Netherfield Park Quarantined

by Schertz, Melanie

  “Oh, yes, Charles. I love you, you silly man. How I wish Lizzy and William were here to share in our happiness. Is it possible to die from so much joy in one’s life?” Jane said as she enjoyed being pulled into Bingley’s embrace. A moment later, Bingley’s lips found Jane’s, keeping to the chastest kiss possible.

  “I believe I need to speak with your father.” Bingley stated as their lips parted. “I love you Jane, and will love you for the rest of my life.” ~~ ** ~~ “What do you mean, I cannot enter my nephew’s home?” Lord Matlock stood on the front steps of Darcy House, being refused entrance by Mr Crossman. “You know who I am Crossman, you have known me for years. I wish to speak with my nephew and my niece, Miss Georgiana.”

  “I am sorry, your lordship, but Mr Darcy had to leave suddenly, and Miss Georgiana is not here.”

  “This is all unheard of. Where is Georgiana? Is she shopping? Tell me where she is and I will speak to her there.”

  Mr Crossman shook his head. “I do not know where Miss Georgiana is, so I cannot tell you. I am certain she is not shopping though.” “Crossman, if you know what is good for you, you will tell me what is going on. Where is my niece? And where did my nephew rush off to so unexpectedly? Has his wife returned home?”

  “Mrs Darcy has not returned, and I am not certain where Mr Darcy went. This is all I can tell you, Lord Matlock. Good day to you.” Mr Crossman closed the door swiftly before Lord Matlock could say another word.

  Lord Matlock huffed as he stomped back to his carriage. Lady Catherine and Mr Collins waited inside it for his return. “Well, Henry, where is Georgiana? And why did Darcy keep you from entering his home?”

  “Catherine, Darcy left the townhouse on some sudden business. The butler did not know where he or Georgiana were.” “See, it is like I told you. I was informed that something has happened to Georgiana. Darcy and Richard have allowed her to come to some harm and are unfit to be her guardians, so it is up to me to take charge of Georgiana.”

  “Until we are able to find Darcy or Georgiana, we cannot confirm your gossip, so we cannot know if our niece is met with some harm. I find it difficult to believe Darcy or Richard would ever allow anything to happen to Georgiana, they do love her and dote on her.” Lord Matlock stated.

  “Ah, but you see, Lord Matlock, they are keeping secrets from you.” Mr Collins spoke in a slimy manner. “Mr Darcy has behaved in such a strange manner since the scarlet fever outbreak. I believe the fever has affected his mind. Why else would a gentleman of such lineage behave as he has, stealing my betrothed and marrying her, denying his own betrothal to Miss de Bourgh, and refusing to allow your most esteemed sister to take your niece into her protection and guidance. I am concerned with his sister’s safety, what he might do to her if she were to disobey.”

  “Darcy would never harm Georgiana.” Lord Matlock stated. “No matter how odd his behavior at the moment, I doubt he would ever do anything to harm her. We must find Richard. He will know what is going on.”

  “But your son, in his most esteemed position in the King’s army, is needed to deal with protecting England from Napoleon.” Collins knew how to find what stroked the egos of people like Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock, using it to his advantage. “I believe it is best if we are to handle the situation. Once Miss Darcy is safe at Rosings with your sister, then you can notify your son to tell him what happened.”

  “Mr Collins is correct, Henry. Now, the first thing we need to learn is where Darcy is. Once we find him, we should have men ready to take control of him, bind him for his own protection, so we can transport him to a sanitarium. Hopefully we will find Georgiana before it is too late.”

  “I met a man who has detectives work for him. I can speak with him, hire some of the detectives to investigate where Mr Darcy would be.” Collins said.

  “Henry, I will fund the investigation. I feel it is vital we take this step to protect not Georgiana, but the reputation of our entire family.” “Very well, Catherine. Do what is necessary and I will do what I can to support you. We need to keep this quiet and handled swiftly.” Lord Matlock stated as he shook his head. “I never would have believed Darcy to have fallen so far. He has always been so strong and dependable.”

  “As I said before, Lord Matlock, the fever made your poor nephew addled, it is not his fault. I was ill as well, though I am grateful I was blessed and protected by the Lord from permanent harm. I pray your nephew can be tended by a physician, and made whole once again.”

  ~~ ** ~~ “Mr Phillips, I am sure you see the necessity for my employer to make sure the documents are in fact, legal and binding. It has come to my employer’s knowledge that Mr Darcy was taken with fever while he was at Netherfield Park, and the fever appears to have caused the poor man damage to his mind. If so, any documents Mr Darcy signed would be worthless. I need to see the documents to make certain of their validity.” Mr Laub stated.

  “Mr Laub, I can assure you, there is nothing wrong with the documentation. They were signed long before Mr Darcy contracted scarlet fever, and I have spoken with the young man several times since his recovery. There is nothing wrong with Mr Darcy’s mind. His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is making false claims against the man due to his marrying against her wishes.”

  “And the young lady in question is your niece, therefore, you have a vested interest in making certain Mr Darcy is protected. I think you can see why the documents you hold could be considered questionable.”

  “There is nothing wrong with the documents. They were witnessed by many upstanding and reliable people, and there was nothing wrong with Mr Darcy’s mind. Now, it is getting late and I need to go home to my wife. Our dinner will be served soon.”

  “No, Mr Phillips, I demand to see the documents immediately.” Mr Laub stepped closer to the solicitor. As Mr Phillips walked to the door to open it, another man entered the room. Laub shook his head to the other man. The second man was large, muscular and wore a look of determination on his face. Grabbing hold of Mr Phillips’s coat front, the second man began to beat the country solicitor. No matter how hard he was beaten, Mr Phillips refused to give up any information. Mr Laub searched the law offices, and yet, nothing with Fitzwilliam Darcy’s name on it could be found. Aggravated, Mr Laub expressed his disappointment. A moment later, Mr Laub and the second man left the law offices and mounted their horses, riding towards London.

  Mrs Phillips sent her footman to find her husband nearly an hour later. The offices had been ransacked, and, behind the desk, on the floor, Mr Phillips’ body laid crumpled with a knife sticking out of his chest.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ Chapter 11 Darcy and Richard arrived in Liverpool, and began searching for information as to where Wickham was. They took up rooms at an inn near the docks. The final stop they made before reaching Liverpool, the men changed their clothing, putting on clothes which they had borrowed from the stable hands at Darcy House. They left their carriage at the stop, renting horses which were of questionable lineage, hoping to blend in better with the sort of people who would have the information they needed.

  The rooms they took were over a tavern, and Richard found it easier to blend in with the men who frequented the establishment. Soon he was able to join in playing cards with them. After ten days, they finally received the information they needed.

  “Rolly, when did you get back to town?” One of the barmaids asked a young man who was obviously a ship hand.

  “Late yesserday. I was so fagged, I went straight to me rooms.” “Well, welcome back. This here be Higgins. He and his bruther took rooms while they be waiting for a chap they know. They was to meet him, and brung him some coin they be owin’ him.”

  Rolly was interested. “So, who be the fella?”

  “George Wickham. I knew him in Town. He left before our deal paid off.” “I know the bloke. No need to fret, he is comin’ into some real wealth.” “Do you know where he went? My brother is a long-time friend.” “He took de Mistress to Dublin.”

  Richard was
confused. “Mistress? What Mistress?”

  “The ship I be crew on. We jus returned.” Rolly smiled.

  Richard ordered drinks for his new friend and himself. After another quarter of an hour, he made his excuses and went upstairs to inform Darcy. As he opened the door, his joy turned to fear. The room was in chaos, as if there had been a struggle in it. And worst of all, Darcy was missing. Hearing a commotion outside, Richard went to investigate. In the alley, behind the tavern, two men were attempting to force Darcy on to a wagon bed. They had bound his hands with rope, and stuffed a piece of cloth in his mouth to prevent him from crying out.

  Running down the stairs as quickly as he could, he caught the men as the wagon was preparing to pull away. “Where do you think you are going?” “We have been hired by this one’s family to take him to the sanitarium. He is unwell, and his family is worried about him.” The man riding on the back of the wagon with Darcy stated.

  “As I am a member of his family, I can tell you he is well, and there is nothing for my aunt to worry about. He will not be going to any sanitarium.” Richard’s hand went to his pistol, prepared to use it if necessary.

  “Maybe you are unwell, like this one. Maybe your family will pay us to take you with us as well.” The driver said with a smile. Richard pulled his pistol and pointed it towards the driver. “I am Colonel Fitzwilliam of the regulars. I suggest you release my cousin, and leave here, immediately. I will not say it a second time.”

  The guard who was beside Darcy turned to the driver. Neither was prepared to take the chance of being shot, nor did they wish to challenge a colonel of the regulars. After several minutes, the guard pushed Darcy towards the rear of the wagon until Darcy could climb off on his own.

  “Wise move.” Richard said. “Now, leave and do not return.” Richard waited until the wagon had left before pulling out a knife to cut the bindings from his cousin’s hands. Darcy reached to his mouth to pull out the cloth. It was only then that Richard noticed a cut over Darcy’s brow.

  “Well, we know Lady Catherine’s latest attempt to handle the situation.” Richard said as he took his handkerchief from his pocket and tried to clean his cousin’s wound. “I will send Mother a letter before we leave, letting her know what happened.”

  “Before we leave? When are we leaving?” Darcy asked.

  “As soon as possible. I found out Wickham took a ship to Dublin. And he is being financed. I would lay odds our beloved aunt is involved.” “Are there any ships leaving today?” A smile grew on Richard’s lips. “It just so happens, my mother’s cousin, Helton, who owns several ships, has one here in port. I made inquiries yesterday. We can hire it to take us wherever we need.”

  Now a smile formed on Darcy’s lips. “Well, it is a good thing I brought plenty of funds with us.”

  ~~ ** ~~ The Bennet household was in an uproar. Mrs Phillips had been brought to her sister’s home, despondent after learning her husband had been murdered. Thomas Bennet was certain it had to do with his cousin and his patroness. He would never have thought they would go so far as to murder someone, but now he knew the safety of his entire family was at stake.

  A message was sent to Bingley, and an express was sent to Town to the Gardiners. Mr Bennet decided he would have to lay down strict policy with his family and insist they follow it.

  Once Bingley arrived, Mr Bennet called for all of his family to gather in the drawing room. He also asked Mr and Mrs Hill and the other servants as well.

  “With the loss of Mr Phillips, and the manner of his death, I must insist we all follow some rules. No one is to be alone. No matter what happens, where you go, I demand you have someone with you. Mr Bingley, I do not like you living alone in that big house. It leaves you extremely unprotected. We have plenty of room for you to stay here with us, until we know it is safe. Sister Phillips, you will remain with us as long as you wish. The people behind this is determined, and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Everyone needs to be careful. Please, I beg of you all, do as I have instructed.”

  “I will send for my belongings to be packed and brought over. Is there room for my valet to come as well?” Bingley inquired. “Of course. I have also sent word to Mr Gardiner, informing him of Mr Phillips’ murder. I have also asked him to hire some men to come here and guard our home. After we are finished with this meeting, I would appreciate Mr Hill and one of the stable hands to speak with all of our tenants, inform them of what is happening and to be on guard for anything suspicious.”

  Mrs Phillips had been silent through the entire discussion until this point. “Mr Bennet, do you know who killed my husband? I know he had a meeting with someone wishing to see the contracts Mr Darcy signed for his marriage to Lizzy. Does that have anything to do with my husband’s murder?”

  “Unfortunately, I believe it does. I believe the people behind your husband’s death are Mr Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and my cousin, Mr Collins. Neither is pleased with Mr Darcy and Lizzy marrying, and I do not trust either of them.”

  “But Mr Collins was to marry Lizzy.” Mrs Bennet cried out. “Then we would be secure when your time comes. He was devastated when he learned she had married Mr Darcy. He is a clergyman though, how could you believe he would be party to murder?”

  “My cousin is not of sound mind. He may have been a silly and ridiculous man before the epidemic, but his mind has been damaged by the results of the high fever he had for so long. And we know he is devoted to his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. If she told him to throw himself off a cliff, he would most likely do it.”

  “My husband believed in Mr Darcy and Lizzy. He was killed to protect them. I will do what I can to protect them, as well.” Mrs Phillips stated. “I am grateful, Sister.” Mr Bennet sighed. “And I know they appreciate your support.”

  “Has there been any further word from Darcy? Have they found Wickham yet?” Bingley asked. “The last I heard from Darcy was they had discovered Wickham was heading to Liverpool. He and his cousin were on their way. But there has been no word since then.”

  “I will pray, Brother, for Mr Darcy and his cousin, and for Miss Darcy and Lizzy. If we stand aside and do nothing, evil will run free about the world.” Mrs Phillips said. “And I know the men who killed my husband did not find what they were looking for, as my husband was highly intelligent. He had three secure places where he would keep important papers. And I am aware of where the documents pertaining to the Darcys are kept.”

  “And I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.” Mr Bennet said as he took hold of his sister in law’s hand. “It is vital you stay protected. And, as a precaution, I feel it is wise if we do not receive anyone for the time being. I know there will be people come to pay their respects to you, but it would be an easy access for the killers to come for you.”

  “I do not wish to see anyone at this time, Bennet.” Mrs Phillips dabbed at her eyes with her already soaked handkerchief. Mr Bennet pulled his from his pocket and handed it to his sister in law. “I want a private service to be held for Geoffrey, and, if you will approve, may he be buried here, at Longbourn?”

  “Years ago, your husband and I spoke of our final wishes. He spoke of wishing to be buried with family, as he had none of his own. I promised him that there would be room for him and you in our family plot. You will both be amongst loved ones always.”

  ~~ ** ~~ The room where the trunk had been taken was plain, as it had been made clear to Wickham the need to isolate Elizabeth from being able to escape. There were no windows, only one door, and inside the room was a bed, a small table, two chairs, and a fireplace. No fire had been lit, leaving a chill in the room. The trunk was unlocked and Wickham reached inside to lift Elizabeth from it.

  Her wound had taken an infection, and, with very little food and drink during the journey, Elizabeth had become quite ill. Mrs Younge was concerned with regards to their captive’s health. “What will happen if she dies?”

  “We cannot think that way.” Wickham said. “W
e only need to keep her alive until he gets here. Once he is here, we are no longer responsible for her care.”

  “When does this man arrive?” Mr Wickham thought for a moment. “He is supposed to arrive a week after us. How is our other guest? Is she well?” “Weak, she needs food and drink. Otherwise, she will be well. I cannot lift her from the trunk by myself though, I need your assistance.” Mrs Younge replied.

  “Very well. Come with me, and bring some hot water for Miss Darcy to clean herself up a little. I will speak to the cook, have her fix something filling that will aid in reviving everyone. If this one does not improve, we may require an apothecary.”

  “All I can say is I am pleased to have others tend to the cooking and cleaning. I do not want to be a servant, when we will soon be so wealthy.” “Just assist me with tending to our guests for a little longer, and then we begin our new life, my dearest.” Wickham smiled sweetly at his cohort, knowing Mrs Younge could never refuse him anything when he smiled so.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Henry Fitzwilliam, we need to speak of something of great importance.” Lady Matlock stated as she entered her husband’s study, unannounced. “Has something happened? Is someone hurt?” Lord Matlock was shocked at his wife’s behavior, and believed an emergency had happened. “Hopefully not, though if they have been, it is your doing. You and your sister, I should say.”

  “Rebecca, I do not understand what you are telling me. Please speak clearly of what you mean. What has happened?” Lady Matlock held out her hand, a letter was clinched in her fingers. “I received this express from my second son today. Please, please, tell me you had nothing to do with our niece being abducted. And William’s wife was abducted by the same man. Richard and William are in pursuit of the villain, praying they are able to retrieve Elizabeth and Georgiana. Oh, and two men attempted to force William into a sanitarium. Fortunately, Richard was able to rescue our nephew and made it clear to the men that they had best forget what their employer had said with regards to William’s stability. Please tell me you had nothing to do with all of this. It has become clear your sister has been paying George Wickham for abducting Georgiana, and then Elizabeth.”