Murders in London

by Kate Speck

  Elizabeth laughed, “He hardly spoke two words to me during the first hour of my meeting him. I thought him so disdainful but he has told me that he would have proposed that night if Mr. Bingley had not been interested in me.” She smiled tenderly at the memory. “He caught my fall and my heart beat wildly but I thought he found me wanting and my vanity was wounded. You will like him, aunt. He is perfect for me. And,” Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled in joy, “you will adore Georgiana. She will be coming out next winter and I know we shall need ever so much help from the wisest lady I know!” She kissed her aunt’s cheek.

  Aunt Diana laughed, “I am eager to meet Miss Darcy. I am aching for a new project and preparing Lady Matlock’s niece for her coming out is the perfect answer. I have heard incredible stories about the magnificence of Pemberley. Oh, I cannot believe it! You will be mistress of the grandest estate in Derbyshire!”

  “I have heard that it is very large but I care naught for the wealth of it all. With yours and uncle’s gift and my future being secure, I would have married a poor soldier if I had loved him. It is only mere chance that Mr. Darcy happens to be so rich but I believe I would have married him if he were destitute. He cares for me very much, not to mention how handsome he is. He is certainly a fine specimen.” Both ladies’ peal of laughter could be heard throughout the house and everyone smiled at their reunion. All were aware of the special bond between Aunt Diana and Elizabeth and they were glad that Lizzy was no longer the lonely girl in the family.

  ~*~

  Jane embraced Mary and spoke softly to her sister in the music room. Having grown up together while Lizzy had been separated for many years, they were closest even with the wide age gap. Jane was very close to Elizabeth, of course, but Elizabeth was gone half of every year with the Gardiners or the Kingstons and Jane spent much of her time with the next younger sister. Elizabeth and Jane also knew Mary was the most reserved of the girls and had worked hard to bring her out of her shell in social outings.

  “I am very happy for Lizzy, Mary. I cannot wait for Mr. Bingley to arrive so I can speak with him again. I am eager to begin our courtship to think of my future again.” Jane confided in her sister.

  Mary timidly asked Jane, “What does courtship encompass, Jane? I do not understand why one has to go through courtship before marrying.”

  Jane smiled, “Well, courtship is not a requirement, but in a case where two people do not know each other well, it is the time taken to show each other that they are serious about learning more and to see if the choice is the right one. Are you interested in being courted, Mary?”

  “You know I have only loved... Jane, I know I am only eighteen now but Mr. King Jr., he proposed to me.” Mary averted her eyes and looked down at her hands. “He told me that we had known each other since we were children and that he had loved me for years. He wished to marry me but I declined him. I could not...” Mary ceased speaking.

  Jane’s mouth dropped in surprise, “But why would you not accept? You have loved him since you were ten years old, Mary! When was this? Why did you not tell me earlier?”

  “When Lizzy returned abruptly from town with her heart broken, and with you still not courting Mr. Bingley yet, I felt it was not my place to be ahead of you both. I know your heart was broken when Mr. Goulding died but now that you are happy again, now that you might wish to marry and Lizzy will have her wedding soon, I wanted to wait. He was angry with me, Jane, and told me that I should look for my own happiness for a change.” She paused for a deep sigh. “He proposed a week ago. After I asked him to wait, he was upset but he did not say anything else. But then Mr. Collins wrote and Kitty and Lydia have been...” Mary wiped her tears and spoke no more.

  Jane snarled, “Those silly girls talked about you and Mr. Collins? No doubt they shamelessly flouted about that you were going to marry a parson that you have never met in your life and Mr. King heard about it?” She stood when Mary nodded and more tears fell.

  Jane pulled on Mary’s hand to standing and marched up the stairs with her in tow. She knocked on Elizabeth’s door loudly and uncharacteristically screeched to her sister, “Lizzy! Help me fix Mary’s love life! She has sacrificed her own happiness so that you could be married first and I would begin the courtship, and she turned down Mr. King’s proposal so we would find our own contentment before herself. We cannot allow this! Kitty and Lydia have both gossiped to our Aunt Philips that Mr. Collins will be marrying Mary and I am afraid Mr. King may lose heart. Help us!”

  Aunt Diana and Elizabeth immediately gathered both ladies in their arms and began to comfort them.

  “Oh, Mary! I did not know! Why did you not say anything?” Elizabeth fussed. “We wish for your happiness as much as our own! You have given so much to care for our family and I cannot believe those silly girls would spread it about. Oh, Mary! Alexander King is two and twenty and heir to the King estate and will have £2,000 a year. He loves you and will be a wonderful husband to you. Oh, Mary, yes, we have to fix this. We will fix this straightaway.”

  Aunt Diana caressed her meek niece who was often reciting Fordyce’s sermons and had been the steady guiding force of the family. She was humble yet strong, quiet but firm, and sensible yet full of compassion.

  “Mary, my dear, I will have Jane invite Mr. King and his son and niece for dinner on Boxing Day. We have known the family for so many years, they are nearly family. Did you know,” Mrs. Kingston beamed, “that there were considerations for me to marry Mr. King in my youth? Oh, we would have never married; he was dashing but he loved Mrs. King at first sight and I fell madly in love with my Mr. Kingston. We shall have this all settled. When do you wish to marry? Perhaps a double ceremony?” She winked.

  Mary demurely smiled, “I do not know if Alex... if Mr. King will forgive me. It is far too early to speak of a wedding date, aunt.”

  Mrs. Kingston kissed Mary’s temple. “I know there was talk about his cousin Mary King recently receiving an inheritance of £10,000. Does Alexander know of your fortune?”

  “No, aunt.” Mary hugged her aunt. “There was a gossip of Alex offering for Mary after the inheritance but he assured me that it was a false rumour. He told me he loved me and wished to marry me but I asked him to wait. He was devastated that I would not give him an answer last week. With all the talk about Mr. Collins, he... he asked me again yesterday and kissed me.” Mary blushed, “He was very convincing but I still could not give him an answer and he accused me of wishing to be thrown in the paths of rich men like Aunt Philips had told everyone and he left abruptly.”

  Jane and Elizabeth exchanged glances and beamed. “Ahem, so, how was the kiss?” Elizabeth merrily teased. “You are in a room with experienced kissers now,” she winked, “Did you feel weak in the knees? Did he leave you breathless and heart beating wildly?”

  Aunt Diana and Jane both giggled as Mary blushed and nodded.

  “Well, we will get this all straightened.” Aunt Diana affirmed. “Jane will send word for dinner here in two days and I will have a firm word with Mrs. Philips. She is just like your mother was. I know you love your mama and her memory but Mrs. Philips is as silly as they come. Jane, Lizzy, you speak with Mrs. Johnson and get Kitty and Lydia in the nursery. I will not tolerate those two foolish girls making a spectacle of themselves. I will speak with Agnes and make sure they are resigned to the nursery for the next several years!”

  “Yes, aunt, and you shall have three nieces married next year!” Elizabeth laughed. “Our dear stepmother will only have two daughters to worry about.”

  Mrs. Kingston stood and kissed all three girls. “My dearest nieces, I had thought this would be a mundane trip to Hertfordshire for Christmas with only the Gardiner children to entertain me but it seems Providence had a different plan.” She smiled. “I love you all dearly. You will marry your soul mates and you will find happiness. Although I warn you,” she turned to Jane and Elizabeth, “I will judge for myself if this Mr. Bingley, who bounces from one sister to another, is worthy for Jane, and i
f Mr. Darcy is as noble as my brother boasts. I will certainly see for myself.” She winked.

  Chapter 18

  “Happy Christmas, Georgiana!” Darcy embraced his dear sister and kissed her temple. “I know that we have always had a very quiet celebration every year, but I hope you will be acceptable to the changes to come. We spend the day quietly then have dinner with the Fitzwilliams but Elizabeth told me that her family gathering is massive and as noisy as they can be. I wish for your happiness, dear sister, but Elizabeth will be in charge of my Christmas next year and I want you with us no matter what, but I will give you a choice if you want to stay with the aunt and uncle or join all the Bennets or just the dreary me and my wife. You will always be a priority to me but I fear there will be changes.”

  “But I will be married off and have my own home with my husband by then, William!” Georgiana retorted. “I will be coming out next year, you are aware!”

  Darcy gasped and looked at his sister in surprise. Seeing the merriment in her eyes, he relaxed. “You are jesting with me! I do not know if I will be able to tolerate you and Elizabeth both teasing me mercilessly!” He lifted up Georgiana and spun her around. “I am so happy, Georgie. I will bear it all for the two ladies I love most in the world. Even if I will still be reserved in society, I am looking forward to such delight at home with my favourite ladies. I am glad you will be gaining a sister you love and we will continue to keep Mrs. Annesley with us and we will have a large family to care for. We will be truly happy.”

  Georgiana giggled, “You are marrying the sister of my dreams, William. I cannot imagine if Mr. Bingley had seriously pursued her! She would have been lost to us and I would have been so sad to be only her friend. I am glad Mr. Bingley likes Jane. It seems Miss Bingley, I mean, Mrs. Allens, will finally have her wish to have me as a sister!” She laughed. “He is certainly better matched with a gentler woman who will not talk circles around him. Lizzy would ha...”

  There was a loud knock on the door. “Enter.” Darcy commanded.

  “I am terribly sorry to disturb you, Mr. Darcy, but an express has arrived and the carrier was most insistent that I deliver this letter to you right away. He would not leave until he was assured that I delivered it to you so you may read it at once.” Mr. Mason apologised and handed the letter to his master. He bowed and departed the drawing room.

  Darcy quickly ripped open the letter and cursed. “Blasted! It is from Lady Catherine. But of course, who else would send an express rider on Christmas day only to chastise me for becoming engaged to a woman of poor connections and low birth. She demands that I recant the proposal and jilt the ‘chit’, she calls my Elizabeth, and to marry Anne immediately. She writes that she will arrive today at five o’clock at Matlock House and will join us for dinner tonight to celebrate Anne and my engagement. She insists on obtaining a special license and she will print the announcement in the papers tomorrow.” Darcy huffed and paced in front of the fireplace. “The audacity of that woman...”

  “William,” Georgiana soothed her brother, “I do not wish to make mockery of it but would not the bride need to say ‘I do’ in order to marry you? I do not believe Anne will say such words nor would she agree to becoming your wife, no matter how much Aunt Catherine insists on it. From what you have told me and from what little I know, she may be weak but she will not be persuaded to such a life with you. You will not get the license and no reverend will accept the mother of the bride answering ‘I do’ and it will not happen. Aunt Catherine might have done as much as she could in planning the marriage, but its completion depends on you and Anne. You love Lizzy and you will marry her on the fifteenth.” Georgiana beamed.

  Darcy burst into laughter. “When did you become so wise, my dear sister? Thank you, Georgiana.” He kissed her cheek as he chuckled, “Dinner will be quite entertaining. Let us make a wager, Georgie. We will both speak our minds tonight and ten pounds to the first one who can make Lady Catherine curse. I will alert Richard as well. Good thing the viscount is still in Matlock with his new babe. He would have easily won again. He has no fear of Lady Catherine at all.” They both laughed.

  “I will take that wager, William. Oh, I wish Lizzy were here with us. She would have been sure to say a few words on her own behalf.” Georgiana giggled.

  “I know it. I adore her and I cannot wait for life with her.” Darcy smiled tenderly. “We are all settled for our travel to Netherfield?”

  Georgiana squeezed her brother’s arm, “Yes, brother. I will sacrifice my sleep and leave Thursday morning at seven o’clock promptly. We shall arrive before luncheon and you will see your dearest love and nothing, no one, will deter your plans to marry Lizzy. Come, let us go and open our presents. I am eager to see what you have gifted me this year!”

  The Darcy siblings merrily laughed and adjourned to the sitting room to open their Christmas presents and spent a quiet Christmas day together for the last time.

  ~*~

  Darcy bowed, “Lady Catherine, Anne.” He turned to Colonel Fitzwilliam and whispered quietly, “Georgiana raised it to twenty.”

  Richard snorted but covered it with a cough. “I am going to win.” He whispered to both Darcys as they took their seats.

  “So, Aunt Catherine, I believe you have something to say to Darcy.” Richard began. “It is so rare that you join us for Christmas and we were certain you arrived to congratulate Darcy on his betrothal. How excited you must be to see your favourite nephew finally marry!”

  “Well, I have never! Richard, you are speaking nonsense. Darcy is engaged to my daughter and we will certainly celebrate that betrothal!” Lady Catherine huffed. “Darcy will do his duty and respect his mother’s wishes.”

  “Lady Catherine, I have no intention of marrying anyone else. I will not stand for such nonse...” Darcy grew angry and began to argue when she began speaking of his mother but was interrupted by his meek sister who was eager to win the bet.

  “Aunt, can you tell me when my mother has spoken of such an arrangement? I am curious that papa had never said anything of it. I miss my mother so much, aunt,” Georgiana wiped her non-existent tears. “Pray, tell us about how it came about.”

  “Well, while they were in their cradles, we looked upon them and arranged it.” Lady Catherine puffed out her chest. “For years after their birth, we constantly spoke of it and delighted that they were formed for each other. Their fortunes are splendid and Darcy will have Rosings Park. One cannot be too careful in marrying a woman of low birth and little dowry, as you are aware. Such an upstart shall be forgotten quickly and Anne will take her rightful place as mistress of Pemberley.”

  “Lady Catherine, the proper mistress of Pemberley will be one of my choosing and Anne is in no posi...” Darcy could not go on when his aunt jumped in.

  “She is perfectly capable of taking her place. And of course I shall join you to assist. I am the closest you have to family and my condescension will be valued by all of your tenants.” Lady Catherine proudly beamed. “You will do your duty.”

  “How much is the pot, Richard?” Lord Matlock asked while his sister prattled on.

  “Twenty pounds, father.” Richard whispered.

  Lord Matlock chuckled, “I will raise it to thirty. Darcy is going to finally speak his mind and it will be all over.”

  Richard smiled and mouthed to Georgiana, “Thirty!” and the young woman giggled.

  Darcy was standing and rolling his eyes at this point. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak but Richard spoke first.

  “Aunt Catherine, I do not recall Uncle Darcy or Aunt Anne ever speaking of the arrangement. Are you certain it was not I who should marry Anne? I am, indeed, the second son, and it would be a great benefit for me to marry an heiress. Although I have been chased by many fine ladies, I would certainly marry Anne for her fortune. I am the son of an earl and Darcy is only a grandson of one. I am much more eligible and better qualified according to your rules.” He could see Anne hiding her laughter from the corner of
her eyes.

  Lady Catherine spluttered, “Bu... bu... that is out of the question, Richard! What in heavens are you speaking of? Darcy is the one that must marry my daughter!”

  “Oh, because of his wealth? I did not realise you were in need of his coffers.” Richard needled his aunt. “I could certainly use Anne’s coffers more than Darcy will ever need.”

  “Nonsense! Cease your meddling immediately, Fitzwilliam. Anne is destined to be mistress of Pemberley and I shall reign with her by her side.”

  Lord Matlock scoffed, “And instruct them on how to walk straight and chew their food? You are the meddling fool, Catty.” He laughed when Lady Matlock tapped his arm and hid her laughter.

  Darcy and Richard attempted to hide their mirth but were failing miserably. This conversation was ridiculous as it was entertaining.

  Georgiana questioned innocently to Lord Matlock, “Uncle, is it legally allowed for a woman to marry her sister’s son?”

  “Of course not, Georgiana. Why do you ask?” Lord Matlock answered, knowing exactly where his niece was heading.

  Georgiana artlessly answered, “It seems that Aunt Catherine wishes to be mistress of Pemberley through Anne and I wonder if it is not simpler for her to demand William to marry herself rather than to have my poor cousin Anne suffer as a wife when she does not wish it. If Aunt Catherine married William, she would become my sister. Would I be allowed to call her ‘Catty’ as you do, uncle?”

  “What in damnation are you speaking of, child?!” Lady Catherine was outraged and stood up to point her finger at Mrs. Annesley next to Georgiana. “You are her companion. Take her to the nursery immediately! Clearly, she does not belong here in public company. Marry my nephew!” She scorned her niece, “Damned foolish to speak of such nonsense. Your mother would be rolling in her bloody grave to hear such a talk.”