Page 32 of A Letter in the Wind (Mayhem and Scandal Collection #1)

The following morning, Darcy sat at his desk. He tried to focus on his current task, but it was impossible. He needed to notify the staff at Pemberley that he would not be arriving in a few days. He did not know how to heal the breach between him and Elizabeth but knew he could not leave the area. He would not leave her again.

Surely, it was the atmosphere left from their confrontation the day before, but he felt unsettled in the room. Nothing felt right and would not until Elizabeth was here in his arms again. His heart ached due to her absence, and he rubbed at it.

Instinctively, he knew that Elizabeth’s leaving was related to her belief that she was not worthy of love. He had thought that they were working through that. Did she not understand how much he loved her? Or the depth of it?

How could he convince her? What would speak most eloquently to her? Darcy was far out of his depth. He had never seen real love. He had spent most of his life terrified of loving someone enough to allow them the opportunity of hurting him. He awoke that morning with a greater love for Elizabeth than he had ever thought possible. Even though his heart was shredded, his anguish came more from his inability to heal Elizabeth than out of his own fears.

He thought over his morning reading. David’s plight must have been heavy indeed for the scriptures of this day. Psalms 35 and 36 were full of him calling out to God for deliverance and mercy. He prayed for his enemies to be routed and reminded God of his desire to follow Him.

Darcy dropped to his knees in prayer again. He had prayed more earnestly in the last several hours than he had ever done before. “Lord, I do not know what to do. I am terrified that all my worst fears are coming true. I have always been afraid that too much emotion—especially love—was the cause of my mother’s madness. Now, I find that I turn to You in my most desperate hour. I am running to you. I know that You alone can break the chains that have bound me.

“I believe you brought Elizabeth and me together. Nearly a week ago, we promised to cleave to one another and love each other until death do us part. I could force my right and bring her home. I could refuse an annulment or divorce. But that will not heal her heart.

“Forgive me, Lord, for I thought that I could. You alone can heal and restore. Forgive me for losing sight of you and thinking that making her happy was my meaning in life. Forgive me of all my sins and pride. I surrender to Your will. If we have erred and should not have married, change my desires. Give me a new understanding. Regardless of what happens between us, I pray that you heal and bless Elizabeth. Amen.”

Rising from his knees, Darcy felt compelled to open his Bible again. Perhaps he ought to read the evening portion early. Looking at his table of lessons, he noted that he had read Judges 2 this morning and that Judges 4 was ordered for the evening. He realised that he may have never read Judges 3. Why would the Book of Common Prayer skip that?

Thumbing through his Bible, he turned to the passage. Israel had angered the Lord by worshipping false idols…again. But God raised a deliverer for them. A mighty man with a double-edged sword. Was Darcy supposed to feel comforted by this story? Was he to be inspired?

He read on, and something ignited in his heart. In the final verse, nearly an afterthought, was the story of Shamgar. He somehow slew six hundred Philistines with only an ox goad—not even a weapon. It was probably merely a tool he had lying around and used as a farmer. Yet, when God’s people needed a deliverer, God used this ordinary man and the seemingly useless object he had. All Darcy had left was the unconditional love he felt for Elizabeth. On his own, it was insufficient. He was untrained in love. In spite of all this, after his earnest plea to God, Darcy felt confident that this was the Lord’s answer.

Darcy stood, intending to call for his carriage and planning to go to the Gardiners. Instead, he heard a knock on the door followed by Richard’s voice. In a moment, Richard and Georgiana entered the study. They greeted him with smiles, and Georgiana gave him a tight embrace.

“Where is Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked. “I cannot wait to see her again!”

Darcy’s stomach clenched, and he opened his mouth. He would have to lie and say that she was resting or merely visiting her aunt. Strangely, something staid him. He had told too many lies in the interest of saving face. He snapped his jaw shut and motioned to the seating arrangement by the fire. They obeyed his silent command but looked at him in confusion and worry. Mustering the last of his strength and saying a silent prayer, Darcy told the story to his sister and cousin with more than a few tears shed.

“What shall you do now?” Georgiana asked after she had ordered refreshments for them.

“I do not know what exactly I should say. I know I must go to her—I am sure she went to the Gardiners. I will leave just as soon as we eat.”

Richard had remained silent after Darcy’s story and continued to be mute while they ate. At last, Darcy asked, “Why are you so quiet, Richard? It is not your way.”

He replied, “I have been attempting to discern what changed in this room. I am certain something has been moved, but I cannot name it.”

“That is impossible. You know the staff is under strict orders to not rearrange anything. Elizabeth has been alone here, but I do not think she would do anything without asking me first.”

Georgiana looked around the room. “No, Richard is correct. My chair is usually closer to the fire.” She pointed to the carpet. “Look, you can see the impressions. It is a small change, but this furniture has been moved slightly to the right—we are not quite centred…”

In an instant, Darcy was unaware of the voices around him. His eye had caught on something on the carpet where the settee usually was. He bent low to pick up the item that had been concealed for years, surprised to see a cuff link. As he inspected it, he recalled that he had seen it in that very spot the day his mother was taken away. No, that was not the only time he had seen such an item. Robert Ingalls wore an identical insignia on his lapel at church. A coat of arms with an I in calligraphy. I for Ingalls.

Could the scoundrel have terrorised Elizabeth while Darcy was gone? The man would probably love nothing more, but Darcy had given strict instructions for that man to be barred from entry. Robert’s father must have been in this room years ago, but for what reason? Although nothing was to be permanently rearranged, the chamber was regularly cleaned. How could this cuff link had laid untouched for years? More importantly, who recently moved the furniture and why?

“What did you find, Darcy?” Richard asked.

“It is a cuff link. Have you ever seen this insignia before?”

Richard came closer to inspect the item, inhaling sharply after his inspection. He dropped his voice and spoke for Darcy’s ears alone. “I do know what this means; it is worse than you could imagine. Send Georgiana away, and I’ll explain everything that I know.”

Darcy silently scrutinised his cousin but found no answers. He glanced at his sister, who, while looking concerned, also looked exhausted. “Georgiana, my dear, you must be tired after the journey, and then I selfishly lay all these burdens at your feet the minute you come in the door. There is little to be done now and no assistance you can render in the situation. Will you not rest?”

“I can help somehow. I can—” She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. When she opened her mouth again, she yawned. “Oh, I suppose you are correct.” She approached the gentlemen and gave Richard a kiss on the cheek. She turned to do the same to Darcy, but her eyes fell on the cuff link, and she gasped.

“What is it?” Darcy asked.

“Nothing.” She shook her head. “I have seen that symbol before, and an unhappy memory intruded.”

“What do you mean?” Richard asked.

“Mr Wickham wore this symbol, but it was on his lapel. I only saw it once or twice. I suppose it must be in here from Father’s time.”

“Yes, that must be the case,” Darcy said. “Go and rest now, my dear. Do not think about it anymore. And do not let the troubles between Elizabeth and me worry you. I have faith that all shall be well.”

“Then, I shall join you in your prayers.”

Once she had departed, Richard scrubbed a hand over his face. “I cannot believe this. You had better sit down.”

Darcy agreed and silently followed his cousin back to the seating area. He waited patiently for Richard to determine what to say.

“That cuff link is my father’s. Perhaps you thought it matched a last name—I would guess you thought of the Ingalls family. They are centrally related to this tale, but not as you suppose.” He glanced at his feet before continuing. “I think you recall that our great grandfather was a proud member of the Hellfire Club.” At Darcy’s nod, Richard continued. “There are many other such clubs in the country, most of them operating with greater secrecy. Those gentlemen enjoyed shocking people, so they announced their depravity for all to know. Some groups go far beyond pagan rituals and rakish living.”

He paused for a sip of tea and stared into the distance for a long moment. Darcy observed it with fascination. He had never seen his cousin so discomposed before. When he spoke again, it seemed to be on an unrelated subject.

“Do you know why I have been so unavailable the last two years?”

“I assumed it was because you were sent to the Continent. Was that untrue?”

“Not exactly,” Richard answered. “I was sent but not to fight in a regiment and fire at Boney’s troops.”

“What did you do then?”

“Many of the groups run brothels that specialise in certain depravities. After a raid on one of the houses, investigators discovered correspondence linking one of the leaders with plans to invite Napoleon to invade. Matters were then handed over to military intelligence; that is where I came into play. The men in this organisation seemed very secretive and very high-ranking. While some searched for information on this side of things, I was sent to France to determine if Napoleon had heard of this offer and if he was receptive to it.”

“And this has to do with the cuff link?”

“There was only one organisation that seemed to have serious designs on overthrowing the government and who corresponded with people of influence in France. The Order of Ichabod. You hold their insignia in your hand.”

“Impossible!”

Richard held up a hand to keep Darcy from ranting more. “After quite an ordeal, we discovered vital information about them. That is indeed their symbol. Now, imagine my surprise and disgust when I finally uncover this group exists and then recognise the emblem on attire that I have seen my family wear—my father, brother, and mother. They were not new and had been handed down for several generations.”

“Even your mother?”

“Yes, there are quite a few female members.” Richard hesitated. “I have seen that symbol on others around town, too. I have observed it on others in the family.”

Darcy thought for a moment. “Lady Catherine?”

Richard nodded. “And your mother and father.”

“What?” Darcy gripped the side of his head. His parents were part of an illicit club that ran prostitution rings?

“My superiors have thought that Ingalls was the leader. He is a prime candidate as he hides behind religious zeal. However, I believe there is another.” Richard paused for a moment, and his expression darkened. “I am waiting only for the right moment to deliver my father to them.”

Darcy remained silent for a long time. “I am sorry, Richard. That must be difficult.”

“There is little affection in my family. Even so, it feels as though uncovering this destroys any chance for my parents and brother to improve.”

“Georgiana said she had seen Wickham wear this.”

“Yes, I have discovered that he is also a member. A mere peon. The other members wear a lapel pin, it is only the head that also has matching cuff links. Yesterday, my father complained at dinner that he had lost his favourite cuff link somewhere during the day.”

“Do you think he was here? Yesterday? I thought this had been here for years—indeed, I recall seeing it…that day.”

“You may be correct, but perhaps we know why Elizabeth has fled to her aunt and uncle’s.”

“What should I do? I had planned to call on the Gardiners today.”

“I think we ought to confront my father first. We cannot divulge everything that I know just yet. But we could bring our evidence and centre the discussion on the fact that he must have visited yesterday and accosted your wife.”

“Why would he reveal anything to us? If I let him know that Elizabeth has left, he will believe he has won.”

“Exactly.” Richard smiled. “He will feel confident. Arrogant men are more prone to error.”

Darcy considered Richard’s plan. “Allow me a moment to interview my butler. I should have been informed if anyone had visited in my absence.” He rang the bell and asked for the servant.

Upon his arrival, Darcy looked at his old and loyal butler. “Harris, you have always performed your duties perfectly, and I appreciate that. I have reason to believe that my uncle called yesterday while I was out. Is this true?”

Mr Harris paled, and his eyes went wide. He did not reply.

Darcy’s alarm grew at the man’s response and unwillingness to say anything. “I will not allow anything to happen to you. If they threatened you, I will hire a guard.”

When the old man continued to look apprehensive, Richard cut in. “Perhaps you did not inform your master for another reason. Did Mrs Darcy ask you to keep it secret?” Harris raised his brows. “Or maybe Lord Fitzwilliam threatened to harm Mrs Darcy if you said anything?”

From the look on the butler’s face and Richard’s reaction, Darcy was sure they had their answer. Anger at his uncle simmered in his belly even as he admired the butler’s loyalty. He reassured his servant, “She is safe at her uncle’s home, and I will protect her with my life. I will know what must be done if you can confirm that Lord Fitzwilliam was here. If you are concerned for her safety, you must tell me what happened.”

The butler’s shoulders sagged as he exhaled. “Lord Fitzwilliam, his wife, and their son, Lord Albemarle, arrived yesterday. I refused them entry as you had ordered, sir. Unfortunately, Mrs Darcy heard the commotion and said she would handle it. She invited them into the drawing room, but his lordship demanded the study instead. He did not wait for me to escort anyone.” He looked anxious as he continued. “I waited nearby. I could not make out any of their conversation. They left ten minutes later, and his lordship threatened to hurt Mrs Darcy if I told you anything.” His eyes turned shiny. “I remember how they came for your mother and could not bear for another woman’s blood to be on my hands.”

Darcy collapsed against the back of his chair. The memory of his mother’s removal came into focus. Yes, his uncle and another man, probably Robert Ingalls’ father, arrived with the large footmen. She was taken by her own family—but Darcy no longer thought it was merely because she had become overly emotional. He had never allowed himself to recall the entire event. Now that he had, calm and peace followed. He could no longer be hurt by what had happened—or by what he had imagined.

The scripture ‘Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free’ sprang to his mind. It was time to find the truth and be free from the past. He was ready to be remade and unburdened of his family’s history. First, he would settle matters with his uncle. Then, he would finally have the liberty he had always sought. He could collect his bride, and they could live peacefully.

He looked up and noticed that Richard stared at him. Mr Harris was gone, so Darcy gave his cousin a questioning look.

“I sent Harris away and thanked him for his honesty and loyalty. Have you made a decision?”

Darcy stood and spoke with determination. “I must confront my uncle.”

Richard rose, and Darcy called for his carriage. He wrote a missive for Georgiana to read later, explaining that he would return soon and to not wait on him for dinner. Just before entering the coach, Richard slipped a piece of paper into the hands of a boy who had lingered on the street. They seemed to know one another well.

“What was that?” Darcy asked his cousin.

“Insurance.”

Richard did not elaborate, and Darcy was too focused on their errand to ask more questions. He supposed that he would find out soon enough. They arrived at the Fitzwilliam residence on Grosvenor Square. Darcy prayed during the ride. He prayed that God would give him wisdom and strength. He also prayed that light would shine in darkness and God’s truth would uncover all sin. He did not understand everything and could not begin to guess what God was doing, but he trusted it was for his and Elizabeth’s good.