“Congratulations, Sir. And might I know the lady’s name?”
Darcy looked at the butler who had been at Darcy House for many years. Placing a hand on the man’s shoulder Darcy replied. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You met her uncle, Mr Gardiner.”
“Very good, Sir. I believe Lukas is in the servant dining room, I will send him up to your rooms.”
“There is no need to rush him. He can bring up the tray when it is prepared.” Darcy then made his way up the stairs to his rooms. Entering the dressing room, the gentleman began undressing, not requiring his valet, Lukas, to remove his coat and short coat. As he opened the door into his bedchambers, Darcy was unbuttoning his shirt sleeves.
The room was dark, as there were no candles lit and no need for a fire in the fireplace. Darcy made his way to the chest of drawers which was across the room from his bed. He suddenly heard a voice coming from behind him. A voice he had no desire to hear.
“Fitzwilliam, I have come to save you from all the rumors. I am here, and willing to be your wife.” Caroline Bingley nearly purred with her words. She was lying on his bed, the coverlet draped over her in a manner which would leave no doubt that she wore not a stitch of clothing. “Please, Fitzwilliam, take me as your wife. I will restore your reputation and you could call your dearest friend your brother.”
Darcy refused to turn around, as he had no desire to see the woman in his bed. Instead, he walked to the door which led to the hall. The Master of Pemberley and Darcy House bellowed, something he had never done before.
“DAVIES! LUKAS! MRS KINGSTON! COME IMMEDIATELY!
The sound of footsteps hurrying his direction made Darcy calm slightly. His housekeeper and valet were first to arrive.
“Master William, what has happened?” Mrs Kingston asked, slightly out of breath from running up the stairs.
“Mrs Kingston, I just entered my bedchamber to find a woman in my bed. I wish to have her removed from my bed, and take her to the blue sitting room. Post two footmen outside the door of the sitting room, and make sure she does not leave. I require someone to take a message for Mr Bingley and his son to come immediately.”
Several footmen had come up the stairs, having just finished their meal in the servants’ dining room. One of the men stated he would go to the Bingley townhouse, while two others moved to stand beside the door to their master’s bedchambers. They could hear the voices of two ladies arguing inside the room.
“I am to be the new mistress, and you had best leave this room immediately. My betrothed summoned me to be here, as he could not wait until our wedding to consummate our love.”
“My master asked me to gather you and remove you from this room. He has no desire of being with you, as is betrothed to another. Now dress yourself or I will have the footmen pull you from this room wrapped only in the coverlet.” Mrs Kingston was not one to back down from a fight, especially when she was in the right. “Master William no more sent for you than he would send for a whore. You know nothing about Fitzwilliam Darcy if you believe him otherwise.”
“You are wrong. He wants me to be his wife. I am important to him. His dearest friend is my brother, and my father is also a friend of Mr Darcy. They will be family after Fitzwilliam and I wed.”
“You will not be marrying the gentleman, and your relations are being notified of the situation as we speak. If you do not get dressed, this moment, you will embarrass yourself further by being hauled from this room wearing a coverlet. Will you cooperate or not?”
Caroline glared at the housekeeper. “How dare you treat me in such a manner? When I become the mistress, you will be fired. I will not tolerate such rudeness in my home.”
Knowing the likelihood of Miss Bingley leaving the bed of her own will was low, Mrs Kingston walked back to the door and stepped to the hallway. The housekeeper motioned for the footmen to enter the bedchamber.
Seeing the men enter the room, Caroline shouted for them to leave. “I will have all of you fired when I become mistress. This is improper and I will not tolerate such disrespect. No out of here.”
The men ignored the woman’s screeching. Each took hold of an arm of the still unclothed woman, lifting her from the bed. Holding her from being able to touch the floor, the men waited for a moment for Mrs Kingston to wrap the coverlet around the struggling woman’s form. Darcy refused to look in the direction of the woman, disgusted with her behavior. There was nothing in the world that could induce him to marry such a harpy, especially now, when he had found the woman of his heart’s desire. He would not lose Elizabeth over the likes of Caroline Bingley.
~~**~~
Waiting in the foyer, Darcy greeted his friends. “Mr Bingley, Charles, thank you for coming.”
Mr Bingley was concerned. “Your footman did not state what had happened, but that we were required immediately. Are you well?”
A sudden screech and the sound of glass breaking brought the attention of the three men. “What is my daughter doing here?”
“That is a question I had when I returned home and found her in my bed.”
Both Bingley men cringed.
“My sister was in your bed?” Charles had a tinge of green in his complexion.
“Fortunately, the room was dark and I saw nothing. According to my housekeeper, Miss Caroline was not wearing clothing. When she refused to leave my bed and dress herself, two of my footmen carried her, wrapped in a coverlet, from my room and placed her in the sitting room. Obviously, she is destroying items in her fury.”
Mr Bingley was ashamed. “She came to me yesterday, after hearing rumors that you had been compromised, and that she was willing to marry you to repair your reputation. I cannot begin to apologize William. And I will not demand you marry Caroline. Her foolishness was her own doing, so she will pay the consequences for her actions.”
As father and son moved towards the door being guarded by footmen, the sound of a woman’s scream and a loud bang was heard. Mr Bingley opened the door and rushed inside. On the floor was his daughter, lying still, with a red stain blossoming on the coverlet which was covering her body. Turning her body so he could see her face, her open and empty eyes told him his daughter was dead. Charles had entered the room behind his father, and being unable to look at his sister, looked about the room.
“Here, there is a hole in the window. It appears a bullet entered through the window.” Charles discovered.
“Why would someone be shooting at my home? And especially why would anyone shoot Miss Caroline?” Darcy peered at the hole, and did not see anyone outside. “I do not know what is happening, there is no reason for someone to take a shot at my home.”
“Could it have been an accident, and the person became frightened, running off before he was discovered?” Charles was attempting to find any reason for his sister’s wound. Turning his head, he looked upon his father. Mr Bingley was holding his daughter in his arms, cradling her as he had when she was a little girl. As tears slip from the slit of his closed eyes, Mr Bingley sobbed for his daughter.
Charles moved to his father’s side. “Father, what should we do?”
“We should call the constable, as this was a murder.” Mr Bingley stated. “But if word was to spread of Caroline’s being here, wearing nothing but a coverlet, all that would happen is you and Louisa would become tainted by your sister’s behavior. With Louisa now engaged to Hurst, I would not wish to injure her chances and have Hurst abandon her. Even your chances at a good match would suffer.”
Darcy stepped closer to his friends. “I am willing to have my staff dress Miss Caroline her in her gown. We can then send for a physician and constable. No one needs to know why the two of you were here when she was shot, and it would save everyone’s reputation. My staff are loyal, they will not spread Miss Caroline’s behavior before her death.”
Mrs Kingston stepped closer. “I will see to the Miss myself, Master William. And I will see that her gown matches the wound, so there will be no question of her state of dress.”
Darcy nodded his head. Footmen were sent in many directions, including to the Bow Street Runners, the physician, Lord Matlock, and even to the Gardiner household. It was going to be a long night, and he needed all the support he could get.
~~**~~
When sunrise arrived, Darcy was exhausted. He had overseen that all was done, the investigation started into the shooting, having the mortician take Caroline’s body to his business location, assisted Mr Bingley and Charles with arrangements.
Lord and Lady Matlock were accompanied by sons, Vincent and Richard. The family was appalled at the shooting. As their townhouse was nearby, they had heard the shot. Being well acquainted with gun fire, Richard had gathered his weapon and was near the front door when the Darcy footman arrived at Matlock House. Learning the shot had been made at his cousin’s house spurred the colonel into action. Mrs Kingston and a maid had barely had time to dress Caroline before Richard, followed by his parents and elder brother, arrived on Darcy House’s doorstep.
The physician stated that Caroline had died from the bullet wound, as it appeared to have struck her heart. When Darcy heard the comment, the first thought was that he was shocked that the younger Bingley sister had a heart. He would never say such a thing, as he had no desire to cause further pain for her family. Mr Bingley was already privately blaming himself for his daughter’s behavior, as he had never taken Caroline to task for her actions.
Charles was angry with his sister one moment, saddened at her loss the next. For those who were unaware of the true nature of her being at Darcy House, they chalked Charles’ alternating attitude to being grieving.
At daylight, though he was ready to drop, Darcy wished nothing more than to see his betrothed. Before he could call for his carriage, Davies announced the arrival of Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and their niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
The young lady stepped to her future husband, as he opened his arms to gather her to him. The Fitzwilliam family immediately knew the young lady held Darcy’s heart. The couple stood together, embracing one another, for several moments before Mr Gardiner coughed to gain their attention.
Darcy wore a sheepish grin. “Forgive me for neglecting you, Mr Gardiner, but I needed compassion and strength. Having Elizabeth in my arms has given me all that I needed.”
There was a sparkle in Elizabeth’s eyes at hearing Darcy using her given name. “My father gave his approval?”
“He did. I have a letter from him, though it is upstairs. I will make sure you have it to read today.” Turning to his soon to be uncle, Darcy continued. “Mr Bennet has given you the authority to sign the marriage settlement, which should arrive later today. When the documents arrive, I will make sure they are in your hands immediately.”
Elizabeth looked up at her fiancé. “You are uninjured? Tell me what happened?”
Having only given a few details to his relations, Darcy decided to tell them the details along with Elizabeth and her family. “Let us move to my study. There is much to discuss, and I will have my staff bring something to eat and drink”
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 8
By the time, Darcy finished explaining the details of the previous evening, he could hardly keep his eyes open. He was sitting on the sofa in his study, with Elizabeth by his side. Holding her hand in his, Darcy drew strength from the young lady.
His relations were pleased that Darcy had apparently found a love match. With all that he had endured in his young life, they felt he deserved to be happy and cherished for who he was as a person, not for his wealth and contacts.
As the conversation continued, with plans being made for the simple wedding and wedding breakfast, and the appointment Lady Matlock had made with the modiste, Darcy’s eyes began drooping, finally falling asleep with his head slumped on Elizabeth’s shoulder. She did not wish to disturb him, so Elizabeth motioned to the others to allow him to rest. Lady Matlock had come to respect the young lady in a matter of moments, seeing the care she held for Darcy.
“Has anything been sent to Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth inquired. “William did not inform me if he had written to her.”
“I sent an express to Georgiana yesterday. She will not be at the wedding, but you will meet her soon enough.” Lord Matlock stated. He smiled at the young lady’s use of his nephew’s name, please with the comfort she appeared to have with the casual name.
Lady Matlock picked up the conversation. “Georgiana is a shy girl, who is not comfortable in large groups of people. She may take time to adjust to you, for she tends to hide from those she is unfamiliar with. But she is a sweet girl, much like her mother was in personality. And talented, Georgiana has a gift with music. William had just hired a new music master who is at Pemberley currently.”
“Will she remain at Pemberley or come to Town?” Mr Gardiner asked.
Vincent Fitzwilliam, Viscount Tilton, replied. “Father’s message was for Georgiana to remain at Pemberley, and I will leave on Tuesday to make the journey to the estate, and will bring her back to Town with me.”
“And your family, Miss Bennet, will any of them be at the wedding?” asked Lady Matlock.
“No, my father does not travel further than the neighborhood of our home. Though I wish my dearest sister, Jane, who is my elder sister, could be here, Mamma and the younger sisters are not prepared for such an event.” Elizabeth said, with a sadness in her expression.
Mr Gardiner felt for his niece. “My sister, though a loving woman, is very nervous, and would be unable to control her behavior. The two youngest daughters are quite silly. Jane and Elizabeth have always been our dearest nieces.”
Lady Matlock understood what Mr Gardiner was explaining, as she had experienced many such ladies in the ton. “Do you not have four sisters, Miss Bennet?”
“Please, Lady Matlock, call me Elizabeth or Lizzy. As we will soon be related, I would be honored to have you call me by my given name. And yes, I have one elder and three younger sisters. My next eldest sister in not fond of society, as she prefers religious tomes.”
“Elizabeth, I am honored to know you will soon be my niece. And I would ask that you call me Aunt Rebecca.”
“And I am Uncle Henry. I must say, I cannot remember William ever seeming so comfortable with a young lady. For him to go against propriety as to embrace you in front of us, when you first arrived, and even now, holding your hand while he sleeps, it proves to me that your marriage is one of mutual affection. Much like my dear sister and brother-in-law, William’s parents. Anne would be thrilled to know her son is so cherished.”
Elizabeth blushed. “I am afraid that I am the blessed one. Even before the fire, I was never the pretty one. My mother has always told me that I would be lucky to ever have someone ask for my hand.” Her eyes lowered, embarrassed to be with those who are part of the upper ring of society. “I pray William does not come to regret his decision.”
“Miss Elizabeth, forgive me for saying so, but your mother is a fool.” Richard was shocked at her words. “My cousin is extremely fortunate to have found you. Your mother cannot be believed if she feels you are not beautiful. Perhaps she requires glasses. William will never regret you becoming his wife, of that I am certain.”
Nodding her head, Lady Matlock agreed. “My son is correct. Most of the young ladies that have attempted to win the hand of William and my sons have been foolish, never speaking their minds and only speaking of frippery and nonsense. Having someone who can challenge him is just what William requires.”
Mrs Kingston lightly knocked on the door of the study. “Is there need for more tea?”
“No, Mrs Kingston, I believe we will be leaving soon.” Lord Matlock stated. “Did the Bingley’s return home?”
“Mr Davies escorted them personally. The younger man was angry with his sister, while the father was simply saddened at the loss. I will say, I am pleased they had not seen the display Miss Bingley had caused before her relations arrived. The footmen had a difficult duty, and I am planning to give them a lit
tle extra in their pay for the experience.” The woman had a slight shudder at the memory.
“Not a stitch of clothing, and refused to dress, I do feel sorry for the men having to deal with her.” Vincent Fitzwilliam said. “And knowing the little I do of the lady, she most likely fought the footmen.”
A small smile graced the housekeeper’s lips. “There were a few times I feared the coverlet would fall from her body, she was struggling desperately. And my poor master, he waited until they had Miss Bingley in the sitting room before he would turn away from the wall. If there had been light in the room, I do believe the poor man would have asked for soap and hot water to wash his eyes.”
The guests in the room chuckled lightly. Mrs Kingston looked at the young lady who still held her master’s hand. “Miss, on behalf of the staff here at Darcy House, we are looking forward to having you as the mistress of the house. If you require anything, you only need to ask.”
Lady Matlock commented before Elizabeth could open her mouth. “Mrs Kingston, I believe it might be helpful if the mattress and bedding were replaced. I am certain that there is a mattress in another room that is the correct size.”
The mention of Darcy’s bed brought a reddish glow to Elizabeth’s cheeks. The thought of another woman having been in the bed she would soon be sharing when she was a married woman, as a maid, was shocking.
“I have already arranged for the change to be made. And I have asked that the bedding be given to one of the servants. Master William will not have to see the bedding he knew was on the bed when he last slept there.”
“On behalf of my betrothed, Mrs Kingston, I thank you for your consideration for his comfort.” Elizabeth was grateful to the lady. She knew that the days to come would be confusing and having a housekeeper so dedicated was a blessing.
“As I said, whatever you need, Miss.”
~~**~~
Lord Ashton was reading the morning papers, looking for the news of the shooting. When he found it, he was furious, banging on the breakfast table for his butler. When the elder man came into the room, his lordship shouted. “Send for Wickham. Tell him to come immediately.”
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