Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  “I will marry, only it will be when I am set to do so. Not a moment sooner. And it will not be the likes of Lady Penelope or Cousin Anne. I will marry for love, unlike most of society marriages. I am finished with you Uncle. You are no longer a part of my life.”

  Turning, Darcy marched from the room and straight out of the house, ignoring the commotion from the sitting room. He was pleased to see Richard was just a few steps behind him.

  “Richard, we must move Miss Elizabeth, as soon as possible. And it would be wise to move her family and Bingley as well. Perhaps we should all make plans to journey to Pemberley.”

  ~~ ** ~~ “Anthony, I insist you sit there and listen to what I have to say. Your life depends upon it.” Lord Matlock demanded.

  “Please, Father, you have lectured me time and again. I will do as I please, and you will mind your own business. I intend to enjoy my life as long as I can, before you die and leave me to manage the estate, as Darcy was forced to do at such a young age. Look where it has gotten him. He is boring and aged far beyond his years. That will not be my life.”

  “And, because of you, I am forced to endure the wrath of Mr Armstrong. How could you gamble away twenty thousand pounds? I am being threatened by that man, if I do not do as commanded by Armstrong, you will be sent to debtor’s prison or he may even have you killed. Do you understand me? You are my son and heir. But due to your behavior, I am forced to do the bidding of an evil man.”

  “Calm yourself, Father. Do whatever Armstrong wishes and there will be no further problems. It is not like he would ask you to kill someone. Just do as he asks.”

  “And what if he does ask me to kill someone? Or if what he asks of me leads to another’s death? Do you understand what I am telling you? Because of your foolish gambling, I may be responsible for someone else dying.” Lord Matlock was displeased with his son’s behavior.

  “Then there is no option, as you must protect me. If you were to allow me to be sent to debtor’s prison, it would bring shame on our family. And you would never allow me to be killed. If Armstrong requires the death of someone, they are most likely someone far beneath our society. I am a viscount, heir to an earldom.”

  “When did you turn into such a waste of a man? You care nothing for anyone but yourself, and throw away your inheritance in your carefree lifestyle. The way you are behaving, there may be no inheritance left when I die. We could lose Matlock and all of our fortune.”

  “Speak to Darcy, he has more than enough to spare. As you are the head of the Fitzwilliam family, you can insist on his complying and giving you whatever you need to keep us afloat.”

  “Darcy has cut ties with me due to this situation with Armstrong. The young lady who was assaulted by your friend is an acquaintance of Darcy’s, not to mention Bingley being his closest friend. Darcy is standing firm on his support of Bingley and that little chit. Why did she not just submit to Armstrong? We would have no problems if it were not for that nobody.”

  “Is Darcy sweet on the little whore? Oh, what a surprise.” Anthony Fitzwilliam perked up. “So the proud and mighty Fitzwilliam Darcy feels his baser needs awaken and he wishes the whore for himself? This is perfect. Perhaps he wishes to make her his mistress.”

  “ENOUGH!” Lord Matlock bellowed. “I wish Armstrong could just forget the chit or she just disappear. Though I do not like the thought of harming or condoning the death of a young lady, this is one situation which has well exploded into scandal. It will make reconciling with Darcy difficult, but, in time, we should be able to convince him it was all for the best.”

  “Good luck with that, Father. He is just as stubborn as his father was. I am off to the Lucky Lady. Have a good day.”

  “Anthony, please, refrain from Armstrong’s establishments until we can resolve this situation. It is for your own safety that I beg you.” Lord Matlock pleaded with his eldest son.

  “I will be fine. Have no fear, Father.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mr Gardiner entered his home to find his wife highly agitated. “What is wrong, Helen? Is Jane well?” “Edward, the men watching our home are becoming bold in their actions. When Kitty

  accompanied Mrs Josephson to shop for supplies, one of the men approached them, leering at Kitty and making comments which were highly inappropriate. Mrs Josephson was scandalized by the men, and poor Kitty was terrified. It is becoming dangerous for all of us.”

  “One approached my assistant and threatened his family. I plan to speak with Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy when they come this evening for dinner. Armstrong must be desperate, he is willing to cause more harm to force us to tell him where Lizzy is.”

  The housekeeper announced the arrival of their guests. Mrs Gardiner walked over to welcome Georgiana. “It is a pleasure to see you, Miss Darcy.”

  “Thank you, Mrs Gardiner, for inviting us to your home. After last night, it is a welcome opportunity to be with pleasant people.”

  Mrs Gardiner was curious. “What happened last night?” Darcy stood behind his sister, a hand on her shoulder. “It is a long story, but suffice it to say, Mr Armstrong and his daughter were at the theater last night, as were we. He made statements which were barely concealed threats.”

  “Good God, has the man lost his mind completely?” Mr Gardiner was shocked. “It would appear so. It is my opinion we need to discuss the safety of everyone concerned. Armstrong is the sort to use us to draw Miss Elizabeth from where we have her hidden. If she thought one of her friends or family were in danger due to her, Miss Elizabeth would not hesitate to turn herself over to him. And he would kill her. I am certain of that.” Darcy’s emotions were barely contained.

  “I was just telling my wife that one of my employees was threatened today, and she said the men watching the house are growing daring enough to approach our cook while she was shopping with Kitty.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam had accompanied his cousins and Bingley, as he had determined on which side of the battle he would be. “I believe Bingley is in as much danger as Miss Elizabeth. He has provoked Armstrong’s ire to a near boiling point. As the one man who is spreading the truth, from first-hand knowledge, Bingley has a bull’s eye painted on his back. I would feel better if we could move everyone to a secure location.”

  “But, if we leave our home and my business, would Armstrong send his men to ruin them in our absence?” Mr Gardiner asked from his frustration. “I cannot afford to lose my business or our home, not to mention the potential harm which could be done to our servants.”

  Darcy held up a hand to protest. “Mr Gardiner, as a new partner in Gardiner Consulting and Imports, I believe I can afford to invest further funds in your business, in case any damages are done. We will give your employees paid holidays. If I am correct, Armstrong will strike within the next few weeks. He is angered, and losing control of his fury. This will lead him to make mistakes.”

  Mr Gardiner looked at his wife. Not seeing any alternative, the Gardiners agreed to the necessity. “When should we be prepared to leave?”

  “I would say a quick removal would be the best, as it would not give Armstrong time to act. Perhaps we should prepare this evening to leave bright and early tomorrow morning. I have two carriages available, Bingley has one, and I have horses to transport the men if need be.” Darcy began to take charge.

  “We have a carriage as well.” Mr Gardiner replied. “Will we be safe on the roads? Would we not be more vulnerable? After what happened a few months ago, to my sister’s family, what is to stop Armstrong from sending a large group of men on horseback to ambush us?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam knew Mr Gardiner was correct. “They would expect to find us on the road to Pemberley. But they would not realize if we were to take a detour. We could make it appear as if we were traveling north to Pemberley only to divert to a different location.”

  Darcy frowned. “What are you suggesting, Richard?” “Darcy, your townhouse is a veritable fortress. You have a garden behind it as well, and your servants are devoted to you.
What if we made it appear that we were moving everyone to Pemberley, only bring them to Darcy House? You have more than enough room for everyone, for the third floor has not been used in the past few years. We can have the guards who are currently protecting Bingley and Miss Elizabeth combine with the ones at Darcy House, leaving others to watch over the Gardiner property.”

  Bingley nodded his head. “It would be far safer than attempting to move such a distance with so many people, especially with Miss Bennet. I cannot imagine her traveling well, after all that she has been through.”

  “I agree with Mr Bingley. It would be easier on everyone’s nerves, especially those of my nieces.” Mrs Gardiner gave her opinion. “I know it would not be wise to move Jane so far, as she would be hysterical at such a venture.”

  Looking at Georgiana, Darcy smiled. “Then it is settled. Tomorrow, we will have our carriages prepared and come to meet you here. We will transport all of you to Darcy House, and collect Miss Elizabeth as well.”

  “It will be a relief to have Lizzy with us.” Mr Gardiner nodded his head. “I have had fear growing in me, not being able to see her.”

  “Well, let us enjoy our meal and then finish making arrangements for the move.” Mrs Gardiner smiled.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ Chapter 8 A man entered Armstrong’s house, demanding to see his employer quickly. The butler knew the man was a thug, he had seen and heard enough of the burly man to know there was danger wherever he went.

  The man, Roberts, was shown into Armstrong’s study. “Mr Armstrong, we had a report of a possible location of that chit for which you was lookin’. One of the seamstresses at the shop Miss Darcy has visited told my men of the young lady sneakin’ out the back and down the alley. When we checked, we saw men who looked to be guards.”

  “Where is she? Let us leave immediately, I wish this to be over now. If we attack now, in the dark, there is a greater chance of success.” Armstrong was making his way towards the door of his study, stopping only to open a cabinet to withdraw several weapons.

  The men left the house, meeting a group of men who were assembled outside the house. Seeing his employer leaving, carrying weapons, the butler, Mr Lars, knew something was wrong. He knew enough about Armstrong, and the situation with Miss Armstrong’s companion, to realize what was most likely to happen. Mr Lars had also overheard enough of recent conversations his employer had with others to know just who to contact. He went to the nearby drawing room, taking out paper, ink and a quill, Mr Lars wrote a quick note, then sealed it. He sent one of the footmen to find his son, who also worked as a footman for the Armstrong house.

  The younger Mr Lars found his father in the drawing room, and closed the door behind him when his father directed him to do so. “Andrew, you must carefully make your way to this address to deliver this message. It is vital to do so quickly, to use caution not to be recognized. Make certain they know it is urgent for the master of the house to receive the message. Then come back here and straight to your rooms. Do not speak to anyone with regards to this task.”

  Knowing his father’s fear of Mr Armstrong was warranted, Andrew realized something horrible was in the works or his father would never be taking such a risk. “I will be careful, Father.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Something was troubling Elizabeth as she attempted to retire for the night. A feeling of unrest and nervousness filled her and she finally abandoned her bed, walking over to the fireplace in her room, and taking a seat in the chair next to the warmth. Lighting a candle on the nearby table, Elizabeth picked up the book of poetry, running her fingers lightly over the embossed letters on the cover. She opened the front, taking hold of the letter she had read over and over again, until she had memorized the words.

  Elizabeth had spent many hours going over the memories she had of Darcy, the times they had been in each other’s company, what he had said and how he had acted. Realization had finally begun to sink in her mind, the truth that she had completely

  misunderstood Darcy and had been blinded to his true feelings for her.

  Using the information she had garnered from his cousin and sister, Elizabeth had begun to appreciate the man who had contemplated risking his life to protect her and her honor. A sense of warmth wrapped around her, thinking that a man such as Fitzwilliam Darcy could care for her. Though she felt nothing could come from it, as she was ruined in the eyes of society, Elizabeth was able to find comfort in being cared for.

  As her mind wandered, her ire grew again at the thought of her ruination. Why is it that the men commit the foul acts, while the women bear the shame of it? It is unfair. No matter what had happened in Mr Armstrong’s study, she was thought guilty of improper behavior. If I had allowed him to act as he wished, I would be his mistress. Yet, even when I fought to protect myself, I am just as guilty. As if I led him to behave in such a manner. It is ridiculous to treat women with such a double standard, yet men are allowed to brag of their prowess with the ladies. How is a lady to fend off such vile behavior and keep her reputation? And how are they to recover from the feelings which occur from such behavior by men? They are shunned by society and their families. There must be something which can be done for the ladies. If only I had the funds to purchase a house for ladies, such as myself, to come for assistance. I would have a purpose, if I could help others move forward in their lives. Perhaps then, I would not feel so empty inside.

  A sudden noise drew her attention. Walking to the window, she peered outside. In a distance, behind one of the neighboring houses, there were men creeping towards the townhouse where Elizabeth was staying. She quickly moved to pull the bell cord, calling for someone to join her. Raymond, the head guard, had been in the hallway, making rounds when he heard Elizabeth moving about. Knocking on the door, he was surprised when the door was yanked open and Elizabeth took hold of his sleeve, pulling him towards the window. Pointing at the men who were continuing towards them, Elizabeth alerted him to the danger they were facing. Raymond quickly left the room, calling to the other guards to inform them of the impending danger.

  Grabbing her dressing gown, as well as the book containing the letter, Elizabeth rushed to the hallway. Her nurse and maid had joined her, waiting on word from Raymond and his men as to what they should do.

  At the sound of breaking glass, the maid began to shake with fear. “We will be killed, I know it. I should never have taken the position. I will die here.”

  “Rosie, calm yourself. The men will protect us. Everything will be fine.” Mrs Albright, the

  housekeeper, said as she joined the other ladies, all the while she attempted to quell her own fears.

  Sounds of men fighting were heard, and the sound of gun fire. Rosie began to scream, and Elizabeth’s heart was pounding from fear. Mrs Albright was petrified from shock of the obvious violence occurring one floor below them. The fighting felt as if it had gone on for hours, the men yelling and sounds of fisticuffs being thrown and received. More gunfire was heard, as well as doors being kicked in. There were sounds of men crying out in pain, and furniture being broken.

  Then Elizabeth heard the voice of the man responsible for her situation. Armstrong was here, inside the house, coming for her. The people who had been taking care of her were in jeopardy and possibly being killed because of her. If Armstrong would leave them alone, guarantee her that he would not harm another living being, she would go with him. But she knew the monster, he would kill them all. What were they to do? The stairs were blocked, there was no possibility for them to escape.

  Forgive me, God. I do not wish for others to be harmed to save me. Please, stop Mr Armstrong. Take my life instead of theirs. They are dying to save me. I cannot live with such a burden. Elizabeth gave a silent prayer.

  There was more commotion, now coming from the front entrance of the townhouse. More fighting was heard, though Elizabeth thought she recognized some of the voices. There was one man barking orders to some others, a very strong voice with the precision commands of an officer. Colonel Fitzwilliam is here
. A moment later, she was certain that she heard Mr Darcy’s voice. He came for me. He is here to save me.

  Hearing footsteps racing up the stairs, Elizabeth backed the other ladies into a room until they were sure it was safe for them. Mr Bingley came into view, a gun in his hand. “Miss Elizabeth, ladies, come quickly. We need to take you from here immediately.” He reached out with his empty hand, pulling Elizabeth behind him.

  They cautiously, but quickly, made their way down the stairs and towards the front entrance door, which was now in splinters from being forced open. There was no time to look for Darcy or his cousin, as Bingley was bent on his mission to bring the ladies out of the house and to safety. There was a carriage nearby, and Bingley herded the ladies into it and motioned to the driver to make haste.

  Bingley looked at the ladies as the carriage traveled quickly. “Are you ladies well? Were any of you injured?”

  “No, I believe we escaped without injuries, Mr Bingley.” Mrs Albright announced. “Frightened out of our wits, but well otherwise.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, are you well?” Bingley asked, taking her hand in his own as he searched her eyes. Nodding her head, she lost control of the tears which had been threatening to pour from her eyes. Realizing how frightened she must have been, Bingley wrapped his arm around her. “Have no fear, Miss Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy had everything in hand, and we will arrive at Darcy House in a moment. Then we will all be safe. Darcy sent a footman to your uncle’s home, and insisted they move to Darcy House immediately, before Armstrong has a chance to regroup.”

  Sobs were wracking through her body as she broke down. Bingley continued to awkwardly pat her on the back as he held her to him. Though he knew it was improper, he cared for the young lady as if she were his family. And, if he were successful, one day, Elizabeth could be his sister, if he were able to convince Jane to marry him.