The visit to Mr. Long came up empty. Neither he nor any of his tenants remembered seeing anything of note the previous day. Mr. Long had much to say on the inconvenience of having so many soldiers nearby when he had two teenage nieces to look after, but that hardly helped.
It was with a sense of futility that Darcy entered Mr. Turnwell's study. They explained their errands and Darcy waited for the polite negative reply.
"Actually, Mr. Darcy, we have had a bit of a strange happening this morning." At this both Darcy and Richard were all attention. "When my grooms went in to care for the horses this morning the one closest to the door was missing. What's more there was what looked like dried blood on the fastenings and stable door and some items by the door were knocked askew as if someone had stumbled over them. Stranger still we found an injured horse around back. It had come up lame and was all muddy on one side as if it had taken a bad fall. We've cleaned it up and poulticed the leg but had no idea who it might belong to. I must say if I can take it in trade I've got the better of the bargain. The horse that was stolen is mean old cuss and as likely to throw a man as look at him. I had hoped to sell him next time I headed to London."
"Can we take a look at the mystery horse?" asked Richard. "I have a description of the one Wickham stole."
They went out to the stable to look at the horse. It looked a little worse for the wear, but Richard could tell by the markings it was the right one.
"Wickham must have hidden somewhere and tried to travel by night. The horse fell nearby, probably injuring Wickham in the process. He must have switched his saddle and gear to Mr. Turnwell's horse before traveling on," Richard surmised.
"Mr. Turnwell, how early did your grooms find the horse missing?" asked Darcy.
"They start pretty early, around five o'clock. And our men were in here rather late last night, maybe midnight or so, tending to some duties around the stable after my wife and I returned from a dinner engagement."
"So that narrows down when he would have stolen the horse. He still could have made it to London by now," Richard said in disgust.
"Unless the stolen horse threw him," Darcy said hopefully.
"There is always that," Richard responded. "Mr. Turnwell, can I get a full description of the stolen animal? Oh, and the militia will probably want the injured horse back."
"Too bad. I was hoping to keep him." He shook his head then added, "Come along with me. I'll have the head groom give you all the particulars."
Richard got his description and after a little more discussion he and Darcy mounted up. They headed towards the London road across Mr. Turnwell's lands casting about for any signs that Wickham might have passed. After a while with no luck Darcy drew his horse to a stop.
"I need to get back to the house, Richard. I don't think we will find anything here."
Richard answered, "I am not ready to give up yet. You go on back now. I will keep on until I find him or lose hope for today."
"Good fortune go with you," said Darcy before he turned his horse and rode off.
Darcy returned to the dower house to find Bennet had gone. Instead Bingley sat in the drawing room with Miss Bennet. In the corner Mrs. Annesley sat with her needlework, acting as chaperone.
"Darcy, old man! Miss Bennet has just told me your news! You could have knocked me over with a feather I was so surprised. Congratulations on your engagement to Miss Elizabeth." Bingley grinned from ear to ear.
"I expect to be very happy," Darcy said with an answering smile.
"Dr. Burrows is upstairs," Miss Bennet told him.
"Sad business, that," said Bingley. "I know Wickham was a problem, but I never expected him to be violent. He was always more likely to charm people out of what he wanted."
"He usually got what he wanted through charm. But when he didn't he has been known to use force. This was a surprise, though. Now if you will excuse me I need to go upstairs and see the doctor. Perhaps you have something PARTICULAR to ask Miss Bennet," he finished teasingly.
Both Bingley and Miss Bennet blushed. Mrs. Annesley shook her head at Darcy in mock censure. He just winked at her and walked away.
At the top of the stairs he encountered Dr. Burrows just exiting from Elizabeth's room. "Doctor, thank you for coming," he said
"I was glad to oblige," came the reply. "I am only sorry it took me so long to arrive. At any rate I am here now and have examined both young ladies. Is there somewhere we can talk?"
"The drawing room is currently in use, but if you don't mind the informality we can speak in here." Darcy opened the door to his bedchamber and ushered the doctor inside. Dr. Burrows sat in a chair while Darcy took a seat on the bed.
"The apothecary did an excellent job of setting both the broken bone and the dislocated shoulder. My examination indicates both should heal well with the treatment they have received as long they are kept immobilized for the next few weeks. It would be best for Miss Darcy to remain in bed for a few days to avoid any accidents in the early stages of healing. She has a mild fever, but that is only natural and is no cause for concern at this time.
Your sister indicated that she does not care for the dizziness and lethargy laudanum induces in her. I suggest tincture of willow bark during the day to ease the pain and small doses of laudanum at night to aid in sleep. She has taken a dose of the willow bark and seems relatively comfortable. Your Mrs. Evans tended to her while I examined Miss Elizabeth with Miss Mary attending.
Miss Elizabeth had already been taking the willow bark but it does not seem to be working as well for her as for Miss Darcy. I understand Mr. Jones' reluctance to give her laudanum but I believe in small quantities it may ease her pain. The bruising is severe. I agree with the assessment that no bones are broken, either on her cheek or her back. I strongly suspect the cheekbone may be cracked, but there is little I can do for that save watch for infection. She, also is running a slight fever. As with your sister, our best course is to watch and make sure the fever does not become more severe."
"She wishes to return to her home this afternoon. We are on the same estate, so the distance is negligible. Do you believe this might cause problems?"
"Given the slight fever it is preferable that she remain here and in bed, at least for tonight. She will do best taking as much rest as she can."
"Miss Elizabeth is stubborn. We may be able to convince her to stay the night. I doubt we can convince her to stay the rest of the day in bed unless you dose her quite heavily with laudanum." Darcy smiled.
"I would prefer not to do that," Dr. Burrows said with an answering smile. "If we can convince her to engage in only quiet pursuits that will be best."
"I will do what I can to achieve that. I will go speak with her now. Please make full use of my room if you need to wash and rest."
"Actually your housekeeper put me in the other room. She said your sister's companion was to be taking a visit to Miss Elizabeth's father's house."
"Yes, that might still be best even if Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet remain here. At any rate, please make yourself at home. And be prepared for an excellent dinner. Our Mrs. Evans is quite the cook as well."
The gentlemen rose and stepped out of the room. The doctor went to his chamber and Darcy knocked on the door of Elizabeth's room.