Mrs. Darcy and the Duel in Devonshire

An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure #4

By: Carrie Mollenkopf

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

With the impending arrival of their second child, as well as the plans for a spring wedding for his sister, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley wants nothing but peace and quiet. But when distressing news arrives, he and Elizabeth must leave their personal desires and come to the assistance of Miss Darcy's fiance and journey to the moors of Devon. Read below for an exerpt from my latest Elizabeth Darcy Adventure.

Darcy could not give a reason for his need to be concerned. His wife was the most sensible sort of person, and what she said was not without validation, but Elizabeth also had a penchant for finding trouble. Or, to be more accurate, trouble found her. He worried that if there were to be another occasion, she might come to terrible harm. Sighing in defeat, he acquiesced, for he could not stay cross with her for long.
“I give up… but allow me one indulgence…take Robert with you on all calls. No more driving alone.”
Never a rider, Elizabeth did enjoy the freedom of handling her own carriage, but did not want to distress Darcy further.
“I promise, now help me with my buttons. I have no less than five families to attend today.”
Darcy did as bid, for the past fortnight, he had served as lady’s maid in the absence of Elizabeth’s personal servant. Maeve O’Malley, an outspoken Irishwoman, had earned a much-deserved holiday. Although he lacked dexterity in arranging hair, Darcy enjoyed the intimacy of assisting Elizabeth dress. Since their marriage, nearly three years past, the demands of family and Pemberley had not permitted much time for romance. A holiday alone was long overdue and with less than three months before the baby’s expected arrival, no time to delay. Perhaps a week at the seaside? Cornwall? Wales? The rugged coastlines were magnificent and filled with walking paths and they had not visited those regions since the early days after their marriage. Elizabeth would love to see them again. With this pleasant thought, he would surprise her once the arrangements were made. Finishing up the silk covered buttons that ran up the back of her gown, Darcy bestowed a kiss at the nape of her neck, sending a delicious shiver down his wife’s back.
“Oh! You will make me forget my obligations!” she exclaimed.
“Had I known, I would have begun sooner…” Darcy insisted, but could not continue as a sharp knock upon the chamber door interrupted their privacy. Yanking open the portal, the reserved personage of Mr. Kingston stood placidly waiting. It was highly unusual for the Pemberley butler to seek an audience in this fashion, causing both Darcys to exchange looks of immediate concern.
“What is it Kingston? Is the house afire?” Darcy inquired lightly.
“No sir, but Mr. Penwick is below. He says it is a matter of some urgency…not a social call. Miss Darcy is already with him.”
“We shall be down directly,” Darcy replied, but his tone had changed instantly. The last time they had received such a visit, death was involved.