It was difficult to watch the surgeon in his work. As the holes were drilled in the side of Elizabeth’s head, dark red blood oozed from them, pouring into the basin which was placed to catch it. Doctor Josephson stated he needed to be able to examine the blood to ensure that the bleeding was not worse.
Three hours passed, and the blood, which had slowed to a trickle from the holes, had nearly stopped. Doctor Josephson took a deep sigh of relief, as he was certain that the worst was over. The recovery would take time, but the most dangerous time appeared to be past. The greatest danger facing them now was if she were to take a fever or reinjure her head.
Doctor Josephson stepped into the sitting room to speak to Mr Darcy and Mr Bennet, only to find three other men present.
Mr Bennet stood and walked to the doctor. “What is the news?” “The bleeding has nearly stopped. I believe the injury is clotted over. We will need to watch her carefully for signs of a fever and make certain that she does not bump her head for quite some time, but I believe the worst is over.”
One of the strange men stepped towards the doctor. “Sir, I am General Stockwell. We are investigating the allegations made by both Mr Darcy and Lieutenant Wickham. May we ask you some questions?”
“Of course, General, I am sure that Mr Bennet will give me leave to discuss his daughter’s medical condition with you.” Doctor Josephson stated.
Mr Bennet nodded his head in agreement. “Sir, we have information that the two suspects have different sides which is their strong hand, with the lieutenant being left handed and Mr Darcy being right handed. Can you tell, from the injuries, whether they were made by the right or left hand?”
“For that, General, I would have to take you into the room to see Miss Bennet for yourself. I warn you, it will not be a pleasant sight.”
“I have fought in many battles, Doctor. I doubt very much if such a sight would be too difficult.” The men turned and stepped inside the
bedchamber, with Doctor Josephson leading the General into the birthing room. “Doctor, I stand corrected. I am taken aback by this sight. What can you tell me of the injuries?”
“As the bruising is becoming more and more vivid, you can tell the outline of some of the strikes. Here, on the cheek, is what appears to be where knuckles struck. But the force and angle, I would say that it was from a backhanded blow. Being where it is, it would make the blow from a left handed person. Also, on her chest, is the impression of a man’s hand. As Miss Elizabeth is quite thin, there is not much padding in that area to make an indentation, which would make the impression appear different size. If I were you, General, I would have the impression measured and even place some delicate rice paper over it and trace it. You can then have the two men in question place their hands next to the tracing and see which has the appropriate size.”
The general was quite impressed with what was being shown him. “Anything else, Doctor?” “Miss Elizabeth has scratch marks on her neck, here, on the left side. I would believe the person responsible for such injuries to have some of her skin under his fingernails. I have witnessed Mr Darcy’s hands, and he has not been alone since he brought Miss Elizabeth to her father’s home, from what I have been told. As concerned as the young man is over her well-being, I doubt very much if he has taken the time to tidy himself up and cleaned from under his fingernails. He has not even removed the bloodied shirt from his own wound. Mr Jones also spoke of hair being stuck in Miss Elizabeth’s fingernails and one of her nails being torn off. Do you see any visible scratch marks on Mr Darcy? The hair, according to Mr Jones, was light colored.”
“You are highly intelligent, Doctor. And you are certain of your findings?” “I am quite certain. I am also certain that the love and devotion I have witnessed in Mr Darcy is not something pretended. And someone who is so much in love with such a young lady, would not treat his beloved in such a manner.”
“I hate to ask you this, but Lieutenant Wickham claims that the young lady was violated and he was sure that it was not the first time, as he had heard rumors of Darcy taking her virtue quite some time ago. Wickham stated that he witnessed Darcy violating her at the scene, and this was why he and the other men stepped forward to stop him.”
“Before I operated on her, I gave Miss Elizabeth a thorough examination. Miss Elizabeth’s virtue is still intact. She has not been violated by any man or object. This Lieutenant Wickham is lying to you. I will testify to all of my findings.”
“That is all I need from you, Doctor. I have a few more questions to ask Mr Darcy, but I believe I am soon to be finished here. If you will be so kind as to make a tracing of the hand impression on her chest, I will take that with me.”
“I will send for some rice paper immediately.” Doctor Josephson stated. As General Stockwell turned to leave, he had one more favor to ask. “Would you examine Mr Darcy’s hands? I wish to know if you find any injuries to them which would account for Miss Bennet’s injuries.”
“I would do so gladly, for I am certain of the answer. As I said, I have watched Mr Darcy closely and witnessed his hands. If he had inflicted the injuries on Miss Elizabeth, he would most likely have bruising or scrapes on his hands.”
~~**~~
The General took the tracing of the hand impression and entered the sitting room. “Mr Darcy, would you be willing to hold up your hands for me?”
Darcy was confused, but did so easily. There were no cuts, scrapes, or bruising on either of his hands, the nails had no signs of scraped skin under them or damage to them from scratching someone in a struggle. Then he held the tracing to Darcy’s hands. Fitzwilliam was a big man, and that included his hands. The impression was far smaller than the tracing.
“Mr Darcy, I agree with Doctor Josephson in his assessment. The injuries which were sustained by Miss Elizabeth appear to have been made by a left handed man, who should have some sort of injuries to his hands, and his hands are much smaller than yours. I can therefore rule you as innocent of the charges which have been laid so viciously. And I believe I know exactly what happened. As soon as Colonel Forster arrives with Lieutenant Wickham, I believe I will have my proof. I will send word to you when we make an arrest, as I will need you to make a formal statement.”
“Other than being with my fiancé, and taking care of her needs, I have no plans to be anywhere else.” Darcy shook the General’s hand. “Thank you for proving my innocence.”
“I only wish we could keep the assault private, for I am certain Mr Bennet’s family, especially Miss Elizabeth, will suffer.” General Stockwell replied. “Mr Bennet, I will do what I can to downplay the situation as much as possible. These men were a disgrace to the militia and to every man in uniform. It will not stand lightly.”
“My thanks, General, though we are aware that the chances of the papers and gossips having the news are great.” Mr Bennet stated.
~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet could not believe her ears when she woke that morning. She was told, by Mrs Hill, of an accident involving Elizabeth, leaving her daughter in severe condition. Her husband and eldest two daughters had hurried to London, along with Mr Jones and Mr Darcy, who was said to have been in the area of the accident. There were two men from the militia dead on their property, and Mr Wickham was in custody.
All Mrs Bennet could think was that her family was in ruins due to her daughter’s foolishness of walking early in the morning and alone. Now Jane would never be able to marry Mr Bingley, and the younger girls would be ridiculed and scorned due to their sister’s having been compromised in such a manner.
Her sister, Mrs Phillips, came from Meryton to share the latest gossip. She told Mrs Bennet of the news that Mr Wickham was innocent of the charges and the militia had attempted to save Elizabeth from Mr Darcy’s depraved actions. And Mrs Phillips told her that the statement from Mr Wickham was that Mr Darcy had taken Elizabeth’s virtue long before the assault.
Mrs Bennet swooned, and had to be taken to her rooms. It would be many days to come before the lady could bring her
self to leave her bed.
~~ ** ~~ The horses arrived at the encampment of the regulars. George Wickham and Colonel Forster were shown into the residence of General Stockwell.
“General, it is good to see you.” Colonel Forster stated. “We came as soon as we could. Is there any word on Miss Elizabeth’s condition?”
“She required surgery, where they had to bore holes in her skull to allow the built up blood to drain out. We can only hope that there is no permanent damage to her mind.” General Stockwell stated. “I assume this is Lieutenant Wickham.”
“It is, General. I have brought with us Wickham’s written statement.”
“Lieutenant, I would first like you to hold out your hands.” General Stockwell requested.
Wickham was nervous. “My hands, Sir? I must admit, they look a fright after battling with Mr Darcy.” “I understood that you shot Mr Darcy, wounding his shoulder, and then fled the location.” “Oh, well, before we struggled for the gun, we were throwing punches. I am sure that his hands look worse than mine do though, after what he did to poor Miss Elizabeth.”
“I find it odd that Mr Darcy had no injuries to either of his hands, or to his fingernails. Yet I see bruises, scratches, and even torn fingernails on your hands. There appears to even be some blood under one of the torn nails. Consistent with the scratch marks on Miss Elizabeth. Hold out your hands.”
One of the General’s aides came forward and took hold of Wickham’s arms and forced them out. General Stockwell held out the tracing to Wickham’s hand, a near perfect fit to the size of his palm and fingers.
“This is a tracing of the impression left on Miss Elizabeth’s upper chest, near the base of her neck. As I said, Mr Darcy’s hands are uninjured, no damage to his fingernails. What I didn’t tell you is that he has no other injuries to his face or body, except the gunshot wound, and his hands are far larger and could not have made the impression on Miss Elizabeth’s chest. So, Lieutenant, I find that the evidence is against you and in favor of what Mr Darcy has stated. You and your partners attacked Miss Elizabeth, beating her near death, tied her up and attempted to rape her. Then you became a coward and ran away when someone stopped you, after you injured him. To add to the charges, you made a false report, accusing an innocent man of your depraved and immoral behavior. You, Lieutenant George Wickham, are under arrest. I will see that every possible charge can and will be laid at your feet, in addition, I will see that you receive the harshest possible punishment for your actions. Now, Colonel Forster, we need to have a chat about your future. As the commanding officer for the three men who assaulted Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you will be facing court martial for failing to command them properly. I do not hold you
responsible for the lies Wickham told, or your desire to believe them, until we discovered the truth. I do hold you responsible for the actions of your men harming an innocent young woman, a gentlewoman, who is now ruined in society. Her family is also harmed by this taint, as is Mr Darcy. The sad part is that Mr Darcy is engaged to Miss Elizabeth. They will always live with this nightmare.”
Wickham sneered at that news. General Stockwell looked at the man in front of him. “That was your plan all along, was it not? You wished to harm this young couple, destroy their happiness.”
“I do not care about Miss Elizabeth, she is just a means to an end. But Mr Darcy has been a thorn in my side far too many years. I knew they were courting, I did not know they were engaged. All the better. He will live with this for the rest of his life.”
“You admit that you behaved in such a manner, harming Miss Elizabeth Bennet deliberately, to cause Mr Darcy harm?” The General asked, appalled at what he was learning.
“I was paid to do so.” Wickham said, defiantly. “And I would do so again if it brought him greater pain.”
The General turned toward his assistant. “Captain, remove the prisoner immediately. I will require you to give a statement regarding Wickham’s confession and statements.”
“I will return shortly, General.” The Captain replied, pushing Wickham towards the door where other soldiers were waiting for the former lieutenant.
“And when they return, Colonel, we will further discuss your future.”
~~ ** ~~
A message was dispatched immediately to the men at Darcy House.
Mr Darcy, I have news regarding Mr Wickham. The man confessed his crimes, as the evidence had shown he was the culprit, though he made a startling statement.
It appears that, not only did Wickham purposely attack Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he did so to bring you pain and has claimed that he was paid to do so. We do not know the voracity of his claim of being paid, or who is alleged to have done so, and he refuses to inform us.
Mr Wickham insists that he will only speak to you on the matter, and if you will not come to see him, he will take the information to the grave.
Please send, word with my aide, if you wish to confront the man. With his confession, witnessed by my aide, and others, it will not take long until we sentence him and I see no need for more than a written statement from you, you will not be required to testify. My opinion is that he will be put to death.
Sincerely,
General Stockwell “Paid to do this?” Richard cried out. “Who would have paid him to dishonor the woman you were courting? Not even Aunt Catherine is that low.”
“Who knows if Wickham is telling the truth?” Darcy replied. “I cannot leave the house, though. What if something were to happen to Elizabeth while I was gone? I cannot take such a chance.”
Mr Bennet shook his head. “Mr Darcy, you would be best to go, learn what you can. Lizzy is resting. Doctor Josephson is pleased with her progress. He and I will be here with her. I am sure she will be fine while you are gone. If there is any problem, any at all, I will send one of your footmen immediately.”
Darcy stood and paced for a few moments. He went to the door to the bedchamber and knocked. Jenny, the maid who had been assigned to assist in Elizabeth’s care, opened the door, then stepped aside to allow in the Master. Darcy then went to the door to the birthing room. When the door opened, Doctor Josephson stepped into the bedchamber.
“How is Elizabeth?” Mr Darcy inquired. “She is holding her own. The blood flow is stopped, only a slight bit of bleeding from the scalp near the holes is seen in the past half an hour. And there are still no signs of a fever. We have bandaged her head, applying a poultice to keep any possible swelling down.”
“Might I see her? I have been requested to leave for an hour or so, and I cannot do so without seeing her for myself.” Darcy pleaded.
“Mr Darcy, I am at odds about allowing you to see her. She has been through a great ordeal, and I fear your reaction to seeing her in such a condition.”
“I realize her appearance is not what I would wish to see, but I need to see her for myself. I need to see her breathing, feel her heart beating, feel the touch of her skin to assure myself that she is alive and will remain so while I am from the house, dealing with the man who caused her injuries.”
Doctor Josephson thought about it for a few moments before finally allowing Darcy to enter the room.
Elizabeth was lying on her left side, with her head positioned for the bleeding to flow down if it continued. Heavy bandaging was wrapped around her head, hiding the holes which were placed there to save her life, as well as the skin on her head where the hair had been removed. There were bruises on her face, on her arms and on her chest. The latter was the most difficult, as Darcy knew the implications of the location. Gently lifting her hand to his lips, Darcy placed his lips against the inside of her wrist. He could feel her skin, not too hot or cold, the beat of her heart through the veins in her arm. He leaned his head lower, hearing her gentle breathing. She was alive. Would she be the lady he fell in love with? Would she be his Lizzy?”
A sudden shock ran through him as he felt her squeeze his hand lightly. “Mr Darcy.” She whispered, her eyes remaining closed.
“William, my love.
Please call me William. Your father has consented to our marrying.” “My William.” She said with a smile on her lips. “Yes, dearest, your William. I love you so dearly.”
Finally, her eyes began to flutter. “I love you more.” She teased. She was then gripped with a sudden pain.
“Elizabeth, where does it hurt?” He pleaded as she squeezed his hand tighter.
“My head, it feels as if a horse stomped on it.” Doctor Josephson had returned to the room just then and stepped closer to the bed. “Welcome to London, Miss Elizabeth. I am pleased to see you awake.”
“London?” Elizabeth was confused.
“We needed to bring you to London to be treated, my love.” Darcy said and he gently caressed her bruised cheek.
“What happened? Why do I hurt?” Elizabeth was becoming agitated. “We can discuss that later, when you are better. You have been battered, mostly about the head. There was bleeding inside your head, and the surgeon, this gentleman, has saved your life. It will take some time to recover completely, but you will recover.”
Elizabeth’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. “Mr Wickham did this. And the other men. Did they…oh, no, did they…?”
“No, Miss Elizabeth, your fiancé saved you from their intent. Two of the men are dead, and this Wickham has confessed his intentions. Mr Darcy rescued you, and took you to your home and sent for Mr Jones. Mr Jones determined quickly that you required more care than he could provide, and he came with your father, your sister, and your betrothed. I believe Mr Jones’ quick thinking contributed to our being able to save your life as well.”
“From what Elizabeth’s father has told me, Mr Jones has known her all of her life, and is somewhat protective of her. For that, I will be eternally grateful.” Darcy said with a smile. “As Doctor Josephson has said, the men did not succeed with their scheme, and you have not endured such horror. I will be forever grateful for my horse’s speed and my desire to be at the Mount as soon as possible. But most of all, I am extremely grateful for seeing your beautiful eyes open and hearing your sweet voice. You are the dearest person in my life and I cannot begin to think of losing you.”
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 9