Page 36

Mrs. Drury nodded. “Mr. Darcy, I am so sorry. I blame myself for not being aware of what was happening earlier. If she had been hurt—”

“Madam, it is not your fault. There was nothing to hear. The blackguard had a key to the room.”

She gasped. “But how?”

“It is the only logical explanation. There was no forced entry. I checked all the doors before going to bed, and they were secure. Somehow the thief acquired keys. He had already stolen jewels from another room.” William’s expression hardened as he continued. “What I do not understand, though, is why he did not run when he saw Elizabeth instead of taking her with him.” He shook his head. “If I find the—”

“Do you know who it is?”

“No. But a man of that ilk will continue his mischief until he is caught, and I fear that a servant in this establishment might have aided him since he had keys. Mr. Gates has promised a thorough investigation.” He sighed, wearily rubbing his eyes with his palms before speaking again. “I do not intend for her to be alone ever again at night while we travel. What happened proves she is incapable of protecting herself against anyone who would do her harm.”

Mrs. Drury murmured, “Poor child.”

“I need you to stay with her for the first few hours after dark. Then when everyone else is asleep, I shall slip into the room for my watch, while you get some rest. At first light, I will return to my room, dress and go downstairs to arrange our departure and a basket for the journey. You shall, of course, be with her until we are ready to leave.”

“But, sir, that will leave you very little time for rest.”

“I have slept in many a chair—even on the ground when necessary—so it will not affect me very much, especially as it will only be for a few days.” He smiled. “You are the one who will find no rest while watching her, I fear.”

It was her turn to smile. “Lose no sleep over me, sir. I may be old, but I am of sturdy stock!”

William stepped over to open the door to the hall and seeing no one about, closed it quickly. “For tonight I shall stay, as there is no one about to know. Please try to rest. We leave in a few hours.”

Mrs. Drury bobbed a curtsy and entered her room, closing the door.

William turned to enter Elizabeth’s room, checked the door to find it secure, and then pulled a large upholstered chair over to the bedside. However, after dropping tiredly into its cushions, his eyes refused to close. Instead they sought Elizabeth. Thoughts of what might have been her fate had he not listened to the inner urgings made his stomach churn. No matter the reason, he had failed her.

Gently he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. She looked peaceful, her dark curls fanned out across the white linens, and the lines on her face smooth in sleep. The doll she normally clutched lay on a pillow nearby. Memories of the young woman he had met at the assembly in Meryton came flooding back as he drank in her features. He was powerless to stave off the same fear that overwhelmed him as he had searched for her. His heart began to throb with such force that it seemed it might leap from his chest, and against his better judgment, he reached out to caress a lock of her ebony hair.

Her eyes opened sleepily. She reached to caress his face, and in spite of his weariness, he smiled and covered her hand with his. Then she slid over in an attempt to make room for him to lie down. Hesitating only a moment, he lay alongside her, and she turned to snuggle into his chest, closing her eyes. Though it was difficult to ignore the feel of her body next to his, he would not deny her the safety of his arms. Steeling himself not to react, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer and closing his eyes.

They remained entwined until the first rays of light prompted him to rise, before the rest of the inn and any prying eyes awakened. Elizabeth still slept as he slipped out of the room, and he encountered Mrs. Drury coming into the sitting room. He acknowledged her slight curtsy.

“She had a restful sleep, no doubt from the herbs. I hope you did as well?”

“Yes, I managed to sleep a little, thank you.”

“I am glad. I will return to my room before the servants bring around the warm water I requested and our trays of food. After you both have eaten and dressed, send word and I shall escort you to the carriage. I would like to leave as soon as possible.”

“Very well, sir.”

~~~*~~~

Wickham sat on his horse for some time, still in sight of the inn but hidden by the trees. He grinned at all the lights suddenly flickering inside, the sounds of loud voices, then chuckled to see men running to and fro, inside and out. Suddenly sobering, he cursed the luck that had brought Darcy out onto the porch so quickly that he had not the time to steal even a kiss from the captivating vixen.

How did Darcy know that he was just about to discover what was under that thin gown? Hell, the man must be a wizard!

It was Darcy’s shout that had interrupted his pleasure and sent him flying down the stairs. He would know that voice anywhere, and he was not about to let Fitzwilliam Darcy apprehend him. The man could be ruthless when it came to those he loved. Once he had threatened his life, just for stopping by Pemberley when Georgiana was alone. Wickham laughed. There had never been any danger of Georgiana Darcy falling for his charms. She was much too intelligent to believe his lies.

His thoughts returned to the mysterious woman that travelled with Darcy. Elizabeth. The name suits. She is clearly a beautiful woman, if a little odd. But who am I to tell Darcy what kind of woman he should pursue. Perhaps only one who is not in her right mind would have him! Chuckling, he tipped his hat and kicked his horse into a canter.

I hope we meet again soon, Miss Elizabeth!

~~~*~~~

As they crossed the highest point along the drive to the front of the house, the sight of Pemberley in the distance caused William to smile. The prospect never failed to inspire and never more so than today. He tapped his cane on the ceiling, bringing the coach to an abrupt halt. Opening the door, he lightly dropped to the ground before a footman could lower the step, and he turned to assist Elizabeth. Without hesitating, she let him place his hands around her waist, lift her from the coach and deposit her on the ground. Then he guided her to the place where large boulders marked the edge of the road. He watched her expression until she seemed to focus on the house before speaking.

“This is my home, Elizabeth. This is Pemberley, and it is to be your home now. I hope you will love it as much as I do.” He felt the now familiar squeeze of her hand, though her gaze never left the scene, and he returned the gesture before guiding her back to the coach. Mrs. Drury had been taking in the view from the window and was suitably impressed. She spoke as they settled back into their seats.