The Lost Heir by Harriet Knowles

Author:Harriet Knowles
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-03-23T04:00:00+00:00

40

“Why the devil did you take her there?” Richard’s fury washed over Darcy, whose heart was already cold with dread.

“Nobody knew she could be there — except for you and your family! You must have talked in front of the servants, and Wickham will have discovered the connection through them!”

“That’s enough!” The earl’s voice was like a whiplash, and both of them turned to him. “Have some respect for your mother, Richard. And you, Darcy. Nothing will be gained by this unseemly argument, and there is much to be lost if we waste time.” His uncle turned to the servant.

“Please tell me again exactly what you know.”

The man bowed. He was very well turned out for a household in Cheapside, and Darcy could see his uncle revising his opinion of the place. But he was too filled with fear for Elizabeth and Georgiana to be amused by the thought.

“Yes, my lord. The … the Darcy’s fine coach appeared. It was in full livery, with all the servants that would be expected. The head coachman came up the steps, very well-spoken.”

“How do you know it was him?” Richard barked. The man quailed.

“The housekeeper heard Miss Bennet ask Miss Darcy if she recognised him, sir. And she said she did. And he knew exactly why she was there, and he asked for Miss Bennet by name too.”

“Why ask for her, too? In God’s name, why?” Darcy wanted to tear his hair out. He couldn’t wait here a moment longer. He must go and find her.

“It’s a trap.” Richard’s voice was flat and unemotional. “He wants you to go after them, and he’ll arrange some sort of accident for you.” His gaze was steely. “He will ensure he does not fail this time.”

“Yes. You must not go, Darcy. Richard and David will go.” Uncle Henry looked sternly at Darcy. “Do you hear me?”

Darcy shook his head. “I have to go. Nothing you can say will stop me. Nothing.” His frustration mounted. “Now. I must go now. Every moment we delay takes them closer to Scotland.”

He turned back to the Gardiner’s servant. “Thank you for coming here yourself, Mr. Evans, and not just sending a note. Please make sure you inform Mr. Gardiner directly he is found.”

“What can he do? And how will he find you if you go riding off in such a hurry?” His uncle’s voice cut across the room again.

Darcy turned away to the window, pain stinging his palms. It was his own fingernails digging into his flesh, and he forced himself to unclench his hands. “Miss Elizabeth has a family, too, my lord, and her family need to know where she is, and that I will find her before she can be harmed.”

He shuddered. Please let it not be too late. “May I take a horse from here, or must I go back to Darcy House?”

“You ought to tell your father. He will be distressed to hear that his own coachman and other staff have betrayed him and are loyal to Wickham.

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