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William lifted his glass in salute. “I believe you have come to the heart of it.”

There was a knock on the door, and the men exchanged glances. “Come,” William called out, and Mr. Barnes entered with a letter in his hand.

“Sir, this was just delivered by a footman who would not tell me the name of his employer, but he did say that it was urgent that you read it as soon as possible.”

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

The butler nodded and quit the room.

Staring at the decidedly feminine handwriting, William knew exactly who had sent the missive, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. Glancing over to Mr. Williamson, the man’s brows rose in question, and he knew he had no choice. Swallowing hard, he tore into the scented envelope.

Dear Fitzwilliam,

I have information regarding your dear cousin ... the one staying at Pemberley for her health. If you are truly interested in her wellbeing, you will want to hear what I have learned from two very interesting sources—a count who claims he is her husband and a swindler who says he was reared at Pemberley. They have great plans for Miss Lawrence.

You know where I live. Come to my house in the morning if you wish to know what I heard quite by accident. Perhaps we can work out an agreement whereby I can share it with you.

Gwen

The look on William’s face was enough to convince Mr. Williamson of the seriousness of the situation. After several seconds of silence, he decided to get involved.

“If I may be so bold, I can only imagine from the look on your face that this letter is in regards to Elizabeth. I do not believe you would be afraid for yourself, but you look frightened for her.”

Only his eyes moved to the vicar. “Yes, I am afraid an acquaintance of mine—a woman—has learned of some plan afoot to harm Elizabeth. She is not above using blackmail to enrich her coffers, and while I abhor paying for information, I will do anything in my power to protect Elizabeth.”

“Naturally. Are you to meet with her?”

William stood up. “Yes, in the morning, and if I am to get started early, I will need to retire now.”

“Certainly. Would you like me to accompany you tomorrow?”

“I appreciate your kind offer, Mr. Williamson, but Richard will insist on going with me, as he knows the woman well. And although she is prominent in the ton, I fear a man of your occupation would do well to stay clear of her.”

Williamson smiled. “So people would talk if I were seen coming from her house?”

William chuckled. “The only way you could avoid the gossip would be if you had administered the last rites, and she were carried out dead.”

“And what of your reputation?”

“I am Fitzwilliam Darcy.” He smiled mischievously as he lifted an eyebrow. “I need no reputation.”

“Oh?”

“Nevertheless, I would never call on her alone. I would do nothing to crush Elizabeth’s faith in me.”

The kindly reverend widened his grin. “I think Fitzwilliam Darcy worries more about his reputation than he pretends.”

Mr. Barnes was checking the last of the doors when he heard the master and his guest laughing as they went up the grand staircase. He smiled to himself. He could remember a time not so long ago when Mr. Darcy never laughed at all.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 33

Lady Waltham’s townhouse

The next morning

William and Richard arrived at a decent hour for a morning call, but were forced to wait for over an hour without being afforded as a courtesy any explanation as to why Lady Waltham had not joined them. Other than the housekeeper who had brought in tea after they were seated, they had seen no one.