“And Robert’s original name, was it Bentley?” “Yes, Sir. He was third born son of Frederick Bentley, your great grandfather. Frederick, as I am sure you are aware, lost his second born son at quite a young age. The eldest was Joshua, your grandfather. I am not certain of the disagreement which caused the rift in the family, though I am certain you know of it. I have the documentation showing the family history, proving that Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters are distant cousins of yours. And, I might add, they are the last remaining members of your family.”
“I had a feeling, as I had heard, many years ago, mind you, of Robert’s descendants. Hearing you state Thomas Bennet’s name was like a key to unlocking the memory. I remember hearing Thomas’ name mentioned on some papers, when my father was drawing up papers with his solicitor. At the time, Thomas would have been a boy. His father had met with mine once, when my father traveled to
Hertfordshire. It was made clear that Alfred had no desire to be in contact with his Bentley relations, and my father dropped the matter soon after. But now, with all of my other relations being dead and gone, I wish for relations whom I can claim. My family’s history can be shared with the Bennet sisters, and they can be my heirs.”
“There is a distant cousin of the Bennet family, the one who inherited Longbourn. A Mr Collins. In doing the research, I have learned that Mr Collins is not blood relation to the Bennets, as he was the step son of Randolph Collins. He was a year old when Randolph married Amelia, therefore, Mr William Collins inherited the estate falsely.”
“How is it the Bennets never knew he was a stepson, not a blood relation?” Mr Sheridan smiled. “Evidently, Randolph Collins did not like Thomas Bennet, so he kept the news silent. As the two men rarely had contact, it was easy enough to not inform his cousin. Only when the younger Collins was in school, and Thomas had no male heirs, did Randolph contact his cousin telling him, with the false claims, that William was the legitimate heir.”
“Our family has had many disagreements over the years, and it is sad that it has torn us apart. I pray it is not too late to bring the remaining members together. As to this Collins, I wish to have a solicitor notify him immediately that he is not the legal heir to
Longbourn, and that he will forth with vacate!”
“I have already taken the papers to Mr Allen’s office. Did you know that he was already working on papers for Mr Darcy, concerning Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
Lord Bentley was surprised. “What were they regarding?” Sheridan smiled. “It is to be kept quiet for the time being, though you are familiar to Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and now, the Bennets and Gardiners, you should be aware. A marriage contract was being drawn up, and a special license for the couple to wed. It seems your cousin will soon be Mrs Darcy.”
“I cannot imagine a better man for Miss Elizabeth. I have heard that Mr Bingley was quite smitten with the eldest of the sisters, I believe her name is Jane.”
“It is. The other two sisters are Mary and Katherine, who has been called Kitty since she was a little girl. The youngest was killed with their parents.”
Nodding his head, Lord Bentley looked back at Mr Sheridan. Pulling a key from his pocket, Lord Bentley unlocked a desk drawer and retrieved some money. Placing the funds on the desk, Lord Bentley motioned with his head. “Here is your pay, plus a bonus for your efficiency. Would you be interested in further work for me?”
“If you are speaking of your desire to learn who murdered Mr and Mrs Bennet, and their youngest daughter, I have already begun. We will hopefully know more by next week, as I expect to hear from one of my contacts by then.”
“Then I will look forward to hearing from you next week. And, Mr Sheridan, you have my gratitude for your hard work.”
~~ ** ~~ Having bid her father farewell, Lucy Armstrong left Town in her father’s carriage. She was traveling south, to stay with her aunt. What her father did not know was that Lucy had no intention of returning to her father’s home.
Lucy knew her aunt had only tolerated Armstrong for Lucy’s sake. Her aunt, Harriett Jenkins, had never approved of her sister’s husband, but promised to always look after Lucy, when her mother died. Lucy knew her aunt would do all she could to protect the young lady.
Having made a list of all the things she wished to do, Lucy went over it in her mind. The first was to hire someone to attempt to locate her siblings. Wishing for siblings all of her life, Lucy wanted to find them and make some attempt at bettering their lives. Fortunately, Lucy’s mother had left her property and a sizeable fortune, which had been inherited from Lucy’s great grandmother, all of which Harriett had kept control of after her sister died.
Once she had determined what to do for her siblings, Lucy planned on selling her property. She would then disappear and begin a new life. Harriett Jenkins had been a widow for two years, and never had children of her own. She had spoken of her desire to travel to her niece years before, so Lucy was certain she could convince her aunt to travel with her.
Another item on her list was going to be difficult. Lucy wished to write to Elizabeth Bennet. She knew that the rumors of her father having assaulted her former companion were true, and Lucy thought long and hard on what she should do for her friend. The only way she could contact Elizabeth was to write to her. So Lucy was determined to write a letter, apologizing to Elizabeth and explaining to her what revelations had come to her.
For the first time in her life, Lucy Armstrong was determined to start a new life, one which was free of her father.
~~ ** ~~ Curled beside her husband in their bed, Helen Gardiner laid her arm across her husband’s chest. “I am pleased to see Jane improving so much. Mr Johnston is certain that she will never walk again, but her body is growing stronger, and she is able to sit upright for longer periods of time. Her arms are stronger as well.”
“Her attitude is much improved as well.” Mr Gardiner stated. “She is allowing her feelings for Mr Bingley to come to the surface, feeling as if she will have a future.”
“I asked Mr Johnston if he thought she would ever be able to have children of her own. He said that Jane’s paralysis is below her hips. She has sensation when she needs to refresh herself, and, after his last examination, Mr Johnston can see no reason she could not carry a babe. He said that Jane has not spoken to him of such, as she most likely believes she will never be able to have children of her own. I plan to speak with her soon.”
“Mary has been spending a lot time with Colonel Fitzwilliam. It is the first time I have seen her take care with her appearance. She had Miss Darcy’s maid style her hair.” Mrs Gardiner stated. “Kitty is becoming close friends with Miss Darcy. Mr Darcy had supplies purchased for Kitty to spend time with his sister, drawing. Kitty has had the talent, but it was untrained. I am so grateful for the Darcys taking such care of our dear girls.”
“I am certain my sister and Thomas are watching the girls, and smiling.” “I can hear Fanny squealing with delight that she will have daughters settled in such advantageous situations.” Mrs Gardiner chuckled.
~~ ** ~~ Waking in the bedchamber she had been using, Elizabeth smiled. She was shocked at the ease in which she had become accustomed to such elegance. Feeling the silkiness of the bed covers made her feel like a princess.
And soon, she would be Mrs Darcy, and her life would be filled with wonders of which she had never dreamed. Her thoughts continued to wander back to her fiancé. Fitzwilliam Darcy was not the man she thought she knew in Hertfordshire. It was easy to see, now that she realized the truth. Darcy was painfully shy and found conversation with new acquaintances to be difficult. When he was comfortable with his surroundings and with the people, William was the kindest and most caring man Elizabeth had ever known.
All that had been done for her was overwhelming. Not only saving her life, but seeing to her every need, and the needs of her family was unfathomable. He seemed to enjoy watching the Gardiner children playing in the nursery, and watching over her sisters as they expanded their tal
ents. Everyone was flourishing at Darcy House. If only something could be done regarding Armstrong, so they could, once again, be free to go about their daily activities without fear.
She thought of the previous two days, and what had happened to Miss Bingley. Seeing the lady die before her was disturbing. Even though she did not like Caroline Bingley, to know she was murdered for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, was devastating. The body was removed from Darcy House, and taken to the undertaker. Bingley requested his sister be taken to Scarborough, to be buried by their parents. He sent an express to Louisa Hurst, informing her of the tragedy and of their sister’s body being transported. Rather than journey with the body, Bingley decided to remain at Darcy House. There was far too much danger, and it was agreed that it would be the perfect time for Armstrong’s men to terminate Bingley’s life.
It pleased Elizabeth to know her beloved Jane was recovering her spirit. Bingley still loved Jane, and it was clear that Jane cared deeply for him. She prayed they could weather the many storm clouds which had encased their lives.
A knock was heard on the door from the hall into the bedchambers. “Lizzy, might I enter?” The voice was that of Mary Bennet.
“Come in, Mary.” Elizabeth said as she climbed from her bed and donned a dressing gown. “I hope I am not disturbing you, Lizzy. I wished to speak with you on a matter which has me confused.” “Of course, Mary. You are welcome to speak on any subject.” The sisters took a seat on the bed. “Well…I am not certain how I should discuss such a matter, as it is far too difficult about which to think, let alone speak.”
“Mary, what could have you so confused?” Elizabeth chuckled slightly. “I cannot imagine you have ever done anything to warrant such
frustrations.”
“I…well…I….Oh, Lizzy, how does it feel when you are in love with someone? I find I desire to spend as much time with him as I can and I think of him whenever we are apart, and my heart feels as if it is beating out of my chest.”
“Am I to understand that you are speaking of Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
Mary nodded her head. “He is a good and honorable man. I have come to respect him tremendously. Colonel Fitzwilliam is very close to William.” Elizabeth stated.
“Which is another reason to like him. I find Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley to be extremely honorable men, and they would never associate as closely as they do with Colonel Fitzwilliam if he were not like them. The fact that he saved my dear sister also leads me to think highly of him. And I find the combination of seriousness and joyfulness to be very pleasant.” Mary blushed. “He is a fine example of what a man should be.”
“And, has he given you any signs of being partial to you?” Mary nodded her head. “He asked permission to speak to our uncle with the intent to court me properly. Colonel Fitzwilliam knows we do not have any dowry to speak of, and, as he has been disowned by his father, he would have to continue in his profession. But I do not mind. As good a leader as he is, his superior officers have long wished for him to take a position of instructing new officers. If he was to take such a position, it would keep him in England, and not have to fight in the war.”
“Such a blessing would meet well with William, as he frets over his cousin being injured in battle.” “I would worry as well. It would be better if he were to remain in England, train the young men properly.” Mary expressed.
“Well, then I suggest you speak with our uncle and discover what occurred between him and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I pray that you will find happiness and are completely cherished for the gem you are.” Elizabeth suddenly remembered something. “Oh, I completely forgot. William has put in our marriage contract that he set up dowries for you, Kitty and Jane. You will have ten thousand pounds settled for each of you when you marry.”
Mary’s eyes grew round as saucers. “Ten thousand pounds? I could not imagine such a large amount. Your betrothed is such a kind man, and I am pleased to know he will be my brother.”
“I am pleased that it will allow you and Kitty to make better matches than we could have ever thought possible.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ Chapter 13 A loud commotion was heard, coming from the foyer. Darcy stepped into the hall to see what was happening, only to hear a voice he was not looking forward to hearing.
“Where is my nephew? I demand you to step out of my way, this moment. I am here to see my nephew and will not be forbidden by the likes of a servant.”
“Aunt Catherine, please do not mistreat my staff. They have been instructed to bar everyone who is not on a specific list. I had no reason to know you would be coming here.” Darcy said as he approached Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
“I came here on a matter of extreme importance, Darcy. I insist you hear me out at once.” The grand lady forced her way passed her nephew and walked directly to his study. Darcy followed behind her, prepared to wage verbal war with his aunt. She had insisted for many years, as far back as Darcy could remember, that he was to marry her daughter, Anne de Bourgh. No matter how many times he disagreed with his aunt, she refused to accept his decision. Anne and Darcy had made an agreement years before, as neither wished to marry the other. Anne did not particularly like Darcy, especially for a potential husband. And, due to her frail health, Anne would never be able to survive the rigors of childbirth, and Darcy had to have an heir.
“Welcome, Aunt Catherine. What brings you to Town? I thought you despised being here.” “I am here because of you, Darcy. I received two most unusual letters, the authors of which were reluctant to give their name. But they spoke of your being involved with a paid companion, with whom you have an attachment. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Though I am not certain who would have sent you such a letter, I have no hesitation in telling you of the young lady to whom I am engaged to marry. She was working as a paid companion, only after tragedy struck her family. Her father was a gentleman, and he was murdered, along with his wife and their youngest daughter. As there was no son to inherit, Elizabeth and her remaining three sisters were forced from their home. The eldest was injured when their parents and young sister were killed. Miss Bennet required medical assistance, and Elizabeth felt she should do what she could to pay for her sister’s care.”
“Miss Bennet, you say? Would they be from Hertfordshire?” Lady Catherine asked.
“Yes. Their father owned Longbourn, near the village of Meryton.” “That is to where my clergyman deserted. He left me in a lurch, no notice at all. Mr Collins was a foolish man, but he owed me some consideration, after my giving him the valuable living at Hunsford.” Lady Catherine was angry.
“After being employed by Mr Armstrong, the man attempted to force himself on Elizabeth. She was beaten, nearly to death. If my friend, Charles Bingley, had not interceded, Elizabeth would have been killed.”
Lady Catherine looked puzzled. “But why would you feel the need to marry her? It is not as if you caused her circumstances.”
“Aunt Catherine, I have known the Bennets since I visited Bingley at the estate near Longbourn. Nearly from the first moment I saw Elizabeth, I felt drawn to her. She captured my heart and soul, and I am in love with her. Believe me when I tell you I have thought about all the arguments you and your brother could have against Elizabeth, but I came to realize what was more important. I do not care about her lack of fortune, I have plenty. She and Georgiana have become close friends. Elizabeth is a wonderful young lady, and I am honored that she has agreed to be my wife.”
Lady Catherine stood and walked to the nearby window, looking out at the garden behind the townhouse. Noticing several young children playing in the garden, the grand lady took a deep breath. “Who are all the children?”
“At present, we have Elizabeth, her three sisters, their aunt, uncle and cousins, and Bingley residing here with Georgiana, Richard and myself. The children are Elizabeth’s cousins.”
A sadness came over the grand lady’s face. “I always wished for a house full of children. It broke my heart t
o not be able to have more children. And Anne will never be able to have children of her own. It has been difficult to come to terms with the knowledge I will never have grandchildren. But it is time I said the words out loud.”
“Are you well, Aunt Catherine?” Darcy was concerned for his aunt, as he had never seen her in such a manner. He had never considered her to be a doting mother or grandmother figure.
“I am well, William. I wish to meet this young lady. It is imperative I meet her.” “Aunt, I will not allow you to cause Elizabeth any further abuse. She has suffered enough.” Darcy stated.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, I demand to see the young lady with whom you have entered into a betrothal.” “Very well, but I will be with you. I will not allow you to be alone with her.”
“I can accept those terms. Now, send for her to join us.” Darcy rang the bell for a servant, asking them to find Elizabeth and ask her to join him. Nearly ten minutes went by before Elizabeth entered the study. “Elizabeth, I wish to introduce you to my mother’s sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Shock was clearly seen on the young lady’s face. “Lady Catherine, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Elizabeth said as she curtsied.
“Come closer, child, for I will not bite. I wish to have a better look at you.”
Elizabeth did as she was asked, stepping in front of Lady Catherine. “You are quite pretty, Miss Elizabeth. So you are the young lady who has my brother spending more time in his bottles than anything else. He blames you for his eldest son’s death.”
“Aunt Catherine, I must insist you keep such comments to yourself.” Darcy began to walk towards Elizabeth, prepared to shield her from his aunt.
“Have no fear, William. My eldest nephew was a foolish man, and he brought his own death upon himself. If he had not gambled away his inheritance and most of Matlock, Anthony would most likely still be alive. Trading the life of a young lady for the debts my nephew had incurred would not have been right. And I have told my brother just that. I do not blame you for your decision to protect Miss Elizabeth. You did what was right and honorable. Now, when are you planning to marry?”
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