Lord Griffin nodded his head. “if you recall, I was a friend of the previous Lord Ashton, Jonathon. He was godfather to my son. Archibald Ashby and my eldest, Frank, went to university together, and we were close to their family. The only exception was with the current Lord Ashton. James Ashby is a cold, calculating man. It is the belief of myself and my son that James Ashby was responsible for the death of his father and elder brother. We have no proof, or I would have brought charges against the man. The only potential evidence is the sort of characters who have been seen coming and going from the Ashby’s townhouse. A group of some of the most questionable characters have been in and out of the house.”
“I assume you have hired someone to investigate the Ashby family.” Darcy stated.
“Indeed. I have had a man watching the townhouse at all times, and several others examining financial and investments. The man has a thirst for acquiring estates. Currently, he owns six estates, including his fathers, and has recently purchased one in Hertfordshire. Interesting, those who have sold directly to the man, have been afraid to even mention Lord Ashton’s name, and most have fled the country, two moved their families to Ireland and two have moved to the Americas. The final one, outside his father’s, was burned. Rumor has it that Ashby had offered for the property and was refused. That was Sir Bradly Layton’s estate. In the fire which destroyed his home, Sir Bradley lost his wife and one of his daughters. The gentleman sold his family home and moved to the continent, with his remaining children. From what I understand, the new estate he is purchasing was burned as well.”
“My wife is a survivor of the fire which killed Viscount Dimpsy and his family.” Darcy informed. “Her father holds the nearest property to Viscount Dimpsy’s Netherfield Park. Mrs Darcy was visiting Netherfield, as she was friends with the viscount’s daughter.”
Lord Griffin frowned. “I did not know there was anyone, other than a few servants, who had survived the inferno. From what I have been told, the blaze was intense.”
“It was. My wife had woken during the night, and knowing there was a fire, went to the window. In her attempt to open a window in her room, Mrs Darcy looked outside. She remembers seeing two men standing near a tree, watching the fire raging. One of the men was older, with a scar on his face, as if he had been burned.”
The mention of a scar on the man’s face caught Lord Griffin’s attention. “Ashby was injured in his youth. From what my son was told by Archie Ashby, James was playing with a burning piece of wood, running about in a bedchamber of a house that had been leased for the summer at Ramsgate. Archie and his father were in Town, and only James and his mother were at the house. According to the story, James left the bedchamber, carrying the burning wood. As one of the servants moved to stop the boy from behaving in such a manner, James pulled a knife from his boot. He threatened the lives of the entire staff if they did not do as he commanded. Stepping backwards, in the attempt to distance himself from the servants, James stumbled over a stool and fell. His face landed on the wood, leaving him with a scar.”
“Were you aware that Ashby attempted to purchase Pemberley from my brother-in-law?” Lord Matlock asked. “Gerald refused the offer, which was not long before Pemberley burned, causing the death of my sister.”
“I knew of the fire, and Lady Anne’s death, though I did not know Ashby had offered for the estate. Did he make another offer, after the fire?”
“As Gerald was not able to conduct business after losing Anne, so I was dealing with the day to day business, until Fitzwilliam was old enough. Ashby did approach me with an offer, and I discussed the situation with Gerald. He was in oblivion, too far into his cups by then. So the decision was left to me to make. Seeing that my nephew still owns Pemberley, you are aware of my reply to the offer.”
“We have never been able to find a witness to any of his crimes. If the man your wife saw in Hertfordshire was Ashby, would you allow her to testify against the blackguard? I would not blame you if you refused, as Mrs Darcy’s safety is of the utmost priority.”
“I am not certain I could allow my wife to endure such. She has suffered greatly, as she nearly succumbed to her injuries from that night at Netherfield. And my uncle has not stated that there have been other attempts on my wife’s life, which resulted to the murder of another woman. The latest attempt was just yesterday, when someone shot at my wife and I while we were shopping with my aunt.”
Lord Griffin was shocked at the revelation. “News of some sort of event happening on Bond Street yesterday, but no one seemed to know exactly what had actually taken place. Please, tell me that none of you were harmed.”
“Fortunately, my wife turned suddenly, looking in a shop window. Had she taken another step, she would have been struck by the bullet.” Darcy felt his stomach clinch and bile rising in his throat. Just the thought of how close he had come to losing Elizabeth made him ill.
There was a sound of heavy footsteps and men speaking in raised voices outside Darcy’s study. The gentleman moved quickly, reaching the door just his butler reached the handle from the other side.
“What is the commotion?” Darcy demanded.
“Sir, this express rider just arrived, with a message of extreme importance for you.”
The young man was holding a letter in his hand, timid from being in such a grand house, and in front of a man who appeared to be of great wealth.
When asked, the rider replied. “I was sent by me employer. There be a robbing, and a man shot. The message from Mr Blackhill, at the inn.” He handed the message to Darcy.
Breaking the blank seal, Darcy read out loud.
Sir,
I am the owner of the inn north of Banbury. There was a robbery near two miles from the inn, and one of the men from the carriage was shot. The carriage and three women were taken by the highwayman. The driver and other men brought the injured man to the inn. We sent for a physician.
The injured man is a viscount, son of Lord Matlock. I was told he is related to you.
The rider can lead you to the inn.
Benjamin Jenkins
Lord Matlock was instantly at his nephew’s side, taking the paper from Darcy. As if he were praying for the words to be different from what Darcy had read, Lord Matlock scanned it multiple times.
The young rider held something else out. It was a stone with a paper tied to it wish string. “The driver said the robber threw this at them.”
Quickly untying the string, Darcy allowed the stone to drop to the floor as he read the missive.
Darcy
Hello old friend. It seems our paths have crossed once again, as you have been in my way of late. My employer demands your wife be dealt with, as she is causing him great pain. All of my attempts have been in vain, as you have rescued her. And now you are married to her. How sad for you.
As you must know, I have your sister. Sweet Georgiana. How pleasant it will be to come to know her better, while we wait for you to bring the new Mrs Darcy to me. I will trade you, the life of your wife for the life of your sister. It is a simple matter. The last of your family, the sister you have tended to for so many years, in trade for the woman you have only known for a brief time. You can always marry again. With your parents dead, you will never have another sister.
So, bring her to my aunt’s home near Oxford. You should remember the place, you visited there once as we were traveling to Town when we were young. You commented about how secluded the house was.
I expect you by Monday at dawn. If you are not there, you will no longer need to worry for your sweet sister. You have my promise that she will not suffer… at least not too much.
Your old friend,
G Wickham
“Dear God, Wickham. Will I never be rid of him?” Darcy gasped at the news. “He has Georgiana, and is demanding I trade him, Elizabeth for Georgiana. I cannot make such a deal, as they are both too important to me.”
“We will need to leave Elizabeth here. Rebecca could come to stay with her while we are go
ne. I will send for Richard.”
“The ladies cannot know what has happened. If they knew, both would demand they come with us. Elizabeth will not tolerate the thought of Georgiana being harmed in her stead, and Aunt Rebecca would not remain, knowing her first child was wounded and being treated by a physician.”
A voice came from behind the men. “You may make a wager on that, gentlemen.”
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 15
The men turned around, finding Rebecca Fitzwilliam standing there, her hands on her hips. “And I would guarantee that Elizabeth would say the same, when she learns of the news.”
A voice from behind Lady Matlock was heard. “Though I have not heard the discussion, I am certain Aunt Rebecca speaks for me.”
Everyone turned to see Elizabeth walking towards her husband’s study. “Now, which of you will enlighten me of what has happened?”
“My dear, it is nothing with which you need to concern yourself. You should be resting.” Darcy moved to his wife’s side, taking hold of her hand and placing in on his arm. “I will walk with you to your rooms.”
Elizabeth pulled her hand from her husband. “Now my desire to learn is greater than before. If you will not speak of the issue, I believe Aunt Rebecca will do so.”
“I will, William. You may count on my telling your wife everything I heard as I entered this room. She deserves to learn the truth, from you. Remember what I told you, at your wedding breakfast.”
Darcy sighed. Taking his wife by the hand, he led her into the room and to the sofa. Once they were seated, he began.
“Elizabeth, something has happened and I will need to leave immediately. We received word that the carriage my cousin and Georgiana were in was overtaken, leaving Vincent wounded and the carriage, with my sister, her governess, and her maid, were taken.”
“No, this cannot be. Why would you keep this news from me? Of course, we must leave immediately.”
“Please, dearest, I cannot have you anywhere near the danger.”
“What danger is there to me? We must see to the viscount and your sister. I am well, there is no need to fret over what happened during our shopping excursion.” Elizabeth was confused.
A shake of his head replied her. “Elizabeth, the man who has committed the crimes against my family was hired to do so, as he is the man who has made attempts on your life.”
Her eyes were large and round, as the news was understood. “Your sister and her staff are being held, in exchange for me? The man wishes you to trade me for Georgiana?”
“Yes. But I will not trade your life. I will find a way to retrieve Georgiana and the other ladies.”
“But William, he has already proved he will kill. He is responsible for Miss Bingley being shot. Why would this man be hired to kill me?”
At the sound of Lord Griffin’s voice, everyone turned their attention to the man who had been momentarily forgotten.
“Mrs Darcy, forgive me for speaking without introduction, but I believe you witnessed a murderer on the grounds of the estate near your home. From what your husband and uncle have told me, the man you saw the night of the fire, is a powerful man.”
“Lord Griffin, it is I who should beg forgiveness. I admit that I momentarily forgot you were here.” Darcy stood, assisting his wife to her feet. “Lord Griffin, this is my wife, Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet. Elizabeth, this is Lord Griffin of Scottingsdale estate, in Essex.”
Elizabeth bowed to the man before she spoke. “Who was the man responsible for the deaths of my friend and her family?”
“First, let me ask, would you describe the man to me?”
After a moment, she began. “He was near my father’s age. And he appeared rather portly. Though he wore a hat, I could see his hair was fair. His eyes were cold, as he stood there, watching the house burn. It was as if he was enjoying the sight. On the left side of his face, there was a scar. As I told my husband, it appeared to be a scar from a burn.”
“Can you describe the scar?”
“It was long and narrow, from the outer corner of his eye, to the corner of his mouth. Do you know of the man I am describing?”
Lord Griffin nodded his head. “He is an earl, and someone I have been investigating for some time now. The man is ruthless. And he will do anything he can to see you unable to testify against him.”
“Who is this man? Why would he murder Viscount Dimpsy and his family?” Elizabeth’s eyes were welling with tears.
“He is Lord Ashton, James Ashby. As to why he has committed murder, there is no true reason, other his unquenchable thirst for land. From what it appears, the man believes he should own any estate he desires, even if he must kill or threaten anyone who gets in his way, including his father and brother.”
A gasp was heard from Elizabeth and Lady Matlock. Lord Matlock had his arm supporting his wife, around her waist, as she was not as stable as she appeared.
“William, you cannot allow this man to harm your sister. Please, you must allow me to take Georgiana’s place. If anything were to happen to her, I would never forgive myself.” Elizabeth’s courage was rising in the face of intimidation from the man who wished her dead.
“Do not ask me to give you up. I cannot, will not lose you.” Darcy pleaded with his wife. “We will find a way to recover Georgiana and the other ladies. Please, you must remain here.”
“If you leave without me, I will find a way to follow you. I make you that promise. The only way you can keep me here is to lock me away.”
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, you and your uncle will not be leaving London without your wife and myself. Do not argue, for you shall not win.” Lady Matlock stated, as her courage also rose. “We are not delicate petals that will be blown away from a slight breeze. Lizzy and I are of strong stock.”
Lord Matlock nodded his head. “William, we will all go. Let us move past the disagreement and place our attention towards recovering the ladies and seeing to my son’s return to good health.”
Lord Griffin added his opinion. “While you are away, I will have men watch over Lord Ashton. He has kept hidden away over the past month, and now I know why. The man feared meeting Mrs Darcy, knowing she could identify him being at the scene of a murder. If there is anything you require, please, send word immediately. I will inform my staff to be on alert. Now, I will take my leave. Best wishes for a successful mission. May all of you return to Town unharmed.”
Taking the man’s hand, giving him a firm handshake, Lord Matlock expressed his appreciation to the man.
“As my uncle has expressed, your support is greatly appreciated. And I pray you are correct, and that we all return unharmed from this journey.” Darcy added.
Once Lord Griffin had left, Henry Fitzwilliam moved to his nephew’s desk, while Darcy moved to the hallway, where his butler and the express rider were waiting.
“Davies, see that this young man has been fed and ready to leave within two hours. We will require the carriage, along with as many able-bodied men we can muster.”
“Of course, Sir.”
Lord Matlock moved towards his nephew. “Can you see that this message is sent to Colonel Fitzwilliam? He was to speak with his commanding officer today, and can be found at headquarters for the regulars.”
The butler nodded his head, As the men prepared their plans for the journey, the ladies saw to the packing.
Richard Fitzwilliam entered his cousin’s study. “What has happened? I leave to speak to the general and am suddenly required to return.”
Lord Matlock appeared to have aged in the few hours since his youngest son had last seen him. “Son, we received word that your brother has been injured and Georgiana has been abducted.”
“What the bloody hell happened?” The younger man’s voice nearly bellowed.
“An express arrived from the inn where your brother is being treated for his wound. The culprit shot him, before taking the carriage, containing Georgiana, her governess, and her maid.”
“And Vinc
ent, he will live?”
“We do not know the severity. We can only pray he will.”
“Why would the villain take Georgiana? Is he planning to ransom her for money?”
Darcy shook his head. “If only that was the blackguards motive. The man now holding my sister is none other than George Wickham. And he took Georgiana and her servants to force an exchange. Wickham is the man who has made attempts on Elizabeth’s life. He was hired to do so, and we believe the man who hired him was Lord Ashton. In Wickham’s note, which he left with your brother and the carriage men, demands I bring Elizabeth to him, in exchange for Georgie.”
“GOOD GOD…” Richard exclaimed.
Lord Matlock nodded his head. “I know, son. We are preparing to make our way to the inn, and then Darcy and his men will continue to the location where Wickham plans to make the exchange.”
“I can request additional men from the general. There are a few men from my unit who are the best I have ever seen at reconnaissance.”
Lord Matlock nodded his head. “We will be leaving here shortly, so I would suggest it be done quickly. We will be taking a wagon with us, besides two carriages. Your mother and Elizabeth are seeing to the packing. We have no notion as to how long we will be gone.”
“Allow me a moment to write to the general.” As the colonel moved behind his cousin’s desk, Darcy moved to the hall to summon a footman to deliver the message for Richard.
When the message was ready, and the footman dispatched, Richard made an inquiry as to Elizabeth’s reaction to the news.
“My wife is adamant that she goes with us, as she refuses to allow any harm to Georgiana and the other women due to her. Lord Griffin spoke to my wife, asking her questions as to the man she remembered seeing at Netherfield. Her description of the culprit is spot on with that of Lord Ashton. And if Lord Griffin is correct in his beliefs, it is not the first time that James Ashby has been involved in killing. His lordship was close to the previous Earl of Ashton, and their eldest sons were friends. Lord Griffin believes Ashby to be responsible in the deaths of his father and brother. There have been other estates that have been acquired by Ashby, by intimidation, threat, or by burning the manor house, killing those inside.”
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