Further, despite maintaining a façade of respectability, my cousin preserves a sizeable acquaintance of dubious integrity, at the centre of which is one Colonel Wallis. I know of no particulars, but believe them both to be involved in any number of unscrupulous schemes. It is in this light that you must see your aunt’s danger. I am too well aware how a sensible woman may be imposed upon by the arts of one of Sir William’s stamp; suspicion would not be in a lady’s nature, and she could have no means of readily discovering his character. Dear Mrs. Darcy, you must surely believe I had not an idea that any friend of yours might ever find herself in the unfortunate circumstance of knowing that such a person in the world as Sir William Elliot exists, much less innocently forming a connection with my cousin, or I would have related the whole history to you at once. Forgive the candour of this letter, and please write to assure me that your aunt is safe; or if there is anything Captain Wentworth or I can do to redress this grievous mistake, for I fear that your aunt faces ruination. Yours &c., &c.,

ANNE WENTWORTH

The extremity of Lady Catherine’s case being established beyond a doubt by the particulars of Anne’s letter, Elizabeth had no recourse but that of waiting, for she knew that Darcy had, by this time, arrived at London, and a letter would reach him no more quickly than could herself. Elizabeth carefully laid the letter by. The two women packed up their things in a sombre mood, and prepared for their departure to Calais.

CHAP. 15.

MR. GARDINER, Elizabeth Darcy’s uncle, had been known to the Hallendales since the Darcys’ marriage. He always conducted himself with such propriety and integrity, that the Hallendales came to look upon him almost as their agent in London, so often did he act for them on matters of business, getting some agreement or another properly drawn-up, or arranging pecuniary details, even though his business was in quite a different line. Immediately upon Colonel Fitzwilliam making the circumstance of Viscount Dunfield’s murder known to him, Mr. Gardiner approached one of his acquaintances in Bow Street, and instituted the proper investigatory pursuits. That Lord Hallendale should undertake such a task was not to be contemplated; Colonel Fitzwilliam was suffering under his own grief, and was too sensible of the affliction of his mother and father to be of any real use. The Colonel, in any case, was required to assist his parents with the sad details of burial and locating whatever remaining effects could be found; at any rate, he must be in Derbyshire to see to the estate in Her Ladyship’s absence. Accordingly, after learning what was known of the matter from Lady Hallendale and her step-son, Mr. Gardiner sought out the most senior of the Bow Street constables and set the case before him.