Chapter Twenty
Tommy was let into the kitchen at The Rock House (which was named that because it was made entirely of local rock) and sat at the table for a meal. He had become a favorite of Cook and the Fredricks. One of the footmen was sent to find John while he ate.
“What do you have for me Tommy? Have their plans advanced?”
“Yes sir. He’s got a carriage and a big ole horse. Mrs. Young plans ta put the poppy in the young misses’ wine tomorra night an he’ll carry her out after midnight when she gives the signal.”
“What’s the signal.”
“Candle in the winda. Easy ‘nuff.”
“The express went out to the colonel this morning. I expect he’ll be here tomorrow, but we’ll plan as if he’s not. You got your friends watching him all the time?”
“Yep. Still do. Always eyes on ‘im.”
“Anything else?”
“Well, not sure this here is related…there’s this other tall, blonde bloke been pokin’ round askin’ fer some guy who’s a gambler. Might be one of them creditors our man was worried ‘bout.”
“Does he say what the name is? Who is he asking for?”
“Says the bloke wouldn’t be usin’ his real name. Just says he’s a tall, blond, pretty boy. Sounds like he was talkin’ ‘bout our guy.”
“Hmmm…does he look the dangerous sort? What is your impression?”
“He looks like a toff tryin’ ta blend in. Stands too straight, ya know?”
“I know. Our guy probably owes him money. Just keep an eye on him. I’ll talk to the others and make a plan for tomorrow night. Probably best we catch them in the act.”
“Right. I’ll keep close ta the bugger. Thanks for the grub cook!” Tommy was up and out in a flash.
Beth, Lizzy, Lydia, Mr. Bennet, and John met out on the terrace for a walk on the beach. The rest of the household was walking on the promenade and planned to shop again. Once they were away from anyone who might hear them, John briefed them on the latest.
“So, Tommy thinks this other tall blonde is looking for the person we know as Henry Blake? Maybe we should meet him and find out more.” Mr. Bennet looked more serious than his girls had seen him in a great while.
“I don’t think we know enough about him yet, Bennet. He might be dangerous. Blake and Mrs. Young are making their move tomorrow. We need to figure out how to keep Miss Darcy safe and catch them in the act. Adding in someone else is a complication we don’t need.”
“You are likely right, John. What do you girls have to say?”
Beth and Lizzy looked at each other, but it was Lydia who spoke first. “I do not think we should allow them to drug Gigi. We need to let her know what will be happening. She can pretend to drink whatever Mrs. Young brings her and then act sleepy and pass out.”
Beth was shaking her head slightly. “Do you think she is up to acting that way? She’s not as timid as when I first met my cousins, but she’s not like you Lydia.”
“I think she’d have a fighting chance if we cannot get to her in time!
Would any of you want this type of thing kept a secret from you?
! Like you not letting me know mama was dying papa?
! You kept telling me she would get better, and then she was gone!
Is that fair?! Gigi is not stupid! Give her a chance so Mrs. Young’s betrayal does not devastate her!
” Lydia was breathing hard and had her fists clenched by her side after her outburst. Her eyes looked like she could set the world on fire.
Thomas Bennet stopped walking and stared at his youngest child. He felt like he had been slapped in the face and punched in the gut at the same time. “Oh, my darling child…” was all he was able to say. Beth and Lizzy grabbed her up into a hug and the three of them rocked back and forth.
It was only a minute before Lydia stepped away from them. “All I am saying is she should be given the choice of how to react. Maybe she will prefer to be drugged and sleep through it all, but I doubt it. She’s no wilting lily.”
“You got that from Mamie.” Beth smirked. “I agree with you. We must tell Gigi.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Mr. Bennet still was looking gob smacked but thoughtful.
“We have the twins, Jackson, the Riley boys, John, and me. We should have no trouble taking care of Mrs. Young and that man. The colonel will no doubt arrive as quickly as he can. We might have to hold him off from killing the miscreants. Who is going to tell Miss Darcy?”
Lizzy finally spoke up, “Lydia. They have become close. Lydia is also an accomplished actress. She can give Gigi tips on how to behave and not give up the game.”
“Very well. John, would you please speak to the footmen and swear them to secrecy. We do not wish to ruin Miss Darcy’s reputation while trying to save her from abduction.
Girls, you might want to figure out how to sneak Miss Darcy to our house after we capture the conspirators.
Having her seen first thing in the morning at Rock House, as if she was there all night, will save her from rumors. ”
“Come, we are not far from the promenade, let us go meet the rest and we’ll draw Gigi aside with some excuse so we can apprise her of what is happening. Hopefully she won’t be too vexed with us for not telling her sooner.”
“I will not be drawn into shopping for lace a ribbons! I will put my foot down right now!”
The ladies, even Lydia, tittered at Mr. Bennet’s protest. “Can you be cajoled into taking everyone for tea and pastries?”
“You can. Mrs. Russell mentioned a teashop with the most excellent scones. I will agree to that.” They all hurried along.
~~~~~
“What are you saying?! Mrs. Young and some man plan to drug me and drag me off somewhere…to what? Ransom me? Force me to marry? Who is the man? Why me?!”
“Georgiana Darcy! Calm yourself! This is why no one told you sooner.” Lydia hissed at her. “Do be quiet before the entire town hears you!”
Gigi looked around frantically expecting everyone on the beach to be staring at her. No one was. Lydia had waited until they were many yards from everyone else before telling her everything. “What am I to do Lyddie?”
“Nothing, really. Pretend to drink whatever Mrs. Young brings you in the evening. Anything her hands have touched, do not actually drink or eat it! The Rileys know everything and will be watching out for you. John Smith has people on the street watching the man. You also have the twins watching out. Plus Jackson. Go to bed as usual and pretend to sleep. When the man and Mrs. Young sneak into your room, that is when we strike!” Lydia brought her hand down in a chopping motion.
“Remember to pretend to be unconscious until you hear the ruckus. Maybe we should put the twins in your closet…”
“The closet is rather small. One of them might fit.” Gigi was finally calming down and wanted to help with the planning.
They turned back to go find Mr. Bennet and John Smith.
Georgiana started feeling more excited than frightened about the intrigue.
Lydia also felt like she was finally shaking off the gloom and doom she had carried around since her mother’s death.
She finally felt a part of something, instead of set apart from everyone else.
Now if they could just get through tomorrow without anyone getting seriously hurt.