Page 24 of Lydia Acquires Adoration (Bennet Ladies Liberation #5)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Darcy looked down at the man before him with contempt. Baron Blackthorn was the sort of man who exemplified what was wrong with society. The desire to get what you want without working at it honestly.

Still huddled on the ground in pain from Lydia’s last strike, the baron shouted, “Did you see what she did to me? I will have her charged with assault!”

“She did a good job of managing you. I will say it was almost a pleasure to watch her bring you down. It seems she takes after my Artemis in her ferocity.” William could hear the fury in Theodore’s voice, despite the laughter.

Glancing at Theodore briefly, William questioned, “I wonder, though, where she would learn such a skill.”

Grinning, Theodore laughed, “I think we will have to blame that on Kiernan. I know he was learning to fight from some of his friends at Eton last year. Though if you think about it, it would be wise to at least teach something of defense to the women in our lives with as many muddles as they seem to get in.”

Nodding his head in contemplation, Darcy wondered about the merits of Theodore’s suggestion. He would like to think he could keep Elizabeth safe, but having her know how to better protect herself would be nice. Looking back down at the baron, Darcy could tell that the man was infuriated to be so ignored. Deciding to turn the knife, he said, “I do not think you will have to worry about Kitty. She is fairly handy with a knife and bow. Elizabeth would be happy to learn. Despite her desperate act of biting her attacker, she couldn't avoid hurtling off the cliff.”

“She stopped you from being shot in the back, knowing she had no real way to defend herself. No one can deny that Elizabeth has courage, though a few additional skills wouldn’t be amiss.” Throughout their playful banter, William couldn't help but notice that Theodore's eyes never strayed from their adversary, a testament to his battle-hardened instincts.

As if he finally had too much, the baron struggled to his feet and growled, “Just who are you people to think you could ignore me?”

Offering a slight bow in irony, Darcy said, “Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley at your service, and this is my cousin and brother-in-law, Theodore Fitzwilliam, retired colonel of the royal dragoons and Earl of Matlock.”

Beside him, Theodore placed his hand threateningly on the hilt of his saber. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I hear you have had some issue against our sister-in-law and her family, and we have come to handle matters.” The expression on Theodore’s face was one that had frightened battle-hardened soldiers. Against someone who had fancied himself intimidating, but had never faced anyone greater than himself, the result was utterly devastating.

The color leached out of the baron’s face. Realization was finally sinking in for him—his failed attacks were about to come crashing back on him. Still, he blustered, “You cannot stop me from pressing charges, and two such individuals as yourself would hate to have your names so smeared.”

William looked at Theodore and laughingly said, “Is the worm trying to threaten us, or blackmail us? I cannot tell.”

Theodore laughed, the sound cold and devoid of all true humor. Smiling, he approached the baron and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, and thundered, “Either way, he will soon learn the error of his ways. You are trespassing and have assaulted the sister of a nobleman. Everyone will applaud anything she did to protect herself and her family from you.” Theodore dragged the baron over to the group of men that had surrounded them as they spoke. Muscled and armed, they were ex-soldiers who could handle any situation that came their way. Tossing the baron to one of his men, he said, “When I learned that you were coming to attack my sister in person, I gathered my best guards and came to Swarkstone. Frankly, I do not think a single one of them would blink an eye if I told them to kill you and bury you somewhere you would never be found, but I know my wife would be disappointed in me, so I will refrain.”

William watched in satisfaction as the men put the baron in foot and leg irons. The baron's eyes bulged out of his face as he looked down at his hands, his expression filled with horror at the method of his confinement. “How did you know? How could you have known?” He whined in confusion.

Shaking his head Theodore, said, “I recently received an anonymous letter that warned me of an eminent attack by yourself. Though I already had you under investigation, either way, you would not have been free to persecute people beyond the month.” Turning to the man who appeared to be in charge, he said, “They are expecting him at Old Bailey. I really don't care about his condition, but I would appreciate it if you made sure he arrives there alive.”

William watched as they dragged him off towards the wagon that had been brought for just that purpose. In no time at all, he had been loaded with as much care as a sack of grain. The man shouting all the while, “You cannot do this to me! I am a baron! Don’t you know who I am?”

One of his guards laughed as he secured him for the journey. “You be sure to say that to the folks at Old Bailey. I am sure they will be sure to show you the proper deference. Maybe they will give you a nicer cell.”

As soon as she was out of sight of the baron, Lydia picked up her pace. Kiernan easily kept up with her, asking, “Where are we going in such a hurry?”

Slightly out of breath, she replied, “I told Clara to hide with Epona. I hoped that if Baron Blackthorn somehow got past me, the horse might be able to protect her until help came.”

Nodding, Kiernan kept even with her as they rushed back to the stables. “That was a good plan, given the situation you found yourself in. I have been training Epona to protect her rider.”

It did not take them long to enter into the dim space of the stables and Lydia was calling out, “Clara?” Looking into Epona’s stall, Lydia at first panicked, but then she saw Clara pop up out of the straw near the back.

The mare looked at Lydia, while her ears flicked backed towards Clara. Lydia wondered if the mare would warn her away if she approached, but she needn’t have worried because Clara was soon hurrying her way.

Crying out as Lydia scooped her up, Clara moaned, “He did not get you! I was so afraid.”

Holding Clara close to her heart, Lydia crooned to her and ran her hand through her tangled black curls. “I am fine, darling,” she reassured Clara. “You were so brave coming here to hide with Epona.”

Looking back at the mare with a teary smile, Clara said, “Pony is nice. She would protect me because I love her.”

Ruffling the girl’s hair, Kiernan said, “I do believe you are right, Miss Clara.”

Kissing Clara’s brow and pulling a random piece of hay from her hair, Lydia added, “But I do believe it is time to head inside, Clara. I have had quite the morning, and I would like a nice cup of tea. What about you?”

Smile brightening up her face despite her tear-stained cheeks, Clara cried, “Can I have some biscuits?”

As they left the stable behind, Lydia assured Clara by saying, “Of course you can.”

Looking over Lydia’s shoulder, Clara waved goodbye. “Bye, Pony! Thank you for protecting me.” Lydia knew that she should probably put Clara down. She was more than big enough to walk on her own, but she just could not. The recent attack was too fresh in her mind, and so she carried her into the house.

Clara noticed that Kiernan was following them into the house and asked, “Why are you coming too?”

Far from being offended by her comment, Kiernan merely laughed and said, “I want biscuits too!”

Clara’s giggle was a balm to Lydia’s anxious heart. Walking to the closest sitting room, Lydia placed Clara on a settee and then collapsed next to her. Kiernan pulled the bell cord before he sat down. Laying her head on the back of the settee, Lydia struggled not to cry.

Now that she was safe and Clara was safe, everything in her that she had used to fight was leaking out of her and it was leaving her weak and weepy. She hated feeling weak and weepy, and both in combination were even worse. When May came in response to the bellpull, she asked the girl for a tea service for four and plenty of biscuits. If William and Theodore wanted something more substantial than biscuits, they would let her know once they came in.

The sound of feet pounding down the stairs in a rush had Lydia jolting upright. Was there another problem at hand? The sight that came into view through the open doors was not something that she had expected. Sebastian, haphazardly dressed, was rushing down the hall. He had no cravat and was barefoot; it was obvious that he had left his room in a rush. She couldn't help herself—it was pure instinct that made her call out to him. “Sebastian, I thought you were asleep. What are you doing out of bed?”

Changing direction so fast that he nearly skidded into a wall, he rushed to her. Collapsing at her feet, he grabbed her hands in his and looked up into her eyes. “Davies said there was a rumor that the baron had attacked you.”

Lydia shook her head, worried about the healing burns that were hidden beneath the sleeves of his loose-fitting shirt. “What about your arms?”

Shaking his head, Sebastian said, “I am healing and though they will probably hurt for some time, I have decided that I am well enough to leave my room. Right now, my focus is on you. Please tell me, are you all right?” As he had spoken, he drew her hands closer to him, holding them to his chest. Lydia could feel the pounding of his heart in the backs of her hands.

Blinking back a few errant tears, Lydia reassured him. “I am unharmed for the most part, though I may have a bruise or two. Baron Blackthorn tried to kidnap Clara with the thought that he could ransom her back to us. He was the one who had bribed our staff away before we got here and spread rumors and started fires. Or at least had all those things done.”

Sebastian looked over to Clara and, freeing one of his hands, smoothed her wild hair away from her face. “Clara, are you all right?”

Nodding her head, she smiled at him and said, “Yes, I got to hide with Pony, and now I am getting biscuits.”

Lydia wondered at the girl’s resilience. When she had first met her, Clara had been nearly afraid of her own shadow, but now, here she was still talking and able to smile despite a kidnap attempt. Shaking her head, she said, “Clara was a very brave girl.” Lydia heard her voice wobble and pressed her lips together to combat her ever-growing need to cry.

It was clear that Sebastian had heard it, as he swiftly lifted her up and settled her into his lap, cradling her against his chest in a firm, protective hold. He did not say anything, and simply held her. Lydia hid her face in the crook of his neck and gave way to tears. She hated the weakness of it but was unable to hold them at bay any longer.

Kiernan spoke up, saying, “Lydia was very brave too. She fought off Baron Blackthorn so that Clara could get away. She was amazing.”

Sebastian clutched Lydia tightly, feeling her tears soak through his shirt, a silent testament to the intensity of her struggle to protect Clara. Despite her claims of being physically fine, it was clear that emotionally she had been profoundly affected. He could only imagine how terrified she must have been having to fight the baron to protect Clara.

He was both relieved that she was safe and furious that the man had dared to attack his family. Sebastian wanted to go after the baron and hurt him. He wanted to hurt him for hurting Lydia, but he knew she needed him, and she would always be his priority. So he stayed, holding her to his chest and absorbing her pain as her tears soaked into his skin.

The sound of boots approaching had him clutching her tighter and his head coming up and looking for danger. He relaxed when he saw Darcy and Theodore come into the room, though why they were in his home, he could only guess. Actually, after a moment, he realized he could guess quite easily. Somehow, they had learned of the danger his family faced.

Taking a seat across from him, Theodore said, “The scum is on his way to face justice at the Old Bailey, accompanied by four of my old military friends who serve as guards for me. They were more than happy to help when they learned that my wife’s younger sister was being threatened by an entitled fool.”

Smoothing Lydia’s hair as he spoke, Sebastian said, “I am grateful for your assistance, though I do wonder why, or rather how, you are here to offer that assistance.”

Darcy and Theodore looked at one another for a moment before Darcy said, “When we received news of the fire, Kiernan came to help keep an eye on things, and Theodore and I set our people investigating matters. It is not that we did not want to come to help, but we knew Kiernan would go unnoticed more so than we would.”

Picking up where Darcy left off, Theodore said, “I wanted to help but did not want to leave Kitty.”

This had Lydia jerking away from Sebastian and looking at Theodore, saying, “Is Kitty all right? Why did you leave her? She should be having her baby any day now.”

Laughing, Theodore said, “I came at her command. She is my general, after all. You will be happy to know, however, that she and baby Cedric are doing well back at Matlock.”

Collapsing back against Sebastian with a smile, she said, “I am so glad she and the baby are well.”

Sebastian was glad that Lydia had stopped crying. Though there was no shame in her tears, he was always happier to see her smiles. Her smile changed into a blush when the maid entered the room with the tea tray. It seemed that Lydia had overlooked the fact that she was in his lap until the maid’s shocked expression reminded her. When Lydia got up to serve tea, she did so with a bright blush that amused him.

Lydia quickly asked the maid for an additional cup for Sebastian and to ask for Nurse Harris to come and gather Clara. Her relaxed demeanor and the way she idly swung her legs indicated she had overcome her fright and was now getting restless after devouring her biscuits. In quick order, the maid provided an extra cup and Nurse Harris took Clara away.

As Lydia sat back down with her tea, she positioned herself next to him, and the group delved back into their discussion. Theodore began by saying, “Shortly after Cedric’s birth, I received an anonymous letter stating that the baron was most likely going to strike soon. So Kitty sent me here to make sure you were safe. I sent a note round to Darcy, and it seems we arrived just in time.”

Darcy took up the tale there, saying, “We had just started to talk with Kiernan when we heard the whistle and rushed to Lydia’s aid.”

Looking back and forth between Lydia and his guests, he asked, “Whistle?”

Rolling her eyes, Lydia said, “When Kiernan arrived, he told me to whistle loudly if I needed help, assuring me that he would come running.” Then, shrugging, she added, “It seemed to work well.”

Setting his empty teacup down in its saucer, Theodore laughingly said, “By the time we got there, Baron Blackthorn was already on the ground writhing in pain. So it was simple work to have him shackled and taken away.”

“Regardless of how easy it was, I want to thank you all for coming to help us in our time of need.”

Waving him off, Darcy said, “You are family. I would like to think that you would do something similar to help me and mine should the need arise.” Sebastian was quick to nod. Should the need arise, he would not hesitate to lend his aid. It was just who he was.

He looked down at where Lydia sat beside him. Watching her, Sebastian felt his heart turn over. Gratefulness washed over him as he realized that she had made it through the morning’s danger without any harm. Things could have gone much worse.

Finishing her tea, Lydia set her cup down and said, “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I am going to see about having rooms prepared for William and Theodore.”

After she left the room, Kiernan found his voice, saying, “I am glad you figured out how much you love her. The woman you married is remarkable. Though I would be careful about getting her mad. She really took the lessons I showed her to heart.”