“You, Caroline, are a criminal. You are going to pay for your actions. If you do not wish to comply with me, then I wash my hands of you now and forever. As it is, I plan to send for the solicitor from Town, and have all your funds held and you be disowned. If our sister and her husband wish to keep you in their family, I will disown them as well. No one else is responsible for your situation, you did it to yourself by committing the horrid crimes.”
“I was protecting our family, making our mother and father proud, by raising us up the ladder of Society. By my being Mrs Darcy, the Bingleys would be moving in the first circles. I did this for all of us. You cannot abandon me for trying to make your life better. And Louisa, she settled for Gilbert Hurst, when she could have had so much more. He is so low in society, he is barely higher than a tradesman.”
“Caroline, our family was in trade. Our father was a tradesman. You never seem to remember from where our wealth came. We were not born to the upper circle of Society. But you could never be happy with that fact.” Bingley ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “You are the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Gilbert Hurst was a step up for the Bingley family. Our children will be able to better themselves further. But any children I am fortunate to father will be proud of their heritage.”
“Our father wished for us to go as far in Society as possible. Mother wished to see us married to titled peers. Though Mr Darcy was not titled, I am certain our parents would have approved of his position and power.”
“You reached far too high, Caroline, and you will pay the price for your insatiable greed for power and position. I will send an express to our sister to inform her of your foolishness. The magistrate will determine what to do with you when he arrives.”
Ignoring her continued cries for him to release her, Bingley turned and walked from the room, making his way to the dining room to partake in the meal which had been laid out for them.
~~ ** ~~
“The wound was cleaned well, and the bullet went through without causing too much damage.” Mr York announced to everyone in Elizabeth’s room. “I would hazard that it bled much, which explains your fatigue.”
Elizabeth was unsure, as she had slept much of the time. Darcy smiled at his wife. “There was a substantial pool of blood on the floor where she had been placed after the shooting. The wound bled some over the night, but minimal.”
“Well, it will take a few weeks before you are up to your usual strength, and I do not want you lifting anything with your left arm for at least a month. And I mean that. Darcy, you will make certain she adheres to that order, will you not? I know the twins are going to want to be held and reassured, but they can be brought to the bed, and kept on your wife’s right side. And you do the lifting for her.”
Seeing the way the doctor instructed her husband brought a smile to Elizabeth’s lips. It was clear that he, too, was a close friend of Darcy’s, to be allowed to speak in such a manner to the Master of Pemberley.
“You have my word as a gentleman, and as her loving husband. If she does not obey, I will tie her arm to her body so she cannot use it.”
Mr York laughed. “For the two weeks, I suggest a sling, to relieve some of the stress on the muscles. At first, I believe the pain will remind her to behave. Later, if she does not, you have my permission to tie her arm to her body. Now, I will allow you to rest. Would you take some laudanum for the pain?”
“Perhaps a little bit.” Elizabeth said. She did not wish to take much, as she remembered the way she felt taking the medication after she broke her leg.
“I will put a bit in with the herbal tonic I wish you to take. It should assist in keeping a fever at bay.” Mr York said as he poured out the fluid in a spoon, holding it to Elizabeth’s lips. “And I will have Mrs Reynolds use poultices to reduce any swelling and fever. There does not seem to be a need for me to stay here, but if she worsens or develops a fever, send for me. And see that she takes some nourishment often, as she will need to build up her strength.”
“Thank you, Mr York.” Darcy said as he shook the physician’s hand.
“I am glad to be of service, Darcy. Especially when it is not as severe as I thought it would be when I came here. Mrs Darcy, do take care of yourself and I will see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sir. Though this is not the way I wished to meet you, I am grateful for all you have done.” Elizabeth reached out her right arm, taking hold of the physician’s hand and giving it a light squeeze.
Mrs Reynolds was relieved. “Mr York, I will walk you out. When I return, I will bring you some eggs and bread, Mrs Darcy. And some tea. Is there anything else I can bring you?”
“That should do well for a start, Mrs Reynolds. But if you would make sure my husband has something to eat, I would be grateful. He had none of the food last night.”
Darcy gave a slight laugh. “Bingley cooked the food, I am surprised we did not have more patients for Mr York.”
~~ ** ~~
Richard Fitzwilliam had a plan. The funds that his aunt had offered was far too grand an opportunity to pass up. It would allow him to leave his military duties for good, and give him a chance at a real home of his own. He would find a way to take the twins from Pemberley, so he could prove to his aunt they were with him.
Darcy came downstairs to break his fast two days after his return to Pemberley, after retrieving his wife. “Richard, please forgive me for not having been down before now. I have been consumed with seeing to Elizabeth’s needs and making sure that she was recovering.”
“How is my new cousin?” Richard inquired, sipping on the cup of coffee while Darcy filled his plate.
“Much improved. She still has pain, but there has been only a slight fever. Mr York is with her at the moment, and both of them insisted I take a few moments away from the room. Mr York declared I was to break my fast down here or I would not be allowed to return to my wife’s room the rest of the day.”
Richard laughed. “I am pleased to hear she was not harmed worse than she was. It amazed me that Caroline Bingley and Wickham had colluded to commit such crimes.”
Bingley entered the room. “I have known my sister is far from sweet and kind, but I now know that she is pure evil. It is good that she is gone, for I was tempted to strangle her.”
“Where is she? I have been so concerned with Elizabeth that I had not even thought of your sister.” Darcy was curious.
“The magistrate had her transported to Derby, to be held in the gaol there, until she is tried for her crimes. Lord Everett asked if I planned to testify on behalf of Caroline, and I responded I would only testify as to her actions and what she told us. That would be against Caroline’s best interests, but she brought it on herself.”
“Are you certain you can abandon her to her fate?” Richard asked. “She is your sister, after all.”
“And if it were your sister, who led to the death of Miss Darcy, not to mention the deaths of Mrs Bronson, my wife, and wounded Elizabeth, planning to kill her, would you be pleading for her to be saved? She planned to rid Darcy of his nieces, and knowing what I do now, the girls would most likely have been killed or live in desolation. You have seen your mother punished for her attempt to kidnap the girls, what if she had done worse?”
Richard thought for a few moments before he spoke. “It is difficult to accept. But we are different types of people, Bingley. I have killed in service to my country. It makes me see things differently from those who have never had to take a life. By refusing to speak for your sister, the likelihood of her being executed are high. You have always been amiable and carefree. Will your sister’s death cause you pain?”
“My sister died at least two years ago. The woman who committed these crimes was not my sister. The Caroline Bingley I grew up with died when she decided to plot the ruination and deaths of others.” Bingley replied, his voice holding a strength neither of his friends had heard before. “I loved my sisters when I was a boy. But I will not stand by and allow Caroline to caus
e further harm to others. She is unrepentant for her crimes. She would do more harm in her attempts to achieve her goal.”
Darcy looked at his friend and reached over to place a hand on Bingley’s arm. “And I will stand by you, my friend. No matter what you need, I will be here for you.”
~~ ** ~~
Bingley and Richard left for London the following morning, taking the twins with them. Richard had convinced his cousin that the girls would be safe with him, and they would stay at Bingley’s townhouse, where Richard’s parents and their aunt could not get to them. Sally and another maid, Maggie, traveled with the group, so they could tend the girls.
Richard had explained to Darcy that he was resigning his commission and taking his cousin up on his offer of assistance in establishing himself. This was what Darcy had wished, as each time Richard was sent into battle, Darcy feared he would never see his cousin again.
Bingley was making the journey to London to deal with the solicitor concerning his sister. The trial of Caroline Bingley was to begin the following week, and everyone was certain of the outcome. According to their father’s will, if either of his sisters were to disgrace the family, their funds could be taken away from them and the offender disowned.
Before they left Pemberley, the body of Jane Bennet Bingley was laid to rest in the family cemetery of the great estate. Though Jane had become a stranger to her beloved sister since their father’s death, Elizabeth chose to remember the past as it brought her pleasure. Jane had been her dearest sister in their youth, and the memories of their life together were the ones Elizabeth held close to her heart.
The plan for Bingley was to handle matters with the solicitor, then return to Pemberley. He would stop at Netherfield on his way back, so he could take a few days closing up the house, having his possessions packed and shipped north to his new home. And he planned to speak with Mr Phillips with regards to Mrs Bennet and her three youngest daughters.
Being generous, Bingley would place five thousand pounds in an account at the bank for the remaining Bennet ladies. He felt it would be more than enough for them to be able to live off the interest of the sum. And then he would wash his hands of the neighborhood and those living there. Mrs Bennet and her daughters could learn to survive without any further connection to him.
Richard had planned to remain in Town for a fortnight, allowing Darcy and Elizabeth some time alone. After all that had happened, and not having had a proper honeymoon, Richard declared to his cousins that it was only fitting that they have some time without having to worry over the children. Darcy had asked his cousin to make some purchases for him in the London shops, including items for the girls. Laughing, Richard clapped his hand on his cousin’s shoulder.
“William, it will be my pleasure to spend your money.”
~~ ** ~~
Once the group left for Town, Elizabeth and Darcy relaxed in her bedchamber. “I do not plan to leave this room for a fortnight. I wish to remain with you, taking care of you, while you recover.”
“William, it is not necessary. You will grow tired of the dullness.”
“No, my dearest love, I look forward to the peace and quiet that we will finally be able to enjoy. We have had little time for ourselves. I am pleased that Richard offered to take the girls for a fortnight. Your aunt was kind in watching over them while she was here, but I still felt the need to check on them as we usually do. It will be nice to have some time alone. Richard will protect them as we would.”
“It will be nice to have you all to myself.” Elizabeth said as she snuggled into his embrace.
“Rest, my dearest love. When you wake, we will have something to eat and then I will read to you.”
~~ ** ~~
Mrs Bennet sat in her parlor, listening to her brother in law speak. “Mr Bingley sent me an express. It is my sad duty to inform you that your eldest daughter, Jane, has died.”
The lady sat still, unable to speak, for nearly half an hour. Finally she found her tongue. “What happened to my beautiful girl? Did she become ill?”
“She went north to speak with her husband and with Elizabeth. Mr Bingley was staying at Mr Darcy’s estate. Lieutenant Wickham had escorted Jane, and, it was discovered, he had nefarious intentions for the journey. Wickham shot Jane, killing her.”
Tears were flowing as Mrs Bennet began to wail. “It is all Elizabeth’s fault. If it were not for that ungrateful girl, my Jane would never have gone there. Jane would still be alive. It is not fair. Jane was always so beautiful, so sweet natured. Why could it not have been Elizabeth who was killed? No one would miss her.”
“I have listened to you long enough, Fanny.” Mr Phillips stated. “Elizabeth did nothing to incur your wrath. She was born a girl, but all five of your children were born girls. Why is it you have always hated the poor girl? What could she have done differently the night of the carriage accident? How could she have prevented Thomas’ death? You put all your anger into hating your daughter, and all your reasons were ridiculous. It is time you let the anger and hatred go.”
“She must have lured Jane there, for Jane had been forbidden to speak with Elizabeth. Jane would never have gone against my wishes. When will my daughter be brought here? She should be buried next to her father. When will Mr Bingley bring his beloved wife home?”
“Jane’s body was buried at Pemberley. She will not be brought to Hertfordshire. Mr Bingley will arrive in a few days to conclude his business in the neighborhood. Once Netherfield is closed up and his belongings sent to his new home, he has business with me. That business includes provisions for yourself and your younger daughters. He will settle an amount on you. It will then be your duty to see that you, Mary, Kitty and Lydia learn to economize so that you will be able to live within your means.”
“My eldest daughter has been murdered and you speak of economizing our expenses? We must purchase the finest gowns in black for our mourning.”
“You will have gowns made in black, though they will not be in the finest fabrics to be had. If you do not approve of my decision, then we will have some of your gowns dyed black.” Mr Phillips stood his ground. “I will not give you extra funds to allow you to be frivolous. My wife and I have kept within a budget for many years, and we will be happy to teach you how to live within your means.”
“This is not fair.” Lydia cried out from her chair across the room. “Mr Bingley was supposed to see to our comfort for years. Now you say that we are forbidden to have new gowns that are amongst the finest to be had in Meryton. What good is Mr Bingley, if he cannot live up to his promises?”
“Mr Bingley has done his duty to your family since his marriage. When you could not respect Jane as the Mistress of his home, and you spent money as if you were the wealthiest people in all of England. He has purchased a home for you and will settle money on you, allowing you to live respectfully for many years.”
Suddenly, Mrs Bennet grasped at her chest, before collapsing to the floor. They sent for the physician, though it was too late. Mrs Bennet had suffered a severe bout of apoplexy and died before the physician could arrive.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 17
“Lord and Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam to see you.” The butler of Matlock House announced to his employers in the breakfast room. Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter were also present.
“Show Richard in.” Lord Matlock stated.
A few minutes later, Richard Fitzwilliam entered the room, wearing civilian clothing. Lady Matlock smiled. For her son to be so dressed was a sign he had resigned from the army. And that could only mean that he had removed the Darcy twins from Pemberley.
“Richard, it is a pleasure to see you here.” Lady Matlock stated, looking much like the cat who had lapped up a saucer of cream.
“I have come to inform you of my accomplishment. I have removed Georgiana’s daughters from Darcy, and they are with me in Town. Now I request my reward for doing as you demanded.”
Lady Catherine was not
convinced. “Where are the children? I will not pay the funds if you cannot prove to me that you have them.”
Richard turned towards the butler and requested his companions to be shown to the breakfast room. Soon, Sally and Maggie entered, each carrying one of the girls. A man entered behind them.
“I took the liberty of having our solicitor attend us, so that he can finalize all the details and I can receive my funds. I have an estate I wish to purchase, and must hurry so that I do not lose the opportunity. Since I have resigned my commission, I wish to begin my new life.”
Standing, Lady Catherine walked over to the two nursemaids. “So, these are the two children who caused so much trouble for our family. There is no mistaken their parentage, they look just like Georgiana did at that age. Very well, Mr Hobbs, I promised my nephew, Richard Fitzwilliam, the sum of forty thousand pounds for removing these children from Darcy’s home. He has fulfilled his end of the bargain, so I will live up to mine. You have paperwork, I assume?”
“Yes, your Ladyship. Mr Fitzwilliam gave me the particulars, so I drew up the papers and accessed your bank account to withdraw the funds. If you would sign here.” The solicitor motioned to the line where Lady Catherine was to place her signature. “And Lord Matlock, if you would be kind enough to sign as a witness.”
Once the papers had been signed and sanded, Mr Hobbs placed them back in his satchel. He then pulled out a bag, handing it to Richard. “Mr Fitzwilliam, it is a pleasure doing business with you.” He winked as he turned and left the room.
Hobbs had never been fond of Lord and Lady Matlock, nor was he fond of Lady Catherine. He disliked their ways, their pompous manners, when Richard’s parents were dirt poor and unable to pay their bills. Both of the men believed that Lord and Lady Matlock were hoping their son would come to their aid, paying off many of their debts. But Richard had another plan.
Having sent Sally and Maggie to the carriage with Hobbs as their escort, Richard decided it was time to tell his family the truth.
On the Road to Ramsgate Page 17