40. Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty
June 1812 London Darcy
N ight had fallen when Bingley’s carriage slowed in front of Mrs. Younge’s boarding house. The entire building looked faded from the facade to the door. Filth in the streets made the air stink, and the stench seeped into the carriage.
Bingley wrinkled his nose. “Would he bring the daughter of a gentleman here?”
“He would.” Richard frowned. “What is our plan of action? I say we storm the place.”
“This is not one of your battles,” Darcy reminded him. “Let us knock. If Mrs. Younge can be worked on, it will save us a great deal of headache.”
“And if she does not know where they are?” Bingley inquired.
“She will,” Richard replied. “Wickham thinks he has her loyalty. His confidence will be his downfall.”
“Miss Kitty has been missing for less than a day,” Bingley said. “Is there any chance that the worst has not yet happened?”
“If I know Wickham, then no.” Darcy shook his head sadly. “It will be his insurance that we do what he demands.”
“Little does he know that we have another plan entirely.” Richard chuckled darkly. “Darcy, after you have confirmed that our quarry is here, Bingley and I will relieve the blackguard of his burden.”
Nodding, Darcy opened the carriage door and stepped down. He picked his way across the filthy street and knocked on the door to the boarding house. Waiting patiently, he glanced back at the carriage. Bingley and Richard watched for his signal out the window.
The door opened. Mrs. Younge gasped and attempted to close it, but he stuck his foot in the gap. “Mrs. Younge,” he said flatly.
“Move!” she huffed. “You are letting a draft.”
“I think not. Allow me inside. I can tell by your panic that you know why I have come. Can we not reason together and come to an arrangement?”
He pulled a coin pouch from his pocket and tossed it. The thud as it hit his hand spoke of the wealth contained within. Her eyes lit with greed. Nodding stiffly, she stepped aside.
“My companions will join us,” he said, gesturing to the carriage. Bingley and Richard emerged and hastened toward the doorway.
“Brought a veritable army with you, aye?” She huffed. “Come on then. But keep quiet so’s not to disturb my lodgers.”
She led the way down a dark hallway to a little study. Richard closed the door behind them as their hostess lit a few candles.
“Calling hours ended hours ago,” she muttered. “What do you want?”
“Which room contains Wickham and his young guest?” Darcy asked.
“Who says they are here?” Mrs. Younge crossed her arms defiantly.
Darcy tossed the coin pouch again. “Well, gentlemen,” he said, ignoring the lady. “Let us depart and seek the miscreant elsewhere.”
“Wait!” Mrs. Younge dropped her act. “They are upstairs. First door on the right. Give me the coins and I will not stand in your way.”
“The money is yours when they are secured, Mrs. Younge.” Darcy nodded to Richard, and he and Bingley departed.
“Have you no familial loyalty, madam?” Darcy turned his glower on her. “Miss Kitty is your niece.”
“She is the daughter of my former sister-by-marriage. No blood of mine.”
“Be that as it may, she is a young woman who ought to be under her father’s protection. Did you even send word to Mr. Bennet when you learned who she was?”
She shrugged. “I’ve no love for the gentleman,” she snapped. “Why should I do anything for him?”
Shaking his head, Mr. Darcy did not respond. A commotion in the hall drew his attention, and Richard appeared hauling a protesting Wickham.
“My commanding officer has promised to see you on the next ship to the continent, Wicky,” Richard said. “Do stop struggling. You will only make it worse for yourself.”
A screeching Kitty came next. Bingley had his hand wrapped tightly around her arm. She had secured a pelisse and cloak over what appeared to be a nightgown. Her hair was down and in disarray. Darcy sighed. Her virtue was likely already lost.
“To the carriage with them,” he said.
Richard forced Wickham, whose hands were bound, out the door and into the night. Bingley followed with Kitty.
“Send the girl’s things to this address,” he said, holding out a card to Mrs. Younge. “If you do not, I shall know how to act.” He tossed the bag of coins on the desk and departed.
Miss Kitty wailed and complained all the way to Gracechurch Street. Darcy and Bingley hauled her out of the carriage, leaving Richard and Wickham inside.
“I shall see him to headquarters and then return for you,” the colonel said. The carriage door closed, and the conveyance drove off.
Bingley rapped on the door and entered as soon as it opened. Kitty struggled against his hold, but did not try to run. Darcy stood just behind her, preventing any hasty actions.
“Kitty!” Aunt Gardiner emerged from the parlor and wrapped her niece in an embrace. “Let us get you upstairs.”
The two ladies departed, leaving Bingley and Darcy in the hallway.
“You may as well come in, gentlemen, and tell us what you have accomplished.”
Darcy recognized Mr. Bennet’s sardonic voice and moved into the parlor. Miss Younge, Elizabeth, and Miss Mary were on the settee. Lord Elmwood stood in the corner; hands clasped behind his back. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet occupied chairs by the fire, both sporting drawn and exhausted faces.
“Now, why do you not tell us what you have learned?” Mr. Bennet gestured for them to sit.
Darcy sank into a chair and settled in to tell the tale.