Page 35 of In Want of a Suspect

It would indeed—and that was what Lizzie was afraid of. She might be able to put her mother off with excuses that they were merely consulting on each other’s cases, but if the rest of society thought they were courting... well, nothing would invite their mother into their business quicker.

“Relax your shoulders,” Darcy instructed. “She can sense your tension.”

“Of course I’m tense—I feel as though I may topple off at any second!”

“Violet won’t let you fall. She’s far too well-mannered for that.”

“That makes one of us,” Lizzie grumbled. “If I do perish, I want you to promise to see to all my cases and ensure that Guy doesn’t fall into Lydia’s clutches.”

Darcy laughed at that. “You cannot fool me, Lizzie. I know that you likely already have a will in writing. Save your dramatic proclamations and let me know if you spot Miss Cavendish.”

“It’s impossible,” Lizzie grumbled, looking about. “What was she thinking?”

“I don’t know, but I look forward to asking her that when we spot her.”

Movement snagged her attention near the trees to her right.Lizzie didn’t turn her head, but she kept her eye on the bushes as Violet and Darcy’s Strider kept ambling along, smiling to herself.

“What is it?” Darcy asked.

“I haven’t wanted to alarm you,” Lizzie said, knowing that saying those words would put him on alert nonetheless, “but I believe we’ve acquired a tail. Or rather, I think I have.”

“What?” Darcy turned to look at her, most definitely alarmed.

“Try not to overreact—he’s watching us now,” Lizzie said. “And try to relax. I don’t think we’re in any danger.”

“Lizzie,” he said, his voice a warning.

“Over by the bench, between those two trees. Look to the left—there’s a bush that is a little taller than the rest.”

Darcy subtly tilted his head in the direction she indicated, scanning the scene. Lizzie kept her gaze forward and waited.

“Oh,” Darcy said finally. “Is that...”

“I believe so.”

She looked suddenly in the direction. There was no doubt about it now—their shadow was the boy from the storehouse. He wore a gray cap and the same green jacket from the other day. He immediately stiffened when he noticed their attention and vanished from sight.

“Oh dear,” Lizzie said. “I hope we haven’t scared him off.”

Darcy sighed. “I was afraid someone dangerous had taken to tailing you. Yesterday, outside of Cavendish House...”

Lizzie looked at him in surprise. “You saw him there? I only thought I saw him at Pemberley.”

“No, but it was more like I had a strange sense that we werebeing watched. When we came out of the house... well, I must have been mistaken. How long has he been following you?”

“I think since yesterday. I wasn’t certain as to his identity until just now.”

Darcy looked uneasy. “You should have said something. Just because he’s small and half-fed doesn’t mean he can’t be dangerous, Lizzie. Does he know where you live?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” she said. “But I think I can handle one small, half-fed boy.”

He groaned. “Yes, by feeding him and trying to get information out of him.”

“Why not? He seems awfully resourceful if he could make his way to Longbourn and tail me.”

“He could already have an employer, you know,” Darcy pointed out. “One that has ordered him to tail us.”

“He could,” she allowed. “But maybe not. Maybe he just needs a bit of help.”