Page 63 of I Thee Wed
At length, late one evening, the carriages drew up before Darcy’s Highland estate. Lady Catherine alighted, cross and weary.
“This has been the worst journey of my life,” she declared.
Anne caught Darcy’s eye and suppressed a smile. He only offered his arm and assisted his aunt inside. Dinner would be ready within the half-hour.
“Aunt,” he asked gently, “will you come down, or shall I send a tray up?”
“Send a tray,” she said at once. “I am cold and aching. After I have eaten, I shall retire. I am perfectly well, but I am old, Fitzwilliam. I want a clean bed, well-aired sheets, and no vermin.”
Darcy inclined his head gravely. “It shall be done.”
Later, when Anne entered the dining room, Darcy chuckled. “Your mother has expressed her gratitude that she need not share her bed with vermin this night.”
Anne giggled. “Bless me, you must laugh, Cousin, or you will knock your head against a wall in screaming frustration. Therewere no vermin. Every inn was clean, and the service was good. I apologize for Mother’s complaints.”
“You need not,” Darcy replied. “It amused me, and I only shared it because I believed you would enjoy the jest.”
Her smile faded. “William, tell me honestly. Is Richard in danger?”
Darcy grew serious. “He could be, but he has faced worse upon the Peninsula. Much of his service was in intelligence. He knows what he is about, and he will not risk his life needlessly. The government loses vast sums to the smugglers. They will send dragoons as Richard has urged. You must only remain safe, Anne. Richard can take care of himself.”
She lowered her voice. “And you will not leave us unprotected?”
“No,” Darcy said firmly. “I have brought Peter Miller, my senior footman, and his brother Robert. These brothers are the most clever men in my employ. They are armed and will remain here. They will write to me, as you must also, to tell me what is needed. This estate lies safe between the River Tilt and the River Garry, ringed by the Grampians. It is isolated, yet near Blair Castle and a thriving village. You shall want for nothing.”
Anne’s face brightened. “A village? Can one walk there?”
“Yes, but never alone. Always take a groom. The larger carriage will remain for your use. In the village, there is a small bookshop with a circulating library, as well as a market where vendors sell excellent fare. You will find diversion, Anne, if you choose.”
She smiled. “I think I shall like it.”
Darcy remained in Blair Atholl for one week to ensure that Lady Catherine and his steward were able to work together. When hedetermined that everything was in order, he prepared to return to Kent. On the morning of his departure, he spoke with his two female relations. “My men will guard you. The house is secure. You must remain hidden here for the next two or three months. It will be dependent on our success against the gang. If you write to me, use the name Douglas. I return to London and then to Kent, to assist Richard.”
Lady Catherine pressed his hand. “Go then, Fitzwilliam. Only see that those villains are dealt with.”
Darcy bowed. “It shall be done, Aunt.”
He mounted Ares, and the clatter of hooves carried him south, leaving the ladies safe in Scotland while he returned to face the work still unfinished in Kent.
Chapter 45: Reconnaissance
Richard stood in the drive and watched until Darcy and his Rosings relations had traveled out of sight. Darcy turned once, lifted a hand in salute, then rode on. Richard remained still, hands clasped behind his back. Darcy would see his aunt and cousin safe in Scotland. That much was secure.
Richard muttered to himself, “The network may be vast, yet my concern lies here. If I could secure twenty miles from Hunsford parish in any direction, I would be satisfied.” That evening, he wrote to Percy, his batman, who was also on leave, and gave precise instructions. Six men would be required, men with steady hands and keen eyes. He named Jones, Gibson, and Lennox, soldiers with whom he had fought in the Peninsula, all discharged on account of their wounds and now in want of employment. Percy was to find three more disabled soldiers of like skill, scouts accustomed to the field, all of whom were practiced with a firearm. Their wages could be paid from the smuggler coin Lady Catherine had received. Richard would eventually approach the other estate owners and insist that they also contribute, but for now, he would cover the wages.
The following day, he rode into Westerham and walked through the market town, entering many of the shops. He bought a pair of riding gloves in the haberdashery and scones in the bakery, and he spoke with the shopkeepers to hear what was being said about Lady Catherine’s departure and the North Kent Gang. He heard nothing.
He found a respectable-looking tavern and ordered ale, accompanied by a plate of cold meats and bread. He ate slowly and listened. By late afternoon, most of the clientele had gone;only Richard and one other remained. The owner approached his table for the third time.
“Another tankard, sir?”
Richard smiled. “Yes. And a slice of pie to finish. Your ale is the best I have had in this county.”
The man grinned, and when he returned with the pie and ale, he stayed when Richard gestured for him to sit.
Richard leaned back. “I must ask a favor. My aunt is Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park. Two of her chimneys are in need of repair, and two more will fail within the year. I should like the name of a reliable mason.”
The tavern owner leaned on the table. “There are two masons in business. One is Guthrie, the other is Logan. All the tradesmen use Logan. He came here three years ago and is still building his name, but his work is sound and his prices fair. Guthrie set up shop after Jeffrey Wilson was driven out of business and out of Kent altogether. Guthrie’s prices are higher, but his work is good, though not better than Logan’s.”
