Murders in London

by Kate Speck

  The man left quickly while the Right Honourable Robert Peel sat to ponder what more could be done for the good of this country.

  ~*~

  “My mother placed the garden here for her own enjoyment.” Darcy explained. “She was ill for several years even before Georgiana’s birth and I remember father telling me that whenever she was in town, she missed Pemberley so much that Father had her favourite flowers transplanted in the courtyard so she could see them from her rooms. She would have loved you, Elizabeth. You have made both Georgiana and me very happy and brought laughter into this home. My sister and I were always the ‘Dreary Darcys’ as we were both very shy and reserved in company even as children. After my mother passed, we were not seen in town for many years, as my father despised town, and then my uncle Sir Lewis passed soon after. We were in mourning continuously and then my father finally passed.” Darcy looked up to the sky. “My life has been filled with one sad event after another and I fear death is always near.”

  Elizabeth saw the sombreness on his face and gently rubbed his arm. “You have had many pains in your young life but I hope you see the joys in it as well. You are a wise and respectable gentleman and you would not be who you are without your past pains. Take my philosophy in life: Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. Having lost my mother as a child, I fully sympathise with you and Georgiana, and although I have had two wonderful aunts who cared for me like a daughter and my father still lives, you must not dwell in misery without seeing the good in the world. There is much delight to come yet, Mr. Darcy.”

  Darcy smiled and kissed her hand gently. “Will you call me by name, Elizabeth? I wish to hear my name from your lips.”

  Elizabeth nodded, “If it should delight you, most certainly, Fitzwilliam.” She lifted her brow, “You do not like that name. You prefer to be called William?”

  Darcy chuckled, “Yes, my dear, that would delight me very much.” He rubbed her hand. “Fitzwilliam is what my cousin Richard is called and I always imagine the harsh voice of my mother’s elder sister whenever I hear that name. Only those closest to me call me William.”

  “Then I shall do so, William. I enjoy being close to you.” Elizabeth smiled brilliantly.

  The couple walked back to the drawing room to find Mr. Hastings awaiting them.

  “Ah, Miss Elizabeth! I have been having a marvellous time speaking with your father on the advancement of medicine. For a farmer, I find him quite well-versed in the field of sciences and our conversation has been very enjoyable. If Miss Bennet will join us,” he turned and nodded to Jane Bennet, “let us go to the room to get those bandages removed and you will finally have the use of your left arm again.” The merry doctor laughed. “Oh, and Darcy, I will need to change out your dressing as well. We certainly do not wish for an infection to set in.”

  “Why?” Elizabeth called out. “What has happened? I did not know you were injured, Mr. Darcy!”

  Darcy flushed red with the attention. “It was an accident. Just a dog bite to the wrist a few days ago. Nothing to worry about, Miss Elizabeth.”

  After his reassurance, Elizabeth departed with her sister for the doctor to evaluate her and approve of her travel to Cheapside. The plan was to leave Darcy House to return to Gracechurch Street with Mr. Bennet, who would continue on to Longbourn, and to spend the rest of the week in recovery then attend the ball the week after.

  “Everything looks good, Miss Elizabeth,” the cheerful doctor announced. “You will need to slowly exercise your arm and avoid carrying heavy items, but other than the scar on your shoulder, you will be right as rain. Nothing that a few well-placed laces cannot cover.” He laughed. “My daughter tells me of these things when she instructs my granddaughter and I cannot avoid but to hear of ribbons and laces all day!”

  The ladies smiled at the amiable doctor and bid him farewell, and Elizabeth decided to change her dress to a high-necked one to cover her shoulders better.

  “Oh, Lizzy, I shall miss residing in Darcy House. You know I care little for large houses or the richness of the furnishings, but Mr. Darcy and Georgiana have been so hospitable, I feel quite spoiled living in a home such as this. The mistress’ rooms are the grandest I have ever seen and I am a little envious that they might soon be your own rooms!” Jane giggled.

  Elizabeth laughed, “Perhaps, Jane. The Darcys are good people. I had been so wrong about William before and it has been eye-opening to know him better.”

  “Do you really like him, Lizzy? I have never seen you so delighted with a man before and you blush and smile when he looks at you. He loves you very much, I think. He is completely different than when I first met him and it is all due to you, sister. Georgiana cannot stop singing your praises and she hopes to be our sister soon. He still does not know, does he?” Jane asked. “Do you think he will be surprised when he hears of your situation?”

  “Oh, I honestly do not believe he cares if I am penniless. That is one of the most admirable qualities that I like about him. I was concerned for so long that I would have a mercenary suitor wishing to fool me into affection but he is so wealthy that he can afford a poor wife. At least, if I do decide to accept him in the future,” Jane laughed, believing it was a certainty that they would marry, “I would be coming with something to contribute to the Darcy name. I do like him. I like him very much, Jane. He makes me feel valued and I might just marry him if only to gain a sister like Georgiana!” She laughed. “I will tell him soon. I do not like keeping secrets from him but we are both learning to be more open with each other.”

  Elizabeth thought of Darcy’s reddened face at the mention of the dog bite and how he had kept his injury a secret. Suddenly, she stiffened as she recalled reading something in today’s newspaper.

  “Jane, do you know what happened to the papers from this morning? I was reading it after papa had finished it and I thought I had left it in the sitting room between our rooms.” Elizabeth inquired.

  Jane stood, “I will check for you. Millie is going to refresh your hair and you can read it again while she works on you. I will return downstairs. I am expecting Mr. Bingley to call any moment now.”

  Elizabeth laughed and kissed her sister’s cheek after being handed the morning’s papers.

  She glanced through the top of the front page which announced in detail the status of the Luddites in Nottinghamshire and several damages they created in northern England and the midlands. She searched through and found the article she was looking for and read it again.

  BODY FOUND

  Woman discovered floating on the River Thames!

  A reliable source describes a similarity of this death from the Southwark murder in October as well as the Wapping killing last April, that as with the other bodies, this victim’s face was left unrecognizable and authorities have been unable to determine her identity, except she was left in her green dress while the two previous men were found naked.

  A witness reported that a woman wearing a green dress was seen biting a man’s hand in the dark before he fled, and that the same woman was likely to have been killed sometime during the night.

  If you have any information regarding this crime, contact The Thames River Police immediately.

  £30 reward for the capture of the criminal.

  Elizabeth’s whole body shook as she read this. Mr. Darcy has a bite wound on his wrist and Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke of the floating woman yesterday morning, a full day before this paper was published! Good God! Could this have been Mrs. Younge? The colonel said ‘Mrs. Yo...’

  She recalled speaking with Georgiana about when the Darcys had arrived in London. Georgiana was very excited to describe that after being in Matlock during the summer, she had been reunited with her brother in late October and that the last time they had been in London was in April before heading to Kent.

  April and October! Elizabeth thought, as she looked at the print again. During the months when Mr. Darcy was in Derbyshire, there were no slayings, and yet before he left
and as soon as he returned to London, there were two.

  Elizabeth paled and did not know what to do. She had thought the worst of the gentleman at one point and all appeared to be changed, and yet here she was again, as she connected the murders to a tall, dark-haired man who had committed two unimaginable crimes and possibly a third. She remembered seeing a man of Mr. Darcy’s likeness by the river near the Southwark Cathedral and guessed that it could have been him.

  How in the world will I face him again? I do not know if Colonel Fitzwilliam is involved and I cannot talk to papa about this. I should not think so badly of Mr. Darcy but how can I ignore the evidence in front of me? And to think I might possibly be in courtship with a murderer!

  After telling Millie that she had a headache and would be missing luncheon, Elizabeth laid down on the large bed and wondered if it were possible that Mr. Darcy was the killer. A mass murderer, in fact. She could not fathom how he could be so dangerous and yet all the indications were there as his being involved somehow. She cried softly, as she realised that she was falling in love with the handsome man who could be involved in three murders and questioned how such evil could exist in the world.

  Chapter 8

  “Elizabeth.” Darcy softly called out, seeing her in the library reading with her father.

  Mr. Bennet looked up from his books and mumbled, “Darcy, is it already time for dinner?”

  “No, sir,” Darcy replied, continuing to keep his eyes on the young lady who was looking down. “I was wondering if Miss Elizabeth might be feeling well enough to walk in the gardens for a short time.” He asked with hope.

  Elizabeth lifted her face slowly, avoiding his eyes, “No, sir, I am still feeling... unwell. I should like to sit inside.” She looked down to her book on her lap again.

  Darcy sat near her, “Then I shall join you. I would not mind reading something right now.”

  Elizabeth stood abruptly. “I think I will return to my rooms, actually. I am very tired again.”

  Darcy also stood, “I will escort you, Miss Elizabeth.”

  “NO!” Elizabeth snapped. She gathered herself, “I mean, I am sorry, I do not wish to trouble you, Mr. Darcy.”

  “What is the matter with you, Lizzy? Let your young man escort you back to your rooms if you need to rest again. I want to make sure you are well. We will have a nice dinner tonight and I do not wish for you to miss it again. I know you had asked to return to Cheapside today but it is far too late and we have only one more night here, Lizzy. I will certainly miss this library.” Mr. Bennet sighed.

  Darcy gathered her hand onto his arm and walked her out of the library.

  “Are you well, my dear? Shall I call for Mr. Hastings again? I was concerned that the doctor might be rushing you and you are not ready to depart yet. I had not seen you much of yesterday and nearly the entire day today and I am seriously concerned for your health. You should consider staying another full week yet. You are pale, Elizabeth.” Darcy fondly rubbed her hand.

  Elizabeth looked up and saw his eyes. How could a man with these kind eyes be capable of such atrocities? It is impossible! He cannot have committed those abominable acts. It is simply impossible!

  She stood straighter and turned her hand to hold his. “I am well, William. I am... I believe I have a case of the nerves. Papa says it runs in my blood, as my mother was a very excitable woman.” She laughed. “She would call for her salts, he told me, and waved her handkerchief around everywhere when she was vexed or anxious. I am fine. I am only tired and today has been a long day, that is all. I suppose I am like a child needing to nap during the middle of the day!” She laughed at herself.

  Darcy caressed her face while standing in front of the bedroom door and looked into her eyes. “You must rest often and take care to not overwork, my love.” He leaned and gently kissed her cheek. “Your recovery is my principal concern and should you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to speak up. Everything I have is at your disposal, milady.”

  Elizabeth blushed, “Thank you, William. I will rest. I will see you at dinner. I just need to close my eyes for a little bit.”

  Darcy kissed her hand and returned to the library while Elizabeth sat by the window to ponder all of her knowledge of the current events until the maid arrived to prepare her for dinner.

  She decided to contribute the mystery to mere coincidence and repeated to herself that there were many men who were tall and had dark hair in London. Mr. Darcy could not possibly be a murderer and she would simply put it out of her mind.

  ~*~

  Darcy, Georgiana, and Bingley were a daily visitor to Gracechurch Street and after a full week of calls, Mrs. Gardiner jested that if the girls had stayed in Mayfair, the poor horses would have been spared the frequent journey. Georgiana preferred to give the couples some space and played with the children while the sisters and their suitors toured the nearby park.

  “Are you well, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked him as they walked, while Jane and Bingley were sitting on a bench. “Is your hand all healed?”

  Darcy chuckled, “Will you never call me by name, Elizabeth? We have been in courtship for over a week now.” He lifted her hand and kissed it. “It is all well. I am only embarrassed that I received the bite in the first place. I was unprepared and allowed it to happen. I believe I was far too distracted by the sleeping beauty in my bed.”

  Elizabeth giggled, “Well, since I was not there to chastise you properly for being bitten, I hope it never happens again. I never wish you harm, William.” She fondly gazed into his eyes.

  Darcy took a deep breath. “I know we have only begun to open up about our families and our likes and dislikes, and although there is much to learn about each other, I feel very close to you. I have never felt the ease of conversation with another woman before and you have helped Georgiana so much as well, like a true sister, I want you to know that I care for you very much. Your uncle and aunt, your father and sister, I find them good and worth knowing and I am eager to meet the rest of your family. I hope... I hope you will not be averse to meeting my relatives, Elizabeth. I have written to my aunt, Lady Matlock, that I am courting the handsomest lady of my acquaintance and she is eager to meet you.”

  “It would be my pleasure to be see her again. I saw her briefly at the theatre and I believe she had gone into your box to speak with you. She appeared to be evading the Duke of Hamilton and Georgie and I were having a good laugh about it.” Elizabeth replied.

  “Yes,” Darcy smiled, “she told me he has wandering hands and is a known flirt but he is harmless. He is over seventy years old yet he swears he is looking for another wife.” They laughed merrily. “I would like to have a dinner party in three days, this Saturday, and have you meet my uncle and aunt. The Gardiners are invited and Richard will likely be there but it will be just family.”

  Elizabeth nodded, “I know my aunt and uncle have no plans on Saturday, William. I would be happy to meet your family.”

  Darcy beamed, “And I recalled that you will be attending the ball at Kensington Park with the Gardiners. Miss Bennet will also be in attendance?”

  “Oh, yes, as soon as Lady Suffolk heard that Jane was also in town, she sent an invitation immediately for her to attend. Her ladyship will be quite disappointed that Mr. Bingley is interested in my sister. She has been attempting to matchmake my sister for years and she had great hopes of finding me a husband!” She laughed loudly to see Darcy’s eyes broaden. “I will be sure to tell her that I am being courted by the handsomest gentleman of my acquaintance, sir!”

  Darcy chuckled as he relaxed. “You flatter me but I know I am nothing compared to you. You are beautiful and I shall be most happy to have you by my side.”

  Elizabeth covered her giggles, “I thought I was only tolerable. You said I would not tempt you.” She teased.

  Darcy turned red in embarrassment but laughed. “You are more than tolerable. You tempted me the first moment I saw you and I could not stop staring at you. I could not get y
our fine eyes out of my mind but I told Bingley the opposite to hide my feelings. No, my love; you are most beautiful and I want everyone to see us together. Will you save the first and the supper sets for me?” Elizabeth nodded as he continued. “Thank you, my dear. I was able to include Bingley to the ball as well and although I know his sisters had begged to attend also, he held firmly that I did not know the earl well enough to request additional invitations.”

  “Well, if you should like to have them join you, William, I can certainly ask Lady Julia.” Elizabeth responded.

  Darcy raised his eyebrow, “How well do you know the countess, Elizabeth? I was surprised to hear that the Gardiners would be attending, as few solicitors are invited to such an event, but I have found that Mr. Gardiner works with very highly connected clients and is respected by many noble families. Even my uncle and aunt shared that they were acquainted with him.”

  Elizabeth blushed, not knowing how much of her connection to reveal at this time but wished to be more open with Mr. Darcy. “I have known the Suffolks all of my life, William. In fact, I...”

  “Miss Elizabeth!” She was interrupted, when Bingley and Jane approached the couple. “I have just received permission from Miss Bennet to allow my sisters to call on her tomorrow.” Bingley excitedly shared, “I know you are not fully mended yet but I am hoping you are in agreement. Caroline is insistent that she find out the reason for my daily visit to Gracechurch Street and wants to meet your sister. Will that be acceptable to you? I do not wish to press if you feel unable to endure their visit.”