“You must be mistaken, Kitty,” Lizzy insisted. “Not long before you appeared, Lydia declared her love for Wickham.”
“Then why is Wickham chasing after another woman who already has a husband?” Kitty tilted her chin up and strode forward, happy for once that she, not Lydia, was the one to shock Lizzy. “I just heard Mr. Hurst warn Wickham to stay away from his wife, if you doubt my word.”
***
Jane sent her husband an affectionate glance as he approached. “How go things with you, dear Mr. Bingley? Do you think our party is a success?”
“Rather well, I do believe, my dear.” Bingley glanced about the room, his usual convivial smile across his face. Guests were meandering around the room during the rest from dancing. “Several of the gentlemen are partaking of the refreshment and discussing the news Colonel Fitzwilliam has to share about the recent conflicts. Pity Colonel Forester is not around to give his views on how things were in Brighton.” His glance roamed the room, again. “Have you seen him?”
“Many guests left the room, perhaps to stroll in the garden to cool off after dancing.” Jane’s lips twitched. “Mrs. Forester departed and so did Lydia. I am certain Colonel Forester accompanied them, as it is very dark outside.” Jane glanced around. “I think Lizzy must have joined them, as well.”
“It is frightfully warm in here,” Bingley tugged at his neck cloth, “even for a cold night the room heated quickly. I say, wife, have you spoken with Caroline about your plan? I do hope she will let go her ridiculous attachment to Darcy now that he is married to your sister.”
“I beg to differ with you, husband.” Jane arched a brow and aimed a teasing smile at her beloved. “Caroline's reaction is not as outrageous as you seem to suggest. Lizzy’s Mr. Darcy is handsome and has deep pockets, and that is enough to turn most female heads.”
Bingley allowed a smile to acknowledge Jane’s teasing tone. “But not yours, I pray, dear Jane.”
“Never fear, Mr. Bingley. I am quite content with your attentions, dear husband.” Jane flushed with pleasure at being able to say the words so true. From the moment her dear Charles and Mr. Darcy entered the room on the first night they met she had not given Mr. Darcy, or any other man, a second glance.
“Your kind words turn my head, my dear.” Bingley’s smile slipped as he reverted to the subject of his sister. “Yet, to put a finer point on the subject, the fact is, Darcy never gave Caroline any indication he favored her attentions. He invited us to visit Pemberley, and spent time in my various abodes as well, but beyond those occasions, he never sought her out. Yet, Caroline set her hat at him from the first encounter.”
“Do not be so harsh in your judgment of Caroline, dear Bingley. The female mind works in mysterious ways, and I dare say half the women in this room wanted Darcy’s attention that first evening we met. Do you recall that social at Meryton?”
“How could I forget, my dear Jane? You were the loveliest creature I had ever set eyes on and I fear I showed my attraction to all in attendance.”
“Now you are flattering me, dear sir.” A shy smile brought warmth to Jane’s face as she glanced about the room. “I do so hope the guests taking air will return soon. The room seems less enjoyable with so many . I noticed that Denny and Captain Carter have departed as well, and now I cannot see Mary King. I wanted to speak to her when we were on our own, to make her feel welcome.”
“Despair not, wife, I am certain you are only missing the chance to converse with Lizzy. As as to enjoyment,” Bingley nodded toward the end of the room as a burst of laughter erupted from the gentlemen gathered there, “your ball sounds a success. Now I fear I must rejoin the gentlemen for it sounds as if I am missing all the fun.”
***
Captain Carter eased through the shadows as if he were on a training mission with his troops. Caution seemed the wisest choice since he had heard whispers and rustling in the hedges and lost sight of Denny at the same time. Denny’s career in the militia would be on the line if he were caught in a compromising situation with Mrs. Forester, but Carter planned to use restraint in searching for Denny to protect his own position. He would be well advised to act with care as there were so many people afoot in the grounds on this dark, chilly night.
Lydia and Kitty had departed from the ballroom after Denny, and only the Lord knew of their intentions. Because they had departed separately, Carter did not worry too much about them encountering Denny, except, like Mrs. Forester, Lydia was now a married woman. That seemed not to affect her familiarity with Denny, but then neither did Mrs. Forester restrain herself from enjoying Denny’s attentions. Even Wickham had received favorable smiles from that lady, and considering the circumstances of Wickham’s departure from the regiment, Carter could barely contain his own surprise.
Though, after he considered the situation, he acknowledged that Lydia had not been received so warmly by either Mrs. Forester or the Colonel. Nor had the Colonel done more than greet Wickham with a nod. Carter assumed the colonel still held Wickham responsible for the uproar following his elopement with Lydia.
Frankly, Carter could understand Colonel Forester’s reaction. Things had not been as usual in the regiment since that incident. Some of the men muttered comments as to the colonel’s handling of that situation. Even officers of the regiment pushed social boundaries and showed questionable familiarity with Mrs. Forester. In Carter's personal opinion, the colonel’s command had weakened because of his association with Wickham.
This gathering was the first social event with all involved being in the same place, and only served to show the strained relations still remained. Worse even, young Denny had blundered into the midst of a situation he seemed not to comprehend when he turned his attentions to Mrs. Forester.
In Carter's opinion, their current stay at Lucas Lodge was only one example of Denny’s lack of observation. His own position would be safer if he kept his distance from all involved in these events, but Carter could not ignore the danger to his friend.
Denny’s actions threatened his best interests, as previous dealings with Wickham had proved. Wickham had borrowed money from his friends, and had the poor judgment to take his insult to Denny even further. On one furlough, before Lydia arrived in Brighton, Wickham had made familiar overtures to Denny’s sister, Peggy. Had it been any other officer in the regiment besides Denny, fleeing to Gretna Green with that young woman for a quick marriage ceremony was all that would have saved Wickham. Yet Denny’s easy manner prevailed. He managed to soothe matters over, and Peggy married one of his associates she had favored before Wickham appeared on the scene.
Lost in contemplation, and totally out of sight of Denny, Carter gave a start of surprise when Miss King spoke his name from a near-by shadow. “Pardon me, Miss King, but the hedges grow so tall and the night is so dark, I took no notice of you standing there.”
“No reason to apologize, Captain Carter. It seems reasonable that two people should have the same inclination to take cool air after the exertions of dancing, do you not agree?”
“Indeed I do, Miss King, and may I add I consider it my good fortune that we are of the same mind.” The dark night hid her features from him, but Carter could imagine the glow in her green eyes, and visualize light reflecting on her bright, red hair as he had notice earlier in the ballroom. In all honesty, the very sight of Miss Mary King sent a stinging sensation through his chest. And that was a feat few females had ever managed as he keep his feeling to himself.
He kept his guard alert, allowing only light flirtation—as with his previous associations with Lydia and Kitty Bennet—and concentrated on his future in the militia. Carter did not consider himself among the group of officers who took their position as lightly as Wickham and Denny seemed to do. “And speaking of the dancing, may I take this opportunity to compliment you on your skilled execution of the steps, Miss King? A finer form on the dance floor I have rarely observed.”
“I am convinced your exertions must have addled your brain, kind sir, f
or I am certain my efforts would attract no notice if the Bennet sisters were dancing.”
“You are quite mistaken, Miss King, if you are under the impression that your dancing skills were not noticed. For you must recall, only two Miss Bennets are present tonight, and to my knowledge, Mary Bennet never dances. So I am certain you have no competition.”
Her voice bubbling with laughter, Mary replied. “How gallant you are, Captain Carter. I am not the least offended by your calling the situation to my notice.” She glanced over her shoulder and shivered at the surrounding blackness of the night. “Shall we continue our walk together, so as not to risk bumping into each other in the dark?”
“I would be delighted.” Carter offered his arm. Denny would have to look after his own head on this night. “Though, I would not mind bumping into you in the dark, Miss King.”
They were so occupied in conversation Mary forgot her earlier suspicion that Captain Carter might have followed Lydia Wickham to the garden. In fact, she was so focused on his charm, she paid no notice to Colonel Forester standing in the shadows as they walked along the path. Indeed, Mary was so impressed with Captain Carter's easy presence, she forgot her need to constantly act the proper lady, and allowed herself to relax enough so that she enjoyed the captain’s company immensely.
Chapter 3
Suffering from Lydia’s lack of attention long as she could stand, Mrs. Bennet was intent on demanding a conversation with her youngest daughter. “My dear Jane, have you seen Lydia or Wickham?”
“No, Mamma They departed to take a breath of air some time ago, and I have not seen them since.” Jane shared her mother’s impatience, but for different reasons. How could she find a match for Kitty if she remained absent from the ballroom half the night? Of course, Kitty would have followed Lydia out to the garden. Evidently so had Caroline, leaving Jane of two minds as to whether to even concern herself with organizing matches for them.
“I so wanted time to visit with my dear girl before Wickham takes her back up north to that awful regiment. You know well as do I, Lydia preferred to stay in Brighton with her friends, but nothing would do except Wickham change regiments.”
“Mamma, surely you must see it was not possible for Wickham and Lydia to remain in Brighton after all that happened.” Jane sent an urgent glance around the room, wishing for Lizzy’s support, but her sister seemed to be absent from the room, as well. “Where is Papa?”
“Where do you think? I a quite certain he has found a secluded spot to read a book. You must recall what he is like. For my part, my poor nerves will not tolerate so much reading. I cannot understand how he finds such contentment in books.” Mrs. Bennet raised a lace handkerchief to fan her face. “Lizzy is very like him, you know. Always reading, and filling her head with nonsense. Always with that little smirk on her face, as if she knows something no one else does. And I can tell you, Jane, it is not complimentary to her countenance at all. Why I would much rather dance and enjoy myself, as dear Lydia does, than ruin my eyes reading a book.”
“Mamma, perhaps some refreshment would do you good. Can I get you a refreshing cup of tea?”
“Tea? Really Jane, I will thank you not to speak to me as if I were in my dotage.” Mrs. Bennet’s chin angled high. “If you must know, I was once the belle of gatherings such as this, Jane, and not that many years hence. Now, I would like to speak to my dear Lydia, but a great number of your guests seem to have departed the ballroom. Really, Jane, you must plan your socials to be more entertaining.”
“I am certain the guests will return soon. Much refreshed by the night air and ready to dance the night away.” Jane concealed a sigh as she glanced around the room. In truth, she found hosting the party taxing, even without Mamma's comments adding to her disquiet. Not that far past, she enjoyed strolls in the garden during a ball. But, now she was the hostess, and she longed for the guests to resume dancing as proof they were enjoying themselves. “Have you had a chance to converse with my Aunt Gardiner?”
“Of course, and with my sister Phillips, as well. And, if you must know, Jane, I am quite fatigued from conversing with my sisters.” Mrs. Bennet flapped her handkerchief in front of her face. “Tell me, Jane, do you not think Darcy should help Lydia and dear Wickham? After all, he has ten thousand a year. Surely he can do with a thousand or two less and not miss it at all. Why, he could even assist your Papa, if he were so willing. I cannot think why he should do otherwise, now that he has married Lizzy.”
“Mamma! Please do not approach Mr. Darcy—”
“Approach him? Really Jane, you are beginning to sound as judgmental as Lizzy. Who said anything about approaching him? I cannot imagine conversing with such a high-nose as Mr. Darcy. But your Papa could if he set his mind to it, and why should he not?” Mrs. Bennet’s voice rose in competition with the music, as the musicians resumed playing at the other end of the room, and Jane wished for nothing more than to melt into the floor.
“Mamma, please—”
“Do not ‘Mamma please’ me in that tone young lady. You could help our dear Lydia, as well. Mr. Bingley may have only five thousand a year, but surely that is more than enough for him to share with Lydia and poor Wickham.”
“Mamma, please—”
“Jane, my dear, this is such a lovely party.”
“Lovely? How can you say such nonsense, sister?” Mrs. Bennet huffed. “Half the guests are absent from the room, and now there are hardly enough people to dance.”
“Oh, Aunt Gardiner, I am so happy to see you.” Jane cast a loving glance at her favorite aunt, and prayed her presence would distract her mother. “How are my dear cousins, for I am certain they are much grown since last I saw them?”
“Sister, Jane is distressed so many of her guests have departed to the garden,” Mrs. Bennet's voice seemed to carry over the entire ballroom. “This is her first ball, you know, and she has not yet learned that being a hostess includes keeping her guests entertained.”
Jane exchanged glances with her aunt and sighed. To the best of her memory, Mamma was always the guest at social events. Jane feared losing her good nature if she stayed hear more of Mamma's comments. Perhaps she and dear Bingley should take a stroll in the garden, as well, but she knew it was not possible. She must remain accessible to her guests, added to which, she had not yet had a chance to speak with Miss King. “Oh, but Mamma, I am quite happy for my guests to entertain themselves.”
“Of course you are, my dear, and very sensible I might add.” Mrs. Gardiner quickly agreed. “Now, do feel free to go about your duties, for I shall I visit with your mother and catch up on the rest of her news.”
“What duties does she have pray tell, sister? Bingley has enough servants so Jane need never lift a hand. I was just saying to her, before you joined us, Bingley and Darcy could help her family if they would.” Mrs. Bennet sniffed.
***
After urging Caroline to return to the house, Louisa hurried back along the path, where they had left Hurst with Wickham and kept a watchful glance ahead. If she was careful, she could avoid her husband in the dark night, and continue with her original plan. Soon she spied Mr. Hurst, weaving his way unsteadily along the path towards her. Quickly, she stepped into a deep nook between two tall hedges and held her breath until Mr. Hurst passed. Giving him ample time to disappear in the darkness, she continued along the path and spotted a light figure in the darkness that could only be a female in a light colored gown.
Again, she ducked into a crevice in the hedges. Pausing to push limbs out of the way of her vision, Louisa focused on the figure capturing her attention. She had not a doubt that she was observing Mrs. Forester, for that woman was wearing the lightest-colored gown at the ball, as if she were unmarried. However, much to Louisa’s distress, Mrs. Forester was soon joined by a man in uniform. Clenching her fingers on a sprig of hedge, Louisa strained her sight to identify the dull figure with the bright white bands indicating his garb. It was not Colonel Forester she was certain, for he was not as tall a
s this figure. And the intensity of the couple’s attention in each other hinted that this was not a couple bored by years of marriage.
Even so, Louisa could not move until she identified the man with Mrs. Forester. After several thudding heartbeats, she began to breathe again, for she determined the man was not Mr. Wickham. Of that she was quite certain, for Wickham was much taller. Then she heard the low, masculine laugh, and identified the voice. Mrs. Forester was with Wickham's friend, Denny. They were standing very close together. Definitely a secret meeting. How very interesting, Louisa sniffed. She knew a thing or two about clandestine meetings. Still, she had no time to speculate on this encounter, for she, too, had an assignation planned for this dark night.
Easing out of the hedge and onto the path, she looked back over her shoulder to make certain Mr. Hurst was long departed. Then, convinced she was safe, she hurried on her way back to where she had first encountered Caroline and Wickham.
To her delight, there he still remained. His shadow was tall and dark in the deep of night. There was no light to show her the glimmer in his eyes or allow her to feast on the charm of his slow smile, but she recalled his actions from earlier encounters, and the memories were enough to heat her blood with longing. “Ah, there you are, sir. Do I find you alone at last?”
Wickham reached for her hand, erring from his target only enough to brush his fingers against her breast. Enjoying the gasp indicating her quick response, he brought her hand to his lips. He took his time, allowing the heat of his breath to warm her gloved skin. “Finally, we are alone, my dear. I feared you would not return.”
“How could I stay away, my dear Wickham? It has been so long,” Darkness added to the passion in Louisa’s whisper. “Though, this garden is as populated as the ballroom was earlier, and I fear we have no privacy.”
Who Murdered Mr Wickham Page 4