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“Yes.”

“Mr. Darcy is awaiting you in his study. Follow me, sir.”

The dignified butler moved across the polished marble foyer. At the grand staircase, he veered to the left, headed down a long hallway and came to a stop at the first door.

At his knock, the vicar recognised Mr. Darcy’s voice call out, “Come.”

William looked up from the stack of papers before him to see Mr. Barnes step into the room with Mr. Williamson directly behind. William smiled and stood just as the butler announced the visitor.

“Mr. Williamson to see you, sir.”

“Thank you, Barnes. That will be all.”

The servant bowed slightly and backed out of the room, pulling the door closed. William reached out to shake the vicar’s hand as he came near.

“Mr. Williamson, it is so good of you to come.”

“It was kind of you to invite me. I have not been to London in quite some time and never in such a fine coach! It was almost as if I were sitting on the sofa in the rectory during the entire trip!” Both men laughed. “But it was a long journey, and being a tall fellow, I am pleased to have finally arrived so I can stand erect once more.”

“I am glad that your trip was pleasant, and I certainly understand the problems of being tall.” Mr. Darcy’s brow rose as he chuckled. “I asked Barnes to show you in here first, as I wanted to greet you personally. Nevertheless, I imagine you want to freshen up and rest before dinner. My housekeeper can arrange a hot bath, if you so desire.”

A smile lit the vicar’s face. “A hot bath would be delightful! That is a luxury not often afforded at the rectory. My baths are usually lukewarm at best! Yes, I would dearly love to bathe and rest a bit before we dine.”

“Then let me ring for Mrs. Barnes to show you to your room and order your bath. I shall see you at dinner.”

“Dinner it is.”

Preston House

Wickham was not surprised that Cecile Preston’s home looked as if it were abandoned. There were no servants milling about, and goodly amounts of the furnishings were missing, all presumably sold to obtain operating funds. The last time they had talked, she mentioned that her late husband’s brother had asked for a convenient time when he and his wife could visit. They would, of course, expect to stay at the family townhouse, and she dreaded their discovering how she had looted the house of its treasures. Between Marvin Preston’s visit and her fear of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s reaction, she intended to leave London just as soon as their little scheme was put into play.

Wickham chuckled to himself, wondering what the plain little woman would do once she realised that he had absconded with all the money promised for their part in the operation. That bastard Darcy was no dullard, and his cousin Fitzwilliam was a seasoned army intelligence officer. Once they discovered all the particulars, they would come for the woman who had been staying at Pemberley. He had no doubt about that.

And by the time they consider my involvement, I shall be on a ship bound for America.

Unable to wipe the grin off his face, he savoured the satisfaction of knowing that his old nemesis would suffer greatly when he learned that his lady-friend was taken right from under his nose—or at least the noses of his trusted staff. He sniggered to himself at the thought of besting his nemesis.

Even Pemberley is not impenetrable, Darcy!

His pleasant daydream was cut short by Cecile’s declaration. “I am glad to see someone is happy.” However, her gloomy expression did not support her contention. “I assume you received my message.”

“Yes. I was surprised that you learned of Darcy’s presence from a letter before my associates could alert me; although, I suppose avoiding discovery is his strong point.” Wickham chuckled. “He has always been an expert at hiding in a crowded ballroom.”

Cecile did not find it amusing. “No matter the source, he is in London. I shall leave for Pemberley tomorrow morning, but how can I be assured Mr. Darcy will not be returning on my heels? I do not relish the thought of his arriving while I am yet there.”

“That is an astute observation, and one that I have considered.” Wickham pulled a paper from his coat. “I have made this itinerary. You shall stay at these inns so that I will know where you are at any given time. My people will watch Darcy’s house and notify me if he should suddenly decide to depart for Derbyshire. If he does, I will send one of my men on horseback to warn you. A man on horseback can keep ahead of a coach, and he will warn you before you get to Pemberley. In that event, we shall try again another time.”

Wickham rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I do not think that will be a problem, however. My sources overheard a conversation regarding a dinner at Matlock House later this week, and I assume Darcy will be obligated to attend. So, once you are at Pemberley, you must convince this woman to accompany you to Liverpool without delay. In our scheme, time is of the essence.”

“And what shall be my tale?”

“Frankly, I do not care. However, I believe you need only mention that rumours abound in London that Darcy’s cousin, who is staying at Pemberley, is married, and that you believe her husband to be Count Stefano. Tell her that a friend of yours has met the count and says that he is determined to recover his wife at any cost and is close to finding her. Suggest that if she stays, Darcy will be in danger. If, indeed, she has any feelings for him, she should flee without hesitation.”

“Suppose she has no money with which to escape?”

“Inform her that you will fund her passage on a ship to America that is sailing out of Liverpool in a few days and give her one hundred pounds to live on until she finds work. That should further sway her.”

“And what reason would I have to help with her passage and extra funds?”