Chapter Sixteen

Darcy

27 th November 1811

Fox and Hounds Inn, Northampton

T he next morning dawned crisp and clear, with the faintest hint of mist still clinging to the countryside as he stood by the door of the Fox and Hounds Inn, observing the scene before him. Elizabeth was bidding Georgiana farewell, her manner warm and sincere. Maggie stood beside her, her small hand clutching Elizabeth’s gown, her eyes shy but eager as Georgiana smiled down at her.

“You must come and visit Pemberley, Maggie,” Georgiana said softly, bending slightly to embrace the child. “I have told you so much about it, I should not wonder if you are imagining it to be rather like a castle by now!”

Maggie giggled at this statement, her cheeks rosy with delight.

Darcy exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, her eyes twinkling. “Well,” Georgiana added, “perhaps not quite like a castle, but—”

“It is not difficult to picture it as such,” Elizabeth interjected with a laugh, her voice light. “I must confess, even I am half-inclined to imagine it grander than it can possibly be.”

Georgiana’s expression softened, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. “Oh, Elizabeth,” she said with a shy smile, “I should very much like for you to see it for yourself.”

At this, Darcy, who had remained silent but attentive, stepped forward. “Indeed,” he said, his voice measured but warm, “Pemberley would be much improved by your presence, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth glanced quickly at him, he noticed that her breath caught slightly at the unexpected remark and her cheeks flushed in a delightful manner.

“I—” she began, faltering slightly before recovering her composure. “You are very kind, sir. Perhaps one day…” Her voice trailed off as she glanced away, her fingers absently adjusting the ribbons of her bonnet.

His sister smiled at Maggie once more. “Do not forget your promise, Maggie. You must come. And we shall walk the gardens together, and you may meet all the little creatures I have told you about.”

Maggie nodded earnestly. She then ran towards Georgiana to give her a hug, her small arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Georgiana laughed softly, returning the embrace with genuine affection.

As they pulled apart, Mrs Annesley entered the room, her step light and graceful.

“Mrs Annesley,” Georgiana exclaimed. “You have arrived. I missed you.”

“And I you,” she said. “Mr Darcy, it is good to see you again, sir.”

“And you,” he replied. “I trust you remember Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her ward, Miss Maggie?”

“Indeed, I do. Who could forget such a sweet face.” She smiled warmly at the group before her eyes fell on Maggie, and with an indulgent air. “Well, my little one, are you off again so soon?” she asked kindly, her tone as familiar and tender as a grandmother’s.

Maggie, who was fond of Mrs Annesley no doubt thanks to the sweetmeat she’d dispensed the last time they met, grinned and nodded, her eyes bright. Elizabeth stepped forward to greet his sister’s attendant.

“Good morning, Mrs Annesley,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “I fear we are taking our leave now, but it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance once more.”

“And yours, Miss Bennet,” Mrs Annesley replied, her voice gentle and warm. “I do hope we meet again soon.”

Elizabeth inclined her head politely. “You are too kind, madam.”

Darcy, who had been watching the exchange, gave a slight bow. “Mrs Annesley, I thank you for joining us here. If you could assist Georgiana with her portmanteau I will have the coachman assist you in bringing it down. I will be back as soon as I have delivered Miss Bennet and Miss Maggie safely. Then we will set of for Pemberley directly.”

Mrs Annesley returned his bow with a nod, her eyes twinkling. “Of course, Mr Darcy.”

With the farewells said, Darcy and Elizabeth exited the inn and made their way to the waiting carriage. The morning air was crisp and fresh, and as Darcy stepped up into the carriage, he could not help but steal one last glance at Georgiana, who stood by the door, waving gently with a smile. His sister and Elizabeth Bennet had become increasingly close, and he loathed to part them, but he had to return her to the home to which she belonged.

***

As the carriage rumbled steadily along the country road, the early morning mist had begun to clear, allowing the golden sunlight to break through the clouds. Inside, the atmosphere had grown comfortably quiet, save for the occasional rustle of Maggie’s skirts as she shifted excitedly in her seat, glancing between Darcy and Elizabeth.

Darcy broke the silence, his voice low but clear. “Miss Bennet,” he began, turning slightly towards her, “I hope you know that I spoke in earnest earlier—Pemberley truly would benefit from your presence.”

Elizabeth turned to him with a small smile. “You are very kind, sir,” she replied softly. “But you have already done more than enough.”

Darcy’s eyes softened, and he shook his head gently. “The kindness has been all yours, Georgiana greatly benefitted from your company. I know not what you said to her, but whatever it was she seemed—lighter,” he said, his tone sincere. “As I said, Pemberley’s door is always open to you. If you should ever wish—”

Before he could finish, Maggie grabbed his arm and pointed eagerly to herself, as if to ask whether she too was welcome. Though the little girl could not speak, her wide eyes and lively gestures made her meaning plain.

Darcy’s expression warmed immediately, and he bent forward, his voice taking on a playful tone. “Ah, Maggie, of course you are welcome. There is much fun to be had at Pemberley! We shall walk the gardens, and perhaps even explore the woods, and there are plenty of animals who will be eager to make your acquaintance.”

Maggie’s eyes sparkled with joy, and she clapped her hands, her enthusiasm infectious. But just as Darcy was about to continue, he felt the sudden, unexpected pressure of Elizabeth’s hand gripping his arm. Her fingers, delicate yet firm, had wrapped around his sleeve, and for a brief moment, a strange and thrilling warmth spread through him at the unexpected touch. His pulse quickened, and he glanced at her in surprise, but his transient delight vanished the instant he saw her face.

Elizabeth had gone pale, her usual lively complexion drained of colour, and her eyes were wide with alarm. She nodded her chin sharply towards the window, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.

“Look,” she whispered, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. “Those men… sitting under the tree. I recognise them.”

Darcy’s gaze followed hers out of the window, and sure enough, there, under the shade of a large oak tree just beyond the bend in the road, were two men, their backs against the trunk. They were scruffy, their clothes rumpled and their hats pulled low, but it was the furtive way they sat, watching the carriage with unblinking eyes, that sent a chill down Darcy’s spine.

Elizabeth swallowed hard, her grip on his arm tightening. “They were outside Longbourn the day we left,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I am certain of it. They were there waiting for the man who claimed to be her father.” She nodded at Maggie but did not speak louder so as not to disturb the child who remained oblivious to the sudden danger, her eyes peeled outwards to the road.

Darcy felt a surge of protectiveness rise within him, and his heart hammered in his chest. He glanced once more at the men, their stillness unsettling, and knew they could not risk any confrontation, not now. His jaw tightened, and he swiftly raised his walking cane, rapping it sharply against the roof of the carriage. The coachman, well-trained in Darcy’s subtle signals, would understand the need for immediate action.

The carriage slowed and Darcy opened the window.

“Proceed as if all is well… then make haste back to the inn,” he called.

The coachman gave a slight nod, his hands steady on the reins as he began to slow the horses, preparing for a discreet reversal of their course.

Inside the carriage, the tension was palpable. Darcy, now fully alert, kept his eyes trained on the road ahead, while beside him, Elizabeth’s breathing remained shallow, her face still pale. Maggie, sensing the change in mood, looked anxiously between the two adults, her earlier excitement replaced by silent concern.

“I left my spectacles at the inn,” Mr Darcy said to Maggie and pulled a face. “Silly me.”

This appeared to appease her and she smiled before returning her gaze back to the window, unaware of the danger.

Darcy was still acutely aware of Elizabeth’s hand resting on his arm, and allowed himself only the briefest moment to speak, his voice gentle but resolute. “There is no need for alarm, Miss Bennet,” he said quietly, his gaze flickering towards her. “I shall see you and Maggie to safety.”

Elizabeth nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the passing landscape, her mind clearly racing. She withdrew her hand from his arm slowly, almost as if realising only then that she had been clutching it, and offered him a brief, strained smile.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The carriage wheels turned, and their course shifted imperceptibly. Though they had only just departed, they were now heading back towards the familiar shelter of the inn, the looming threat of those men pressing down upon them with every passing moment.