A subdued atmosphere enveloped the evening meal. Another death. The murders had taken their toll on the group. Despite how often they tried to put it all behind them—to resume their lives—death reared its ugly head and dragged them all back into the abyss. The serving staff performed their duties—an upper house English servant never neglected his responsibility—but without enthusiasm.
Elizabeth joined Darcy, realizing he needed her support.Tonight, he placed her at his right hand, rather than at the other end of the table. He could reach under the cloth to touch her hand or squeeze her knee—to reassure them both of their affection and their unity. The party dwindled to a handful. His aunt, along with Anne, had chosen to take the evening meal in their chambers. Georgiana kept her cousin company. In addition, distraught over the news of the maid’s demise, Lydia Wickham had sent word that she would dine alone.
When Lieutenant Harwood entered the dining room, the rest of the guests had begun their meals. “I apologize for my tardiness, Mr. Darcy.” Against propriety, the man offered no explanation for his lateness.
“Please join us, Lieutenant.” Darcy gestured to a chair beside Adam Lawrence.When the man had settled, Darcy made the introduction. “Mrs. Darcy, may I present Lieutenant Harwood.”
Harwood nodded an acknowledgement. “It is pleasant to have your acquaintance at last, Mrs. Darcy. Colonel Fitzwilliam speaks so highly of you.”
“My cousin, the good colonel, is one of my wife’s greatest admirers,” Darcy remarked to the rest of the table.
“Our Edward is most generous in his regard.” Elizabeth blushed while slipping her left hand into Darcy’s right.
Darcy drew the lieutenant’s attention to the lady on the viscount’s right. “I might also take the liberty, Harwood, of making you familiar with Mrs. Williams.” The woman slowly raised her chin to meet the lieutenant’s steady gaze.“I am afraid Mrs.Williams escaped the morning room before you joined us, and you had no opportunity to make the lady’s acquaintance.”
Elizabeth’s hand tightened around Darcy’s fingers, alerting him to the fleeting look of surprise crossing Harwood’s face.“I am honored, Mrs.Williams,” he mumbled in apparent awkwardness.
“As am I, Lieutenant. My late husband served this great country’s navy, and I am forever pleased to know any man who takes up the call to arms.”
Harwood looked about. “Am I to assume Miss de Bourgh has chosen not to join us?”
“My cousin and my sister, Miss Darcy, have promised to become members of our party a bit later—for some light entertainment. My sister has agreed to grace us with several musical selections. I hope you will honor us with a song, Miss Donnel.You have a most pleasant voice.”
Although she flushed, Cathleen accepted readily.
“You have a musical talent, Miss Donnel? I envy anyone who can breathe life into a song.‘Butcher’ was the word my tutor always used to refer to my musical expertise.” Harwood smiled charmingly at Cathleen.
“I pray I do not disappoint you, Lieutenant.”
“A lady never disappoints.” He turned to Stafford next. “I neglected to ask,Your Lordship, of your family.Are you simply to tend to a long-suffering relative or to a situation more dire?”
Adam spoke with dignity, trying not to betray his amusement at the lieutenant’s ability to say the right thing to each person. “Actually, it is my cousin’s relative on her maternal side. I am related only through marriage—she through blood.”
“It is my Uncle Kennice,” Cathleen added. “He is quite ill, and we have little hope for him, I fear.”
“Might I ask where in Cheshire your uncle resides, Miss Donnel?” Harwood’s false interest went undetected by her, but Stafford, Darcy, and Worth all listened with great interest.
Cathleen enjoyed speaking of her family, even though they discussed a heartfelt sadness. Her recent decision to abandon Adam Lawrence’s company and return to the bosom of her relations brought her contentment, and she gladly shared the requested information. “Between Warrington and Macclesfield, south of Manchester.”
“Outside Mobberley?” Worth asked. “The Kennices outside Mobberley—I know them.”
Stafford smiled. “I should have suspected you would have knowledge of my extended family, Worth. Is there a family in this part of the country of which you have no acquaintance?”
“My firm holds a reputation for honesty, especially in land dealings. Many seek us out.”
“I expected nothing less, Mr. Worth.” Stafford winked at the solicitor, letting him know he meant no offense.
Harwood recaptured the conversation. “And your Uncle Kennice, Miss Donnel, is of connections?”
“A baron, Lieutenant Harwood.” Cathleen blushed profusely. “But he is of Irish extraction—not as well situated as His Lordship or Mr. Darcy.”
Worth took up her defense. “Yet Kennice owns an excellent tract of land, quite profitable.”
“We will take your word regarding business,” Darcy summarized.
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. The details are dry. We men of law understand that others do not see property deeds and liens as dinner conversation.”
When the party retired to the music room, they found Georgiana and Anne already in preparation for the performance, so Darcy dismissed the required introductions until later.
“Miss de Bourgh, please come join me,” Elizabeth bade as she approached the pianoforte, making sure to steer Anne away from the lieutenant.
Anne gave her a nod of gratitude. “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy.” They took up residence on a small settee facing the instrument.
“Shall I turn the pages for you, Georgiana?” Darcy leaned over to whisper to his sister.
She replied softly, “Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for thinking of it. You know what a ninny I can be when I have an audience.”
“What I know,” he murmured as he arranged the music,“is that when you sit to the pianoforte, my Dear, you are brilliant. Do not forget that, Georgie. We are in awe of your talent.”
His sister shook her head, but his words of approval caused her shoulders to straighten and her chin to rise. For the evening, Georgiana had chosen a varied selection, including “Then Farewell, My Tridonotuse-Built Wherry” and Dibdin’s “The Soldier’s Adieu,” as well as the song cycle “Colin and Lucy.” Georgiana began tentatively, but soon lost herself in the music—the notes swelling and crescendoing in the well-designed room. Mesmerized by her immersion in the performance, Darcy watched Georgiana’s face. He had never seen her look more beautiful. Someday he would have to part with Georgiana—give her to another man, who would protect and keep her. Darcy would consider only a man who would cherish this part of his sister—the creative spirit, which needed nurturing in order for Georgiana to live fully.
“Bravo!” Mr. Worth cheered when Georgiana had completed the first number.
Miss Donnel agreed, saying, “Excellent, Miss Darcy!” Cathleen would sing next, and Georgiana would finish out the entertainment. As Cathleen prepared, the others spoke cordially or sipped on libations.
“Shall you speak to the lieutenant?” Elizabeth asked quietly.
Anne shrugged, looking resigned to the prospect. “Do I have a choice? Fitzwilliam believes I should at least listen to the man, although I do not wish to acknowledge my part in bringing Lieutenant Harwood here. What a gormless, dull-witted action! How could I have fallen for his beautiful face and not noticed his lackluster soul?”
Elizabeth glanced to where her husband sat beside Georgiana. “Sometimes perfection hides behind a mask of ambiguity.”
“I wish I had met Mr. Worth long before the lieutenant. If so, I might not have been so easily fooled.” Anne’s eyes naturally drifted to where Worth sat, interacting with Georgiana.
Elizabeth followed Anne’s gaze. “Then you cannot imagine Lieutenant Harwood’s declaration to be an honest one?”
Anne lowered her voice, hoping for privacy. “I believe the lieutenant honestly desires my dowry, but as to his earnest affection, I am of a different persuasion.”
“Then why allow the man the freedom of voicing his hopes?”
“Because the lieutenant knows intimately of my ruin.” Tears misted Anne’s eyes, and she swallowed hard, trying to disguise her emotions. “Mr. Darcy and Mr.Worth believe my ill-advised actions will cost my mother a pretty sum—my dowry in exchange for a vow of silence. Her Ladyship may never forgive me. I could strike the man dead for his perfidy!” Her heartfelt words signaled the first of her tears.
Elizabeth slipped a handkerchief into Anne’s fisted grasp on the cushion’s edge. “Trust Fitzwilliam, Miss de Bourgh. He has sworn to protect you, and he is a man of his word.You are safe under my husband’s care.”
“I am indebted to my cousin’s interest,” Anne whispered softly.
Harwood noted Anne’s distress, which signaled that his mild threats had made inroads into her resolve. Another day or two of pressure would break her composure, and the lady would be more forthcoming.
However, even if his plan failed, he would transfer his affection to Miss Donnel. She was not as wealthy as the de Bourghs, but she could develop into a viable option. Her cousin was a viscount—the future Earl of Greenwall—and her uncle was an Irish baron. Even Worth had commented on the lady’s family possessing an excellent income. Plus, he suspected that Miss Donnel might be more willing to share her favors than Anne had been. She dressed more provocatively—in the finest silks and the most fashionable trends. She will do nicely, Harwood assured himself.
On his left, the lieutenant became aware of Evelyn Williams, who was sitting beside Mr.Worth. The woman maintained a steady, intent stare. With a very slight shake of his head, he warned her to look away. As he returned his attention to Anne, he quickly noted her preparation to leave. Before he lost his opportunity, Harwood left his seat and approached the settee. “Miss de Bourgh,” he said, bowing low.“might I entice you to stroll about the room with me?”
“I am rather fatigued this evening, Lieutenant; I shall withdraw. The day brought me much on which to dwell.” Anne stood, curtsied, and slipped from the room.
Harwood watched her go, knowing the lady’s distress played into his hands. A smirk formed at the corners of his mouth. He turned away to applaud Miss Darcy’s final performance of the evening.
“Hopefully, you play cards, Harwood,” Stafford said as he stepped up beside him and gestured toward the door. “Darcy assures me he has set up tables in the green drawing room.”
“I am not sure I can afford your game,Your Lordship.” He did not wish to lose more money—not until he had the de Bourgh wealth safely in his pocket.
The viscount laughed good-naturedly. “I do not particularly care if we play for matchsticks, Harwood. I just cannot sit to another hand of whist. I need a man’s game. So what say you? Care to join me?”
“In that case, I do not mind sharpening my skills.” Harwood nodded for the viscount to lead the way.
“Lieutenant,” Darcy called to forestall their retreat, “before you retire to the tables, might I introduce you to my sister, Miss Darcy?” He kept Georgiana on his arm as he brought her forward.
“It would be my honor to have the acquaintance.” Although his voice lacked the cultured intonation of the upper class, Harwood’s stance gave nothing to humility. He bowed over Georgiana’s hand.
“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Georgiana curtsied. “I understand from my brother that you are a close associate of my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“We have served together for the past several months.”
“With my brother’s permission, I would welcome hearing of the colonel. It has been some time since we have seen him. Possibly you might spare me and my sister, Elizabeth, a few minutes tomorrow.”
“Naturally.” Harwood gave a low laugh—an intimate, husky sound, which sent a shiver of warning through Georgiana. Instinctively, she tightened her grip on Darcy’s arm, and unsurprisingly, he covered her hand with his free one.
“We will excuse you this evening, Harwood,” Darcy said. “You should not keep the viscount waiting. Patience is not in Stafford’s vocabulary.” After the lieutenant had bowed and left the room, Darcy looked into Georgiana’s azure blue eyes. “What is it, Sweetling?” he coaxed.
Georgiana bit her bottom lip—a sign of her anxiety. “I wish I could say, Fitzwilliam.” She glanced about the room, assuring herself that they stood alone. “Although I have never met the lieutenant before this evening, he is somehow familiar, and it is not a comfortable familiarity.”
Darcy whispered close to her ear, “Listen to your intuition, Georgiana. Do not ignore such warnings.They will serve you well.”
“Do you suspect Lieutenant Harwood of duplicity?”
Darcy grumbled,“You are not to be alone with the man until—unless—I am sure of his honesty.”
His request stunned Georgiana, but she nodded her agreement. He had given her no such warning about Mr. Worth or Viscount Stafford. “Whatever you say, Fitzwilliam.”
“Might I have a word with you, Lieutenant?” Nigel Worth waited in the main corridor.
Harwood fought the urge to roll his eyes.“Of course, Mr.Worth. How might I be of service?”
Worth directed the lieutenant through an open doorway to one of the many drawing rooms. Only a roaring fire provided the light, but Worth needed no light to say what he needed to say. “I will come straight to the point, Lieutenant. Leave Miss de Bourgh alone.”
Harwood’s eyebrow rose in curiosity.“And what would a country lawyer do if I chose to ignore his advice, Mr. Worth?”
Worth continued doggedly. “The lady has returned from her business trip wiser, thanks to your manipulations. Leave her to her life.”
Harwood glowered. “Is that the way it is, Worth? Do you affect the lady for your own? Are you really even the de Bourghs’ man of business?”
Worth wanted to call the man out, but instead he stayed with the story he had concocted as Anne’s defense. “How much will it cost to be rid of you, Harwood?” he snarled.
“More than you have, Worth.” Harwood strolled toward the door. “I will deal with you tomorrow, sir.”
“You bastard!”
A few innocent-sounding inquiries told Harwood the layout of the rooms on the third level. Keeping to the shadows and timing his movements carefully, he entered the unlocked room in the early hours of the new day. Closing the door with a snick, he turned silently to the candlelight. “I see you were expecting me,” he smirked.
“Should I not have been?” The candle on its stand rose to light the way.
He pushed away from the door and strolled toward the bed. “What the hell are you doing here?” He fingered the remains of a half-eaten biscuit, resting on a plate on the table’s edge.“I certainly did not expect to find you at Pemberley.”
“The snowstorm brought Derby to a standstill; I had no other choice but to take sanctuary under Mr. Darcy’s roof.”
Harwood worked his way about the room, touching the decorative items, which gave the chamber its atmosphere. “I was distressed to discover you among Darcy’s guests, but now that I dwell on it, it may prove to be for the best. I can use your expertise to my advantage.”
“Our advantage.”
He smiled condescendingly. “Our advantage.” Harwood seated himself in a nearby chair, relaxing into the cushions.“What can you share regarding the de Bourghs?”
“I care nothing for the family. The mother’s pretentiousness is irritating, but expected. It is the woman—the one you have made your prey—of whom I speak. As mercurial as Hamlet and as false in her dealings as Shylock himself, the lady ebbs and flows. How can you even assume you have the situation in hand? Has she or has she not refused you?”
“Miss de Bourgh will refuse.We knew that coming into the affair. Obviously, I have no intention of marrying the woman.”
A bark of laughter interrupted his summation. “I would say marriage is out of the question under the circumstances.”
“Yet, the de Bourghs know nothing of which you speak.” He rose and crossed to the door. “Stay close. I may need you to cover for me.”
As he eased the door open to slip into the darkened hall, a warning followed him. “This is the last time, Robert. I will not tolerate another manipulation. We will stop our wanderings.”
Harwood did not look back—only paused long enough to acknowledge the words with a slight nod.
He closed the door silently behind him and sought secrecy behind a cluster of potted palms at the head of the staircase. Holding his breath, Harwood waited for the lone footman to pass before he made his return to his chambers. He seriously considered taking the short trek to Miss Donnel’s room and ascertaining whether the lady might entertain him, but he knew it presumptuous to appear uninvited in her chamber. Soon, he told himself as he reentered his room. She is ripe for the plucking. Despite the warning, I am not finished here.
The morning brought the hopes of a complete thaw. A steady stream of water dripped from the trees and every overhang as the temperatures rose, and the snow began to melt. From his study’s window, Darcy watched the main drive, expecting Lucas’s return sometime that day. He prayed the servant had found his cousin at Matlock. Darcy needed a voice of reason in the madness surrounding his household.
“You sent for me, Mr. Darcy?”The butler bowed courteously.
Darcy turned to address his man. “Yes, Mr. Baldwin. I need a man sent to Sir Phillip Spurlock’s.Tell Sir Phillip that we need him at Pemberley posthaste in his capacity as the local magistrate. We must deal with the three deaths, and I wish Sir Phillip to speak to my guests before they depart the estate.”
“Must we, Mr. Darcy?” The rumors that would follow such news in the community obviously worried Baldwin.
Darcy understood; he, too, dreaded the possibility of others knowing of the events of the past week at Pemberley. “This is not simply a Pemberley matter, Mr. Baldwin. Too many know of what has happened here. Only Sir Phillip can erase the shadow of doubt clouding our horizon.”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy.”The butler bowed respectfully.“I will see to it immediately. By the way, sir, I have allowed Jatson to return to limited duties.Although I assured him that you would not expect him to rejoin the staff so soon, Mr. St. Denis feared losing his position. I have met him halfway by giving him abbreviated responsibilities.”
“I trust your judgment in the matter, Mr. Baldwin.” Darcy returned to the window.“Let me know immediately of Lucas’s return.”
“As you wish, Mr. Darcy.” The butler bowed out of the room.
Within a minute of Baldwin’s exit, a light tap on the door brought Darcy away from his vigil. “Mr. Darcy, might we speak for a moment?” Harwood filled the door frame.
“Certainly, Lieutenant. Please come join me.” Darcy gestured to his favorite chairs. “How can I serve you this morning? I pray that you have not had second thoughts on your accommodations.”
“Absolutely not, Mr. Darcy. My chamber is more than adequate, especially for a man used to cramped military quarters.” He settled himself before continuing. “I am afraid, sir, that the accommodations had nothing to do with my sleepless state. My regard for Miss de Bourgh causes my conscience to turn in upon itself.”
A dark smile graced Darcy’s lips. “You have had no interaction with my cousin since we met yesterday?”
Harwood did his best to keep his expression unreadable. “I attempted to approach Miss de Bourgh yesterday evening, but your cousin was too unsettled for a conversation about the future. I thought it best to follow your suggestion that we speak later this morning.”
“If that be the case, Harwood, I do not understand the nature of this discussion.” A cold fist struck his heart. Darcy knew this was the moment the real Lieutenant Robert Harwood would reveal himself, and he prayed that his own instincts had not betrayed him.
Harwood eyed Darcy sternly. “For many hours, I have mulled over what is best for Miss de Bourgh.” The interloper guarded his words carefully. “I sought out your cousin because I wished to do the honorable thing—to give Miss de Bourgh the protection only a husband can offer a woman.Yet, it appears that the lady does not welcome my plight.” Harwood paused, but when Darcy made no comment, he continued. “I care for Miss de Bourgh, and I do not wish to witness her ruination.”
“That is most admirable, Harwood.”
The officer offered a weary sigh. “I have considered Miss de Bourgh’s hasty retreat, and I have tried to anticipate who might know of your cousin’s Liverpool stay. If Miss de Bourgh refuses my proposal, I would still like to offer myself up as the lady’s friend. It would seem there are certain people whose silence must be purchased to keep Miss de Bourgh’s reputation pure. I would be willing to act as an agent in securing the discretion of those involved.”
Coolly composed, Darcy regarded the man. “That is most benevolent of you, Lieutenant.”
“Of course, I hope it does not come to that. I prefer to claim the lady’s hand as my own, but if I fail, please consider me as your cousin’s champion—to conduct this business tastefully.”
“And have you considered what such prudence might cost my aunt?”
Harwood fought the urge to celebrate his victory. Facing Darcy with a stony glare, he replied, “I would imagine several thousand pounds—the inn’s proprietor, maids, stable hands, hackney drivers, and many more will need to be brought under the umbrella to shield your cousin properly.”
Darcy’s fists formed at his sides. “And you wish me to approach my aunt in your name?”
“I thought it best to bring my concerns to your attention.You were the voice of reason in the room yesterday. Having offered your cousin the protection of her family, I assumed you would understand the urgency of making arrangements—before the rumors can no longer be squelched.”
Darcy rose to his feet to end the conversation.“I appreciate your candor, Lieutenant. I will keep your advice in mind as I negotiate with my aunt—until we meet a bit later.” He offered the lieutenant an abbreviated bow. “Breakfast is available in the morning room.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I shall partake of your kindness and then return to my room until we confer with your family. I thought it might be prudent to make a list of whom we may need to approach to secure their silence.”
Darcy knew Harwood preferred the payment to the marriage, but for good measure, he added, “We can only pray that my cousin will accept a marriage of convenience rather than the infinite possibilities of her ruination.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. We both hope as such.”
Sir Phillip Spurlock arrived before the family sat to their morning meal. Darcy met him in the main foyer and ushered him into his study before anyone else could speak with the man. He sent one of the maids to find Elizabeth and Georgiana. He wanted them both aware of Sir Phillip’s investigation.
“Your man was most insistent, Darcy.” Sir Phillip warmed his hands near the fire. “What is all this about?”
Darcy steadied himself. “There are three bodies in the attic drying room.” He watched the horror spread across the baronet’s face. Sir Phillip and Darcy’s father had attended Eton together—he was a man whom Darcy admired and respected.“All have died of mysterious causes. I have several unexpected houseguests because of the storm, and I assumed you would wish to question them before they departed.”
“Three?” Sir Phillip took a nearby chair.
“My cousin’s traveling companion and two of my staff.Another, Jatson St. Denis, suffered minor injuries in a confrontation with an unknown assailant.”
“I am afraid I do not understand, Darcy. Has someone entered the house illegally or is our culprit someone we know?”
Darcy ran his fingers through his hair. “I wish to God I knew. The phantom of Pemberley has haunted this house for nigh on ten days and nights.”
“The phantom of Pemberley?” Sir Phillip stared at him.
“What my staff has dubbed my intruder! At first, they believed him to be one of the shadow people.” He pulled the cord to order breakfast. “I have sent for Mrs. Darcy and my sister. I thought we might make our insights known to you prior to your questioning the guests. I have made extensive notes of each day’s events since we took notice of a stranger on the grounds and then of the cryptic clues accompanying each of the incidents. I suppose you told your household that you might not return until tomorrow?”
“Will it take that long?”
Darcy moved to answer the door. “As we have eight guests and several staff members to address, I am sure you will be about your duties through most of the day.” He opened the door to find Elizabeth and Georgiana awaiting him. “Ah, my Dears.” He caught Elizabeth’s hand and led her to where the baronet stood. “Sir Phillip has come in an official capacity; we need to tell him everything we know of our phantom.”
“Of course, my Husband.” She curtsied to the official and then summoned a waiting footman to bring in the ordered food and drink.
Georgiana shivered. “I pray, Sir Phillip, that you can bring closure to this distressing matter.”
“I will do my best, my Dear.” He squeezed her hand. “I would have Pemberley as clear as the day your great-great-grandfather built it.”
“I do have one piece of news that will bring you joy, Sir Phillip.” Darcy passed a cup of tea to the man as Elizabeth continued to pour for the rest of them.
A hesitant smile touched the baronet’s lips. “Please share, my Boy. Under the circumstances, I am in need of felicitations.”
“My household is to know a new member this summer.”
The gentleman beamed at Elizabeth, his eyes glistening with genuine happiness. “Mrs. Darcy, you have brought life back to this estate. I do wish Lady Anne and the former Mr. Darcy were here to know of this day. My old friend would be strutting around like the proudest peacock. I cannot wait to tell Lady Spurlock. She will be beside herself with joy. When the roads clear, you will know how much the Darcys are respected by this neighborhood.”
“Thank you, Sir Phillip. Mr. Darcy and I are blessed to know such joy.”
“A whole houseful!” Sir Phillip declared.“A houseful of Darcys would please me.”
Elizabeth blushed. “We will take our blessings one at a time, Sir Phillip.”
“Let us begin.” Darcy redirected the conversation. The knowledge that the community would welcome the news of his heir pleased him. Pemberley would survive—even the chaos of the past week would not destroy it. Sir Phillip’s words rang in his ears. Mrs. Darcy, you have brought life back to this estate. For the first time in several days, he knew contentment. “Elizabeth, why do you not start with the day you saw the stranger when we were out riding?”
The hearty breakfast satisfied one of Harwood’s hungers. Plus, he found Miss Donnel alone in the morning room, and he spent nearly half an hour spouting his best “seductive” speeches.The lady appeared to welcome him. Perhaps he would ease another hunger tonight.
Of course, the lady’s cousin seemed less inclined to “welcome” him to the family. When he found them conversing privately in the breakfast room, Lord Stafford appeared quite angry. The viscount first offered Harwood a direct cut before sending his cousin scurrying to her room. He had thought he knew something of the future earl’s nature after spending several hours the previous evening chatting over cards, but His Lordship’s subsequent private warning spoke volumes. You cannot trust the aristocracy, Harwood reminded himself. The viscount will gladly take your hard-earned macaroni, but deny you the pleasure of his cousin’s company. Without thinking, he swung the door to his room wide. Seeing a man in Regular regimentals shaving at the vanity table stunned him. He strode forward. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?”
He made the decision to look for a change of clothes and to seek some other comforts. Since James’s altercation in the east wing and Peter’s frenzied moment in the family quarters, Gregor MacIves had found it quite impossible to leave the passageways.The Darcys had effectively cut off his supplies. Today, he hoped to find some extra clothes or toiletries stored on the second level.“I be a bit rank.” He hit the lever for one of the empty rooms.This was the only part of the house not currently in use or not presently being renovated.
As the raised dais sporting a small writing desk rotated inward, he stepped into the airy room. He could get used to such luxury, but the likelihood of ever knowing the warmth of a place of his own faded a bit more with each passing day. Only one thing held him back—kept him from realizing his true potential. He had come to Pemberley to right a wrong. Looking out the nearest window, he took stock of the changing weather conditions. “It be tonight,” he said as he let the drape fall back into place.
He found a bowl and a ewer of water. He stripped off his jacket and searched the wardrobe for clothes stored in the cabinet. “Well, look here.” He pulled the shirt from the wooden hanger. “Thank ye, Darcy.” He removed the rough linen he had worn for the past week and threw it in the empty bag resting on the bedside end table. He poured water in the bowl, lathered up a cloth, and proceeded to wash his body as best he could. He would prefer a bath, but, at least, he could rid himself of the dust and the cobwebs clinging to his face and arms.
As silently as possible, he raised the smallest window, and then carefully carried the dirty water to it and dumped the water onto the frosty lawn. Then he refilled the bowl and applied the soap to his face. He returned to the dressing room and found a straight razor on the table. “Thank ye a’gin, Darcy.”
Taking the blade with him, he looked for a mirror. He found one and began to remove the bristly whiskers decorating his face. “I won’er when be the last time Darcy shaved his own face?” He made smooth, sweeping strokes along his cheeks and then wiped the blade dry on a towel.
He had just run the razor up the right side of his neck to his chin line when the room’s door swung open. In the mirror, he saw a man wearing what appeared to be an officer’s uniform. The man strode forward. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?” he demanded.
For a split second, Gregor froze, thinking that being discovered meant he would not have to return to the cold passageways after all, and then survival instincts took hold. He spun, razor in hand, and caught the officer with a forearm across the neck.With his free hand, he slashed the blade along the exposed flesh, leaving a jagged cut from the man’s left ear to his Adam’s apple.
The lieutenant fought Gregor until his opponent made a second cut, and the blood poured forth over their hands, which were knotted together in a struggle. Then his opponent went limp, the front of his well-pressed uniform turning red with his own blood. Gregor stepped back and let the lieutenant slide to the floor.Without thinking twice, he rinsed his hands in the water. He grabbed a second towel, the bag from the end table, and the clean garments and sidestepped around the writhing body. After locking the room door, he headed toward the secret panel. Reaching the hidden lever, he glanced back once to see the military officer pull up to his knees before suddenly going very still. He knew it was a matter of time.Within a few minutes, the lieutenant would know his Maker. A loud click signaled that Gregor’s escape waited.
For well over an hour, the Darcys shared what they knew of the mysterious deaths. “It is almost as if there is more than one perpetrator,” Sir Phillip remarked. “My study of the law and my twenty years serving as a magistrate tell me that, usually, a murderer follows the same pattern in committing his crimes.These are very distinct wrongs. It makes very little sense.”
“I had hoped,” Darcy began, “that your years in this capacity would give you insights we others lacked.”
“I believe it is time I spoke to your guests.” Sir Phillip stood and moved to behind Darcy’s desk. “I plan to occupy your work area for a few hours, my Boy.”
“Certainly, Sir Phillip. Anything you need.” Darcy stood also. “With whom did you wish to speak first, sir?”
Sir Phillip settled in Darcy’s chair. “I think the viscount if you do not mind, Darcy. I am familiar with Mr. Worth—testified in more than one of his cases, but I am not aware of the viscount.”
“The man is right intelligent, although a bit of a rebel; I believe you will find His Lordship most helpful, however.” Darcy pulled the bell cord to call his servant. “In a short while, I have a meeting with my aunt, her daughter, and Lieutenant Harwood, so I will be engaged with a family matter for an hour or so. But Mrs. Darcy will be happy to serve you, Sir Phillip.”
“One thing I need both you and Mrs. Darcy to do is to become better listeners. Do not simply take what people say at face value. Someone in this household knows the truth of these mysteries, and I mean to find out who that is. We will succeed, my Boy. Never you fear.” Sir Phillip took out foolscap and began to sharpen a pen. Very businesslike, the baronet explained what he expected them to do. “Both the midday meal and the morning tea will also allow us some time to assess your guests. I realize that you previously searched for missing bed linens and candleholders, but we need to complete a different type of search.We must look through drawers and the wardrobe—examine papers—look in the ladies’ cosmetics. Someone has arsenic. Someone knows something you have missed because of your sense of propriety.”
“I understand, Sir Phillip.” Darcy looked about uncomfortably. “My men and I are at your disposal.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana gathered the cups and placed them on the tray.“I shall inform the kitchen of the extra setting, Fitzwilliam. Do you suppose Her Ladyship will take tea with us?”
“Possibly we should apprise Lady Catherine of Sir Phillip’s presence,” Darcy whispered.
“I will see to it. Come, Georgiana.” She caught the girl’s arm. “I will speak to Lady Catherine. Might you check on Miss de Bourgh?”
The girl nodded, but she was lost in her own musings.Taking a closer look, Elizabeth realized the agitation Darcy’s sister portrayed. “What is it, Georgiana?”
The girl stopped suddenly and looked alarmed. She stammered, “I-I just re-remembered where I have seen Lieutenant Harwood before. It is something I have been unable to release since meeting the lieutenant yesterday evening. He was the man by the cottages that first day, the one leaning against the tree.”
Darcy was by her side, supporting her weight against his body as she swayed in place. “Are you sure, Georgiana?”
“Absolutely, Fitzwilliam.The lieutenant has been close by since before the snowstorm. He lied about riding in from Liverpool in the past two days.”