A Gift for My Mr Darcy Page 3

“How is Mama, really?”

  “Happy now that George Wickham has made his way home. Thank goodness their boy has a stern Bennet chin. He’ll need it.” Her father’s tone took on a hard edge. “The man is a curse to our family.”

  Elizabeth had never known a more solid truth. She changed the subject as not to dwell on the black scourge of their family. “Would you like to see my library? I have a few books I would like to loan you whilst you are here.”

  “Yes, of course.” He waved his hand towards the stairs. “I have also brought you a few books. There are some popular novels from London that may not have made their way to your library.”

  “Perhaps one of them will help me solve my mystery.”

  The sound of his scratchy chuckle wrapped around her. “From what I gather, the items taken have more of a symbolic importance than one of monetary worth.”

  “It’s true. I thought at first it was some of the local lads home from school and searching for ways to fill their time, but that line of inquiry didn’t reveal any suspects.”

  “I have always found that the easiest way to understand a crime is to think like the criminal. A person steals a few items that are symbolic instead of having monetary value. What have they to gain?”

  “I shall think about it throughout our supper.”

  They ascended the stairs to her library. Having her father so close brought immense comfort. The next day she needed to increase the pace of her investigation so she’d have more time to spend with him before he returned to Longbourn.

  Chapter Six

  Sisterly Affection

  Happiness engulfed Darcy as he watched his wife’s face during supper. She chatted easily with his cousin and her sisters. Her father didn’t speak much, but he could tell the man was content to let the younger group dominate the conversation. No one brought up the ordeal the week before with Mr. Wickham, and Elizabeth’s sister Kitty even kept the gossip to a minimum.

  After they finished their meal, everyone moved to the drawing room. Since the men had already spent some time conversing amongst themselves earlier in the day, they didn’t feel the need to separate from the women as was usual with most households.

  Mary made it to the pianoforte first. Georgiana attempted to be a gracious host, but he knew his sister well enough to gather she had wanted to play for their guests. Perhaps he would ask Elizabeth to convince them to take turns throughout the remainder of the evening.

  Elizabeth sat on a large settee, her father beside her. The older man lit a pipe and stared off out the window.

  Kitty took the seat on the other side and leaned close to her sister. “Tell us about the younger Mr. Holland. What is he like?”

  Mary stopped playing the pianoforte and when he glanced in her direction, he noticed a pale pink blush spotting around her neck.

  Elizabeth noticed too. “Please keep playing Mary. I have only good things to say about the parson’s son.”

  She gave Darcy a wink, and he tried to smile in return. Would this be what having a houseful of daughters would be like? The competition for a husband heavy and thick in the air?

  Elizabeth addressed her father instead of Kitty. “Papa, I would like for you to meet Mr. Holland and his son Matthew if you have the time during your visit. Matthew plans to take orders and will hopefully take the position of vicar in the next town.”

  Her father nodded his head.

  “A vicar? Well, that does make him worth a second look,” Kitty interjected.

  “He and Mary got along quite well today.” Darcy caught Elizabeth elbowing Mr. Bennet in the side.

  The man’s eyes flickered to Mary and if he caught the insinuation he didn’t let on. “Does Mr. Holland have more sons?”

  Elizabeth sighed. “No, Papa. Only the one.”

  Kitty rested her hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Perhaps tomorrow, I shall attend your inquiries and get to know Mr. Holland better.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam, who’d been happy to let the conversation exclude him until now, finally joined in. “Tell us about this investigation, Mrs. Darcy. Have you any firm theories as to the thieves?”

  She twisted her hands in front of her, a pensive expression clouding her features. “I had a theory that took us to the hackney stables, but it appears the boys weren’t our culprits.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam edged closer. “I have to ask, and please don’t take offense, but what is the importance of finding these stolen objects?”

  Darcy answered for his wife. “The missing statue was gifted from my mother from the halls of Pemberley.”

  A few of the occupants of the drawing room nodded as if no other explanation were needed. A light sparked in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Whilst it may not seem as if this crime is worthy of the time of the constable or any other gentlemen, once the church is seen as an open mark for thieves without consequences, then it is possible that it will begin a flood of thefts.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed to Elizabeth. “I cannot argue with your sound reasoning.”

  “If I were to steal from a church then I’d take the communion wine.” Kitty smiled, quite pleased with her bold declaration.

  Mr. Bennet removed the pipe from his mouth. “Kitty! Do not say such things.”

  Mary chimed in from across the room. “Yes, Kitty. Such wicked thoughts would scandalize Mr. Holland and his son.”

  Kitty shot a glare towards her sister, but Mary didn’t appear concerned with backing down.

  Elizabeth stood and motioned to him. “Husband, will you accompany me to my room. I am quite tired from the day’s events.”

  Darcy led her to the door and once they passed through, he bowed his head close to hers. “Are we witnessing sisterly affections gone sour over the parson’s son?”

  “Mary quite likes him, and I know that Kitty is ready to be married like Lydia. My greatest fear is that he won’t show interest in either of them.”

  “That would be a travesty.”

  She leaned into him. “I am afraid I’m failing you with this inquiry. Tomorrow I shall see the constable and push him to assist with a resolution.”

  “My cousin and Mr. Bennet plan to ride into Lambton. Perhaps you will allow them to confront the constable.”

  She squinted up at him, a tinge of disappointment lining her features. “Did you put them up to it?”

  He placed a hand over his heart. “I did not, I swear. Everyone has the greatest concern for you and our child. They only want to help find a resolution so you can enjoy the rest of Christmastide.”

  “Yes, that reminds me. Georgiana wishes to attend the Epiphany Ball with Kitty and Mary. I told her you would not restrict her from enjoying a local ball.”

  “Do we not have enough to worry about with Mary and Kitty having an eye on the parson’s son?”

  “Are you not the man who told me only a day ago that you seldom said the word no?”

  After the scare with Georgiana and Mr. Wickham, Darcy and his cousin rarely allowed the girl out of their sight. With his plans to introduce her into society in the spring, it would not hurt for them to gain practice with a smaller ball.

  “I am that same man. I shall accompany my sister to the ball and ask my cousin to be a second chaperone. Your father will have to deal with Kitty and Mary on his own.”

  “My Papa is a master of dealing with precocious daughters.”

  All except for one, he thought.

  Chapter Seven

  Tea and Gossip

  The ride to Lambton the next morning was met with quiet. Kitty and Mary sat across from each other, matching expressions of irritation at the other’s claim to Matthew Holland’s attention. Her sisters were in their finest coats and had spent extra time on their hair that morning, begging to borrow ribbons from Elizabeth’s own collection, although Fitzwilliam had given them both new ribbons as gifts.

  Her father and Colonel Fitzwilliam rode horses behind the carriage. Each wanted the option to return to Pemberley should the weather turn colder or they grew bored with
Elizabeth’s inquiries.

  Fitzwilliam had seen her off and promised to focus on his other work while the rather large group made their way to Lambton. Georgiana had twirled with delight down the hallway to practice her pianoforte uninterrupted.

  Once the horses were set on their course, Elizabeth became lost in her thoughts. While she had justified her reasons for pushing the inquiry into the missing items, she couldn’t help but understand the doubt displayed by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Crime was a thing that rarely touched them in Pemberley. London was more likely to host pickpockets and the poor who stole to ensure the survival of their families. A theft like this had to have a deeper meaning. The baby thumped her and she smiled. The little one often gave a thump when her thoughts needed a conspirator. That made her even more determined to name the little one Jane, who more than once had become her conspirator in all private thoughts she could not express to anyone else.

  The beginnings of an argument brought her back to their present situation.

  “You did that on purpose!” Kitty lifted her boot in the air. “Mary scuffed my boot on purpose.”

  Elizabeth placed a hand on her leg and pushed it so Kitty had no choice but to put her foot back on the carriage floor. “I’m sure she did not, Kitty.”

  A small smile appeared at the edge of Mary’s lips. Elizabeth shook her head in wonder. Never had she seen Mary attempt to gain any man’s attention and now that she had one, she showed a side to her none of them could have guessed existed. She was glad her mother wasn’t here to encourage their discord.

  The carriage rumbled to a stop in front of the church. Elizabeth had a small hope that the gossip of her interest in finding the stolen objects would spread through town and those same objects would be returned as hastily has they’d gone missing.

  Thomas helped her to the ground and she asked Kitty and Mary to stay in the carriage until they had a bearing on which part of town they intended to travel.

  Matthew met her at the door. “Father is unable to greet you today. Several more townsfolk have fallen ill and he is visiting their households. Mother is assisting him by bringing broth and bread to those who are desperate.”

  “How very noble of your parents to tend to the sick.” She waved a hand towards her father and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who sat tall on their horses. “I have brought additional gentlemen with us today so that we may confront the constable.”

  Matthew’s face held a grim line above his brow. “I am afraid we won’t be able to enlist his help. Constable Lovell is at home tending his wife as she and her children have fallen ill with fever too. My father said to keep you away from any and all houses where the family members are ill. He would never forgive himself if you took ill while trying to find missing items from his church.”

  “It is very kind of your father to show such concern. While I understand that I can be most stubborn, I will heed his advice and call on him later this afternoon.” She glanced back at the carriage. “That does put us in a bind as to where to start our search today.”

  Matthew settled his hat on top of his head. “There is a woman by the name of Letitia Burrows. She’s an elderly spinster who treasures gossip more than actual diamonds. Perhaps she has heard any whispers that might send us in a new direction.”

  Elizabeth did not think a gossiping spinster would be the greatest of help, but she did want to make sure Matthew spent more time with her sisters. She gestured to the carriage. “Please lead the way to Miss Burrows. If she is receiving guests today, then perhaps a cup of tea and gossip are just what we need.”

  Before she stepped into the carriage, she addressed her younger sisters. “Be on your best behavior, my dears. Mary, sit next to Kitty.”

  Mary scrunched her eyebrows together, but did as she was told. It wouldn’t be fair to let Matthew choose who to sit next to and therefore Elizabeth took the choice away.

  She leaned out the window and explained their next course of action to her father. He relayed it to Colonel Fitzwilliam and they both agreed to forgo the visit to Miss Burrows in favor of touring the town and adjacent farm lands.

  Thomas clicked and the horses jolted forward through town. At the edge of town sat a row of neat houses. Matthew exited ahead of them. “I shall see if she is up for visitors today.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Holland,” Mary said.

  Kitty, not one to be left out, wiggled her gloved fingers at him through the window. “You are too kind, Mr. Holland.”

  He graced both of her sisters with a timid smile, but she could tell that the extra female attention made him slightly uncomfortable. He coughed in his fist and lowered his gaze to the ground. “Back in a moment.”

  Kitty settled back into her seat and slightly jarred Mary with a well-placed elbow. Mary returned an elbow, making Kitty gasp.

  “Girls! I do not need to remind you to act with the upmost decorum while we are in Miss Burrow’s home. Matthew is not a piece of veal for two dogs to fight over.”

  Mary slouched and Kitty picked at the fabric of her long coat. Matthew appeared at the window and both girls straightened. He pulled open the door and offered his hand. “Miss Burrows has extended an invitation for tea.”

  Closest to the door, Kitty grabbed for his hand before Mary could edge an inch closer. He assisted all three to the ground and led the way to the front stoop. He stopped and leaned in close to whisper. “Miss Burrows won’t give something for nothing. She’ll expect a bit of gossip in return.”

  Kitty snickered. “Finally, Lydia’s marriage is good for something.”

  Elizabeth grabbed her by the sleeve. “If there is an offering to give, I shall give it. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Lizzy,” she said, but her words held little contriteness.

  Elizabeth could no more control her sisters than she could control the smell of manure, but if she kept this visit brief, then she could minimize the damage.

  Miss Burrows, a thin woman with grey hair and many lines on her face, answered the door and invited the foursome into her sitting room. “I don’t have a maid, so I will have to ask you to wait while I gather the tea and seed cake.”

  Elizabeth wanted to stop Miss Burrows from serving them, but to decline the offer would be taken as a slight offense to the elderly woman. The house was decorated in different shades of browns and creams, and she could tell the woman took great pride in hosting guests.

  Matthew stood near the window, while Kitty and Mary tried to engage him in conversation.

  “I enjoyed your father’s sermon on Christmas Day, Mr. Holland,” Kitty said.

  Mary turned to her with a thin smile. “What specifically did you enjoy, Kitty? I’m sure Mr. Holland would like to hear your opinions on reserve and modesty.”

  Kitty picked at the lace on the edge of her sleeve. “I shall admit, I may not memorize the sermons word for word like you, Mary, but I know a delightful sermon when I hear one. Mr. Holland’s was delightful.”

  Matthew nodded at Kitty. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. I shall pass on your kind regards to my father when he is finished with his charity work today.”

  Mary’s mouth puckered into a pout.

  Elizabeth rested her hands on her stomach and sighed. If Matthew showed more interest in one sister over the other, there would be hair pulling by the night’s end.

  Miss Burrows returned with a silver tray, and Matthew hurried to take it from her and set it on the small table between settees. He offered to pour the tea, and Miss Burrows agreed.

  She sat down in a chair near Elizabeth. “I am pleased you have called upon me for a visit, Mrs. Darcy, but I know that no one enters through my front door unless they are in need of information.”

  Elizabeth appreciated the woman getting right to the point, so she did as well. “There has been a theft at the church. Mr. Holland wanted Mr. Darcy to assist with inquiries, but I have volunteered to take on that duty. The younger Mr. Holland said that you often knew more about the goings on in Lambton than anyone else.”

  M
iss Burrows settled back into her chair and rested her hands in her lap. Matthew offered her a cup, but she waved him off. “Come to think of it, I may have heard something about a statue making its way through town late at night.”

  Kitty gasped. “It floated as if carried by a ghost?”

  The older woman cut her gaze to Kitty. “No girl. The Browns have a maid named Tulia who is friends with another maid for the Smiths, and she said that maid’s youngest sister had seen someone with a statue on the main road.”

  Mary looked up at the ceiling and counted the number of people on her fingers. “The Smith’s maid’s sister?”

  “That is the one.” Miss Burrows arched an eyebrow. “But to betray the confidences of my sources, I shall need something in return to hand back.”

  Trade in gossip.

  Kitty must have forgotten their earlier discussion on allowing Elizabeth to handle all negotiations because she launched into a story about Lydia. “Our sister’s husband recently left her to gamble in London and he fought a duel. With pistols.”

  Mary elbowed her sister. Matthew’s face blanched and with that bit of gossip, Elizabeth saw her sisters’ hopes for gaining his affection squashed.

  Miss Burrows’s wrinkles slid into a happy smile. “That shall do nicely. The constable’s son was seen with the statue.”

  Elizabeth gasped, as did her sisters. Matthew straightened to his full height.

  No wonder the man had been negligent in assisting Mr. Holland. His son was the culprit. How long had the man been covering for his child’s misdeeds?

  She stood and motioned for her sisters to do the same. “Thank you for your time, Miss Burrows.”

  Elizabeth led her sisters and Matthew back to the street where Thomas waited with the carriage.

  Matthew assisted them inside, and then took a step back. “I have some matters to attend to at the church. I shall notify my father of the results of speaking with Miss Burrows, but I’m not sure how he will want to proceed.”

  Elizabeth recalled Fitzwilliam stating that the constable was not a pleasant man. Accusing his son of thievery might cause a greater conflict than they were all prepared to handle. She waved to Matthew through the window. “I must speak with Mr. Darcy about this turn of events. Let your father know that I shall return tomorrow with our new plan on how to proceed.”