Darcy's Quest by Marianne Lewis

Author:Marianne Lewis [Lewis, Marianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: none
Published: 2020-04-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Three days later, Elizabeth made for the carriage. Darcy awaited her, handsome in buckskin breeches and a blue coat. He smiled at her approach, extending a hand for her parcel before assisting her inside the carriage.

Elizabeth returned his smile, finding warm pleasure in the fact that Darcy truly seemed to enjoy her presence. She almost felt wanted, and not for anything but herself. It was a novel sensation, and one she was loath to study in too much detail. Darcy climbed into the carriage with a lean, athletic grace. Elizabeth admired his form and balance as much on this occasion as she had on several others.

They arrived at their destination shortly there after. "You get to carry this packet of herbs."

He lifted the forgotten parcel, grinning. He turned and leant towards her, brandishing the package.

Simultaneously, a loud crack split the morning air and reverberated through the quiet countryside.

Darcy gasped and rocked back, the herbs falling from his hand. Before Elizabeth realized she'd heard a pistol shot, he'd grabbed at his wife turning them about. "Home, Elizabeth, as fast as you can!"

He tossed Elizabeth back inside the carriage, whacked one of the horses neatly on the rump, and urged the driver to take off in haste. Another report sounded, mingling with the pounding of hooves, and the thudding of Elizabeth's heart. Merciful God, whatever was happening? And Darcy, why wasn't he beside her in the carriage, instead of riding behind? He was protecting her! But what about himself?

The stableyard had never been so inviting. Darcy galloped in, bringing his sweating mounts to a thundering halt.

"Tom!" Darcy shouted. "Tom!"

Elizabeth didn't wait to be helped. "Oh, William, your shoulder! You were shot! It all happened so fast I couldn't be sure!"

Tom ran out of the stables. Darcy sent him a piercing stare. "Poachers, I make no doubt. Damned bad shots, too. Gather some men and see what you can find; be sure to determine if any of the local lads were out today. Report back immediately if you learn anything.”

Tom nodded and ran back into the stable, shouting for his undergrooms. Darcy turned to Elizabeth, and enfolded her in a one-armed embrace. Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder, finding comfort in the beat of his heart and his warm nearness.

Darcy smoothed his hand down her back, pulling her close, as if gaining the same measure of reassurance from her proximity. After some moments, he eased her gently away. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Are you all right?"

Elizabeth drew a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Shaken and trembling, she was otherwise none the worse for the experience. She nodded. "But we need to get you inside and determine the extent of that wound. It's not bleeding much, but I daresay it must painful."

"Yes, it does burn a trifle, though I doubt it's more than a flesh wound. Come, then." He placed a hand at her back, and guided her through the door. Bexley hurried up, asking what was amiss. Darcy briefly explained their mishap, and commissioned him to find a footman to retrieve and deliver the herbs to Nate.

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