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“You can rely on that.”

~~~*~~~

The carriage ride back to Darcy House was very quiet, as the slow rocking of the carriage lent itself to reflection. Ever since departing Stanton’s townhouse, Richard had silently studied the dark expression on his cousin’s face, while William, deep in contemplation, was completely lost in his thoughts of Elizabeth.

William’s heart beat furiously as his feelings fluctuated—from elation at learning she was not married—to despair at the complications created by Stefano’s hoax and the continued threat he posed. One thought after another raced through his mind.

… Elizabeth was assumed dead ... Would it be legal to marry Elizabeth Lawrence? …

… An announcement of marriage to Miss Lawrence would not draw attention …

… And a special license would mean no need for banns…

… Mr. Williamson is likely to arrive soon... Will this change my plans? …

… Will it be possible to locate this cad while I am in London? …

A declaration from Richard interrupted his jumbled thoughts. “It must be awful to know the boy you loved is lost to you forever, and the man who returned is a reprobate—that all you have left to deal with is the devastation he leaves behind. Nevertheless, Stefano is truly a blackguard ... and I have met a few blackguards in my time.”

William slammed his fist against the door. “That man should be horsewhipped then hanged!” Recovering, he stared out at the passing houses. “And Stanton shall not garner any sympathy from me. He should have tried harder to restrain his son, no matter his age. Had he at least warned more people of his debauchery, a lot of women, including Elizabeth, likely would have been spared.”

“I cannot quarrel with you on that, though I dare say some people never listen to advice, or like Mrs. Bennet, would not have cared.”

William exhaled loudly. “You are correct. There will always be those who fall prey to pretty words and a handsome deportment as well as those who care more for money than the well-being of their own children.”

“Now, where does that leave us? I will tell Father that Lord Stanton agreed to repay Anne’s dowry, howbeit, over a period of time. In addition, I shall inform him of the cad’s propensity to elope without the benefit of a divorce and the likelihood that Anne was never married to him. Naturally, I shall not mention Elizabeth, but I assume you will want to locate this malefactor before he seeks her out.”

“Precisely! Charles and Jane thought I could hide her at Pemberley, and I suppose I convinced myself it would work. However, if Stanton has figured out that Elizabeth is alive and living with me, Stefano could also have reached that conclusion. Since it is apparent that he is obsessed with her, as long as he is alive, Elizabeth will be in danger. I shall immediately advise my steward to double the guards again, and we shall intensify our search.”

Conscious of William’s reluctance to exact punishment in the past upon Wickham, Richard asked cautiously, “And you agree that he should be destroyed?”

William nodded. “I want the opportunity to call him out. Who is this contact that you believe can find him?”

“If anyone can locate him, it is an old friend of mine, Lieutenant Marbury. He has retired from the army and runs his own investigation firm. Rumour is that he has members of the Bow Street Runners on his payroll, so he knows where every scoundrel in London is at a given time, and probably over all of England. But, why would you chance a duel?”

“I would like the satisfaction of revenging Elizabeth. Do you worry that I am not capable?”

“Of course not! You are a better swordsman than I and an equal marksman. I have no fears in that regard, but I would not trust the man to fight fair.”

“I appreciate your concern.”

“I will help all I can, but I have to return to my regiment at the end of the month. What shall we tell Father if he asks why I am spending so much time with you?” Fitzwilliam looked at Darcy, and receiving no answer, ventured, “I thought we should say that we will not stop until we catch this devil and rid England of him. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“This new intelligence—how does it affect your plans.”

“It changes nothing. I still intend to marry her, only now I shall deal with Stefano first.”

Richard chuckled. “I knew it! Shall I tell you what I theorized?”

William smiled wanly, shaking his head. “You are apparently going to tell me, whether I want you to or not.”

“Well, first, I figured you never intended to let Elizabeth settle at one of your estates—at least not without you! And, knowing the honourable man that you are, I assumed you would marry her, with or without the blessing of the law or society.”

He grinned to see William’s eyes widen in astonishment. “It is not that hard, Darce. You are too predictable. When you love, it is with all your heart and soul; there is no half-way with you.”

William tried unsuccessfully to smile. “I suppose I am transparent.”