Chapter Twenty-Nine #5
Edward retreated to one of the inner walls.
He could never stand near the railing like his fellow officers during the war.
Seeing the swell of the sea caused his eyes to blur and his heart to pound unreasonably.
When his father, the Earl of Matlock, purchased Edward’s commission, Edward had insisted the army was a better fit for his disposition than would be the navy.
Even his father knew nothing of this uncontrollable fear to go against Edward’s choices.
“Be back on land shortly,” the captain assured him.
Edward nodded his acceptance. Shortly would never be fast enough for him.
“There is no need for forgiveness.” Darcy accepted his cousin’s apology for not completing the task. “You did the right thing. I would never wish to place others in danger.”
“Moreover,” Elizabeth added, “placing stones on the grave is one of the suggested methods to retard a vampire’s release.”
Edward said in true respect, “You are so kind, Mrs. Darcy. You take away the sting of my self-censure.”
“I speak the truth, Colonel,” she protested.
“So do I, Madam.” They took supper in Darcy’s room. “Although you are both gracious, I insist that Darcy and I return in the spring and finish the task. I will not rest until it is so.” Edward poured himself a cup of tea and then reached for another of the buttered rolls.
“In retrospect, it does seem foolish to go to such extremes, but we will address Wickham’s burial when the weather is more cooperative.” Darcy reclined across the bed rather than sit at the table. His back wound required additional attention after his task of staking the deceased today.
Edward asked, “How long will you remain in Stanwick?”
“My husband is going nowhere until he begins to mend.” She gave a level look to Darcy, daring him to dispute her.
Darcy chuckled in easy agreement. “I bend to your wishes, my dear.”
“Then may I take Trident? I left my horse in Derbyshire, and I am certain my mother wonders what delays me.”
“Must you leave so soon, Colonel?” Elizabeth seemed troubled by his request.
“I must, Mrs. Darcy. I hold responsibilities to my family and to my service to the Crown.”
Elizabeth smiled sadly upon him. “I just meant to say, you will be missed, Sir.”
“Are you to travel to Longbourn, Darcy?” his cousin inquired.
“I promised Elizabeth as such.”
Edward asked in concern, “What will you tell the Bennets of Wickham?”
“In my letter to my parents I told them Mr. Darcy secured a lead on Lieutenant Wickham. I instructed them to proceed with the service for Lydia without me, for the weather and circumstances would likely delay my following her return. I did not tell them more than that. I felt the less said the better.”
“You should write to them of Wickham’s demise.
It would satisfy their sense of justice and provide them an opportunity to grieve for their daughter rather than to dwell on revenge,” the colonel said, reasoning out the situation.
“Moreover, tell them Darcy took Wickham in an honorable fashion. It would explain my cousin’s injury, and it is not an untruth. ”
“It is not the truth either,” Darcy sardonically added.
Edward countered, “No one would believe the truth. Moreover, too many people know what we did here. In my opinion, you should leave as quickly as you are able. Before your identity becomes too well known.”
Elizabeth looked concerned. “Edward speaks sense. The community knows us under the D’Arcy name, but the longer we are here, the greater the risk of someone recognizing the livery. Certainly, we wish no one from London Society to come across rumors of our adventures."
“If we wish to present Georgiana this Season, I would want no shadows darkening her prospects.” Darcy examined the ramifications of their recent choices. “Should we follow Edward, Elizabeth?”
She sipped her tea, taking her time to answer. “Although we should leave Stanwick, you are not well enough for such a tedious journey, and even I do not relish the idea of another week in your carriage.”
“Do you have more extensive injuries than you led me to believe?” Darcy demanded.
Elizabeth blushed. “Just badly bruised.”
Edward cleared his throat. “May I make a suggestion?”
“Certainly.”
“When Elizabeth and I registered, I told a tale of how the two of you planned to holiday in Edinburgh, and that I escorted her from London for that purpose.You could travel to Scotland and spend a few days recovering. It would only add a half day to your return journey. If word gets out of your being in the north of England, Edinburgh would be a good excuse for a newly married couple.”
“I have always wished to view the land of my ancestors,” Elizabeth ventured.
Darcy actually liked the idea. “Are you up for another adventure, Elizabeth?”
She winked at him. “Absolutely, Sir.”
Edward stood to leave. “I am weary and require rest. I will set out for Matlock early tomorrow. We will speak before I depart.”
“My wife would take me to task if I chose to do something as impulsive as stand up at the moment, but you, Cousin, know of my devotion and my gratitude for all you performed in my name. I owe you my life.”
“Gratitude is not necessary.” Edward presented Darcy a quick bow, and then, taking Elizabeth’s hand, he kissed the back of it. “In all my service, I never possessed a more capable partner or one quite so beautiful. Take care of that rascal, my dear.”
Elizabeth lightly touched the side of his face. “My house will always be your home, Sir.”