Mr Darcy's Mistress by Francine Howarth

Author:Francine Howarth [Howarth, Francine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Coronet Press
Published: 2018-10-31T04:00:00+00:00

In pacing the study he expressed his thoughts: “Where in the deuce can they be?”

Standing by the window looking out on the appalling conditions, Bingley turned on his heels and declared: “That’s it, I’ve waited long enough. My wife is out there somewhere, and I am determined to do my utmost to find her.”

“Damn it, we have no clue in which direction they chose to wander.”

“They were not along the way by which we returned. That much I do know, and surely one of the servants noticed their departure. I shall enquire below stairs afore stepping out. Jane is not as robust as she would have everyone believe. Do you not recall the mishap of her riding to Netherfield in similar circumstances of an unexpected deluge, and how ill she became?”

“I do, indeed I do. And yes, the time has come to organise a search party.”

The door burst open as both hurried toward it, and Lydia stern of face said: “You have to do something. Jane and Lizzy have been gone two hours and more, and the rain has not eased one bit. They must be soaked to the skin by now.”

“We are about to go in search of them just as soon as we’ve donned appropriate attire.”

She snorted. “They have but a pelisse and bonnet each.”

“With boots, waxed riding coats, and a horse, we will achieve a rescue a damn sight faster than on foot. Aside from which we shall take cloaks with us to wrap our lady wives within for warmth, and bring them back anon.”

Lydia stepped aside to allow immediate departure. “Very well then, Mr. Darcy,” declared she in vexed tone, “though I have now sent word with Porter for every manservant and idle gardener to go in search of them.” She raised a hand to stall their exit. “You see, I noticed from my window the sky had turned dark and grey and the gardeners were busying with collecting up their tools. They then disappeared to a potting shed. I noticed a chimney, and all but a few moments later smoke drifted forth, and I waited and waited to catch sight of Jane and Lizzy coming back the way they had set out.”

“Elizabeth and Jane went by way of the kitchen garden?”

“Why yes. I quite thought their intention was merely to explore the garden but they ventured out through a side gate and vanished from sight.”

“Well that makes our task all the easier, for we can be sure they went along the bridleway. Come Bingley, we must away as prompt as able, for there is no shelter of any consequence along that ride, barring trees.”

And so they hastened onward, Lydia dashing in the opposite direction, presumably in hope the two wanderers were returning via the garden.

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