Page 58 of A Debt Inherited

Darcy’s gaze moved to Fitzwilliam.

“Seven Dials,” Fitzwilliam said.

The words dropped into the room with less disgust than recognition.

Darcy looked back at Kerr. “You knew enough, then.”

“I knew of an elopement,” Kerr said.

“With a girl of sixteen.”

“With an heiress of thirty thousand pounds,” Fitzwilliam said.

Kerr’s eyes moved to him.

Fitzwilliam’s face was cold. “Do not pretend delicacy now.”

Darcy said, “And you arranged the carriage.”

Kerr did not answer.

“With my sister removed before I could reach her.”

“No.”

The word came too late, and too softly.

Darcy’s face did not alter. “You should have found it sooner.”

Kerr’s jaw tightened. “Your sister was not my object.”

“No,” Fitzwilliam said. “Only the price upon her.”

Kerr’s colour rose. “I took no price.”

“Not yet.”

Fitzwilliam let Wickham sag against the chair, but did not release him. Wickham gripped the arm and drew a shallow breath through his teeth.

Darcy’s gaze remained on Kerr. “Who set you upon us?”

“No one.”

“Do not compound your offence with stupidity,” Fitzwilliam said.

Kerr looked at him. “I am not afraid of a uniform.”

Fitzwilliam stepped round the chair. “Then you have not learnt enough from it.”

Darcy lifted one hand, and Fitzwilliam stopped.

The gesture was slight. That made Kerr hate it more.

Darcy said, “You came to Ramsgate for Wickham’s debt. You arranged the carriage. You knew of the elopement. Yet you say my sister was not your object. What was?”

Kerr said nothing.

Darcy stepped nearer. “What account did you hope to settle?”