to her is to live in a fine house, have pretty clothes, and money to spend. She would be glad to be free of her wifely duties.”
Disgusted, Darcy looked away. For a moment that seemed forever, he stood over her—a menacing shadow of a man. She had to control herself, and if she made the appearance that she would submit to him, he’d leave her alone. As soon as they could get away, she would be far from his demands.
She hoisted her hem and tried to pass him. He bowed short, then stepped aside. With a sweep of his hand, he gave her leave. She went on and thought of her father suffering upstairs. What would Langbourne do if he knew his old rival had defied his warning to stay away, and instead lay sick and dying in an unused room?
She prayed Langbourne would retire, that he would not hear the minister’s arrival. If there were a way, some plan she could use to keep him from seeing the vicar with Mrs. Burke, she would use it.
Darcy wondered what risks she would take, what danger she would face to defeat Langbourne’s plans for her. For in his eyes burned lust unfulfilled, and in his heart were rooted jealousy and resentment. She knew he hated both her parents, and realized that she had become the object of his revenge. He would hurt them through her if he could.
She had to hurry to her grandmother, explain what the hours ahead held for both of them. Madeline’s eyes were wet with tears as Darcy gripped her hands. “I cannot go to Fairview with you, Darcy,” she said. “I cannot go anywhere.”
“But if you do not come with us, Grandmother, Langbourne will move you to Meadlow.”
“You mustn’t worry, dear. It was in my husband’s will that I live here for the remainder of my days. Langbourne cannot force me. Now, you must do what you can for your father. Besides, you and Mr. Brennan have an understanding. You love him and he loves you. That is where you belong.”
Darcy kissed her grandmother’s cheek, wishing she could convince her to leave with her. She heard the grind of wheels approach, looked out Madeline’s window, and watched the minister’s wagon draw up at the rear of the house. A man alighted from the driver’s seat and handed down Mrs. Burke, who hurried through a servants’ back door.
She turned back to Madeline. “The vicar has come, Grandmother. I don’t want to leave you.”
In a burst of emotion, Darcy threw her arms around Madeline and held tight. Madeline drew her back and kissed her forehead. “Go now,” she said, patting Darcy’s cheek. “I shall pray for your safe journey.”
27
Darcy stepped through the door and made her way to the servants’ stairs. First Mrs. Burke appeared, followed by Reverend Reed, a man of middle age. His verger stood behind him, a head taller and broad-shouldered. He was dressed in the traditional black garb, and a shock of gray hair touched his coat collar. She’d seen him standing at his pulpit, the same one her grandfather and Ethan’s father had preached from, his eyes aglow with the good news of the Gospel. Now that he had come to aid her father, hope came alive in Darcy. Before her stood a man who lived what he preached, and his kind eyes met hers. “I am here, Miss Darcy, to help in any way I can,” Reed said.
Darcy felt a draught on her neck from the window and thought how cold her father’s room must be if the fire had died. “You have my thanks, sir.” She glanced down the hall. “Mr. Langbourne has returned home. We must be as quiet as we can. If he discovers us …”
“Do not fear, my child. Mrs. Burke has told us everything, and we will get him safely away to Fairview without making a sound. He can make the journey you think?”
“I pray he can, sir.”
“Then we must waste no time.”
The fire in the hearth had indeed died down to a heap of red coals. Even in the chill, sweat glistened over Hayward’s brow. Darcy picked up a cloth and wiped his face.
“Thank you for your help, Mrs. Burke. I think it would be best if you look in on my grandmother now.”