Phillip turned his head, seeing his uncle shaking his head, continued. “Mother was thrilled when she gave birth to Ruthie. She was such a sweet little girl, always smiling and full of life. And her beautiful brown hair hung in ringlets. When Ruthie learned to walk, the curls bounced with each step and you could see the sparkle of pure joy in Mother’s eyes. When the influenza epidemic struck, Ruthie struggled for three days with an extremely high fever. You could see the life seeping from her small body. She died, just two days from her second birthday. Mother was inconsolable, and then she sank into a deep melancholy. After you and your wife had your second daughter, Mother became obsessed. With each additional daughter born, Mother grew more and more desperate to have a daughter, and she felt you should have been willing to give up one of your five. Cousin Elizabeth was so close in looks and spirit to my dear little sister, and from the moment Mother first saw your daughter, she knew that Elizabeth was her choice of daughters.”
“She tried to convince me to allow her to raise Elizabeth, even when Lizzy was only ten years old. Sarah was furious with me, but she decided she did not wish to lose contact with us.” Mr Bennet stated. “It was Lizzy she did not wish to lose contact with, not the rest of us, am I correct?”
Phillip nodded his head. “Mother and Gregory spent much of their time together. Even when Gregory went off to school, Mother took a house nearby the school to be close to Gregory. I will be honest with you, Uncle Bennet, my brother frightens me. He is known to be extremely hostile, he was even accused of beating a classmate near death. So I have tried to be cautious of angering my brother.”
“Do you think he would be involved in harming my daughter?” “If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said Gregory would never have harmed Cousin Elizabeth. But I have to admit, after he and Mother discussed Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr Darcy, I have seen a distinct change in both of them. Did someone cause the carriage accident? Was Cousin Elizabeth and her husband murdered?”
“The carriage was sabotaged. It was damaged purposely to cause the accident.” Phillip was distraught. “Good God, Gregory, why would you do such a thing? Uncle, forgive me, I should have known he was dangerous to your daughter and her husband. I should have been able to stop Gregory from causing their deaths. And Mother, I am certain she was involved in this. She was furious that Elizabeth married Mr Darcy. She believed Elizabeth and Gregory were meant to be together.”
“Then we need to take steps to stop her from further harming my family.” Mr Bennet stated. ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 23 Gregory’s body was loaded on a wagon and taken to Lambton to the undertaker. The magistrate had arrived at the house just after Liam had been secured to a chair in one of the smaller sitting rooms on the main floor of the house. Culiver was also in custody, though he was continuing to be cooperative. Between the testimony of Culiver, Liam, Darcy, and Richard, most of the information was collected. The
magistrate, Mr Fullerton, then spoke with the young maid, Lucy. While Lucy was being questioned, Elizabeth prepared for being next for Mr Fullerton to speak. She was shocked when Mr Fullerton finished with Lucy and made his way from Pemberley to his home, with Liam and Culiver being transported to Lambton to the jail, to be guarded by the sheriff and two extra men.
As soon as the magistrate declared the Darcys and their party clear of charges, preparations were finalized for them to travel to Longbourn. They were determined to get to Mr Bennet and the three younger Bennet sisters as soon as possible. Richard and Darcy planned to travel ahead of the others, fearing that the other members of the family were in danger. They were unsure if Gregory’s brother and mother were involved in the attempts and, if cornered, would strike out.
“Please, William, be careful. I do not want anything to happen to you.” Elizabeth cried, afraid of losing her husband. “I will be joining you as soon as possible.”
“My staff has been informed to take the journey carefully, and allowing you frequent breaks. I do not wish you to be overwhelmed and exhausted.” Darcy insisted.
“I am well, my love. Have no fear.” “There will be two men on the carriage besides the driver, and they will be armed. There will also be three men on horseback who are armed as well, they will be riding alongside the carriage. Hannah and Mrs Reynolds will accompany you in the carriage.”
“We will be safe, William. Tell my father I love him and will see him soon.” Elizabeth kissed her husband on the cheek. “Tell my sisters I love them as well.”
“Use caution, my love. I will not be able to sleep until you are in my arms again.” Elizabeth nodded, stepping back from Darcy to allow him to leave. She stood strong as she watched him and his cousin ride off, then turned into the strong embrace of her mother in law, sobbing.
“We will be on the road in less than an hour, Mrs Darcy.” Mrs Reynolds stated. “The master will see your loved ones are safe.”
“Thank you, Mrs Reynolds. Is Hannah finished packing my belongings?” “The trunk is being loaded at the moment. If you wish to bid farewell to your sister and the others, by the time you return, we will be ready to leave.”
Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Elizabeth turned and entered the house, making her way up the stairs to see her family. Jane was crying as she embraced her sister. “Give Papa a kiss for me. And our sisters as well.”
“I will, Jane. Take care of Charles.” “She will take care of me, and I will see to her as well.” Bingley said from his bed. “Have no fear for us, Lizzy. Be careful and we will see you soon.”
After thanking Lord Albert for his attempt to save her, and making certain he would be well, Elizabeth said her farewells to Georgiana and Lord Matlock. Then she said goodbye to Lady Anne and entered the carriage to be on her way.
~~ ** ~~ Mr Bennet inquired as to his sister’s whereabouts from his staff. No one seemed to know where Sarah Dalton was to be found. Phillip became concerned as well, and everyone had began to search the grounds for Sarah. When the sky turned dark at the end of the day, Sarah still had not been found. The search was put on hold until the morning, as there was no light, and the men had exhausted themselves.
The sun rose, and all of Longbourn and their neighbors began to search again. Meryton residents also searched throughout the village. There were no signs of the missing lady, and everyone was at a loss as to where she could be.
Darcy and Richard arrived late the second day of their journey, only to learn Sarah was still on the loose. Though reluctant at first, the men began to tell the tale of what happened at Pemberley, while Phillip was in the study with his uncle. “Have no fear, Mr Darcy. I know my brother is ill, as is my mother.”
“Unfortunately, Mr Dalton, your brother was killed at Pemberley.” Richard explained. “He was attempting to escape with two hostages, including Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet.”
“I am not surprised, Colonel Fitzwilliam. My brother would never have stood back and left Elizabeth alone. No matter what, he would have continued to come for her.” Phillip took a sip of the brandy his uncle handed him. “I am pleased to know my cousin and you are alive, Mr Darcy. Uncle Bennet and I have discussed my mother’s deterioration since my sister died as a small child. It is my belief Mother has transferred her feelings for my sister to Elizabeth, who was close in appearance to Ruthie when she was young. That is why I believe she has insisted on her desire to have Cousin Elizabeth with us. My brother has always been difficult to understand, as he has never had true emotions as most people would. Mother transferred her devotion from Ruthie to doting on Gregory, giving in to his every whim and never correcting him.”
“When will Elizabeth arrive?” Mr Bennet asked. “Should we worry for her safety?” “I have five armed men traveling with her, as well as two servants riding in the carriage with her.” Darcy stated. “I am certain she will be safe. Perhaps we should worry more for the safety of your other daughters. Richard, should we send for men from Town to guard the Bennets?”
“I suggest setting up guards from local men for today. I will
send an express to Town to a former lieutenant I served with. He has a service for protection for wealthy clients, and he can send me some tomorrow. Should we have the young ladies return to Longbourn or guard them at Mrs Phillips’ home?”
“It is my belief that protecting them here would be simpler, though my sister knows the estate nearly as well as I do. The past fortnight, she has walked about most of the paths and been left alone in many of the rooms inside.” Mr Bennet said.
“Would Mr and Mrs Philips be willing to allow us to set up guards around their home?” Richard asked. Mr Bennet nodded. “Mrs Philips holds the girls as dear reminders of her elder sister. She will wish to protect them as much as the rest of us.”
“I fear for you as well, Uncle. Mother has become more vocal on her belief you should have defended her against your father. I know she has told you she does not hold you responsible, but I am certain she does. She held disdain for Aunt Bennet, her having birthed five strong and healthy daughters. And Aunt Bennet became Mistress of Longbourn, replacing Grandmother.”
“Why did my sister not tell me how she truly felt? I have tried so desperately to bring her comfort and keep her connected to our family. I wish my father’s mind had been right, none of this would have happened. What my sister never knew was the threats our father made against our mother as well. He had suffered bouts of apoplexy which addled his mind, and he became more violent the more attacks he had. I feared for Mother’s welfare, as well as my wife’s. Perhaps I was wrong, but at the time, I felt it safer for Sarah to be away from here. Your father was a good man, and he took care of her. Her life was in danger in our home until Father died.”
Richard asked for pen and paper and began a letter to his friend, while Mr Bennet asked for Mr Hill and two of the stable hands to join the men in the library. Mr Hill and the hands went with Phillip and Darcy to Meryton to speak with Mr and Mrs Philips and the Bennet sisters. Richard and two tenants would watch over Mr Bennet until Phillip and Darcy returned. Then everyone would take shifts guarding the Master of Longbourn.
~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth had pushed her staff to travel longer and push themselves, her desire to arrive at Longbourn as soon as possible was great. The horses and men were becoming exhausted, when they were nearly two hours away from Longbourn.
They stopped to have the horses exchanged, and the ladies entered the inn to refresh while they waited. The innkeeper’s wife offered them some hot stew and fresh bread to strengthen the members of the group, after such a long and weary travel in cold weather.
“Mrs Reynolds, perhaps you and Hannah would wish to rest while we wait for the horses to be exchanged.” Elizabeth stated. She knew they were exhausted, though they would never have stated such to their Mistress.
“I am fine, Mrs Lizzy.” Hannah stated. “You will most likely wish to take a short walk before we leave.” Elizabeth laughed. “You know me too well, Hannah. I will make sure the men know where I am, have no fear.”
After informing the carriage driver, Mr Booth, she was taking a short walk to stretch her legs, and with one of the men following at a safe distance, Elizabeth went for her walk. She had much on her mind, especially since they would be arriving at Longbourn soon.
Since the last time she saw her childhood home and her father, there had been many changes. Mrs Bennet’s death, Jane and Bingley recovering from their injuries, Gregory attacking Pemberley and attempting to kidnap her. Her fear for her father and sisters was overwhelming, and only seeing them with her own eyes would calm her anxiety.
The walk was only a few minutes, walking only to the pen surrounding the stable, then returning to the inn. Excusing herself from the others, Elizabeth made her way to the necessary room to refresh herself.
When she did not return for more than five minutes, Hannah began to worry. She went to the necessary room, knocking on the door. “Mrs Lizzy, are you well?” There was no response from inside the room. Hannah knocked again. “Mrs Lizzy, is there a problem?” Finally, Hannah opened the unlocked door, finding the room empty.
The innkeeper’s wife came from the kitchen, and, seeing Hannah, spoke. “The lady went out the back door with another lady who had just arrived. They appeared to know each other.”
Hannah was concerned and went to find the men. Finding Mr Booth, she asked if her Mistress was in the carriage.
“No, ma’am, I have not seen the Mistress since she went inside. Is there a problem?” The other men came closer. Hannah was fearful that Elizabeth was in trouble. “Mrs Darcy was seen leaving through the back door of the inn, with another lady. None of you saw her leave?”
All of the men shook their heads, then they all moved to search for Elizabeth. No sign of her was found, nor was there sign of another lady. The innkeeper came from the stable and informed them a lady, who appeared to be in her forties, had arrived alone in a curricle, though she had left shortly after. He was unsure in which direction she had traveled, though it was obvious she had not traveled past the carriage and men.
The three men on horseback, Joe, Winston, and Jolly, mounted their steeds and rode in different directions. While they were gone, Mr Booth sent one of the carriage footmen on horseback to Longbourn. Mr Booth was certain his employer would come immediately, and he could only pray that Mrs Darcy would be found before the Master arrived.
~~ ** ~~ “Aunt Sarah, we must return to the inn.” Elizabeth tried desperately to convince her aunt. She had been shocked to find Sarah Dalton at the inn, and even more so when Sarah pulled a pistol from her reticule and pointed it at her.
“Why do you insist on calling me Aunt?” Sarah said, a frown was apparent on her brow. “I am your mother, Ruthie. Now, why did you run away from home? Your brothers have been so worried for you.”
“My name is Elizabeth, Aunt Sarah. I am your brother’s daughter.” “Ruthie that is enough of such foolishness. You know that my brother’s daughter is Jane, and you have never looked anything like her. We will be home soon enough, and then I will send a message to Gregory to come to the house. He has been searching for you so diligently. We have feared you were abducted or you had died. You disappeared so long ago, I had just about given up hope of finding you.”
Elizabeth knew from the look in her aunt’s eyes that Sarah Dalton had lost her mind. She had seen the same look in Gregory’s eyes, and she realized she would be in more danger in arguing with Sarah. Knowing that her staff would quickly come searching for her, Elizabeth decided it was best to play along with her aunt.
“Forgive me, Mother, I was lost. I am pleased to be with you again.” She said to Sarah. “Are you well?” “Now that you are home, I am wonderful, my dear girl.”
“Where are we going, Mother? Is it far?” Elizabeth asked. “Not far. The dower house is comfortable. Phillip should marry soon, so I wished to be out of the main house. And Gregory will be living with us as well.”
“Is the dower house large enough for all of us?” “I am sure that it will be. I doubt Gregory will be with us for long, as he is a favorite with all the ladies. It will not be long before he finds the perfect young lady to marry. Then it will be just the two of us.” Sarah smiled at Elizabeth. “In the spring, we can plant flowers outside the house, as there is a garden nearby. And you can help me tend to the herbs and
vegetables. It will be so enjoyable. I will ask Gregory to put up a swing from the tree, like you enjoyed as a little girl.”
“I love to swing. Soaring through the air has always made me smile.” Elizabeth tried desperately to find some way to keep her aunt happy. “You love the smell of gardenias. We should plant gardenias under your bedroom windows.”
Sarah smiled again. “You remember my favorite flower. Ruthie, I have missed you so much.” “I have missed you as well.” Elizabeth stated. Looking around, she noticed a small cottage come into view. There was no sign of life in the area, so she assumed the cottage was vacant.
“Ah, here we are.” Sarah said. “Welcome home, Ruthie.”
~~ ** ~~ Darcy had just
sat down to eat when his footman was shown into the dining room. “Mr Darcy, your wife… she has been taken.”
“Tell me what happened!” Darcy jumped up from his seat. Hearing the uproar, Richard and Phillip came from the second floor where they had been resting, and Mr Bennet came hurrying from his study.
The footman, who was Mr Booth’s grandson, Benny, laid out the details. “We kept a close watch over the Missus, but we thought she would be safe going to the necessary room. Joe had checked the room to make sure it was empty, and then we went to check the horses. Mrs Reynolds was resting, and Hannah was finishing her cup of tea in the dining room. Mr Booth knew the innkeeper and his wife, so we foolishly left the Missus in the necessary room with no guard. It was a lady who took her. They went out the back door, down a path we could not see from the front. Joe and the others went to check the trails for the curricle with which the innkeeper saw the lady. Mr Booth wished me to come find you.”
Richard had already sent Mr Hill to have horses made ready for the men. “We will leave as soon as the horses are brought up.”
“Benny, was there any sign of a fight or struggle? Was there a possibility my wife was injured?” “Nothing any of us could see. Please do not fret, Mr Darcy. I am sure that the Missus is well and we will have her safely returned to you in no time at all.”
Mr Bennet insisted on joining the men on their search. He thought he and Phillip would be more likely able to reach Sarah’s mind and aid in recovering Elizabeth safely.
Within a quarter of an hour, the horses were saddled and ready to ride, and the men were off to the inn to meet the Pemberley staff.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 24 Winston followed a trail which he thought was made by a curricle. He had found it from one of the main roads in the inn’s vicinity, and it turned off to a smaller path. It was not long before he could see smoke coming from a chimney, rising above the trees. As he came around a bend in the path, he could see from where the smoke was coming. There was a modest looking cottage, not in the best condition, but comfortable and clean. In front of the cottage was a horse tied to a hitching post, and a curricle which had been unfastened and pushed to the side. He could see two ladies step from the curricle, one of which appeared to be Mrs Darcy. Winston stayed hidden from the ladies, watching carefully. When he saw the older lady motion with a pistol for the younger to step inside the house, Winston knew he needed the other men. He crept closer to peer inside the house to assure himself of any other people in the cottage before he left for help.
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 22