by Brenda Webb
Obviously beside himself with fear, Mr. Bennet loudly interrupted the butler as he hobbled towards William, demanding to know what he had done with Elizabeth.
Landingham and Richard both stepped in his path, causing him to halt and eye them contemptuously. However, unwilling to have anyone fight his battles, William placed a hand on each of their shoulders. When they glanced back at him, he jerked his head to the side in a manner that suggested that they stand down. They complied, and he stepped forward to face his love’s father.
“God knows that I wish I HAD Miss Elizabeth, sir, but I do not.” He reached into his coat and pulled out the ransom note. “This arrived just before you did.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes flicked between William and the others before he took it and began to read. Suddenly overcome, his legs gave way and his knee twisted. He cried out in pain as he went down. William reached for his arms to support him as Bingley pushed a chair underneath him. As they settled him in the chair, he buried his face in his hands with a sob.
“Oh my Lizzy, what have they done?!”
Everyone exchanged worried glances as William shouted for Barnes to send for Mr. Gladstone, the local physician. Shaking his head in disagreement, Mr. Bennet chided the young man he held responsible.
“I need no physician. I need only to recover my daughter!”
Nonetheless, the look William gave Mr. Barnes let the butler know that he should proceed, and he hurried to do just that.
With great exasperation, Elizabeth’s father continued. “This man… this George—”
“Wickham,” Richard volunteered.
“This Wickham took my Lizzy in order to provoke you, Mr. Darcy. What befell my daughter is your fault!”
Landingham, Richard and Lord Matlock tried to defend William all at once, but the Earl prevailed.
“It is not Darcy’s fault that the blackguard took your daughter!” Lord Matlock challenged. “She garnered his wrath at Ramsgate when she interfered with his attempt to kidnap my niece!”
“Please, Uncle!” William pleaded. “I appreciate your support, but Miss Elizabeth is not to blame for any of this!”
Mr. Bennet glared at Matlock now as he taunted him with the truth. “I realise that my Lizzy courageously risked her life to save YOUR niece, who is Mr. Darcy’s sister, but let us be honest with one another. How likely a target was my Lizzy before she met your nephew? She has no fortune nor connections.”
Honouring William’s plea, no one replied. So Mr. Bennet turned to the one he had come to confront.
“Is it not obvious? This man found out that you are in love with my daughter. That is why she was his target and why he sent the ransom demand to you. Am I correct?”
Ashamed, William nodded. Mr. Bennet’s head dropped despondently with his acquiescence. His voice barely discernible, he added, “I knew my circumstances were too modest to be an inducement. I was not even notified that she had been taken.”
William tried to sound confident. “No matter the reason Miss Elizabeth was taken, you must believe that George Wickham shall not prevail. We have already figured out where he is taking her and have devised a plan to get her back unharmed. We are to leave at nightfall and, God willing, she shall be back in London in two days.”
The older gentleman raised his head to glare defiantly. “Tell me everything you have planned, but be advised. I shall hold you personally responsible if any harm comes to my child.”
“I understand completely. Now this is what we know…”
~~~*~~~
Later
After everything had been explained, it took some time to convince Mr. Bennet that he should not accompany them to Stillwater. Only fervent guarantees that he would be notified the minute Elizabeth was safe and the fact that his knee had buckled again and would hinder his ability to help caused him to concede. It was unquestionably for the best, as it took several footmen to carry the man to his waiting carriage as he departed. Mr. Gladstone came up the front steps just as Mr. Bennet was being carried down and, at William’s request, accompanied the party to the Gardiner’s to examine the patient there. Bingley stayed behind, insistent on helping to rescue Elizabeth, so several footmen accompanied the Master of Longbourn to Gracechurch Street in order to help him up the stairs and into bed.
Now all that was lacking was to put their plan for rescuing Elizabeth into action and to try to catch a few minutes sleep, since they would be up all night and most of tomorrow. Richard, his father and Charles left immediately to make arrangements for themselves and their men. However, Landingham stayed behind.
“Fitzwilliam, I wish to thank you for allowing me to accompany you. Not being there—standing with you—against whatever evil you will face would have troubled me exceedingly.”
Seeing the love in his godfather’s expression, William reached out and Landingham responded by pulling his godson into a hug. Tears shined in both men’s eyes.
“I am so sorry,” William offered sincerely. “I should have told you sooner that your revelation about Georgiana’s paternity has not changed my opinion of you. In hindsight, you have always been a strong influence in my life as well as Georgiana’s, and you evidently loved my mother very much. And once I considered what I would have done, had it been Elizabeth—”
Landingham interrupted, “There is no need to explain, Son.”
Earlier, William had requested Barnes send for the livery manager, Mr. Fairfax, who happened to knock on the door at just that moment. They stepped apart and as they shook hands, Landingham proclaimed, “I had best get started. Night shall come soon enough.”
He opened the door to allow Fairfax access and quickly strode past him and towards the front door. Fairfax entered and William began giving orders concerning the horses and coaches, as well as what marksmen he wished to accompany them. Shortly afterward, the servant left the room to do his duty, and William rose from his chair and stretched. Then, intent on finding Hobbs to inform him of what clothes he needed for the trip, he went towards the grand staircase.
Though exhausted from all that had happened, he did not plan on resting. No doubt sleep would elude him if he lay down. Rest would not come until Elizabeth was safe in his arms again. With these thoughts on his mind, he was looking down at the floor and almost collided with his aunt who had just descended the stairs.
“Fitzwilliam, what in the world has happened? As I stood at the top of the stairs, I saw Marshall practically run out the front door without a hat! With his injury, he should not be running, and I know that he often forgets his hat entirely when he is upset. And you are so preoccupied that you almost ran into me. What has caused you both to be so troubled?”
William could not but smile slightly at how well his aunt knew his godfather. Taking her arm, he gently steered her in the direction of his study.
“Much has happened this morning, Aunt, and there is a great deal to impart. You had better sit down before I begin.”
~~~*~~~
Gardiner’s Residence
A bedroom
“Tell me where she is! Has she run off with that dreadful Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet wailed. “It is just like her to defy us! Headstrong girl! Lizzy shall be the ruin of us all, mark my words.”
Mr. Bennet, now lying in bed, his knee throbbing with every beat of his heart, sighed. At least she waited until the physician departed!
Then rising carefully on his elbows in order to address his wife, who stood at the end of the bed, he summoned all his strength, replying through clenched teeth, “I am only going to say this once, Fanny, do not ask me again about Elizabeth. All I will tell you is that everything should be settled by tomorrow evening. Now, go downstairs and send Jane to me.”
“Humph!” she retorted loudly as she stomped from the room. “I am not surprised at all. You have always placed more confidence in your eldest daughters than in me.”
As she disappeared down the hall, he mumbled, “If so, it is because they have good sense, whereas you do not.”
; Presently Jane entered the room, and he could see the fear in her eyes as she came around the end of the bed. It was the same expression she had worn that morning when she had awakened him to say that Lizzy was not in the house, and the footman reported that he had not escorted her anywhere.
As she took a seat on the side of the bed, he reached out to push a stray curl behind her ear and then ran his fingers down her cheek before patting it in a fatherly expression of love. In doing so, he encountered the tears that silently covered her cheek.
“Jane dear, please try to be brave.” She closed her eyes, took a deep shuddering breath and nodded as she released it.
“Now, before I say anything, I am to relay a message to you from your fiancé.” Jane’s eyes opened and she studied her father. “Mr. Bingley allows that he must handle some business before he calls on you again. He expects to be back by tomorrow night or the next day at the latest. He will see you at his first opportunity.”
Her head bobbed up and down obediently, and his heart ached at her hopeful expression.
“I understand that you suffer the most from Lizzy’s disappearance, so I want you to know what has happened. I do not want you to discuss it with your mother, aunt or uncle. I will not suffer listening to their opinions as to what happened, or may happen, before your sister returns. I hold them responsible for Lizzy’s being in Ramsgate, which brought her to the attention of the man who has taken her. ”
Jane’s eyes grew wide. “Taken Lizzy? Oh, Papa, tell me what has happened.”
All the while he explained what had occurred, tears streamed down Jane’s face. And when he had finished, he held his breath, fearful that she might collapse. However, her strength surprised him.
Brushing the tears from her face with the backs of her hands, she seemed to gather her composure as she ventured, “I… I assume that Lizzy is the business that Charles refers to?”
“Yes. If not for this bad knee—”
Now it was Jane’s turn to offer comfort. She brushed the hair off of her father’s forehead. “You are being unselfish by waiting here. In your present condition, you might only hinder the efforts to save Lizzy.”
He stared at the ceiling then, as though to find the answers there. “My mind agrees with you, but my heart will not forgive me for not going. It is so hard to wait here. Lizzy is my child. I should be the one to rescue her.”
“But with your injury, you are not able. She will understand. And, from what Lizzy has told me, Mr. Darcy is an honourable man, and I am convinced that he truly loves her. I am certain that he and Charles will take every measure to bring her back safely.”
“Lizzy’s letters to you must have been more informative about Mr. Darcy than those she sent to me.”
Jane smiled wanly. “You know that sisters share everything, especially thoughts of a romantic nature.”
“I suppose that by now I should know the habits of young ladies.” He tried to tease, but his playfulness quickly faded. “Let us hope that Lizzy’s opinion of Mr. Darcy is closer to his character than the one I formed today. That gentleman joins the ranks of those I hold responsible for her being taken.”
“How so?”
“It is obvious that this Wickham fellow pursued my Lizzy because of Darcy’s wealth.”
“Please do not reprimand Mr. Darcy. I believe from what Charles has said that he loves her dearly. Surely this is difficult for him, too.”
“As it should be. He brought her into this circle of greed. I shall deal with him as soon as Lizzy is back under my protection. I know that she fancies herself in love with him, but I am not wholly convinced that he is worthy of her devotion.”
It was evident that it would do no good to keep pressing her sister’s case while her father was so upset, so she quieted on the subject. Standing to leave, she patted his hand. “I have faith that Lizzy shall be returned unharmed.”
“I hope your faith is rewarded.”
“I shall let you rest and retire to my room. There, I can be alone to pray.”
“I doubt I shall rest, but it will be nice to have some silence. I shall attempt to address the Lord myself, as it is the only thing I am good for at present.”
“Take heart, for I am fully persuaded that prayer is what shall ultimately save Lizzy and all those risking their lives to return her.”
“Thank you for reminding me of that.”
She leaned down to place a kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight, Papa.”
“Goodnight, child. Hopefully tomorrow shall bring us good news.”
~~~*~~~
Darcy House
Nearly Dark
A few minutes before sunset, Darcy House was full of men dressed in riding clothes and boots, ready for the mission to come. A table in the foyer held an array of pistols, rifles, ammunition, daggers and swords that were being inspected by the marksmen chosen to accompany their masters to Stillwater. Suddenly, amongst the din of conversation, William walked up the grand staircase and turned on the fourth step to address the gathering. His proclamation, which succeeded in quieting everyone, would soon empty the house of all but his kin and closes friend—those riding with him.
“Those of you assigned to occupy the later coaches please gather your bags, take the weapons you have chosen, additional ammunition and follow Mr. Fairfax to his apartment at the stables where food and drink awaits. Your journey will, of necessity, begin an hour later, and you will arrive at Lord Percival’s estate behind us.”
William tried to jest though it was obvious that he found little humour in the situation. “Do not worry. We shall not start without you!”
Nervous laughter spread among those assembled.
“Now, it is time for some of us to depart. The sooner we get to Stillwater, the sooner we shall return. May God grant our petitions and bring all of us home safely.”
Amidst murmurings of agreement, all of the servants departed to occupy Mr. Fairfax’s apartments until it was time for them to leave. As the noise level in the house receded, Richard, Colonel Neilson, Sergeants Pugh and Robeson, Lord Matlock, Lord Landingham, Bingley and Mr. Gladstone, the physician, moved into William’s study where glasses of brandy were being poured. At William’s request, Gladstone had agreed to go along with them in case there were injuries. Though only five and forty, he had treated the Darcys for twenty years and told Fitzwilliam he was pleased to be of assistance, as the family had always been very generous with him.
After every glass was filled, William held his up, declaring, “We shall assemble with the others at Percival’s estate and plan our assault on Stillwater there. I believe we have adequate men to do what is necessary and, with God’s help, justice will prevail.”
“Hear, hear,” rang out as each man downed the amber liquor before slamming his glass down on the desk.
“Does anyone have a question before we depart?” Silence reigned. “Then, we shall be off. Please follow me.” Without another word, they left William’s study and filed down the hall that led to the back door.
William had already said his farewells to his aunt earlier and had her escort Georgiana to the milliner, with plans to call on a neighbour on the way home. The scheme would keep his sister away while the men gathered, and she would be unaware of what was happening. He had no intention of informing her. However, unbeknownst to him, one of the horses threw a shoe as they left the milliner, and she and Audrey returned sooner than had been expected.
Audrey Ashcroft looked about suspiciously as she and Georgiana gave their bonnets, gloves and shawls to Mr. Barnes. Immediately, she noticed Georgiana eyeing the table that had not been in the foyer before, the one that had held the guns and ammunition.
“Mr. Barnes, is that the table that my nephew wanted moved to the back parlour?”
With a slight nod at Lady Ashcroft, he replied, “Yes, madam, it is. Lyles and Colby are making room for it now and shall return shortly for it.”
“Good.” She turned to her niece. “Georgiana go to your room and dress for dinner.
I have something to do, but I shall look in on you once I have changed.”
Georgiana gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for helping me to find the perfect materials for my new bonnet.” Then, she went up the stairs rapidly without awaiting a reply.
Watching her go, Audrey smiled. Then her countenance grew sombre at the thought of what her nephews, brother and the others were about to face. Looking over her shoulder, she found Barnes waiting patiently.
“Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock, Lord Landingham and a few other gentlemen are in the study, milady. You almost caught them in the foyer when you returned.”
Her brows furrowed. “Lord Landingham? Did you say Lord Landingham was with my nephew?”
“He is, madam.”
Her heart sank. Fitzwilliam had not mentioned that Marshall was going to be one of the men going after Wickham. In fact, before he left Darcy House, he was still suffering from occasional headaches and spells of dizziness, so she never considered he might try to insinuate himself in this conflict. He was not well!
Instantly, she decided to speak to him.
~~~*~~~
Landingham was the last to leave the study, and as he followed the others down the hallway, a hand reached out to grab his arm as he passed the billiards room. Pulling him inside the dark room, Audrey threw her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Instinctively, Marshall embraced her, closing his eyes to savour the sensation of her body next to his. Feeling her tremble, he pulled her even tighter to his chest and kissed the top of her head.
“Please do not go,” she whispered against his coat.
“I must, my darling.”
“I shall chastise my nephew for not telling me that you intended to go. Perhaps if I had more time, I could convince you to stay. You have not recovered sufficiently from your wounds. Let the younger men fight this battle.”
He chuckled softly. “Do not be angry with Fitzwilliam. I asked him not to say anything to you. And, as for letting younger men do the job, your brother is included.”