by Kay Mares
True to his word, the following two days were spent with Darcy in attendance with his lawyers. Every detail and conversation was analyzed and dissected. The time spent was laborious and fatiguing, but Darcy wishes to have every angle covered. However, he worries and frets over what Wickham will testify for the prosecution. Even though Darcy’s lawyers assure him of a favorable outcome, the meticulous man finds no comfort in their statements, and he broods over the possible outcome.
Chapter 11
The night before the trial, Elizabeth turned on her makeshift bed in the children’s nursery and immediately noted that her spouse was not in the room. She assured herself that the children remain safe and she left the chamber after notifying the guard that she was leaving the room. As Elizabeth pulls her robe closer about her body and sweeps her hair out from under the collar of the robe, she makes her way to the library; certain her husband would be there. She spies him standing in front of the darkened fireplace, staring at a single lit candle on the mantle. Elizabeth sits in a chair near Darcy as she waits for him to speak.
Darcy is tracing on the bricks surrounding the fireplace with his long index finger. He does not face Elizabeth as he speaks, he knows she is there to offer her special brand of comfort.
“Do you ever wonder about the people who have built these various structures? For example, as this brick was placed, what was the man thinking about as he worked? Did he have concerns or cares? Perhaps, he was just content with his lot in life, and he relished the work he was doing.” Darcy’s eyes shift to the flickering candle flame. “What about the candlestick maker who fashioned this candle? Did he have so many worries pressing in on him? Sometimes I envy the simple life some people have, in which they do their work then return to their homes in the evening. A wife and some children greet each man as he enters his house. These people do not have to concern themselves with what others think or burden themselves with the concerns found in a massive estate. Then again, I miss Pemberley. I love my estate and the lands surrounding it.”
Elizabeth remains quiet as Darcy speaks his thoughts out loud. Just as when Darcy works, he keeps up a running commentary; he does so now as he opens up his mind to Elizabeth. The mundane musings seem to offer some odd comfort.
“I suppose by now the crops are fully grown and almost ready to be harvested. The Lusitano mare birthed a fine colt who promises to be as beautiful as his dame. A rich golden color with a deep black mane and tail. I have been receiving regular updates from Pemberley.” Elizabeth can hear the wistfulness in Darcy’s voice. “Tempest arrived safely at Pemberley. I am glad I sent him especially after what happened to the dogs. I could really do with a good and furious run aboard Tempest.” Darcy has a small smile on his lips.
“There is that one area, near the cattle shed, you are familiar with it, Elizabeth, where that hill crests so magnificently. There are no trees to impede the view once one has attained the top of the hill and the breezes up there are always so refreshing. Every chance I get during the summer months, I take Tempest up that hill, and I believe he enjoys the race to the top as much as I do.”
“You will do so again, My Husband. You and your great black steed will challenge then conquer that hill, and I will relish watching you do so.”
Darcy pivots and faces Elizabeth. “Will I? Will I once more return to my life out in the country, on my estate, overseeing my people? Or will I instead be found guilty of murder and find myself sitting in some dank cell awaiting my death? Oh Elizabeth, how did everything spiral out of control? Gunther wanted me dead, but there still appears to be others who wish the same fate for me.” Darcy returns to his contemplative study of the candle. Elizabeth cannot give him the succor he needs as she too cannot know the outcome of the next few days. Instead, she offers her tacit support before they both return to the children’s nursery and a fitful night of rest.
Early the next morning, Elizabeth and Darcy are readying themselves for the day in court. Many family and friends will attend also, and some will be asked to testify on behalf of Darcy. Darcy is fingering a powdered wig, but he decides not to wear it. He will present himself as he is, without false adornment or finery. Soon though they must depart, and they do with trepidation.
Old Bailey is the scene of the trial, and the massive rectangular room is crammed full of spectators and those connected to the case. Elizabeth is seated with Georgiana and Matthew, Jonesy and Kitty, Jane and Charles. Henry is present as well, but he is across the room seated with some other retired military men and some Bow Street Runners. He acknowledges and nods as his family takes their seats. Darcy will stand in an area known as ‘the dock’ which faces the witness stand. The judge is seated on the other side of the room. A table below the judge’s stand houses the lawyers, clerks, and writers. The gaslights are lit so that the light may be reflected off of the accused man’s face so that the judge and others may gauge his reactions to the testimony presented. For a private man as Darcy, this arrangement is torture.
Elizabeth can see him twisting his signet ring, and she feels his angst. All the focus will be on him, and he has never been comfortable in a large gathering of people even when the event is joyous let alone one as dire as this event. She cannot go to him, and Elizabeth repeatedly dabs at the tears which pool in her eyes. The witnesses will wait in a separate room until called up and the judge has his own room to repair to during breaks or between trials. For Darcy though, there will be no such luxury, but fortunately, he will not have to go through the narrow passageway leading to the Newgate Prison. Darcy’s position in the ton spared him that indignity. As soon as the crowd settles down and the call to order is given, the first of the witnesses come forward. He is one of the two drunkards who reported to the constable that Darcy was involved in a duel with the unfortunate Gunther. The second drunk has the same story, and it is evident that neither man is taking the proceedings seriously, rather they think it is all very amusing.
As Darcy had predicted before, his family and friends who are called up to give character references, offer their support and give glowing accounts of Darcy but it is to be expected and in Darcy’s opinion, does little to help his case. The next witness, however, gives Darcy quite a surprise and he cannot help but stiffen when Miss Polmear is called up to speak. Some in the crowd note Darcy’s tenseness and the judge raises an eyebrow. The prosecution speaks to Miss Polmear first. After the necessary questions about who she is and how she may be related to the case, they come to the point of her testimony.
“Can you say that you have known Mr. Darcy for many years, Miss Polmear?” The first lawyer asks.
“Yes, I can. I have attended many society events in which Mr. Darcy was also present.” Miss Polmear is dressed fashionably and in high style.
“Have you had much contact with Mr. Darcy? Have you spoken to him on many occasions?”
With a saucy flip of her head, she answers, “No, no one can claim to have spoken with Mr. Darcy at any event. He prefers to be taciturn and unsociable.”
“Could such a man be called cruel or callous?”
Miss Polmear fixes a hard stare on Darcy as she responds, “most definitely. He is impervious to the cares and concerns of those around him. He is eaten up with his own pride and importance.”
The courtroom buzzes with noise as those who concur with Miss Polmear and those who are aghast at such an insinuation voice their opinions. Elizabeth bows her head as some of her own hurtful words haunt her. Jane reaches over and squeezes Elizabeth’s hand. Georgiana is gripping her husband's hand as she shakes her head at the hurtful remarks. Darcy pulls his shoulders back, and his face is impassive, but his fiddling with his ring has not ceased. Elizabeth feels his pain and nervousness, but she cannot succor him.
“Would a man such as you describe Mr. Darcy, would he be capable of committing murder?”
“If you are asking me if I believe that Mr. Darcy murdered Mr. Gunther, I would have to say, yes. I believe Mr. Darcy killed Mr. Gunther.” A clamor erupts at Miss Polm
ear’s proclamation, and the prosecuting lawyer smiles in victory as he gives way for Darcy’s lawyer to question Miss Polmear. The order is restored, and Darcy takes a deep breath. Miss Polmear has inflicted much damage.
Miss Polmear is a shallow and vindictive woman who has used her feminine wiles for years to entice gentlemen to whisper secrets into her ears. The papers have used her information to fill their gossip columns and to fan rumors throughout various gatherings of the Elite. Darcy has rebuffed the woman on many occasions, and she speaks out of jealousy and spite. It is not long before the Darcy lawyer has Miss Polmear on the edge of tears and her testimony called into question. A lengthy list of former lovers is produced, and Miss Polmear is subjected to admitting to dalliances with each name mentioned.
The gossip writers are furiously scribbling, and they note that Mr. Darcy is not counted among Miss Polmear’s lovers, however, when she admits to numerous encounters with the deceased Mr. Gunther, the crowd once more titters and gasps. Darcy’s own testimony neither helps him nor harms him as he recounts the events unemotionally and factually. The final witness for the day is Mr. Wallace. He helps Darcy’s case, and the prosecuting lawyers are unable to confuse the man’s testimony. Darcy’s lawyers count the day as a positive one, and Darcy is allowed to return to Darcy house for the evening. However, this day’s occurrences will pale in comparison to tomorrow’s events. The anticipation is high for when Mr. Wickham takes the stand and speaks about his childhood friend, Mr. Darcy.
Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth can find much rest this night. They spend most of the night in quiet conversation, and once Elizabeth drifts into a fitful doze, Darcy slips over to the beds which hold his two sons. He draws a sad sigh as he ponders the very real possibility that he may never see them again. He played with the boys for a few hours when he and Elizabeth returned home from the trial, and he tried to his best to appear relaxed and happy for his sons’ benefit. However, the boys sensed his discomfiture, and Elizabeth gently explained to the boys that their father was tending to some very important business and that soon, he would be able to spend more time with them. Darcy had held Elizabeth’s gaze with his own as she spoke, but he did not contradict what she said.
Now, Darcy turns his attention to the baby asleep in her crib. Ester is a calm, easy baby and is a joy to be around. Her wide, toothless grins are constant, and she giggles readily at her silly father who makes faces for her. Tears threaten to spill as Darcy considers that Ester may grow up never knowing him, similar to how Georgiana grew up without knowing her mother. Of course, if Darcy does not know victory after this trial, his children will learn that their father was a convicted murderer. The unfairness of the situation makes Darcy bitter. Lastly, Darcy focuses on his slumbering wife, curled up on a pallet near her children. He laments that so much of her acquaintance with him has brought her pain. Elizabeth would protest his conclusions, but Darcy cannot help but brood over all of his past mistakes.
With a shuddering breath and shrug of his shoulders, he makes his way to his pallet to try to find a few moments of rest before the dawn comes, signaling either the first day of the rest of his life or the end of everything he stands for. Once the rest of the house awakens, Darcy and Elizabeth have breakfast with the children then kiss them goodbye as they make their way to the waiting carriage. They planned to arrive early so they could enter the courtroom without fanfare and exposure to the curious crowds. The rest of the family has arrived as well, and they quietly stand and talk. Henry is there, and he does not offer much comment. He and Darcy have not communicated since Henry ranted at Darcy in the study some days before.
When the trial once more commences, the first witness to take the stand is Mr. Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker had been involved in some business dealings with Darcy, and Darcy only worked with the man to gain access to some profitable connections Mr. Shoemaker offered. Once Darcy made the connections himself, he no longer contacted Mr. Shoemaker, thus cutting the man out of lucrative deals. Most gentlemen found Mr. Shoemaker to be crude and uncouth, but they too had used the man in the past to gain access to others in the business world. Unfortunately for Darcy, Mr. Shoemaker is glad to even the score, and he has nothing but disdain for Darcy. His testimony basically paints Darcy once more as cold and vindictive, a man unconcerned with the plight of others, one who only cares about himself and his concerns.
A few more friends and associates take the stand to speak on behalf of Darcy and even the lady who oversees the orphanage, which Darcy routinely visits, cannot seem to turn the tide in Darcy’s favor. Darcy ducks his head as the woman speaks glowingly of Darcy’s kindness to these most unfortunate children and his gift to the orphans of a rescued horse, but it does little to sway the low opinion many have of Darcy. Then a short break is announced before Wickham is to take the stand. Darcy avails himself of some water, but he refuses any food.
Once more, the trial begins, and a hush falls over all assembled as Wickham comes into the room. Darcy notes Wickham had lost the haughty, overconfident demeanor he sported when they were growing up together and when at Cambridge, but he now moves with the confidence of a man who knows his place in the world. It is not the false bravado of a hustler and con man, but of a man who has nothing more to prove and is self-assured. Wickham’s pleasing aspect is marred by an ugly scar which cuts across his left cheekbone near his eye and nose, then extends to his chin. Shapneral has claimed Wickham’s looks, and Darcy experiences a sinking feeling. That scar will be another grievance in Wickham’s long list of crimes he blames on Darcy. With a jaunty swagger, Wickham claims his spot on the witness stand and his gaze sweeps over those gathered. He is in control, and he relishes the power and fame which has been bestowed upon him.
Chapter 12
Approaching the smug Wickham, the prosecution’s lawyer sports a smile of his own, clearly enjoying the show. The man quickly asks Wickham about his name, his career, and other details of Wickham’s life. He makes sure that all in the audience are aware of Wickham’s military service and his valor on the battlefield. Wickham swells with importance, then settles in to answer the rest of the counsel’s questions. Once the lawyer asks Wickham about his connection to Darcy, he does not interrupt as Wickham starts his very familiar and well-known narrative.
“You may be surprised to know that I am well-connected to the Pemberley estate, why I have been connected there since infancy. Darcy and I grew up together there and played together. We were friends, almost like brothers. Mr. Darcy, the elder, treated me like a son, in fact, he provided for me in his will. A living in the church was to be mine.” As Darcy hears the same old tired lines, he straightens his shoulders as if waiting for a physical blow. Henry was correct, Wickham will not be as forgiving as Darcy. Wickham will use his power and influence to destroy Darcy and avenge himself.
Wickham smiles as Elizabeth tastes a bitter bile roll up in her mouth. Wickham means to see an end to Darcy’s life and his lies about the living will be a figurative dagger to Darcy’s heart. Elizabeth looks at her husband, who is standing tall and erect. He does not betray his trepidation or anger. Elizabeth has a deep despair sweep over her, once more her magnificent and kind husband will be sorely misjudged.
“So the living in the church was to be your lot? How did you come to find yourself in the military instead?” The attorney asks the obvious and leading questions.
“Darcy, of course. He paid for my commission and found me a unit up to the north in Newcastle.”
“What of the living provided for you in the elder Mr. Darcy’s will? Why did the present Mr. Darcy not see fit to follow his father’s wishes?”
“My old friend did not believe me suited for the clergy and instead gave the living to another man.”
“Indeed, please continue and tell the court about the exchange.”
“I approached Darcy about the living, and he stated that he did not think me one to take orders. I was given a payout instead of the living, and I left Pemberley to make my way in the world. It was diff
icult, and I found myself low on funds and without any way to make my own fortune.”
The prosecuting team is almost gleeful with triumph. Wickham will paint Darcy as spiteful and cruel, shaking off a childhood friend and condemning him to a life of poverty. All of the glowing and positive accolades from family and friends will mean nothing compared to what Wickham will reveal. Elizabeth aches to be with her husband as she knows of his shyness and reserve. This ordeal is agonizing for Darcy. The questioning lawyer springs his next query to ensure Darcy’s fate.
“So you may say that Mr. Darcy is cruel and cold. A person who would allow you to wallow in destitution. A man who may have acted out of jealousy and spite because of the fondness his own father showed to you. A man who could not stand the thought that his father may have thought highly of you, so he sought to bring you low and to see you without the means to support yourself? A man who would seek revenge?”
The pause is dramatic and a current of anticipation ripples through the crowd. Here is the moment which will decide Mr. Darcy’s fate. Wickham fixes an imperturbable stare on the lawyer before he answers.
“Absolutely… not.” The response causes an uproar until order is once more restored. Wickham is pressed to clarify his response for surely he has made a mistake.
“Mr. Darcy was correct in his assumption that I was not suitable for the church. It was Mr. Darcy who did indeed, pay for my commission in the regulars. Furthermore, Mr. Darcy not only stood up with me when I married my wife, but he also paid for the wedding and all the surrounding costs. Mr. Darcy is more than a friend to me, he is my brother, for my wife, Lydia, is a sister to Mrs. Darcy.” Astonishment once more charges through the masses, but Wickham is not finished.