19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

T he celebratory mood lasted until a messenger arrived with news from Lord Grayson. As Matlock opened the letter and read it, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch him.

"Any news?" Darcy held his fingers crossed behind him. He was still holding some hope that it was all a false alarm.

However, one look at Lord Matlock's solemn face was enough to disperse that hope. He waited with bated breath for Matlock to pass on the information.

"Lord Grayson has been in contact with the signal stations on the coast. The enemy flotilla is growing. They are stockpiling and building new structures. It is nothing like it was before Trafalgar, but there are definite signs of increasing activity. Officers commanding signal stations on the coast have been requested to show extreme vigilance and to contact their local commanding officers immediately if any enemy ships are seen moving."

There was a long silence as everyone tried to absorb the implications.

"Do they have a sense of when the attack is happening?" asked Miss King.

When , thought Darcy, not if . His heart sank.

"It is still unclear," said Matlock, folding the letter. "Napoleon would not send resources to the coast if he did not intend to attack, but we still have no idea how fast he will move. We may have to wait for weeks to determine his purpose. For now, we just have to wait. But we need to be prepared to move at any moment. It will give us more time to send for more mages if needed."

He looked at Elizabeth. "We are all counting on Riquer to give us better information."

"I have heard nothing yet." Her face was strained.

It was too much of a burden to put on one person. Darcy gritted his teeth. If only he was the one with the Mirror Talent! All the feelings of dissatisfaction and unease resurfaced. This time, he knew it was not jealousy. It was a feeling of profound resentment. Why did the whole of the Kingdom have to rely on Riquer for information? Not for the first time, Darcy rued the day that he had captured Riquer outside Founder's Hall.

Riquer had better not be lying, he thought. Not that there was much he could do about it.

"What now?" said Mr. Bennet.

"We could be asked to leave at any time. Please be prepared."

Now that the celebratory mood was gone, only the Healers were still interested in playing cards, and before long, most of the Royal Mages had taken their leave and gone to bed.

The next morning, Elizabeth went outside with a renewed sense of purpose. It was so much more pleasant waiting for Riquer in the morning. At least she could bring a book and read if she wanted, or wander around the garden and smell the roses. She did not have to worry about tripping or falling on uneven ground, either.

If only Darcy would join her! They had, unfortunately, decided it was for the best if he didn't. Darcy's antagonism towards Riquer made both of them uncomfortable, and she did not want the discomfort to have an impact on her magic.

In any case, it was a nice change to be alone with her thoughts, which did not happen often. It was, in fact, a lovely morning. The sky was stretched out in clear blue all the way to the horizon, and the sun was like a warm mantle on her head and shoulders. And the good thing was, Elizabeth did not have to worry about Jane. Even though she was asleep when Elizabeth went to see her, the Healer who was with her assured Elizabeth that her sister was on the mend.

Once she heard from Riquer, she would feel more at ease. Lord Grayson's message had cast a pall on everyone last night, but she was determined to make the best of the time she had left. But until she received something – anything – from Riquer, she was too beset with uncertainties.

Lord Matlock's reminder last night that everything depended on Riquer had shaken her, because it was not exactly true. Everything depended on both Elizabeth and Riquer, possibly more on her, because of the two, she was the one with the weaker magic. What if Riquer had tried to contact her, but she was incapable of matching his magic. She took up the mirror and stared into it. She was tired of seeing her own image. What if that was all she would ever see?

As if in answer to the question, her image dissolved, and the mirror turned milky, followed by the familiar swooshing sound. Her hands trembling, she uttered a spell and prepared herself to direct her magic. Slowly, another image formed. It was Riquer.

She could barely see him through the mist, and his voice was muffled, but it was undoubtedly him. Not only was he alive, but he was not a traitor. She was giddy with relief, then triumphant. He had contacted her! And he was safe! And she was able to receive his message!

Except that she could not hear what he was saying. His mouth was moving, but only garbled words came out.

She calmed herself and followed the steps Riquer had taught her to receive an image through the mirror.

"Could you repeat what you're saying?"

His words became slightly clearer "— cannot talk — being watched — across from Boulogne — weather – wind mages —" Riquer was saying.

She tried to amplify his voice, using all the techniques he had taught her, but his voice kept fading in and out.

"I cannot hear you properly," she said urgently.

But the mist was swirling, his voice growing fainter. She desperately focused all her energy on magnifying the mirror magic, but his voice only grew more distant.

" —immediately — not delay." Despite all her efforts, the swirling fog was obscuring him.

Then, abruptly, there was only her own face in the mirror, with the blue sky reflecting from behind her.

She sat down with a thump, her mind trying to disentangle what had just happened, her knees weak. But only for a moment. She jumped up in a panic. She had to tell Lord Matlock at once before she forgot something.

She ran inside and addressed the first footman she saw. "Take me to Lord Matlock," she said. "At once!"

She could not delay for a single second.

It was ironic that Elizabeth had wanted so much to hear from Riquer, but had never really thought about the implications. Of course, Riquer would only be in touch if he had to give them bad news. He was being watched, and he certainly would not take a huge risk to have a social conversation.

There was no doubt that he was warning them that something was about to happen, but she did not know what it was. Everyone had questioned her, trying to deduce something from the fragmented information she received, but no matter how they tried, they could not make sense out of the warning.

Only one thing was abundantly clear. They had to leave for the coast without delay. Their time at Rosings was over.

***

For most of the night before their departure, Elizabeth stayed in the sick room, sitting beside Jane. She wanted to be with her sister as long as possible. Even though Jane was better, she had not yet recovered, and there was always a possibility something could go wrong.

At some point, Papa came and insisted on taking Elizabeth's place.

"I have slept a few hours, Lizzy. I would like to spend some time with my daughter."

Elizabeth was about to object by saying they could both be there, when Mr. Bennet forestalled her.

"In any case, you need your rest, Lizzy. You cannot stay up all night. We do not know what is in store for us tomorrow."

Reluctantly, she agreed. She had not slept much the last few nights and she was feeling the effects.

She pressed Jane's fingers lightly. "I will see you in a short while," she whispered, not wanting to wake her up.

Jane's eyes opened, and she moved her dry lips in a faint smile. "I've put you through so much trouble." she murmured. "You are all so good to me. I do not deserve it."

"You deserve it and more," said Elizabeth, gently. How very like Jane to care about others. "You must promise me not to exert yourself, so you can join us in a day or two. We have arranged to have Mrs. Jenkinson look after you, and she will accompany you to join us once you are recovered enough. I'm sure you will catch up with us in the next few days."

She looked happy to hear it, but her unhealthy, clammy skin made Elizabeth doubt her own words. Then she chided herself. It was natural that Jane would look poorly when she had been so badly wounded. She was on the mend now and would soon be fully recovered.

Elizabeth rose to her feet, kissed her sister on the brow, and left the room. Bingley was pacing outside the door. Elizabeth had made him go away earlier when he had dozed off and almost fell off his chair.

"You are not supposed to be here," she remarked.

"I tried to sleep, but I was too restless. How is she?"

"She seems better," replied Elizabeth, as much for her own sake as for his.

He nodded. "Good." He stared longingly at the door. "Do you think I could –?" he gestured to the room.

"Of course. You are engaged, are you not?"

He nodded brightly. "Yes. Yes of course."

"Besides, Papa is in there."

He bounded inside, and Elizabeth closed the door. In a daze, she made her way to her bedchamber. Miss King and Miss Bingley were both sound asleep. She would do well to emulate them, just in case Riquer chose to contact her in the morning. She had to be sharp and in full control of her magic.

Elizabeth did manage to sleep, but she woke up when Miss King got up.

"Ready to leave?" said Miss King.

"No. It will be so difficult to leave my sister behind."

"It is only for a few days." Miss King's tone was practical.

Elizabeth consoled herself with that.

She went quickly to the sickroom to say goodbye, but Jane was asleep. Elizabeth sat there, taking advantage of the last few minutes, while Mr. Bennet went to refresh himself. Bingley was holding Jane's hand and looking at it as if he would never let go.

A few minutes later, Miss King knocked at the door to remind Elizabeth that the others were waiting to depart. There was no point in delaying. Elizabeth went out, and a minute later, Bingley emerged, looking as if he had been crying. However, he straightened his shoulders and inclined his head briefly to indicate he was ready to leave.

If it went against the grain for Elizabeth to leave Jane, she could only imagine how much worse it was for Bingley. None of them wanted this. Elizabeth could only hope that, in the end, they would play a useful role, and that she was not abandoning her sister for nothing. Though she felt conflicted even about that. A trip that was not wasted meant they would face battle, something Elizabeth could not wish for at all. It was difficult to know what she wanted, really. If the battle could resolve things, once and for all, then it would be wonderful, and she would sacrifice anything for that. The thought that it might be yet another skirmish with the Imperial Mages – one of many – lowered her spirits, but it could not be helped. Railing against her fate would accomplish nothing.

Meanwhile, as Bingley walked with them to the carriage, Darcy and Elizabeth each sought to console him.

"She will recover, never fear," said Elizabeth. "The Rochester Healers are excellent."

Darcy clapped him on the shoulder. "It will all work out. You will see. You just need patience."

"That is what I do not have. I want to be certain that she will not take a turn for the worse. And I feel like I am abandoning her. I cannot bear the idea of her staying in the room alone."

"She is not alone," Elizabeth pointed out. "Mrs. Jenkinson is accustomed to caring for Anne. I am sure she will smother Jane with attention. And Darcy has spoken to the butler. He will ensure one of the maids is with her all the time, and that all her needs are attended to."

At that point, Lord Matlock called them. "We need to depart immediately."

Bingley was looking thoroughly downcast.

"Perhaps Bingley should change places with Lord Matlock and go in the other carriage," suggested Mr. Bennet, hopefully.

"No, Papa. He needs to come with us, just as we already arranged," said Elizabeth. "We will at least be able to talk to him."

"It will do no good," said Mr. Bennet. "He will spend all his time discussing Jane's health, and thinking of the worst possible outcomes, and we will quickly become as gloomy as he is. Better for him to be with others who might distract him. Better still if he went with the ladies, who would fuss over him. Matlock can come with us."

"Bingley will travel with us," said Darcy, in a tone that brooked no argument.

The next morning, Elizabeth hoped Riquer would contact her again so she could clarify things, but nothing happened. Lord Matlock looked at her expectantly when she came in, but she simply shook her head and hurried to say goodbye to her sister before setting out for Walmer Castle, near the town of Deal.

When she returned to the front of the house, she found Lord Matlock arguing with Lady Catherine. As she drew closer, she discovered, to her absolute astonishment, that Lady Catherine was insisting on coming with them.

"It is clear there are too few of you to hold off an invasion," she said. "You need my assistance. You need not change any arrangements for the journey itself. I will make my own. I will be taking my own carriage. In any case, I am going to call on a friend on the way. I will meet you at The Three Kings Inn in Deal."

"As if this is the time to make social calls," grumbled Lord Matlock. "We are not going on a trip to the seaside, Catherine."

Lady Catherine merely sniffed before going into her carriage.

The small group of mages set out together this time, since there was no indication that Rosings was being watched. They had learned their lesson from the accident, and despite concerns over propriety, the consensus was that the ladies should not travel alone.

Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy traveled in their original conveyance with Bingley joining them. Miss Bingley, Miss King, Lord Matlock and Redmond traveled in a third carriage which they had borrowed from Lady Catherine. Their own carriage had yet not been repaired. Colonel Fitzwilliam went on horseback, since he needed to liaise with his men to receive news from the signal towers.

Just as the footman opened the carriage door and Elizabeth was about to step up, the sound of her name made her turn. It was Anne, running towards them.

"I thought I had missed you! Mrs. Jenkinson tried to stop me from leaving the house, but I managed to slip away."

She leaned against the carriage and waited to catch her breath. "I just wanted to let you know, Elizabeth, that I will make sure everything is done to make Miss Bennet comfortable. I will not let Mama get up to her old tricks. The maids will follow my instructions. And I will write to you at Walmer and inform you of your sister's progress."

"Thank you," said Elizabeth, resisting the temptation to embrace Anne, not knowing what her reaction might be. "I would welcome that."

Anne gave them all a curtsey and waved to her mother in the other carriage. Lady Catherine put her head out of the window.

"What are you doing out here, Anne? You will catch your death of a cold. What does Mrs. Jenkinson think she is doing, letting you leave the house like this?"

"It was not her fault. I got away while she was not looking," said Anne. She exchanged glances with Elizabeth and giggled, then turned to go back.

Darcy was feeling conflicted about leaving Rosings. Despite everything that had happened, it had been pleasant for him to return to his childhood home. It was not Pemberley, but when he had shown Elizabeth around, it had brought back memories, and he wished he could have stayed longer.

Bingley was the last to climb into the carriage, looking distressed. It was obvious his mind was elsewhere. He was folded in on himself, not looking at anyone else. Darcy wondered if Mr. Bennet had been right. Already, Darcy could feel a heavy gloom settling inside the carriage.

Mr. Bennet caught Darcy's eye and sent a purposeful glance towards Bingley. Darcy ignored it and looked out of the window.

However, as soon as the carriage began to move, Bingley suddenly jumped up and thumped on the roof for the coachman to stop.

"I can't," he said. "I can't just leave when I don't know if she will recover. I have to be with her. I am very sorry. I will try to catch up with you as soon as possible, but for now, I know my place is here with Jane."

Darcy struggled against a sense of outrage. Bingley remaining behind with Jane felt like a defection. That he had chosen to stay with Miss Bennet rather than supporting the Royal Mages felt like a betrayal. How could he do such a thing when they might be facing the biggest danger since the war had begun?

It sat ill with Darcy, and he made sure to tell Bingley so. "Are you seriously planning to stay behind?" he said. "How can you be so irresponsible?"

"How is that any different from earlier, when you wanted to go to Pemberley with your Janus Twin and abandon us all to our fate? Or a year ago, when you actually stormed off to Pemberley because you quarreled with the Council? About Elizabeth, no less."

"That was different," growled Darcy. "You cannot compare the two situations. We were not facing an invasion when I proposed the idea of going to Pemberley with my wife ."

"You do not believe these rumors of an invasion. And you have said it multiple times yourself already. Neither does the Council. That is why they only sent a handful of us."

"A handful of the best ," said Darcy. "You were selected for a reason."

"As is my sister, who is the best Conjurer we have, and is fortunate enough to have three Talents rather than two. I know we are important to the mission. You do not need to remind me. But sometimes you must make choices." He took a deep, shuddering breath. "Jane was there for me when I was ill. I will not leave her until I am certain she is out of the woods."

He gave Darcy a look that pleaded for understanding. There was guilt there, and desperation. Darcy glimpsed his own feelings mirrored in his friend's eyes. "With the help of the Rochester Healers, Miss Bennet is healing rapidly. The moment I know she is out of danger, I will catch up with you. You will all probably be lounging around the beaches kicking at the sand when I arrive. You will be happy to see me because you will be bored, and there will be no Napoleon in sight."

Darcy thought of Elizabeth, her love of long walks, and her eagerness to see the sea. The prospect of spending some time alone with her revived his spirits. Bingley was right. It might all come to nothing, but meanwhile, Darcy would take advantage of the opportunity to be with Elizabeth as much as possible.

"I sincerely hope so," said Darcy. "And you are right. Take care of the young lady who is so dear to you. I hope she will be well enough to join us as well."

Bingley grinned. "I can't tell you how relieved I am that you understand. I have been feeling dreadful. I know you disapprove of my choice, but sometimes it is important to take care of the ones we love."

He jumped out of the carriage, and before anyone could stop him, he disappeared into the house, leaving the three of them looking aghast.

"Shouldn't we tell Matlock?" said Elizabeth.

"Of course not," said Mr. Bennet. "It will only delay us, and I have no intention of dragging Bingley back to the carriage kicking and screaming." He knocked twice to order the coachman to resume the journey.

Darcy was too stunned by Bingley's sudden disappearance to react. Ever since he had first discovered Bingley's Talent and brought him to the Academy, Bingley had been an easy-going person who was happy to oblige, never taking a stand about anything. For him to suddenly do something like this!

Darcy was shaken to the core.

"Why?" he said.

He was not even aware he had said the words out loud until Elizabeth answered.

"Because he has been placed in an impossible position. Just when the two of them have found their love, it has been snatched away." She looked down at her hands. "That was what had happened to us as well."

Her words struck a chord inside him. He understood what she meant, only too well. Only a few days ago, Darcy himself was willing to do something similar. Now, seeing it happening to someone else, Darcy realized why Elizabeth had hesitated about going to Pemberley. Love was a powerful and valuable feeling, but so were loyalty and duty.

Only now did Darcy truly comprehend what was at stake. What kind of gentleman would Darcy have been, if he walked away and left the fate of the Kingdom in the hands of someone else? How could he ever look his children in the eyes and accept that he had abandoned the other mages at their hour of need?

He glanced at Elizabeth. She meant everything to him. She was his whole world. He would do anything to be able to spend time with her, alone, to make her happy, to live the life he had dreamed of.

His heart constricted painfully. Almost anything. There was one thing he could not do, not for her, not for Pemberley, not for the sake of his family legacy.

He could not walk away from doing everything he could to defeat Napoleon.