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Liverpool

Downtown

Evan Ingram was already exhausted as he slowly made his way back to the centre of town. He had arrived in Liverpool early that morning with five trusted men, all expert shots. Each of them had gone in a different direction with instructions to frequent the local pubs, the wharfs, the shops—every place where people were known to congregate. They each had money aplenty to ply those they met with bribes or liquor, if warranted, to loosen tongues and stir memories regarding two women newly arrived from Derbyshire. Now with noon approaching, Evan was proceeding to a certain pub where they had agreed to gather to eat and discuss what they had learned. By nightfall, he hoped to know everything that he needed.

For his part, he had checked out the shipping offices, asking questions about all the ships in the harbour. He learned that three of them were leaving the next week—two for the Americas and one for Australia. When he enquired about any sailing today or tomorrow, the clerk was happy to point out that one had sailed that very morning for Italy and another had docked, set to sail tomorrow for Spain. Hearing of the departure of the ship to Italy, Evan cringed.

Cecile could not be acting alone in whatever scheme she had involved herself, and she surely had enough sense to know that if Elizabeth was anywhere in the British Isles or Ireland, Darcy would find her. Though he had said nothing to Ana, his first thought when learning of Cecile’s ploy to take her from Pemberley was that his sister must be involved with the man who had taken Elizabeth from Longbourn—Count Stefano. He would certainly have had reason to put Elizabeth on a ship to Italy, and there had been ample time for Cecile to have travelled to Liverpool before that ship had sailed this morning. He prayed that was not the case.

Blast! He thought. Darcy would move heaven and earth to find her no matter where in the world she was. Even Italy.

Just as he was mulling over that notion, someone coming towards him from the opposite direction across the street waved to get his attention. “Over here, sir!”

Evan had to smile. If not for his voice, he might never have recognised Mr. Watson, his livery foreman. They had all dressed rather shabbily, trying to avoid scrutiny, each sporting a dirty face and a worn hat that covered much of it. Evan crossed the street, motioning him into an alleyway between two buildings. As Mr. Watson entered the lane, a large carriage flew past on the street, and the servant could not contain his enthusiasm as he nodded towards the conveyance.

“That carriage that just passed may contain your sister.”

Evan made to go after it, but a strong arm stopped him. “Wait, sir! Let me explain!”

Evan halted so Watson continued. “I met this fellow in a pub, who was very talkative as long as I paid for the brew, so I kept him from getting thirsty. He said there was talk of two women newly arrived in town, but did not know precisely where they were staying. We were nearing the Landmark Inn, when he excitedly pointed out the carriage that just passed. I saw the woman in question get aboard just outside the inn. He says the carriage belongs to the owner of an estate just a few miles outside town where he once worked.”

Evan nodded at the truth of his words. “Are you fairly certain it was my sister?”

“I saw her only once from a distance when she was at Rosewood. However, if I were a betting man, I would say it was she. I did not see another woman with her, but I asked around the inn. Two women had been staying there, and someone said they both got into that carriage with a man—Mr. Walters, I was told. Personally, I only saw the one. According to the locals, this Walters is not a resident, though he has been staying at the estate I mentioned. I am sure that I can discover additional information, given enough time. I was headed to the pub to meet you and the others when I saw you coming.”

“Well done, Watson!” Evan slapped his back. “We must acquire directions to this villa, as I want some of our men to steal onto that property today. We need to be crafty and see what we can discover. Also, it would help if we knew who owns the estate.”

“If I can keep the locals drinking, I will find that out as well, sir.”

“Excellent. You go ask some more questions, and I shall occupy myself with securing a nondescript carriage or two and some mounts to use while we are here.”

Watson smiled, though his voice held a little trepidation. “Perhaps we might have that bite to eat first? I have not had anything since dawn, and I am sure the others have not stopped to eat either.”

“Now that you mention it,” Evan smiled warmly, “neither have I. Of course, we shall make time to eat first. I do not want anyone to faint from lack of nourishment!”

The large, brawny, liveryman motioned in the direction of the small pub where they were to meet the others, and with a satisfied smile, Evan took the lead, moving a little lighter now that some useful information had been discovered.

We have been here only one morning and have a lead to follow. Now, if only Darcy will arrive!

Liverpool

Later that afternoon

Weary to the bone, William, Richard and Mr. Williamson arrived in Liverpool late that afternoon. At William’s insistence, they headed directly to the wharfs, though Richard tried to argue that they should not be seen about town until they knew exactly what they were facing. He reasoned that they really did not know if someone had actually taken Elizabeth to Liverpool or if she was still safely ensconced at Pemberley. Nonetheless, nothing would satisfy William but to check on the ships. He feared that Elizabeth might already be aboard one of them.

To appease Richard, William had brought several items of clothing—less expensive coats and hats borrowed from his steward, while Richard had brought along his civilian clothes, which were modest enough. Thus, when they finally exited their coach in a back alley near the wharfs, other than William’s much too expensive boots, he and Richard were not as conspicuous as they might otherwise have been. They called on the shipping offices, while Mr. Williamson took the opportunity to check the nearest shops and pubs for gossip of new arrivals.

Unfortunately, at the shipping offices William and Richard learned more than Evan Ingram had learned only a few hours earlier. They, too, heard of the ship that was to depart for Spain the next day and of the ones leaving next week for the Americas and Australia. However, the news of the ship that had departed for Italy that very morning caused William even more apprehension than it had Evan Ingram. His request for a list of the passengers met with great resistance until some carefully placed pounds enticed the clerk to ask them into a private room. Once inside, the man not only provided the list, but also informed them of the last minute additions to the passengers—a man and a woman who had boarded right before the ship sailed. Alas, he claimed he had not personally seen them and could not provide names or descriptions. Unfortunately, while the passenger list did not include Stefano and Elizabeth, the last minute passengers could have been anyone.

Once they were privy to that information, Richard noted that William’s entire countenance changed dramatically. Whereas before, William was simply too nervous to be quiet or patient and paced about endlessly, now it seemed he was too calm—almost unemotional. William was reacting in the same manner that he had when his father had died—he was shutting down emotionally. Richard knew he had to act quickly or all would be lost.

Tugging on his cousin’s arm, he pulled William out the door and guided the now eerily passive man back to the alley where their coach waited. When they entered the lane, Richard whirled around, pushing William up against the side of the building. He put a hand on either side of his head and leaned in until he was within inches of his face.

“Get hold of yourself, man! You have not lost her yet! Hell, we are not even sure she is missing, much less on that ship! But if she was on it, you would bloody well just have to set sail after her!” Other than blinking, there was no response so Richard continued in this mode.

“Know this! If she is missing, we shall find her and bring her home no matter the distance. However, I cannot do this alone, and you will be of no use to Elizabeth or to me if you give in to your fears. Now, here is the question! Are you going to pull yourself together and help me or not?”

Richard’s tirade finally pierced William’s consciousness, and the deep-rooted bands of fear that had snaked themselves around his heart only minutes before let go. He took a deep, shuddering breath, closing his eyes and running his hands over his face several times. When he opened them again, the cousin that Richard had confidence in was back.