Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  understanding, it is certain that his fury was high.”

  Elizabeth gasped. “How was he discovered?” “He was discovered with your father’s pocket watch. He was trying to pawn the piece, not long after he was given notice of his taking possession of Longbourn under false pretense. As a matter of fact, it was only hours after he received notice from Sheridan that he was to vacate Longbourn. Collins also had your mother’s pearls, which Jane confirmed Mrs Bennet was wearing that fateful night.” Richard stated.

  “The fool.” Darcy said with such anger. “He deserves whatever the court would deem fit for his punishment. And the other two?”

  “Mr Andrew Denny and Mr George Wickham.” Lord Bentley stated, knowing the second name would extract a reaction from both of the Darcys.

  “NO!” Darcy cried out. “Wickham is involved in the murder and robbery of the Bennets? I knew him to be evil, but this far outweighs all the other crimes at his feet. How did you come to learn of his involvement?”

  “It appears that the two men have been in collusion with Collins for some time now. Even before the Netherfield ball.” Bingley announced. “It seems that they had planned on Elizabeth marrying Collins, and then Collins would have a reason to remain at Longbourn. Because he was refused, he was forced to move to Lucas Lodge, which made him determined to act quicker than he might. Mr Sheridan spoke with Sir William Lucas. It seems that Collins was nervous, far more so than before he was refused. And Sir William had made it clear that he could not remain living at Lucas Lodge. Even though Collins stated his desire to remain near Longbourn, as he claimed he wished to spend time learning about the estate from Mr Bennet, no effort was ever made by Collins to spend time at Longbourn.”

  Richard continued the tale. “It appears that Sir Lucas’ eldest son discovered Collins and the other two men in discussion, not long before the murders. From the description of the conversation, it was very heated, with Wickham grabbing hold of Collins’ coat and roughing him up a bit. The only words the Lucas boy overheard were “yes, yes, soon”. The boy thought Collins owed them some money, and that they were insisting on being paid.”

  “After the Bennets were laid to rest, and Collins took the estate, Wickham and Denny were seen at the estate frequently.” Bingley said. “And, the most disturbing part was Wickham gave a trinket to a young lady on whom he was sweet. The item was a hair comb which had belonged to Jane. The comb was silver, with blue paste stones. The young lady, one of Mrs Goulding’s nieces, was seen wearing it in her hair. Mrs Goulding was telling Lady Lucas that Wickham was fond of the girl, though he had yet to make his intentions known until he came into an inheritance, which he was expecting soon. It was also stated that Wickham had planned to take a position at

  Longbourn, until Collins was given the boot. Many believed that Wickham and Denny planned to leave any day, as Denny was overheard saying they would receive Wickham’s inheritance and be off, any day.”

  “Then we should go to Meryton immediately.” Elizabeth declared.

  “You should not be with us, Elizabeth.” Darcy replied. “It was my parents and little sister who were murdered. It was my dearest sister who was left crippled for life. It was my home which was ripped from my loved ones, forcing us to endanger Jane further. If it is the right of any of us here, it is mine.” Elizabeth stood her ground.

  “William, I agree with your wife.” Lord Bentley said. “If anyone has a right to confront these men, it is our dear Lizzy.”

  Taking an exasperated breath, Darcy gave in to his wife’s demand. “We will take you to Lucas Lodge, while we deal with the criminals. Sir William is the magistrate in Meryton’s neighborhood, is he not?”

  “He is. So you would need to bring the men to Sir William, once captured.” “Very well. Men, let us prepare to leave.” ~~ ** ~~

  On the way to Meryton, Elizabeth had questions. “Has Mr Collins vacated Longbourn?”

  “No, he has been delaying his departure, claiming all sorts of things, including he is making repairs to the house in gratitude for the ladies not bringing demands for recompense from him. The truth is, according to what was learned from Mrs Hill, who had a chance of overhearing Collins, in which the fool has made himself believe that the estate will remain his, with no heir to be had. He does not understand that Lord Bentley is backing the entailment being broken and the estate becoming Elizabeth’s.” Richard stated.

  Elizabeth was filled with fury. “He is most likely finding any way possible to rob the estate blind before he is forcibly removed from the property. I cannot wait to see him brought before the court and made to pay for his crimes against my family.”

  “It will not be long, my love.” Darcy raised Elizabeth’s hand to his lips.

  ~~ ** ~~ “Lizzy, how wonderful it is to see you.” Charlotte Lucas exclaimed as Elizabeth was shown into the parlor of Lucas Lodge.

  “Charlotte. I did not know you had returned to your family’s home. Last I heard, you were visiting family.”

  “I decided I must return. After Papa wrote to tell me of the news of Mr Collins not being the true heir, I knew it was time for me to be home. He will no longer be the puffed up peacock, making himself out to be more than he is.”

  “After today, he will not be doing anything freely.” Charlotte Lucas gasped. “So it is true? He was involved in the murder of your dear parents and sister?” With Elizabeth’s nod, Charlotte continued. “My brother and father have spoken in private with me, as they were concerned for my safety. After my brother overhearing Mr Collins speaking with two of the men from the militia, they were deeply concerned about what such men would do.”

  “It appears that Mr Wickham and Mr Denny were party to the crimes. It is the plan today to take them into custody. My husband and the others have had men watching their every move.”

  “Your husband. Oh, Lizzy, how good that sounds. And it is Mr Darcy. I always knew he cared for you. The way he used to watch you, I knew you were wrong to believe he was looking for fault.”

  “Yes, Charlotte, I was a fool to have not listened to you. If only I had not built up my prejudices against him the night of the assembly. He was in a terrible mood, and Mr Bingley was pestering him. William regrets his words, as he never even turned to look at whom Charles was pointing. When he realized the truth that I was the young lady to whom Charles was referring, William felt deeply his regret and prayed I had not overheard their conversation.”

  “You see, Lizzy, you did build up a wall of resentment against the poor man. But you have torn down the wall and now are so happily married.”

  “We have had many obstacles in our way, but we have overcome them. And now, Jane and Charles are engaged, and Mary will soon marry William’s cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The colonel is now retired from his regiment. They will be living at one of the estates our cousin has bestowed on our family.”

  “My father informed us all of your discovery of a distant cousin. And he is an earl, if I am not

  mistaken.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Lord Bentley is indeed an earl. He has three estates, as well as a townhouse in London, and a vast fortune. And he has given the majority of his wealth and property to my sisters and me. His generosity and kindness through the past few months has been overwhelming.”

  “Then I will declare him to be a fine man as well.” Charlotte declared. “Anyone who is so kind to my dearest friends, deserves to be respected by me.” ~~ ** ~~

  The men crept up along the side of Longbourn’s house. They had received word, from the men keeping watch, all three of the culprits, which were to be arrested, were meeting at the house, and it was believed they were in the study which had once been the favorite room of Mr Bennet. Darcy found anger building at the thought of three of the men who led to the violent end of his wife’s family, making use of such a cherished room. Knowing Elizabeth would be appalled at learning such, Darcy was prepared to make the men pay further.

  Mrs Hill came outside to hang some laundry on the line. See
ing men creeping about, she became nervous. She had lived in fear since the murders of her previous master and mistress. Suddenly, she felt strong hands grasp hold of her from behind, placing one hand over her mouth as she was pulled

  backwards.

  “Mrs Hill, please do not fret.” Came a voice she remembered from when he lived at Netherfield and visited Longbourn often. “You are safe with us.”

  When the hand was taken from her mouth, Mrs Hill turned around to find not only Mr Bingley, but Mr Darcy and several other men. “Mr Bingley, whatever are you doing, sneaking about? And you, Mr Darcy?”

  “Is Mr Collins inside the house?” Darcy inquired softly. “He is, Sir. And he has two other men with him. Cannot say I approve of either of them. Shifty sorts, they are.”

  “Are the men Mr Wickham and Mr Denny?” Darcy prodded for further details. Mrs Hill nodded her head. “They have been hold up in there for some time now. Drinking, from what I have heard from inside the room. It has been going on for several days now. Poor Mr Bennet would be sickened to see the condition of his book room.”

  “We are here to arrest the three of them.” Darcy explained to the housekeeper. “This is my cousin, who is engaged to Miss Mary Bennet. Richard, this is Mrs Hill.”

  Richard nodded his head towards them, as he kept a close watch on the surroundings. As he watched, Richard took over the matter of asking questions. “How is the room accessed? Is there more than one door into the room?”

  “There is a door from the hall and a door from the gardens. There is also a large window. I can show you the location of the doors and window.”

  “I am grateful, Mrs Hill.” Darcy gave her a small smile. “Once these men are in custody, we will talk.” “I look forward to such. Come now, let me show you the doors.”

  ~~ ** ~~ The men took their places, some outside the house, near the door and window in question, as the other men entered the house quietly and made their way down the hall towards the door they would enter. Mrs Hill knocked on the door, waiting for an answer.

  “What do you want?” Came an intoxicated voice from inside the room. “Mr Collins, I have the biscuits you asked for. And my husband has just returned from Meryton. He has the spirits you ordered.”

  Hearing the lock on the door turn, the men carefully moved Mrs Hill out of the way. When the door opened, Darcy and Richard pushed the door inward, taking the person on the other side by surprise.

  Darcy moved directly towards Collins, while Richard went towards Wickham, his sword raised and pointed at his nemesis’ throat. Denny, who had unlocked the door, fell to the floor in confusion.

  Wickham was quickest to recover his wits, diving backwards through the window, in hopes to escape. Denny was easily subdued by Bingley and a guard, while Darcy dealt with Collins. Richard was in hot pursuit of Wickham, two of the guards racing after him. The men who were stationed outside took aim at the villain, and ordered him to stop. Wickham knew his chances were slim if Richard or Darcy were to get their hands on him. Refusing to stop, Wickham continued to run, disobeying the orders to stop. Finally, he pulled a handgun from his waistband, turning with the weapon pointed in the direction from which he had come. He knew he would never be able to take aim at anyone or anything, but he refused to go down without a fight. As the air filled with the sound of handguns being fired, Wickham squeezed the trigger of his own gun. The impact of the bullets striking his body twisted Wickham in different directions, as the guards fired from different angles. Wickham landed hard on the ground, dead as a door nail, his eyes wide open as if in disbelief in what had become his fate.

  Unfortunately, his bullet struck a target. Richard Fitzwilliam had felt the bullet strike his left arm, grazing it. One of the guards ran to the former colonel, holding out a cloth to mop at the blood which escaped the wound.

  “This one be dead, sir. His troublemakin’ days are behind him.” One of the men checked Wickham for any signs of life.

  “Good riddance.” Richard spat.

  “Richard, what is happening out there?” Darcy hollered out the window to his cousin.

  “Wickham is dead. He pulled a weapon and fired it, the guards had no choice but to shoot him.” “The colonel is wounded, his arm took a graze.” The man who offered the cloth to Richard called out. “Richard, come inside. I have unlocked the door for you to enter.” A few moments later, Richard was standing beside his cousin as they towered over Collins. “Now, Mr Collins, you have the same choice as Wickham. You can take your chances and run from this room, knowing you will be gunned down, or you can be arrested and face the courts for your sentence.”

  “It was all Wickham’s doing, I did nothing. I did not know what he was planning until after it was done. When I became the new Master, Wickham attempted to extort funds from me.” Collins was blubbering.

  “You is a liar, Collins.” Denny shouted out. “You came to Wickham and me, offering us money and our choice of the Bennet girls before they died.” Turning his attention to Darcy, Denny continued. “All of the sisters were to be in the carriage with their ma and pa. Collins wanted a taste of Miss Eliza, the taste denied him when she refused him. Wickham wanted Miss Eliza as well, though he said he would enjoy Miss Lydia first. The other men all agreed that they would enjoy such prime fluff. I admit I would have been willin’ to take any of ‘em. When we realized three of the sisters was missin’ especially Miss Eliza, Collins was furious. Wickham too. Collins was the one to start the shootin’. He was anxious for the overturned carriage to be found, so he could take Longbourn and force Miss Eliza from here, for she had, once again, denied him the taste of her favors.”

  Without thinking, Mr Collins opened his mouth. “She was to be mine. And she refused me. Me, the heir to her father’s estate. How dare she refuse me? And then she was not in the carriage. Again, I was denied. I could not have her stay here, she had to be

  punished.”

  “By murdering her parents and her little sister?” Darcy cried out. “And wounding my Jane?” Bingley was furious beyond words. “She will never walk again, and nearly died from her injuries. All due to you.” Bingley lunged at Collins, wrapping his fingers around the worthless man’s neck.

  “Darce, we should stop Bingley before he kills the scoundrel.” Richard stated. Darcy shook his head. “Let him have a moment. He deserves the chance to mete out justice for his betrothed.”

  Collins continued to claw at Bingley’s hands, attempting to pry them from his throat. After a few more moments, Darcy and Richard finally restrained their future brother.

  Turning his attention back to the groveling man, Darcy was disgusted. “You are fortunate that I do not do the same, as you have spoken ill of my beloved wife. You are not fit to lick mud off my Elizabeth’s shoes, let alone marry her. She is far too fine a lady for the likes of you. And, from your own words, you have condemned yourself to hang, both of you. I insist you tell us of all the others involved in the murders. All of the men who participated that night.”

  Denny was agreeable to assist, as he wished to have the great men speak on his behalf, hoping to avoid the noose. Soon, the men had a list of six other men who were involved in the slayings, all promised rewards from Collins or Wickham.

  Collins and Denny were placed in irons and thrown on the back of a wagon, with several guards climbing on to keep watch over the criminals. Darcy, Richard and Bingle quickly mounted the horses they had borrowed from Sir William Lucas, and rode behind the wagon to Lucas Lodge. Darcy had assured Mrs Hill that Elizabeth would come to Longbourn before they returned to London.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 20 Hearing the wagon approaching the house, Elizabeth accompanied Sir William and Charlotte as they stepped outside. Elizabeth took a deep breath, giving a silent prayer for the safe return of her husband and the men she would soon call brothers. She looked at the wagon, giving a look of disdain to the man who had dared to claim to be her relation and make an offer for her hand. How grateful she was that her father had refused
to allow her to be forced into marrying him.

  “Cousin Elizabeth, please, you must make these men see reason. Your dear parents would not wish to see me harmed.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes glowed with anger. “You dare to speak to me in such a manner? You dare to call me cousin? You deserve all that you are given. My parents and Lydia did not deserve to be murdered. Jane did not deserve what was done to her. And then, to force us from our home in the manner you did. You shall have a fiery end, when you arrive in hell for your crimes. And you deserve no less.”

  “Please, Cousin…” The sound of a hard smack was heard as Elizabeth’s hand punched Collins’ face, causing the despicable man to be silent, blood dripping from his broken nose. “DO NOT EVER CALL ME COUSIN AGAIN!”

  Richard and Bingley looked to Darcy, both wearing smiles on their faces. Chuckling, Richard teased his cousin. “If I were you, Darce, I would refrain from angering your wife. She has quite a strong punch.”

  Darcy looked on his bride with great pride. “I cannot express how it makes me feel to see her finally get a chance to avenge herself. My only regret is that she did not have a chance to do the same to Wickham and Armstrong.”

  Her attention was soon directed to the sight of blood on Richard’s sleeve. “What in heaven’s name has happened? Richard, are you injured?”

  “Only a scratch, Lizzy. Have no fear, I have had far worse on the battlefield.” Richard assured her. “Mary will have a few words for you when she sees you.” Elizabeth forewarned. “Charlotte, may we intrude on your house to tend to Richard’s wound?”

  “Of course, Lizzy. Come in, gentlemen.” Sir William Lucas was pleased to see the men had been brought to him for judgment. He had been furious after the treatment of the Bennet sisters, and the behavior of Mr Collins during the events. It was now his great pleasure to see his daughter had not married the man, a murderer and robber.

  Charlotte led the men into the dining room, calling for fresh water and bandaging, as well as some of their housekeeper’s herbal remedies to treat the wound. The other men led Collins and Denny into Sir William’s study. There were other men who were sent to capture the other men involved in the murders; one man was a tenant of Netherfield, three were lower ranked men in the militia. One man was assistant at the stables in Meryton, and the last one was the brother of one of the militia men. All were led into Sir William’s home, and each were given a decision from the gentleman. Those in the militia were turned over to Colonel Forrester for court martial. The other men were bound for a trial, to be held in Meryton at the assembly hall.