The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery

by Regina Jeffers

  Whether or not Mr. LeEvans knew of the search for the English aristocrat’s daughter, he assured them that he was quite familiar with the case. “A tragic event.”

  “Certainly, we were aggrieved to find that the woman Wotherspoon entertained in his home was not Mrs. Fitzwilliam, but we took pleasure in knowing that Lady Margaret had found a hero in Wotherspoon. With full knowledge of the lady’s indiscretions, His Lordship offered Lady Margaret marriage. As they held a growing affection for each other, the lady accepted. Her reputation remains in shreds, and Wotherspoon’s marriage had ended in tragedy. If they can find comfort in each other, I applaud their joining.”

  Edward added, “The couple prepared for a speedy marriage to bury Lady Margaret’s ruination with an honorable proposal.”

  “Wotherspoon’s family be knowin’ its own infamy,” LeEvans shared.

  Darcy assured, “No one of whom I am familiar speaks of the legend that follows the MacBethan family name. In England, few make the connection. Perhaps, that is the reason that Wotherspoon remained on English soil for so long.”

  LeEvans agreed. “Likely true. Now, might you explain why you and the Major General returned to Normanna after yer visit with Wotherspoon and how ye discovered the prisoners?”

  “The answer lies in Fate’s hands. As we exited Wotherspoon’s property, one of Alpin’s footmen recognized the horse Munro MacBethan rode. It was the one upon which Mrs. Fitzwilliam had ridden on the day she went missing. Naturally, we detained the man to ascertain how the horse came into his possession.”

  LeEvans said, “I asked several of the regulars at the inn, and each be sayin’ that Munro appeared to go with ye willingly.”

  Darcy recognized his cousin’s irritation when Edward said dryly, “I am appreciative of the fact that we passed muster.”

  Darcy added, “We questioned MacBethan, but we also provided him with a meal and a place to sleep while we assured ourselves of the truth of the man’s tale. As remarkable as it was, veracity rang through it.”

  “And so ye took it upon yerself to enter Normanna through the caves that Munro described?” LeEvans asked.

  Darcy hid his amusement. Perhaps the magistrate possessed a better mind than he had first suspected. He would match wits with the man. “Being Englishmen, we assumed a Scot would not accept such a charge lightly, especially without proof. We searched for the proof that Munro MacBethan guaranteed existed. Besides the Alpin staff, who accompanied us, we recruited several from the area to assist us and add validity to our discovery. The Major General led the men because we did not wish anyone hurt unnecessarily.”

  “I see.” LeEvans put his paper and pencil away. To Edward, he said, “We certainly be pleased yer wife be found, Sir.” The magistrate picked up his teacup and finished off the brew. “Ye be fortunate that Mrs. Darcy followed her vision and located her sister.”

  Darcy said good-naturedly, “I am certain that Mrs. Darcy will remind me of her success when we have a domestic disagreement.”

  LeEvans stood to take his leave. “They always do. Women plague us with their foolish ideas, and we men be at their mercies.”

  “I am the exception to your rule, LeEvans; Mrs. Darcy is the one person whose opinion I trust above those of all others,” Darcy countered. “I imagine the Major General holds similar sentiments regarding Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

  “Absolutely, Darcy.” Edward joined them at the door. He shook the magistrate’s hand. “You will keep us informed of the developments in the case.”

  LeEvans nodded and disappeared into Weir’s care. As Edward closed the door, he said, “There is something of which we should speak. I wanted to discuss it with you upon our return last evening, but I felt my duty belonged with Georgiana.”

  “Certainly.” Darcy gestured to the chairs they had recently vacated.

  When they were settled, Edward spoke with evident happiness. “Georgiana has informed me that we are to expect our first child in December. You are to be an uncle, Darcy.”

  Darcy’s heart lurched. “Will Georgiana’s ordeal affect her delivery?” He immediately imagined his sister’s difficulty in delivering the child. The horror of it slammed into his soul.

  Edward shook his head in the negative. “We cannot know for certain, but the surgeon did not believe it so. She suffered no internal injuries, and other than losing a few pounds, she appears in good health. The physician suggested that she rest for at least a week before she attempts anything too strenuous. Her ankle injury will force Georgiana to take life at a slower pace, and I will welcome the excuse to tend her.” Edward shifted his weight nervously. “I had hoped that by now you could offer your sincere congratulations, Cousin.”

  Darcy smiled to temper his remarks. “I celebrate anything that brings both you and Georgiana happiness.”

  Edward’s irritation showed, “Yet?”

  “Yet, I worry for my sister’s health. Childbirth is a dangerous exercise under the best of circumstances.”

  “And?”

  “And I possess concerns regarding your transition to civilian life. I have heard tales of Waterloo and its destruction. And from your own lips, I am aware of the devastation you have witnessed first hand during the past eleven years. The future will not be easy for you.”

  “Do you think I have not previously considered all you say?” Edward asked tersely.

  Darcy responded evenly, “On the contrary. You likely had these same thoughts the moment that you decided to ask Georgiana to accept your proposal. However, as her brother and your cousin, I would consider not speaking of my qualms a dereliction of my duties.”

  Edward stared at a spot somewhere over Darcy’s left shoulder, but Darcy refused to turn his head. The grim line of Edward’s mouth relaxed. Finally, Edward said, “It will be a trial, but please believe me when I say that only Georgiana can see me through this. During that crazy snowstorm at Pemberley last Christmas, I was presented with the most exquisite creature I had ever seen, and suddenly I felt as if God were saying it was time for me to come home. To leave behind man’s greed, and to know the love of a wife and a family. Georgiana will know no pain at my hand. She is my world, Darcy.”

  “Then I give you my hearty congratulations. It is time that you had a bit of happiness all your own.” He leaned forward and extended his hand to his cousin. “A December baby will make Christmastide even more joyful.”

  Edward smiled easily. “Maybe a daughter as a match with your Bennet,” he suggested.

  “Or a son for the daughter I will welcome in February,” Darcy rejoined.

  “Mrs. Darcy also?” Edward’s smile widened. “Are we not the most fortunate men in England?”

  Darcy stood. “Speaking of the ladies, we should join them in Georgiana’s chambers. I am certain their curiosities are steeped with questions regarding LeEvans’s visit.”

  “What will you do about Wickham?” Edward said as they climbed the main stairs.

  Darcy’s brow knitted. “I cannot permit Lieutenant Wickham to return to Carlisle without some form of punishment. He intended to see me dead. Yet, I will not bring shame to the Bennets. It is a conundrum for which I possess no solution.”

  “Then we will keep the man under lock and key until you see your way clear to deal with him decisively, but also logically.”

  Three days later, the Major General and Elizabeth watched as Darcy pushed Georgiana in a tree swing. “My sister’s color has returned to her cheeks,” Elizabeth observed.

  “Georgiana appears to be recovering well.” Edward’s smile widened. “My wife is quite resilient. A fact for which I am most grateful. Otherwise, I might have lost her.” He paused to watch Darcy send Georgiana higher. “Does she not have the most infectious laugh?” he asked wistfully.

  “A laugh none of us have heard often enough of late; but with your return, Georgiana’s heart grows lighter.” Elizabeth shaded her eyes by pulling her bonnet’s brim lower. “You and Mrs. Fitzwilliam will remain at Alpin for a few weeks?”

&n
bsp; “I want Georgiana on her way to good health before we return to Derbyshire. My wife has expressed a desire to open Yadkin Hall before winter arrives. She plans to see the child born in our home.”

  Elizabeth reached for his hand; they interlaced their fingers. The comfortable familiarity they had always shared wrapped them in sunlight. “Permit Georgiana to give you what you most need. It has been too many years since you have had roots. Plant yours where Mr. Darcy’s sister may nourish them.”

  Edward’s hand tightened over hers, and Elizabeth could feel her cousin’s close scrutiny. “Home is a word I have had little practice saying, but one I am anxious to claim as part of my vocabulary.” They sat in companionable silence as they watched Darcy spin the rope into a tight knot and then release it to Georgiana’s loud shrieks of delight. “They have always been so close,” he observed.

  “I suppose it was necessary under the circumstances: my husband and his sister have found a special bond. Sometimes I feel quite misplaced at Pemberley,” Elizabeth confessed.

  Edward chuckled. “I understand. It is almost as if Darcy and Georgiana were twins. People say that twins feel each other’s pain. That is the way of them. Darcy knew of Georgiana’s impending elopement before she had executed the deed.”

  “Thank God,” Elizabeth murmured.

  “Yes. Thank our Lord that Darcy arrived in time to foil Wickham’s plans,” he said hoarsely. “The thought of Georgiana under Lieutenant Wickham’s influence still brings my anger. If Darcy’s good sense had not ruled the day, I would likely have disposed of the man and spent my life on the Continent rather than to see her suffer such degradations.”

  Elizabeth asked tentatively, “Do you have suggestions for dispensing with Lieutenant Wickham?”

  “None that does not involve hot tar and feathers,” he grumbled. “The man lost any sentiment I might offer when he chose to undress before my wife.” A dangerous lethality laced his tone.

  “I am surprised that Georgiana told you of how I discovered Lieutenant Wickham in a state of dishabille. I would never have confessed it to Mr. Darcy. I fear my husband might have called the lieutenant out. Mr. Darcy’s anger at finding Lieutenant Wickham in the reiver’s cottage with Georgiana was frightening enough.”

  Edward released her hand and refilled Elizabeth’s lemonade. “What would you have your husband do with Lieutenant Wickham if you could choose?”

  Elizabeth mouth tightened in a serious line. “Actually, Mrs. Fitzwilliam and I have landed on an idea. We believe Mr. Darcy should send Lieutenant Wickham to America—possibly under Mr. Buckley’s supervision. Considering the American’s manipulation of Caroline Bingley, we suspect that Lieutenant Wickham and Mr. Buckley might do well together. The gentlemen appear to possess like qualities.”

  Edward leaned closer to assure their privacy. “I find the prospect quite compelling. Have you approached Darcy with the idea?”

  “Not yet. Georgiana and I assumed that Mr. Darcy would believe that I sought to protect Lydia; also, I promised Fitzwilliam that I would leave the decision to him. Despite my concern for my youngest sister’s situation, it is truly my husband’s name that I wish to preserve. I do not want Fitzwilliam involved with Lieutenant Wickham’s future any more than is necessary.”

  “What if the proposition came from me? We must do something soon. Lieutenant Wickham’s wounds heal quickly. Darcy cannot keep the man prisoner forever.”

  Elizabeth sipped her cool drink. “Georgiana suggested that part of the agreement for permitting Lieutenant Wickham to leave England be that the man cannot return for a decade. My sister reasons that if the lieutenant stays away from English shores for an extended period that the man will no longer feel a dependence on the Darcys’ goodwill, and he will have no desire to return.”

  “America would offer continual opportunities for Lieutenant Wickham to exercise his skills. Perhaps he can aid Mr. Buckley’s bid for political office,” he said ironically. “However, I am a bit disturbed that my wife has once again retreated from the hold Wickham poses over her. It sounds as if Georgiana seeks to send the lieutenant as far from her sight as possible.”

  Elizabeth shook her head in denial. “You did not witness Georgiana’s confrontation with Lieutenant Wickham. My sister has placed that odious episode behind her. Instead, I am persuaded that she fears her brother will do something that will haunt Fitzwilliam forever. To kill a man in cold blood would darken my husband’s soul. For her own escape, Georgiana has you to thank for her ability to face her fears. Your love has given Mr. Darcy’s sister a strength she did not know she had.”

  “I would attribute much of my wife’s newfound resolve to your tender guidance,” Edward said softly.

  “I would like to think we each had a hand in guiding Georgiana into womanhood; you, Fitzwilliam, and me.” Silence returned as they watched Darcy tease Georgiana’s neck with a shaft of wild grass. Finally, Elizabeth spoke her thoughts aloud. “You should trust Mr. Darcy’s sister with your confidences.”

  “I fear I do not understand.” His voice remained casual, but Elizabeth noted how Edward’s shoulder muscles flexed with caution.

  “The war. The years away from your family.” Elizabeth touched Edward’s arm. “Even in the short time of our acquaintance, you have changed, Edward. The American front affected you more than you care to admit.” She paused. “I have heard men speak of the horrors of Waterloo. Even the mightiest of men would know regret. A man cannot see such devastation without it affecting his outlook—his hopes and dreams.”

  Edward’s hands fisted, and his posture slumped. “Look at her. My wife is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld. And look at me. I am three and thirty, and I am far from handsome. What do I have to give Georgiana besides the protection of my name? I have known nothing but war.”

  “You might give her your respect.” Elizabeth stifled his objection with a flick of her wrist. “Not that type of respect. Men always think we women wish to be protected from all the evils of the world. In reality, we want to be respected for our intelligence, our nurturing natures, and our empathy. Give Georgiana the part of you that you withhold from everyone. Share with your wife what you have kept secret.”

  “She would hate me,” Edward said hoarsely.

  “Georgiana could never hate you,” Elizabeth said adamantly. “Some of what you relate shall shock my sister. Some shall distress her, but none of it will make Georgiana turn from you. Mr. Darcy’s sister desires to be treated as a woman rather than as a schoolgirl. Trust Georgiana with what haunts you. It will heal your soul and give your wife a different role in your life: You will not only be Georgiana’s guardian, but also, she will be yours. You will be her partner in a life that you shall forge together.”

  Edward swallowed hard. His Adam’s apple worked intensely to clear his throat. “I will consider it.” He paused. “What makes you so intuitive, Mrs. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth relaxed. The major general had not taken offense at her intrusion into his private life. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “There are things I do not know.”

  Edward’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. “Such as? It seems my cousin’s wife is capable of holding her own with some of the Matlock family’s most stubborn males.”

  She smiled genuinely. “For example, I do not know why the Jackses refer to my husband as ‘Himself.’”

  Edward chortled. “That is easy to resolve. When Darcy was ten or so, we made a trip to Alpin. During those days of summer pleasure, the Jackses continually remarked on my cousin’s being a near-replica of his respected father, to which Darcy vehemently declared that he did not wish to be George Darcy. ‘I wish to be myself,’ he demanded. From that point forward, Mr. and Mrs. Jacks referred to Darcy as Himself. At first, my cousin thought it a disparaging remark, but Rowland convinced Darcy that such a moniker was only given in Scotland from respect.”

  Elizabeth attempted to hide her amusement when she said, “Of course it is a signal of respect.”

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bsp; “Do not fool yourself, Mrs. Darcy,” Edward good-naturedly corrected. “Nowadays, I am certain the Jackses mean it in a respectful manner, but at the time, Mr. Jacks likely felt Darcy’s attitude a bit stinging.”

  Elizabeth fought hard to keep a straight face. “I cannot imagine anyone thinking Mr. Darcy to bear false pride.”

  “It is difficult to consider that any person, say an intelligent female such as yourself, could be that misguided,” he taunted. “Now, if you will excuse me,” he set his glass on a nearby table, “it is time I win one of my wife’s playful smiles.”

  Elizabeth watched the major general stride across the lawn. He and Darcy congenially tugged at the ropes supporting Georgiana’s swing. For a moment, she recognized the two boys they must have been all those years ago. Saw how far they had come and how much they had remained the same. “They are the best of men,” she whispered.

  Darcy relinquished the swing’s ropes to his cousin. Despite not having acknowledged it to his wife, he had come to a like mind with Elizabeth regarding Georgiana’s marriage. Edward was the perfect choice for his sister. His only concern now lay in his cousin’s extensive military background. Could Edward actually abandon the blood and the gore and become a country gentleman? Darcy glanced over his shoulder to where Edward whispered something personal in Georgiana’s ear.

  “They shall be fine, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said softly. “Although his scars run deeper than hers, the Major General knows he must respect Georgiana as his wife. It shall not be uncomplicated, but he will see his way clear to including her in his recovery.”

  A knot formed in Darcy’s stomach. He took the seat his cousin had recently vacated. “I am not certain I want Georgiana exposed to what the Major General has known on the battlefield,” he said defensively.