Rebuilding Pemberley

by Melanie Schertz

  Darcy stated he needed to speak with his wife before they went. As he stood, his cousin held out a halting hand. “William, it would be best if you were to remain here. Let the men and myself investigate. We may be able to surprise Wickham, and retrieve the ladies without ever placing you and Elizabeth in danger.”

  “I should go with you. Georgiana…”

  “I will see to Georgiana. She is just as much my responsibility as yours, as your father left her in the care of both of us. Have no fear, William. I would give my life for hers. Now, go upstairs. Mrs Jenkins will bring provisions for all of you to dine.”

  Thought he did not like the idea of being left behind, Darcy finally capitulated. “Thank you, Richard. I pray you are successful.”

  ~~**~~

  The sun was nearly spent when Darcy heard a commotion coming from the first floor of the inn. He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Hearing Richard’s voice, Darcy nearly flew down the stairs. Elizabeth made to follow him, though at a far slower pace. She knocked on the door of Vincent’s room, knowing his parents were with him.

  When Rogers opened the door, Elizabeth explained that something was happening downstairs.

  As the new Mrs Darcy slowly made her way down the stairs, she caught sight of young lady with blond hair, running into her husband’s arms. This must be Georgiana. The poor girl, she appears to have suffered much at the hands of the unscrupulous man. How can she ever forgive me? I am to blame for her being treated so horribly. Dear God, how am I to ever face her?

  Elizabeth turned to make her way back to her room, just as she heard her name spoken. Looking at her husband, she could see the tears in his eyes, as he held his sister close to him.

  “Lizzy, dearest, they have been rescued.” Darcy led his sister the staircase. “This is not how I had planned on introducing the two of you, but at this moment, it matters not. Elizabeth, this is my sister…our sister, Georgiana. Georgie, this is my wife, Lizzy.”

  Georgiana looked nervous, though Elizabeth thought her new sister was angry at her, from being abducted. Finally, the younger girl spoke. “I…I…hope you can forgive me. I know I must look a fright.”

  “Forgive you? Dear girl, it is I who should be asking forgiveness. How can you ever think of me without blaming me for what has happened to you? I am the reason for this dreadful event.”

  “Oh, no, Mrs Darcy, it was Mr Wickham who was responsible.” Georgiana moved closer to her sister. “I…am so pleased my br…brother has married. You make him happy, as my cousin told me of William’s expression on your wedding day. It is my wish that you and I can be friends.” The girl’s eyes looked down.

  “Miss Darcy, I wish for you to refer to me as either Elizabeth or Lizzy. And I pray we can be the best of friends.”

  Tears were beginning to stream down the dirt streaked cheeks of the girl, before she suddenly threw herself into Elizabeth’s arms. “Oh, Lizzy, I have prayed for a sister to love. Someone who would love William and I, and making us a family.”

  Elizabeth’s arms wrapped around the younger girl, holding tightly in her embrace. Darcy watched in silence, grateful for the blessings he had been given. Lord and Lady Matlock soon joined them, and the ladies took Georgiana, Mrs Annesley and Georgiana’s maid, Sally, upstairs, calling for baths to be drawn.

  While the ladies were being assisted, Lord Matlock and Darcy joined Richard and the men in the private dining room.

  “Where is Wickham, did he flee?” Darcy asked.

  “No, Wickham is dead. We found him in the condition. According to the ladies, he had been drinking heavily. He had pulled his knife, talking about what he should do to Georgiana, to make your suffering greater, and began walking towards them. Fortunately for them, and not for Wickham, his foot broke through a rotten floorboard. That caused him to fall forward, landing on top of his knife. The blackguard has been dead since this morning. It is fortunate you remembered the shack, as it was pretty secluded.”

  “I am pleased that I had been there that one time. What did you do with Wickham’s body?”

  “Left it there until tomorrow. The men will return and bury him near his aunt’s home, next to where the aunt was buried. The irony of the situation is that Wickham appears to have been jealous of all you had, yet he did not realize his uncle did have a treasure in the shack. The board which broke and led to his demise, when we removed his foot from the hole, we discovered gold and gemstones. I would put the value of it to be more than ten thousand pounds.”

  Darcy shook his head. “What a waste of life. The legacy my father left him would have left many quite comfortable. He could have restored the house his aunt left him, and been able to support himself. If he had torn down the shack, and discovered the treasure, Wickham could have built a new house, better than what he had been left. The man was never satisfied, and could not curtail his spendthrift ways.”

  “What do you want to do with the items we recovered?” Richard inquired.

  Lord Matlock glanced to his nephew. With a slight nod, the two men agreed. “Gentlemen, as we cannot express our gratitude for what you have done for our family, I believe the booty should be split amongst the eight of you, Mrs Annesley and my niece’s maid. That would afford you, if my son is correct, somewhere near a thousand pounds each. If you wish, we can take the items to a reputable jeweler in Town, and pay you each your share after we have an accurate worth.”

  The men were surprised. All agreed that a share of the goods would be more than acceptable. Duncan was most pleased, as he informed his commanding officer that he had been planning to leave the military. He had been courting a young lady, and they had decided to wed. Her father owned a milliner shop in Cheapside, and his health was poor. Duncan had planned to assist the man with his business. His share of the treasure would make his plan possible.

  Darcy, Lord Matlock, and Richard made their way upstairs. They learned that Georgiana was being assisted in bathing by Mrs Jenkins. Sally had stated it was her position to tend to her employer, but none of the other women would hear of the maid seeing to Georgiana. Sally and Mrs Annesley were shown to a guest room down the hall from Georgiana, where the two ladies refreshed themselves, after Rogers brought hot water up for them. Sally was still somewhat shaken by the entire event, and Elizabeth requested a bit of wine to calm the maid’s nerves.

  With the family upstairs, the men who had come to aid them gathered around the private dining room table. Foster shook his head. “I have never met such decent and appreciative members of society. They have been downright generous in all they have done. Good food, a comfortable place to lay our heads, and now they give us each a piece of a fortune. There is nothing but good about these people.”

  Rogers, who had finished hauling water, was enjoying the meal sitting before him, replied. “Indeed, the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families have always been the best of employers. I took over as driver when me pa was too old to continue. Mr Darcy gifted Pa and Ma a cottage with a small garden as a reward for all the years of loyal service to the family. They send them regular baskets of food and see to their needs. There can never be enough good said about their families. The viscount, he be just as good as the colonel and Mr Darcy. The same with the earl and countess. Never a cruel or harsh word, always benevolence and generosity.”

  “I remember when we were in France. The colonel, he saw a lady who was fleeing Boney’s men with her lil ones. She was near done in, and they had noffin to eat. Colonel Fitzwilliam took the food from his plate, giving it to the lady, then went to Cookie for fixings for the chillens.” Duncan related the tale. “After that, my respect for the man was immeasurable.”

  “Here be to the Darcys and Fitzwilliams. May they live long and happy lives.” Foster said, raising his cup. The other men lifted their cups, agreeing with the well wishes for the people who were on the upper floor of the inn.

  ~~**~~

  Monday morning, the express arrived from Mr Gardiner. He had enclosed the letter from Lord Griffin. Darcy did not
know whether to be appalled or pleased with the news. On one hand, the despicable man had all but admitted to his role in the deaths of many others. How anyone could be so heartless, he could not understand. But the fact that the man had allowed his drink to loosen his tongue, making Ashby feel confident in his superiority and ability to get what he wanted, would make it simpler to deal with the vile man. With Elizabeth’s first-hand knowledge of Ashby being at Netherfield on the night of the fire, the magistrate should have no difficulty in bringing the matter to trial. Though Darcy did not wish to see his wife having to testify, he would be at her side, supporting her through everything. His wife was brave, having survived all that she had, between the fire, her injuries, the attempts against her life. Many ladies would have collapsed from the load, but not his Elizabeth. She was strong, brave, kind, and caring. He would do anything she required. They had both been scarred on the outside, yet their hearts remained unharmed. Darcy knew their futures would be brighter, after they dealt with Lord Ashton. James Ashby needed to be stopped. On behalf of Lady Anne, the staff and servants of Pemberley, the Atherton family and their servants at Netherfield, and all others who had suffered at the hands of James Ashby, Darcy would see the man pay for his crimes.

  ~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~

  Chapter 18

  By Monday evening, Mr and Mrs Darcy, along with Georgiana, their staff and servants, arrived home to Darcy House, while the Fitzwilliam family made their way to Matlock House. The carriage which had been used in the abduction had been located, and was used to transport the men. Darcy had insisted the men travel in style, rather on horseback or on the wagon. They felt it was grand gesture, as none of them, except for Rogers and the postilions, had ever ridden in such a fine carriage. Rogers and his men insisted in taking their normal positions on the top of the carriage, as the driver was determined everything be returned to normal, starting with the reins of the horses be held in his strong hands.

  As soon as they arrived, Darcy escorted his ladies up the stairs, and depositing them at their respective apartments. He then made his way to his study, pulled out a sheet of parchment and penned a note to Lord Griffin, and another one to Mr Gardiner. Darcy requested the men come to Darcy House the following day, to discuss how they would handle the matter of Lord Ashton. Once the notes were written, sanded, and sealed, a footman was sent to deliver them.

  Trays were sent to the sitting room connecting the Master and Mistress suites. Georgiana joined Darcy and Elizabeth, as she did not wish to be far from her brother and new sister. For such a tender age, the girl had suffered dearly in the past week, and it would take time for her to mend the emotional wounds she received.

  As the meal was ending, and Georgiana had grown sleepy, there was a knock on the door of the sitting room. “Enter.” Darcy called.

  The butler stepped into the room, holding out a message. Darcy thanked the man, taking the note from the salver that was held out to him.

  Breaking the seal, Darcy began to read.

  Mr Darcy,

  I was pleased to receive your letter, and to learn of your sister’s safe recovery. What a true blessing. And the worthless scourge will never cause another problem is wonderful.

  While you were away, I spoke with Joseph Wilson, Duke of Eddington. He was privy to the behavior of Ashby at White’s and knows my beliefs of the man’s behavior. I enlightened him on the suspicions we have with regards to your home in Derbyshire and the estate where your wife was injured. The duke wishes to be a part of the discussion we have with Ashby, and as a magistrate, he would be able to take steps for the blackguard to face a trial.

  If you are able, we would like to move ahead with the matter. We fear that Ashby might leave for one of his estates, especially if he believes he is in danger. Would you be willing to join us at the Duke’s townhouse tomorrow, say at one? The plan is to send a request to Ashby to arrive at three, as the duke would like to speak with him about a piece of property. As the man has a thirst for purchasing estates, it is our belief that Ashby will be unable to refuse the invitation. Having all of us meet before his arrival with allow us to discuss how we approach the situation and be prepared.

  I will also send word to Lord Matlock and Mr Gardiner, asking them to join us. Please send word with my footman, so we can move it along. The sooner Ashby is in custody, the safer we will all be.

  Griffin

  Elizabeth was becoming overwhelmed with all that was happening quickly. “Though it pleases me to know that we have the support of so many people, I dread seeing that man again. What if I am wrong? What if he is not the man I saw that night?”

  “My dearest love, we will know for certain tomorrow. Allow me to send word to his lordship, then we will retire to our bed. I need to hold you, love you, and make you mine once again. You are my heart, Elizabeth Darcy, and I will forever be grateful for your entering my life. I pray that tomorrow will prove to be the day you will no longer live in fear from attempts that have been made to end your life.”

  ~~**~~

  Lord Ashton, James Ashby, used the knocker on the door of the Duke of Eddington. He had been intrigued to receive the message from the gentleman, especially if there was a possibility of obtaining more property. The duke had many assets, not only in England, but all over the world. Ashby had played with the notion of purchasing land in other countries, yet had not settled on such a plan. But if the duke were to suggest one of his foreign estates, Ashby would consider the offer.

  The butler answered the door, and stepped aside to allow his lordship to enter. After taking the man’s great coat and hat, the elderly man escorted Ashby to his master, who was located on the second floor, in the library. He announced the earl, and, once the younger man was inside the room, the butler pulled the door closed and locked it, as he had been instructed.

  Ashby frowned when he heard the door being locked. “Forgive me, your grace, but why would your butler lock the door?”

  “As this is a private matter, Ashby. And it is a serious matter, which we need to investigate in its entirety.”

  “Your message stated you wished to speak of a property. Have I been deceived on the purpose of this meeting?”

  “No, I have called you here to speak of a property, as there is a recent purchase you have made that has brought facts to light. Facts which brings forth charges of arson, threats, and murder.”

  “I know nothing of what you are speaking. Now, have your man unlock the door immediately, as I am leaving.”

  “You will not be leaving this room until we have finished this investigation.” Eddington answered. “Griffin, would you step forward?”

  Seeing a man who had verbally denounced him, Ashby scoffed. “Griffin… you have made no it clear that you do not approve of me. As my father’s friend, I would have thought you would show at least a little bit of kindness. Instead, you taint the memory of my father and brother with unfounded accusations.”

  “I wish you had been worthy of being your father’s heir, rather than having taken his title from him and your elder brother. Both were the best of men. I have often wondered what had happened when you were a child that caused you to become such an evil man. Your father was my closest friend, and I am certain he would be turning over in his grave if he were able to see what you have done.” Lord Griffin stated.

  “If you had any proof, you would have already pressed charges against me. So, I insist on leaving here, as you have nothing to prove your accusations.”

  “We might not have proof against you for the deaths of your father and brother, but we have other charges to discuss at the moment.” Eddington stated, in a tone which lacked signs of the emotions of which he was keeping tightly reined inside.

  “You have no evidence, for I have committed no crimes.” The younger earl stated, a bit of bravado showing in his demeanor. That look quickly changed when he witnessed the people who stepped forward from the rows of books. Especially when he saw the young lady who was standing among the men.

  As Ashby m
ade efforts to calm himself, he looked away from the group and turned back to the duke. “And am I to quake at the sight of these people? I only know Lord Matlock and his nephew, though I have never spoken with the younger man. There is no reason for them to be here, unless they have been paid by Lord Griffin to give false statements for him.”

  “I find your accusation to be offensive, Ashby.” Lord Matlock nearly growled as he spoke. Due to this man, his family had lost and nearly lost several members. Not only had there been the attempts against Elizabeth’s life, but this man was responsible for his dear sister’s death in the fire of Pemberley. Under his orders, Wickham had shot Lord Matlock’s son and kidnapped his niece. So many dead at the hands of this man and his employee.

  “As do I.” Darcy stated.

  Elizabeth had kept her eyes locked on the face of the man she had seen in her nightmares. The man who stood outside the manor house of Netherfield Park, and watched as the building burn. Watching as people she knew and cared for were dying in their bedchambers. Watching as the fire ripped through the estate, nearly taking the entire neighborhood. Watching as her world changed, when the ceiling collapsed and trapped her under burning debris.

  Feeling his wife’s hand tighten around his arm, Darcy believed that Elizabeth was frightened. Yet, when he looked in her eyes, he could the barely contained anger that came from recognizing the man who had brought her such pain.

  Ashby continued to look away from Elizabeth, not wishing to look her in the eye. “This is ridiculous. As a member of the peerage, I demand you unlock the door and allow me to leave this house. If you do so, I will not pursue any complaints of your behavior.”

  Eddington leaned forward, placing his hands on top of the desk he was seated behind. “Actually, I spoke with Prinny yesterday, after not only overhearing the conversation you had at White’s, but after learning from Griffin of your behavior. I have full support of the crown to proceed with charges if they are appropriate.”