Darcy and Deception

The two soldiers shook on the plan.

“Wickham has grown even more lax in his duties recently,” the colonel said. “He may be planning to accompany Harrison to France. It is only a matter of time before he retreats across the Channel to enjoy whatever gold Napoleon has promised him.”

“Does he guess the Home Office suspects him?” Elizabeth asked.

Forster shrugged. “Perhaps, or perhaps he is staying one step ahead of his creditors. I am sure he works with at least one other person. I had hoped to learn how he was obtaining such secretive information. Did he give you any clues, Miss Elizabeth?”

She shook her head. “He surprised me sometimes about what he knew about troop movements, but I never witnessed him visiting your study.”

“Was he intercepting your post?” Darcy asked.

“Possibly. I will have someone investigate it.” Forster turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, fortunately I believe your part in this scheme is at an end, but your assistance has been invaluable.”

She smiled and blushed. “I am pleased I could be of help.”

Richard frowned. “Miss Elizabeth, is it possible Harrison noticed you following him?”

Her forehead furrowed. “I tried to be discreet, but at times it was difficult to remain concealed. So I believe it is possible.”

Darcy exchanged an anxious glance with his cousin, but before he could say anything, Forster spoke up. “Then I would like you to remain out of sight for the remainder of the day. If you encountered Wickham or Harrison, you could be in jeopardy.”

Elizabeth grimaced, but she nodded. “I will.”

The militia officer turned a slightly less benevolent expression on Darcy. “I thank you for the role you have played, but I do not believe we will be in need of your further assistance.”

Darcy raised an eyebrow. “My primary aim has been to keep Miss Bennet safe. I am happy to leave the apprehension of spies to professional soldiers.”

The colonel nodded; no doubt he was relieved not to have civilians bumbling about and complicating what had become a military operation. And with that, the war council was adjourned.

***

Elizabeth had worried that Mr. Darcy would insist on being her constant companion and guardian for the remainder of the day. However, he merely extracted a promise from her not to leave the colonel’s house. Since he planned to be absent much of the day, the colonel had arranged for a few trusted officers to guard his house until the men were captured.

She chafed at the restrictions but reminded herself of the dangers; it appeared more and more probable that Mr. Wickham had killed Mr. Denny. She shivered, recalling how she had been alone with the officer: a man who was capable of murdering such a friendly, affable man. Happily, everything would be resolved by tonight. The colonels would arrest the traitors, and Elizabeth would return to Hertfordshire.

And what would happen with Mr. Darcy? Elizabeth could not say. She was unsure what she would even like to occur.

An entire day spent indoors did wear on her nerves. She embroidered until the sight of a needle nauseated her and drank enough tea to float a ship. On a day when Elizabeth would have been happy for some company, Mrs. Forster was out of town visiting friends. Surprisingly, Lydia had not been invited, so the youngest Miss Bennet lolled about the drawing room complaining of boredom and eating biscuits until she retired

to her bedchamber with a stomach ache.

The forced inactivity provided Elizabeth with far too much time to think. What was Mr. Darcy doing at that moment? Was he thinking of her? Would he accompany them home to Longbourn? Would he continue to court her?

How her sentiments had altered since Kent! Most of her thoughts about him were now quite positive. Yes, he had been high-handed, but he had also listened to her remonstrances and exhibited a willingness to change—a rare characteristic in a man, or indeed any person. He wanted to improve his behavior—for her sake. Forget flowers and jewels; Elizabeth would defy any woman to guard her heart in such circumstances.

Oh! I am beginning to fall in love with Mr. Darcy!

Her embroidery fell, forgotten, into her lap.

In love? With Mr. Darcy? Is it possible?

Gently she probed her sentiments as one might explore a sore tooth—and concluded that not only was it possible, it was likely.

Being in his presence so frequently had shown Elizabeth how much pleasure she derived from his company. He was witty and cultured. He had good morals and a strong character. He was, in fact, everything a gentleman should be. And now Elizabeth was no longer blind to how much he cared for her. He was concerned for her safety, her happiness, and her good opinion, demonstrating his love in many ways.

And she was beginning to reciprocate.

Her hand flew to her mouth. What could this mean? She had assumed that he wooed her with the intention of making another offer of marriage, but what if he did not? The very thought made her shiver.