Chapter 14

"I'm afraid that is not all, Fitzwilliam. Wickham leaves behind a trail of debts and according to Denny, in exchange for handing over Miss Lydia Bennet, he was also to gather intelligence on your cousin and offer him up for ransom when he caught up with him at the docks in London. There are men on the lookout for a man of your cousin's stature. Luckily for you, if you were to warn him in time, you may avert the danger and in turn capture Wickham in the act. You would kill two birds with one stone. Capture Wickham and you infiltrate the ring of criminals with whom he has involved himself. We just need a plan of action in order to get this done. It is fortunate indeed that we both have strategic minds!"

"I cannot believe that Wickham has masterminded this operation by himself, you may be right, he may have a friend or two in high places. But who would Darcy have angered enough to have perpetrate this?"

Colonel Fitzwilliam paced the study while Forster watched him and said with no small hint of resignation, "I have to admit I'm none the wiser, but you know your cousin best; can you think of anyone?"

Richard suddenly halted in surprise as a frightening thought came to him. No... it couldn't possibly be...could it? Surely not...

"I need to contact my father immediately, Forster, with your permission, I'd like to send an express?"

"By all means, colonel. This study is at your disposal. If you would be so kind as to inform me of your plan once you are done, I would be most grateful as I am anxious to help in any way that I can, I was responsible for Miss Lydia Bennet's welfare while she was under my care after all."

"I do not have a plan as yet but I assure you I have one tenuous one forming. Give me but a moment to write this missive and we shall continue our discussion. I fear I may have to trespass on your time a while longer."

Having written to his father and Darcy, Fitzwilliam joined Forster in some refreshment before they concluded their discussion.

"I believe you had more you wished to share with me, sir?"

"Indeed I do, however, I am not sure how welcome this information will be as I fear it may bring more work for you and your cousin. And I still wish to hear your newly formed plan also, but this is, for the moment, of greater importance."

"If there is work to be done then pray tell me so at once, my good man..."

Colonel Forster blanched and took a moment to collect his thoughts before turning back to the man who was patiently waiting to hear what he had to say.

"Very well... As you know, Captain Denny came to see me last evening and he told me of more than just Miss Lydia Bennet's planned abduction..."

Fitzwilliam's eyebrows rose of their own accord as he listened to Colonel Forster's newest account. "Dear God, this is far worse than I could have imagined! For I have just formed a slight suspicion against one of the parties you have just alluded to; and the problem I now have is how am I ever to prepare Darcy for the depth of betrayal he will feel when he knows all?!"

A/N: My apologies for the shortness of this chapter but it was needed to work as a bridge to the second half of this tale. I hope you have enjoyed this story so far. See you all very soon...