Page 24 of The Scarred Duchess
“Close to the woods’ edge?”
“Ayuh.”
Bennet tapped his lips with a forefinger before pointing at Lambrook. “You or me?”
“I yield to your expertise,” he replied. “Thank you, Sergeant Reeves.”
“Don’t know much yet, but I will soon.” Bennet recognised that look from previous war campaigns.Some unfortunate has begged for trouble. Now he has found it.
A se’nnight later, Bennet rode along Longbourn’s outer boundary, watching as Lambrook neared him from his own estate. They turned their horses and rode the shared fence line for a moment before Bennet broke the news Reeves had delivered hours before.
“It is as you feared. Somerset knows of your son and his whereabouts.”
Lambrook exhaled. “This is confirmed?”
“Yes.” Bennet handed him a note. Lambrook read it and crushed it in his fist. “What else did you find?”
“He had a crude map of the county. Poorly drawn but effective.”
“What of a journal? Other notes? Did he have communications from Somerset?”
“He admitted to nothing else.”
“Weapons?”
“No.” Bennet shook his head. “He was a scout, not an assassin.”
Lambrook blanched. “Surely not!”
“An advance team precludes an attack. You may count on this fact as surely as the sun rises and falls each day.”
Lambrook snorted, his anger evident. “That reprobate’s men will not come near John or my wife!”
"What have you not shared?” asked Bennet.
My friend will hopefully forgive me my harsh words.“Love or money? Which is it?” Bennet’s harsh tone caused Lambrook to glare at him.
“Devil take it! Both,” replied Lambrook moments later. “It is mostly about money, but his offences towards my wife will never be forgotten, nor forgiven.”
“We will remain vigilant. How may I be of service to you?”
They rode on, Lambrook’s face now neutral. “Might I question the ne’er-do-well?”
Bennet shook his head. “Only if the dead can speak.”
“Damnation. You allow Reeves far too much latitude.”
“That I may, but now is not the time to curtail his inclinations.”
“No, I daresay it is not.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Darcy carriage rolled into Lambton and stopped in front of The Rose & Crown. A liveried footman handed out Lady Catherine, who then turned to receive a swaddled bundle from within. Another woman stepped down, followed by Master Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“Nurse, seek out our requirements. Fitzwilliam and I shall take a turn about the square. Georgiana would do well to join us,” instructed Lady Catherine.
“Yes, my lady.”
