“No, Sister, my son stole those items. He admitted that information to me, and I recovered the stolen pieces. I purchased the items from the pawn broker myself, and have them waiting at Matlock for you. No servant was involved, it was Anthony who committed the crime.” Lord Matlock could see that it was a losing battle, his sister would never admit that she was wrong. “Anne, it is obvious that our sister is a fool and will continue to be so, where it concerns Anthony. Therefore, it is time to take more stringent steps in dealing with my first born.”
Lord Matlock turned to leave, summoning the others to follow him, when Lady Catherine called out to him. “What steps are you planning to take? How do you plan to harm my nephew?”
“You have no need to know at this moment, Catherine. It is between us and Anthony, not you. But know this. If you do anything to assist him in the future, we will hold you just as culpable as he is for his actions. And if any further harm comes, to any member of our family, you will be held responsible as well.”
The group turned and left the room, with Lady Catherine de Bourgh gaping like a fish out of water. ~~ ** ~~ Lord Matlock decided to stay with his beloved younger sister and her family rather than open Matlock House. Richard decided to spend the time with his cousin at Darcy House. Though the newlyweds were still spending a great deal of time apart, they had begun to spend time together discussing their planned trip and the properties which the Bingleys were planning to inspect in Derbyshire and the nearby counties. They had decided to give up the lease of Netherfield, and the Bennets had planned to add on to Longbourn, thereby making a second estate unnecessary for family gatherings.
Richard had many questions to ask his cousin, as there were many repairs which were required at Matlock. Tenant homes in need of repairs, one of the bridges was near collapse, the kitchen in the main house needed updating before there was a fire, and the roof over the east wing was leaking. They also needed to plan the crop rotation. Bingley was taking notes on all that was discussed, for he knew it would soon be him in need of advice on managing an estate. Darcy also recommended a young man who had been training with the steward of Pemberley, as the steward at Matlock had died in the past year and Lord Matlock had been unable to hire anyone before his health declined.
While the men were speaking of estate matters and business, the ladies were discussing their new wardrobes. Items had been arriving almost daily, and Elizabeth could not remember so many items having been ordered. She had a sneaking suspicion that her husband had ordered items without her being aware. There were more gowns than she had ever thought of owning in her life, as well as undergarments, outerwear, night clothes, coats, shawls, bonnets, boots, slippers, and much more. All the while, Elizabeth was concerned with the amount of funds which had been required to afford so many items, especially the quality, which was far superior to what she had ever owned before. Though the Bennets were not poor, they did not shop at the elite shops of London. Mrs Bennet preferred quality which was durable and long lasting rather than quality because of beauty and charm.
Elizabeth was concerned that she was costing her husband far more than she was worth. She would need to speak with William, tell him that he should refrain from spending any further on her. He had told her that she would have a generous allowance each month, but she could not see ever having need of it. She would not need anything for years to come, she was sure of that.
Jane was also shocked with all the items which Bingley had purchased for her. She was certain that she was being treated as if she were royalty, as Bingley could not resist purchasing anything he saw which he thought would bring his wife joy.
~~ ** ~~ Twelfth Night arrived, and everyone prepared for the ball that night. The ladies were decked out in their finest gowns and jewels, their maids had outdone themselves.
The gown which had been fashioned for Elizabeth was a pale mint green, with slightly darker stitching on the bodice and around the hem. The stitching was in an elegant floral design, with vines and smaller blossoms trailing around and up to a large set of blossoms at her generously proportioned bosom. Darcy stood gaping at his wife, then shook his head.
“No, no, my love, I cannot take you in public in such a gown. All I can think of is to take you upstairs and tear the gown from your tempting body and ravage you the entire night through. I do not wish for any other man to see you in such a gown, for I know where their eyes will be the entire evening. I am a jealous man, my dearest Lizzy. I refuse to share you with anyone, even if it is only their seeing your beauty. And heaven help me, if any man even thought of dancing with you, I would be forced to call them out.”
“But, William, whenever we are in public, all the ladies ogle you. Rather than being jealous, I delight in knowing you are mine and mine alone. Let them look, it is my bed you come home to.” Elizabeth whispered in her husband’s ear. Rather than helping soothe him, it only made his desire intensify.
Nearly growling in her ear, Darcy was frustrated. “Do we truly have to attend tonight? Can we not stay home, alone? Please, my love, do not torture me by making me see you in such a temptation and have to control my need for you.”
“You will survive, my handsome husband. And I will only dance with members of our party. You, of course, will have the first set. Albert has secured the second, Charles the third, and Richard the fourth. By then, I am certain, you will be unable to refrain from having the supper set.”
“I know what I wish to dine on, and I wish to have my dessert first.” Darcy nipped hungrily at her ear when no one else was watching. “I have a necklace to present to you, but I know that it will only intensify the effect that the gown has on me.”
Frowning slightly, Elizabeth did not understand. Darcy opened the box he had removed from his coat pocket and held out a beautiful pearl necklace, with a teardrop shaped pearl hanging in the center. It would be nestled in the fold between her swells. He leaned again to whisper into her ear. “I might as well paint a sign on your chest saying ‘look here’.”
Elizabeth giggled. “My poor, dear husband. You will be in such misery until we return home.” “I truly will be, for I will be unable to stand properly from just looking your direction. It will be quite painful. Again, I plead that we remain home and enjoy our own celebration. I have a mask, I can wear it when I come to your dressing chamber.”
His wife’s giggles only grew. “William, you are just going to have to behave for a few hours. Then, tomorrow, we will be secluded in our carriage as we make our way to Pemberley.”
“No one is allowed in our carriage the entire trip. If I must share you tonight, I insist on having you all to myself as we travel.” Darcy’s voice was pleading, nearly childlike.
“I agree, my darling husband. Now, let us delay no further.”
~~ ** ~~ The party from Darcy House met Lady Anne and Lord Albert at the front doors of the Malcolm townhouse. Lady Anne gushed her praises for her daughter in law. “Lizzy, you look simply wonderful. I am amazed you were able to escape the house. My son did not attempt to have you change gowns to a simple morning gown?”
“I am certain he thought of such, as he was not pleased that other men would see me wearing this gown. As a matter of fact, I believe the gown will no longer exist when we arrive home, for he stated he intends to destroy it.” Elizabeth stated.
With a giggle, Lady Anne embraced Elizabeth. “My dear girl, I cannot begin to thank you for bringing my dear boy to life. I feared for him for so long, and it is a pleasure to see this side of him. You are truly a blessing.”
“Mother, you could not have spoken truer.” Darcy stated as he stepped behind his wife. “Though you could have spoken to her with regards to her gown. I believe something plain and boring would have been more appropriate for such an occasion.”
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, there is no chance I would not encourage my new daughter to dress beautifully. If you were intelligent, you would use this time to brag of such a treasure and make the other men jealous of your good fortune.” Lady Anne spok
e as she swatted her son on his arm.
“The two of you will be the toast of the ball.” Richard offered. “If I were you, William, I would revel in the knowledge that this beauty is all yours.”
“I do not wish to have any other man looking at my wife’s beauty and have inappropriate thoughts of her. She is my wife, and I know what that gown is doing to my self-control. This is going to be the longest night of my life.” Darcy shook his head.
The couples made their way towards the refreshments, wishing to procure some punch. “Lizzy, Jane, I would suggest you drink the lemonade, as I am sure that the punch has been added to by Malcolm.” Lord Albert stated. “He is notorious for adding some brandy to the punch, as he enjoys seeing young ladies unwittingly imbibe.”
Jane gasped at such an announcement. “That is quite evil of the man. Thank you, Lord Covington, for enlightening us to this information.”
“It is all done in good humor, my dear girl.” Lady Anne stated, taking Jane’s hand in her own. “Malcolm would never allow a young lady’s virtue to be at stake after she were to imbibe. He has footmen and maids prepared to come to the rescue of any young ladies in need.”
After all had their glasses, they turned to find some seats. Elizabeth accidently bumped into another lady, spilling her cup of lemonade. “Forgive me, I should have used more caution.”
“Indeed, Miss Eliza, you should have.” Caroline Goodman replied angrily. “You have no manners at all. What could be expected, you are a country nobody, unable to comprehend how to behave in such a setting.”
“It was an accident, Mrs Goodman. I meant no disrespect.” “You are not worthy of shining my shoes, let alone arriving at such a gathering. How dare you show your face in polite society? You are a disgrace to all around you.”
“Mrs Goodman, forgive me, but I must follow my party. I am truly sorry for your gown being damaged. Please send the bill to my husband, he will reimburse you for the damages.”
“You filthy little chit, how dare you speak to me in such a manner?” Caroline reached forward, grabbing hold of the shoulder of Elizabeth’s gown and ripped it. “Everyone will see you for the disgrace you truly are.”
As Caroline reached towards Elizabeth’s head, intending to yank the wig from her nemesis, Darcy took hold of her hand, arresting it from further movement. “You will keep your hands to yourself, Mrs Goodman. I suggest you find your husband, and refrain from further attempts to harm my wife.” He took off his coat, draping it over Elizabeth’s shoulders to cover the damage to her gown. “Come, my love. We will return home.”
Darcy led his wife to their party, making their excuses as they prepared to leave. Lady Anne was furious, as was Bingley, and it took several moments to calm them before the Darcys could leave.
Upon settling in their carriage, Darcy gathered his wife into his arms. “Forgive me, my love. I should have prevented Mrs Goodman from her assault on you. I will say I am grateful for one thing though.”
Confused, Elizabeth looked at her husband. “What are you grateful for?” “Now I will not feel as guilty when I tear this gown from you, for it is already damaged.” The sly grin on his face told her they would soon be enjoying a pleasant evening and the ball would not be thought of until the following day.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 17 The following day, the carriages pulled out from Darcy House, after Lord Matlock, Richard, and the Carringtons arrived. Bingley and Jane bid everyone farewell with the promise of meeting them the following day when they stopped for the evening.
The carriage ride was comfortable, as the Darcys enjoyed the privacy of their carriage while Georgiana and Kitty entertained each other in the Carrington carriage.
The first night was spent in a pleasant inn which Darcy had used whenever he traveled between Pemberley and Town. The girls had decided to share a room, and everyone decided to eat dinner in the private dining room that night. Elizabeth had not slept much the night before, so she decided to turn in early. Being ever concerned for his wife’s health, Darcy bid everyone a good night before following his wife.
~~ ** ~~ The morning of the Darcys’ departure, no one was aware of a man standing across the street, watching over Darcy House. The man had arrived at the park and concealed himself amongst the bushes, hoping that he had not missed the Darcy carriage leaving. Two footmen were carrying trunks to the carriage, loading everything appropriately. One of the footman spoke. “When we are finished here, we will need to prepare the second carriage. Mr Darcy stated that the first carriage will be traveling early, while the second will leave around midday, as the gentleman has business with the solicitor.”
“The Missus said the second carriage should meet up with the rest of the party by tomorrow when they all stop for the night. Old Joe will have to push the horses to make up the time if they are to meet up.”
“Ah, it is no problem for Joe, he could drive the team in his sleep. Jimmy is taking the first carriage to meet with Lord and Lady Covington, so it will take them a bit longer to start, if Lady Covington is the same as she was when she married Mr Gerard. She was a good mistress, but was always late getting started on a journey.”
“Well, one more trunk and this carriage will be ready to go. Once it has left, Old Joe will bring the other up to have it ready for the family.”
The footmen returned inside and the man across the street smiled. He would wait for the second carriage to leave, as he was being paid to stop the Darcys from reaching Pemberley. He decided to make his way down the street to the tea shop and purchase something to eat. He would be back in time to see the second carriage off.
Little did he know, the Darcys were leaving in the first carriage, and, as the man left to take some nourishment, he failed to see the newlyweds enter their carriage. When he returned to his position, the second carriage was in position in front of Darcy House and had already been loaded with trunks. Walking past the carriage, the man stopped long enough to take a knife from his pocket. Seeing no one was nearby, he leaned down and made several cuts to the spokes on one of the carriage wheels as well as prying at the axle. He then left the area, fully confident that his work would be successful and he would be well compensated.
~~ ** ~~ The second day of travel began late for the Darcy caravan. Lady Anne woke with a headache. After some chamomile tea and a cold compress on her forehead for an hour, she finally felt well enough to travel. By then, there was a problem with one of the horses on Darcy’s carriage and they needed to wait for another hour before a replacement horse could be put in place.
Near eleven that morning, the carriages left for the next section of the journey. It was expected that the Bingleys would catch up with them long before making the inn.
~~ ** ~~ The carriages arrived at the inn where the group would be staying the second night of the journey. The ladies decided to rest for a little while before dinner was served, hoping that the Bingleys would have arrived by then.
Everyone was becoming concerned when there was no sign of the Bingleys after dinner had been eaten and the dishes removed from the sitting room. Darcy was beginning to feel something was wrong, though he did not wish to alarm his wife. Stepping outside, Darcy spoke to one of his footmen. “Roberts, I want to hire a horse and have you make your way back the way we came until you find the other Darcy carriage, which Mr Bingley and his wife were using. They should be here by now, and I am concerned. Once you find them, if they need assistance, see to aiding them. If they are just slow, bring news back to me so my wife will not worry for her sister.”
“I will hurry as fast as I can, Mr Darcy. I am sure they are fine.” The footman hurried to the stables and chose a horse while Darcy made arrangements with the stable owner.
~~ ** ~~ Near three in the morning, a knock came to Darcy’s bedchamber door. He grabbed his robe and quickly donned it before opening the door and stepping to the hallway. Roberts had returned with news of the second Darcy carriage.
“Sir, forgive me, but the news is not
good. The carriage lost control as it was coming down a hill, causing it to overturn. Old Joe is dead, as is Joshua. Mr and Mrs Bingley, they are in a bad way. They are only a few hours from here, and I made arrangements to have them brought here in a wagon. The
apothecary who has been tending them is
overwhelmed, and he felt it was wiser to move them to the inn. I made sure the wagon had padding before the couple were loaded on. They should arrive within the hour, I rode ahead to let you know.”
Darcy was in shock. “Thank you, Roberts. Are they bringing Old Joe and Joshua here as well? We should have their bodies taken to Pemberley, to be buried there.”
“I made arrangements for the bodies to be taken straight to the estate. Joshua’s wife just had a young one last month. This will be quite difficult for her.”
“I will send an express to Mrs Reynolds to prepare for the bodies. What of Peter?” Roberts nodded his head. “He is on the wagon with Mr and Mrs Bingley. He was thrown clear from the carriage, and has broken his arm bad. It was Peter who was able to get help for the Bingleys.”
“I will wake the innkeeper and have rooms prepared. I am not sure if there is a physician here, if not, I will need to send a rider to bring one here.” Darcy’s mind was overwhelmed with the news.
“Sir, Peter told me…the wheel came off which caused the accident. When he looked at it, after the accident, he could see cut marks on the spokes and the axle. Peter is sure that it was damaged on purpose.”
Darcy’s eyes were wide with shock. Why would anyone deliberately harm the Bingleys? There was no reason, as the couple were the most amiable people Darcy had ever known. Was this meant to be the Darcys in the carriage and mistakenly it was the Bingleys in the sabotaged carriage?
Once Darcy sent his footman down to assist when the wagon arrived, he returned to his bedchamber to his wife. Elizabeth had awakened with the absence of her husband’s warmth next to her in the bed. “William, is everything well? Have Jane and Charles arrived?”
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