Kitty’s face lost color as she glanced about her. Then, after an obvious struggle, she regained the ability to speak. “I was shocked by what Mr. Hurst said so I turned to run inside and bumped into Lizzy.”
“Was Mrs. Darcy alone?”
“What? Oh, yes, she was looking for Lydia.”
“Do you have any thought as to why Mrs. Darcy wanted to find Mrs. Wickham?”
“There is no need to badger Kitty. I will answer that question, Colonel.” Lydia turned to glare at Lizzy. “Lizzy said I should to stop Wickham from asking Darcy for money.” Lydia expelled a sound of ridicule mixed with humor. “Can you imagine, with all of Darcy’s fortune, Lizzy claimed he has done enough for Wickham.”
After a long thoughtful study of Lydia, Colonel Fitzwilliam turned his attention back to Kitty. “Miss Bennet, did you tell Mrs. Darcy what you had overheard?”
“No. I wanted to, but when I bumped into Lizzy, she was with Lydia. As I had no wish to start a row, I kept quiet until I could speak with Lizzy alone. But I think my sisters were arguing when I bumped into them.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam studied the three sisters and finally turned back to Kitty. “Do you have any thoughts as to why they were quarreling?”
Kitty shrugged. “Same as Lydia said, I suppose. Lizzy’s always going on about how we should behave, and since Lydia married Wickham, she is always complaining about not having enough money.”
“Very well, Miss Bennet, I will repeat my first question. Why did you follow Mr. Denny to the garden?”
“Because...because I wanted to talk to him.” Kitty’s cheeks filled with glowing color. “Lydia was vexed when she arrived at the ball and spared no time for me. Lizzy and Jane were talking or with their their husbands and I was lonely. Denny is entertaining so I thought perhaps, now that Lydia is married, he might show interest in me.”
“How did Denny respond, Miss Bennet?”
“Please, Colonel,” Jane raised her voice and spoke for the first time. “Kitty has answered enough questions. Clearly, she had nothing to do with the night’s events. Can you not turn your attention from her wishful thoughts and proceed?”
“I’ll have you know I found Denny in the dark.” Kitty snapped as she glared at Jane, then she turned to the colonel. “No one else could find who they were looking for, but I did.” She turned to face the Colonel. “And for your information, Denny had no interest in speaking to me. He was too intent on following Mrs. Forester.”
“Kitty Bennet, watch your tongue,” Lydia snapped.
“Really, Miss Bennet, how you do go on,” Mrs. Forester replied in a fluttering tone. “Surely, Colonel, you will pay no regard to this young girl’s observances.”
“I tell you, I speak the truth.” Kitty glared at the people staring back at her. “Ever since the guests from Lucas Lodge arrived, Denny has hovered around Harriet Forester as if she were the only woman in the room. And it’s not fair.” Kitty’s voice rose. “Harriet is married. Yet she makes eyes at other men right in her husband’s face. If you think I am mistaken, look how she paid attention to Wickham before he married Lydia. Maybe she continued after he married Lydia, for all I know. Then tonight, here comes Denny trailing after Harriet, ignoring me, and I am unmarried.”
Silence settled over the room as the guests stared at Kitty when she finally stopped speaking. Despite the shine in her cheeks and a need for air, Kitty did not shrink from the weight of their attention. Rather, she seemed to grow taller and lifted her chin in a defiant angle. “I speak only the truth.”
“My poor Kitty,” Mrs. Bennet sniffed as she watched her daughter with a compassion usually in short supply.
“Child, come here,” Mr. Bennet said as he motioned for Kitty to sit on the arm of his chair.
Yet the loudest response came from across the room. The sound rose high enough to cover the concerned murmurs from Kitty’s parents, and all heads swiveled to stare at the speaker.
“Kitty Bennet, how can you say such vile things? I believed us to be friends,” Mrs. Forester cried. “I am married to the commanding officer the regiment. I must appear friendly with men in his command—”
“Not as friendly as you get,” Lydia snapped. “Pray, do not forget, I was there. I know you fancied Wickham before the regiment moved to Brighton.”
“What is this nonsense?” demanded Colonel Forester. “More claims from a woman gone mad with grief at losing her husband?”
“Let us focus on the murder investigation,” Colonel Fitzwilliam raised his voice to be heard and then turned to Mary King. “Miss King, why did you wish to speak with Captain Carter?”
“My reasons were of a personal nature, Colonel, and I cannot think why you would ask me to expose them to common judgment.”
“Colonel,” Jane raised her voice over continued whispers about the room, “Miss King wishes to keep her reasons to herself, as is her right. But in the interest of discovering who murdered Mr. Wickham, I believe I can answer your question.” Jane paused to study Mary King for a long heartbeat. Finally, after an obvious battle of wills, Miss King tilted of her head in agreement, and Jane turned back to the colonel. “I believe Miss King wished to obtain Captain Carter’s assistance in a personal matter.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced from Jane to Miss King and back. “Even so, I fear I cannot leave the matter unheard. I must ask for an explanation, Mrs. Bingley.”
“Then I must request Miss King’s consent to continue.” Jane’s glance returned to Miss King. After a pause, Mary turned a questioning glance to Miss Brown. Long ticks of the clock later, Mary received a slight nod from her cousin.
Miss King met the colonel’s questioning gaze. “Are you certain this is necessary, Colonel? I assure you this is a personal matter that has nothing to do with Mr. Wickham’s murder.”
“For the sake of all concerned, I must insist on an explanation, Miss King.”
“Very well, Colonel. I followed Captain Carter because I wished to gain his assistance in forcing Mr. Wickham to acknowledge the birth of his son.”
Shocked gasps filled the room.
“No!” Lydia jumped up from her chair and stomped her foot. “Not one word she says is true. My Wickham would not—”
“How can you say such a thing about dear Wickham at a time like this?” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Has my poor Lydia not suffered enough.”
“What is the meaning of this assertion,” Mrs. Forester demanded. “I would know—”
“Young lady, I know not what you hope to gain by discrediting my daughter’s husband with this claim.” Mr. Bennet’s voice rose over Mrs. Forester’s objections and caught the attention of all who believed they knew him to be a man of a mild disposition.
However, one set of eyes in the room aimed not at Mr. Bennet, but at the raging Mrs. Forester. That Colonel Forester was vexed by his wife’s outburst was obvious from color tinting his face to match his uniform.
Yet even with all the unsettled emotions aimed in her direction, Miss King did not withdraw her claim as she returned their stares.
Chapter 20
“What of the good name of my cousin, sir? Have you no compassion for the woman your son-in-law wronged?” Miss King rose to her feet and stood tall as she confronted Mr. Bennet. “Once society discovers she gave birth to a child without benefit of marriage, what future will she have? How can she provide for her child when she is turned away from work?” Miss King’s voice filled with emotion. “I did not make this claim lightly. But my cousin was treated poorly and all she did wrong was to give her love to the wrong man.”
“I will not hear such words,” Lydia wailed. “My Wickham did not father that woman’s child. He loved me! I know he did.” She gasped for breath as she turned a fierce glare on Miss King. “You wanted Wickham from the night you first met. Before he loved me, you stole him from Lizzy and not a word of what you say is true.”
“Oh, my poor Lydia, do calm yourself, child. Ignore this woman’s claim. She will receive her just due, for I am cert
ain dear Wickham would never look at a female with such red hair.” Mrs. Bennet said.
“Wickham’s child is that of my cousin, not my own, Mrs. Bennet.”
“So you say, but how can we believe your words? Wickham never mentioned a child. Why would we believe you about this cousin when it is obvious you make these claims to protect your own reputation?”
“Your words imply that you accept Wickham has fathered a son, else why would you accuse me of protecting my reputation.” Miss King said in a level tone.
Mrs. Bennet opened her eyes wide as she stammered, “Why, I never said such a thing. Oh!” Mrs. Bennet flapped the bit of lace handkerchief in front of her face. “Oh, Mr. Bennet, say something.”
“I believe you have said enough for the both of us, my dear.” Mr. Bennet’s usual placid demeanor was back in place. “Do calm yourself, my dear.”
A new voice spoke into the growing disquiet of the room. The slight quiver in Miss Brown’s voice silenced the whispers Mrs. Bennet’s tantrum started.
“It is not Mary’s reputation she is attempting to protect, but mine.” Miss Brown met the stares aimed in her direction. “And that of my son, Wickham’s child.”
“How can such a claim be correct,” Mrs. Hurst demanded in the stunned silence following Miss Brown’s words. “Mr. Wickham moved up north, did he not?”
“How could my husband know you? Before this ball, I have never seen you.” Lydia cried.
“Mrs. Wickham, I am deeply sorry for your loss and the pain this night brought upon you, but I am Miss Darcy’s companion. Wickham was a frequent visitor at Pemberley, while he tried to ruin that young girl’s reputation. That is how we met.”
“This cannot be,” Lydia insisted. “We have known Wickham for two years, at least. How old is the child you claim as his?”
“My son is but an infant,” Miss Brown stated in a stronger tone. “Not yet eight months born.”
“Eight months?” Lydia’s gasp sounded loud in the sudden silence. Even she could work out the meaning of such a claim. Miss Brown’s connection with Wickham occurred before Lydia claimed his interest. She whirled to Miss King. “This happened while he was betrothed to you.”
Miss King’s face drained of all color as she clamped her lips together. Miss Brown glanced at her cousin, and then gave a nod to acknowledge Lydia’s words were true. “Much as it pains me, I am forced to admit this is true.”
Lydia let lose one of her bursts of uncontrollable laughter. “So, Miss King could not keep Wickham’s interest, even with her large inheritance.” She doubled over with laughter. “I could not imagine how Wickham could admired that red hair—”
“Miss Brown,” Colonel Fitzwilliam sent Lydia a frown as he interrupted her careless remarks, “I must agree with those who question the plausibility of your claim and ask that you enlighten us as to how this happened.”
Miss Brown turned to speak to Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. “I regret this matter came to light in such a public manner, Mr. Darcy. But while Mr. Wickham was visiting Miss Georgiana at Pemberley, my feelings for him led to my poor judgment.”
“Speak as you must, Miss Brown. For it is past time for Wickham’s total disregard of decent behavior to come to light,” Darcy said.
“What is the meaning of this, Darcy? Why are you not defending Wickham? Why have you turned against him?” Lydia demanded. Then she turned her irritation on her sister. “This is your fault, Lizzy. You turned Darcy against Wickham.”
“Oh, Lizzy, how could you do such a thing to your dear sister? And her only just married to dear Wickham?” Mrs. Bennet demanded.
“Do hush, wife, and you as well, Lydia. None of this has to do with Lizzy. This all lands at the feet of that charmer Lydia insisted on having for a husband,” Mr. Bennet announced with a nod. “Let this woman speak.”
“You tell me to hush when my heart is broken?” Tears rolled down Lydia’s face as she faced her father. “You always take up for Lizzy, even when my Wickham is dead.”
Mr. Bennet rose from his chair and moved to Lydia’s side. Placing an arm around her shoulders in a fatherly hug, he murmured, “Calm yourself, child. You suffer now, but this display of emotions helps nothing. We must discover who murdered Wickham.”
Miss Brown’s face crumpled in reaction to the emotional display. “I betrayed my cousin and myself. I wanted only for Mr. Wickham to acknowledge his son. I would never harm him.”
“I believe we have solved the question of who murdered Mr. Wickham, do you not agree, Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Colonel Forester wore a satisfied smile as he turned to the distressed woman. “We have proof Miss Brown and Wickham were in this room and the letter opener was in plain view, according to Mr. Bingley. Miss Brown we find you guilty of murder.”
“No! This cannot be.” Miss King jumped back to her feet. “Maggie could never harm the man she loved. She betrayed her personal beliefs and the relationship we shared. She gave up any chance of having a future and she did all this because she loved Wickham. She would never harm him.”
“What you say is understandable, Miss King, but so is the fact that we have found no other suspects. That being the case we are left with one conclusion,” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s tone rang with reluctance.
“I beg to disagree with you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Think of all you have heard in this room.” Miss King waved an arm. “What of the other two women who were quick to defend Wickham? Both are married women, and either one of their husbands could have murdered Wickham out of jealousy.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam met the plea in Miss King’s gaze as he pondered her words.
Colonel Forester snorted. “Nonsense. We discovered all we need to prove your cousin is guilty of murder.”
“A moment if you please, Colonel.” Colonel Fitzwilliam held up a staying hand. “Surely there is no need to rush to a conclusion. We have been this long, perhaps we should hear what Miss King has to suggest.”
Miss King looked at the people staring at her and continued. “It is my belief that you should interrogate Mr. Hurst and Colonel Forester.”
“Very well,” Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a slight nod to acknowledged her suggestion and turned to glance at the guests in the room. “Mrs. Hurst, did you arrange to meet Mr. Wickham in the garden?”
Mrs. Hurst gasped and turned the color of clotted cream.
Bingley sprang forward to defend his sister, “Colonel, is this necessary—”
“This is outrageous,” Colonel Forester objected loudly, interrupting Bingley’s courteous tone.
“Gentlemen, if you please,” Colonel Fitzwilliam aimed a forceful glance at each man. “I will ask these questions in an attempt to discover the truth.” Then he returned his attention to Mrs. Hurst and demanded, “Madam, if you will respond, please?”
“I simply followed my sister out for a refreshing breather after the smoky, stale air in the ballroom, Colonel. Perhaps Caroline arranged to meet Wickham, but I did not.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam turned away without a response and said, “Mr. Hurst, you were heard issuing a threat to Mr. Wickham. What brought about the confrontation?”
“There was no confrontation. I said what I said and I stand by it. A man must defend his own, Colonel. As a man in uniform you should understand that.”
“It is a fact, the militia defends our rights, Mr. Hurst, but I am not so quick to agree to such in personal matters.” Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Caroline. “Miss Bingley, why did you meet Mr. Wickham in the garden?”
“Really, Colonel, if you were a female you would understand why any women would want to be with Mr. Wickham.” Caroline twittered.
“Why is she saying such things about my Wickham?” Lydia wailed as she looked at her father.
Mrs. Bennet’s cheeks flushed as she turned a bright glance on her daughter.. “Hush, child. You should understand such opinions after being married to dear Wickham.”
Mr. Bennet studied his wife’s flushed complexion and rolled his eyes. “Never mind, child. We must all
ow Colonel Fitzwilliam to deal with this matter.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam arched a brow and leveled his glance on Caroline. “Miss Bingley?”
“If you must know, I wanted to speak with Wickham to ask for his help,” Caroline snapped. When Colonel Fitzwilliam lifted his brow higher, she huffed. “I wanted to ask him to flirt with me when the dancing resumed.”
“Why—”
“I am confused,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said as he sent Lydia a sharp glance to stop her words. Then he turned back to Caroline. “Miss Bingley, why ask a married man to act in such a manner?”
“Oh, this is outrageous. I had my reasons, and they are none of your concern, Colonel. They are in no way connected to this murder.”
“Perhaps your request led someone to murder Mr. Wickham.” Colonel Fitzwilliam replied as he held her stare.
“Very well, if you must know, Colonel.” Caroline rolled her eyes and a hint of color tinted her cheeks as she rushed to say, “I wanted Wickham to flirt with me to make Darcy jealous.”
“Make Darcy jealous?” Colonel Fitzwilliam tried to conceal a laugh as he sent Darcy a glance. Then he returned his attention to Caroline. “Explain yourself, please.”
Color deepened her cheeks, but Caroline angled her chin high and shrugged one shoulder. “If a man as handsome as Mr. Wickham found me desirable, I believed Darcy would realize what he gave up when he married Eliza Bennet. And before you ask, Colonel, if Wickham had refused to help, I intended to ask Captain Carter’s assistance.”
“Did Mr. Wickham refuse to act as you wanted? Did you murder him in anger?”
A snort escaped Caroline. “Really, Colonel, you have been in the military too long. Perhaps you failed to notice, but I carry no weapon.” Caroline lifted a shoulder and sighed.
“Perhaps you picked up this letter opener from the desk and stabbed him.” Colonel Fitzwilliam turned a grim gaze on her.
“It is true that I knew of the letter opener, but why do I not have blood on my gown? This is only wasted conjecture, Colonel, for I missed the chance to speak to Wickham when my sister appeared quite unexpectedly.”
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