Free The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Regina Jeffers Page A

“Why do you not speak privately to Mr. Winkler and then ask Papa to join us here?”
    â€œYes, Lizzy.” Kitty dropped a quick curtsy and then disappeared from the room.

    â€œMr. Darcy, we shall await my father in the main foyer. Mr. Nathan shall attend Lieutenant and Mrs. Wickham. We should rejoin our guests.” She reached for Darcy’s hand, and he came willingly.
    Within seconds, they were at the foot of the main staircase and in each other’s arms. “Thank you,” Darcy rasped as he pulled her closer.
    Elizabeth clung to him. “For what? For loving you beyond reason? I fear that my heart is fully engaged, Mr. Darcy.”
    â€œAs is mine,” he whispered into her ear. “I am chagrined that my previous acquaintances have tainted your family’s life.”
    â€œI shall hear none of this regret, Mr. Darcy. You, Sir, are exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, most suits me. Your understanding and temper, though unlike my own, have answered all my wishes. You are as generous as the most generous of your sex.”
    Before she could say more, her father appeared on the landing. “Kitty tells me that you require my assistance,” he said suspiciously.
    Elizabeth blushed at having been caught in an intimate embrace, but she quickly explained what had transpired.
    â€œAnd your mother never indicated to anyone that she had invited Lydia and Lieutenant Wickham?” His disbelief showed. “I tolerated her maneuverings with Mr. Grange at Christmastide because Grange is harmless and unassuming. No one could object to Grange, but Lieutenant Wickham is a different story.” He turned to Darcy. “I swear, Mr. Darcy, that I held no prior knowledge of this situation, but I will deal with the Wickhams and with Mrs. Bennet. ”
    â€œWe will escort the others to Derby while you see to your youngest child.”
    With a reluctant shrug, Mr. Bennet agreed. “Mrs. Bennet will miss the journey. During your absence, my wife and I will have a serious discussion.”

    Although the nightmare had returned, when a brace of candles floated into the room her eyes opened to devour the precious light. She pushed herself to a seated position and shoved several loose strands of hair behind her ears. She no longer possessed an idea of the number of days and nights she had spent curled up on the hard cot.
    â€œI have brought you a warmer gown—one of wool,” a female voice said. “If ye will change from yer fine cloth, I’ll be seeing to the stains.” The woman placed the expected food plate on the small stool. “I’ve brought ye a bit of cheese this time.”
    She watched the movements—memorizing the actions. What would it feel like to walk across the room—to stretch her cramped muscles? By twisting awkwardly, she had managed to stand beside the cot and to mark her steps in place. To give her weakened legs some much-needed relief. But to actually take a step would be glorious. However, even the slightest shift on her part allowed the manacle to cut into her wrist.
    â€œCome,” the woman said as she unlocked the metal cuff and helped her to her feet. “There. Does that not feel better?” The woman rubbed her hands with her own, and life rushed into the girl’s fingertips. She searched the woman’s face, but all she could discern was the woman’s age. Likely her late fifties. Silver-gray hair. Very strong hands. Not dainty like those of a woman of good breeding. Her ministrations indicated that the woman did not readily retreat from hard work. Was she someone familiar? But the shadows robbed the girl of her savior’s other features. “Permit me to assist ye with yer laces and yer stays.”
    Obediently, the girl turned her back to the woman. “My, yer skin be so smooth,” her captor said. The gown slipped down her
body to the floor, and she stepped from it. A cold shiver rocked her