“There is news I must impart to you before I leave. First, Darcy is well aware of what is happening here today. He allowed me to bring the girls to Town so that I might convince you that I plan to keep them. In truth, I only plan to have them for a fortnight, doing some shopping and giving my cousin a much needed holiday. You never stipulated that I had to keep the girls for the remainder of their lives, you only stated that I was to remove the girls from Darcy and Pemberley. And now, for the reason I gave my cousin a much deserved holiday is that he is spending the time, alone with his wife. My cousin was married nearly a fortnight ago to the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“NO! It is not possible.” Anne screamed. “How could my betrothed behave in such a manner?”
“He was never your betrothed, Anne. Your mother lied to you, our aunt never planned with your mother for the union. Darcy is his own man, and he has the right to choose who he marries. He decided Elizabeth was the perfect woman for him. And I am warning you all, here and now, that no harm had best befall my new cousin, or I will seek revenge on all of you. William and Elizabeth deserve the time together and I stand by them.”
Anne was furious. “Mother, you must do something to stop this.”
“The only thing we can do is have the marriage annulled, but I am sure that your cousins have seen fit to protect themselves from such.” Lady Catherine spat the words. “We have been outwitted by Darcy and Richard.”
“You cannot just allow them to get away with this behavior. There must be something we can do to change the situation.” Anne began pacing about the room. “I will have those children kept here, until Darcy comes and promises to divorce that chit. Tell their nursemaids to return with them this instant.”
Anne began to move towards the door of the breakfast room, but her cousin was quicker. “You will do no such thing, Anne. There have been two attempts to abduct my wards, and there will be no future attempts. Lady Matlock can attest to her punishment for her attempt, and the second attempt led to the deaths of three people, and possibly a fourth. Have no doubts, Anne, I will see that Emmy and Edith are protected. Anyone who attempts to bring harm to them will suffer from my wrath. Do I make myself clear?”
“Who…who died?” Lady Matlock asked nervously.
“The dressmaker in Lambton and Mrs Jane Bingley were killed by George Wickham. Wickham was killed as he attempted to flee capture, and the woman who hired him was apprehended. She will stand trial and most likely be hanged for her part in the crimes. You were fortunate, Mother. Your life was spared.”
Lady Matlock gulped at the realization of what could have happened if she had been successful in removing the twins from Darcy House. She hung her head in shame.
“I bid you all farewell. I do not wish to see any of you again, and you will not be welcome in my home. As I said, I will protect the girls with everything I have, so do not attempt to harm them or abduct them. Leave my cousin alone, and allow him to enjoy the happiness he has found with his wife. They love Emmy and Edith, and have no desire to be a part of Society. You may never have known true happiness, but that does not give you the right to steal it from others. Good day to you all.” Richard turned on his heels and made his way from his family’s home for the last time.
Once outside, Richard shook all over, as if shedding the past from his life. He opened the door of the carriage to find Bingley sitting with the nursemaids and the twins, a handgun resting in his lap, under a cloth.
“All is well, Bingley. We may return to your townhouse now.” Richard stated.
Bingley let out the breath he had been holding. “Thank the heavens. We deserve to celebrate tonight. Perhaps the girls could have their first taste of my cook’s best pudding.”
Richard smiled. “That would be a pleasant way to end today.”
~~ ** ~~
Lady Catherine was furious. Her nephews had outwitted her. She had not expected Richard’s treachery, for she was certain that she had purchased his loyalty. But he had weaseled the funds from her and not done as she wished. Realizing that she had not been careful with her words, she cursed her own foolishness.
Having paced in her bedchamber for nearly an hour, Lady Catherine was brought out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. Without waiting for the grand lady to answer, the door opened and in rushed Anne.
“Mother, you have been hiding long enough. You must come down to discuss our plans. Aunt and Uncle are waiting for you in the drawing room.”
“What is there to discuss? Richard used my own words against me to acquire the funds I had promised. Darcy is married. How can we change these facts without any of us dying?”
“Do not be ridiculous.” Anne huffed. “Richard would never hold to such a threat. Especially if it were one of his parents.”
“He had his own mother arrested for attempting to abduct those children. What makes you believe he would do nothing worse?” Lady Catherine asked. “I will not jeopardize your welfare for the sake of ridding ourselves of those bastard children.”
“I demand we do something. Darcy is to be my husband, not the husband of some nobody. You have told me all my life that I am to marry him. Now I am just to accept what I am told and go on with my life? How will I find a husband? You never allowed me to have masters to instruct me on the pianoforte or singing, I cannot stitch a piece of fabric or draw anything that is recognizable. The only books I have been allowed to read were ones of your choosing. This all boils down to my having no accomplishments worthy of winning a husband.”
“You have time to learn. You are only twenty five years old. There is time.”
“But I do not have time. I am nearly on the shelf, and in a few more years, I will be too old to have children of my own. It is all your fault, Mother. You promised me a husband and a future as the Mistress of Pemberley, saying that I needed nothing more, as I was already promised in marriage. I remember your clearly stating that accomplishments were meant for young ladies who had no prospects and needed to attract gentlemen.”
“I did all that I could, Anne. Your cousin betrayed both of us. I was certain that he would honor our family’s wishes. But I cannot think of how to change the situation.”
The elderly woman walked towards the window, looking out at the park across the street from her brother’s townhouse. It was a sunny day, mocking the feelings she was experiencing.
“Mother, if you do not do all in your power to secure my marriage to Darcy, I will…I will…I will have you removed to the dower house immediately. You will no longer be allowed to run Rosings. It is my estate, left to me by Father.”
“Anne, there is nothing more that can be done, nothing that would not endanger our lives. We will find another husband for you.”
“NO…NO…NO! I will marry Darcy. I insist on marrying him.” Anne said as she grabbed hold of her mother’s arm, tugging on it to pull the lady around to look at the daughter.
Anne raised her hand to smack her mother, but Lady Catherine blocked the strike, moving back a step as her daughter moved forward. Unfortunately for Anne, she tripped over a wrinkle in the rug, and with her mother’s movement, there was nothing to stop Anne’s momentum. She crashed into the window, her body carrying her through the broken glass and tumbling through the air, landing, with a thud, on the ground below.
“ANNE!”
~~ ** ~~
A message was delivered from Matlock House to Darcy’s townhouse to Bingley’s by one of the Matlock servants. Lord Matlock had believed his son would be using Darcy House when he sent word.
Richard,
I am writing to inform you that your cousin, Anne, has had a terrible accident. After you took your leave of us, Anne was furious. She argued with her mother in Catherine’s bedchamber, and as Anne approached to strike her mother, she tripped over the rug, and fell forward, going through the window. Anne was found on the ground below, and brought inside.
The surgeon has declared that Anne’s life in delicate at the moment. If your cousin survives, she w
ill be crippled, as there is damage to her back. Anne has no feeling in her arms or legs. There is little hope that she will survive, as the surgeon says there are possibly internal injuries as well.
Though Anne is delirious, we have kept one of the family at her side constantly, in case she should recognize us. Catherine is beside herself with grief and holds herself responsible for her daughter’s condition. I know that you are not on good terms with your aunt or with Anne, but I plead with you to return to Matlock House, to stand vigil for Anne.
Your father,
Henry Fitzwilliam
Richard folded the message and placed it in his coat pocket. Turning to the servant, he shook his head. “Tell Lord Matlock, I will not be returning to his home. I will be here for another week and a half, so he can send messages if my cousin’s condition deteriorates. Otherwise, I do not expect any further messages.”
The servant knew Richard, and was fond of him. Not having a high opinion of Lord and Lady Matlock, and having no liking of the de Bourghs, the servant understood the former Colonel’s sentiments.
After the servant left Bingley’s townhouse, Richard poured himself a glass of port. Bingley entered the drawing room as Richard downed the drink quickly.
“Is all well, Richard?”
“My father sent word that he wishes for my return, as my cousin, Anne, has taken a fall through a window, and is in grave condition.”
“Good God, what terrible news.” Bingley was shocked. “Are you going to Matlock House?”
“No. I do not belong there. Lady Catherine would not wish for me to be there, and if my cousin were to recover, she would be furious with me. There is no reason for me to stand vigil over her, we have never been close. And I stand by Darcy, and will not betray him or the girls to go to Anne’s bedside and wish all to be well with her. She made her choices, and she will have to accept the consequences of her choice and her actions. According to my father, Anne was attempting to strike her mother, tripped and fell through the window. If Anne survives, she will be completely paralyzed.” Richard poured himself another drink, offering to pour one for his host.
“Should we send word to Pemberley?” Bingley asked.
“No. Let William and Elizabeth enjoy their time alone. They have time to deal with this issue later. Besides, there is nothing they can do for Anne, or the family, so they should remain at Pemberley.”
~~ ** ~~
“Good morning, my love.” Darcy placed a kiss on his wife’s lips. “What shall we do today?”
“I wish to leave this room. I am so bored staying here, in bed.”
“I thank you for the compliment.” Darcy chuckled.
“Oh, William, you know what I mean. I have no complaints where you are concerned. You, my dearest husband, have been the kindest, most attentive man, and I am grateful for your devotion. I am the most fortunate of women, having married for love.”
“As I am the most fortunate of men. I love you, my beautiful Lizzy.” Darcy kissed her again, this time, deepening the passion which was building. After several breathless moments, the couple separated slightly. “My love, you have been the greatest temptation to me. I have held myself under control, as you are recovering. But it makes me desire you more. I cannot wait until you are recovered and I can make love to you, over and over. You will be pleased to remain in your bed then.”
A smile came over Elizabeth’s expression. “I will indeed. Now, other than spending my time kissing my beloved husband, what will we do today?”
“Well, dearest, how would you like to have your kind husband carry you down to the library, and we can read or have a game of chess?”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew large with joy. “Yes, oh yes, I would approve of such an adventure.”
~~ ** ~~
Bingley and Richard stopped at Mr Phillips’ law office before they made their way to Netherfield.
“Well, as I said, my wife’s sister died suddenly, after hearing of her eldest daughter’s death. A bout of apoplexy, she was gone before they sent for Mr Jones.”
“And what of her younger daughters? What has become of Mary, Kitty and Lydia?”
“Mary had wed my clerk two days before Mrs Bennet’s death. If you approve, I would like the newlyweds to take possession of the house you purchased for the family. With the house, they will take guardianship of Kitty and Lydia. It will be a bit of a struggle financially, but my clerk is a hard working young man. I am certain that he will be able to meet the demands of the family. And between him and my niece, they will be able to curb Lydia’s foolishness. Kitty is a follower, and all she needs is a good example.”
“I was planning to settle five thousand pounds on the family. With the interest from the settlement, and the income of your clerk, the family should be comfortable. And the house is theirs, I wish for them to keep it. Are there papers you wish for me to sign?”
“Yes, I have them prepared, on the chance that you would be willing. As for the funds, my brother in law, Mr Gardiner, would be best at investing the money.” Mr Phillips said.
The men continued to discuss the matter of the youngest Bennet sisters, before Mr Phillips asked the most difficult question of Bingley. “So, can you tell me how my eldest niece died? Your letter stated something about Lieutenant Wickham being involved.”
“He was the one who killed Jane, shooting her when she stepped between him and Elizabeth. Mr Wickham was attempting to abduct the twin nieces of Mr Darcy.”
“Jane saved her sister’s life? I must admit, after the way Jane has behaved this year, I am shocked at her protecting Lizzy.”
Richard nodded his head. “Elizabeth is surprised as well. She said that Mrs Bingley was angry with her for becoming involved with, and then marrying, my cousin. But then again, Mrs Bingley was shocked to learn who Wickham truly was."
Mr Phillips frowned. “Who was Mr Wickham?”
“He was the man who was hired to ruin Miss Georgiana Darcy, my cousin. He was the father of the twin daughters my cousin gave birth to before her death.” Richard explained.
“He was hired to ruin Miss Darcy?” Mr Phillips was shocked. “Who would hire someone to commit such crimes? What could be their reasoning?”
Bingley looked down at his hands, clasped in front of him. “My sister, Caroline, was the demented person. She knew Darcy was close to his sister, and she wanted Miss Darcy out of the way. With her ruined and in disgrace, Caroline thought Darcy would send his sister away. He would then require a lady to marry to rebuild his status in Society. When that failed, Caroline hired Wickham again, this time demanding he remove the twins from Darcy, believing Darcy would then be free to marry her.”
“Good God. What is going to happen?”
“My sister has stood trial, and was found guilty of her crimes. Caroline pays for her crimes tomorrow morning.” Bingley replied. “Wickham was killed as he tried to escape capture.”
Mr Phillips was flabbergasted at the news. “Forgive me, Mr Bingley, I am sorry for the troubles your family is suffering. You have endured far more than anyone should.”
“It is done, and now I am moving forward. It broke my heart to learn of Jane’s marrying me for my wealth rather than for love. I wish it could have been different, I loved Jane. But now she is gone. I am keeping my promise to care for her family, and then I am moving forward with my life. You are looking at the new owner of Cutherford Hall. It is located in Staffordshire, near Derbyshire. I will be living only thirty miles from the Darcys.”
“Congratulations on your new home. Though I am sad to see you leave our neighborhood, I can understand your decision to live elsewhere. So you are closing Netherfield?”
“Richard and I are planning to stay there for a few days, until all can be packed and shipped to my new home. Then we will return to Pemberley, to visit the Darcys.”
“I was saddened to hear Lizzy was injured, but it pleases me that she will be fine and is happily settled in her marriage. I look forward to meeting her husband one day soon.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 18
“Welcome back, welcome back.” Darcy declared to his friend and his cousin. He took Emmy in one arm while Edith was placed in his other arm. Darcy placed a kiss on each of his nieces’ cheeks. “We have missed having you girls here. Have you behaved yourselves for Cousin Richard and Mr Bingley?”
“You realize, technically, I am related to you through your wife.” Bingley stated. “I would prefer the girls know me as Uncle Charles.” He smiled as he looked at the two miniatures of their mother.
“They were remarkably well behaved, even during the long ride. Uncle Charles was instrumental in keeping the girls smiling.” Richard announced with a smile.
“As if you were the somber one.” Bingley said as he punched Richard in the shoulder. “I have a feeling you will have a difficult time with the girls, as Cousin Richard has indulged them constantly.”
“Well, it does not matter to me. I am pleased to have them home again, and I am sure that Elizabeth will say the same. She has missed reading to them before they go to bed each night, and cuddling with them each morning.”
“How is your dear wife? Is she recovering as the physician said she would?” Richard asked.
“She is recovering very well. It has been difficult for her to remain still, but I finally made some changes so she was able to leave her bedchambers. I carried her down the hall to the library, which made her relax. At the moment, she is relaxing on the sofa in our private sitting room. I am certain she is wishing to see both of you.”
Bingley was nervous. He had not informed Darcy of Mrs Bennet’s death, and he knew that he would have to speak with Elizabeth. “Darcy, there is something important we have to tell Elizabeth.”
Creases formed between Darcy’s brows. “What has happened?”
“Elizabeth’s mother has died. She had an attack of apoplexy that took her life before Mr Jones could be summoned.”
Darcy held the girls a little closer. He knew that Elizabeth had never been close to her mother, but it would still be difficult to accept that she now had lost her father, her favorite sister, and her mother. “Let us spend time enjoying the twins and speaking of good things before we discuss anything sad.”
On the Road to Ramsgate Page 18