Murders in London Read online

  Elizabeth stole a glance at Mr. Darcy, remembering that he had been very gallant in rescuing her from her fall, but saw him stiffen and quickly turn his eyes to the stage when their eyes met for a second. She blushed in hopes that he did not think she was grasping for his attentions and concentrated on the last act. From how Georgie described her brother, he was a great man of £10,000 a year and of the first circles and the grandson of an earl. Although she had nothing to be ashamed of, Elizabeth knew this wealthy man would look down on her for her origins and station and could not imagine spending another evening out with the haughty man.

  “Will you come and visit me on Saturday, Lizzy? I would love to spend the morning with you and we can take a long walk in Hyde Park. Darcy House is only two blocks from park and I know how much you enjoy a stroll.” Georgiana begged as they rode back to Cheapside. “I can have our carriage bring you.”

  Elizabeth smiled affectionately at her young friend. “Georgie, I would love to visit you. A good, long stroll is exactly what I wish. I have plans for dinner Saturday evening but I can spend a few hours with you in the morning.”

  Plans were made and Elizabeth bid her friend farewell. She was surprised to find Darcy handing her out of the carriage while Mr. Bingley stood outside, and even more shocked when Mr. Darcy bowed and kissed her hand.

  “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance today, Miss Bennet. Thank you for your kindness to my sister.” Darcy firmly stated.

  Before Elizabeth had a chance to respond, he stood upright and returned to the inside of the carriage.

  Bingley wrapped her arm on his and escorted her up the stairs and bid his goodbyes after a kiss on her hand as well.

  Elizabeth entered the home and took a deep breath. The evening had been beyond her expectations, meeting the gentle Miss Darcy, finding her handsome brother to be most haughty, and Mr. Bingley to be quite uninspiring. She could not get the image of Mr. Darcy’s sharp eyes out of her mind and her vanity had been wounded when he had spoken to Mr. Bingley of her lack of beauty, and then to fall onto his lap so unceremoniously at the theatre had been mortifying. Except for the farewell, he had not spoken another word to her after her near-death experience.

  Elizabeth was certain of two things: Mr. Darcy was the proudest man she had ever met, while Mr. Bingley was the dullest.

  Chapter 3

  “I am so glad you enjoyed the performance on Thursday from a private box.” Mrs. Gardiner commented two days later. “It has been a while since you last attended the theatre.”

  “It was most enjoyable, even if I nearly perished from being pushed off that luxurious balcony.” Elizabeth laughed, “Meeting Miss Darcy was certainly the highlight of the evening and I am eager to see her again today when her carriage arrives in an hour, aunt.”

  “I am glad you found her companionable, Lizzy, as you will meet many new people in town during the next several weeks. Your uncle and I hope you will enjoy the ball next month as well. We missed the last ball at Kensington Park and Lord and Lady Suffolk are very much looking forward to seeing you enjoy yourself. They always speak of how they wish their other sons had lived so they could have you as a daughter. Lady Suffolk is your Aunt Diana’s best friend, even if she is much older, and you sat on her knees often during the six years you lived with your aunt after your mother’s death.” Mrs. Gardiner beamed. “You could have been a viscountess if the earl had his way. Lord Andover loves his wife very much but he would have waited for you if your father had only agreed to the match.” She laughed.

  Elizabeth giggled, “I was twelve years old when Thomas married his wife! I love that his wife is named Elizabeth Jane, and his parents did have their wish for their son to marry an Elizabeth. The viscount and viscountess have a love match with five children and likely another on the way. I am very happy for Thomas, aunt. He is older than I by fifteen years and has been more like a father-figure than a prospect for a husband. It is such a small world, that my father is courting Thomas’ cousin by marriage.”

  The young lady turned grim, “By the by, aunt, I read this morning that the papers had more information about the River Thames murders. It is speculated that it is one killer who committed both crimes and that a witness was discovered two nights ago, who might be able to detail what the killer might look like. The killer was described only as a tall man wearing a dark coat in the papers, but it is certainly putting much fear into everyone. I hope they capture the villain quickly.”

  “Oh, I do hope as well, Elizabeth. Your uncle’s investment relies heavily on the transactions conducted on the river and having two men killed nearby is bad news for everyone.” Mrs. Gardiner added. “There certainly needs to be more efforts for monitoring the river and more help is needed for the Marine Police. Citizens should not live in fear that they will be harmed at any given time.”

  “Perhaps the military might get involved.” Elizabeth remarked. “Jane wrote that the militia is to arrive in Meryton this month, and I know it is to keep peace across the country. We must trust that our nation’s leaders are conscientious and considerate of the residents of London as well as in the countryside.”

  “I agree, Lizzy.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled affectionately at her intelligent niece. “Well, make sure to return in time to prepare for the dinner. We will be dining with the Allenses and several other guests, and perhaps we may find you a husband yet to make Fanny’s greatest wish come true! She had wished for her daughters to be thrown in the paths of rich men more than anything else!” She jested. “She loved you all and I know she passed peacefully knowing that she had done her duty by providing an heir for your father.”

  “I do miss her. I was six years old when Mother passed but I have bits of memories of her. Aunt Diana has been like a second mother to me after taking me in for six years and then I had lived with you for the next two. I was always so boisterous and a hoyden and father could not endure having me at Longbourn.” Elizabeth lowered her eyes.

  “Stuff and nonsense, Lizzy!” Aunt Gardiner chastised her darling niece. “Your father loves you and he has confessed you have always been his favourite. Shhhh, do not tell your sisters!” She teased. “He had wished to give you every opportunity to receive the best education and he knew that he would not be able to provide it all. Jane was very obedient at eight years old, Mary was always quiet, even at four, and Kitty and Lydia were only two and one. With a new babe, he could not hire another tutor for you, who showed great intelligence at the age of six, and after his sister begged him to be of assistance by providing for you, he finally consented and realised that even though far from himself, you had the best chance of receiving his heart’s desire for you. Your aunt was able to have a child to care for and she could not have been happier to supplement your dowry. Mr. Kingston is leaving everything to you in his will as well and you will never be in need. With your connections to Lord Suffolk and your charms, you will capture a great man. Perhaps an earl or a viscount!”

  Elizabeth giggled, “I only hope for an intelligent man who is not intimidated by my obnoxious opinions. I know I give offense easily and it would take a patient man to tolerate such a belligerent wife!”

  Her thoughts flew to Mr. Darcy. ‘She is tolerable but would not tempt me’, she remembered him declaring to Mr. Bingley. “Well, I am quite determined to enjoy myself, with or without a suitor, and will enjoy the many entertainments offered here. Thank you for hosting me once again. Although I will not remain for the usual three months this time, I am most comfortable here and your guidance is very much appreciated. I will go and prepare for my call at Darcy House now. If you are in agreement, aunt, I would like to invite Miss Darcy here for dinner next week. I do not know if her high-and-mighty brother will be pleased with the invitation but I do like Georgiana very much. I care not for that man, who is entirely eaten up with arrogance, and if I can avoid him for the rest of my stay in town, I would do so.”

  “Take care, Lizzy, that savours strongly of bitterness. Mr. Darcy is a great man and if you saw Pe
mberley, you would understand how such a man would have to be reserved to avoid entanglements. Men and women both attempt to gain his favour constantly and he must be wary of strangers. But I do understand such a taciturn man would not be a good match for you, however eligible he may be. But someday, someone will catch your eye and you will have to bite your tongue. Go on now, Lizzy. Enjoy your time with the young lady. I do like her very much already and would love to get to know her better.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled.

  Elizabeth kissed her aunt’s cheek and strode up the stairs to prepare for her visit to Darcy House.

  ~*~

  “Welcome, Lizzy!” Georgiana greeted her friend.

  Elizabeth had been pleased with the Darcy carriage, which was a beautiful landau, and Miss Darcy had sent along a maid so the Gardiners would not have to spare one of their own.

  Elizabeth was also very impressed with Darcy House, located in Mayfair only two blocks from Hyde Park, and it was larger than any of the townhouses she had visited before. It was decorated tastefully and subtly, without any ornate or garish embellishments, and it was similar to her own tastes like Aunt Diana’s home where she had spent her childhood.

  “Thank you for having me, Georgiana,” Elizabeth embraced her friend. “Your home is very beautiful.”

  “Come in, Lizzy. I am delighted to have you here and thank you for your compliments. William likes to keep our home as Mother enjoyed it and has made few changes. Whatever has been replaced, it is actually to William’s tastes.” Georgiana smiled. “Shall we rest a bit or head out immediately? I am happy to do as you wish.”

  “Why do we not venture out now? I am eager to see what changes have been made in the park as it has been several years since I last visited. I spent two Spring seasons in town but that was when I was much younger.” Elizabeth responded.

  Georgiana smiled, “Of course! Let us go now.” She walked with Elizabeth further into the townhouse and knocked on one of the doors.

  Elizabeth heard a deep voice call out, “Enter.” She was surprised when she realised it was Mr. Darcy’s study as she walked in.

  The room was masculine with dark green walls with matching wood shelves and desk, and it was elegant, appearing a very comfortable room.

  “William, Lizzy wishes to walk Hyde Park right now. Will that be satisfactory?” Georgiana asked.

  Mr. Darcy stood and bowed to greet Elizabeth, “Certainly. I am ready to accompany you right now.”

  Elizabeth gasped, “You wish to accompany us? I do not mean to disrupt your work. I am certain we can take a footman with us instead if you are busy, sir.”

  “I welcome an outing, Miss Bennet. I believe I can tolerate a stroll right now and I promise not to disturb your conversations, no matter how tempted I might be. I will walk quite far behind if you wish.” Mr. Darcy lifted one corner of his lips which was gone in a blink of an eye.

  Elizabeth smiled with the tease and retorted, “With your long legs, sir, you will have to take several steps then stop for many moments while our shorter legs carries us a distance from you.”

  Georgiana laughed, “He will not bother us, Lizzy. He knows how much I enjoy conversing with you and has promised faithfully that he will allow me to see you as often as possible until your return home for Christmas.” She began to explain several of her ideas for outings as they gathered their gloves and donned their pelisses to step out of doors.

  Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed her walk with Miss Darcy and made plans for a concert and museum and dinner at Darcy House as well as at the Gardiner’s. She was surprised once again when Mr. Darcy readily consented to dine in Cheapside even if it was not fashionable. She was willing to admit that her first impression of him had been one of disdain and pride, but he was certainly a good brother to Georgiana and that was at least one good trait.

  After over an hour of walking in the park, the group returned to Darcy House for refreshments. As they entered the drawing room, Elizabeth saw a pretty woman with dark hair sitting on the couch having tea on her own. For a moment, she thought it was a cousin or a close relative until Georgiana made the introductions.

  “Lizzy, this is my companion Mrs. Younge. This is Miss Bennet of Hertfordshire.” She stated.

  Elizabeth curtseyed and eyed the woman carefully. Character study had been her favourite hobby since a child, and she and her father had made sport of it for years to assess a person’s traits as quickly as possible. Her Uncle Gardiner had enjoyed the activity as well and she felt confident of her first observation being correct majority of the time.

  She could see Mrs. Younge’s eyes flash at the disruption. “I had wondered where you had gone, Miss Darcy. I understood you were having a visitor and I rushed home as soon as my errands were completed, but it was most disconcerting to find that no one was home, not even Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Younge looked at her employer and pouted flirtatiously, “and I was left to sit all alone for tea.”

  Elizabeth could not fathom that a companion, a woman who was hired to accompany her charge on outings and to assist with the education of a gentlewoman before her coming out, would have the audacity to speak so to her employers and a guest. She had an older companion herself who had been her governess while growing up with her Aunt Kingston, and they had travelled together to London in order for the older woman to visit her daughter who had recently given birth. The plan was to have Mrs. Annesley stay with her family until the new year and Elizabeth would see her again next year.

  Elizabeth was irritated by the pompous woman and could not refrain from speaking out. “I did not know that an employer had to explain themselves to a companion, Mrs. Younge. I will be certain to obtain permission from my companion wherever I go next. I must ensure I do not upset her with my independence.”

  She turned to Georgiana while Mrs. Younge was obviously fuming. “Georgie, I am quite famished. Would you mind if I serve the tea? It is wonderful that Mrs. Mason had arranged for our tea as we requested and it is evident that it must be delicious, as Mrs. Younge has quite tucked into the refreshments already.”

  Elizabeth thought she heard a snort from Mr. Darcy behind her but refused to turn her head and kept her eyes on Mrs. Younge, whose face was red in anger. Something is not right with this woman. She acts as if she is mistress of the home when she is only a paid chaperone for dear Georgie.

  “Excuse me,” Mrs. Younge stood. “I have some duties to attend.” She departed the room quickly.

  Georgiana burst into giggles, “I have been afraid to say anything to her, Lizzy, but you certainly did not hold your tongue, and I appreciate you for it!” She began to assist Elizabeth with the tea service and handed her brother a cup. “I had liked her initially but she has become bolder and has begun to offend several of the staff here as well. We have been discussing a replacement lately but had not yet decided.” She turned to her brother to add his comments.

  Darcy sat grimly and sipped his tea. “We are attempting to see if there are any other... redeeming qualities before I release her. Although it may be an eventuality, I do not wish for Georgiana to be without a companion for long if I am unable to find a replacement quickly.”

  “You are certainly very considerate, Mr. Darcy. I do know good companions are difficult to find and to gain one who is honourable is even harder.” Elizabeth smiled.

  There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Mason entered. “Miss Darcy, I apologise for the interruption. There is a small incident downstairs and I wondered if you could spare a moment. It should not take very long.”

  “But of course, Mrs. Mason. I shall return shortly, Lizzy.” Georgiana departed.

  Darcy stood and looked out the window now. He took a deep breath and returned to the seats, sitting closer to Elizabeth and observed her carefully before speaking.

  “Miss Bennet, I would like to make a special request. I find you to be a compassionate lady and I have been told from a reliable source that your family might be...be in need of a good connection, and would like to offer a proposal for you to becom
e Georgiana’s companion. If you will be seeking an opportunity for a position with a good family, it would be an honour if you would consider staying with us. I am willing to bestow a large recompense for your services.” Darcy nervously requested.

  Elizabeth sat in shock for a few moments, not having decided if she should be immensely offended or to laugh at the ridiculousness. This condescending man not only belittled her by offering employment to a daughter of a gentleman, but also knowing that whatever the salary, it would be smaller than her current fortune.

  Having already determined that Mr. Darcy was the most arrogant man of her acquaintance but enjoying Miss Darcy’s company dearly, she decided to playfully teach the young man a lesson.

  “And how much of a salary do you consider to be a ‘large recompense’? A companion is typically allowed 25 to 30 per annum?” Her own companion had been given £30 a year.

  Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He hoped she would be pleased with his generous offer. “I am willing to allow £50 per annum for you.” He replied anxiously, “If you would like to negotiate for more...”

  Elizabeth hid her snicker with a cough. “It is indeed a very generous sum, Mr. Darcy. I must have you consider, though, that having a young, single woman to be your sister’s companion might be dangerous. One might think there are other... redeeming qualities that the young companion might be offering to her young, unmarried master of the house, do you not think?” She arched her brow in amusement as Darcy flushed red at the implication.

  Darcy spluttered, “I would not... I had...” He took a deep breath and cursed. “I had not considered that far. I am... I cannot apologise enough, Miss Bennet. I should have considered your viewpoint and ensure that all propriety is maintained, but you have been a great friend to Georgiana in a short time and I had wished to have you here with... You have been a true friend to her from the beginning and I am deeply sorry for placing you in such a position. I realise you have other options with Bingley wishing to...” He took a deep breath. “I truly did not mean to offend you and I spoke without thinking it through. You have seen Mrs. Younge yourself and see that she is not a good companion. I am hoping to terminate her employment this month and it is nearly the second week of November already and I do not know long it will take to find a replacement.” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration and embarrassment.