DARCY AND THE COLONEL stopped at a coaching inn to change horses once they reached Brighton. Darcy’s impatience had risen the closer they came to their destination.
Yes, he was worried about Georgiana. But he considered her safe in the care of Elizabeth Bennet.
He had spoken to the innkeeper in London. A young woman using the name Elizabeth Gardiner had departed early that morning in a fine coach. With her had been an adolescent girl and a Blackamoor footman. She had left a note for the Countess of Matlock or her representative—in case someone came looking for the ladies.
Richard had not hesitated to read the letter. It confirmed that Elizabeth and Georgiana were heading to Brighton. To Colonel Forster’s lodgings.
As eager as Darcy was to see his sister, he was desperate to see Elizabe
