Page 229

Late in the afternoon of the criminals’ arrival at Pemberley, the master of the estate walked the short distance to the parsonage to appraise Elliot of the situation.

He was vasty pleased that his friend had listened to his suggestion and sent his wife and children to visit his parents in Shropshire.

Neither man believed that there would be any danger to Elliot or his family, but as an overabundance of caution he had abided by his patron’s recommendation.

The fact that his mother had a growing number of grandchildren from his sibling’s marriages did not dim her excitement at having Emily and the children visiting them.

Lady Ilene Elliot doted on all of her grandchildren, and by agreement with his father, Sir Everett, his mother was told nothing of the reason for the visit beyond that they wanted some time with their grandmama.

The parsonage’s housekeeper ushered his Grace into the master’s study where Elliot was working on the upcoming Sunday’s sermon.

“Welcome Darcy,” Elliot said as he extended his hand to his friend of many years, “I assume that you have an update for me?” Darcy nodded his in confirmation.

Elliot was one of the few friends that still addressed him as Darcy and without title, at least when they were in familiar company.

“Before you tell me, I have received a letter from Tony.”

“What does the young man say?” Darcy asked, hoping the young man had made the correct choice. It was not that he did not believe that she deserved her fate at the tower, but his concern was driven on the long-term effect on the young man.

“Besides he enjoys his studies and has made a lifelong friend?” Elliot ribbed his friend knowing full well that was not what he was asking about.

“Elliot!” Darcy frowned, concern for Tony making him less amused than was his wont when talking with his long-time friend.

“In our opinion, he has made the right choice, Darcy,” Elliot informed him without further preamble. “He has accepted the wisdom of the recommendation that was made.”

“Then she will be transported with no possible return,” Darcy stated the obvious.

“There is one request that he made,” Elliot levelled a stare Darcy met, the warning that it may not be appreciated understood. “He asks that he be allowed to see her before she is sent to transportation.”

“Is that wise given how much progress he has made toward the life he hopes for?” Darcy asked with some scepticism. “I would hate to see him hurt by her, or, worse yet, influenced by her to return to a lifestyle he so despised he left. Reunions have power effects on people.”

“Trust me on this, Darcy,” Elliot shook his head, “that will not happen. Personally, I think that seeing and confronting his mother will do more good than harm. It will give him a measure of closure that all of us need at some points when we make such changes in our lives.”

“Given his position in your family, Elliot, I will trust your judgement in this,” Darcy bowed to his friend’s superior knowledge on this subject. “Send an express and tell him to be here by Thursday, or Friday at the latest. We will not hold the viper here much longer than that.”

The two friends then discussed more pleasant matters such as Emily and the children’s travels to his parent’s estate, their return in a fortnight, and some parish business before Darcy returned to the manor house.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

The letter to her mother had been sent express and Amy felt a sense of relief that her mother would see her at Pemberley. The invitation, after Lady Anne confirmed it with her daughter-in-law, was for any of the family that desired to make the journey.

Amy was hopeful that her brothers and sisters-in-law would make the trip as well.

She missed them all and she also knew that Lady Catherine would not repine it if Anne and Ian Ashby joined the party that would hopefully travel to Pemberley.

She was understandably very sad over the miscarriage, but she was happy that after she and Tom bathed and dressed, she would have the company of the family to commiserate with her.

It may be difficult for her to see Jane in her large state as she approached her confinement in about two months, but as much as she was sad over her loss, she could not envy anyone else’s good fortune, as she understood that one had no connection to the other.

The three sisters who had resigned the name Bennet were no less keen to see Amy than she to see them as they wanted to assure themselves of her wellbeing and give her as much succour as she desired.

The older ladies desired the same but were less voluble in expressing their desire.

James was worried for his sister-in-law, but she would have a plethora of support, so his concentration would be on his older brother.

Just as the doctor had predicted, there was some trace discharge of blood in the bath, but unlike the day before, both Amy and her Abigail were forewarned, and it was easy to see that it was far less than the previous instance.

After her bath, her maid helped her dress in a simple pale-yellow muslin day dress, styled her hair in a simple chignon after which she joined her husband in their sitting room to break their fasts.

Tom was pleased to see that although Amy was clearly sad, she was in a far better frame of mind than yesterday. They ate in companionable silence as Tom had decided that he would allow his wife to lead and indicate what she needed rather than him trying to guess what it was that she needed.

In the master suite Elizabeth held a missive from her husband that a groom had delivered that very morning. She loved looking at the broad, masculine stroke of his handwriting with each letter formed just so. She broke the seal and hungrily read his words.

24 August 1812

Pemberley

My Elizabeth,

Pemberley is not the same without the ladies in my life in residence with me, but you most of all. I miss my wife, yes, but I miss my Lizzy, my love.

Younge and Mrs. álvarez arrived yesterday and are ensconced at what they believe is an abandoned hunter’s cottage on our estate’s western border. Not only do we have nine excellent men with them, but they are being watched at all times by a large number of Richard’s ex-soldiers.

Jones, the man from the Dennington ship, talked with us after their arrival yesterday.

He will direct Younge to the area we picked out for them where they will start the ‘secret’ spying on us today.

Do not worry my love, there is no chance in the world of my throwing you over for your stand-in, even if he were not a man!

Captain Burnett is a good man and was chosen for his slight build and height, but no one should make the mistake of underestimating him due to his size.

He will not be in the hands of the blackguards for more than a few minutes as we will not toy with them.

As soon as they take the captain who will be dressed as you, we will spring the trap and be rid of them forever.

My wife, you were very wise that I suggest to the men the option of transportation for Tony’s mother. He has accepted the suggestion with one stipulation, that he is allowed to confront her before she is removed for transportation. He should be here Thursday or Friday to see her.

You are my beating heart Lizzy, and I cannot wait until we are reunited my dearest loveliest wife.

With absolute love and devotion,

Your very own Grace.

Elizabeth was heartened that Tony had chosen wisely and very glad that the ordeal, which had started with Wickham’s revenge and jealousy-fuelled delusions, would soon be in the past. She sat at her escritoire to pen a response to her husband and stayed her hand as she was about to inform him about Amy’s loss.

She decided that it was not her news to share and would only tell him if her sister-in-law and brother gave her leave to do so.

24 August 1812

Falconwood

My Dearest William,

My heart aches for you and I look forward to the day, very soon, when we will be reunited. It is but two full days since you departed and my longing to be back in your arms increases by the minute.

Thank you, my husband, for your letter each day. It makes our time apart that much more bearable when I receive them.

Things proceed apace here. The redesign and decoration of the house is now fully planned, and we have so far heard back from Mr. Broadwood who is happy to accommodate our needs for his pianofortes.

Once the shock of the size of our order has worn off, I am sure that we will hear from Chippendale anon.

Jane had compiled a list of items that we need that neither of the preceding two companies can provide and sent it to Charles to acquire for us.

I know that the above is mundane, my Grace, but as poor a substitute as it is for having you next to me to tell you what I desire, this will have to do until we all return to Pemberley.

I was much pleased that Tony has decided not to demand that his mother join Younge at the Tower, and I understand why he desired to face her before she is transported.

All is well here and when there is more news to tell, I will inform you.

Elizabeth smiled as she paused her writing.

Her last statement was intentionally ambiguous.

It was not just the sad news about Amy and Tom’s loss, but she had now missed her second month of courses and was ready to share her news with her beloved husband, though this was news she would only share in person so she would be able to see his reaction. She took up the quill once more.

Take care, my heart, I could not abide you being injured again. Even the knowledge of so many guards at our estate will not let me rest easy until I am back in your arms again.

Until I fell in love with you, William, I did not know that the depth of love that I feel for you was possible, but my love for you, my husband, knows no bounds.

With all of my love and more,