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Nodding his head in resignation, William did as his cousin instructed and lay back down. Finally, he drifted into a fitful slumber.

~~~*~~~

The next morning, neither Richard nor Mr. Williamson was surprised to be awakened before daylight by William, who explained that he had told the coachman to prepare to leave. Thankfully, the rain had let up, and the only trouble that lay ahead of them now would be the difficulty of traversing the muddy, rut-filled roads.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 36

Liverpool

The next day

The morning breeze was brisk and invigorating, but Wickham was indifferent to the weather as he slumped, half-asleep in the corner of the carriage. He was on his way back to town, under strict orders to escort Cecile and the count’s wife to the villa. As it was his fate to have been awakened abruptly before dawn and made to dress hurriedly, he was still quite drowsy. Eyes closed and legs spread across the carriage seat, the back and forth sway of the conveyance had almost soothed him into another round of slumber by the time they reached town—almost.

Although his body was exhausted from all the travel in the last few days, his mind refused to stop replaying the events of the morning. Once awakened, all of his protestations of needing more rest had been for naught. The servant sent to carry out the count’s wishes obviously did not speak English and continued to shake him until he relented and sat up in bed. Then the man crossed his arms, standing guard, to make certain Wickham put his feet on the floor and began to get dressed. Had the villain been smaller, Wickham’s resistance might have been a little heartier, but when confronted with the tall, sturdy fellow who came to his room this morning, he had little choice but to comply.

Going about his morning ritual, he had pondered if the count was even awake at this ungodly hour, since it was still dark. That question, however, was answered the moment that same servant escorted him to the dining room. Breaking his fast as though he had not a care in the world, Count Stefano, dressed as elegantly as royalty, sat at the long ornate table. As Wickham entered the room, the count looked up from his plate, glaring at him, his distaste for his supposed late arrival evident.

“It is about time you were out of bed, Wickham. Did you consider that I would want to see my wife as soon as possible?” Wickham was too irritated to answer prudently.

“Humph! When I get to the inn, your wife will most likely still be sleeping, as well I should be! I do not relish having to wait while two women ready themselves to leave.”

“Nonsense! After you have something to eat, it will be late enough to call. Besides, if they have not eaten yet, it will be a good opportunity to invite them to come here to break their fast. The food will be undoubtedly much better than that available to them at the inn.”

Wickham sneered. “What better way to raise your wife’s suspicions than to insist they leave straightaway without even taking time to eat? It is my intention to make her think that I own this villa, and that when I learned that her travelling companion, an old friend, was in town, I hurried to extend an invitation for them to stay with me. If you push me to arrive early and insist they leave straightaway, she may become suspicious and decide that she does not want to avail herself of my generosity. I can just imagine taking her screaming and kicking from the inn or trussed up like a fowl.”

Stefano’s countenance darkened, but he kept a civil tongue. “Then we shall do it your way. One more hour should suffice for them to be awake, to have dressed and eaten. You have until then to enjoy the hospitality of my table. Would you care for tea, or is something stronger needed to get your day started?”

Wickham bristled at the inference. “Why would you think I need something stronger?”

“Because nothing escapes me. I have noticed your fondness for strong drink.”

“Perhaps I enjoy my brandy, but it never interferes with business! Tea shall suffice, unless you happen to have coffee. I do enjoy coffee in the morning.”

Stefano turned to one of the footman. “Instruct Mrs. Delgrado to prepare some coffee for Mr. Wickham.” He motioned to a chair. “Now fill your plate and sit down. We should discuss what will happen when you bring them back here.”

Wickham took a plate from the sideboard and began to fill it. He had to admit that the wonderful smells coming from the array of foods displayed had awakened his appetite. With his back to his host, he took a small bite from a sweet roll, savouring the taste of the cinnamon and sugar. Then he placed the rest on his plate and made his way to the table. In an obvious display of his distaste for the count’s officious ways, he took the seat at the opposite end, as far away from Stefano as possible.

Stefano sneered, “Can you hear me well that far away?”

Wickham continued to eat, keeping his head lowered and pretending not to care that the count was upset. “Well enough,” he answered loudly, and then under his breath—too well for my taste.

“Then listen carefully. When you return with the women, none of my people shall be milling about outside, as I do not wish to raise Elizabeth’s suspicions. A maid will be waiting just inside the door to escort the ladies to their rooms, and I shall make my presence known to my wife once she is situated. By the time she ascertains our intent, my men will have secured the exits and she shall not be able to escape, even if she wishes.”

Wickham took another bite of his sweet roll. “How soon will I be able to get my money and leave?”

“I shall not discuss the reward until I have my wife here by my side. Is that understood?”

Wickham nodded. He was not happy with the rebuff, but he would bring the blackguard’s wife to him, and then the count would pay him his due or he would go straight to Fitzwilliam Darcy. “Then let me be clear, Count Stefano. I expect to be paid in full once she is secured, as I do not plan to remain in Liverpool one minute longer than is absolutely necessary.”

The count’s steely eyes rested on Wickham while he finished his meal. Not allowing himself the satisfaction of replying, Stefano held his tongue. He would deal with this buffoon after Elizabeth was securely in his hands.

Once Elizabeth is mine again, I assure you that you shall not remain in Liverpool, or anywhere else, save hell itself, ever again.

The Landmark Inn

The tray of food and drink that Cecile had ordered before retiring last night sat nearly empty on the small table in the sitting room. A goodly array of food and a carafe of tea were delivered first thing that morning so that the two women could eat in the room instead of dining with the other guests. Each woman had eaten and then dressed leisurely. They now sat in the pleasant morning sun on the balcony, watching the many smaller boats swarm around the huge ships in the harbour.