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“I am resolved not to squander this chance. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? When William comes to me, I intend to tell him that I do not want us to be separated—not tonight, not ever.”

Thinking of the implications, the vicar did not immediately respond, and Elizabeth let go of his hands, turning to walk away. “I have shocked you with my boldness.”

Williamson placed a hand on her shoulder, stilling her progress and turning her around. “Nothing on God’s green earth shocks me, child. I am a man of the cloth, but I am also human. I understand, truly I do.”

“I am not a wanton. I have never—even with Stefano, I never ...” She took a ragged breath as she studied her shoes. “I do not wish to disappoint you, but I love William so very much, and I have come to care less of what society thinks. Society would never have given me this second chance for happiness with my only love.”

“You could never disappoint me.” He lifted her chin, and she smiled. “And I understand your disillusionment with the dictates of society. Nevertheless, I believe I have a solution that will suit you and your young man. Do you trust me?” She studied him with a puzzled expression before nodding. “Then allow me to talk to Fitzwilliam before I send him here to you.”

A large sitting room

“What the devil possessed you to go to Tuscany by yourself, Cousin?” Richard growled, pouring himself a brandy and holding up the bottle to see if William wanted one. At William’s nod, he poured another. “You could have very well have been walking into a trap and been killed!”

William took the proffered glass and resumed pacing about the small sitting room as he had done for the last half-hour. “But I was not! Someone, be it God or an angel, told me to go back to the villa. The same voice warned me once before that Elizabeth was in trouble—at the inn on the way to Pemberley.” His face darkened. “You remember that I told you about that blackguard who tried to ...” Shaking his head to calm himself, he continued. “In any event, you and the others were so far ahead that I had no choice but to act as I did, foolish or not.”

“How in the world did you convince Stefano to face you with a sword? I had imagined you would be shot on sight.”

William shrugged his shoulders. “His pride, I suppose. In his arrogance, he wanted to show Elizabeth that I was not what he termed a champion.”

Richard guffawed. “That cocky arse challenged the fencing champion of Cambridge to a duel? You held the title until you graduated, and a number of your records still stand—unparalleled in the history of the university.”

William smiled despite himself. “Yes, well, Stefano never intended to let me win! He had an armed servant standing by, who appeared when I relieved him of his sword. It was only thanks to Elizabeth that I am alive to tell the story.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Yes. She was bound hand and foot, but managed to free her hands with a small knife she had hidden in her pocket. Then she untied herself and grabbed the pistol Stefano had placed on a table. Just as the guard aimed his weapon at me, she shot and killed him. As Stefano lunged for my pistol which was still lying on the floor, I finished him with my sword.”

“Amazing!” Richard exclaimed, raising his glass in a toast. “It seems the dear girl is no longer a victim but a victor!

At that moment, Evan, Mr. Williamson, and all of the servants, walked into the room.

“How are Avery and Judson?” William enquired, finally calm enough to take a seat.

Evan sank into the chair next to him. “According to the physician, Avery must take to his bed for quite a while, but he should recover completely from the wound to his shoulder. I have been arranging for his care until he has recovered sufficiently to allow a move to Rosewood. Your man, Judson, is resting comfortably in a room across the hall. He has a large lump on his head and a dreadful headache. Luckily, he was able to return here after Lord Stanton’s man knocked him out. From the size of the lump, it is a wonder the attack did not kill him!”

William began to stand. “Perhaps I should see to him.”

Evan grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Do not bother! He was sleeping when I left but a moment ago.”

William sank back into his chair as Mr. Williamson broke in. “Lieutenant Marbury has taken Stefano’s men and Mrs. Preston into custody. After consulting with the local constable, who it appears is an old friend of the lieutenant, they agreed that Marbury would escort the guilty parties back to London to be charged. Some of the servants, who were forced to board the coaches but did not wield weapons, will not be held.”

Then the vicar put a hand on William’s shoulder, causing him to turn. “What has Mr. Kennedy determined about our Lizzybet?”

William did not have time to answer, as the door to the adjoining bedroom opened just then, and everyone focused on the man who appeared in the doorway. Mr. Kennedy, the local physician, stood waiting, eyebrows raised in question, and it was obvious that he was not sure to whom he should report.

Mr. Williamson addressed him. “Would you kindly step into the next room with me, Mr. Kennedy. I am Miss Bennet’s vicar, and since she has no family here, I will be pleased to act on her behalf. I have known her since she was born—in fact, I christened her.” He smiled to see the disappointment on William’s face. “Mr. Darcy, since she has been under your protection for the last few months, perhaps you would join us?” Instantly, William brightened, jumping up to follow them into the empty bedroom.

After they had left the room, Richard leaned in to Evan. “What do you suppose Mrs. Preston’s punishment will be? After all, kidnapping is punishable by death, is it not?”

Evan sighed heavily. “I shall have to discuss this with Elizabeth and Darcy. Personally, I would like to see her sent to the penal colony in Australia for the rest of her miserable life. I think that would almost be a fate worse than death to her, but I could not assume to make that recommendation without first hearing their thoughts. In any event, we can only suggest a punishment, as the ultimate decision is left to the courts. The way I see it, she deserves whatever punishment she gets, and she will earn no sympathy from me.”

~~~*~~~

“Apart from the cuts on her wrists and on her cheek, both of which I treated, there is only one thing I can find wrong with her.” Both William and Mr. Williamson stilled, completely focused on the physician’s unsmiling face.

Suddenly Mr. Kennedy smiled and added, “I am afraid she is quite sick of me! She seemed terribly anxious for me to leave so she could see someone, though I shall not hazard a guess as to who it might be.” He chuckled and grabbed his bag. “Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to check on Mr. Avery again before taking my leave.”

Neither of Elizabeth’s protectors stirred until the man was completely out of the room. But the moment the door closed, William whirled about, heading to the door to the sitting room, obviously determined to see her without further delay.