Chapter 3

            A knock on the door of the sitting room alerted the Darcys of the arrival of their family physician. “Tanner, thank you for coming.” Darcy said as he held out his hand to the older man.

            “You are fortunate that my wife is visiting her sister today. She would not be pleased to have our dinner disturbed. After more than five and thirty years of marriage, you would have thought she would grow accustomed to my having emergencies at times.” Doctor Tanner chuckled.

            “We have a young lady who is in need of your expert care.” Darcy stated.

            “Mrs Oaks informed me. I shall visit the young lady and return to you with my diagnosis as soon as possible.” The physician left the siblings and walked across the hall.

            Half of an hour later, Doctor Tanner returned. “Miss Bennet is quite fortunate. I believe her ribs are only bruised, not broken. Most of her wounds are not severe, though she will be in considerable pain for some time to come. The worst of her injuries is her broken arm. The blackguard stomped on it, breaking it in several places. Mrs Oaks is bringing the supplies for me to set and splint the arm. She is a strong young lady. Refuses to take any laudanum, though I am certain that she is in a good deal of pain.”

            “Whatever she requires, we will see that it is done. Miss Bennet did our family a service which led to her being injured. I cannot imagine how devastated I would be if Georgiana had been harmed.” Darcy choked on his final words.

            “I would expect no less from you, Darcy. You have always been responsible and caring for those less fortunate than yourself. Now, does the young lady have family we should notify?”

            “She told me that her father banished her from their home as she refused to marry her father’s heir, a distant cousin.” Georgiana declared. “I believe she has an uncle in town, though I am not certain his name.”

            “Miss Bennet is welcome to remain here, and if she has anyone she wishes us to notify, it will be done.” Darcy stated.

            “As I said, you have always been responsible and caring. Very well, I will get to work and then return tomorrow to check on her. If there is need for me sooner, send a footman to inform me.”

            “Thank you, Tanner.”

            “By the way, has your cook at Pemberley made any jams of late? The jar you gave me last year was delightful and my wife would be thrilled with another if you can spare it.”

            Darcy laughed. “I will inquire with Mrs Reynolds. Be assured, I will see that a jar is sent as soon as possible.”

            “You are a good man, Darcy. A very good man.” Doctor Tanner said with a chuckle. “My dear wife will be in pure delight.”

            Tanner returned to his patient and finished tending Elizabeth’s arm. After the physician left, Darcy inquired of his housekeeper if there was anything the young lady required or desired.

            “She is in much pain from her arm, though she refuses to take laudanum. Miss Bennet stated that when she had to take some when she was younger, it made her stomach and head suffer.” Mrs Oaks replied.

            “Is there something she can take to relieve her pain? Perhaps some port or wine would help ease her suffering.”

            “I will offer those as alternatives. I am having some tea made with willow bark and chamomile, to aid in her resting.”

            “Very good. Also, does she have anyone she wishes for us to contact? Georgiana informed me that Miss Bennet might have relatives in town.”

            “She has already stated that her uncle and his family would be devastated to see her in such a condition. They are not aware that her father removed Miss Bennet from the family estate.”

            “If she wishes, I would send word to her uncle. If he were to learn of Miss Bennet being sent away and has received no word of her, her uncle might worry for her safety.”

            Mrs Oaks nodded her head. “I will relay your words to the young lady.”

            Several minutes went by before Mrs Oaks stepped from the room. “Miss Bennet has accepted the offer of some brandy. She also gave me the directions to her uncle’s home on Gracechurch Street. His name is Mr Edward Gardiner, owner of Gardiner Emporium.”

            Darcy took the information and made his way down the stairs, going to his office. Taking out his writing supplies, Darcy thought for a moment before he began speaking.

Darcy House

Mayfair

Mr Gardiner,

            Be not surprised at my breaking with proper etiquette. I am sending this message due to events that occurred today.

            It appears that your niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has been banished from her father’s home. This is what she has told my sister, who met Miss Bennet on the post coach. The reason for this drastic situation, so I am told, is that Miss Bennet refused to wed her cousin. My sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, was surprised to learn the Bennet cousin is the rector at my aunt’s estate in Kent. Having made the acquaintance of the man, I can understand any woman not wishing to be married for the rest of their life to such an imbecilic fool.

On their way to London, a man who was known to our family attempted to abduct my sister to force her into an elopement, for her dowry. Miss Bennet placed herself between the man, George Wickham, and my sister. An altercation occurred and Miss Bennet was injured as she protected my sister. Wickham had stomped on her, breaking her arm in several areas, a wound to her head, and bruised ribs. Our physician has tended her injuries, including setting and splinting her arm. Mr Tanner will return in the morning to check on her.

Miss Bennet is afraid of your reaction if you saw her in such a condition. If it had been Georgiana injured, I would want to be notified immediately. You are welcome at Darcy House, whenever you wish to be here. Please know that the protection of a dearest sister has placed Miss Bennet high in my admiration. Anything that is needed for her care and recovery will be done.

If you require transportation to Darcy House, inform the footman who is delivering this message. He is authorized to arrange transportation for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

After sanding the parchment and sealing it, Darcy pulled the cord to summon a footman to deliver the letter to the Gardiners.

Once the missive was on its way, Darcy sat back in his chair, taking a deep breath. From what Georgiana had told him, Miss Bennet was the reason his sister was still with him, free from Wickham. What would have happened had Miss Bennet had not been with Georgiana? Most likely, his shy young sister would not have had the strength to stand up to Wickham.

Darcy was surprised to learn that Georgiana had plucked up the courage to escape from Wickham when he had taken her from Ramsgate. He had not spoken with his sister of what had happened between her and the blackguard. If he discovered that Wickham had taken Georgiana’s virtue, Darcy would be certain to release any restraints he held over his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who would love nothing better than to end the life of the scoundrel. Wickham had been cruel to Darcy since childhood, and Richard had witnessed the damage wrought by the cruelty. When the Darcy family patriarch had died, he had left guardianship of Georgiana, who was twelve years younger than Darcy, to not only her brother, but to the colonel. Gerald Darcy trusted his nephew and felt he was giving Georgiana the best guardians possible.

The more he thought of the situation, the more Darcy realized just how greatly he owed Miss Elizabeth Bennet for the service she had done. If what he had been told of the lady’s behavior was true, Darcy would do whatever he could to prevent her from any harm.

Chapter 4

            Evening was upon them when a couple was welcomed into Darcy House. Edward and Helen Gardiner had sent word that they wished to see their niece and had arrived in their carriage. Edward was the younger brother of Elizabeth’s mother, though they were nothing alike. Where Mrs Bennet was flighty and one of the worst gossips in Hertfordshire, Mr Gardiner was dependable and steady, with a good head on his shoulder for business. Mrs Gardiner was the motherly figure Elizabeth and Jane turned to when they needed advice and affection. The couple had three young children who were loved as should be for all children.

            Darcy had been notified of the Gardiner’s arrival and stepped down the hall to greet them. “Welcome to Darcy House. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

            “We are grateful for your message concerning our niece. Lizzy is dear to us and we would have been devastated to learn she had been removed from her father’s home and not know where she is. What is her condition?” Mr Gardiner’s expression confirmed his love and care for his niece.

            “Miss Bennet has a broken arm, which was broke in several places. She has a head injury, though the bleeding has lessened. My sister will be able to answer more questions, as I have not spoken with Miss Bennet myself.” Darcy began stepping towards the stairs. “I am certain you would wish to see your niece, and then you would be able ask my sister any questions you might have. Georgiana has been in the sitting room attached to the bedchamber where we have placed Miss Bennet.”

            The Gardiners were surprised to be welcomed into such a fine home, as their family was in trade. Then, to have the gentleman himself escort them to Elizabeth’s room was far more than they could have imagined.

            The room where their niece was located near the stairs on the second floor, the wing which was reserved for extended family members and close friends.

            Darcy knocked on the door to the room where Elizabeth was being tended. Mrs Oaks opened it and was not surprised when she found her employer standing there.

            The housekeeper stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind her. “Forgive me, but Miss Bennet has finally drifted off to sleep. Her pain has been tremendous and she has been restless.”

            “Mrs Oaks, these are Miss Bennet’s aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Mr and Mrs Gardiner, this is Darcy House’s estimable housekeeper, Mrs Oaks. If there is anything that you or your niece requires, do not hesitate in informing her. Whatever the need is, do not hesitate.”

            “Mrs Martha Oaks?” Mrs Gardiner inquired, as she quizzically looked at the lady.

            “Yes, that is my name. Have we met?”

            “Many years ago.  My family was from Lambton and my father was the rector there.”

            A smile came to Mrs Oaks lips. “Helen Trout? You are Miss Helen?”

            Mrs Gardiner gave a chuckle. “It has been many years since I was referred to as Miss Helen.”

            “You were always such a sweet child. I was sad when your father passed. He and your mother were dearly loved in Lambton. So, you are Miss Bennet’s relations?”

            Mr Gardiner nodded his head. “She is my sister’s second daughter. Lizzy is more like a daughter to us than a niece.”

            “I am pleased to know Miss Bennet will have people she loves and is loved by. The poor dear, she refuses to take laudanum for the pain. Her left arm is swelling and it is difficult for her to sit up, as her ribs are bruised terribly.”

            “My goodness, just what happened?” Mrs Gardiner’s words came out with a sob.

            “Mrs Oaks, is Georgiana in the sitting room?” Darcy inquired.

            “She is, sir.”

            “Mr and Mrs Gardiner, why do we not step into the sitting room, so my sister can explain with more details.” Darcy then turned to his housekeeper. “Would you send some refreshments to the sitting room?”

            “Of course.” Mrs Oaks returned to the bedchambers and gave a maid instructions.

            Darcy opened the door to the sitting room and moved to allow the Gardiners to enter.

            “Georgiana, these are Miss Bennet’s aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Mr and Mrs Gardiner, this is my daughter, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

            Georgiana curtsied to the couple. “It is a pleasure to meet you, though I wish it was on happier circumstances.”

            “What can you tell us about happened? How was Lizzy injured?” Mr Gardiner inquired.

            Starting with meeting Elizabeth on the post coach, Georgiana relayed the events that had happened. Looking to her brother for his approval, she told them her reason for being on the coach with Elizabeth.

            “I was foolish in believing myself in love with a man who turned out to only want my dowry. When I discovered the truth, I escaped from him and was on my way here, to my brother. Unfortunately, Mr Wickham followed after me. He found the coach and forced us to stop, demanding I return with him and claiming I was his wife. Miss Elizabeth called out from inside that his wife was not inside the coach. Mr Wickham forced the door open and was prepared to drag me out, when Miss Elizabeth confronted him. Instead, he pulled Miss Elizabeth out, striking, kicking, and stomping on her over and over.  Then Miss Elizabeth kicked Mr Wickham, between his legs. He was furious and filled with pain. The driver reached down and pulled a gun, shooting Mr Wickham. We were able to escape the area in the post coach and came here.”

            “Is Mr Wickham named George Wickham?” Mrs Gardiner inquired.

            Georgiana was surprised. “Yes. How did you know?”

            “Georgie, Mrs Gardiner is from Lambton. Her father had been the rector, Mr Trout.”

            “Miss Darcy, my father had several incidents he was asked to assist in, all of which were involving Mr Wickham and some of the girls in the surrounding area. My father always believed that George Wickham was evil. Father told my mother and I to never trust Wickham as far as we could throw him.”

            “If only my own father had known the truth about the younger Wickham. The son was nothing like the father, who was a loyal and devoted steward of our estate. It was respect for his friend that my father was the godfather of George, and Father saw to schooling and a living was to be given if he took orders. Of course, you are well aware that George Wickham should never be responsible for welfare and morality of any parish. When my father died, I paid Wickham three thousand pounds and he signed away any claims for the living.”

            “My father would be turning over in his grave at the very thought of George Wickham leading a parish. That would be like allowing a fox in the henhouse. No one would be safe.”