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William’s face was as flint. “Why would you help me? You know I will stop him even if—”

“Even if you have to kill him,” the earl finished solemnly. “I am aware of the possibility. However, I intend to go to my villa and convince him to let Miss Elizabeth leave with me. If he does, I want your promise that he will be allowed to sail from England unharmed.”

William met Richard and Evan’s eyes before answering. “No! There will be no more reprieves for your evil son.”

Lord Stanton sighed. “But I had hoped to get him to release her without a fight. He may kill Elizabeth if you try to take her.”

“And you cannot possibly believe he would release her to you! He is mad. More likely, he will kill you!” William barked angrily.

Lord Stanton smiled wanly. “I am not afraid to die, Mr. Darcy. However, I can no longer look myself in the mirror knowing I did nothing to stop my son from hurting Elizabeth again. I would like to do this for her and for Thomas Bennet. He was a good man.”

“Your son will refuse!”

“If he refuses, then you must do whatever it takes to stop him. Make no mistake, I love my son. Nevertheless, I cannot—WILL NOT—let him ruin Elizabeth’s life again.” His voice grew quiet. “She has a future with a man who truly loves her. Mrs. Bennet and my son have stolen enough from Elizabeth. She deserves better.”

William stated resolutely, “Your plan is unacceptable. Do not interfere, or we shall assume you are on his side and act accordingly.”

The earl seemed resigned as he opened his coat and pulled a letter out of his pocket. “This is a letter to the captain of the schooner, Fernando Diaz. He is an old friend of mine, and he will help you in your plans to recover Elizabeth, should Stephen manage to get her as far as the ship. I suggest you station men aboard the schooner, in the event that should occur. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall return to my friend’s home and await the outcome.”

Nothing was said as the earl turned to leave. When he almost had the door shut, he stopped, looking back to William. “Love her, Darcy. She deserves some happiness in her life.”

“You may rely on it,” William replied, his voice rough with emotion. Stefano’s father nodded and shut the door.

Richard jerked his head towards Mr. Judson. “Follow Lord Stanton. We would not want him trying to be a hero. If he starts towards the villa, let us know. Otherwise, meet us back at the drive to Tuscany at first light.” Mr. Judson grabbed several rolls from the table and his coat and hat from the rack on the wall and slipped out of the room.

The vicar, noting the gloom on William’s face, leaned in to whisper, “We shall recover her, son. Just remember that.”

Abruptly William choked out, “I—I need just a bit of fresh air.” With those words, he was out the side door leading to a porch that wrapped completely around the house. Evan started to rise, but Richard held up a hand.

“Please, let me.”

The air outside was beginning to cool, and Richard shivered just a bit when he stepped into the night. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but they soon did, and he walked around the side of the house. William stood at the end of the porch where a dim light glowed; he clutched a column as if his life depended upon it. Richard walked slowly towards him, trying to decide what to say.

“Darce?” William did not stir. “I—what can I say to ease your mind?”

After a few seconds of silence, William whispered, “I love her so much, Richard. What if Stanton is right and Stefano should harm her before we can set her free?”

Though William did not face him, Richard could see the evidence of tears reflected by the light. “You know, every time I have led my men into battle, I have felt somewhat like you do now—knowing what I must do but fearing the consequences. Oh, I realise it is not exactly the same thing, but I do fear for their safety just as you fear for your Elizabeth’s. Nevertheless, I have no choice and neither do you.”

He moved to stand beside his cousin, threading an arm about his shoulder. “God does not always give us the easy way out. Sometimes we have to be willing to fight and die for what we know is right. All we can do is trust Him to be on the side of justice. He is, you know. We enter the fray with that knowledge.”

William turned to embrace his cousin, holding him for a little longer than most would deem proper, but he did not care. This man had always been beside him—closer than a brother—supporting him and saying just what he needed to hear. “Thank God, I have you, Richard.”

Richard tried to be stoic. After all, soldiers were not supposed to cry. “I thank Him for you too, Darce.”

Several minutes later, the cousins made their way back into the dining room, where everyone was busy preparing food to take with them in the morning. Mr. Watson and Avery were getting ready to depart in order to relieve the two who were still at Tuscany.

If anyone noticed that both men had red eyes, no one was unkind enough to mention it.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 38

Barnwell’s Boarding House

The next morning

On the slight chance that Stefano might manage to get to the docks, Mr. Williamson, accompanied by one servant from Pemberley, had already left for the ship to confer with the captain and take their places alongside the ship’s crew. Stanton had assured them last night that his old friend, Fernando Diaz, would cooperate in their plans to keep his son from leaving with Elizabeth. The captain had had a disagreement with Stefano years before over payment for some freight, and he had never forgotten the incident nor forgiven him his duplicity.