Page 47 of In Want of a Suspect

She sank into her seat. “He actually stormed out! I’ve had quite a few clients do that, but it’s always been for trivial reasons, not because they’re displeased with my work.”

Darcy moved into Jack’s vacated seat. “Don’t take it personally. I’m sure he isn’t dissatisfied. In fact, I’m convinced he’s hiding something.”

“Just because he’s upset—”

“No, it’s not that. Stop and think for a moment. The stupidest thing I’ve ever done in my life was challenge Wickham to a duel over my sister’s honor. I knew it was foolish, but I did it because I care about Georgiana. Is there anything you wouldn’t do for your sisters?”

That got Lizzie to pause. “Clearly he’s upset over his brother’s death.”

“Yes, but if someone had killed Jane, you would go over every detail in your mind, every conversation, just in case there was any clue as to who was responsible.”

She considered this. “Unless someone implied that Jane did anything wrong, in which case I wouldn’t believe it because Jane has never done anything wrong in her entire life.”

“Lizzie, I will not quibble with you about your sister’s goodness, but really is this the time—”

“No, Darcy, you misunderstand me! I would defend my sister’s honor because I know she’s good.” She looked at him significantly. “Jack didn’t try to defend his brother...”

“Because perhaps he knows his brother did something wrong?” Darcy finished.

The suggestion sat between them for a long moment.

“If Simon was caught up in something bad, and it got him killed, then why would Jack hire me?” she asked.

It was a fair question. “Perhaps Jack doesn’t know the full extent of it.”

Lizzie shook her head. “Or maybe he does know the full extent of it, but he didn’t know the details.”

“What details?”

Lizzie held up the necklace. “We gave him names, Darcy! Josette Beaufort and Leticia Cavendish!”

Dread washed over Darcy. “Is Josette in danger?”

“Her cousin was murdered, and we don’t know why. I think it’s fair to say she’s always been in danger.”

“We have to warn her!”

“And what if in doing so, we tip off whoever is responsible? We suspect Jack, but don’t forget that Leticia all but implied that her cousin and Mr. Hughes might not be trustworthy.”

She was right, of course. And he hated it. “We can’t do nothing.”

“We won’t,” she said, already reaching for a sheet of paper. She picked up a pen. “I shall write to Miss Dashwood and enlist her help. I’ll tell her the details of the case and request a meeting.Does nine o’clock tomorrow work for you? I’m sure she’ll clear her schedule for us and—”

A knock came at the doorway, and the two turned to find Mr. Bennet standing at the threshold of Lizzie’s office. “Good day, Mr. Darcy,” he said. “Consulting on a case, are we?”

Was it his imagination, or had Mr. Bennet’s question sounded vaguely sarcastic? “Hello, Mr. Bennet. And... yes.”

“Was that Jack Mullins I saw leaving just now?” he asked.

“Yes,” Lizzie replied, looking up from her paper and setting down her pen. “He wasn’t very satisfied with what we had to tell him.”

“Ah. An occupational hazard, I’m afraid.”

Darcy liked Mr. Bennet. He always had an unbothered air about him that seemed in contrast with Mrs. Bennet’s harried nature, but he was reminded in this moment that Lizzie’s father seldom missed the important things. Now he had the feeling that Mr. Bennet was about to say something neither of them would like.

“Lizzie, I’m afraid I need you.”

“Can it wait? It seems as though the crimes we’re investigating have increased and yet we are still in want of a clear suspect.”