“So you see Mr. Collins, we are perfectly fine now. I only screamed to alert the roaming guards of our whereabouts. Now, as you have come to our aid, we may return to the house as scheduled.”
As if on command, just as she finished speaking, two of the hired guards, accompanied by Mr. Darcy emerged into the clearing. Immediately dismissing all queries by Mr. Collins, Darcy ordered him to accompany the ladies back to the house.
“I shall settle things here and arrange for the removal of … There will be time for talk later. It is clear that an unfortunate situation has been avoided.” he said as he gestured slightly in the direction of the body.
Never one to challenge his betters, Mr. Collins accepted his charge and herded the ladies at the greatest possible speed to Rosings. Only once, did he turn to see what the men were doing. This act of defiance was met with the most disapproving frown from Mr. Darcy and he turned his face once more to the task at hand, but not without a multitude of questions. What had truly happened? Why was Miss Darcy’s mouth covered with blood? A shudder of fear wracked his thin shoulders. The aristocracy truly did have strange ways, he only wished that he had no part in them.
*****
Later that evening….
With Lady Catherine still indisposed, and the earlier events still fresh in everyone’s mind, Mr. and Mrs. Collins declined the invitation to stay for dinner. However, they did gratefully accept the use of a closed carriage for the journey home. Fortunately, Elizabeth and Charlotte were able to spend the better part of an hour in conversation while the younger ladies decided to forgo tea in place of some rest. Oddly, Mr. Collins had hardly said a word, aside from the occasional mumble to himself. Preferring to closet himself away in the library, he had left the two friends to themselves until Darcy returned. It had been rather easy to tidy up the situation in terms of the authorities. Everyone was relieved that Malcolm Carey would bother no one ever again and sent their thanks to the guards who were given credit for saving the ladies of Rosings. With a substantial reward for the capture of the escapee, convincing the hired men to take the credit had been easy. Besides, Darcy doubted that anyone would believe that a person of Georgiana’s size would be capable of such an act. Mr. Collins was another matter entirely. When he had finished taking care of the necessary details, Darcy had only wished for a quiet evening with a cup of tea strongly laced with brandy. Unfortunately, the moment he returned to the house, Mr. Collins had accosted him in the hall.
“Oh Mr. Darcy… it is such a relief that you are back. I have such a delicate matter of the most importance to discuss with you,” the little man attempted to demand and blocked Darcy’s way.
Sighing, Darcy closed his eyes for a moment. It was probably best to indulge the irritating vicar at the moment. He did not want the man’s incessant babbling to cause further upset or contradict what would soon be made public. Gesturing for him to enter the library once again, Darcy sat heavily in a deep chair before speaking.
“Well? What is it that is so important? Be quick about it… I have had a rather trying day.”
“Indeed… we all have. I feared that my Charlotte might bear our child early from the shock of it all, but your wife has seen to her every comfort. Please give her my thanks, and of course Lady Catherine, as this is her house.”
“Yes, yes… but what is your point?”
“I don’t want to frighten you, but it has been my experience as a member of the church to speak in what may be a forward manner.”
Darcy rolled his eyes heavenward at the idea of anything Mr. Collins did frightening him. It was almost comical, but he was in no mood for jesting.
“Go on…”
“Ah... yes… As a vicar, it is my duty to inform you that from what I witnessed today, your sister Georgiana may be possessed by an evil entity… if I may be so forward… a demon.”
The small man had drawn himself up to what he had perceived to be his most authoritative pose. As a clergyman, surely Mr. Darcy would take his advice seriously. In his university studies, he had seen many an image of such a creature. Closing his eyes, he still saw the deep crimson stains of blood running down Miss Darcy’s face. It made a chill run up his spine, but he knew his duty. She must have the demon cast from her immediately. In the hour in which he had waited for Darcy to return, multiple drafts of a letter to his bishop had been written, tossed aside and rewritten. How did one arrange an exorcism? Thinking Darcy to be considering his words, Mr. Collins was quite unprepared for the velocity of his actions when they came.
“HOW DARE YOU!” growled Darcy in a voice that frightened Mr. Collins far more than the prospect of a demon inhabiting Georgiana.
Taking a step back from the rising form of his host, Mr. Collins was not swift enough to escape the grasp of two strong hands as he was lifted by his collar into the air. With feet dangling more than six inches above the polished wood floors, he struggled to speak, but one glance at the rage in Darcy’s face halted his words.
“If you EVER suggest anything of the kind about my family again, it won’t be a demon that you fear… It will be ME!” Darcy snarled into his quivering face before dropping him in a thud to the floor.
Scrambling to his feet, Collins only nodded and hastily escaped to the safety of the hall, relieved to hear the heavy library door slam shut behind him. Finding his voice, he shouted for Charlotte to prepare to leave immediately. Making excuses of needing to prepare his Sunday sermon, Mr. Collins bowed to Lizzie and went outside to await the offered carriage. He would have preferred to run the entire way back to the vicarage, but Charlotte’s condition would not permit his flight. Shaking, he tried to regain his composure. Something was seriously wrong with that family he thought as he muttered prayer after prayer of deliverance.
*****
After saying their goodbyes, and waving the carriage away, Lizzie joined her husband where he had chosen to remain closeted in the library. Darcy feared he would do Mr. Collins physical damage should he encounter him again so soon. Not choosing to relay the encounter to his wife, he took her arm and offered a wry smile. Together, the couple made their way back to the small drawing room where Georgiana and Anne, now refreshed, had come down from their chambers. Surprisingly, Anne de Bourgh showed no sign of distress despite the ordeal. In the absence of her mother, the heiress of Rosings was actually a strong woman with a mind of her own. This realization had made both Lizzie and Darcy want to take her away with them. Sitting next to Georgiana, Anne now patted her cousin’s arm affectionately, speaking softly to the distraught young woman.
“Don’t you worry, I am sure Darcy is taking care of everything. Besides, you did save me, and for that I am grateful. He was a terrible man.”
“Yes… but I killed him…. I am a murderer…”
“Well technically yes… but he had it coming.”
“Oh Anne! That is an awful thing to say…. Even if it is true,” Georgiana replied with a stifled giggle.
When they had escaped the efforts of Reverend Collins to “protect” them and arrived back at the house, Georgiana had done her best to explain what had happened to her. It had taken nearly two hours, but Anne had been patient and had reserved judgement until the story was complete. Not once did Anne bat an eye at what must have been a shocking parcel of lies, so fantastical the tale had been. Her only response was, “you will always be my dearest friend… quirks and all. I must say, your appetite came in handy at the best moment.” As the daughter of an eccentric woman, Anne had seen her share of oddities. Why shouldn’t her extended relations have their own? It surely did relieve the boredom. Only now, it may be difficult to conceal. Hopefully, Darcy had indeed managed to tidy things up. The fear Anne had once held for her elder cousin had long since faded. Since she was no longer expected to marry him, she could look upon him more favorably. His regal bearing and natural sense of command would be highly beneficial in many situations. And, since his marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, the often aloof demeanor had softened greatly. Anne had no idea that he
had such a fabulous sense of humor. Looking up as the door opened to admit Darcy and Lizzie, she hoped that some humor would be found today. Georgiana desperately needed to be relieved of guilt.
Darcy knelt at his sister’s chair and took her hand. “Well sis… it appears that you have caused a bit of a ruckus today,” he chided with a chuckle.
“Oh! Don’t tease me… I really don’t even remember some of it. Anne filled me in on everything. That man just made me so angry that I could not think clearly.”
“I know… and it will be all right. I promise,” he said and explained his visit with the authorities. The body had already been removed. No sign of Malcolm Carey remained at Rosings. Georgiana and Anne were safe.
“But you cannot truly know that… what if it happens again? I fear it will and I will not be able to control it. What if I hurt someone innocent… like Charlie?”
“That is why we are leaving for Polwys Tor in the morning… I believe the answers lie there.”
Georgiana only smiled weakly and nodded. Despite her best efforts, thoughts of what may lie ahead for her had constantly occupied her thoughts, including that of the person of Gareth Devlin. Every attempt she made to forget him was met by a stronger pull. Was she simply fantasizing, as a result of her recent change, or were they meant to be together? Tomorrow would not come soon enough.
~Twenty~
The next morning, as the carriage was loaded with trunks. Georgiana stood watching with Anne at her side. She was still amazed that Lady Catherine had allowed Anne to accompany them to Wales.
“She did not actually give permission… I simply did not let her deny me. I believe the shock of my demand was what made her acquiesce. You should have seen her face when I told her that I knew all about your condition… and Aunt Evangeline. Mama’s face nearly turned purple, but her stomach ailment sent her scurrying for the chamber pot. She really is not in any position to prevent my going anywhere. Besides, she is more of a bear than usual when ill and generally prefers to be alone when indisposed. However, she did provide an odd assortment of talismans and fetishes to ward of my acquiring anything similar.”
Opening a large reticule, Anne displayed a velvet pouch of garlic, a knot of chicken feathers and some sort of green stone in addition to a variety of bones. Wrinkling her nose at the smell, Georgiana only laughed. The items were pungent enough to keep anyone away, let alone a blood sucking creature.
“Perhaps she fears you may meet the love of your life and not come back? Those things will keep all forms of man or beast at bay.”
“I should be so lucky… as it is most eligible men only need meet Mama to be sent running. This is the first real adventure I have ever had.”
Georgiana laughed again, it felt good to do so after so much unpleasantness. “Well, I cannot promise a bevy of suitors, but I will be glad of your company. Things have been so much easier to bear when there is no need to hide.”
*****
Soon, the carriage bearing the company away from Rosings was making its way through the winding hillside. As the others napped, Georgiana daydreamed while she watched the countryside roll by. What would Polwys Tor be like? The ancient name suggested all sorts of medieval proportions. Did it have a dungeon? Secret passageways? Or, was it simply a damp pile of stones badly in need of modern improvements? By tomorrow, her curiosity would be satisfied. The proximity to Rosings, combined with fine weather, was making travel easy. Only one night of lodgings would need to be borne. Surely, nothing unfortunate would take place. After all, she had eaten so recently. However, the taste of human blood was indeed far different from that of the animals on which she had been dining. The flavor still lingered somewhere on her tongue and she absently licked her lips at the memory. Fortunately, not the slightest urge had befallen her since. Perhaps she could go much longer on human blood? The thought of needing to continually feed on people was not appealing. What would she do if that was the only solution to controlling herself? The title of monster would indeed be fitting.
About an hour before dusk, the carriage stopped at the small village of Abblewys, some thirty miles from their destination. With the horses in need of rest, and the family some shift from sitting for so long, they were eager to alight. Stretching their cramped limbs, they entered the crowded main room and searched for an empty table while Darcy arranged for their lodgings. The occupants, mainly local people, turned to inspect the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Rarely did a coach of such quality stop at the small wayside inn. As it was, the Silver Drake had only two guest rooms. Fortunately, both were currently unoccupied. Planning to take a simple repast and then retire early, Lizzie Darcy ordered food amidst the stares focused in their direction. The boisterous noise that had greeted them upon entry had now diminished to quiet murmurs.
“What could possibly be so intriguing about our arrival? One would think that a public establishment saw any number of strangers,” Elizabeth asked of the younger women as they awaited Darcy’s return. Nearly half an hour passed without any sign of him or the requested food. Rising, Mrs. Darcy made to approach a large man behind the wide polished bar.
“Excuse me sir, but can you tell me what has become of my husband and our dinner? Is there some sort of problem?” she inquired politely.
The man refused to meet her eyes and kept his face turned downward where he vigorously scrubbed at an imaginary spot on the immaculate surface.
“Sir?”
“It ain’t you mum… it be the girl. We don’t want her kind here.”
Puzzled, Lizzie turned to where Anne and Georgiana sat, watching her nervously.
“What girl? What do you mean?”
“The ghost girl… there will be trouble.”
Before he could elaborate, an angry Fitzwilliam Darcy entered the public room. “We shall not be staying. Please gather the girls and prepare to leave.” The tone of his voice restrained Lizzie from asking for an explanation.
Within minutes, the party was again on the road to Polwys, unaware that the glowing blue eyes of Ewan Devlin watched their departure from an upstairs chamber. It had been rather easy to convince the innkeeper to refuse accommodations once he had noticed Georgiana.
“Just do as I say and nothing will happen to anyone,” he had threatened. Even the local authorities knew better than to challenge his wishes. Too many unfortunate accidents took place when Ewan Devlin visited Abblewys, accidents of the most peculiar nature that had no logical explanation. Just last month, a girl had gone missing after someone spied Ewan in the area. Her body, lifeless and drained of blood had turned up a few days later. The coincidence was uncanny, but impossible to prove any connection. He was simply an omen of death. And now, it appeared that there was another just like him.
*****
Darcy would have preferred to drive on through the night, but the horses were in greater need of rest and they pulled off the road into a small clearing. It was here that they would spend an uncomfortable night. Pulling the heavy traveling rugs about them for warmth, Darcy retold his conversation with the proprietor.
“I am sorry, and I don’t wish to distress anyone, but apparently there are some superstitious legends in this part of the country. Normally I would not have given them credence and demanded service, but the innkeeper was most insistent. It appears that Ewan Devlin has done his best to keep the rumors of blood sucking monsters alive. The moment they saw Georgiana….” He broke off with a sigh.
“It is me who must apologize,” she half cried. “I have caused everyone such pain…”
“No… you are not to blame for backward ignorance. I am sure that Ewan has indeed indulged himself inappropriately and spread any number of fantastical lies to toy with those poor people. Their fears are probably genuine.”
“All the same…”
“Oh really Georgie! You worry for nothing. There are many people with fair hair and blue eyes. I have heard of such things happening with persons having red hair. Just try to get some sleep and forget it a
ll,” suggested Anne practically and gave her cousin a hug before tucking her rug more securely.
“Yes, Anne is right,” agreed Darcy, “but I thought it best for all to be informed, should we encounter any further issues.”
“I do appreciate your concerns, dear brother… as always, you do the best to protect me,” Georgiana agreed, but now a touch of ire rose in her voice and she changed her once meek tone into that of a cornered animal.
“If anyone dares to hurt any of us… they shall find out if the legends are true. I shall be happy to make the reality of what I am perfectly clear.”
To this, no one voiced a challenge, but said their good nights and tried their best to sleep. Georgiana Darcy had indeed changed, and not entirely without benefit.
*****
While the Darcy’s traveled, Gareth Devlin had done the best he could to make Polwys Tor presentable for guests. Having managed to replace much of his staff, the ancient tower and its adjoining three story stone residence was positively inviting. Fortunately, the spectre of his mother had preferred to remain absent when he spoke with anyone besides the housekeeper. If Mrs. Crombie noticed the floating shape trailing behind him, she made no mention of it.
“I am sure she sees something, but probably shakes it off as the fancies of old age, not something a person will admit to if they want to keep their employment,” Maris had said when Gareth noticed she tended to follow him about.
The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy Page 13