Yes, I have been really, really bad about finishing the posts for this story. I will do the last 2 chapters in a couple days, so it will be done. Both of my laptops had a suicide pact. So I didn’t have a laptop for about a week, then had to play around with where everything was, which computer or which cloud. Now I am getting things ready for the farmers/artisan market I have been in charge of for 9 years and fostering kittens again. The newest batch of kittens are a month old today and I have had 2 of them since they were a week old. The foster for the other 2 had to go out of town, so I have the 4 of them. A couple of them have been special needs, having had the umbilical cords wrapped around limbs, cutting off the blood flow and they lost limbs. Then they got a virus, so we have had a lot of medical treatments every day to get them through it all. Such a blessing, as now, at a month old, they are nearly where they should be. But my nearly 1 year old girl (Pipsqueak) says she will keep me on task this week or smother me in my sleep by stretching out her furry body to cover my face.
Chapter 19
The following morning found more people at Longbourn’s doorstep. When Mr Hill opened the door, it revealed two people who were arguing and another standing behind them, with her hand over her mouth to hide her merriment.
“I told you to remain in London. I will see to our nephew and have him return with me before the day is done.” Lady Catherine de Bourgh had returned.
“Sister, as you were informed multiple times, I could not allow you to make such a journey on your own. As William is my nephew as well as yours, I have the right to come and ensure his safety.”
Mr Hill showed Lord and Lady Matlock, and Lady Catherine, to the parlor and then sent his wife up to inform Darcy of his relations arrival.
Colonel Fitzwilliam followed his cousin down the stairs, as he had been visiting with both the Darcys.
“What are you doing here?” Lady Catherine pointed her walking stick at the colonel. “Your father told me you were to return to your unit. As I see no other men in uniform, it is doubtful that your unit is here.”
“Catherine, mind how you speak. My son came here under my orders. He brought some documents that William required.” Lord Henry Fitzwilliam looked at the two younger men. “Is all well in that regard?”
“Indeed, Uncle. We are grateful for your assistance.” Darcy replied, trying not to sound pompous.
“Fitzwilliam, you are to join your uncle and I as we return to London. Anne is waiting there for you. Richard, you should come as well, as your cousin will require someone to stand witness for him.”
“Forgive me Aunt Catherine, but I have already stood as William’s witness, just yesterday afternoon.”
Her eyes narrowed as she looked from one of her relations to another and back again. “What is this nonsense? You could not have married, as the banns have not been read.”
“I was wed by special license to my Elizabeth. Unfortunately, she is unable to join us, for you to meet her. My wife is still recovering from her injuries.”
“How is this possible? Even a special license takes days, how could you have received one so quickly?” Lady Catherine fumed.
“I must admit, after receiving William’s express, which arrived shortly before your arrival on my doorstep, I had sent word to the archbishop. You do remember that he is our nephew’s godfather?” Lord Matlock puffed himself up as he spoke. “My son delivered the license, which I had personally retrieved from the archbishop. By the by, William, he looks forward to meeting your bride upon your arrival in town.”
“Henry, how could you behave so abominably? You told me you agreed with preventing Fitzwilliam marrying the trollop.”
“Sister, if you remember my words, I never spoke of preventing William’s marriage to the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You misunderstood what I said to match your way of thinking.”
“The chit does not deserve to be Mrs Darcy. My daughter, the namesake of our sister, was formed for the position since her birth. Anne and I agreed when my daughter was born, and it was the greatest desire of both of us to see our children married.”
“Enough of your nonsense. Anne was dearest friends with my wife, and Rebecca has told me numerous times that our sister had no such desire for William and your daughter to wed, unless it was their decision. Anne and Gerald had a love match, and that was what they wished for William and Georgiana to find in their future spouses. It is now time to accept that William has chosen another lady with whom to spend his life.”
“Are the shades of Pemberley to be so polluted? If this is your decision, Fitzwilliam Darcy, I shall know how to act. I will speak to my solicitor as to Georgiana’s future. She should have come to live with me rather than being raised by the two of you men who have no notion as to what a girl requires.”
Darcy stood tall and proud, moving to stand before his aunt. “Georgiana will never live with you. Besides, now I have a wife to aid me in what my sister requires. As you are most likely aware, Elizabeth has sisters who are near in age with Georgiana. Remind me Aunt, when was the last time you participated in a season in London? To my recollection, it was long before my birth.”
Behind Lady Catherine, her brother and his son burst into laughter. Hearing their humor at her expense only infuriated the self-important woman. Refusing to be further humiliated, Lady Catherine turned away from Darcy and marched from the room, pushing her brother and the colonel to part her way through. Unsurprisingly, the men soon heard the carriage, which had brought Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock to Longbourn, left in a hurry.
This brought another wave of laughter from the male members of her family.
“Well, it appears I will be remaining here until I send word to my wife to have our carriage sent. My warning to Rebecca before leaving with Catherine has come to be correct. William, could you inquire of Mr Bennet for use of writing supplies? I should send an express, before Catherine returns to Matlock House. Perhaps my dear wife could bring Georgiana and we could stay at an inn.”
“There is no need for an inn, Lord Matlock.” A voice came from the door of the parlor. Charles Bingley had arrived. “As my younger sister and the physician have left Netherfield, I am certain that my elder sister and her husband would agree with me inviting any of your family to stay with us. The estate is nearby, so you will be able to visit Mr and Mrs Darcy as often as you like.”
“Or if you wish, the dower house here at Longbourn could be prepared with short work.” Mr Bennet stated as he entered the room.
After Darcy introduced his relations, old to new, Lord Matlock responded.
“As Mr Bingley has his staff and the room, I will accept his offer. I am grateful for your offer, Mr Bennet, but I would not wish to put your staff to the trouble of preparing the dower house.”
“Did I hear you say you required writing supplies? The desk in the corner has all that you should need, in the drawers on the right side.” Mr Bennet pointed towards the location.
“Once you have the letter written, I will have one of my postilions take it to London. Wilkins is one of the fastest riders I have known. He also knows his way to Matlock House.” Darcy offered.
“Very good, very good.” Lord Matlock made his way to the desk. Soon his letter was written, sanded, folded, and sealed. While he had been busy, Darcy had requested Wilkins to prepare a horse for the ride to town. When his lordship had handed the missive to his nephew, Darcy then passed it to his servant. Soon, the invitation and warning to Lady Matlock was on its way.
“Well, gentlemen, would you care to join me in my study? We can have refreshments sent in, as you most likely did not have time to eat before leaving London.”
Only Darcy refrained to take Mr Bennet’s offer, as he wished to see his beloved wife. As he neared the top of the stairs, Darcy heard Mrs Bennet speaking with her two youngest daughters.
“Mrs Hill stated that the son of an earl and the earl himself are here, visiting Mr Darcy. If that man would not offer for you, Lydia, you deserve the son of an earl. He is wearing regimentals as well, which you prefer. Can you imagine, married to a man in a red coat who is the son of an earl? Go and put on your finest gown so that we might have Mr Darcy introduce you. Certainly, an earl would see that you would be perfect as a wife for his son.”
“Mamma, I do not wish to marry him. I saw with the colonel arrived, and he is not handsome. He has a limp as well, so he will not be able to dance all night at balls. What use is there to have a lame husband?”
“Most likely he was injured in a battle on the continent. Would it not be wonderful to be able to tell people that your husband was injured while protecting us from the French? He would be a hero.”
“No, I will not settle for such a man. If he is in the regulars, he must not be the earl’s heir.” The youngest Bennet daughter, Lydia, remarked.
“What does it matter? The second son of an earl might become an heir, if something happens to the first son. It happens frequently. Then you could be a countess. Can you imagine the balls and gowns you would have? Such pin money and carriages? If your sister was able to turn the eye of Mr Darcy, you would have a title and wealth.”
“Pardon me, Mrs Bennet, but my cousin is a colonel in the regulars. His father and my mother were siblings. I doubt that Miss Lydia would appreciate being married to my cousin, as his income is not much. Colonel Fitzwilliam is recently from the war with the French, and will likely be returning soon enough, so the number of balls and parties would be minimal. Now, if you would excuse me, I wish to speak with my wife.”
“Mr Darcy, as you have wed my daughter, I must insist on you putting the rest of my daughters in the path of other wealthy men. My Lydia should do nicely for an earl, possibly a duke. She is such a lively and pretty girl, she would be admired far and wide.” Mrs Bennet stood with her hands on her hips, demanding his compliance to her demands.
“I will say this once and only once. Your youngest daughters are the silliest girls I have ever known, and they are outrageous flirts. If you are not careful, they will lead you to disgrace with their behavior. As their mother, it is your responsibility to check their behavior and teach them properly. Elizabeth and Jane are remarkable ladies, though from what your husband has told me, it has more to do with their aunt in London than it does with you. Now, I will ensure my wife is well, then return to your husband’s study. He will be informed of your behavior.”
“No need to fear, Darcy. I have heard enough. Mrs Bennet, I will speak with you in the breakfast room.” Mr Bennet motioned for his wife to lead the way.
“I am too busy now to attend you, Mr Bennet. Perhaps I can speak with you later.” The woman turned and began to step way.
“Forgive me, Mrs Bennet, but I did not ask you to join me. I said I will speak with you, and that means now, not later. If you cannot do as you are told, I will have you removed to the dower house. Such a move would be of a permanent nature, you would not be allowed to return to this house again.”
“You could not do such a thing to me. How dare you treat me in such a fashion? My brother and sister will not tolerate you treating me in such a manner.”
“Perhaps your brother Phillips can explain to you that a woman in your position has no rights that are not given to her by her husband, father, brother, or other male relations. As your husband, I can do whatever I deem fit, including removing you from my home. So, have you reconsidered your decision on accompanying me to the breakfast room?”
Swallowing hard, Mrs Bennet made her way down the stairs and into the breakfast room. She knew that she had gone too far and it would not be a pleasant discussion.
Chapter 20
To say the following day was chaos would be an understatement. Never had Longbourn see such pandemonium. Fortunately, Mrs Bennet decided to visit her sister in Meryton, taking her two youngest daughters with her. Had they been present, the events would have been far worse, as her nerves would have driven them all to distraction.
Lady Matlock and Georgiana Darcy had arrived at Netherfield the evening before and accompanied the gentlemen to Longbourn near ten in the morning. As their party approached, they witnessed Darcy being removed from the manor house in shackles, with Mr Hammond pointing his pistol at Darcy’s back.
“William, what is happening?” Georgiana said as she hurried towards her brother.
Hammond held his hand up to block Georgiana from embracing his prisoner. “Stay back, Miss. I must take the prisoner to the magistrate. Evidence has come up, proving Mr Darcy be the one to murder Mr Collins.”
“See here, I am Lord Matlock, and I demand to know what this evidence is that condemns my nephew.”
“No matter who you be, what matters is me taking the prisoner with me when I sees the magistrate. The evidence must be kept private, none knows yet as not want nones harming the witness.”
“Witness, who is this witness who is suddenly coming forward?” Colonel Fitzwilliam insisted.
“You all learn when the magistrate learns. No sooner.” Hammond motioned for Darcy to climb on the back of a wagon. He motioned for the driver to take them to Lucas Lodge.
Mr Bennet joined the other men in entering their carriage, rather than waiting for his own to be prepared. Mrs Hill welcomed Lady Matlock and Georgiana inside and had them seated in the parlor while she hurried up the stairs to explain the situation to Jane.
The eldest of the Bennet sisters left Mrs Hill with Elizabeth, then went directly downstairs to speak with their guests.
“Forgive me, Lady Matlock and Miss Darcy. The house is in a bit of a uproar this morning.” Jane curtsied and then invited the other ladies to sit. “I am Miss Jane Bennet. I am Elizabeth’s elder sister. My mother is away from the house, visiting her sister in Meryton. Allow me to have refreshments brought in for you.”
Lady Matlock introduced herself and Georgiana before speaking. “I am afraid we had a bit of a shock upon our arrival. Seeing my nephew taken away in chains was unfathomable. Do you know what has happened?”
“I was upstairs with my sister, so I am not truly sure what has happened. All I know is that Mr Hammond arrived and spoke with my father and Mr Darcy for a few moments, rather loudly. Though they were loud, it was difficult to understand what they were saying.”
“William would never commit murder.” Georgiana stated. “How can anyone believe him of such behavior?”
“As I was unable to hear what was said, I am at a loss for explanations, though I agree that your brother would never commit murder. He is too kind and caring to throw away his future with my sister.”
“Miss Jane, your sister needs you immediately.” A maid said as she knocked on the doorframe. “Mrs Hill says for you to come straight away.”
Jane hurried from the parlor, remembering how, just days before, her sister had left her bed and caused herself further harm. Entering Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Jane heard her sister’s cries. “Jane, where did they take William? They cannot think he would murder anyone, not even Mr Collins.”
“Hush, Lizzy, Papa went with the other men. Mr Hammond said they were going to Lucas Lodge. Sir William will have this all sorted and the men will return quickly. Have no fear.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” came the timid voice of Georgiana Darcy from behind Jane. “Are you well?”
“Oh, goodness me. What a ninny I am.” Jane said as she looked at their guests.
“Do not fret, Miss Bennet. We hoped to be of comfort to your sister. She is family to us now.” Lady Matlock took no offense.
“Lady Matlock, Miss Darcy, this is my dearest sister, Elizabeth. Lizzy, this is Lady Matlock and Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Georgiana stepped closer to the bed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elizabeth. My brother has written so much about you, I feel as if I already know you.”
“Forgive me for not rising…must look a fright.” Elizabeth replied.
“Goodness, you look better than what we imagined. When we received word of your injuries, we feared the worst. Are you in pain?” Lady Matlock followed behind her niece.
“Feeling better every day.”
“That is wonderful news. My brother was so worried for you.”
“Where is he?”
“The man said they were taking him to the magistrate.”
“See, Lizzy, it is as I told you. Sir William will have everything righted in no time, you will see.” Jane’s voice was calming to her sister.
“I am afraid of what will happen, Jane.”
“Fretting will do nothing to improve the situation. Now, take the tea and rest. You are improving, and I do not wish for you to relapse.”
Lady Matlock agreed with Jane. “Miss Elizabeth, you must take care. William would be devastated if any further harm came to you.”
“Please, someone needs to assist William.” Elizabeth nearly sobbed.
“Have no fear, our men have gone to be of aid to William. My husband and son, along with your father and Mr Bingley, will do all they can to aid our dear boy. Do not make the issue worse by causing yourself further harm.”
“Thank you, Lady Matlock. Miss Darcy.”
~~ ** ~~
The men arrived at Lucas Lodge and Darcy was unloaded from the wagon. When the housekeeper opened the door, she was shocked to see the group standing behind Mr Hammond.
“We need to speak with Sir William about the murder of Mr Collins.” Mr Hammond announced their reason for being there.
“Of course. The master is in his study with the young master.”
Hammond nodded his head and followed behind the housekeeper. The housekeeper knocked on the door of the study, informing Sir William of his guests.
“Bennet, what is happening? Hammond, why is Mr Darcy in shackles?”
“We had important information proving Mr Darcy is responsible for the murder of Mr William Collins.”
Sir William was shocked, as was his eldest son, John. “John, it would be best that you go on to the stable. Speak with Farnsworth about the mare.”
John nodded his head and left the room, closing the door behind him.
“John and Samuel are training with Farnsworth with the breeding stock we have. The boys are fond of horses and are quite skilled with the animals.” Sir William said after his son had left the room. “Now, what is this about a witness?”
“I have spoken to the men who were guarding Collins’ room and finally one of them told us that Mr Darcy had been seen near the room just before dawn. The guard was willing to make a statement, though he is afraid of retaliation from the gentleman’s friends and family. He said his fear is what kept him from speaking prior to today.”
“Who is the guard who spoke? I wish to speak with him.” Sir William was shocked by the news. “Lord Matlock, Colonel, Mr Bingley, perhaps it would be best if you were to wait in our sitting room. Bennet, you may stay, though I ask you not to interfere with the interrogation.”
“Forgive me, Sir William, I have no intention of leaving the fate of my nephew in the hands of some stranger who has kept information from being known. How can I trust what he has to say?”
“Uncle, please do as Sir William says. I have no doubt that the truth will be revealed and all will be well.” Darcy pleaded with his relations.
Though the earl was not pleased, he took hold of his son’s arm and led him towards the door of the study. As he reached the doorknob, it was pulled open from the other side.
“Please, stop this immediately. Mr Darcy is innocent.”
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