cousin. I agree it is time to call it a night and a very successful one at that."

Chapter 32: Journey

Their expectations of a worry-free night were quickly dashed. On their return, Darcy was notified that an express had arrived for him earlier that evening.

"We did not know how long you would be, sir," the footman explained, "so we kept it here for you and offered the messenger lodging for the night."

Darcy thanked the man as he accepted the sealed letter. He approved of their actions, knowing that any response would have to wait until morning anyway. After he released the servant for the night, Darcy broke the seal and unfolded the letter. Using the light of a lamp that had been left burning in the entryway in anticipation of their return, he began to read.

Cousin,

I apologize for taking the potentially controversial step of writing to you directly. It would not normally be an issue, as we are cousins, but you know Mother. Rest assured, I have done everything possible to reduce the chance of unintended consequences for either of us. The letter was delivered to the messenger by a trusted intermediary, and it is unlikely Mother will hear of it unless you choose to tell her.

Matters here have reached a point where I need assistance. I know Uncle Peter is at Randbrook, and I am hoping for a faster response than he can provide given the distance.

I have heard Richard is on his way back to England, and I am hoping he is either at Darcy House with you or that you know where to find him. If you can reach him right away, please pass this message on to him as quickly as you can. Failing that, I ask that you come to Rosings Park to provide aid, not just for me, but for other targets of my mother's displeasure as well.

While I know she has never been the easiest person to be around, over the past few months Mother has become increasingly moody and ever more restrictive of my movements. In recent weeks she has learned that you are seeking news of a woman who might interfere with her plans for you to marry me. Another woman for whom she had plans is set to marry most advantageously and Mother wishes to stop her. Several other situations are not moving along in the way she had intended, much to her displeasure, making life here more difficult for everyone.

I have learned that my mother is about to set several more harmful plans in motion. I must speak to you or Richard in person so we can counter them and for assistance in making my own escape. Richard told me that I could rely on you. Please prove him correct.

Your hopeful cousin,

Anne

Darcy read the letter quickly before he handed it to Richard. Even as he determined to answer the request for aid, he could not help feeling somewhat indignant at the implication that he was less reliable or responsive than Richard. Then, he realized the woman making the advantageous marriage was probably Miss Jane Bennet. Anne's desire to turn to others before him became clear considering his previously held beliefs about the Bennets.

"I need to leave at first light," Richard said as he finished reading the missive.

"You mean, we need to leave at first light," Darcy corrected him. "The main question is whether we go by horse for speed or by carriage for appearances."

Despite the worry Anne's letter had clearly given him, Richard smiled at his cousin. "I am glad to hear you are in," he said. "You do realize our aunt is taking action against the Bennets?"

With a nod, Darcy said, "All the more reason for me to come along and stop her."