The colonel’s eyes met Elizabeth’s, his gaze sympathetic and reluctant.
“Go on, son,” the countess said. “We should know.”
He cleared his throat before saying, “I shall not repeat his exact words. In short, Miss Elizabeth spoiled the compromise. When it appeared that Darcy had gone. . .”
When the colonel faltered, Henry finished the thought. “They thought to make it look as though Darcy was fleeing something worse than Miss Bingley’s hand.”
Elizabeth felt ill.
The colonel nodded. “They were directed to connect the two of you in some sordid manner. Howard left the details to them, we think.” He frowned. “We have had them both arrested for trespass and burglary. They were persistent because they have not yet been paid. Unfortunately that also means there is no bank draft, no convenient letter of instruction written in his hand, nothing but the word of a man no one will believe over Howard.”
“What of Henderson?” Mr. Darcy asked.
The colonel crossed his arms across his chest. “Baker is definitely the weaker of the two. Henderson believes he cannot even be identified. With his coloring and the mark near his eye, Baker has no such illusions.”
They were speaking in circles, their anger making them frustrated with the lack of progress. “Pardon me, gentlemen,” Elizabeth said quietly.
“My apologies, Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said at once. “I have not even greeted you properly.” He approached her to take her hands and frowned. “Where is your splint?”
Elizabeth sighed. “Upstairs. We had visitors.”
“She has not held anything heavier than a conversation,” Aunt Matlock told Mr. Darcy. He did not say anything to his aunt, but Elizabeth was certain he would have something to say to her. Mr. Darcy never seemed to relinquish any topic that even slightly concerned him.
Elizabeth returned to the matter at hand. “I believe we are at an impasse until we learn why Mr. Howard is so angry with you. Is it that he blames you for the rumors? It cannot only be your refusal to wed his sister when you have never met her.”
“May I suggest a course of action?” Aunt Matlock asked.
“Of course,” Mr. Darcy said, and all three men turned to listen.
“William, marry Elizabeth tomorrow,” Aunt Matlock said. “Allow the rest of us to work on your behalf.” She held out her hand, and Mr. Darcy stepped forward to take it.
Henry and the colonel nodded their assent. She was used to the colonel’s stern looks and Henry appeared composed, though she thought his smile perhaps a little too bright.
Without warning, the door was tossed open to reveal the earl. “Why are all the doors in my house shut today?”
“Whimsy,” Henry said, as the colonel slid behind his father to check the hall and close the door behind him.
“William, take Elizabeth up to the music room and ask Georgiana to play for you,” Aunt Matlock instructed. Mr. Darcy appeared uneasy, but he nodded and offered Elizabeth his arm.
“Here now,” the earl exclaimed, taking them all in before glancing over his shoulder at the closed door. “What are you plotting, my dear?”
Aunt Matlock waved them off, and Mr. Darcy placed his hand over Elizabeth’s. “Shall we?” he asked, and Elizabeth leaned against him briefly before they began to walk.
As they exited the room, she heard the earl ask, “Howard, eh?”
Darcy tried to shake the sense of foreboding he had carried since seeing Howard at the club. Elizabeth had leaned against him in the drawing room, and though they were both very properly attired, the warmth of her body against his felt like a promise.
In spite of Henry’s pronouncement at the club, Darcy was no prude. He was, however, a careful man, one who was hours away from reaping the rewards of his restraint. The closer the time came, the more difficult it was to remain a gentleman, but he would do so for Elizabeth’s sake.
She glanced up at him shyly, and Darcy could not help but respond with a smile.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
“I am thinking of you,” he replied, surprised at how easily the admission came. “I am thinking of being married to you.” He admired the faint tint of her blush and the way she tipped her head away bashfully. He enjoyed her pert rejoinders and teasing wit, but her sudden modesty at moments such as this further endeared her to him. It was a sort of vulnerability that was for him alone, and he leaned down, brushing his lips softly against hers. His heart raced when their lips met, and he lingered just a moment before slowly pulling away. Elizabeth’s eyes were closed.
“Mmm,” she said dreamily. “Is it terribly wrong of me to be happy we will be wed in haste? I would not wish to wait for the two or three months my mother would certainly insist upon.”
“Elizabeth, no man who loves his intended wishes to wait,” Darcy informed her and laughed quietly. “It is why so many women are already expecting on their wedding day.”