Page 33 of Through the Eyes of Love

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Pemberley, Derbyshire, 30 April 1812

Richard,

Words are not enough to express my gratitude to you and the Runners. Knowing my mother’s jewels will soon be back where they belong makes the pain of the fire’s destruction alittle easier to bear. I shall authorize Mr. Hartford to provide you with the funds needed to compensate the detectives and the jewellers. Pray add my personal thanks to them as well. Your grateful cousin is looking forward to seeing you soon.

F.D.

* * *

Pembrook Cottage

Darcy deliberately failed to mention his betrothal when he responded to Richard’s letter. Announcing his decision would leave him open to questions from every member of his family, and he was not ready to face the scrutiny.

* * *

While he wasin the middle of doing business with his housekeeper, Darcy brushed invisible dust from his sleeve. Chagrined because he had been contemplative and inattentive to their conversation, which necessitated a change of subject, his face heated. “Excuse me, Mrs. Reynolds, do you remember when you asked me what Mr. Franklin told me during his inspection shortly after the fire?”

“Yes, I remember you being preoccupied after you spoke to him.”

“That day, he told me he believed the fire was intentionally started.”

“I cannot believe it! Who would do such a terrible thing?”

“I did not want to say anything until we were certain—it was George Wickham. He has been captured and has confessed to starting the fire and stealing everything from my safe.”

The housekeeper frowned as she shook her head. “I always believed your father was too generous to that boy. Wickham never took responsibility for his actions. I continue to hear stories from people in the village about how wild he turned out, stealing from anyone he could, and charming the shopkeepers’ daughters. Why would he burn down a place that had once been his home?”

“Last summer, he tried and failed to extort a great deal of money from me.” What would have happened to his dear sister if he had not arrived in Ramsgate in time? And now this—Pemberley. “Wickham was desperate for funds and set the fire to distract us from the theft. Killing me and everyone else in the house was just a way to exact more revenge on the Darcy family. I am not telling you this to upset you; I thought you should know. Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Bow Street Runners not only captured him but also reclaimed the Darcy jewels.”

“Where is the reprobate now?”

“Hewasto be hanged, but Lord Matlock arranged for him to be sentenced to transportation.”

“Every year, I became more and more uneasy when he came back here during your breaks from Cambridge. He ruined several of our young maids and who knows how many others. I am relieved to learn he can never hurt you or Miss Georgiana again.”

“George Wickham will never again bring harm to anyone I love.” Darcy had waited a long time to utter those words.

* * *

“MayI speak with you for a moment, Miss Bennet?” Mrs. Reynolds approached her several days after Elizabeth had moved out of the cottage.

She had been reading in the drawing room. “Of course, but pray, continue to call me Elizabeth.”

“Madam, Mr. Darcy told me of your engagement, and I must say the news did not surprize me, and that I am delighted for you both. As the future mistress of Pemberley, I must address you as Miss Bennet until you become Mrs. Darcy.” Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “Please forgive me if I am overstepping, but I wished to speak to you about your clothes.”

“My clothes?”Oh, my clothes!Suddenly being made aware of her simple wardrobe weighed heavily on Elizabeth’s mind. Could she ever fit into Mr. Darcy’s world?

“You can imagine how magnificent the manor house once was, and I hope will be again. As Mrs. Darcy, you will be expected to dress in a manner appropriate for a woman in your position.”

“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but it is too far to travel to town for my wedding clothes. What do you suggest?” She must do everything she could to dress the part of Mrs. Darcy.

“There is a very fine seamstress in Lambton, and if she cannot provide what you need, Matlock is not far, and there is an excellent dressmaker there as well. When you and Mr. Darcy are in London, you can visit the dressmakers Lady Matlock and Miss Georgiana frequent and add to your wardrobe then.”

“That sounds like a perfect solution. Every morning, a carriage comes to the inn to bring me here. When it is convenient, perhaps you could ride in the carriage to Lambton, and we can shop together.”

“Are you amenable to beginning our task tomorrow?”