by Kay Mares
“It is Mr. Darcy who gave me some of the best advice of my life when he encouraged me to make the most of my life in the King’s army, and he assured me of his confidence in my abilities. Mr. Darcy has always been a kind and benevolent man. I can recall numerous incidents when Mr. Darcy acted without a thought about his own well-being when someone was in trouble or needed immediate assistance. When Mr. Darcy was fourteen, he dove into a stream in the middle of winter to save a child who had fallen through the ice. I was there also and witnessed his gallantry. I can speak to the care of his sister when their mother passed and then later in life when their father passed. Mr. Darcy was the sole comfort to a grieving and distraught sister while he still managed to run his estate with fairness and wisdom.”
These pronouncements from Wickham are unexpected, and Georgiana fixes her eyes on Elizbeth’s face. Both women wonder if Wickham still will have some devious plan which he will yet unleash. Henry is flummoxed, and he cannot help, but to wonder the same as the ladies. Darcy’s reaction is the most interesting, however. He has ceased worrying his ring, and there is a certain calmness which has entered his being. Wickham locked eyes with Darcy during the beginning of his narrative, and a look passed between the two men. Wickham did not forget the kindness Darcy bestowed in the field a few years ago.
The flustered lawyer attempts once more to have Wickham sully Darcy’s reputation while making the case that Darcy would easily have taken Mr. Gunther’s life in pure malice and spite. The lawyer questions Wickham further.
“That is all very good, Mr. Wickham, but I have others present here who will testify that you have told a much different tale. One in which Mr. Darcy treated you poorly, and with the intent to see you robbed of what was rightfully yours. A tale which highlights the contempt Mr. Darcy repeatedly heaped upon you because he was jealous of the close relationship you had with his father. A tale which illustrates Mr. Darcy’s disdain for those he feels below his station. Mr. Darcy is a man without principles, one who would resort to violence, in this instance, a duel, to settle a score when he thought his honor to be challenged.” The beads of sweat on the lawyer’s brow betray the man’s agitation. He is losing his case.
Wickham is unmoved and unperturbed about the prosecution’s discussion regarding the discrepancies in his stories. Sporting the same gauzy smile and the smooth, slick voice that he has perfected over the years, Wickham prepares to answer the charges. Darcy almost has trouble keeping a smile from coming onto his face; he knows that old George can outmaneuver the best of them. Darcy holds one hand over his lips as Wickham begins to speak.
“Do you see this scar running down the side of my face?” Wickham asks the attorney as he traces the scar with his fingertips. “I earned this scar in battle when our regiment engaged a French column near Charleroi. Most here are aware of the battle and the resulting victory, but I am not here to speak about battlefield exploits, rather I am here to exonerate an innocent and fine man. This scar is a constant reminder to me that I must be responsible for my own actions, my own life, and my own decisions. Yes, I mistakenly told many other people a tired, worn-out lie about how Mr. Darcy caused me misery, but as I am under oath, and because I wish to right a wrong, I will tell everyone here that my former story was told out of the same malice and spite that this court wishes to accuse Mr. Darcy of.”
The courtroom and the spectators have become eerily quiet as this revelation is spoken. Darcy’s face is neutral now, but Elizabeth knows memories of the past still give him pain. Wickham is ready to drop his final volley, and it will shake all of those gathered.
“I accept that I acted poorly towards Mr. Darcy before my commission in the regulars, but I will no longer do so. The truth will be told, and henceforth, no one should accuse Mr. Darcy of acting in any manner, but of the highest caliber. If anyone should be on trial here for murder and revenge, it should be none other than Mr. Gunther, himself. He was the one who acted out of spite and evil intent.”
“How can you make such a ludicrous claim against a deceased man who cannot defend himself? Have you no shame, Mr. Wickham? Furthermore, based on your prior comments, you admitted to lying about your history with Mr. Darcy. Therefore you have called your reputation and honesty into question. All of your testimony is suspect!” The agitated and overwrought lawyer shrieks at Wickham. With a calm and almost blasé look at the reddened man, Wickham responds.
“The judge has in his possession a large sum of money which was given to me by none other than Mr. Gunther. Mr. Gunther approached me shortly after the supposed robbers attacked Mr. Darcy. Mr. Gunther told me that the robbery was to look like an accidental murder. Instead, Mr. Darcy survived a brutal attack upon his person and Mr. Gunther was most displeased that his plans to have Mr. Darcy murdered went awry. The men hired to kill Mr. Darcy are no more than common criminals who were interested in payment, and they did not have any connection to Mr. Gunther. Your investigations proved that to be true and they are to be sent to the former colonies.”
“Mr. Gunther was incensed that his plan failed and before he accosted Darcy near his home, which resulted in his demise, Mr. Gunther asked me to have Mr. Darcy meet with another unfortunate accident, this time at the hands of a trained and battle-hardened man such as myself. Mr. Gunther gave me the money as a downpayment because he was certain I would be short on funds. Mr. Gunther came to this conclusion based on my own poor behavior in the past, and he was certain I held an extreme dislike for Mr. Darcy.”
“I turned the funds over to my commanding officer who sent them to the Court. It would seem that Mr. Gunther’s deep-seated hatred of Mr. Dracy made him impatient to see Mr. Darcy’s life ended so he took matters into his own hands and confronted Darcy in London. I arrived here as quickly as I could to defend Mr. Darcy and to assure the money was given over to the authorities.”
The agitated lawyer tries once more to shake Wickham, and he proceeds to bring up some of Wickham’s checkered past. “Mr. Wickham, your valor on the battlefield notwithstanding, you are a man who has had gambling debts in the past as well as a liking for the ladies.”
“What man here objects to the ladies?” Wickham asks with a rakish grin as the court breaks out in twitters and snickers.
“You are a married man, Sir!”
“As are you, Counselor!” Wickham fires back as the attorney’s crimson cheeks, and sputtering cough belie his secret. Darcy slides a finger over his upturned mouth while studying the floor. This exchange is Wickham at his best or perhaps his worst. Either way, Darcy figures Wickham’s poker playing must have improved immensely. Wickham pulled his bluff off flawlessly. Wickham now becomes serious and commanding.
“I will not let someone like Mr. Gunther sully the reputation I have harshly won. I now know what it is to be a respectable man,” here Wickham grazes his scar once more, “and furthermore, I am, thanks to Mr. Darcy and his foresight, a proud member of His Majesty’s Army, not a hired killer.”
At this point, the judge leans forward and places his folded hands on the desktop before him. “I believe you should have no further questions, Counselor?” He askes as the lawyer shakes his head. “Mr. Wickham has spoken the truth. I have the money safely stowed away along with a missive from Mr. Wickham’s commanding officer who has verified Mr. Wickham’s story and this officer stakes his reputation on the claim. I allowed this trial to continue, only to ensure that justice is served and so that no one doubts Mr. Darcy’s innocence in the whole matter.” Another dramatic pause ensues as the judge draws in his breath. “I pronounce Mr. Darcy innocent of the murder of Mr. Gunther. He is free to return to his home, not only as a free man but as a man with a stellar reputation and as a man of uncommon integrity.” The gavel pounds down loudly and with finality. The court is dismissed.
Elizabeth is caught in the crowd and unable to make her way as quickly as she wished to be by her husband’s side. Many friends are clamping Darcy on the back and shaking his hand. Finally, Elizabeth’s party comes to where Darcy is standing. Bingley is pumpin
g his hand vigorously while Matthew is smiling. Georgiana has hugged her brother tightly as she wipes the tears from her eyes and Jonesy engulfs Darcy in a bear hug of his own. Darcy pulls Elizabeth tightly to his side as the tension drains from his body. The ordeal has taken a toll on the private and quiet man. But a pair of malevolent eyes glares at those gathered about Darcy. With a snort of disgust, another cigarette is flung to the ground and viciously stomped out.
Once the Darcy party has made its way out onto the streets in front of Old Bailey, Henry comes up to where the group is standing. “I would never have thought it, Cousin. Simply unbelievable.” Before Darcy can respond, Wickham approaches the gathering, slowly and respectfully.
“Darcy, I cannot imagine what these last few weeks must have been like for you.” Wickham begins as he offers his hand to Darcy, but before Darcy can take it, another voice shatters the conversation.
“You bastard, you lying, conniving bastard, you will pay for what you have done! You’ve ruined everything!” The owner of the malicious eyes screeches then sights in on Wickham and pulls the trigger on his pistol before anyone can react. Wickham grunts as he falls to the ground while clutching at a gaping wound in his chest. Blood starts to seep from his mouth as he speaks his last to Darcy. The shooter is quickly subdued and disarmed, but Darcy does not notice; he is kneeling next to Wickham while holding his head up.
“Well Fitz, I always figured I would meet my end on the battlefield, not like this. Shot by a worthless individual.” A rattled breath shakes Wickham as he notes Darcy’s tight, drawn face, “come now Fitz, it will be fine. No need to be so uptight. Do not worry about old George.” As Wickham tries to make a small jest, he motions to Darcy to lean closer as he gathers the last bit of strength. For Darcy, the scene eerily reminds him of the time right before his mother passed away.
“Be careful Fitz. There are others out there who wish you harm.” Wickham’s eyes slide shut as he mutters his final words. “Quis det ut moriar prote.” With a last shutter and gasp, George Wickham dies. Darcy removes his waistcoat and places it over Wickham’s face then he holds Elizabeth to his side as she sobs. Georgiana is clinging to Matthew while Jonesy stares wide-eyed with Kitty clutching him. Charles and Jane are shocked silent. Henry is deeply searching Darcy’s face as Darcy mumbles the translation of Wickham’s final words, “who would grant that I might die for you?”
Chapter 13
Darcy and Elizabeth are once more at Darcy house a few days after the stunning conclusion of Darcy’s trial. Henry along with Georgiana and Matthew, Jonesy and Kitty, Charles and Jane are all in attendance as well. Henry is filling in the missing gaps in the fantastic plot.
“It appears that Mr. Gunther has long been in the business of convincing others to invest in some wild scheme of his then when the profits never materialize, Gunther moves on. Mr. Wallace found out that Gunther was very vexed with you over the Blythe matter. Once Fitz exposed his lies and duplicitous nature to Mr. Blythe, Gunther was incensed and came to the Blythe estate to try to convince the man otherwise. Imagine Gunther’s shock when Fitz was there along with Harland, who Gunther also was trying to fleece. The argument became heated, and when Gunther, in a fit of rage, swung at Fitz, Fitz quickly and cleanly dispatched the man.”
“Gunther never forgave me for my interference in the matter, and he sought many ways to entangle me in some debacle or another. If it was not me, he tried to ingratiate himself upon a member of my family or with my friends.” Darcy concurs with his cousin.
“Exactly. Astonishingly, the deceased Mr. Cleese was stripped of much of his wealth before he married Miss Bingley. Cleese required Caroline’s dowery just to stay afloat.” Darcy rolls his eyes at Henry’s nautical reference.
“In a way, Gunther did manage to wrap some of your family into his web, although at the time Charles was not married to Jane. Gunther approached Charles on numerous times but thanks to Fitz’s teachings and sermons,” another eye roll punctuates Henry’s remark, “Charles was alerted to Gunther’s slimy ways.” Henry beams as he and Darcy have returned to their usual bantering and teasing.
“How is Miss Polmear involved in all of this mess? I know she is a gossip.” Elizabeth wants to know.
“That is perhaps the juiciest and interesting part of the story.” Henry waves his index finger about as his eyes shine.
“Come now Henry, do not be crass, just finish the story without dramatics.” Darcy sniffs even though he is as curious as the rest.
Henry lowers his voice as he relates his intelligence. “Miss Polmear, as everyone knows, has led an interesting life. She and Gunther have been lovers for many years. Gunther lavished gifts on her from the money he swindled others out of and she, in turn, offered him companionship.” A devilish gleam claims Henry’s eyes once more as Darcy snorts his disgust. “Wait for it, Fitz. Gunther is not the only one who is deeply connected. Wickham’s murderer, the illustrious and flirtatious Sir Pierce has been Miss Polmear’s paramour for many years also. Sir Pierce was stripped of most of his wealth by Gunther but rather than allow the man to make off with it; Pierce threatened him, so Gunther made him a silent partner so to speak.”
“I would not have thought Pierce could scare anyone. The man strikes me as spineless. Seducing ladies and slinking off into the bushes seems to be his forte.” Darcy sneers.
“Yes, you would know Cousin, as the man is positively frightened of you. All that glowering and scowling unnerves him.” Henry smirks at a grimacing Darcy.
Jonsey pipes up, “I must defend my friend, Fitz is all that is amiable and kind.” Jonesy has a wide smile break on his face as Darcy glares at him.
“Pierce approached Caroline at the Sease’s party in the hopes of sinking his claws into her remaining money. When Caroline asked to view his ledgers, the man almost went barmy.” Charles reveals.
“Pierce had hoped he could come upon an easy mark, but he did not count on Caroline’s resistance. However, both Pierce and Gunther already made plans to eliminate Darcy. Gunther and Pierce paid for and planned for the attack on Fitz.” Henry immediately sobers before he continues. “This next part will cause discomfort, but I wish for all of you to know. Some of my former military associates did some digging, and they found out that Pierce wished to charm Elizabeth once she became a widow.”
The thunderous cast to Darcy’s face is instant and dark. Elizabeth and the children would have been unprotected and alone for the unscrupulous Pierce to prey upon. Jonesy puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder, as he knows Darcy seethes with anger. “Steady Fitz, it is over now.”
As Darcy composes himself, Henry resumes, “Pierce is not the only one with his eyes on the Darcy fortune. Remember when you and Elizabeth were first married, and you became so ill, Fitz? Rumors abounded, and many thought you had met your demise. Gunther came to Pemberley believing those tales, and he too hoped to court the widowed Mrs. Darcy. When Charles and I produced those prewritten dismissal letters, Gunther could not escape quickly enough. He feared you as much as Pierce does.”
“Before my marriage, when the highwaymen attacked you and me on our way to London from Kent?” Darcy asks, but he already knows the answer.
“That was Gunther acting alone when he hired the highwaymen. Gunther had not yet swindled Pierce. That occurred after you and Elizabeth were married.”
“So after the robbers attacked me and left me for dead in London by the warehouse, Gunther became so incensed that I survived that he no longer listened to Pierce’s advice, and Gunther took matters into his own hands after the plan failed. Gunther was going to gun me down without thought then he along with Pierce would try to move in on a grieving wife and family. However, they did not count on the two drunks witnessing Gunther accosting me, and once I was made a suspect in the murder of Gunther, Pierce decided to let the court do his dirty work and hang me.”
“Pierce knew Gunther approached Wickham and paid Wickham to kill you. What Pierce did not figure on was Gunther attempting to murder you himself
before Wickham could do so. Nor did Pierce consider that Wickham would tell the truth and turn on Gunther in court. All of Pierce’s dreams of laying claim to some part of the Darcy wealth was turned to ashes when Wickham uncovered Gunther. But it seems as if Wickham was unaware of how deeply involved Pierce is or perhaps Wickham was beginning to suspect Pierce, and that is what he meant by his warning to you Fitz.” Charles whistles lowly as the last bit of intelligence sinks in.
“Incredible.” Whispers Matthew as he squeezes Georgiana’s hand. Over the evening meal, the gathering of family and friends continue to discuss the trial and the stunning revelations. Once the guests have left, Henry lingers behind and motions for Darcy to follow him into the library. Elizabeth first is alarmed, but Darcy waves her concern away and asks her to wait up for him in their quarters. Once Elizabeth has left the two men alone, Henry begins to pace and fidget as Darcy takes a seat behind a large mahogany desk. Darcy’s face is impassive as he waits for Henry to speak.
“There is more I must tell you about Pierce, but I did not think it appropriate to speak of it in front of the others.” Henry opens. “As you are aware, Pierce wished to try to charm Elizabeth once she became a widow,” Henry notes his cousin stiffening. “Since his arrest, Pierce has been telling all his knows. He admitted to an alliance with Gunther and all of their evil plans, but what you may not know is that it was Pierce who threw the rubbish over the back wall and Pierce who poisoned your dogs.” As Darcy becomes more angered, Henry releases the last bit of information. “Pierce has been watching you and your family for quite some time. He saw Elizabeth take the fall with Zephyr, he monitored Darcy House and kept surveillance over those who came and left. Pierce has been watching you for some time now.”
“He was at Pemberley then? Waiting for a chance to strike? There has always been some tension between Pierce and me, but I would never have thought that he held this much animosity for me.”