Murders in London Page 7

  “My child, my dear, dear child. We thought we might lose you but God heard our prayers. I am so relieved, Lizzy. I am so glad you have returned to us.” Mr. Bennet pronounced repeatedly.

  Elizabeth wiped her face after her father released her. “It was just a small injury. It is nothing, I assure you.”

  “Nothing?! You have been lying unconscious for three days, dear Lizzy.” Jane cried. “Your shoulder may be healing but you had a fever and we could not wake you up. The fever finally subsided yesterday and we began to hope once again but we truly despaired.”

  Elizabeth froze with her mouth agape. “Three days?! It is impossible!”

  Mr. Bennet continued, “Mr. Darcy sent his carriage with your Uncle Edward’s letter last Saturday morning explaining what had happened and we travelled here and arrived that very afternoon. Edward and Madeline have all but moved into the guest wing and Mr. Darcy insisted that your little cousins are treated to a little holiday away from home. Your Aunt Diana has been sending daily expresses and has threatened to ride on horseback herself if she is needed here as well. Mrs. Annesley has also taken residence here, going to her daughter’s home in the evenings to share meals together but spending most of the day with Miss Darcy and sleeping here. Oh, and Mr. Bingley has been a daily visitor.” He looked at Jane, “Although I believe he is here to call on your sister more than to get an update of your condition.”

  Elizabeth saw Jane blush. “And how do you find him, Jane? What do you think of Mr. Bingley?”

  “He is just as you had described him to be. He has been very kind and considerate.” Jane lowered her eyes, “We have many common interests and it has been easy to speak with him.”

  Mr. Bennet snorted, “Easy to speak with is right. They are constantly together and they do not cease speaking for hours. I have to remind Janey to take her tea or else she would starve to death!”

  Elizabeth laughed merrily. “I knew it! I had written to you about him and how well I thought you would get along.”

  “But he had wished to know you first, Lizzy. You do not find it odd...” Jane could not go on when Elizabeth squeezed her hand.

  “Nonsense, Jane. He and I are merely friends and he did a great service to introduce me to Georgiana.” Elizabeth gasped, “Oh, dear Georgie, I hope she is well. She must be so distraught that I have been so ill in her own home.”

  Jane rose and kissed her sister’s forehead. “I will have her see for herself that you are well. We have quite taken over Darcy House but let us have a maid help you freshen up and Aunt Madeline will also wish to see you. Do you want Miss Darcy to visit you now or wait until you are changed?”

  “Oh, she may come in any time. She must have seen me at my worst and I think of her like a sister. Would you let them know?” Elizabeth grinned.

  Jane left to make the arrangements and Mr. Bennet took her seat. “Lizzy, I am truly pleased you are awake at last and am very grateful to Mr. Darcy for his services. He seemed quite devastated that this occurred in his home and has put every servant at our disposal; nothing is done that he does not see to himself and I feel like royalty staying here, with every detail and every comfort being provided. He seems to be a respectable gentleman, do you agree?” He asked with a gleam in his eye.

  “Yes, papa. He has been a good friend to us all and I regret... I have been a poor guest and I wish... I only wish I had held my tongue. I had thought him so arrogant and temperamental but he has been generous and patient. I do not know how I will ever repay him for his kindness.” Elizabeth closed her eyes in shame. She recalled the things she accused him of and was mortified that she had been so reckless in charging him with atrocious behaviours without gathering more information first. She remembered the love in his eyes as he held her and the pain after her cruel words. “Your daughter, your reckless, petulant daughter acted like a shrew and spoke to the master of £10,000 a year as if he were a horse-thief. I behaved no better than... no, worse than Aunt Philips when she rebuked John Lucas after he accidentally flung cowpat in her direction when he was but nine years old.”

  Mr. Bennet observed his favourite daughter carefully. There was a hint of affection in her eyes when she spoke of Mr. Darcy. He hoped she might find the respectable young man worthy, as Madeline Gardiner had shared that the master of the house might already be in love with Lizzy.

  “I believe he will forgive you of anything as long as you recover. I have never seen a young man so dedicated to his guest’s well-being.” Mr. Bennet commented. “Oh, here come the ladies. I must write my sister with an update that she will not need to come to town after all. I will return to the library now and sit with your uncle, Lizzy. It is the most magnificent library I have visited and although not for the circumstance, I do not mind being in town for a change!”

  He left after kissing Elizabeth’s forehead and allowed the ladies to fuss over his second daughter. He sighed, realising that two of his daughters might be leaving him soon.

  ~*~

  Georgiana embraced her dearest friend heartily. “I am very glad you are recovering, Lizzy. I was so worried and I know William was on edge the entire time. He told me that you must have travelled down the servants’ corridor during the night of your injury and caught a chill when he found you in the study. He admonishes himself for your illness and told me that he would not blame you the least if you held him responsible for your injury and infection. Oh, Lizzy, I hope you do not blame him. They still have not caught the assailant yet but William has had the constable and The Thames River Police, as well as the Bow Street Runners all looking for whoever shot you. He even hired a few of Richard’s soldiers and has placed a large bounty to capture the criminal.” Georgiana excitedly bounced on her seat. “Oh, and Mrs. Younge was immediately released without a reference!”

  “When? How did it come about?” Elizabeth asked.

  “After you were found in the study, William called for our doctor and the house was in an uproar. While you were being seen by Mr. Hastings and Mrs. Gardiner, William and Mrs. Mason entered Mrs. Younge’s room and discovered a set of men’s clothing and several love letters from a man with initials J.W. After my brother threatened her with prison for attempted robbery for having an uninvited person in our house, she confessed that this man blackmailed her to shelter him in our cellar.” Georgiana gently tapped Elizabeth’s hand. “Remember those jars that were broken? Where Sally had to be seen by Mr. Hastings?” Elizabeth nodded. “William suspects that this J.W. must have been sneaking into Darcy House several times for weeks and must have broken the jar accidentally that day. Mrs. Younge did not confess it, but William thinks he might be your shooter because Mrs. Younge despised you and that after the shooting, what better place to hide than in our own home? Everyone looked elsewhere but within Darcy House for the criminal!”

  Elizabeth gasped, “I can believe it! Of course, the footmen would have been sent to the direction of the park and the neighbouring streets, but no one would think to search this very house! How devious! What happened to Mrs. Younge?”

  Georgiana beamed, “It was also discovered that Mrs. Younge was,” she looked around to make sure the maids were not able to hear her before continuing, “fornicating in our very house.” She whispered and then continued in a normal voice. “Brother pressed her that she was witnessed and she admitted to it all. Mrs. Younge had become brazen and believed that William had wished for her attentions and did not care if he might catch her. As if he would connect himself to such a woman!” She huffed. “No one would ever believe he could be so dishonourable.”

  Elizabeth felt the humiliation of her behaviour once again. She could not believe that she had blamed a good man, a noble and generous and honourable man, of such a shameful conduct and she had been wrong, utterly wrong in regard to every accusation.

  She groaned loudly as she recollected the pain on his face when she accused Mr. Darcy of the misdeeds against Mr. Wickham. I am such a fool! To take the word of a man I had just met because he flattered my vanity whi
le Mr. Darcy had injured it. I am certain Mr. Darcy is now completely innocent. I am only a silly girl and I do not deserve his care.

  “Are you well, Lizzy?” Georgiana’s brows furrowed. “Are you in pain?”

  Elizabeth opened her eyes, “No, Georgie, I am well. I just remembered something and I am very vexed with Mrs. Younge. Go on with your story.”

  Georgiana smiled, “Well, she swore that she did not know J.W.’s full name and that nothing was stolen from the house. After Mrs. Younge made the confessions, Mrs. Mason, with Sally and Millie, packed up her belongings and she was immediately tossed onto the streets. My brother told her that if she is within fifty yards of Darcy House, he would have Mr. Mason shoot her for trespassing. He warned her that he might kill her himself if she ever came near you. I had never seen him so murderous, Lizzy. I know you said William is fearsome but I had never believed it until that morning.” Georgiana continued, “After your family was sent for, Mrs. Annesley came to stay with me and she has been a blessing. She is very patient with me and I have been continuing my pianoforte lessons once again and it has been so enjoyable to have the Gardiner children here. Your sister Jane is wonderful. She is very beautiful and I believe Mr. Bingley likes her quite much.” She winked.

  Elizabeth sighed quietly, “And your brother... how does Mr. Darcy find my sister?” She was curious if Mr. Darcy’s affections might be transferred as Mr. Bingley’s had seemed to had done. She was never jealous of Jane’s beauty but she wondered if Mr. Darcy’s declaration of his feelings had been premature or if he would remain steadfast.

  “Oh, I had not noticed anything unusual. You know he never looks at a woman twice. He rarely talks to anyone, well, except with you because we are good friends, I think. Do you think William might do well for Jane? Oh, how romantic it would be for two men to be fighting over me.” Georgiana dreamily sighed, “Oh! That might explain the bruising on William’s... Never mind.” Georgiana blushed, recalling that Mr. Bingley had pursued her friend first and then quickly turned his attentions to Lizzy’s sister. “Do you wish for me to pinch Mr. Bingley for you? I will scratch his eyes if you wish. How dare he abandon you for your sister?!” She began to fume.

  Elizabeth laughed loudly, “No, no, dear Georgie! I did not ask nor wish for Mr. Bingley’s attentions. I have spoken to him several times of my sister and how he should make her acquaintance someday because I believed they would like each other very much! I was not wounded and I am very happy for my sister.”

  Georgiana let out a deep breath, “I am so relieved, Lizzy. They do appear very content to sit and converse together for hours on end. Mr. Bennet chuckles at seeing them and does not say much and has asked me to give them as much space as possible. They walked to Hyde Park several times and I believe he is close to asking her for courtship! I think he might be falling in love with her!”

  “Good. I wish the best for my sister. I have told you of her history, Georgie, and for her to find happiness now gives me joy.” Elizabeth yawned, “It appears my body is still exhausted. I will close my eyes for a little while now, dear friend.”

  Georgiana kissed Elizabeth’s cheek, “Rest and I will see you again soon. Perhaps in the next day or two, we can have you downstairs for a change of scenery.”

  Elizabeth lay back and remembered Mr. Darcy’s warm hand on her cheek. She fell asleep and she could have sworn she could smell the soothing scent of sandalwood and lemon once again.

  ~*~

  “What the hell was he thinking?” The man in the dark shadows yelled. “We are all at risk now because he wanted to get under her skirts. This is all your fault!”

  “I am sorry, sir, I did not think he would go so far. I had no knowledge of it until I heard about it yesterday. She is staying in his room and I have been keeping an eye on them both. I will convince him, sir. He will have to make it right.” The second man wrung his hands in anger.

  “Good. Do not lose your control of him. She is no use to us and must be dealt with. My father may not be in England right now but I will not rest until his life’s work is recognised,” he swore. “We are getting closer and he is vital to my plans. Make it happen; or else!” He threw a purse filled with coins and left the dark room immediately.

  ~*~

  Two days after waking, Elizabeth finally gained enough strength to venture downstairs. She had insisted on removing from the master’s suite but Georgiana maintained that it would be more trouble to relocate her to the other wing and that having Jane stay in the mistress’ suite worked well to ensure everyone’s comfort.

  Elizabeth was walking toward the library where she knew her father had taken permanent residence, when the door to the study unexpectedly opened and Darcy stood several feet from her.

  They both remained frozen for a few moments until a child’s voice was heard. “Where is the cake, Mr. Dawcy?”

  Darcy smiled and turned to the footman nearby, “Matthews, please ask Mrs. Mason for some cake. And milk.”

  “And chocwet!” Another child’s voice shouted out.

  “And chocolate.” Darcy repeated with a broader grin. “Miss Bennet,” he turned and looked at her carefully. “I hope you are well. Is there something you need? Can I get you anything at all? I am pleased to see you out of your rooms.”

  Elizabeth covered her smile with her hand, “Out of your rooms, you mean. I... Sir, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. I am... I am truly grateful and I apologise for being such a terrible guest in your own home. It seems my little cousins have overtaken your study while I took your rooms and my family has taken over your entire house.” She lowered her eyes, “I am truly sorry... so sorry for everything. I was wrong... wrong about you and all that I said. I am so ashamed and can only beg for your forgiveness.”

  Darcy walked towards her a few steps and reached for her good hand. “There is nothing to forgive, El… Miss Elizabeth. You must know, surely you must know everything I do is for you. I wish for you to know me better and be able to sketch my character, my true character, Miss Elizabeth. Will you... would you allow me to court you? I wish to share more than my home with you. I want you to know all of me; the good and the bad. No one has touched my heart as you have done and there is nothing in the world I would not do for you.”

  Elizabeth looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity of his words. She nodded with a smile, “It would be an honour, Mr. Darcy.” She looked at his jaw and saw a dark bruise. She instinctively raised her fingers to caress it gently. “What has happened? Georgie mentioned something about a bruise but this is quite severe.”

  Darcy reached for her hand on his chin and kissed her palm as he cradled it. “Bingley... I told to him that you were not interested in him and that his attentions would be wasted on you. I am afraid he misunderstood my meaning and thought I was denigrating your family. He threw his punch but he apologised and all is well. He is in...”

  “WHERE ARE YOU, MR. DAWCY?! WE ARE HIDING! FIND US!” A boy’s voice cried out.

  Darcy smiled and kissed Elizabeth’s hand again. “Shall we seek them together, Elizabeth?” Elizabeth nodded, returning his smile. “Yes, Master Gardiner. Your cousin Lizzy and I will find you. I hope you and Miss Gardiner found a good place to hide!”

  Elizabeth laughed and went into the study to play with George and Charlotte Gardiner, who could be heard giggling from under the desk and behind the couch. Elizabeth beamed at the easiness of Mr. Darcy playing with the children and could envision precious moments like this with her own sons and daughters someday with her husband by her side.

  ~*~

  “Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet nodded, “what can I do for you?” He asked the young man who sat nervously across the chair in the library.

  Mr. Bennet had effectively set himself up in the Darcy House library and with exception to meals and bedtime, he never wished to leave unless forced. He eyed the young man who was anxiously tinkering with his pocket watch.

  “Mr. Bennet, I am here to, I would like to formally req
uest... that is, I have received permission from Miss Bennet, I mean, Miss Elizabeth, for courtship. I have made several errors in my previous attempts to gain her respect but she seems to have forgiven me and has agreed to courtship. I wish to make her happy, sir. I would give everything to keep her safe and I cannot envisage life without her. I know she does not know me very well yet but I wish to spend more time with her.” Darcy raked his fingers through is hair. “I know I appear arrogant and taciturn but she makes me feel alive and I have never met her equal. I promise you, sir, that my intentions are honourable.”

  Mr. Bennet smiled. “And how long have you loved her?”

  Darcy’s eyes shined at the memory. “The first evening I met her, sir. When she spoke of her love of comedies; when she made Georgiana comfortable before entering the theatre; when she teased me about being tolerable, I knew I loved her then. She was intelligent and unlike any woman I had met before but Bingley had been interested in Miss Elizabeth so I tried to ignore my feelings, but with every interaction, with every conversation, she captured my soul and I knew I admired her more than I ever thought capable. I once foolishly believed she would accept me for my wealth and status but all I wish now is to gain her respect.”

  “And you do not mind that she is a daughter of an inconsequential landowner of £2,000 a year with a £1,000 dowry?” Mr. Bennet asked. “It is common knowledge that her mother left her daughters £5,000 to be shared equally amongst the five girls and you are a very wealthy man and related to nobility. It would be a degradation to marry so low.”

  “NEVER!” Darcy shouted. He took a deep breath, “I have more than enough, Mr. Bennet, and Elizabeth is... Miss Elizabeth is priceless. She is witty and kind and I would gain much to win her hand. I only hope I am worthy of her, sir.”

  Mr. Bennet leaned forward and shook the young man’s hand. “I will permit the courtship. She will need to return to Cheapside soon, as she is feeling better and has been able to ambulate downstairs.” He sighed, “I shall miss this magnificent library, Mr. Darcy. It has been a true enjoyment to be residing at Darcy House and I thank you for your hospitality.” His face turned more serious after they both settled in their seats. “I am of mind to take Lizzy back to Hertfordshire to recover at home. She was to spend another month here but she will need to heal further and rest. I do not know how you will court her if she is four hours away from town.”