Darcy's Journey

Darcy's Journey by M. A. Sandiford Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Darcy's Journey by M. A. Sandiford Read Free Book Online
Authors: M. A. Sandiford
his protective instincts rebelled, and he had gone only under
the conviction that this was her wish. He understood now that in helping her family
he had increased her feelings of guilt. It upset her deeply that he had borne
the main cost of rescuing Lydia, and she was obviously afraid that he had come
to Italy mostly in order to rescue her —establishing a comparison
that was hardly flattering. What had finally decided him was his trust in
Edward Havers, who planned to return to Verona in March, and thence to
Switzerland, where they would wait for an opportunity to cross the Alps.
    Leaning out of the window, Darcy
recognised the pink roofs of the ancient Roman city centre, with the Lamberti
tower just visible in silhouette. Impatiently he called out to Avery, who was
dozing. ‘Nearly there!’
    The guide roused himself for a token
glance. ‘Twenty minutes should see us through the city gate.’
    In which case, all going well, he would
see Elizabeth within the hour. Edward’s party was to have arrived the day
before, and should be installed at the Hotel Leoncino, chosen for its proximity
to the Roman amphitheatre.
    And what then?
    He hoped, of course, to accompany them
to England: Edward, scarcely the most practical of men, had begged him to do
so. But what of Elizabeth? In Venice he had sensed a change in her feelings.
First suspicious, then embarrassed by guilt, she had relaxed and started to
confide in him. How would she respond to the prospect of a long journey in his
company? Did she fear he would renew his attentions?
    But there were reasons for optimism.
Whatever Elizabeth thought of him, she would surely value the security of a
second Englishman joining the group. After all, they would not be thrown
together constantly: he would spend time with Edward, and she with Céline—and
perhaps also Lady Havers if Sir Ambrose’s widow had accepted the dower and decided
to settle in England …
    Or was it Regina’s plan to entice Edward to
the altar, once a proper period had elapsed?
    Darcy relaxed, recalling the beauty of
Florence and the grandeur and fascination of Rome.

 
    Edward ran into the foyer of the
Leoncino exactly as the clocks struck seven, the time of their rendezvous.
    ‘Darcy! Thank God you’re here.’
    His agitation alerted Darcy. ‘What has
happened?’
    ‘Let’s get a drink.’ Edward led him to a
lounge where a sideboard held two decanters.
    ‘Is everyone well?’ Darcy demanded.
‘Where is Miss Bennet? Céline?’
    Breathlessly Edward poured two glasses and
took a hasty swig, dribbling red wine down his chin. ‘Céline is upstairs with
the maid. Miss Bennet …’
    ‘Yes?’
    He sank into a divan, head in hands. ‘I’ve
made an unholy mess of things.’
    Darcy sat beside Edward and tried to
keep his voice calm. ‘Where is she?’
    He spread his palms. ‘I don’t know.’
    A jolt ran through Darcy’s body. ‘Was
she lost during the journey?’
    ‘She never began the journey.’ He
took a deep breath. ‘It happened the day before we planned to leave Venice. I
had been on an excursion to Castello with Céline and our English maid. Returning, we found
the house abandoned except for a footman. Communication was difficult since he
spoke little English, but it seemed there had been a change of plan: the
Carandinis had gone to visit friends and were not expected back for two weeks.’
    ‘And Miss Bennet?’
    ‘Went with them.’ Edward looked up, his face
reddening. ‘According to Céline he said that Miss Elizabeth was to remain permanently in Venice, and that a happy announcement was imminent.’
    ‘An engagement to Carandini?’
    ‘I assume.’
    Darcy swallowed. ‘And their destination?’
    ‘I pressed him repeatedly but learned only
that they had gone to the region north of Venice where Prosecco wine is made.’
    ‘What did you do next?’
    ‘What could I do?’ Edward took out a
handkerchief and mopped his brow. ‘I’m sorry, Darcy, but I had to stick to my
original plan.

Similar Books

Mojo

Tim Tharp

Kesh

Ralph L Wahlstrom

Sunshine and Spaniels

Cressida McLaughlin

Jackie After O

Tina Cassidy

One Night Rodeo

Lorelei James

Nell

Nancy Thayer

The Double Bind

Chris Bohjalian