Murders in London

by Kate Speck

  “Well,” Darcy responded with a smirk, “if you had known that she had a £30,000 dowry and is heiress to a property of £7,000 per annum when you first met her, you would not have tried to throw her off the balcony! Her sisters have only £10,000 each but she is like a daughter to her aunt and uncle and they have willed her all of their fortune.”

  Richard’s mouth dropped open, “Bloody hel… Sorry, Georgiana. I would have pursued her for her dowry alone. Damned lucky you are, Darcy. Did you already know this? Is that why you flew to her side to Hertfordshire?”

  “Do not dare, Richard!” Georgiana shouted, “William thought her poor and loved her at first sight. He does not need her money!”

  “Thank you, Georgie. Richard is only teasing.” Darcy soothed his sister. “He knows I loved her even before I offered her £50 per annum to be your companion. I wanted to have her near me always and I cannot live without her.”

  His sister smiled in relief, “Good! As long as she becomes my sister, I will accept any teasing. When will you marry? Your letter said three weeks?”

  Darcy revealed the plans to his sister and cousin. “I will send a note to the Matlocks to join us at Netherfield at their convenience and if you can make arrangements with the servants, Georgiana, I trust there will be no delays in removing to Hertfordshire on Thursday?” He sighed, “I will take the task to inform Lady Catherine. I do not know what her reaction will be, but I will give her the courtesy of writing to her myself before she reads the announcement in the papers.” He laughed, “Her parson, a Mr. Collins, is apparently distantly related to Elizabeth’s father. She will be most displeased with the connection but I care not one bit for her reaction. Now, if you will excuse me, I will need to wash and get the road dust off. Richard, if you are not busy, will you accompany me and update me the latest of our business that we have been working on?”

  Richard nodded his consent and Georgiana left to inform Mrs. Annesley of the news and to work with Mrs. Mason on preparing for their travel.

  “I know Georgie does not know of Pemberley’s true income, but does Miss Elizabeth? I had no idea she was so wealthy. Her sisters only have £10,000 and they do not mind?” Richard asked.

  Darcy replied as he began to take his dusty clothes off in his dressing room. “Elizabeth is her aunt’s favourite and since living with them for six years and still spending yet another quarter of every year even now, her sisters know that they think of her like their own daughter. She will have the burden of caring for them in their old age like a daughter and I will share that duty with her as her husband. Her relatives were generous with all of the daughters and the sisters have accepted the disparity long ago. Elizabeth has always shared all she has openly with them and plans on providing more for her sisters in the future. I only hope the Kingstons will approve of me.” He sighed. “I thought her so low but she is above me in every way. She could have been a viscountess or higher if she chose but she is perfect for me and I will never let her go.”

  “But you have £15,000 a year!” Richard exclaimed, “That has to account for something!” Richard proclaimed. “I hope she will appreciate what she will gain as your wife.”

  “And yet she might have accepted a man of £100 a year if she truly loved him. The amount of my income was never a consideration for her. She did not wish for Bingley and his £5,000 a year and she certainly did not care whether I had a penny to my name.” Darcy answered. “I hope you plan on marrying for love, Richard. You have had a string of heiresses interested in you but I know you did not care for any of them.”

  Richard scratched his head, “With what you have told me about Anne placing me in her will as heir for Rosings, I know I can marry for love. I do like your Elizabeth and I think I would have pursued her if you had not met her first,” he laughed seeing his cousin’s eyes turn sharp, “but she has too much of a bite and I would not have survived. She loves you too much and never looked at me twice after I nearly killed her, remember? I do not care for a large dowry, in all honesty, but who knows if I will ever find a woman who can appreciate me for myself. I wish to retire soon but I know I am set in my ways and will not be easy to change.”

  Darcy relaxed, “Well, I hope your time will come soon. I must tell you in detail what I learned about Allens and Wickham.” He explained what he had gathered so far. “Were they able to find the maul? Is John Williams the killer?” Darcy inquired.

  “He has been in remanded to Clerkenwell Gaol for questioning but they are still looking for the knife that he used on the Williamsons, and Graham received a tip that he will follow tomorrow morning. With Williams locked up, at least we know no one else will be in danger for now. Thank God this nightmare is nearly over. Although we believe that the River Thames murders are related, the handkerchief is not enough evidence to connect Williams to the first three deaths so he will only be tried for the Marr’s and Williamson’s murders.” Richard answered. “Oh! I, your handsome and brilliant cousin, found the connection to Marr and John Williams.” He boasted proudly. “Peel owes me a bottle of brandy.”

  Darcy gasped. “I am glad of it! What is the connection?”

  Richard revealed his findings. “Peel kept repeating that he had heard of Timothy Marr’s name before and I went through the stack of papers, missing a good night's sleep, mind you, to look for any mention of Marr.” He continued while Darcy washed up. “There was a note by a constable that a witness, which was in fact Marr, who had seen a man in Southwark under the bridge, taking off the clothes of what he thought was a drunken man. Timothy Marr likely witnessed Williams undressing Lawrence Smith after murdering him.” Richard sat up straighter and grinned, “And here is where I was bloody brilliant. I found out that Marr knew Williams by following Marr’s past. They were shipmates a few years ago and the two were notorious for arguing over the pay. My theory is that Marr witnessed the second murder and reported it, but Williams, believing that Marr might be able to point him out as the murderer, killed him to cover his tracks. Marr was an honest man so he likely did not see enough to know it had been Williams but died with a handkerchief in his mouth as a symbol of silence.”

  “Well done, Colonel! Well done indeed!” Darcy cheered after the story. Pouring his cousin a glass of brandy after changing his clothes, Darcy asked, “What could be the connection to Williamson? Why did he kill that family? Could it have really been for just money? And also, that man that was naked, Turner, he had mentioned seeing a man who was tall with dark hair. Williams is shorter and has bright yellow hair. There would have been no mistake in describing such a characteristic.”

  “I do not know. I plan on having Graham ask him tomorrow.” Richard replied as they sat in front of the fire. “Once we speak with him, we will have our answers.” He changed the topic, “So, marriage. Are you certain you are ready for it? You will be chained down and never be free again. I am two years older than you, Darcy, and perhaps I should take on this misery on your behalf and marry Miss Elizabeth myself to save you from a lifetime of torture and anguish.”

  Darcy burst out into laughter. “Not a chance, cousin! She is mine and you will never have a chance with her. Good try!”

  Richard cursed in jest, “Bloody hell, you took the best woman off the market. What am I to do now?!”

  The men laughed heartily and enjoyed the felicity for several moments before returning to their duties.

  ~*~

  Darcy shook Bingley’s hand. “Thank you for agreeing to the arrangements. It will certainly make accommodating for the family and guests easier and I will take responsibility for the first quarter of the lease. Miss Bennet was very pleased to receive word of you and she is waiting for you, my friend. You have not changed your mind, have you?”

  “No! Good lord, not at all. The separation has actually increased my affections and I wish I could propose instead of beginning the courtship. You were acquainted with Miss Elizabeth for all of three weeks before asking for courtship and six weeks for proposing. Do you think I can marry in February?
” Bingley asked with a smirk.

  Darcy shook his head, “Bingley, my relationship with Elizabeth is uncommon because we had to go through several difficulties before understanding each other. We spent many hours together and even resided under the same roof during her convalescence here. I know you spent much time conversing with Jane Bennet but you have not faced a fraction of the challenges that Elizabeth and I had to go through. Also, it is not only the quantity of conversations but the quality of time spent and choices made together that will determine your happiness in your future. Be patient, my friend. I shall be utmost pleased to call you brother but wish you long-lasting joy and not immediate gratification. Jane has been engaged before so she may be seeking more than a cheerful man.”

  “I know, Darcy.” His friend replied, “I have not had a chance to speak with her about her previous betrothed. I gather her heart was broken when he died but I do not know what kind of a man he was or if he was handsome or wealthy. I know he was a gentleman and a neighbour, that is all. I still have much to discover about her and she about me. Thank God she does not hate me for Caroline’s disgrace; at least of that, I am sure! But I do know that no one else compares. I have met many beautiful ladies and I thought Miss Elizabeth might be the one, but it was her sister. Providence guided me to your betrothed because it was fate that you should wed Miss Elizabeth and I, her sister. But I will take my time, Darcy. Louisa is repentant for allowing Caroline’s past behaviours and will hostess Netherfield for me. Hurst might be a sloth but at least he bears no ill-will.”

  Darcy responded, “Good. Once all the guests arrive, Netherfield will be absolutely bursting with residents and you will have to quickly learn your duties as a landed gentleman before I am married off. I will teach you what I can but I shall be quite adhered to my lady’s side to continue courting her.”

  “I would have never believed it. The great Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley befelled by a slip of a girl. I honestly had no clue until the day you told me of the courtship. I thought you disliked her and she did not tempt you! I only believed you were generous to her family due to feeling guilty that her injury happened in front of your home.” Bingley replied.

  “I am grateful to you for introducing me to her, Bingley, and you shall have my loyalty for all of my days. She was most tempting and even before we sat in my theatre box, I was already in love with her. She is the only one for me. She is my soulmate.” Darcy smiled.

  Bingley returned the smile and stood to tap Darcy’s shoulder. “I know you have many tasks to see to, Darcy. I will be ready to depart on Friday morning and I am quite glad you had a chance to inspect Netherfield. Hurst thought me mad for leasing a property unseen but I trusted Mr. Bennet’s description of the place and you had confirmed it. All for a woman… I hope it will all be worth it!” Bingley winked.

  “Me, too, Bingley. I hope all goes well with you and Miss Bennet. See you again soon.” Darcy walked out with Bingley and boarded his own carriage. He had an appointment with his solicitor for the settlement papers and to announce his engagement. His letter to Lady Catherine had been written and he had promised to call on the Suffolks and the Gardiners to deliver Elizabeth’s letters. The Matlocks were already notified and they were ecstatic with his betrothal and Darcy looked forward to the next few days to pass quickly so he could return to his beloved.

  ~*~

  On Christmas Eve, John Williams was taken in for questioning after witnesses reported that the maul was identified as belonging to a sailor at the same inn, who was currently away at sea, and that Williams had direct access to it. He was also seen at Williamson’s tavern the same day and blood had been found on his clothes, which he attempted to get it washed. Although there were factors that were still unexplainable, such as the tall, dark-haired man who was witnessed by John Turner, the naked lodger above the tavern, there were sufficient evidences to have John Williams detained until more proof could be discovered.

  “We will not be able to connect him to the other murders, Darcy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam urged. “We have no choice but to have him tried only for the Ratcliff Highway murders. The public has already forgotten about the River Thames killings and we cannot create further terror amongst the people of London and I have orders to put this to bed.”

  “And I am receiving pressure from the Home Secretary to have this closed. It is Christmastime and people are cheering that the criminal was caught finally.” Robert Peel added. “The sooner we get him to trial and have him hung, we will all have peace again.”

  Darcy ran his fingers through his hair, “But what of the knife? We still have not found the knife that was used to cut the victims’ throats. And what of the tall man? Could there have been two assailants? What if we have arrested the wrong man or only one of the perpetrators? Did Graham have a chance to speak with Williams about an accomplice?”

  “Williams maintains his innocence and has not spoken of a partner. I have not had a chance to interrogate him myself, Darcy, but Graham thinks he might have the French disease. He may be criminally insane because he has been infected, even if he appears lucid most of the times. Grahams noted that he became disoriented a few times during their conversations.” Richard shuddered. “I would not go near him if he is diseased, though. Some of his acquaintances have reported that he is popular with the ladies. Who knows who else he might have infected.”

  Peel wrote a quick letter and had the footman deliver the message. “I will have a doctor examine Williams in the next few days and see if he is truly insane or ill. The only accomplice possible is Wickham and he was sighted in London a few days ago but I have been told he is joining the militia in the new year. Perhaps you can have his commander keep an eye on him, Colonel.”

  “I will do so gladly.” Richard laughed, “I know it has been many sleepless nights but we have done it, sirs! This has been a significant accomplishment and we should celebrate! With Darcy getting married in three weeks and a notorious killer caught by our investigations, let us go to a brothel and be entertained by beautiful ladies.”

  “Richard...” Darcy warned, “Do not...”

  “I jest! I jest!” Richard laughed. “I have made plans to go to White’s so we can see who is losing the bet regarding your courtship. I cannot wait to see the faces of those obnoxious fools when you write that you are finally betrothed after all these years. Come, I requested a feast for us so we can celebrate and we must give you a proper send-off before you are officially married. No improper amusements, I promise. Just the best bottle of contraband cognac and high-quality cigars. And then perhaps some courtesans later. But you can leave that part to Peel and me.” The colonel laughed boisterously and tapped his cousin’s shoulders.

  Darcy coloured but smiled and accompanied them to the gentlemen’s club for an evening of merriment to enjoy the last few nights of bachelorhood in London before removing to Hertfordshire.

  ~*~

  “Oh, Lizzy! How I have missed you!” Mrs. Kingston embraced her favourite niece after finally finding privacy in Elizabeth’s rooms. “I could hardly believe it when you wrote that you were courting Mr. Darcy, but I am absolutely shocked that you have become engaged to him last Saturday. I understand you did not have time to send an express before our arrival at Longbourn but I do wish you had waited.” The elder lady fussed, caressing Elizabeth’s cheeks and tears rising to her eyes. “I have heard such accounts of him that I worry that you may not be making the best choice. Not that I have the right and I know you are perfectly capable of making your own choices, dear Lizzy, but I wish to meet him and speak with him before I make my own judgment. Is there no recourse for extending your engagement? Could you not wait two or three months before marrying him? Why must it be so sudden?”

  Elizabeth softly smiled at the wonderful woman who was like a mother to her. She loved that Aunt Diana fretted and looked after her happiness. She saw her aunt’s eyebrow raised in curiosity to the three-week engagement and giggled. “No, aunt, I am not with child nor have we done anything
to place me in a compromise.” She leaned and kissed her aunt’s cheek. “I love him. I simply love him and I cannot live without him.”

  “Is it true?” Mrs. Kingston wiped her eyes. “You have at last found someone that has stolen your heart? I never thought it would happen. You were so averse to meeting gentlemen for your coming out and you hated the thought of being at a husband’s whim. You are in no need to ever marry, Lizzy, but if you love him, if you truly love him, then I can only be happy for you, child. Oh, my dear Lizzy, I hope you are making the right decision. I know how much your heart was broken when he did not come for you.”

  “But he did come for me. I wrote to him one word and he arrived four hours after receiving it. I wrote him, ‘Come’ and he rode on his horse and apologised and proposed, aunt. I was so wrong about him; I was too prideful of my own independence and too prejudiced against him for being a rich, taciturn gentleman. I thought him the worst of men but he loved me since first meeting me and I will admit that he was and still is the handsomest gentleman of my acquaintance.” Elizabeth blushed. “I wish to be his wife. I am most eager to marry and be Mrs. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth continued to inform her aunt of the misunderstandings and of the murders in London, and how she had thought of Mr. Darcy as involved in the murder but how wrong she had been that he had been actually investigating in searching for the killer.

  After her heart was revealed and she had no reservations about marrying him, Elizabeth finally concluded, “He has no improper pride. I was wrong. I was entirely wrong about him, Aunt Diana. You will see for yourself that he is only shy and is perfectly amiable once you get to know him. He is most generous and I love him so very dearly.”

  “I trust you, Lizzy,” Aunt Diana hugged her again. “I will have a firm word with him should I not find him how you describe, but I know you are capable and I only wish for the best for you. I have heard of him being aloof and rude but if it is attributed to shyness, I can understand how one can be seen as arrogant. Some men prattle about while others are quiet. I know your uncle is mistaken often for being haughty because he does not jabber on and on.”