Murders in London Read online

  Murders in London:

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation

  By Kate Speck

  “Oh, Mr. Bennet, what is it?! Are we to be murdered in our beds?!”

  ~ Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, BBC, 1995)

  Prologue

  “Darcy! How good it is to see you again! I know you only arrived in town yesterday but I came to see if you had time to go to the club tomorrow.” Bingley enthusiastically shook his friend’s hand.

  Darcy smiled at his affable young friend. “Certainly! Tomorrow works fine. How was your summer? You are cheerier than your usual and that is saying something!”

  They took their seats in Darcy’s study and conversed further.

  “I have met an angel.” Bingley raised both hands to his friend’s smirk, “I know, I know. I fall in love with a new lady every week but this one is different. I have never been so intrigued like this before and I think she might be the one.”

  Darcy laughed, “You have said that about a few other women in the past but until I meet her and assess her myself, I will withhold my criticisms. She seems to make you very happy, though, and I am glad for you, Bingley. Tell me a little more about her. Have your sisters accepted her? I know no one was good enough for them before.”

  Bingley huffed, “Of course this lady is not good enough for my sisters! They abhor anyone who is not a Darcy or related to nobility! The gall of my sisters trying to matchmake me with Miss Darcy has been ridiculous, since your sister is only fifteen and not out yet, but they dislike my lady and I find that it actually pleases me because she is so different from them. Miss Bennet is not of high standing and is staying in Cheapside with her uncle who is a solicitor, but Louisa and Caroline conveniently forget that they are daughters of a merchant, no matter what our fortune now. Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter and even if she does not have a dowry like my sisters, she is a very appropriate choice for me.”

  “And how long have you been courting her?” Darcy asked pleasantly.

  “Well, I am not formally courting her yet. I met her last week,” Bingley laughed along as Darcy chuckled loudly, “It has not been long but I hope to get to know her better. She is one of five daughters from Hertfordshire with one brother and she is very honest, which is one of her best characters. She does not appear mercenary, as far as I can tell, but I wish for you to meet her so you can assess her on my behalf. I need your guidance, Darcy, so I do not make another blunder like a year ago.” He coloured, “I hope to never go through that again.”

  Darcy sat up straighter, “Yes, Bingley, I will certainly assist you in your endeavour to find a wife. You were not ready for marriage then and I am only glad I was able to avert your being bound to that vulgar woman for life. I may not be a married man yet but I have avoided mercenary women all of my adult life and I can spot the signs quickly. When will you see your dear angel again? Would you like to use my box at the theatre?”

  “That is a fantastic idea! Thank you, Darcy. I will be calling on her tomorrow and can ask if she is available for the theatre. Perhaps you can join us and meet her yourself. Using your box will be a perfect excuse for you to see how wonderful she is.” Bingley replied. “You will be rather impressed, I am sure!”

  Darcy nodded in agreement, “That would do. Georgiana wished to see the new production next Thursday and we can attend together. Let me know if Miss Bennet is in agreement with the plan and we can make it a party of four to the theatre. What is Miss Bennet’s given name? I wish to tell Georgiana of the plan.”

  Bingley beamed and shook Darcy’s hand, as he rose to take his leave, “Her name is Elizabeth; Elizabeth Bennet. She will be very kind to your sister and you will love her!”

  Chapter 1

  “I like Mr. Bingley very much, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner commented the next afternoon. “He is an amiable young man who takes pleasure in many things and is easy to converse with. He seems quite interested in you and you will have a wonderful time at the theatre next Thursday. How do you feel about him?”

  Elizabeth smiled, “Oh, aunt, he is just as a young man should be, but I have only known him a week and you have met his sisters. They were unhappy with my connections without ever meeting my father and looked down on me for being a daughter of a rustic gentleman. I fully understand why papa insisted on keeping our situation quiet. Fortune certainly brings out the true characters of a person and I am glad very few know of my family’s circumstances. With Uncle Edward’s advisements, my family is financially safe and I would not wish for myself nor any of my sisters to be tied down to an unworthy man.” She thought of her sister, “I am ever grateful to be here for my little season, aunt, but I hope Jane is doing well. She has taken her duties as mistress of Longbourn too seriously and refuses to take time to enjoy herself. She was eight-years-old when mama passed after Brandon’s birth, and has been an excellent lady of the manor for years, caring for us all and the tenants. Papa had wished Jane to come here and Mary would have gladly assisted in managing the girls, but she was insistent that she was needed at Longbourn and decided to stay in Hertfordshire once again. I do not know if she will ever marry at this rate. After her heartbreak, she seems to have simply given up.”

  “She will recover someday, I truly hope. To be engaged then to lose her betrothed a week before the wedding... But I know Jane also wishes to support your father while he is courting someone for the first time since Fanny’s passing. It was providence that Sir William’s sister decided to visit Meryton after all these years and he and Mrs. Howard are getting along so well!” Aunt Madeline commented.

  “I agree! Aunt Diana is quite impressed with papa’s decision to court her. Sir William’s brother-in-law died five years ago, leaving her a wealthy widow, and she seems a very kind lady. She said her only daughter Agatha married a very respectable man earlier this year and I am eager to meet her someday.” Elizabeth continued, “My aunt has been very generous with my sisters and me and ever since the entailment ended, papa has been dedicated to increasing our dowries and Aunt Diana’s gift has given me hope that we do not have to fear living in the hedgerows.” Elizabeth laughed.

  Aunt Madeline gently patted her niece’s hair, “Well, you are the favourite of your Uncle and Aunt Kingston as well as ours. They consider you like their own daughter and have gifted you a large sum for your future since they do not have children of their own. They know you will not allow any man to take advantage of your wealth but make sound decisions to marry for the deepest affections.”

  Elizabeth embraced her aunt, “I thank you for teaching me my independence early on. You are a model of what it is to be humble and gracious and I am content that those who do not know me believe I am a daughter of a gentleman of £2,000 a year with a £1,000 dowry. I do truly wish to marry for love and not have someone pursue me for my fortune. It is easier to discern mercenary people like Miss Bingley and I would rather live out a modest life alone and be a doting aunt to my sisters’ children than to marry someone who does not truly love me.”

  The thought brought Jane back into her mind. “I am worried for Jane, aunt. It has been over a year since Mr. Goulding passed but she has retreated into a lonely life and does not wish to try again. She would be content to live at Longbourn but she is so young and I hope she finds another worthy man. I only wish she were in London with me now.”

  Aunt Madeline replied, “But Jane has a gentle constitution and I do not know how she would react to the recent crime near Southwark Cathedral. There was a body found this morning by the river and it is only across the bridge from here. Your sister thinks so well of people that hearing of such an atrocity would grieve her sensibilities.”

  “I do agree with you, aunt,” Elizabeth responded, “Jane thinks well of humanity in general and al
though devastated in losing her betrothed from an illness, she believes the world to be a pleasant place without artifice and never sees fault in anyone. She is the gentlest of souls and trusts too willingly. I have read in the newspaper that the last similar death occurred before Easter and they believe it to be the work of the same person. No, aunt. Jane could not fathom that the world has such evils and has never spoken an unkind word against another.” She sighed, “But I do wish she were here with me. I have a feeling Mr. Bingley would have found Jane most beautiful and might have desired to get to know her more than myself.”

  Aunt Madeline lifted one eyebrow, “You are very generous with your suitors, Lizzy. Are you certain you would not wish for some attention on yourself? Your father would rather keep you all at home but only due to my persistence are you and Jane out at the same time. I begged him for a little season this autumn and your Aunt Diana will sponsor Mary for the full season in the Spring when they return to town. Mary will be eighteen next month and all three of you will be out at the same time this spring, whether the first is married or not.”

  “I am not beautiful like Jane, as I take after the Bennet side with my dark colouring compared to Jane’s fairness, and I have little hope of finding a gentleman with enough patience for my wild ways. Mary did not wish to be out yet and she loves you know who, aunt. I hope to have Aunt Diana help Mary with that gentleman.” Elizabeth smiled. “I know Mr. Bingley only finds me interesting because my beautiful sister is not by my side for comparison but one look at Jane, he would flee my side.” Elizabeth winked as she replied. “I do not envy Jane for the attentions from her suitors but I am too set on my opinions for a man looking for an arm piece. I know not what kind of man would be able to endure my sharp claws, aunt.”

  “Oh, Lizzy, you are very pretty and there is someone perfect out there for you. Someone who will find you most attractive above all others and love you for yourself. Do not lose hope yet; you are only twenty years old!” Aunt Madeline teased. “I am glad to have you here after Harvest completed and we will have a merry time before we take you home for Christmas!”

  Just then, two children, aged four and almost two, ran into the drawing room. “Mama!” They yelled and jumped into Mrs. Gardiner’s arms.

  She hugged her son and daughter and kissed their cheeks. “Had you a restful nap, children? Give your cousin Lizzy a hug and let us get you something to eat.”

  The ladies held their little hands and went to the dining room for some tea and cake, with smiles on everyone’s faces.

  ~*~

  “You look lovely, Georgiana,” Darcy commented as he kissed his sister’s forehead. “You will be the prettiest lady at dinner tonight.”

  Georgiana lowered her eyes in embarrassment. “Thank you, Brother. I feel very grown up after turning sixteen and I am eager to see the Matlocks. I am grateful that you are allowing me to join you for the dinner party and will take me to the theatre tomorrow, William. Some of my friends tell me that their older brothers never speak with them and are too busy to pursue amusements instead, but you are very kind.”

  Darcy smiled, “Dinner will be a family affair to celebrate your birthday and Aunt Margaret insists that she prepare you for your coming out next year. You are nearly a woman now.” He laughed, seeing his sister blush. “You know I am as reserved as you, Georgiana. I have had too many empty-headed women chasing our wealth and connections that I have guarded my image to the point of appearing haughty and aloof, but I prefer it. I have no idea how I will ever marry a woman without speaking with one, but perhaps one will just fall onto my lap and I will be able to capture a wife.” They both laughed. “Unless you think I should marry Anne de Bourgh like Aunt Catherine insists on!”

  Georgiana burst into giggles, “No, no! It will never do! Pemberley would be silent and it would be most dreary if you married cousin Anne. I cannot believe Aunt Catherine still maintains Mother wished for the connection, brother. Anne has not spoken a word since she was ten years old and has no accomplishments. Can you imagine her as Mistress of Pemberley? She is barely out of her rooms at Rosings!”

  “Be kind, Georgiana,” Darcy gently chastised his sister, “Anne was not always mute. Aunt Catherine knows full-well that she will never marry due to her weak constitution. I have been working with Mrs. Jenkinson to tutor Anne in Sermo Mirabilis, also known as the Silent Language, based on a publication by Charles de La Fin, so our cousin can at least communicate with her companion without having to write everything down. She is frail but is an intelligent young lady, even if Lady Catherine attributes her silence as ineptitude and does not allow her to learn the usual accomplishments. She is kept hidden away inside Rosings Park and I know her weekly ride in her phaeton is her only joy.”

  Georgiana coloured in shame, “That is terrible. I did not know, William. I feel awful that I mocked her for her lack of conversation. Mrs. Younge and I were speaking about it and she thought Anne should have been sent to Bedlam to see if they can force her to speak. I did not know she was intelligent or that she wished for more in her life.”

  Darcy became concerned that Georgiana’s companion of four months lacked compassion; to be so cruel to judge their cousin without ever meeting her. “Dear sister, I would marry our cousin, if only to help her escape her misery with our aunt, but I need a good mistress for our homes and Anne would never agree. I did ask her what her dreams were and she only wishes to travel a little and live quietly. May I inquire,” he asked her cautiously, “how do you like your new companion? After Nanny Marian’s unexpected injury, I hired on Mrs. Younge for you and I wonder if it was done hastily. She came with glowing recommendations but we can look for another if you wish.”

  “Oh, she is a bit... I do not wish to be unkind, William...” Georgiana could not meet her brother’s eyes. Having only just spoken cruelly of Anne de Bourgh, she attempted to correct her ways.

  “Go on, Georgiana. I wish for the truth.” Darcy pressed.

  Georgiana faced her brother and spoke, “She is knowledgeable of manners befitting our station but she seems to be a bit... thoughtless at times, and I have heard a few words escape her mouth when she did not think I could hear her. She pressed for me to go to Ramsgate this summer after a month of being hired and I was glad you refused her, William. It seemed as if she was using my education as an excuse to go to the seaside for herself and she was very disappointed that you would not accede to her advice.” Georgiana sat up with determination in her eyes, “I do not wish to release her yet, as I know she likes her position here very much, but I will be more discerning and report back to you if I wish for a different companion. I am sixteen now and I will need to prepare for my coming out next year,” she became shy again, “although I do wish I had a sister to help me. If you were married to a good woman, she could help me and I would not need a companion.” She smiled softly.

  Darcy chuckled, “So you would wish for me to marry so she could be your companion?” He laughed louder when Georgiana nodded. “My wife, your sister, would have to be an excellent woman in order to fill Mother’s shoes and I have yet to meet anyone who would be ideal. You will have to suffer your current companion until you are married or until you wish to replace her. I cannot imagine finding the woman of my dreams after all my years of searching. I care not for an insipid creature with no conversation or intelligence.” He spoke more seriously, “I will observe Mrs. Younge more often, Georgiana. I have not had much interaction with her since you spent the summer with the Matlocks while I was at Pemberley, but now that we will spend the next five months in London before going to Kent for Easter, I intend to write to her past employer and find out more about her. I wish for you to have the best influence around you and I regret that Richard and I were rushed and we might not have been thoroughgoing enough when a companion of a prestigious gentleman’s daughter in Manchester suddenly presented herself to us at the most opportune time.”

  “That will be fine with me, William. You can begin your observations today.” Georgiana pau
sed, “You were out quite late again last night, brother. All week long, in fact. I hope everything is well.”

  Darcy’s face turned grim and he was silent for a few moments. “It is... everything is well, Georgiana. I have had several urgent businesses and they are taking longer than expected. Do not worry, sister.”

  Miss Darcy cheered with her brother’s assurance. “I am excited for the theatre tomorrow! I am most eager to meet this lady of Mr. Bingley’s! I have met three of his lady friends now and they were very beautiful but I know you did not approve of any of them. Whatever happened to his leasing an estate, by the by?” Georgiana asked.

  “He was looking for an estate in a nearby county to settle after Michaelmas but he had wished me to tour with him to help him decide. I was to go with him during early summer but with Nanny Marian’s retirement and looking for your companion, I could not travel with him to Essex or Hertfordshire and he has delayed it for next year. It is now November and Christmas will be soon upon us. After visiting Rosings for Easter, perhaps I may travel with him to see what properties are available and assist him with his choices.” Darcy replied.

  Georgiana beamed, “You are such a wise brother and advisor, William. I understand why he cannot make any decisions without you! I will go to my lessons now. My music tutor is wonderful! I could not believe it when you found the grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach to teach me on the pianoforte!” She kissed his cheek and departed cheerfully.

  Darcy smiled tenderly at his beloved sister while he thought of her comment about Bingley. He questioned himself if he had been making too many decisions on his friend’s behalf and if he might be performing a disservice by not allowing Bingley to grow into his own.

  After responding to a few invitations, he called for a footman to have Mrs. Younge join him in the study.