The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy by Regina Jeffers Page B

Williamson’s innocent words. Did Mr. Glover present a Janus face? The man had spun a contradictory tale regarding the absent Mr. Crescent.
    Williamson puzzled. “I had not considered Mr. Crescent’s departure a problem.”
    Darcy was quick to say. “It is not of a problematic nature. I will speak privately to Mr. Crescent with his new employer’s permission. Would you happen to know with whom Crescent has taken a position?”
    The curate regarded them in surprise. “Truthfully, Mr. Darcy, I do not believe I have heard the man’s direction—with a gentleman of some merit in London, if I understood correctly. At least, I believe that is what Doctor Glover confided.”
    Elizabeth’s countenance betrayed her wry curiosity. “I did not notice Mr. Glover among today’s parishioners.”
    Williamson shrugged. “That is not unusual. Perhaps Glover tends a patient.”
    Elizabeth said nonchalantly, “I also did not take note of Mrs. Ridgeway. I observed many from Woodvine’s staff among the worshippers, but not Cousin Samuel’s housekeeper.”
    Williamson confided, “In her some six years in the neighborhood, Mrs. Ridgeway has yet to step over the church’s threshold.”

Chapter 5
    â€œFitzwilliam! Look!” Elizabeth gasped. He glanced up at the L-shaped house, which had been built in the Renaissance fashion, but somehow now sported a Baroque exterior. The detailed façade did not appeal to Darcy’s need for clean lines, but he could understand how the unique look would capture Samuel Darcy’s attention. They had entered the Woodvine lands from the village road rather than the main entrance. Now, as they approached his cousin’s manor house, the presence of Mr. Glover’s equipage parked behind the stables surprised both Darcy and Elizabeth.
    â€œInteresting,” Darcy said distractedly.
    Elizabeth murmured, “Perhaps someone within is ill.”
    Darcy gave a sharp shake of his head. He observed, “But Glover is a surgeon, not a gentleman physician. Let us discover if someone from Woodvine requires Glover’s services or whether there is a more questionable reason for his presence under my cousin’s roof.”
    Darcy ordered Mr. Stalling to leave the coach on the far side of the manor below the gardens, and he and Elizabeth approached the main house on foot. “Mr. Darcy!” the Woodvine butler exclaimed as he opened the door to Darcy’s entreaty. “I did not hear your coach, Sir. Please come in. Mrs. Darcy, may I assist you with your things?”
    Darcy glanced toward the staircase. From the driveway, he could hear Stalling’s approach and was certain others in the household could, as well. “Is Mrs. Ridgeway not available?”
    â€œI believe the lady entertains Mr. Glover in her sitting room.”
    Elizabeth asked innocently, “Is the lady ill? Although we noted many from Woodvine among the parishioners, we did not see Mrs. Ridgeway among those at worship this morning.” Elizabeth feigned concern for the Woodvine housekeeper. “It is too early for calls, Fitzwilliam. We should see to Mrs. Ridgeway immediately. I fear the poor woman must be quite ill. Come along.” Before the butler could block her way, Elizabeth handed her bonnet to Mr. Barriton and started toward the stairs.
    Darcy marveled at how well she had improvised. This journey had brought to his recognition new facets of his wife’s personality. He must keep Elizabeth’s skills in mind for future encounters. The thought of matching wits with her had always excited him. Obediently, he said, “Of course, my dear,” before following her to the third story, where the housekeeper maintained her quarters.
    Surprisingly, Elizabeth slowed her steps as they neared Mrs. Ridgeway’s door, and instead of knocking, she stepped into an empty room and pulled Darcy in behind her. Before he could