Chapter 1 Looming Threat
Fitzwilliam Darcy stood motionless, a letter in his hand.
“Kendall, how can this have occurred? He was confined for these two months without incident.”
“Sir, several inmates died of typhus in the ward where Mr. Wickham was held. It is believed he was removed when the bodies were taken out.”
“Are we certain he lives? How do they know he escaped?”
“His name appeared upon the list of the dead, but he was not among those taken for burial. When they made inquiry, several prisoners reported Wickham had boasted he would escape by feigning death, and it appears he has done so.”
“When did this occur?”
“But four days ago, on the twenty-second of March. His name was entered among the dead, and he was taken by the undertaker. When they went to bury the bodies, one was missing. Wickham was nowhere to be found.”
Darcy drew a breath. “I must inform Georgiana that she may exercise proper caution when she goes out.”
“Sir, perhaps Miss Darcy would be safer at Pemberley.”
“No. She had me promise not to leave her alone. And I must remain in London, for my aunt insists upon it.”
“Shall I engage guards for the house, and for Miss Darcy when she goes out?”
“Do you know men of good character?”
“I will engage two officers from Bow Street.”
“Kendall, are you certain Mrs. Younge sailed for Canada?”
“Yes, sir. The Miller brothers and I escorted her to the ship and remained until it set sail. He will not find refuge with her, for she has been gone these two months.”
“Thank you, Kendall. Hire the officers.”
Darcy went at once to the drawing room. “Georgiana, I must speak with you, my dear.”
His sister regarded him with concern.
“What is it, brother?”
“Kendall has informed me George Wickham has escaped from prison, and his whereabouts are unknown.”
Georgiana sank into a chair. “I cannot believe it. Does he know where we reside?”
“He does. He was long received as one of the family and spent much time at Darcy House.”
“Brother, I wish to remove to the third floor, to a bedchamber with a concealed stair.”
“If it will ease your mind, it shall be done. Or you may occupy our mother’s rooms. There is a connecting door and a concealed stair from my chamber. Jenny may take the maid’s room adjoining.”
Georgiana considered this. “Yes. You must show me the stair, in case I should need it.”
“I shall.”
Her spirits improved. “I wish there were such a place upon the first floor as well.”
“There is, in fact. A concealed room adjoining my study, and another within the library. They are small, but I will fit them with blankets and cots myself should you have need to shelter there.”
She regarded him with bright interest. “I should like to pass the night there, brother, in case it should ever be required. If I accustom myself to it now, I may not be so fearful later.”
“Of course. If it will give you comfort, I will furnish both rooms this very day. You must not speak of these stairs nor rooms to anyone, Georgie, to preserve secrecy and your safety.”
“And Jenny?”
“There is space for two in each.”
“May we try it tonight, so I may know I have a place of refuge?”
“You may, my dear.” He cast a faintly amused look toward Jenny, who sat in a corner.
“Brother, does Mr. Wickham know of these rooms?”
“No. Only our parents were aware of them. Wickham never knew of their existence. There are locks within, and I shall provide each of you with a key, that you may feel secure.”
Georgiana rose abruptly, crossed to the window, and drew back the drape. “Fitzwilliam, this latch is not secured. Is it possible for Mr. Wickham to enter by the window?”
Darcy joined her, closed the window, and secured the latch. “Georgiana, ring the bell. I shall have the Miller brothers secure every window on both floors immediately. In the morning, Higgins shall engage a gardener to cut back the elm. It will not do for Wickham to gain entry by climbing a tree.”
“Is it possible?”
Darcy’s faint smile was little more than a turn of his lips. “He and I used to climb the elm at night when we stayed out too late.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened, astonished that her brother had ever behaved in such a manner.
“Do not be concerned, sweetling. I was very young, only nineteen, and given to such mischief. I grew more serious after our father passed.”
They spent the remainder of the evening considering how best to make Darcy House more secure.
The following day, Darcy joined Georgiana after her music master had dismissed her. He handed a long, narrow box to his sister.
“A gift? It is neither my birthday nor Christmastide.”
He only smiled.
Georgiana opened the box and drew out two elegant gold-plated hat pins. They were long, strong, and finely wrought. She held them up for him to admire.
“They are, in truth, small daggers, my dear. The clerk assured me that ladies wear them as hat pins or to secure a chignon.”
Georgiana selected one and fixed it into her hair. Turning, she said, “How does it appear, Fitzwilliam?”
“It is lovely, Georgiana. No one would suspect it to be a weapon.”
Georgiana removed the pin and placed it in the box. “I shall wear one, or both, each day until Mr. Wickham is captured.”
“I hope the man I have engaged to find him succeeds soon. Until then, we must take every precaution.”
Georgiana’s expression grew serious. “Fitzwilliam, might he attempt to harm you?”
Darcy did not make light of the question. “It is possible.” He opened his jacket and produced a pistol. “You need not fear for me. When I go out, I have my weapon and am accompanied by two footmen. I shall not ride out alone until he is secured.”
She drew a breath. “That is some comfort. I wish we might return to Pemberley.”
“So do I, but my aunt has arranged two dinners, each with two eligible ladies. When I declined the Knightley ball, she settled upon these smaller engagements instead.”
Georgiana giggled. “Are they to contend over you then?”
“I trust it will not come to that.”