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Richard shook his head in awe. “We needed you in the last campaign! You are as hard a task-master as Wellington! Of course, I shall join you. After all, who is to keep you from meeting with trouble you cannot handle?”

William chuckled mirthlessly. “Who indeed?”

Darcy House

Mr. Williamson made his way down the grand staircase amidst the hustle and bustle of the servants’ rushing to have everything ready for the Master’s departure. Just outside his bedchamber, he had overheard William’s valet giving orders to a footman regarding some trunks, so he was alerted as to what all the activity signified.

Spying William as he exited his study, followed closely by his steward, Williamson waited for him to conclude his business before heading in his direction. The minute William spied the reverend he tried to assume a smile.

“Forgive me for not speaking with you sooner, Mr. Williamson. Would you please step into my study?”

The vicar followed him and took a seat in front of the desk as William sat down behind it. He noted the worry lines now gathered on the young man’s forehead and the fact that he did not look as though he had slept any last night. Assuming that the meeting William had had this morning was the cause for all the commotion, he was about to ask about it when his host began speaking.

“I am afraid that something very important has come up, and Richard and I have to travel to Liverpool straightaway. I would appreciate it very much if you would travel on to Pemberley in my other coach and wait there for my return.”

“If your departure concerns Lizzybet, I respectfully request that you tell me what is happening.”

Reading the deep concern in the reverend’s eyes, William acquiesced and told him of the discussions with Gwendolyn Waltham the day before and Lord Stanton a few hours ago. The older man sat with his head in his hands for a moment before looking up to enquire, “May I not travel with you and the colonel?”

William’s mien darkened. “If I find the count in Liverpool, the situation could quickly become very dangerous for everyone involved.”

Mr. Williamson stood. “I was unable to help my girl the last time she was abducted. I would like the opportunity to be of service to her now.”

William promptly came around the desk to clasp his shoulder. “I know how you feel. The last time I was not of any help to her either.”

“But you have been her champion since finding her. So, let us focus together on how we can rescue her from this villain.”

“Richard and I are leaving within the hour. I shall request that your trunk be packed quickly, if that is your wish.”

“It is. Thank you for allowing me to join you.”

“We can always use a man of prayer on our side.” William’s face sobered. “Thank you for loving Elizabeth so well.”

“I could say the same about you.”

Pemberley

The next day

The sky was quickly turning grey as the coach entered the longest section of the drive towards the manor house. It had been a tiring three-day journey, and Cecile Preston still could not rest until she had spoken with Elizabeth. As soon as she reached Pemberley, the hardest part began—convincing the woman she envied to accompany her to Liverpool.

As they neared the manor, Cecile began to fret that her brother and sister might possibly be visiting. It was certainly late enough that the Ingrams should be at their own estate, but there was always the possibility that they were to spend the night at Pemberley. In the pit of her stomach, a queasy feeling began and, just for a moment, she felt as though she might become ill. Summarily, she pushed the thought away.

Cecile Preston, you will do what you have come to do! You have no choice!

Suddenly the coach cleared the last stand of trees before the circular portion of drive began. The front entrance came into view, and she breathed a sigh of relief. There were no carriages or coaches in sight. Praying that Georgiana had not ridden over on horseback, Cecile held her breath as the coach came to a halt and the door opened. A footman was immediately there to help her alight. She watched Mr. Walker open the door as she began to take the steps.

“Mrs. Preston,” he declared warily as she entered the front door, “I am afraid Mr. Darcy is not in residence.”

Mrs. Reynolds rushed towards her, eyebrows raised in question. “Mrs. Preston, we were not expecting you. Mr. Darcy is not—”

Cecile interrupted her. “I came to see Miss Lawrence. Is she available?” For a moment the housekeeper stood staring at her, so Cecile continued. “I have a letter from Mr. Darcy that he asked me to deliver personally. I suppose, as late as it is, I should have travelled on to the Ingram’s estate, but he seemed anxious for Miss Lawrence to receive it as soon as was possible.”

A look of great relief spread across the housekeepers face. “A letter? Why, of course, I shall tell her.” She motioned towards an open door. “Would you please wait in the drawing room? I shall send some refreshments while I locate Miss Lawrence.”

Cecile nodded. “Excellent.” All was going according to plan.

Waiting in the well-appointed room, Cecile breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed no one was visiting, and Mrs. Reynolds had been only too glad to fetch Miss Elizabeth when she mentioned the non-existent letter. A small part of her whispered that she should not go through with the ruse, but she cast that thought away as the door opened.