The three men left the lodge, and after another silent journey, they reached Lord Matlock’s residence. Mr Bennet did not look well, and as soon as they entered the house, Richard invited him to a guest room, seeing personally to his comfort. He offered him some brandy, which Mr Bennet gladly accepted, despite the early hour; it seemed the old man needed something strong to calm his nerves.
In his own chamber, Richard succumbed to his bed and brought both hands to his face. He would need all his strength before facing Miss Bennet with such dreadful news. Mr Bennet could not be trusted with that task now. The man was devastated and by the amount of brandy he had gulped, he would probably be asleep.
After washing and changing into fresh clothes, Richard went to Mr Bennet’s chamber and found the man sleeping in his bed.
He went downstairs. As soon as he stepped into the drawing room, three pairs of expectant eyes turned to him .
“Son, your father has gone to conclude some ‘unfinished business’, refusing to give us any further detail,” Lady Madeleine said with a frustrated expression. “He said you would tell us what happened.”
Richard sighed. Lord Matlock had left the frontline of the battle for him to fight alone. The man could face a Parliament full of Lords but could not face a drawing room full of anxious ladies. He met Miss Bennet’s eyes. She and Georgiana were on a sofa, hands together. Waiting.
He served himself half a glass of brandy, which he took in one gulp, and then sat down on the empty sofa.
“Well, son, are you going to say something, or are you waiting for one of us to die of anticipation?”
“We found Wickham’s hiding place, but he was not there,” Richard finally began. “Detective Duncan ordered a man to stay behind and watch the place. If he comes back, we have him.”
“Oh! At least, some good news!” his mother said in relief.
He took a deep breath and lowered his gaze to his empty glass. “We also found a small missive left behind that revealed Darcy is alive, and under the care of a local doctor, and that Miss Elizabeth is also well.”
Jane kept her inquisitive eyes on him as she sat beside him. “Colonel, please tell me all.”
Her pleading eyes broke his heart. As he could not find words, he just reached for his pocket and grabbed the small piece of paper, giving it to her.
Jane took it with trembling hands and raised her eyes in search of any sign of hope. Instead, her gaze was met by Richard’s sombre expression. She slowly opened the letter and read it.
A deep sob escaped her mouth and she dropped the paper on the floor, putting both hands over her mouth to muffle her cry. Her entire body shook violently.
Once more, the sight of Jane’s despair moved Richard into action. Forgetting about everything else, he embraced her, resting her head on his chest, wishing he could take her pain away.
If his mother was shocked by such intimacy, she did not demonstrate it. Instead, she bent down and retrieved the small piece of paper and read it. A shadow filled her eyes. She gave the missive to Georgiana, who was now standing and fidgeting from one foot to the other beside her.
There was a knock on the door and the butler entered. Lady Madeleine looked at her faithful servant with an air of reproof but trusted her man enough to know he would not intrude such a family gathering without a good reason.
“I beg your pardon, milady, but there is a messenger from Detective Duncan. He said he should deliver the message personally to Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
Richard, hearing his name, gently cupped Jane’s face drying her wet cheeks with his thumbs. “Please, Miss Bennet, keep your courage. I beg you.”
She nodded. “Please, sir, go. I shall be well,” she said, fetching her handkerchief.
“Well, then. Let him in,” Lady Madeleine said.
“Colonel,” the messenger said once inside the room. “Detective Duncan asked you to come to the Magistrates’ Court as soon as possible. They have found Mr Brown.”
~ ? ~
Richard was fetching his hat and gloves when Jane approached him. “Please, Colonel, let me go with you. I cannot stay here any longer. I need to do something. Please.”
Richard looked at his mother.
Lady Madeleine regarded Jane for a second, her delicate brows coming together. Then she sighed. “Oh, propriety can go hang. You can join him, Miss Bennet. But please, promise me that you will not put yourself in any danger. I will stay here with Georgiana waiting for your news. And you, Richard, look after her.”
Richard nodded, kissing his mother’s cheek. “I will. Thank you. ”
It did not take them long to arrive at their destination. Richard helped Jane out of the carriage, keeping her hand on his arm as they entered the crowded and smelly building of the Magistrates’ Courts. All sorts of criminals and women of questionable reputation filled the place, shouting mocking invitations and shrieking laughs. But Jane kept her eyes fixed ahead of her.
Richard thought again how admirable she was.
“Thank you for coming to my aid, Colonel,” Jane said meeting his eyes. “I am very sorry. I am not usually this tearful, but it seems I cannot control myself lately — not since we learnt that Elizabeth was taken.”
“There is no reason to be sorry, Miss Bennet. You are—”
Mr Duncan met them, ending the conversation. Beside him there was another older man they had not met yet. “Colonel, Miss Bennet. This way, please.” Mr Duncan took them to a small room. “Allow me to present Mr Huxtable. Mr Huxtable has been recently promoted from the constabulary of Sussex and has very interesting news to share. Mr Huxtable?”
“Of course. About an hour ago, I received this.” He produced a letter. “An express from the Sussex police. They have come across a couple who we believe to be your cousin and your sister.”
Jane looked at the colonel, holding her breath.
“They are both being held as hostages in a cottage in the surrounding area of Eastbourne. The local doctor was summoned to attend what was reported as a hunting accident, but the man’s injury was not consistent with it. Apparently, let me read it again… Ah. Yes. It was your sister’s silent message asking for help that really raised the doctor’s suspicion. I know the man. He used to work for the army. Very clever fellow. He shared his suspicions with the constable, and here we are.”
Jane reached for the colonel’s hand and squeezed it; a spark of hope grew in her red eyes.
“And how are they?” Richard asked, squeezing Jane’s hand back.
“Fortunately, both of them are well. According to the doctor, Mr Darcy sustains a nasty lump on his head and a flesh wound between his neck and shoulder. He also lost a considerable amount of blood but is already out of danger and recovering. This was thanks to Miss Elizabeth, who attended to his wound — and that, according to the doctor, was the main reason Mr Darcy has survived. Had he been alone… well, he would most likely have bled to death.”
Richard looked down at Jane and they both smiled in relief.
Mr Huxtable added, “We just need a plan to rescue both of them tonight. You know, before Mr Wickham… takes her.”
“Then, Mr Huxtable, allow me to help you,” Richard said. “Some good men from my battalion are currently in London, and I am sure they would be happy to assist us. I will send for them immediately.”
“I thank you, Colonel,” replied Mr Huxtable. “That would be excellent. It just leaves us to decide on a strategy of how to rescue them.”
“And do you ’ave any suggestions, Mr Huxtable?” Mr Duncan asked.
“In fact, Dr Hayford has already come up with an idea. It seems our brave doctor offered to keep the ruffians as busy as possible tonight, as he pretends to be checking on his patient. He thought we could use that moment to strike them. Dr Hayford said one of them, a man called Mr Brown, usually accompanies him upstairs. If we manage to invade the house while the doctor is examining Mr Darcy, there will only be two of them downstairs. With the help of your men, Colonel, I believe we can succeed.”
“What about the man in the room? Brown. Do you think he keeps a gun with him?” Richard asked.
“It is quite likely,” replied Mr Huxtable. “If we manage to enter the house in silence as soon as the doctor enters, we can keep watch on the staircase and surprise Brown when he leaves the room. Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth would be out of danger.”
“What about the doctor?” Miss Bennet asked. “Do you not think he might get… hurt?”
“Miss Bennet, Dr Hayford was a brave officer in his time. I am sure he is aware of the risks.”
It was decided that Mr Huxtable, Richard and his officers would head towards Eastbourne as soon as they could contact the men and gather whatever was necessary.
Once inside the carriage on their way back, Jane raised her eyes and met Richard’s concerned gaze on her.
“I will do everything I can to bring them back. I promise.”
“I know,” Jane replied, her cheeks reddening. “Colonel, please do not judge me... I do not know if I will have another opportunity, or the courage, if I do not do it now.”
Richard frowned. “What is it, Miss Bennet?”
“I would like you to take this.” She took something from her reticule, placing the small object in Richard’s hand. “It was a present from Lizzy to me. I want you to keep it, to remind you of the lady you are going to rescue. But also,” she raised her eyes to face him, “to remind you of the lady who will be waiting for you… to have it back when you return home, safe and sound.”
Their gazes locked and Richard’s mouth suddenly became dry at the look of tenderness on her face. His heart was beating so loudly he was sure even she could hear it. He looked down to his hand and found a small golden cross attached to a delicate necklace.
Inhaling slowly a couple of times, he took her hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them. “I will cherish it,” he said softly. “And I promise you, I will do everything in my power, I will move heaven and earth to bring your sister back to you… and your father.”
An unknown wave of happiness washed his soul. In that carriage, surrounded by uncertainties, he was sure of one thing: despite their short acquaintance, Jane Bennet had stolen his heart. From that moment on, he knew he would do anything for her. He cupped her wet face and caressed it, finally smiling. “God help me. I will come back.”
Richard understood finally what had possessed Darcy to act so recklessly when Miss Elizabeth was concerned.
~ ? ~
Back home, it took Richard less than two hours to gather his men, swords, pistols and munition and begin their journey to Eastbourne. Mr Darcy’s personal physician, Dr Alden, had joined the group as a particular request from Georgiana.
Mr Duncan, who had already presented a report to the Magistrates’ Court in Bow Street about the pirates, decided to stay behind and help in that part of the investigations as an alternative plan, in case the rescue attempt did not succeed.
Lord Matlock sent several letters, among them one to the Prime Minister explaining the involvement of the army and requesting further assistance from the navy.
The remaining details would be discussed on the way to Eastbourne. The weather was dry, promising a reasonably fast trip, giving them enough time to arrive at their destination before sunset, around eight o’clock at that time of the year.
As they approached the coast, the horses became agitated.
“It seems the weather here is not as favourable as it was in London, Mr Huxtable,” Richard observed, seeing the curtain of fog ahead of them.
“I am sorry to agree, Colonel. This cold breeze coming from the sea together with the wet and warm soil are the propitious conditions for a foggy night. I was hoping to have a normal day length, but with this fog, I believe it will be dark much earlier. We shall need to move faster and position our men around the house before the fog becomes too dense.”
Richard agreed. His mind was now completely focused on the strategy they had planned. He felt the cold blood running through his veins almost as if he had been informed Napoleon’s troops were approaching. This time, however, he was not defending his country, but fighting for the life of his cousin and Jane’s sister.
When they were close enough, they dismounted. With a nod from Mr Huxtable, the men silently approached the house, scattering around the property. The main objective was to invade the house at the agreed signal. Richard and Mr Huxtable positioned themselves at the front, some yards away from the entrance. The unkempt garden had been very useful for this .
The trap was arranged. They just needed to wait for the doctor to arrive.
As they feared, the fog became denser, reducing the visibility. For this reason, they did not see the shadowy figure lurking around, sneaking inside the house by the servants’ door — someone familiar with the house and its vicinity.
Dr Hayford arrived at 8:15 pm as arranged. Looking around, he knocked on the door. It was opened some minutes later, and after their usual greetings, he was inside.
“It is time,” Richard whispered.
~ ? ~
Lord Matlock was in his library when the butler announced Mr Duncan.
“Ah, Duncan, please come in. Any success?”
“Indeed, sir. Nothing like some guineas to open people’s mouths to the right questions. We found out about the pirates. As it seems, the old days of piracy ’ave been revived by the smuggling trade during the war. Apparently, the ease in which this black market grew inspired other old vices — among ’em, smuggling young ladies. There’s a ship leaving from Portsmouth to meet with the pirates. The only question is where.”
“Unbelievable! How is that even possible?” Lord Matlock asked moving his hands in the air.
“It seems, my lord, that the navy was too busy with Napoleon. Who would’ve thought that this business of smuggling brandy would become such a nasty thing?”
“Indeed. Well, at least their departing point is in our favour. Portsmouth is not exactly a big place; with enough men, we should be able find them.”
“Indeed, sir. I’ve already sent word to the authorities in the area to stay alert. ”
“How did you find about all this, Duncan?” Lord Matlock asked, letting his large body collapse on his leather armchair, closing his eyes.
“It was an old sailor, a bit in his cups, who swore a ship with a suspicious contraband will be leaving Portsmouth in two days’ time. I took the liberty of bringing ’im here. I thought it’d be better to keep him with me, to avoid, you know… a sudden disappearance. I just suggest some strong coffee, and perhaps some food, to keep him on his feet. The poor man’s no more than an old rag.”
Lord Matlock’s eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped. “Duncan, did you bring this man here, now?”
“Yes, my lord,” Mr Duncan replied calmly. “I thought the prospect of talking to someone who could help us to end this terrible business, exceeded by far any fear we could ’ave about the man himself. He is an inoffensive fellow, and I have the impression, due to his background, that he can provide some invaluable assistance.”
Strong coffee was ordered, and the old man was brought into the library, and introduced to Lord Matlock.
The old Irish sailor — Mr Lynch, as the man presented himself — had a pitiful, crooked appearance, smelled of sweat and fish, and reminded Lord Matlock of an old barnacle. But despite his sad facade, his blue eyes seemed quick, and he his deference was faultless. He was offered a cup of hot coffee and a plate with ham, cheese and fresh bread, which he gladly accepted, bowing.
“Thank you, Mr Duncan, milord,” he said, smelling the food and closing his eyes in visible appreciation.
After eating and drinking, the old man looked more human again.
“Now Mr Lynch, as I told you before, we’re investigating the disappearance of numerous ladies. We were informed they might ’ave been kidnapped and delivered to a group of pirates, who sell ’em in countries of Eastern Europe — God knows what for. You told me this afternoon that you were aware of the facts. Could you tell us more? Keep in mind that any ’elp will be generously rewarded and… any indiscretion gladly overlooked. ”
Surprisingly, in contrast to his dreadful appearance, Mr Lynch had a good diction, despite his strong accent, and vocabulary. “Indeed, sir. I knew a chancer who lost his life couple of years ago dealing with those condemned manky souls. After that, I left Portsmouth and came to work here in London.” He paused and looked at his empty plate. “Could I have another piece of ham? I cannot remember the last time...”
Under the man’s satisfied grin, Mr Duncan refilled his plate with another portion of food. “You were saying?”
“Oh, yes. Sorry. I had earwigged some lads saying the smugglers would dock at Portsmouth this year.” At the confused expression in both men, he added, “They depart from different ports every year on the same day. Clever buggers, the bunch of them.”
“Have you, by any chance, also heard when they are leaving?” Lord Matlock asked hopefully.
“Yes, sir. On the 14th April. At least, that’s what I earwigged. But I don’t know anything about the pirates — may their bodies be infested with purulent wounds for eternity.”
Mr Lynch saw both men blinking and was not sure if it was because of his swearing. “I know what you might be thinking, how can he know that, isn’t it? Well, I have lived the last twenty years like a cobblestone on the road. I have become part of the place, you know; people do not see me anymore. And sailors, ah! When in their cups, their mouths can be like a lash from the skies. They will tell you even about the thumb they used to suck when small lads.”
Mr Duncan and Lord Matlock frowned, exchanging confused glances. Whatever Mr Lynch was conveying, it sounded like he knew what he was saying.
“But why do they sail on the same day every year? And why ’as no one reported it before?” Mr Duncan asked.
“I don’t know, sir,” replied Mr Lynch, “but it seems their reputation was yielding them a good profit; they smuggle a variety of other things. Manky men from all around the country seem happy to provide them what they need, even if the sentence for such acts is death. The only thing money cannot buy is the salvation of your soul.”
The two gentlemen exchanged glances again. This time, however, the message was clear.
“Please, tell me Mr Lynch, what was your activity in your youth?” Lord Matlock asked.
Mr Lynch stopped eating and looked back at Lord Matlock, a shadow covering his eyes. “I was in the navy, sir. But I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We were at the Antilles and a local lad was badly injured and died. A witness described the perpetrator as a white man with blue eyes and no hair. The suspicion fell on me, as if I was the only man with such a description in that port. After some confusion, they spared me from the noose, but condemned me to a ten-year sentence, which I served there. After that, they would not receive me back as I had brought shame on the Royal British Navy .” Those last words were spoken with strong bitterness. “I paid for a crime I did not commit. Being a mere armourer was not enough to allow me a fair judgement, and I was abandoned there. After that, I fell into a life of misery and shame, and became what you can see now.”
Lord Matlock was touched by the man’s story and made a vow to help him. But for now, he had more pressing things to worry about.
He stood up and rang the bell. When the butler arrived, he asked for the two fastest messengers that money could buy to be brought to him as soon as possible. He sat down and wrote two letters.
Half an hour later, two thin young men entered the room. He approached the first boy, remembering using his services before, giving him a piece of paper and a silver coin. “You have in your hands a very important message, my boy, and I need it to reach Colonel Fitzwilliam in Eastbourne at this address, as soon as possible. It is a matter of life or death. Do you understand?”
The young man nodded.
“Then go, and Godspeed.”
Turning to the other lad, Lord Matlock gave him another letter and another coin, and sent him to Commodore Norton, hoping he was being overzealous in contacting the navy. The Prime Minister had authorised him to contact any member of the army or navy. This small note could open a most needed door for Richard, if necessary.