Page 104 of The Scarred Duchess
“‘From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate,’” Bennet said. “Be wary, son.”
“Socrates, sir?”
Bennet grinned. “And what of Miss Darcy?”
“Fitzwilliam and Villiers departed earlier for Pemberley. The colonel will escort her to Hopton Hall.”
“I assume he has fortified Ashdale.”
“Lord Matlock anticipated him,” confirmed Darcy.
“Two peas in a pod.” Bennet finished his drink. “Roark, apprise Gardiner of our plans.”
Roark knuckled his forehead and slipped out of the room. Bennet addressed the three remaining men in the room. “Happy hunting.” He exited without closing the door.
Darcy gestured for the men to sit. “There will be funds available for each of you early tomorrow. Where do you stay?”
“Roark has us set up nice-like,” replied Reeves.
“Horses?”
“Taken care of,” replied Legget.
“Then, as my father-in-law…” Darcy stopped speaking as the men rose. He looked to the door, surprised to see Elizabeth in the corridor. He had yet to inform her of the dangers.
“You men have your tasks. Good evening.”
They departed, each politely acknowledging Elizabeth. She closed the door.
“I just saw my father leave our house. He did not stay to call on me.”
“No, he did not.”
“Have you something to tell me?”
Darcy led Elizabeth to their favourite sitting place. “There is a threat to our family.”
“I see.”
Darcy waited. Elizabeth remained silent.
“Have you no questions?”
“Would you answer them fully?”
“Of course. I have no secrets from you. Nor will I ever,” he replied, vowing to himself he would always keep this promise.
“Then I need not ask questions.”
Darcy smiled. Elizabeth had turned rhetoric upon its head.
“You are an amazing woman.”
“Thank you. Now unburden yourself, so we may return to your very accurate opinion of your wife.”
Darcy leant in to kiss her. With that enticement, he outlined all that had occurred since Ramsgate, up to the past several days that now required him to hasten to Pemberley mere weeks after their wedding.
Elizabeth tilted her head, one eyebrow lifted. “Darcy, forgive me my opinion, but I am my father’s daughter.”
