Murders in London

by Kate Speck

  Darcy smiled, “Please call me Darcy. I am willing to travel to wherever she goes, sir. The distance is nothing when one has motive. I know Bingley was interested in leasing an estate and Hertfordshire had been one of the possibilities. Perhaps I will convince Bingley to find a property there. If not, I will lease a place myself. I would like to see her as often as possible.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed, “I happened to know that Netherfield, which is located three miles from Longbourn, is available for lease. Mr. Morris, the owner of the property, has taken ill and resides permanently in Bath now. Would Mr. Bingley be in the position to lease a large estate that brings in £3,000 a year?”

  “Certainly! He has been looking for precisely such a property. What good fortune is upon us that Netherfield is so close to Longbourn.” Darcy beamed. “Although, sir, I know Bingley is showing great interest in Miss Jane Bennet and it may be awkward if he should... not follow through in his attentiveness. He was pursuing Miss Elizabeth before I... We had exchanged several words because of my admiration for your second daughter and he is often in and out of love. I could not tell him of my estimation for your daughter until I had a chance to ask Miss Elizabeth for courtship first.”

  “As long as he does not break my Jane’s heart, we shall leave the choices to the young people. Jane was engaged to a young man in our neighbour but he became ill and died a week before the wedding. It was over a year ago, of course, but I had been concerned that she would not look again but her demeanour has changed considerably after meeting Mr. Bingley and she appears happy now. Mr. Bingley has not spoken with me yet but I will keep a close eye on him, Darcy. I do not know much about him except that he has two sisters and has a large inheritance from his father who was a merchant.” Mr. Bennet commented. “I will also speak with Lizzy and ask her thoughts of staying in London. With your courtship, she may wish to stay, although she dislikes town, and remain yet another three weeks here. I will need to return to Hertfordshire to woo my own lady.” He laughed.

  “Congratulations, sir. I must admit that this is the first time I have courted and am quite nervous in gaining her favour.” Darcy coloured. “If only I could just become married, it would be much simpler.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed, “I am in agreement! My dear Agnes is a wonderful lady who is actually the opposite of my first wife. I loved Fanny very much and after her passing fourteen years ago, I never thought I could find another partner in life but I plan on proposing to Agnes next week. We have been courting for two months but at my age, it feels like two years and I believe we know each other well enough.”

  “Congratulations again, Mr. Bennet. I am very pleased for your future.” Darcy smiled.

  “Darcy,” Mr. Bennet paused, “there are some things regarding Lizzy that are not common knowledge and once she gets to know you better, I am certain she will reveal all. Her dowry is not quite what is rumoured but I do not wish to reveal it myself. Jane and my other daughters have a significantly larger dowry than the £1,000 that is rumoured but Lizzy’s portion is not equal to theirs due to a... unique situation. I am glad to hear that you are not concerned about her connections or fortune and will care for her without such regard, but I assure you, she is my favourite and I could not let her go to anyone unworthy.”

  Darcy was curious and confused at the discrepancy between the sisters and what Mr. Bennet was keeping secret, but knowing that he himself had several, he conceded that he would discover it later on. He was also quite interested why Elizabeth’s dowry would be unequal to her sisters’ fortunes but guessed that perhaps a large bulk was spent for some reason in the past. He cared not if she were penniless, as he had enough wealth for the both of them.

  Darcy stood, “I will leave you to enjoy your book, Mr. Bennet. I do wish for you all to remain at Darcy House for as long as you wish. Please do not rush back to Gracechurch Street on my account. Miss Elizabeth’s recovery is paramount to me and Mr. Hastings will want to check on her daily until she is fully healed.”

  Mr. Bennet beamed, “I will speak with the Gardiners and Lizzy. Thank you, Darcy. I truly appreciate your hospitality.”

  Darcy returned to the drawing room where he nodded discreetly to Elizabeth of the approval and sat with the rowdy family to enjoy his tea.

  With a young girl sitting on her lap and her handsome gentleman by her side, Elizabeth could not imagine more happiness but unfortunately, her tranquillity would be disrupted by yet another horrific event that would shake her world to the core.

  Chapter 7

  “Hit me.” Bingley demanded. “Throw your best punch and give me a large bruise on my jaw. Go on.”

  “I am not going to hit you, Bingley. Sit down,” Darcy ordered. “Enough of this, Bingley! I have forgiven you and you must forget.”

  Bingley huffed and sat down. “I know your temper, Darcy. You rarely forgive the follies and vices of others so soon and your good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.” He rubbed his face with both hands roughly. “You are too generous to forgive me; I do not deserve it. I cannot believe I was so stupid to assault you when I was inconstant and moved from one sister to another.” He ran his fingers through his hair and signed, “I know you think them below you but I wanted to convince you that the Bennets are worth knowing, so I came by two nights ago to speak with you but you were not here when I called late evening. I decided to make the bold move on my own to ask Miss Bennet, Jane Bennet, for courtship yesterday but I was refused.” Bingley breathed deeply before continuing. “You were closeted in the library with Mr. Bennet and I asked her for courtship when we walked in the park but she told me that she was apprehensive that her dearest sister might have been wounded by my abandonment, and although Miss Elizabeth insisted that she was fine with my shift in affections, Miss Bennet wishes to wait until Miss Elizabeth finds happiness before committing to her own. She told me she enjoys my company but does not wish to start anything since she will be removing to Hertfordshire again soon.”

  Darcy rubbed his chin in contemplation, “I suppose Miss Elizabeth has not yet had a chance to tell her sister of the current events when you asked her, Bingley.” He paused, “You are willing to overlook her lack of fortune? Miss Bennet is rumoured to have a £1,000 dowry from her mother and her father’s income is widely known as only £2,000 a year.” He tested his friend.

  “Of course! I do not care about her dowry! Do you think me mercenary? Even though I have my inheritance, I am not yet a landowner and a lady of Jane’s calibre would be an elevation to my status. I know you think the Bennets are insignificant and there are few whom you consider worthy from your associates, Darcy, and my sisters will not approve her, I am certain, but I challenge all of you to find a better woman for me.” He affirmed.

  Darcy remained quiet in thought for several moments which made his friend very uneasy. Bingley began to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace and asked in frustration, “Tell me what to do, Darcy! You must help me. Could we perhaps find Miss Elizabeth a man to court her right now? What about Colonel Fitzwilliam? He might like her. Or maybe one of our university friends. What about Peel? He is my age and could use a wife. There has to be someone in this god-forsaken town to call on her.” He pulled his hair. “Damn it! With her injury, she will not be answering calls anytime soon and it will be an eternity before she is seen in society again. Jane Bennet will return to Hertfordshire and I will lose her forever.”

  Darcy abruptly arose and walked to his friend of many years and stood dangerously close to him. He pointed his index finger and poked Bingley’s chest several times as he spoke, “If I ever hear you speak of my cousin or any other man courting Miss Elizabeth again, I will not hesitate to throw my hardest blow onto your face, Bingley. She is my special guest in my home who has been injured because of me and if you disrespect her... well, do not. I might ban you for life from Darcy House.”

  He walked and opened the door to give instructions to the footman. After returning to his seat, Darcy spoke again, “You cannot court Jane Benn
et from London when she returns to Longbourn. I know you, Bingley. You feel like this after knowing her for only one week but it may fade quickly once she is out of sight and you might become distracted and wound her with your neglect. I do not know how long she will remain in town but if you wish to know her better, I will recommend that you look for an estate to lease if you are serious about courting her. I discussed with Mr. Bennet and he told me there is a place that is available three miles from his home and I would have leased it myself but it might be the best opportunity for you to kill two birds with one stone. You can learn estate management at the same time court a worthy lady. I will no longer tell you what to do. I may give some advisements but I have been making too many decisions for you and I will cease now. You must make your own choices and learn from them instead of relying on me or your sisters or anyone else to arrange your life for you. And Bingley,” there was a knock at the door, “Enter!” Darcy commanded, “And Bingley, do not break Jane Bennet’s heart. I will shoot you myself if you do.”

  Darcy stood to greet Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, who were entering the study while Bingley stood still with his mouth agape. Darcy had never threatened him in such a way before and he wondered if Darcy was in love with Jane Bennet as to fiercely guard her heart.

  Elizabeth spoke, “You rang for us, master?” She lifted her brow and teased the master of the house.

  Darcy chuckled, “You know exactly who is the master, or rather the mistress, of this humble heart.” He lifted her hand and kissed it tenderly. “Bingley and I were in discussion of some choices needing to be made and I had wondered if you had a chance to speak with your sister of the recent events.” He looked at Jane and smiled brightly after both ladies nodded, “I hope you are happy for us, Miss Bennet. I assure you that your sister will be in good hands.”

  Jane smiled softly, “I am very happy for her, sir, and for you as well.” The ladies sat down after Darcy led them to the couch. “I was astonished to hear of your request and I had to reaffirm with Lizzy several times that she had not accepted due to my... situation.”

  “No, no, dear Janey, although I would do everything within my power to make you happy, this decision was for me and of my own accord. I did not know myself until this week when I discovered many truths about the most worthy gentleman of my acquaintance.” Elizabeth gazed affectionately at Darcy.

  “WHAT?!” Bingley yelped. He took a seat as he finally began to comprehend what was going on in the room.

  “Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy stood again and proffered his arm, “may I show you the most beautiful sight of the street outside through that window there? I assure you, you will be pleased with what you see.” He winked.

  “Are you certain of that window, not this one? I suppose the farthest one has the best view of Grosvenor Square, Mr. Darcy. I would be happy to look out with you.” Elizabeth giggled and walked the distance to give her sister some privacy.

  “Miss Bennet,” Bingley started, “I hope... I am finally understanding that Miss Elizabeth is in a formal courtship with my friend. I would have never guessed that Darcy could precede me in courtship, as I have never seen him pay attention to a lady before, but I hope, I sincerely hope you will allow me to call on you while you remain in town.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “My friend advises me that it would not be fair to court you from such a distance when you return home and although it is my greatest wish right now, I will be patient and will ask you again after I set up residence in Hertfordshire. I wish to show everyone of my sincerity in seeking your favour and although it may have seemed I was flitting from one lady to the sister, I assure you that I have never felt so content and pleased to converse than with you. With Miss Elizabeth, I felt lost during our conversations and I can now see that she and Darcy are a perfect match, but with you... I can see myself spending many happy years with you. I do hope you will allow me to call on you while you remain in town and I plan to take residence in Hertfordshire as soon as it can be managed so that I can devote my time for us to get to know each other better.”

  Jane nodded with a smile, “Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I would like that very much. Very much, indeed.”

  Bingley beamed and turned to his friends, “Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, we are all in agreement. I will be calling on Miss Bennet before you all return to Longbourn.” Darcy and Elizabeth joined them on the seats. “How long will you be remaining in town? Mr. Gardiner was saying he will be leaving Darcy House today with his family.”

  Elizabeth answered, “The Gardiners will return home today and our uncle will be returning to his office after the impromptu holiday.” She looked at Darcy, “Mr. Darcy has been infinitely generous to allow him to work from the sitting room with runners at his disposal while my father practically lives in the library.” She laughed. “I confirmed with my father that we will remain at Darcy House two more days after Mr. Hastings takes this awful bandage off my arm and will reside at Gracechurch Street as originally planned. Father will return home on Wednesday and my sister and I plan on staying in town until the Gardiners and we travel to Hertfordshire a week after the Lord and Lady Suffolk’s ball.”

  “That is wonderful news, Miss Elizabeth! I have decided to lease an estate near your home called...” Bingley looked at his friend.

  “Netherfield.” Darcy answered.

  “...Netherfield, as soon as I am able. I will request to take residence in the beginning of the year.” Bingley looked at Jane. “I will be most happy to be in Hertfordshire.”

  “That is a great plan, Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth smiled as she tenderly eyed Darcy. “I hope there are plans to entertain some of your friends while you reside there.”

  Darcy returned her smile, “I was planning on begging Bingley for his hospitality. I would not be...” He could not go on when there was a loud knock on the door and it opened abruptly with Richard Fitzwilliam entering.

  “I apologise for the intrusion. It appears I am a nuisance to your conversations, Miss Elizabeth.” Richard nodded with a full smile. He nodded to Jane, “Pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet. I hope all is well. You must be very relieved to see your sister up and about.”

  Jane agreed, “I certainly am, Colonel. It seems you have business to discuss with your cousin. Lizzy, let us return to the drawing room. Georgiana might need a reprieve from little Charlotte’s practice of braiding her hair. George enjoys tying the ribbons but they all end up a colossal knot.” The ladies laughed as they stood. Bingley offered his arm to Jane and Darcy kissed Elizabeth’s hand slowly before they took their leave.

  Elizabeth was the last one out of the study and began to close the door when she overheard Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaim, “They found her body! They were unable to identify her as Mrs. Yo...” before she could shut the door.

  She gasped as she realised that someone must have died and wondered if she knew the woman whose body was recently discovered.

  ~*~

  “Is it true? Mrs. Younge is dead?” the young blonde man asked his tall companion.

  “Yes, she was found floating on the Thames this morning. Her face was left unidentifiable but one of my men had been watching her and her dress was the same as what was seen before. She snuck out of The Pear Tree Inn during the night without anyone seeing her, unfortunately, and we know not who killed her. The papers will create a frenzy of the masses and the citizens will be in a panic. All of our efforts to keep peace in London will be in vain.” The dark-haired gentleman replied sombrely.

  The blonde man stated, “You carry too much responsibility on yourself, my friend. A larger force, one that is controlled and managed by a higher authority is needed, since the old way is no longer working. The city is too large and too many degenerate men roam freely. I know that the Bow Street Runners and even the Marine Police are not enough and I have ideas to implement something in Ireland when I become Chief Secretary there next year. Only a few know of it but Perceval wants me to be his right-hand man eventually, and even though I am only three and twenty,
I have aspirations to rise to the highest office in the future.”

  “I believe it, Robert!” the tall man laughed. “Congratulations! I have great hopes that you will be prime minister someday. I will support you, even if you are still a young pup.” They laughed together as they sipped their drinks in front of the fire. “Your idea of reformation has made me think of that fellow, the pompous one that talks about his father’s work.”

  “James Colquhoun.” Robert declared. “I remember him. He is George Canning’s little pet. Canning has been in hiding since his embarrassment with an idiotic duel and thinks Perceval stole his place as Prime Minister. If James is involved, this all may escalate further before it is stopped.”

  “I hope not, Robert. Three people are already dead and we still do not know who is responsible or how they are connected. This must end soon. Petty crimes are one thing, but to have a mass murderer on the loose will be a nightmare, if this was indeed committed by one man.” Robert’s friend declared. “I have my men continuing the search but no one is coming forth as witnesses and those few who speak out might be lying for the reward. It is difficult to trace the criminal or get a good description. I know the answer lies with the first murder but I cannot determine the connection.” He stood after looking at his pocket watch. “It is late. I must return home before I am missed.”

  Robert stood as well and shook his friend’s hand. “It may take years but I promise I will do everything in my power to improve the policing in the city. Patrick Colquhoun’s Marine Police is a good stepping stone to how we manage the crime in London and I absolutely agree with you that more is needed within the city. Do not carry the burden yourself, my friend. I will have James watched to see if it will lead us somewhere. I am still looking for a good man to lead the investigation; one who is not corrupt and in someone’s pocket. We will reveal what we have discovered so far and assist in capturing this villain. Go home and I will see you soon. Send my regard to your cousin. It has been too long since I have seen him last.”