“I was not unprotected,” Elizabeth told them. “Mr. Darcy was with us.”
Darcy’s heart beat a little harder at that defence of him.
“There is one more thing I wish to know,” Elizabeth said quietly. “How did you find us? Mrs. Hobart and I had been completely separated from you.”
Sir Reginald sighed. “It took some time for the northern roads to be cleared, but then I rode hard, checked every likely inn along the road. It did not take long to find one where a young woman claiming to be a princess had made herself exceedingly popular. The innkeeper told me that a Mr. Darcy, a proud gentleman in a fine carriage, had agreed to escort you to London.”
“And I,” Mrs. Hobart added triumphantly, “made certain everyone knew you were a princess. I spoke of it at every inn, every coaching house. I left a trail Reginald could follow. It was an excellent plan.”
Darcy could not be quiet. “A plan that alertedeveryonewhere Miss . . . Princess Elizabeth was, not only Sir Reginald.”
Mrs. Hobart looked away.
“Is there anything else you wish to tell us?” Sir William asked. Darcy suspected he was feeling a bit left out.
Sir Reginald’s shoulders slumped. “That is all of it. We planned. We failed. You have us. The men my father owed will likely kill us when they discover we cannot pay.”
“I beg your pardon?” Mrs. Hobart squeaked.
Mr. Bennet stepped forward. “I would call you out myself, but Elizabeth’s grandfather might protest. Prince Adrian will no doubt have you sent to Thurnia to face him.”
“Take them back to the pantry,” Darcy said to Anders and Johnson.
“What of the Gregorys?” Anders asked.
“Anyone who aided in Elizabeth’s abduction will be made to answer for it,” Mr. Gardiner said, staring at Sir Reginald.
Fitzwilliam nodded. “Including your father’s creditors. You will need to relay everything you know of them.”
As Anders and Johnson herded the prisoners back, Mrs. Hobart managed one last protestation. “This is not over!”
“Lucy,” Sir Reginald groaned. “Itisover. It is as over as it can be.”
The pantry door shut with a decisive thud.
Silence fell.
Mr. Bennet turned to Elizabeth, his expression softening. “My dear, are you truly well?”
Elizabeth nodded, though exhaustion pulled at her. “I am, Papa. Thanks to Mr. Darcy.”
Her father looked at Darcy for a long moment. Then he crossed the room and extended his hand.
Darcy took it.
“Thank you,” Mr. Bennet said simply. “You kept her safe.” He paused, then added with the faintest hint of dry humour, “Even if you did not believe she was a princess.”
“It was complicated,” Darcy said defensively.
“Actually,” Elizabeth said with a little smile, “it was not complicated at all. You had been told there were only princes in Thurnia, and so you chose to disbelieve me. But there are only princes in Thurnia becauseIwas raised in England.” She eyed him with amusement. “I rather suspect you thought me mad.”
“I thought you remarkable,” Darcy said firmly. “I simply did not think you were a princess.”
“Well,” Elizabeth said with a little sigh, “now you know.”
“Now I know,” Darcy agreed, knowing that his cheeks must be aflame and pretending that it did not bother him.
“Well!” Fitzwilliam declared. “This has been the most entertaining rescue I have ever participated in.”