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I t was late that night when the express rider hammered on the door. Osborne was about to retire, but unease at Elizabeth being at Longbourn had meant he was not yet upstairs.

He broke the seal and read Bennet’s letter in shock. The house stirred to life within moments of his violently ringing the bell, and soon his steward was in the room.

“Your Grace?”

Osborne couldn’t take on the explanation. He thrust the letter at him. “Read it. I will need you to deal with Dawlish’s family while I go to recover Lady Elizabeth to town.”

He turned to his servant. “You will need to pack tonight, Mr. Pennyfeather. We will be leaving at dawn, so pack enough for several nights, in case of delay.”

As the man hurried from the room, he turned back to his steward. “Mr. Abbott?”

“I do not know if Dawlish has any relations, sir. He came to us only last year, and told me he was happy to be sent to Longbourn to protect Lady Elizabeth because he had no ties in London. But I will speak to the servants who have worked with him here and see what I can discover.”

Osborne grimaced. “I am sorry for the lateness of the hour, but you must do that tonight. If there is no family here in town, you must ride on the coach at dawn and come with me to Longbourn. The weather is too warm to delay the funeral, so he must be laid to rest there.”

Abbott nodded soberly. “Yes, Your Grace. I am sorry for the distress caused to Lady Elizabeth.”

Osborne nodded and poured himself a whisky before returning silently to his chair in the stillness of the room.

Abbott had not mentioned reading of Darcy being there. Of Darcy being the architect of protecting Elizabeth.

Osborne’s hand shook as he lifted the glass to his lips. If Darcy hadn’t been there, they’d now be searching for her, trying to find her.

She would be on her way to Gretna, abducted by a villain, her reputation gone and probably married against her will.

Darcy had saved her from that fate. After all he had done against the man, he had still saved Osborne’s daughter.

Osborne knew he would have to meet Darcy. He must express his gratitude to him.

He grimaced; Darcy had danced a dance with Elizabeth at every single ball they had both attended. Osborne acknowledged he’d been careful not to choose a significant dance, and he’d been perfectly proper.

But Osborne had also been the recipient of Elizabeth’s determination to allow Darcy his requests.

She’d been polite, but firm. “I’m sorry, Father.

I know of your grief and sorrow. But I would not like the sorrow to continue.

I hope you will allow yourself joy in your life now.

Is that not what Mother would have wanted for you? ”

Her words had hit home, and, while Osborne was glad Darcy had not approached him to request permission to call on Elizabeth, he had seen her pleasure during their dances.

He sighed, and drained his glass before heavily treading his way up to his chambers. He would not sleep, but he must rest.

He was at the door of Longbourn far earlier than normal visiting hours, but Bennet had obviously expected him, and breakfast was already underway, although only Bennet and his middle daughter were sitting at the table.

“Good morning, Your Grace. I expected you to arrive as soon as the light allowed.” Bennet was perfectly polite, but not servile. Osborne preferred it. “Please be seated, and I will send Mary upstairs to wake Lady Elizabeth and Mrs. Bingley, so they may prepare to receive you.”

Osborne had hesitated, but at the news, he dipped his head and sat beside Bennet, while the middle daughter slipped from the room.

“How is Elizabeth this morning?”

Bennet shook his head. “I have not disturbed them yet. Elizabeth was adamant she was well last night, but Jane was as concerned as I was, and begged that Elizabeth allow her to stay with her for the night, for her own sake.” He smiled mischievously.

“Of course, Elizabeth can never refuse her sister, so I have been content that she has not been alone, and would have been able to talk through any concerns.”

“Good.” Osborne was relieved. He allowed the servant to serve him some cuts and bread, and approved the aroma of the coffee. “And what of Darcy?”

Bennet raised an eyebrow. “He was obviously concerned for her when he escorted the ladies home at my request, then he and Bingley protected the house until I returned, when they went to Netherfield to allow the house to calm.” He looked at Osborne.

“He has not seen Lady Elizabeth since she went upstairs to be seen by the apothecary yesterday. And he will not see her for some time, because Mr. Jones has recommended several days in bed.”

He rose to his feet to pour himself some more coffee, and while his back was turned, spoke again.

“Your Grace, I am not inclined to refuse him access to Longbourn. I am indebted to him for his actions yesterday, and he has certainly never been less than gentlemanly, even if he seemed rather over-burdened with pride at first.”

“I accept your decision, Mr. Bennet.” Osborne knew he would be wrong to try to overrule him. “I too am grateful to him, and would wish for the opportunity to express such in private.”

Bennet’s rare smile broke through. “Well, there will be opportunity enough. I expect him on the instant of the formal calling hour, along with Mr. Bingley.”

At that moment, Bennet’s oldest daughter appeared at the door, the middle daughter hiding behind her. She curtsied elegantly.

“Your Grace, Lady Elizabeth apologises that she is not downstairs yet, but is able to receive you in her chamber whenever you wish.”

Osborne rose to his feet. “Thank you, Mrs. Bingley. Are you able to assure me she is well?”

She dipped her head. “She slept a little, sir. I was glad to be able to stay with her in the manner of much of our childhood. I believe it helped somewhat.”

“Thank you for it, madam. I am pleased she had that comfort.” He bowed slightly. “Perhaps you would show me the way to her chamber.”

Elizabeth was fully dressed and coiffed, but reclining on her bed. “Father. I’m sorry to have caused you anxiety about me.”

Osborne drew up a chair and took her hand. “I am happy you are unharmed, my daughter, except for the distress you must have suffered. And this.” He touched the livid bruise on the side of her face gently.

“I will be well, Father. But I will tell Mr. Jones that he must allow me downstairs this afternoon. It is not for me to be happy confined to my chamber, and now Mr. Wickham has been detained, I know I am safe in this house.”

Osborne nodded. “I expect he has merely advised what he would advise most young ladies, not thinking that you are different from any young lady he has ever met.”

She rippled into laughter. “Oh, I think he knows. It was only to keep me out of the way of the gentlemen, I am sure. He will not demur when he calls today, but I will have to do as he says until then, or you and Papa Bennet will have me back in London in no time.”

Osborne smiled reluctantly. “I had hoped I could take you back today. I would have you away from the reminder of this ordeal, and kept safe at Osborne House.”

Elizabeth turned her hand in his and squeezed it.

“I am safe here, Father.” Her voice was determined.

“I wish to speak to Mr. Darcy and thank him — he saved me. He was on his way to get Mr. Wickham arrested so I would be safer, and he has no expectations; he just wanted me to be safe.” She drew a deep breath.

“And, I need to know about Dawlish too, what is going to happen.” Her eyes filled with tears, and Osborne felt alarmed.

“Do not distress yourself, Elizabeth. Mr. Abbott has come with me this morning. Dawlish had no family in town and was proud to serve you. We will bury him here, I think. I will attend on your behalf, and make sure all is done in a respectful manner.” He patted her hand, hoping he had said the right thing.

But it meant he would not be away from here with her until tomorrow afternoon at the very earliest.

She nodded, her eyes still brimming. “May I speak to Mr. Darcy, and thank him?”

Osborne could refuse her nothing, although the embarrassment of having to change his attitudes was extreme. “You may, of course.”

“Thank you, Father. I know how much it has cost you to say that.” She lay back. “Might you excuse me? Perhaps I ought to rest a little longer, so Mr. Jones is not inclined to say I must stay upstairs.”

Osborne got to his feet. “Very well. I will see you later, Elizabeth.”