Chapter 21 #2
The fact that her brother was not perfect and also erred made Anna feel somewhat better. What he said about the Bennets encouraged her as well. She looked at Mrs Annesley questioningly and saw an encouraging nod from her companion. “Thank you, William. I would like to come with you.”
“That is capital. I wanted to depart at first light on the morrow, so I will come collect you both, and Richard. When I return to Darcy House, I will send an express to Miss Bingley, Bingley’s aunt who is his hostess, to tell her we need another suite prepared.
Richard will be able to use the unused bedchamber in the suite I am using,” Darcy enthused.
He was very happy that Anna had perked up and was no longer looking at the floor.
What he was looking forward to greatly was being in Miss Elizabeth’s company again.
After bestowing a kiss on the crown of Anna’s head, Darcy went back up to the family sitting room. There he informed his aunt and cousin of Anna’s decision. Both were pleased.
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George Wickham had finally felt enough confidence that he was not being searched for in London that he began to venture away from St Giles. He did not stray into that part of London the Darcys and Fitzwilliams frequented, but he was willing to be seen in Cheapside.
Being in that part of the capital brought back a memory of something his late father had mentioned once.
From what his father knew and told him; there was a distant cousin who owned a profitable business concern in the area.
All the elder Wickham had mentioned was the last name, Daltry.
He thought that if he could find the man and his family, he may find a much better place to reside and, by telling his oft-told sob story, get some funds.
He made some subtle enquiries, but no one knew of a Mr Daltry in the area in any sort of business.
Wickham gave up as it was too much like work, and he only had the one name.
On the way to the Cock he had to pay in advance. That expenditure left him with a shilling and tuppence.
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The next morning while Wickham was departing for Berkshire with the two lieutenants, Darcy’s spare carriage, which was kept at his house in London, stopped in front of Matlock House.
Zeus was attached to the back with a long tether, and a groom was seated on the box with the coachman in case his services were needed.
Trunks for the two ladies and one colonel were strapped to the conveyance.
While the footmen were securing the trunks, Fitzwilliam added his stallion, Invictus, to be led behind next to his cousin’s horse. He handed Mrs Annesley in, and he took a seat in one corner of the rear-facing bench.
Darcy handed Anna in and followed her into the cabin. She sat next to her companion on the forward-facing bench, and he joined his cousin on the rear-facing bench, sitting opposite Anna. As soon as the door was closed, Darcy used the head of his cane to strike the ceiling twice and they were off.
The further they travelled, the more the anticipation of seeing Miss Elizabeth built within Darcy’s chest. If he noticed his cousin’s questioning looks, Darcy did not show it.
He chatted with Anna until she fell asleep, as she was wont to do in a carriage. Darcy then feigned sleep as well which soon became real.