Chapter 2

2

D arcy reached Lucas Lodge in short order, his horse tossing its head and blowing. He dismounted, and patted the animal. He nodded at the groom.

"A good drink and a rub down. I will need him again soon."

Then he turned to the butler, and produced his card. "I would be grateful for an interview with Sir William, if you please."

A few moments later, the servant returned and led him into Sir William's study.

Darcy had not been impressed with the man last autumn, but he was the local magistrate, and since the militia was still in Brighton, this was Darcy's only recourse.

"It is very good to see you back at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy!" Sir William was as effusive as ever. "And is Mr. Bingley with you? But how may I assist you? You look as if this is not a courtesy call."

Darcy bowed his head. "Thank you, Sir William. Bingley has returned with me. But I am here to speak to you in your capacity as magistrate for the town of Meryton, and ask how many constables you are able to call upon for a matter that will require one — or possibly several, for a number of days."

The man's eyebrows rose. "Sit down, Mr. Darcy, and let me call for coffee. Then you can explain the situation."

It had taken several hours, but finally Darcy was trotting back to Longbourn; a hired hack chaise and two of Sir William's volunteer constables following him.

He stopped a few minutes away from the house, and nodded at them. "Wait here until you are summoned to the door." He dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to one of the grooms. Now he had to get to see Mr. Bennet without Wickham observing him.

Could he really bear the thought of tapping on the glazed summer doors of Bennet's library? He frowned; he really wasn't the sort to skulk around like that. Then he huffed a laugh.

Miss Elizabeth was not the sort to deal such a ringing slap to her sister. But she had done so. It had been utterly diverting, and he was not at all able to censure her in his mind; that young woman had quite deserved it. Not to forget that she had struck Wickham, too.

The smile was wiped from his face. He must get Mr. and Mrs. Wickham away from Longbourn before the day was out. Wickham would not allow such an insult to go unpunished, and tonight was just the moment he would choose.

Bennet waved the decanter at him, but it was far too early to start drinking — and the chaise was waiting.

"I am sorry, Mr. Bennet. My errand is urgent, and I would prefer to take coffee with you after I have apprised you of what I am doing."

Bennet's eyebrows rose. "Very well.' He looked pensive for a moment. "Am I to understand that Mr. Bingley is here on your advice? He will not break my Jane's heart again?"

Darcy bowed his head. "Yes. And I hope not, sir."

"His attentions and then vanishing like that caused her great humiliation and embarrassment in the town." Bennet's eyes were hard.

"I am sorry for it, and I do believe that if Miss Bennet can bring herself to forgive him, he will make a loyal and attentive husband."

"Well, I do not expect your unorthodox way of entering my study was solely about Bingley. What is your urgent business?" Bennet leaned forward and leaned his elbows on the desk, steepling his hands in front of him.

"Very well. I have some concerns about the safety of your youngest daughter, if Wickham decides to avoid taking up his commission." Darcy had to be careful what he said. He did not want to alienate the man.

"It appears he has delayed his departure from here long enough that he is in danger of being posted as a deserter."

"He will be catching the post coach tomorrow, Mr. Darcy. I am certain his smooth talking manner will get him exonerated from such difficulties. At least the first time."

Darcy nodded reluctantly. "I apologise for this, sir. But Bingley and I arrived here together, and I am aware the Miss Elizabeth struck Mr. Wickham, such that I believe she may not be safe from him if he remains in this house with her overnight."

Bennet scowled. "With what happened at Brighton, I am aware of his unsavoury habits. But you seem to be implying something more?" He raised a questioning eyebrow.

Darcy nodded reluctantly. "While he has not generally proved to be a violent man; on occasion, he has been known to — be determined to impose himself as a form of revenge on a reluctant female."

The lines on Bennet's face deepened. "Then Mrs. Wickham has made herself an uncomfortable bed to lie in."

"Indeed." Darcy could hardly feel sympathetic for the foolish girl, although it would not do to say so. "However, if Wickham attempts to take his anger out on Miss Elizabeth, there would be no recourse — and even if he wasn't married already, I doubt she would chain herself to that man."

Bennet huffed. "She would for the sake of her sisters. But I doubt she would stay with him. Although, as you say, he is already married now."

Darcy was not inclined to think of even the possibility. "Might it be better if she did not have to suffer through any risk?" He drew breath before Bennet. "I have taken the liberty, sir, of obtaining Sir William's assistance and have two constables and a hired hack chaise waiting at this moment to convey Mr. and Mrs. Wickham to the north without delay. It will also prevent them taking the opportunity to dally yet further in town. I will also be writing to Colonel Featherstone to ask for leniency for this first offence —if only for the sake of your youngest daughter."

Bennet's eyebrow rose. "You know the man?"

Darcy grimaced. "I do." He hadn't wanted his involvement in the aftermath of the elopement known here, but Bennet was not a stupid man.

"Well, I think there is a story here. I will need further information, Mr. Darcy. But I suppose at this moment, we need to put your plan into action." He leaned across his desk and rang the bell.

When the housekeeper answered, he sent her and the butler to begin packing the couple's effects. Then he turned a wry smile on Darcy.

"Very well, let us go and inform my guests that they have definitely outstayed their welcome."

Darcy followed him through to the sitting room. Even though the formal calling hour was long past, he would at least see Miss Elizabeth today.

From behind Bennet, he could see Wickham's face turn white as he saw Darcy. The man knew very well that if he did not turn up to his position, Darcy had promised him the next step was Marshalsea.