The pain was sharp, but gone almost as quickly as it had been there. Darcy had taken a moment for her to adjust and to relax, her muscles becoming accustomed to him. Slowly, Darcy began to glide to the edge of her opening, before sliding back inside of her again and again. There were no words that came to Elizabeth to allow her to express what she was feeling at that moment, as she rode wave after wave of pleasure, causing her body to writhe and tense, wishing more of him. Suddenly, Elizabeth felt herself spiraling over the edge of a precipice that she had never known before. She could feel Darcy moving faster and faster, moving inside her until, suddenly feeling his body spasm, her husband deposited his seed inside her. He collapsed, partially on top of her, unable to think for a few moments.
When he was finally able to regain his power of thought, Darcy moved to Elizabeth’s side, though pulling her with him, holding her tightly to his chest as they lay on their sides, facing one another. “Lizzy, oh, my loveliest, dearest Lizzy, I have never in my life felt such an exquisite, pure, release as I just enjoyed. You are so tight and warm, I was nearly undone from the first moment I entered you. I felt as if I would never be able to bring you to your pleasure, I feared I would not be able to control myself at all.”
“Then you are pleased?” Elizabeth said as she looked into his eyes, worried that she would not be enough for him.
“My love, pleased is an understatement of how I am feeling at this moment. I feel as if I am the most fortunate man in the world to have such a delightful minx as my wife. But I am concerned, did I cause you any harm? Are you in pain?”
Shaking her head, Elizabeth smiled. “I am well, my love, even wonderful. I have never thought one could find such…I have no words for what I felt as you…”
“I do not know what you felt, though I know that if it was anything as glorious as you have made me feel, we are the two luckiest people alive.”
Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him on the forehead as she pulled him to her. “You are not disgusted with my body?” She asked tentatively. “The scars…”
“Dearest Lizzy, your scars are a part of you. Just as mine are parts of me. Do the scars on my hands and arms disgust you?”
“Of course not, I could never be disgusted by the pain you endured when you heard the news. You were in such pain; I only wish I could have been there to take the pain away.”
“Why is it that you are so willing to understand my pain and what I had to endure, but never give yourself the same understanding? You endured far more, and yet, it is as if you blame yourself for what happened. You are not to blame, and it is time that you rid your mind of thoughts that your scars will repulse me. You cannot repulse me. The only thing that you can do to make me angry is to refuse to allow me to be at your side and to love you. I will not tolerate being pushed from your life. Can you accept this?”
Elizabeth looked away momentarily, causing Darcy’s heart to nearly stop. All he could think of was that she could not possibly be preparing to ask him to leave her. Not now. When she returned her eyes to his, he could see the tears welling up, nearly overflowing down her cheeks.
“Forgive me, William. It will take time for me to grow past my fears. I had not thought of the aspect that you just shared with me, and yet, it makes perfect sense. I will do my best to move forward, to put the fire behind me, though I cannot promise that I will not slip from time to time.”
Kissing her lips, Darcy could not help but be comforted. “I will be patient with you, so long as I may hold you when the pain roars inside you. I will also ask that you hold me, when the past leaps at me; for I do not wish to be overwhelmed by the pain.”
“I will be your comfort, and you will be mine. I love you, William. Nothing will ever change that.” She lifted her head to capture his lips. Darcy was pleased with her willingness to initiate such an intimacy. His lips soon parted, his tongue wishing to taste her, to roam freely inside her mouth. Obliging him, Elizabeth allowed her own tongue to dance freely inside his mouth.
Not long after their kiss began, Darcy found himself hardening again. “My love, I do not wish you to believe me a beast, but I must have you again.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew round. “I thought a man could only…once…and then was unable to for some time.”
“I have never known another woman, relieving myself only as I was instructed when I came of age. And I have never been known to have another so soon, but my body is craving my delicious wife.”
Giggling, Elizabeth nodded her head as she pulled his face back to hers, kissing him deeply as he prepared to join her body in the most perfect way he knew. When he entered her, it was smooth and quick, making Elizabeth gasp with delight. Their coupling was different this time, quick and breathless, hard and needing the other. When they had reached their peaks within moments of each other, both collapsed, completely exhausted.
Nearly two hours later, Darcy requested a bath drawn. When it was ready, he carried his wife to the tub, sitting down in the warm water with his wife in his arms. Darcy enjoyed rubbing the soap over Elizabeth’s body, kissing her skin from time to time. Though they had been married for nearly a fortnight, the couple knew that their life together truly began that day, as they had bared themselves mind, body and soul, to the other.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 17
Each morning, at breakfast, the previous day’s events were discussed. Darcy and Elizabeth had been so consumed with her treatments that, when they dined in the evenings with everyone, they were tired and wished to enjoy the company of their family. Any business was discussed first thing in the morning.
At the end of the first week of Elizabeth’s treatments, there had been no change in the situation with Wickham and Jolly. Lord Matlock had received two letters from his sister, ranting of her disapproval of his support of Darcy’s marriage, and of the marriage itself. Lady Catherine expected the marriage to be annulled and for Lord Matlock to escort their nephew to Rosings, where he would be forced into marriage to Anne immediately.
Lord Matlock wrote to his sister that the marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth was performed with his approval and he would support the newlyweds. He also contacted the family solicitor to ensure Lady Catherine could not attempt to have the marriage annulled.
The soldiers had arrived and were keeping a watch on Wickham and Jolly. They knew that there was still gun powder that was missing, and Colonel Forster meant to know where the remaining barrels were. The men continued to watch for an opening which would allow them to take Wickham and Jolly without their ability of set off any barrels they may have in the cottages.
It was the middle of the second week that one of the soldiers came quickly to Netherfield. An opportunity had presented itself, and Mr Jolly had been captured. They brought him to Netherfield to interrogate him.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Forster were alone in the room, questioning Jolly about the remaining barrels of black powder as well as Wickham’s habits.
“Jolly, we know that you were involved in the theft of the gun powder. How many barrels were taken?” Colonel Forster asked.
“I know not of what you are speaking. I am a loyal tenant of Longbourn, serving Mr Collins in tending his lands. I know nothing of gun powder.”
“So, will you deny that your name is Benjamin Jolly, a private in his majesty’s service, serving under the command of Colonel Jennings? Do you deny that you fled your post when you learned that you were to sail for France to fight in the war?” Colonel Forster continued as Colonel Fitzwilliam remained silent and watched.
“You are mistaken, Sir. My service to my unit was over and I did not wish to continue, so I purchased my leave. I am retired from the military life and wish to live out my days in peace. As for this man, Wickham, I believe you said; I know nothing of such a man. All of the tenant homes are abandoned. There is no one else living in the tenant houses.”
“We have been watching you and Wickham for several days now, and we are well aware of t
he fact that Mr Collins has fled from the neighborhood, and that you and Mr Wickham are facing charges of deserting your units. You will tell us the truth of the whereabouts of the gun powder or you will face charges for the theft of it as well as the conspiracy to murder the entire Bennet family. As it is, you face seven counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, as well as the other charges. You will hang if we do not speak for you to be transported to Australia.”
“I had nothing to do with the deaths. That was Wickham and Collins doing. I only allowed them both to stay at my cottage when they needed, but I had no knowledge of what they planned. When I learned of their plot, I was afraid that they would kill me as well.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam stood, his imposing frame overshadowing his opponent. “I do not believe you, Mr Jolly, as you just admitted to us that you know Wickham. You have been lying so long, most likely having learned from Wickham and Collins. You were involved with the theft of the gun powder, and the attack on Longbourn, which claimed the lives of Mr and Mrs Bennet, their three youngest daughters, and two servants. The attack nearly claimed the lives of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, leaving Miss Elizabeth crippled. Can you not imagine the faces of all in the courtroom when we take her in to testify? The sympathy they will all have for the fragile young woman, in a wheeled chair due to being paralyzed in the fire, you might as well put a noose around your neck, for you will be led to the gallows immediately after the verdict is read.”
“The fire was an accident, I heard Mr Collins say so himself. He stated that one of the servants had fallen asleep with a candle burning and that the candle was knocked over, which caused the fire. I had nothing to do with the accident; the Bennets were kind to me.”
“Your story continues to change, Mr Jolly. One moment you do not know Wickham, the next, you do. One moment, Collins and Wickham plotted the destruction of Longbourn’s house, the next it was an accident by a servant. Why are you still aiding Wickham and Collins?” Colonel Forster asked. “And do not deny it; we have had men watching you. You have taken food to Wickham, as well as some letters. Since Collins fled the area rather than be called out by Colonel Fitzwilliam, I assume that the letters are from him to Wickham.”
“I cannot read Sir, so I do not know what is in the letters, or who they are from.” Jolly stated. “I was told that if any letters arrived, to take them directly to Wickham.”
“We want to know how much gun powder is left and where it is. If you do not tell us the truth, so we can take Wickham into custody, then you will stand in his place. You are a part of the conspiracy and therefore, you can hang instead of the others.”
“I swear, Colonel, I swear I have nothing to do with the gun powder. Please, believe me, I am innocent.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam had had his fill of this man’s lies. “Jolly, do not take us for fools. You are just as guilty as Wickham and Collins. What you can do right now will decide your future. You do know what the other two did, and are just as involved in their plans, as you came here after a former Longbourn tenant moved rather quickly and has not been heard of since. I sent out Bow Street Runners to investigate what happened to the man and found that he had been murdered not long after leaving here. Since you had a letter from the man to aid you to become tenant here, and that man was murdered, I can only assume that you were involved in his murder as well. When did all of this begin? If you tell us the truth, here and now, I will personally see that you do not swing with the other two. I will see you sent to Australia. Now, which would you prefer, death or transportation?”
Jolly looked between the two colonels, judging whether he could find a way to deceive them. Finally, in frustration, he shook his head. “This began just before Collins married the Lucas daughter. He was furious that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had refused him and that her father had supported her decision. He wanted to make sure that he had claim to Longbourn in cause Mr Bennet ever found out the truth.”
Frowning, Colonel Fitzwilliam wanted more information. “What truth is that?”
“That he was not really the heir to Longbourn. He knew William Collins years ago when they were children. The man calling himself Collins was on the run from the law and came across his old friend. The real Mr Collins had just taken orders and was preparing to take the position at Hunsford. The man killed Mr Collins, having him buried under his name and taking Collins’ name for himself. He knew from the papers, which were in the deceased man’s luggage, of the inheritance. If he were married to one of the Bennet sisters, even if he was discovered to be a fake, he would have rights to Longbourn as it would be inherited by one of the daughters who had married.”
“So this was planned nearly a year ago? Collins was overheard speaking to Wickham about a woman paying for them to eliminate Miss Elizabeth. Who is this woman?”
“I do not know. I know that she must live in Kent, as he has received many letters from there from a lady, and he fled from here to Kent. He told us that she was furious with Miss Elizabeth’s refusing Mr Collins, and, after Miss Elizabeth visited Hunsford last spring, the woman was furious, as she referred to Miss Elizabeth as a harlot, flaunting her womanly wares to Mr Darcy. That is when she told Collins to hire Wickham to kill Miss Elizabeth. Collins was furious when Wickham used two barrels of gun powder in the house to blow it up, destroying the house completely. Wickham told him that it was necessary to eliminate Mr Bennet as well, as a letter had arrived the day before the fire telling him of Collins’ true identity.”
“Can you tell us the name of the woman from Kent?” Colonel Fitzwilliam was furious, knowing that the woman would most likely turn out to be none other than his own aunt.
“That, I do not know. All I know for certain is that she is wealthy and has been very intimate with Collins before he moved to this neighborhood. From what I understand, Collins has refused his wife for the woman.”
“You said that they used two barrels of gun powder at the Bennet’s house. Where is the rest of it?” Colonel Forster asked.
Jolly looked from one man to the other. “It is in the cottage where Wickham is staying. There are a total of four more barrels there. Wickham has them placed around the inside of the cottage, and keeps matches on his person at all times, as well as a loaded gun. He has been extremely nervous since he learned of Mr Darcy’s arrival at Netherfield. Then, when we learned of Mr Darcy’s marriage, Wickham became furious in a way I have never seen him. He has been plotting a way to sneak into Netherfield, as he wishes to finish what he started and kill Miss Elizabeth…I mean Mrs Darcy. Wickham is dangerous.”
“So he is aware of the marriage. How did he learn of it?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
“Mr Collins wrote of it in a letter. I am amazed that the entire county did not hear Wickham swearing, he was furious.”
“Do you know what Collins’ real name is?” Colonel Forster asked. “We will need to investigate this information before we can believe your story.”
“I do not know the full name, though I believe his first name to be Frederick. They knew each other from a small village near Bideford, in Devon. I remember that, as my father was from Devon.”
“Colonel Forster, what would you like to have done with this man? Shall we send him to London to be court martialed or send him directly to Australia on the next available transport?”
“I suggest that we hold him here at Netherfield in the cellar, under guard, until we can confirm the information he has given us.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded his head. “Very well.” Turning towards the door, he called out. “Rutheford, Blackwell, take the prisoner to the cellar and keep at least two guards on him at all times. He is to be kept tied up as well.”
“Yes, Colonel.” Blackwell said as he pulled his gun and shoved it into the man’s ribs; persuading Jolly to move in the direction he was shown.
Once the men had left the room, Colonel Forster walked to the sideboard and poured two glasses of port, handing one glass to Colonel Fitzwilliam as he walked past him to take the chair
nearby. “Do you believe what he had to tell us?”
“At the end, when he finally forgot all the lies and spoke of Collins and Wickham, yes, I believe it. It makes sense to me that this has been in the works for some time. And it makes sense that the attack was two-fold, that Mr Bennet was the main target due to his learning that the man calling himself Collins was in fact an imposter.”
“What do you wish to do to take down Wickham? You realize, the end will most likely be Wickham blowing up the cottage.”
“With that much gun powder, he will make a rather large hole in the ground. Fitting for a man such as him, after all the pain he has brought to others, especially to my family.” Colonel Fitzwilliam said as he took a sip from his glass. “I do not wish to see anyone else harmed though, so we will need to be careful.”
“To be honest, I wish we were able to start a fire at the cottage and let it blow up with him inside. He will hang, no matter what.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded. “I wish we could be able to learn the truth of the woman is who paid Wickham, but I know him well enough that he will not tell us. We know that most likely it is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, but I know my father would like confirmation before he confronts his sister.”
“This must be difficult for your family. I do not know how I would behave if I were in your position.”
“I worry for my father, though he has known the sort of woman his sister has been all of her life. To be honest, I am more surprised it took her this long to become lethal. My uncle feared her through their entire marriage. He had a weak heart and died when their daughter was near fifteen years of age.”
“She must have a sad existence, her father dead when she was young and her mother behaving so evil. Poor girl.”
The Ashes of Longbourn Page 16