Page 78 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

I strode out of the door of the inn and stopped short, almost colliding with the magistrate. “Excuse me, Mr. Plowman. Good morning.”

He took a backwards step. “It is a fine day, Mr. Darcy, and I am glad to have caught you in time. I came to ask whether you would be willing to assist me. The suspect revealed his partner’s location—a hovel five miles east of here. He maintains the stolen property is there as well. I have recruited a group of local volunteers to accompany me, but none are skilled marksmen.”

“What makes you think I am?”

“Your agility with your fists combined with the acuity of your written statement led me to deduce you benefited from a comprehensive education.” His lips drew upwards. “And you have not denied the fact.”

Criminy, I did not want to put off seeing Elizabeth another hour, much less another day. But if I could help ensure the local roads would be safer… “Very well, I shall accompany you.”

Less than two hours later, we took the second highwayman into custody without incident: upon our entrance into the remote cabin indicated by his accomplice, we found him in an alcohol-induced slumber. We recovered the Nicholsons’ coach, along with three horses, a few purses of cash, several bags—which had been ransacked—and a collection of watches, rings, and other items of jewellery.

Mr. Plowman emptied a filthy, worn knapsack onto the table. Among the articles of male clothing, handkerchiefs, and scarves,I spotted a cross covered in green gemstones on a broken chain. I pointed out the necklace to Mr. Plowman and recounted Miss Nicholson’s attestation.

The magistrate handed the cross to me. “Since you are staying at the Bedford Rest, please return the necklace to Miss Nicholson.”

“Very well.”

On the ride back to Bedford, Mr. Plowman directed his horse alongside Regal. “Although we did not put your pistol or your fists to use on this occasion, I appreciated your assistance.”

“You are welcome.”

“My wife and I should like to have a small dinner party on Tuesday night. I had in mind to invite you, Mr. Baxter, and his guest. What do you think?”

I shot him a quick look. “That is most kind of you, but that may not be the best idea. The situation is…delicate.”

His brows raised in a questioning look.

Blast, he left me little choice but to be frank. “The friend I want to see is a lady. Unfortunately, I have managed to alienate her father. In truth, he has forbidden me to see her. Both she and her father are staying with Mr. Baxter, and I am determined to speak to her—one way or another.”

“Do you expect the lady will welcome your presence?”

I averted my gaze. “I cannot be certain.”

“If I may ask, why does her father object to you?”

“Suffice it to say I made a consequential error, and I intend to correct my mistake. Once Miss Bennet hears my explanation, I hope she will forgive me.”

“Then my idea might be the best solution for you. If you and your lady friend are both guests at my house, you ought to have an opportunity to plead your case. I could ask my wife to set the two of you at a cribbage table.”

His suggestion might work—yet the situation could easily go awry. “There is a fair likelihood Miss Bennet’s father will become angry upon seeing me, and I should hate to expose your wife to any unpleasantness.”

“I appreciate your concern, but Mrs. Plowman is a strong lady.” He snickered. “And if the situation became heated, it would not be the first time we hosted contentious neighbours. If you would like me to set the plan in motion, say the word.”

“Thank you. Miss Bennet often takes walks of a morning, so I hope to find her on the morrow. If I am unsuccessful, I may take you up on your offer.”

“I see. There are abundant paths through the woodland across from Baxter’s home on Howard Street.”

No doubt she would tour the area. “I appreciate the information.”

“Aha!” Mr. Plowman slapped his thigh. “I know a way for you to encounter your friend tonight. My wife and I shall attend the concert in the town’s assembly room. Mr. Baxter never misses one, so I expect he and his guests will be there as well. Unless Miss Bennet’s father is willing to make a public scene, he will have little choice but to allow you to engage his daughter in that setting.”

Would this be a good idea? In all likelihood, a substantial conversation with Elizabeth may be impossible at a concert, yet I could not resist the temptation to see her. “Yes, thank you. I shall be there.”

***

I entered the Bedford Rest’s lobby, and Miss Nicholson rushed towards me, wearing a fulsome smile.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am so grateful to you! I saw you, Mr. Plowman, and the other men when you rode through the highstreet with the second highwayman in custody. I recognised our missing horse and coach!”

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