Within the hour, Wickham arrived and was shown to Lord Ashton’s study. It was clear that the earl was displeased.
“What do you have to say for yourself? How could you make such a mess of a simple task?”
Wickham frowned. “You asked me to eliminate the young lady who was to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. She was in the sitting room, and I must say, my childhood friend would have had his hands full. The lady was dressed in some bedding and was throwing things about the room.”
“It was not the right woman. The young lady I need to have killed is still alive.” Lord Ashton slapped the paper on the top of the desk.
“Darcy, you surprise me.” Wickham said, as he read the article about the shooting at Darcy House. “It must have been his mistress. To think he is engaged to marry, I would have thought he would refrain from bringing the mistress to his home.”
“What that man does is not important. I need to have his betrothed dead. I cannot have her recognize me. There can be no connection between me and the fire at Netherfield Park.”
Wickham finished reading the article. “Miss Bingley, she was the daughter of Fredrick Bingley. Too bad, she had a large dowry and would have been simple enough to seduce.”
“Never mind who you shot, as it was not the lady I demanded you to shoot.”
“What made you think that the young lady would be at Darcy House? Your note did not say. But I saw Darcy ride up on horseback, so he had not been home for some time.”
“He was in Hertfordshire, asking permission of the lady’s father to wed. I understood that the wedding would be quick, as Darcy obtained a special license. It was only an assumption on my part, I thought he had her waiting at the townhouse, prepared to wed as soon as he returned.”
“You were wrong. What will you do now?”
“No, Mr Wickham, what will you do now? You are the one who committed murder. It will be you to pay the price for the murder.”
Wickham was nervous. He had known the earl for quite some time, having been in the man’s employ for years. And Wickham had killed for Lord Ashton before, which was how the second son of the previous earl became the heir, making James Ashby the current Earl of Ashton. If he grew displeased with Wickham’s work, Wickham would not be pleased with the outcome. Any man who was willing to murder his own father and brother was not one to be crossed.
“What should we do now? Certainly, Darcy will be hiring guards to protect his home.”
“We need to learn when the wedding will happen. Before the wedding, we stand a better chance to accomplish our goal.” Lord Ashton stated. “From what I learned from her father, the young lady is staying at the home of her aunt and uncle, in Cheapside. Here is the family’s name. I want to know their address and information of the wedding plans.”
“I will not fail.” Wickham responded.
Picking up the glass of port from his desk, Lord Ashton took a sip. “If you value your life, you will not fail me again.”
~~**~~
Mrs Gardiner was pleased when one of her new gowns would be simple enough to alter for her niece to wear for her wedding. She had spoken privately with Lady Matlock with regards to the appointment with Madame Celeste, as she knew her niece’s tendency to not wish to be noticed for her injuries.
“Mrs Gardiner, please, I would love to have you join us. We could go to the sweet shop afterwards, for with both of my sons in the townhouse, we will require confections at the ready for them.” Lady Matlock teased.
The ladies laughed, as they returned to the rest of the party as they prepared to dine. The families had come together to dine at Matlock House, discussing all the details for Monday. Darcy had received word that his godfather would not be leaving Town, as he had originally planned, and wished to perform the ceremony. Rather than having the wedding at the Gardiner’s church, it was decided to have the ceremony performed at Matlock House, with a wedding breakfast to follow.
Vincent and Richard teased their cousin relentlessly, though they were unable to remove the smile from Darcy’s face. Lord Matlock and Mr Gardiner attempted to curb the Fitzwilliam boys, reminding them that their day would come, and that William would be able to repay their treatment. But Darcy was unaffected by his cousins.
“They are jealous, Uncle. I have found the perfect wife for me, and they have yet to find anyone who would tolerate them.” Darcy smiled as he spoke. “Nothing they can do or say will change how I feel towards my future.”
“Good for you, my boy.” Lord Matlock was excited for his nephew. The only thing that could make the event better was if his beloved sister could have been present to see her son so happy.
A few moments later, Darcy remembered that he wished to ask his uncle about Lord Ashton. “I met the Earl of Ashton yesterday. There was something familiar about the man, though I could not remember ever meeting him.”
Henry Fitzwilliam grew concerned. “Where did you see him?”
“He arrived at Longbourn while I was there. He was planning to see the neighboring estate, the one which burned. I believe he was preparing to purchase the estate.
“Gardiner, you might wish to inform your brother to be wary of Ashton. Though nothing has been proven, it is believed that the man is dangerous. Some even believe he had something to do with his father and brother being killed.”
“I will send Thomas a letter.” Gardiner acknowledged the warning.
“Why would he seem familiar to me?” Darcy asked his uncle.
“When we came to Town, after the fire at Pemberley, James Ashby, as he had not become the earl until a few years later, came to Darcy House. I happened to be at the townhouse, as your father was in a terrible state at the time. Ashby came to make an offer to Gerald to purchase Pemberley. From what I learned, he had attempted to purchase the estate prior to the fire. When he came to the townhouse, Ashby wished to renew his offer, at a reduced price of course.”
Richard frowned. “How odd that he would make an offer for Pemberley, then the fire happened. Now he is planning to purchase another estate which has burned. I wonder if he made an offer for the estate prior to the fire.”
All the men were deep in thought when the ladies returned with Mrs Kingston, who had taken them on a brief tour of the townhouse. Elizabeth stepped closer to her intended, placing her hand on his arm. “William, is something wrong?”
“Forgive me, dearest, we were just speaking of a man who arrived at Longbourn when I was there. Lord Ashton, James Ashby.”
“I have heard my father speak of him. They attended university together.”
“Have you ever met the man? Has he visited your father often?” Mr Gardiner asked his niece.
“I do not ever recall his visiting, especially since he was the son of an earl. My mother would have made a fuss over the son of an earl at Longbourn. Is there a problem?”
“He was there to inspect the estate next to your father’s. The one which burned. It appears he is planning to purchase the estate.”
“Netherfield Park? If the manor house is damaged as Papa has said, it will take a fortune to rebuild. The farms are said to be in good working order.”
“We were just discussing that the man came to my father, after the fire at Pemberley, offering to purchase the estate. He had made a previous bid and my father refused to sell the estate. We were wondering if he would have attempted to buy Netherfield, prior to the fire.”
Elizabeth gave a slight gasp. “At supper, the night before the fire, Viscount Dimpsy was speaking with his eldest son, Matthew, about someone determined to obtain the property. If memory serves me, I believe they spoke of the man who had contacted the viscount, did so on behalf of an earl. You do not believe the fire was set deliberately? Would someone be so vile as to murder an entire family, just to secure the estate for themselves?”
Darcy wrapped Elizabeth in his embrace. “As difficult as it might be to believe in such evil, it does exist in the world. It might also mean the fire at Pemberley, which took the lives of my mother and many
servants, was arson rather than an accident. It was always believed that a candle had been left unattended, which caused the fire to start. As dry as the neighborhood was that year, it would not have taken much to grow quickly. But if this is true, my mother was murdered.”
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 9
Elizabeth did not sleep well that evening. Memories from the night of the fire haunted her, bringing back the terror she had endured. She could remember the flames, the smoke, and trying to get to the window to escape. Only tonight, something else came to her. Something she had not remembered before. At the window, she remembered seeing two men standing near a tree in the park surrounding the manor house. The men were just standing there, leaning against the tree, watching the fire rage. They made no effort at rendering aid to anyone. The one man looked up at her window, locking eyes with Elizabeth. At that moment, the ceiling collapsed, trapping her under the debris.
Screams were heard throughout the house, waking Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Pulling on their robes, both hurried down the stairs to Elizabeth’s room.
“Lizzy, wake dear one. It is only a nightmare.” Helen Gardiner said, lifting her niece’s hand in her own. Elizabeth bolted up, sitting straight in the bed. Several moments passed until her eyes focused on her aunt. By then, Mr Gardiner had lit a candle.
Elizabeth began weeping. “There were two men, outside Netherfield that night. I tried to open the window, and I saw them. They were not coming to assist. It appeared that they were watching the house burn. It was just before I was injured. It was real, I am sure. With all the talk tonight, I remembered. Why would someone be so cruel and evil? They committed murder, and just watched, as if it brought them pleasure. Poor Olivia and her family. They were murdered. And I would have died as well, had the ceiling not collapsed as it did. So many people lost their lives, it was horrible.”
“Are you certain this was not just a result from the discussion earlier? Perhaps your mind created a way for you to cope with the tragedy.” Mr Gardiner attempted to sooth his niece.
“No, Uncle, I can remember the one man, as he looked at me. He was older, near Papa’s age. And there was a scar on the left side of his face. A scar, like the burn marks on my legs.”
Mr Gardiner was shocked. He had heard from others that Lord Ashton had been in an accident when he was younger, and had been marred by fire on the side of his face. “Have you ever seen the man before? Perhaps he had visited your father or the village?”
“No, I do not know him, as I have never seen him before that night. Could he have been hired to cause the fire?” Elizabeth’s voice begged for an answer different than what she feared. How could anyone believe such evil to have existed?”
“I do not know, Lizzy. There are men who would do anything for the right amount of money. I will send word to Lord Matlock in the morning. Perhaps he would be able to ask others about Lord Ashton, determine if he would have paid for someone to carry out such an action.” Mr Gardiner did not speak of his belief that it was likely James Ashby that Lizzy had seen the night of the fire.
Mrs Gardiner held her niece in her arms, patting Elizabeth on the back as she would to comfort one of her own children. What Elizabeth needed most was to be loved by a parent, and Helen Gardiner was the closest the young lady had, closer than even Mrs Bennet. “Did you write to Thomas when we arrived home?” She inquired of her husband.
“I planned to do so tomorrow, when we returned from church. There will now be more for me to inquire of my brother-in-law. Have no fear, Lizzy, you are safe.”
A knock on the door alerted them of the maid, Lucy, standing at the doorway, holding a cup of tea for Elizabeth. It was a special blend that was made with chamomile and a touch of laudanum to allow the young lady to sleep. Lucy would remain close for the remainder of the night, ever ready to assist if another nightmare were to occur.
When the Gardiners returned to their shared bedchamber, Mrs Gardiner knew something was troubling her husband. “Edwin, what is wrong?”
“The description, I did not wish to alarm Lizzy, but Lord Ashton has a burn scar on his face. I pray I am incorrect, but I suspect Elizabeth witnessed the earl at Netherfield the night of the fire. We must use caution. The man is powerful, and has the resources to hire men to do whatever he demands.”
~~**~~
Sunday morning, Darcy woke with the sun. A smile grew as he realized that the following day he would be married to Elizabeth Bennet. They had much to discuss, as they had known each other such a short amount of time. He promised himself to take things slowly, allow Elizabeth to adjust to all that will be new. One of the first challenges would be the many flights of stairs in Darcy House. Darcy knew of mines using hoists, not to mention what the French called a flying chair that King Louis the XV had installed for one of his mistresses. After the wedding, Darcy would inquire to having some sort of mechanism to aid his wife.
As the young gentleman rose from his bed, he thought of the future. How pleasant it would be to have Elizabeth at his side through all life had to offer. He would be proud to escort her to the theatre, to the opera, around Town. Proud to show off the lady who was precious to him in so many ways. After attending services at the parish, Darcy planned to make his way to the Gardiner home. There was a list to make of items Elizabeth would need purchased. Knowing Lady Matlock would see to all clothing needs, Darcy would concentrate on other items, including stationary, journals, hair combs, a brush and comb set with her initials engraved, boots and a winter items such as a woolen cape with fur trim, a muff, bonnets, and every possible ribbon his wife would ever need. And he would have his personal physician attend his Elizabeth. Though he had no doubt the physician employed by the Gardiners was reliable, but the Master of Darcy House and Pemberley would insist on the finest care for his bride. Any treatments she required would be done. A private nurse, if that was required. Yes, Darcy intended to spoil his betrothed.
As Darcy pulled on his robe, his valet entered the room. “Good morning Lukas. What a glorious day it is, is it not?”
The valet had never seen his employer so jovial. Having been with Fitzwilliam Darcy for many years, Lukas was pleased to see the gentleman so happy. “Sir, a message just arrived from Mr Gardiner.”
Concern was evident in the look Darcy wore. Taking the missive, he broke the seal and read what Gardiner had to say.
Darcy,
My niece woke in the wee hours with the worst nightmare she has had in some time. In the nightmare, she remembered seeing two men standing outside Netherfield Park, watching as the manor house burned. She was trying to open the window to escape when she saw them. Lizzy described the one man as approximately my age, and that he had a unique scar on the side of his face, much like the scars she bears on her legs.
I might be wrong, but I remember hearing that Lord Ashton had had an accident which left him with a burn scar. As you have recently seen the earl, I was hoping you could answer to the man’s appearance.
With Lizzy sleeping little last night, and we had to give her some laudanum, we will be remaining home today rather than attending church. I believe the Lord will understand our need to tend our dear girl.
Please send information if the description has any similarities to the earl. If it does, and he is aware Lizzy saw him, this could explain the incident with the man pushing her into the street to be trampled by the horses, and even the shooting of Miss Bingley, if the person mistook her for Elizabeth.
I beg of you to use caution, as we would not wish for you to be injured. A message has been sent to your uncle as well.
With gratitude from you soon to be uncle,
Edwin Gardiner
“Lukas, there is a change of plans. I will be going to Cheapside this morning. My intended needs comfort, and it is my privilege to be available for her.”
“Of course, Sir. I will prepare your blue coat then.”
“Thank you. Once I have written to my uncle, I will turn myself over to your pristine care.”
> ~~**~~
The Fitzwilliam family arrived at the home of the Gardiners, in Cheapside at approximately half past two on Sunday afternoon. They were welcomed into the sitting room, where they found their nephew sitting on the sofa, his arm draped over his betrothed’s shoulders, pulling into his body, lending her his strength.
Lord Matlock took the chair next to Darcy. “Elizabeth, we have been concerned with you since we learned of your nightmare. What can you tell me of the two men you saw? Your uncle informed us that you believe you saw two men outside the house at Netherfield, the night the fire began.”
“The one man was near the same age as my father. He appeared shorter than Papa, though larger around, and had dark hair. The fire was bright, shedding light on the two men. The older man was wearing a great coat, though no hat. But the thing that was most distinct about him was his face. The left side of his face, below his eye, was scarred as if he had been burned. It made him look quite evil.” Elizabeth drew strength from Darcy’s embrace. “The thought of the Atherton family being murdered is difficult. They were a sweet family, kind and caring. Why would anyone wish to harm them?”
“I have sent a message to the Duke of Thornton. He is familiar with Ashby and his relations. Hopefully he can shed some light on the man. It is my belief that it was James Ashby who was responsible for the fire of Netherfield Park. And, if he is responsible for the fire at Netherfield, it is a good chance that he was responsible for the similar fire at Pemberley.”
“What can be done?” Darcy inquired. He had come to the same conclusion, and it would mean that his mother was murdered.
“I am not certain. I have very little to do with Ashby, as I do not approve of the way he treats people, so I keep my distance. The man is cruel to everyone, even his peers. If he is willing to be openly harsh and rude to a duke, there is little doubt of how he treats his servants.”
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