PP AU NON-CANON GENERAL REGENCY

Note: I am so sorry FF is being so ridiculous.

Previously:

With a sense of anticipation, they carefully broke the lock and opened the chest, only to find more small valuables and trinkets that really were not worth all that much but could be put out as attention grabbers, but none of them were the item they were seeking. Frustration grew, but they pressed on, determined to uncover every hidden secret the property might hold.

Warning Given and Small Battles Fought

Ch. 14

The search may have been winding up at the Gordons' old place, but the howling winds around another tavern were keeping voices covered as a group tied up their horses and entered the establishment. The night was cold, the sky obscured by thick clouds that threatened more rain. The tavern, usually a place of bustling activity, was now quiet and practically barren of patrons, for it was not a tavern often frequented. Empty tables with barren chairs surrounding them is what met the men's eyes as they entered and stood near the hearth, warming their hands. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the rough wooden walls.

"I hope the Bennets have stopped here for the night, or I fear we shall have little chance to warn them," one of the men murmured, looking around the deserted room.

"Warn us of what?" Thomas, who had been unable to sleep, inquired as he reached the bottom of the creaky wooden stairs. The dim light from the hearth illuminated his concerned expression. "Pray, tell me exactly what is transpiring."

"Radcliffe is sending a man—perhaps even more—after you. He harbors ill will towards you for taking Mrs. Gordon from him," one of the men explained grimly, his voice low and urgent.

"My wife was never his in the first place," Thomas retorted, his eyes narrowing. He had no idea what Fitzwilliam would think of the letter he had just finished writing, but there was little to be done about it now; and he certainly was not about to take the second option. "It seems to me he is behaving like an ever-petulant child refusing to grow up. What is his motive? Beyond the new Mrs. Bennet? I mean, what is this whole affair about?"

"Sit down and we shall explain, though you be a rather incorrigible Englishman," Cal, one of the Scotsmen, teased, motioning to a nearby table with sturdy wooden chairs.

"I am seated, you rogue of a Scotsman," Thomas replied, the banter lightening the otherwise grim mood for a moment as he took a seat.

All the men laughed, the camaraderie clear as they ribbed each other all in good humor. Cal then turned serious as he explained in detail the theory Lord Harris had mentioned, and all concurred. "Those smugglers coerced Captain Gordon into taking an unfamiliar route. He had never traversed that route before. Yes, he hugged shorelines before, but not those particular ones."

"Why not?" Thomas asked, intrigued, leaning forward as if to catch every word.

"He did not favor them. Said safer routes were only a few miles away, so why risk his men's lives for such a short distance unless absolutely necessary," Cal leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "The fact is, Mr. Bennet, any fool knows Radcliff has coveted your wife ever since Patrick brought her to these parts. But, in my opinion, that so-called gentleman is wishing to use her as a cover for his true intentions. And I am not referring to her family connections." He nodded his head. "Yes, her facial features—to me and many—shout she was an English Darcy at birth. Tell me I am wrong."

"No, you are not. But what do you mean use her if you are not referring to her family?" Thomas asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I believe he desires to divert people's attention onto a charming wife and away from his own activities. If he has someone hosting parties and such, perhaps they will be less inclined to scrutinize what he is sailing and what he is hauling. And, although the captain did not once sell, or trade, anything illicit, some questioned his last voyage," Cal explained, his voice heavy with suspicion. "And your wife is a rare beauty even in plain clothes."

"People believe he switched sides? I thought he was exonerated by his surviving crew," Thomas said, frowning as he tried to piece the puzzle together, ignoring the factor of Georgianna's physical looks. He had made the mistake before of putting too much emphasis on a lady's appearance; that was not why he had gone along accepting her as his wife. He now focused on Cal's words, and not on his sleeping spouse upstairs.

"He was," Cal lifted his hands. "And men like us believe them. Sadly, some of my fellow countrymen still question the verdict. Personally, I am just grateful Hector witnessed the wreck before he moved out of the area."

"Why? And who is Hector?" Thomas inquired; his interest piqued.

"Hector was a local farmer. He ended up having to sell his land because of last year's horrendous winter and summer. And as to why I am glad he witnessed the wreck—because that way, at least when he saw the good captain's personal traveling bag wash ashore, the gentleman was able to recover it and deliver it to his widow," Cal explained, a hint of admiration in his voice. He laughed. "Hector swore it weighed a ton, which I doubt. The fact is, the captain was not a small man but..." Cal shook his head. "He was not that large either. It turns out there was a keepsake of a heavy glass compass in the shape of a book in his bag."

"Do you think that is what Radcliff is after?" Thomas asked, leaning in closer suspecting it was one of the items his wife had packed in her belongings. "He has been hanging around the Gordon property a lot."

"The man is a bigger fool than I have given him credit for if it is," a man sitting at the next table over interjected. "Items like that may appear attractive, but they do not fetch enough money to make them stand out at any black market. I know, I was once foolish enough to be involved in that world," he added, his voice tinged with regret.

Cal returned to the subject of the warning. "If you do not mind, my men and I would feel far more comfortable accompanying you out of this area. The likelihood of an ambush is drastically reduced if we can get you as far as Hawkcaster."

Thomas nodded, recognizing the wisdom in the plan. "Very well, let us gather our belongings and depart at first light. Georgianna must also be prepared," he agreed, a sense of urgency settling over him. And yet not so much that waking up his wife when she had only been in bed for a couple of hours would be necessary.

As dawn broke, Thomas and Georgianna climbed into the coach, along with the group of men who mounted their horses and rode out of the tavern's courtyard. The morning air was crisp, and the tension was palpable as they made their way towards Hawkcaster. They traveled in a tight formation, ever vigilant for signs of trouble.

Thomas would have ridden alongside the men but figured a gun was needed inside the coach as well as outside. And, as willing as Georgianna was to wield a pistol, Mr. Bennet found himself reluctant to hand her one. Perhaps it came from years of not properly protecting his first wife and now he wished to make up for it. Either way, it took a bit of convincing on Mrs. Bennet's part for him to hand her a pistol.

"Please, Georgianna, your brother will never forgive me if you get killed. Promise me, do not use that unless you absolutely have no choice."

"I promise."

It was only when his wife made her promise did Mr. Bennet turn back to his surveying the landscape for unwanted company.

The first attempt came mid-morning as they passed through a dense forest. A lone man, sent by Radcliff, attempted to ambush them. However, the extra protection provided by the Scotsmen ensured Thomas and Georgianna's safety. The solitary attacker was swiftly overpowered and met his end, the group's resolve only strengthening as they continued their journey.

The second attempt occurred as they neared a narrow mountain pass. Radcliff had sent, this time, a group of men who were more desperate and determined than his lone man had considered being. They had launched a coordinated attack from the rocky outcrops above. This time, the assailants definitely outnumbered Bennet's own, but the Scotsmen's strategic planning, knowledge of their surroundings, and sharp hearing paid off. The skirmish was fierce, but the attackers were driven back, and two of Radcliff's men fell, their plans foiled.

By the time they reached Hawkcaster, the danger had passed, and the group visibly relaxed. Thomas and Georgianna breathed a sigh of relief.

As Thomas alighted from his coach and helped Georgianna down, he turned to Cal and the others, who had dismounted their horses after they had entered the relative safety of Hawkcaster. "I cannot thank you enough for your warning and for your protection. You have saved my life and hers, for Radcliffe would not be treating her well. We are forever in your debt."

Cal smiled, clapping Thomas on the back. "We Scots may have our differences with you Englishmen, but when it comes to facing a common enemy, I am more than willing to stand with you, Mr. Bennet, as one."

"Would you mind if I implored you and one to accompany us as far as London? To my brother's place?"

"I am sorry," Cal spoke apologetically. "I cannot go myself; there are promises which must be kept. However, these two scoundrels"—he winked toward the men standing off to his left—"actually like slipping into England. Act as if it is a great joke or something. And they shoot straight... on any subject."

*Hawkcaster fake town as far as I am aware