Despite Richard's snoring Darcy slept well on the cot. He woke at his usual hour and quietly slipped into the dressing room. He dressed without calling his valet in order to make less noise. Richard deserved as much sleep as he could get.

On his way downstairs Darcy quietly chuckled at the memory of the conversation he and Richard had after his cousin had washed and eaten the simple hot meal Mrs. Evans brought up. Richard asked if the youngest Bennet girl had been curbed in her officer hunt.

"Mr. Bennet has confined Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty to the house and asked me for advice on obtaining a governess. I think he may have finally realized the danger of their behavior."

"Confinement to quarters seems to be a common solution around here. Didn't you write that Bingley confined his sister to the house after her attack on you?"

"Don't remind me. What an experience that was. He still has no idea what to do with her in the long term and I haven't thought of anything either."

"He needs to find her a husband and make her somebody else's problem."

"Are you volunteering?" Darcy grinned.

"Hell, no!" he said with a look of mock horror while raising his hands as if to fend off the idea. Then he took on a thoughtful look. "I might know someone who would. Navy man I know. Name of Curlow. He is looking to retire since he just inherited his brother's title and estate. It is heavy with debt and pretty run down. The dowry would make a nice addition to his savings and prize money – help him land on his feet. I can talk to Bingley about him after we deal with Wickham."

"A title, you say? She might just go for that."

"He is only a baronet, but Lady Curlow would still sit higher than Mrs. Darcy."

Glaring at Richard he said, "Darcy is one name she will NEVER wear."

They had retired soon after. Darcy thought he slept better just for knowing Richard was there to help.

Still chuckling, he entered the dining room and sat in his usual place. The room seemed lonely without Georgie, who usually rose and breakfasted as early as he.

The maid brought him his coffee and the news that Mrs. Evans was busy cooking to have plenty for all their guests. He wondered if Miss Elizabeth had awakened at her usual time and if she might be ready for her breakfast. She had once told him that Miss Bennet generally rose later and he thought Miss Elizabeth might be reluctant to disturb her sister by ringing for a maid.

"Suzy," he asked when the maid returned with his food, "please go up and check on Miss Elizabeth very quietly. Try not to awaken her or her sister. If Miss Elizabeth is already awake ask if she needs some breakfast."

"Mrs. Evans already did that and I took Miss Elizabeth a tray a little bit ago, sir," she said and dipped a curtsey.

"Very good then." He smiled and addressed his breakfast and coffee.

Darcy was just finishing when Richard came in and took a seat. "Is that coffee? It gives me a better start than tea."

"You will like the breakfast too."

The maid brought in coffee and breakfast for Richard. As he ate he outlined his plans to go to the militia camp and conduct his own investigation into Wickham's stay there and his subsequent disappearance.

"He may have let some clues as to where he might head drop in conversation with the other officers. If I can get the right piece of information it will show us the path."

"It is likely he headed towards London," said Darcy." I know a few of the land owners on that side of Meryton. Maybe they noticed something that would help. If I come along I can introduce you. They might give me more information because they know me."

"Well look at that. Our little Will is finally making friends," Richard chortled.

"Actually, I am," said Darcy without offense. "These are good people and they have been very kind to me."

Richard looked at him in wonder, then shook his head as if to clear it. The serious soldier was back. "It might be best if you stay here at first to wait for the doctor. As I told you last night, he planned to be along some time this morning. He just couldn't leave his patient right away yesterday. I will have better luck in camp on my own. I know soldiers, even the ragtag of a militia, better than you. If I get a strong clue I will follow it directly. If not I will send for you or come get you and we can visit your new friends."

"I suppose that is best," said Darcy grudgingly, "although I would rather be in action than waiting here. I have done too much waiting since this time yesterday."

Richard just laughed.

Miss Mary entered the room. "Mr. Darcy, you sister is awake and would like to see you and your cousin for a moment before we give her any more laudanum."

"Of course," said Darcy. "Miss Mary, may I present my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Richard, this is Miss Mary Bennet." They greeted each other with the usual courtesies.

"We'll be up in just a moment, Miss Mary," said Richard. "I only have a few bites of breakfast to finish first. It would be a shame to waste this good cooking." She nodded in understanding, then headed back upstairs.

"Well," said Richard quietly, "she's a pretty little thing. Are all the sisters like her?"

"She's the one her mother says is the plainest." Darcy chuckled at Richard's look of surprise. "They are all pretty girls," he continued. "I don't want you flirting with them in your usual way. I'm very fond of them and they might be hurt by your foolishness."

"Whatever you say," Richard grumbled as he finished his last bite of breakfast.