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

Our crossing to Mestre was booked, as well as our carriage to
Verona. We stayed overnight at the house, and left the next morning.’
    ‘Did you speak to Carandini’s cousin Mario?’
    ‘No time.’
    ‘Surely …’ Darcy broke off, realizing that
Edward had done his best in a difficult situation. He refilled their wine glasses,
struggling to collect his thoughts. His impulse was to find a horse and leave for
Venice, but a night-time gallop through unfamiliar countryside was pointless.
No, he would remain in Verona overnight, hire a local driver, and leave in the
morning.
    He put a reassuring hand on Edward’s shoulder.
‘You acted for the best. Let us dine now and discuss further.’

 
    They found a corner table in the Leoncino’s elegant dining room and
ordered platters of polenta, lentils and sausage meat. While they waited,
Edward outlined the events of the last two months, which had seen some oddly
shifting alliances.
    ‘It began with Lady Havers.’ Edward met Darcy’s eye. ‘Did you notice how
she sought my company?’
    ‘A most alluring woman,’ Darcy said with a grim smile.
    ‘I can concede that she formed a sincere attachment to my brother. But
myself? I think not. Or rather, only because I am now baronet.’
    ‘You gave her no encouragement?’
    ‘I was charmed at first, but wearied of her. Noticing this, Lady Regina
redoubled her efforts for a day or two and then suddenly dropped me. I was
upset that she also ignored Céline.’
    ‘And her brother?’
    Edward raised his eyebrows. ‘Continued his
attentions to Miss Bennet, but with one alteration. For the first time he began
to compliment her. It was embarrassing in its clumsiness, but also a relief. Rehearsals
were requested rather than demanded. He even found aspects of her performance
that he could praise.’
    ‘Was Miss Bennet impressed?’
    Edward looked away as a waiter approached with
their food. ‘Hard to say.’ He raised a finger. ‘You remember the younger
sister, Maddalena?’
    Darcy nodded. ‘A sweet child.’
    ‘Clever too, and not an admirer of her
brother. I overheard her once whispering a warning to Miss Bennet. Be
careful of Gabriele, he is bad man . I think she became attached to Miss
Bennet. As did Céline.’
    After eating in silence for a while,
Edward asked, ‘And your own plans?’
    ‘My duty is clear: to find Miss Bennet,
confirm she is well, and ascertain what she truly wants. I don’t trust the
servant’s account.’
    ‘This will take time, Darcy. Weeks,
perhaps months.’
    ‘Indeed.’ Darcy looked up. ‘If you felt
able to wait, we could return together.’
    Edward thought for a moment, then shook
his head. ‘Have you heard the news about Bonaparte?’
    ‘That he has escaped from Elba?’
    ‘Worse.’ Edward leaned forward. ‘It is
said that he will soon arrive in Paris, and that his former generals have
pledged their support. The war may start up again.’
    ‘In which case you must hurry Céline to
safety.’ Darcy nodded approval. ‘You are right, Edward, I should have thought
of that. Let me know if I can help in any way.’

 
 
 
    9

 
    ‘ Elisabetta .’ A hand touched
her shoulder.
    Elizabeth blinked. She must have fallen
asleep again. With an effort she pulled herself up a little and turned to face
Regina. ‘What time is it?’
    ‘Early afternoon.’ Regina pointed to the
bedside table. ‘I’ve brought broth and a glass of wine. The doctor says you are
to drink it all. It will make you stronger.’
    ‘Oh. Grazie .’ Elizabeth struggled
to sit up. Why were her limbs so heavy? Regina balanced the tray on her knees
and she took a few sips of the appetizing broth. She had been sleeping alone in
the tiny bedroom since they had come here—when? A week ago? Two? Time
passed in a blur; she could no longer remember how they had moved out of
Venice, or why.
    ‘Where are we?’
    ‘This is our holiday home. The air is
fresher than in Venice. It will help you get better.’
    Elizabeth