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“I cannot sit here one minute longer!” Richard declared, standing and striding towards the door. “Besides, I am getting hungry, so I shall order us something to eat.”

Just as he turned the knob on the door, someone began to knock on the other side. Richard pulled it open. Standing there was a skinny, red-headed young man of about eighteen with his fist still raised in the air.

Surprised, Richard stuttered out an apology and stepped back at the frightened look on the intruder’s face. “Excuse me. I—I was only ... Are you here to see us?”

The boy, eyes wide now, swallowed hard and nodded. “Then, do come in!”

Stepping barely inside the room, he squeaked up at Richard, “Mr. Darcy?” If Richard and William were not previously aware of his nervousness, his voice betrayed it now.

Richard forced himself not to smile, replying in his most officious voice, “I am Colonel Fitzwilliam.” He motioned towards William, who had been sitting on the edge of the bed, but was now beginning to stand. “This is my cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy.” William nodded.

“I—I am Arthur Fielding, sir,” the boy managed to get out. “My aunt, Mrs. Browning, requests that you come with me.”

At that, the boy did a perfect about-face, walking away as though he fully expected them to obey his aunt without question. Realising that the young man was not waiting, neither was he leaving the establishment by way of the front door, William and Richard grabbed their coats and hats and made haste to catch up to him. By the time they exited the back door, he was holding open the door to an old carriage and motioning for them to enter it. They exchanged quick glances and did as directed.

Their escort assumed the driver’s position and whipped the horses into motion, quite oblivious to the silent exchanges between the two men being transported in the shabby carriage. With a slight lift of the corners of his mouth, William nodded to Richard. One had to admire the ingenuity of the person who had sent for them. They had been secreted out of the inn by way of the rear entrance, and rushed into this miserable conveyance without drawing the least bit of attention from anyone, servant or guest. In addition, it was highly improbable that anyone would desire to know the identity of whoever travelled in this dilapidated carriage or his or her destination.

Long past serviceable, the interior of the carriage was in even worse condition than the exterior. The old cushions, with little or no padding, were ripped in several places. Being used to more comfortable means of travel, William felt every rut in the road down to his very bones. For his part, Richard had put up with worse in his career with the army, so he was unfazed and focused on the passing scenery. Pleasantly surprised at the loveliness of the landscape, he turned to look out the window on the opposite side of the coach and noticed that William was not as agreeably occupied. His wealthy cousin was concentrating on a tear in the seat cover, unconsciously fiddling with a piece that was hanging loose.

Waiting until William noticed his observation, Richard wagged his brows and chuckled. William shook his head, smiled knowingly and looked away. Leaning towards him, Richard spoke just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the road. “Come on, Darce, you have to admit this is hilarious! Can you imagine what gossip would ensue if the ton caught sight of the illustrious Master of Pemberley riding in a carriage so dilapidated? Good Lord, it may disintegrate at any moment, depositing us upon the ground with little or no ceremony.”

A small smile began at the corners of William’s lips, and then blossomed into a wide grin before he could suppress it. Richard relaxed—satisfied. If only he could coax a smile from his dour cousin more often.

They had not travelled many miles before the carriage turned off the main road and passed through an old rusted gate. Then they continued for perhaps another quarter-mile through some lovely woods before a modest estate was seen in the distance. As the carriage negotiated the last hundred feet towards the front entrance of the house, the front door flew open and two older women emerged, each waiting on the portico. The carriage came to an abrupt stop and their young driver unceremoniously hopped down and opened the carriage door, motioning for them to alight. As they did, the women began to descend the steps, not pausing until they stood directly in front of them, bobbing slightly.

“I am Gertrude Browning, the housekeeper at Northgate Manor,” the first declared and nodded towards the other. “And this is my sister, Mary Sweeten.” She swept her hand towards the dwelling. “It is her home we are using for our meeting.” Beaming now at the red-haired boy, she continued. “And you have already met my nephew, Arthur.”

Richard usually took the lead in conversations with strangers, and this time was no different. “I am Richard Fitzwilliam, and this is my cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Both men bowed. “We are pleased to make your acquaintance and wish to thank you for agreeing to meet with us in place of the Bingleys.”

Mrs. Browning nodded, smiling pleasantly. “Please come inside. We shall have a cup of tea while I explain the reason I asked you to make this journey.”

The smell of freshly baked bread instantly enticed their senses as they entered the foyer, and Richard inhaled deeply as a blissful look swept across his face. It did not go unnoticed by his hostess.

She enquired cleverly, “A bit of bread and jam with your tea would not be unwelcome, I suppose?”

“You are too kind, madam. That sounds lovely,” he quickly responded, trying to keep his growling stomach from being heard.

“It would be most welcome,” William confessed. “We have not had time to eat since early this morning.”

“Oh?” Mrs. Browning frowned. “Then we shall have to remedy that. Follow me.”

~~~*~~~

After they had enjoyed a much-appreciated repast of hot soup, cold meats, cheeses, jams and the newly baked bread, everyone, including Mrs. Browning’s sister and nephew, settled in the parlour with fresh cups of tea. However, all attention was focused on Mrs. Browning, who cleared her throat self-consciously.

“First, let me apologise for Arthur not being at the inn earlier as planned and for requiring you to ride in that eyesore.” Her eyes lit up as both men smiled. “I felt your coach would draw unwelcome attention to your presence at my sister’s home. In our small town, as in any other, I am sure, there are eyes and ears eager to find some gossip. Let them think that the person who arrived in that fine coach was only at the inn to rest before continuing his journey and not here for some specific purpose. Likewise, it would be best if you leave as soon as possible after we conclude our business. The less attention you command, the better.”

“I agree completely,” William stated solemnly.

“The reason for the delay in meeting you earlier was due to some problems at Northgate Manor. We have had a great deal of trouble keeping servants, and just this morning we lost another. To put it simply, we do not have the required number of people to maintain the up-keep of the house, and when someone leaves without notice ...” Her voice trailed off as she sighed. “I am sorry. I should not bother you with my concerns.”

William spoke up, “If I may ask, how far is Northgate Manor from the village?”

“The entrance is only six miles to the north of the village, but after you enter the gates, the drive winds a half-mile before reaching the mansion.”

He nodded. “Are the lands extensive?”

“They once were, but Lord Stanton sold many hundreds of acres in the last few years. I believe I heard him say it now consists of less than four hundred acres.”