Chapter 23: On our way Elizabeth

Denny was one of those men who was looking for excitement in life. When he met Wickham, they hit off like a house on fire. He enjoyed Wickham's company and they quickly became gambling partners. Wickham convinced Denny to take part in his abduction plan. But he was clever enough to leave out consequences they had to face if something went amiss.

"I would love to live life like you. I do not find many opportunities for excitement in my life. Sometimes I wish I was not in this regiment." Denny had confessed to him.

"Maybe both of us can leave the regiment after the deal is done. You get half the share Denny, just do what I say."

Denny was convinced of the plan.

As per Wickham's guidance, he had attended the gathering at Lucas Lodge and had made sure the men planned to shoot on the day of the picnic.

He had made friends with a few footmen and had spent some time talking to them. He learned about the time of departure of the carriages and had faithfully conveyed everything to Wickham.

He was now standing near the fields of Netherfield with a note in his hand.

I need to hand it over to somebody here and get out of sight.

He headed to the stables. He saw some stable boys. He was about to approach one, when he suddenly found himself on the ground.

"Hey get off me boy. What do you think you are doing?"

"What do you think you are doing snooping around here? I saw you last night at the tavern. You were talking to our footmen. What do you want now?" Adam asked with rage.

"Let me go. I don't want anything. I just came to enquire about the horses. I want one for a ride."

"Don't lie. I know you are up to something."

By the time the other men arrived to help Adam and they took Denny to the house.

Darcy and the others were surprised at the commotion in the hallway.

Adam stepped forward. "Mr Darcy, this man was snooping round the stables. I saw him last night at the tavern talking to our footmen. I felt he was up to no good. Now I know there is some trouble as one of the carriages has not returned and I know that Miss Lizzy is not here."

"Adam please come inside, let us not discuss it here."

The men took Adam and Denny to the library and shut the door.

"Who are you? What were you doing in the stables?" Richard asked.

"Colonel, I saw him at Lucas Lodge. He was at the gathering. He is an officer." Mr Hurst said.

Darcy grabbed Denny by his shirt.

"You must be Wickham's ally. Where is he? Where did they take her? Tell me?"

"I know nothing. I just wanted a horse. I told this boy before. Let me go."

Darcy punched him hard in the face. He fell to the ground. Richard had to stop Darcy from doing further damage.

"Listen to me. Do not fool around with us. You do not understand what you have gotten yourself into. Do you want to go to the gallows along with Wickham? I am not only a colonel but also son the Earl of Matlock. You have no idea what we are capable of doing. Tell us now." Threatened Richard.

Denny was scared. He was intimated by Darcy and Richard. Wickham, you did not tell me they were this powerful. What have you gotten me into?

"I will tell you only if you promise my safety."

"You scoundrel. Are you bargaining for privileges after putting a young woman in danger? Tell us where the cottage is? Where is Wickham now?"

"I do not know the exact location of the cottage. He said that the cottage was burnt down somewhere in the woods. Wickham must be on his way there now. He wanted me to hand over a note at Netherfield and take a coach to London. He said he would meet me there in a couple of days and give me my share of the ransom."

"Show me the note." Darcy asked with disgust. He was trying to keep calm. But his mind was in torment. He could not imagine what Elizabeth was going through.

He read the note.

We have Miss Darcy. If you want her back, we need a ransom of 10000 pounds by tomorrow.

Leave the money near the old well on the cornfields outside of Meryton.

Once we have the money, your sister will come home.

Darcy was enraged. It is all about money for you Wickham. Wish my father had seen what a scoundrel you were.

"Fitz, what do we do now?" Richard asked.

"We cannot wait any longer. By now Wickham should know that he does not have Georgiana. Elizabeth is in grave danger now. We need to find the cottage."

"Mr Darcy I know where it is." Adam spoke up. He had been observing everything, and he was worried about Elizabeth.

"Adam, are you sure?"

"Yes sir! I know the place. It was burned down last year. My papa worked there to save any old furniture and other things. I have been there to assist him. It a little farther down the lake you had planned to go. I can take you there."

"Thank you. We need to leave now."

The men discussed their plans. Darcy and Richard planned to ride along with several footmen. Adam was to accompany them in carriage to bring back Elizabeth.

"Mr Darcy, may I have a word?" Asked Mr Hurst.

"Yes, tell me."

"You are making a mistake. We need to inform about the situation to Mr Bennet. For all I know they may be able to assist you."

"I understand. I am doing this to safeguard her reputation and their agony. I want to get her back safely as soon as possible. We cannot waste time here."

"Darcy, he is right. We cannot keep the Bennets in the dark." Mr Bingley said.

"Bingley, please understand. The news will be all over Meryton. Her reputation will be ruined. I will take responsibility for this and explain everything to her father once she is back. Now let us leave. We do not have time to waste."

Darcy spoke with Jane and Georgiana before leaving. He assured them that Elizabeth would be brought back safely.

As the rode towards the woods, Darcy's mind was in turmoil. Only if I put away Wickham for all his misdeeds, Elizabeth would be safe now. I had been selfish. I wanted to protect Georgiana. Now I have put Elizabeth in danger. She does not deserve this. Will she ever forgive me?

He felt that he was more in love with her than ever before. Her kindness, her bravery, her intelligence, he was in love with everything about her. The thought of her getting harmed made his heartbreak. He was determined to save her at any cost.

Elizabeth, I love you. I won't let any harm come to you. I will get you back safely without a scratch. I promise you. He vouched.

Darcy never knew that he would not be able to keep up his promise. Yes! Never!