Hope you are all tucked in your home, plenty of food and drink of choice, reading good books, while Mother Nature takes another swipe with a cold front. It is hitting Utah tomorrow (Saturday). Here is something to add to your reading list.

Chapter 9

            The door to the study opened once again and Lord Matlock stepped inside. “Do my ears deceive me or did I just hear that George Wickham is dead? If he is, break out the champagne and start the celebration.”

            Mr Morton was displeased with the attitude of the men in the room. “Forgive me, but the man has been murdered. You all speak of him as if he deserved his death.”

            “We speak as some of the men who have had to mend the wrongs that the blackguard has caused over the years of his life.  He threw away so many chances for a better life.” Lord Matlock stated. “My brother in law, who had been Wickham’s godfather, gave the boy a gentleman’s education, yet the boy squandered all he was given. Gerald Darcy even left a gift in his will of one thousand pounds and a worthy living as the clergyman in Kympton. Wickham stated he was not interested in the living, and was paid three thousand pounds more, for a total of four thousand. The man gambled and whored his way through the four thousand pounds in less than two years and came back to my nephew insisting he wished to take orders and claim the living at Kympton. Fortunately, my nephew was intelligent, as he had Wickham sign papers, releasing his claim forever to the living.”

            “What the man did previously has nothing to do with the fact that the man is dead, murdered from the encounter with his wife and her friend.” Morton declared.

            “As I have told you, Miss Bennet was kicked and stomped on by Wickham. She kicked him once, causing pain in him. That was when the driver pulled out his weapon and shot Wickham from behind. To me, that is clearly the driver shooting to protect the ladies’ lives.”

            “How do we know the driver was involved in the trap the ladies set for Wickham? It is too convenient an excuse.” Morton’s fury was growing. “How convenient that the driver is not in London.”

            Mr Merryweather was furious at such a blatant attack against the ladies. Though he had not met her, Merryweather trusted Darcy’s opinion of people. “As I am the solicitor for the young ladies, I will insist on being in the room when there is any questioning of them.”

            Morton gestured towards Darcy. “That one says I cannot speak with Miss Bennet.”

            “Miss Bennet was badly injured by Wickham. She cannot leave her bed. It would be highly improper for the constable to enter her bedchamber.” Darcy explained his reasoning. “This is her uncle, Mr Gardiner. I was attempting to protect Miss Bennet, though I now leave that task to her nearest relation.”

            “I am grateful to Mr Darcy for his generosity. My niece is in tremendous pain from her injuries. Mr Wickham nearly killed her. He kicked and stomped on her. My wife informed me this morning that there some bruises that are shaped as a boot. It is obvious that they are from the blackguard stomping on her. The wound on her head appears to have been from being kicked, according to Doctor Tanner. Her left arm is broken in five places. It will be a miracle if she is able to use it as she did before. I will say that I am pleased that Lizzy will never have to fear him attacking her again. That was a worry Helen and I shared, that the man would come back for revenge.”

            Merryweather turned his attention to Mr Gardiner. “As Miss Bennet’s guardian, do you approve of my speaking with your niece? I know she cannot leave her bedchamber, but if you allow me to enter, and you stay in the room, it would not be improper.”

            “Of course. Would you join me now?”

            Darcy held up a hand to stop the men. “Mr Gardiner, I will be paying Mr Merryweather’s fees, so do not worry over the cost. He will be representing both your niece and my sister.”

            Mr Gardiner nodded his head. “I thank you, Mr Darcy.”

            Merryweather and Gardiner entered Elizabeth’s bed chambers as the doctor was tending to her wounds. Seeing the physician, Merryweather greeted him.

            “Tanner, good to see you. Would you mind if we were to view the injuries Miss Bennet sustained? I am to represent the young lady and Miss Darcy.”

            Tanner looked to Mr Gardiner, who nodded his head. Turning his attention back to Merryweather, he motioned to the solicitor to move closer to the bed. Elizabeth’s head wound had been uncovered for Tanner to inspect.

            “You can see here, that the boot struck Miss Bennet’s head at an angle, which caused the wound to move the skin sideways. I am still concerned for the wound to become infected. There had to be dirt inside the wound, though we cleaned the wound. It would not surprise me for an infection to come of it.” Tanner explained. Moving down further, Tanner carefully exposed the left side of her torso. Two areas of dark bruising were located on the ribs and towards her back. Both had the outline of a boot. “Fortunately, Wickham allowed his fury to cloud his mind, allowing the young lady a moment to return a blow. Miss Elizabeth’s ankle is painful from her kicking him in his manhood. She kicked him as hard as she could.”

            Noting Tanner’s approval of Elizabeth’s action, Merryweather himself began to admire the young lady.

            “Her arm has been broken in 5 places.” Tanner pointed out the areas of known breaks. “I have set the bones, though I am not certain it will heal completely.”

            Elizabeth had been sleeping when the men enter the room, though she began to stir. Mr Gardiner moved to take his niece’s hand of her nonbroken arm.

            “Lizzy, dear girl, can you wake? There is a man who needs to speak with you of what happened the day you left Longbourn. He is a solicitor and is here to protect you and Miss Darcy.”

            “Protect us?” Elizabeth was confused. She remembered very little since leaving Longbourn.

            “Yes, Miss Bennet. It appears that the man who assaulted you died from being shot. Before his death, he claimed that he was married to Miss Darcy and that the two of you had been responsible for his death.”

            “The man who beat me? I have little memory of him. Only that he pulled me from the coach and his boot constantly striking my body.”

            “Did you, at any time, kick him or hit Mr Wickham?”

            “I cannot remember much of the attack, though I vaguely remember my foot hitting him in an unmentionable place. Next thing I remember is Miss Darcy aiding me into the coach. Then we were here.”

            “Did Mr Wickham state that Miss Darcy was his wife?”

            “I believe so, but I knew better, as Miss Darcy told me the entire story. He had convinced her that he was in love with her, yet she discovered that he only wanted her dowry. There were other comments he made that made her realize that it was not likely either of her guardians would be willing to release the dowry to Mr Wickham, which is how she discovered that the man only wished to gain her dowry. He made statements like “what good are you without the money?” and “I could find a more appealing woman to warm my bed for free, I need the money or you are worthless to me.”

            The solicitor had known Georgiana Darcy since she was a babe, so hearing someone had spoken of her in such a manner made his blood boil. How the girl must have suffered.

            “Miss Bennet, do you remember who shot Mr Wickham?”

            Elizabeth frowned as she thought. “I cannot remember. Miss Darcy did not have a weapon in the carriage, nor did I. It must have been the post driver.”

            “You are not certain?” Mr Gardiner asked.

            “There were just the four of us there. Miss Darcy, myself, the driver, and Mr Wickham. If Miss Darcy and I had no weapons, and it was Mr Wickham who was shot, it only leaves the driver.” Fatigue was beginning to steal Elizabeth’s energy.

            “Thank you, Miss Bennet. We will speak more later.” Mr Merryweather stated. “Rest and restore your health.”

            Mr Gardiner stepped into the hall with the solicitor.

            “Mr Gardiner, how old is your niece?”

            “Lizzy will reach her majority in three months.”

            “Until then, do you have guardianship of her?”

            The tradesman nodded his head. “I received a letter from her father the day after Lizzy arrived here. Mr Bennet released all rights he had as her father, declaring her to be no longer his daughter. He was certain that she would make her way to my home when she was forced to leave his estate.”

            Mr Merryweather had ideas flowing through his head. “Let us return downstairs. Under no condition is Mr Morton to speak with your niece unless I am with her.”

            Surprised, Mr Gardiner agreed. He was grateful to have such a man aiding in protecting Elizabeth, a man the Gardiners could never have afforded.

            When the men returned to Darcy’s study, Mr Morton stood. “Now, I insist on being allowed to speak with Miss Bennet and Mrs Wickham.”

            “This is the last time you will be told, Miss Darcy is not married, nor has she ever been. As the family solicitor, I would have been hired to draw up marriage articles. None were ever requested. Nor were there papers authorizing the release of her dowry. With nothing to prove a legal wedding, Georgiana Darcy is not married. Yes, you have a marriage license. It is not worth the paper it is written on. As I have already informed you, there has been no authorization by her guardians. There are no legal marriage articles.” Merryweather looked closely at the license the constable had claimed was proof of the marriage. “Darcy, is this even your sister’s signature on this piece of rubbish. Also, look at her name. It is listed as Georgiana Anne Darcy. Your sister’s name is Georgiana Rose Darcy. The girl would know her own name.”

            Darcy had not paid attention and took the paper from Merryweather. “You are correct. My sister did not sign this. Someone has taken great effort to make it appear this is legitimate.”

            “Not enough. Mr Morton, I would warn you that if there is any discussion of this foolishness in any way to harm my clients, you will find yourself having charges brought against you. After speaking with Miss Bennet, I believe she and Miss Darcy have nothing to do with the gun which shot Wickham. Also, after seeing Miss Bennet’s injuries, it is obvious that she was extensively harmed by Wickham, when he kicked and stomped on her. The impressions made by his boot are obvious. If the attack from Wickham had extended any longer, I have no doubt that we would be trying Wickham for killing her in his fury. Though Miss Bennet had kicked the man in a sensitive location, the man still could have harmed or killed her or Miss Darcy. Now, Mr Morton, you are welcome to have your magistrate come here to meet with us, and we can discuss the case, but the ladies will not be leaving with you nor will you be allowed to speak with either of them without me present.”

            Morton was furious. His disapproval of members of high society was obvious, bringing him to believe the complaint against the ladies. Being refused to do his job just added to his disgust he felt at them.

            “I will speak with my magistrate and will return with him as soon as possible.” Morton stated as he stood.

            “Please send word to me when you will be returning, so that I will be here with my clients.” Merryweather replied. Once Morton was removed from the townhouse, the solicitor turned to Darcy. “My boy, I have no doubt that the man will return without notice. When he does, send for me immediately. I’ve seen men like him. They are thugs. It might be wise to have your servants secure all doors and windows. Do not underestimate a man such as that constable.”

Chapter 10

            A few days later, Darcy was finishing the bookkeeping after dinner that night. He had received word from his steward at Pemberley, as well as the stewards of two of his smaller estates. Lord Matlock had sent over more information on the estate they had been working on just before Georgiana and Miss Bennet had arrived at Darcy House. Placing his pen on the desktop, Darcy was surprised to hear a knock on the door of the study.

            “Enter.” He called out.

            Mrs Oaks opened the door and stepped inside. “Master William, we have sent for Mr Tanner to come. Miss Bennet has developed a fever and the wound on her head appears to be infected.”

            The news was not unexpected. “Are the Gardiners with their niece?”

            “Mrs Gardiner is with Miss Bennet, though the lady is exhausted. She has had little sleep and in her condition, Mrs Gardiner needs plenty of rest and eat more than she has this week.”

            Darcy’s expression spoke of his not understanding what she meant.

            “Mrs Gardiner is increasing. It is important she keeps up her strength for herself and the babe.”

            “I will go upstairs and see if there is anything I can do to assist Mr Gardiner in persuading his wife to rest.”

            “Very good sir. I will await Mr Tanner’s arrival, then bring him up to Miss Bennet’s rooms.”

            “Thank you, Mrs Oaks. I am grateful to have such a dedicated and devoted staff. What would I do without you here at Darcy House and Mrs Reynolds at Pemberley?”

            The housekeeper felt her cheeks flush at the compliment. “Master William, you and your family have always been good to me and my family. It is my honor to care for you.”

            Darcy made his way upstairs. At the sitting room attached to the bedchambers currently being used by Elizabeth Bennet, he found Mr Gardiner convincing his wife to take to her bed and rest.

            “Edward, I could no sooner rest if it were one of our children. Lizzy is as good as our daughter. Your sister was always so cruel to Lizzy, which was why that sweet girl was often at our home. If something were to happen and I was sleeping, I would never be able to forgive myself.”

            “Dearest, you cannot think so. Lizzy will come through this. She is a strong girl. What would she say if you became ill from taking care of her? She would never forgive herself if something were to happen to you or the babe.”

            “Forgive my interruption, but Mrs Oaks stated Miss Bennet had developed a fever. Mrs Gardiner, I make you this promise. I shall remain here throughout the night. If for any reason you should be sent for, I will do so. Your husband is correct, if you were to cause yourself or your child harm due to your tending her, I am certain she would be displeased.”

            Tears were flowing down the lady’s cheeks. “I know you are correct. I am just so frightened for Lizzy. She has had so many trials to handle in just a few days. With her parents sending her away, abandoning her, then the assault she suffered, it all breaks my heart. It is a good thing that Fanny and Thomas are not here, as I know I would be unforgiving towards them.”

            “You, my love, are not the only one. Lizzy has always been Thomas’ favorite. My sister is a foolish woman, I am not surprised in her behavior. But Thomas’ behavior has me perplexed. For now, though, we must all take care of our health so all of us survive this and aid Lizzy. We both know our girl does not like to be forced to remain in bed or even inside for any length of time. It will take all of us to keep her from stealing away to go for a walk in a park.” Mr Gardiner smiled as he thought of his niece. All her life, Elizabeth had been frustrated when she was unable to take in nature.

            Mrs Gardiner gave a sad chuckle. “You are correct, Edward. We will be kept busy when she starts recovering. We may need to keep some rope on hand to keep her from rising from her bed too soon.”

            The couple left for their rooms, located across the hall from Elizabeth’s.

            Darcy sat on one of the sofas in the sitting room. He asked for one of the footmen to bring the book he had been reading, which was on the bedside table of his bedchambers. With the book, strong coffee and biscuits which Mrs Oaks had sent up, Darcy settled in for the night.

            Tanner had arrived and was in the room with Elizabeth. The physician was guarded on his opinion of the young lady’s chances of survival. The redness surrounding the wound showed the infected area had grown.

            “Mr Darcy, I am concerned for the young lady. If you would approve, I would like to send for my nephew. He recently finished his training at the medical academy in Edinburg, and moved back here. I have been planning to share my practice with him.”

            “Of course, Tanner. I trust your opinion.”

            “I will remain here, as I wish to discover any new methods that would aid me for the future.”

            One of the reasons Darcy had always been trusting of Tanner’s advice was the physician had always strived to learn new techniques and be open to try new methods.

            Less than an hour later, Tanner’s nephew, Andrew Moreland, arrived. “Uncle, thank you for sending for me. How is the young lady?”

            “The redness has not spread any further, though I believe she is warmer than she was.” Tanner motioned towards Darcy. “Mr Darcy, this is my nephew, Mr Andrew Moreland. He is the son of my sister. Andrew, this is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley, Derbyshire.”

            “It is a pleasure to meet you. I have wished to thank you in person, as you did me an incredible service.”

            Darcy was surprised. He had not known of the young man, so he was uncertain about how he had done any sort of service for him. The look he received from Tanner spoke of the physician’s desire to speak of the matter later.

            Not feeling it proper for him to enter Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Darcy remained in the sitting room, pacing back and forth. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the two medical men joined him.

            “My nephew has some suggestions, and to be honest, they will sound extremely unusual. But he tells me that the treatment is credited with success on several occasions he has used said treatment.”

            “I am open to suggestions. Miss Bennet received her injuries in return for protecting my sister. We are beholden to her.”

            “We will require honey, cinnamon, turmeric and ginger. Would your kitchen staff have such on hand?”

            “Allow me to send for Mrs Oaks and I will find out. If we require anything, we will send someone for the supplies.” Darcy pulled the cord to request his staff. Mrs Oaks arrived within moments.

            “Yes, Mr Darcy, is there anything I might do for you?”

            “Mrs Oaks, Mr Moreland requires some items from the kitchen. He is Mr Tanner’s nephew who graduated from the medical university in Edinberg. Whatever he requests, no matter what he requires, please see that he is supplied. If we do not have the item, send someone to fetch whatever it is.”

            “If necessary, I will make the journey across town to my warehouse.” Mr Gardiner declared as he entered the sitting room. “The advantage to owning an import business.”

            Once the list had been made, Mrs Oaks accepted it. She was surprised to see the items. When the housekeeper looked up at the older physician, he nodded his head. “If you have any questions, please know you are welcome to ask. I will be remaining if that is agreeable with your miserly master.”

            Darcy nodded his head. “Of course. I will have a room for each of you prepared for you. When you require anything, you need only inform my staff. No matter the time of day, no matter your request, my staff and I are here to serve.”

            “Would it be too much to request a pot of strong coffee and perhaps something to eat? My nephew was just returning home from caring for a patient when he received my missive.”

            “Mrs Oaks, would you send word to the kitchen?” Mr Darcy did not doubt his staff, especially Mrs Oaks, and would not have found it surprising if his cook was already preparing food and coffee as they spoke. His housekeeper would have already sent word to Mrs Donnell in the kitchen, if Darcy knew anything about the woman.

            “Trays will be brought up shortly. Mrs Donnell has a wonderful stew, fresh bread, and some biscuits prepared. Also, she has a pot of coffee made and she stated she would keep water heating at all times.”

            The elder physician was not surprised. “As always, Mr Darcy, you have an impressive staff. I am grateful to know I can rely on them.”