Page 26

Darcy carefully descended the cliff, desperately trying to reach Elizabeth.

Scrubby bushes clung to the cliffside, giving him handholds but obstructing his view.

Cautiously placing his hands and feet, he eventually reached her.

He realized Elizabeth had landed on a small ledge and seemed to be at no risk of sliding further down. There was one worry solved, at least.

He inched his way closer, being careful to avoid any loose rocks and gravel, so he could get close enough to see what her condition was.

She was not making any noise, and he found the silence disheartening.

He wanted to hear her laughing voice tell him she was perfectly fine, but that was not to be.

Finally, after what seemed like years of effort but was only a handful of minutes, he reached her.

He looked her over, assessing her condition with his eyes first. There were various rips and rents in her once lovely blue dress, but there was not a lot of blood.

That had to be good. He could clearly see her face, and it nearly broke his heart.

It was so bruised. Either because of the fall or the hit from Wickham, her face was swelling, turning a purplish-red.

His fingers shook as he reached out to feel her slender throat, and he went weak in relief when he found her pulse strong, steady, and very reassuring.

Her hair had come free of its confines and was a riot of chestnut curls.

It had gathered various leaves and twigs in her tumble.

Shifting his eyes down her form, he noticed her left arm rested at an unnatural angle, most likely broken.

Her right arm seemed fine beyond some scrapes and contusions.

Darcy tried to convince himself she would be fine.

Besides the broken arm, he saw no major injuries.

Reaching out, he held her right hand, hoping it would bring them both comfort.

He would feel so much better if she was awake.

He was at a loss to explain why he had such a need to see her lips curl into a delighted smirk.

Why would such desperation grip him over a pair of clear emerald eyes?

Kiernan was grateful Crumpet was such a smart horse.

It had not taken long for him to realize that he did not know how to use the reins.

Crumpet was heading back to Netherfield without direction.

He was the best horse, and Kiernan was going to ask to give him an entire bag of sugar lumps.

They were moving as fast as possible without Kiernan falling out of the saddle.

They would be there shortly, and the help he needed for Miss Elizabeth was almost within reach.

Kiernan worried about Miss Elizabeth but knew that Mr. Darcy cared about her too and would take care of her until he got back.

Up ahead on the path, Kiernan saw the entrance to Netherfield’s property.

They were almost there, and Kiernan let go of the reins entirely to reach down and hug Crumpet around the neck.

In what seemed like no time, Kiernan had reached the front steps of Netherfield, but there was not anyone outside to help him.

He would have to get off Crumpet and go inside to get help.

Holding on to the saddle, Kiernan swung his leg around and let his legs dangle.

Looking down over his shoulder, he saw that the ground still seemed pretty far away.

Despite this, he let go and fell to the ground, dropping like a sack of potatoes.

Not even brushing himself off, he bounded up the stairs.

“Somebody, I need help! Help, somebody! Is Mr. Bingley here?” Desperate, he glanced around, trying to find a person who could help. Where were all the servants?

Caroline Bingley had been relaxing in the parlor, perusing a fashion magazine and feeling intolerably bored, when a ruckus disturbed her.

She flung her magazine to the ground, her temper rising as the servants had not yet tended to the disturbance.

“How dare you!” There in the hall, a dirty waif of a boy was tracking dirt into her home, screaming with uncouth vigor.

She may hate living here, but she would not permit her home to be invaded by filthy rustics.

“Ma’am, we need …” Kiernan did not get to finish before a firm slap across his face knocked him off his feet. Looking up with wide eyes, he stared uncomprehendingly at the woman in a frilly mustard dress with a look of hatred on her face. Who was this horrible person?

“I did not give you leave to address me or enter my home, you disgusting urchin. You are not welcome here and will get out immediately.” Outrage filled her that such a dirty being had had the audacity to come into her home.

Caroline reached for his arm and jerked him up and dragged him out the door, locking it behind him.

She glanced down at her dress and realized it had been soiled.

Who knew if it would come out? Frankly, right now she felt like burning it. She was in such a state.

Kiernan ran up to Crumpet and embraced him, his tears wetting the horse’s fur. Not only had a hateful woman hit him, but now he did not know how he would ever get help for Miss Elizabeth. What was he going to do? He had to find help. He just had to!