Hi there. The characters started out going the way I had planned, then it got hijacked. They decided they wanted to go a different way, which was shocking to me. But this story has been completed and is now on Amazon. I will keep posting til I get it all posted. Thanks for reading the stories I’ve written.

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Chapter 11

   For the remainder of the night, Darcy and Mr Gardiner took turns pacing around the room, attempted to read, and even made an attempt to play a game of chess. Neither man could concentrate, as they continued to glance at the door to the bedchambers of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Every sound they heard drew the men’s attention.

   By sunrise, Doctor Tanner came to sit with the men. “I am impressed with what my nephew has shown me. Mr Gardiner, I will be ordering more turmeric from your warehouse. The other items are easier to purchase locally. To learn of its healing properties has been amazing. My nephew has learned much from his work with Mr Jennings, who studied under Mr Erasmus Darwin before Mr Darwin died.”

   “I remember hearing about Mr Darwin when I was at Oxford.” Darcy stated. “Darwin was highly respected and was even requested to serve as the king’s physician, though he turned down the offer.”

   “He was a brilliant man.” Mr Tanner stated. “The use of honey and the herbs to cure infections is astonishing.”

   “If you have an open mind and willing to learn, there are many cures that nature has to offer us.” Moreland stated as he entered the room. “There are too many in the medical community who refuse to learn new information. Take bloodletting. The belief of it curing people is ludicrous. It only weakens a person, allowing them to succumb to their illness.”

   His uncle nodded his head. “I can agree with you. Bloodletting has not been my practice. How can weakening a person cure them?”

   “How is my niece?” Mr Gardiner asked.

   “She is doing better. It will take a few days to know for sure, but I think we caught the infection soon enough that the application of the honey mixture should cure Miss Bennet.” Moreland declared. “Miss Bennet has a strong constitution. I believe, from what I have been told of her, she is an active young lady.”

   “Indeed. Lizzy dislikes being trapped inside for any length of time. Her usual behavior is to take long walks each day.” Mr Gardiner gave a slight chuckle. “It will be difficult to keep her resting as she recovers. The dear girl fell from a tree when she was near ten, breaking her leg. We thought we would have to resort to tying her to the bed to keep her in it.”

   Darcy smiled. “Is she a great reader? Darcy House has an extensive library. I also have a chess board if she plays. Any other diversions, we will be certain to obtain them.”

   “You need not worry yourself over entertaining my niece. As soon as she is capable, we will remove her to our home on Gracechurch Street.” Gardiner said.

   “Mr Gardiner, you and your family are welcome to remain here as long as you wish. There is no need to move Miss Bennet.”

   “It would be best if Miss Bennet remain in bed for some time to come.” Moreland declared. “Though I have not found any of her ribs to be broken out of place, it is my belief that she does have ribs that are fractured. It will be imperative for her to remain in bed, so the ribs are able to heal. If she were to move about, especially in a carriage, which could cause a broken bone out of place. If that were to happen, Miss Bennet could have the rib bone puncture her lungs or other important organs, which could kill her quickly.”

   “I just do not wish for our family to impose upon Mr Darcy’s generosity.” Mr Gardiner stated his emotions were clearly remorseful.

   “Mr Gardiner, if the situation was reversed, and Miss Bennet arrived on your doorstep with my sister, and Georgiana was injured, what would you do?”

   “We would have taken her into our home and sent for a physician.”

   “Would you have expected her to leave as soon as possible, though she had broken bones that required time to heal?”

   Gardiner looked down to the floor. “No, we would have insisted on her remaining until it was safe for her to return. Though, if it were your sister, you would be the only one coming to our home to be with her. Our entire family has invaded your home.”

   “Not invaded, Mr Gardiner. You were invited and are my guests by choice. I made the decision to invite you and your family. There has been nothing about your stay here that I find unacceptable. As a matter of fact, my housekeeper and servants have commented as to how pleasant your family was. The maids all wish to have a turn watching over your children, as they are polite, caring, and are quite a pleasure to be with. Your wife has taken much of the responsibility for your niece’s care herself, and you even procured me some of the brandy I was attempting to find for my uncle’s birthday. No, sir, you and your family have done nothing to warrant your being removed from my home.”

   Mr Jansen hurriedly entered the room. “Mr Darcy, you must come quickly. The constable from the other day demanded to speak with Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet. He has a magistrate, one Sir Andrew Stuckley, with him. The men refuse to leave the house, after they forced their way in, when the footman on duty opened the door. The men have two others with them, who shoved the footman, James, to the floor.”

   “Gather all the male staff in the house and the mews, especially Andrews. Where are the invaders?”

   “They are in the foyer. Fortunately, they did not see me.” The loyal butler replied.

   “Under no circumstances are those men to be allowed any further into the house. Station our staff at every possible entrance, and once the men from the stable are inside, lock the rear door until we are able to rid ourselves of these men. Inform Mrs Oaks to keep the female staff inside the house. Have my sister come here, so she and Miss Bennet are together. Mr Gardiner, would you remain here with the ladies and the physicians?”

   “Whatever you require of me.” Mr Gardiner agreed with Darcy.

   When Darcy reached the stairs, he heard loud male voices raised in anger. Upon arriving at the base of the stairs, the men attempting to force their way further inside Darcy House. Mr Morton noticed Darcy and raised his voice.

   “Mr Darcy, we are here to speak to your sister and her friend.” Morton called out. “Your servants are disrespecting us and refusing us entry.”

   “Mr Morton, how dare you force your way inside my home? Why have you brought all these other people?”

   “Mr Darcy, this is Andrew Stuckley of Fieldington, in Hertfordshire. When I was here last, I informed you of his being the magistrate in this case.”

   “So that gives you permission to force your way inside my home, bringing other men, without a word?”

   Andrew Stuckley stepped forward. “Mr Darcy, the decision was mine, as I feared the young ladies would escape justice if you knew ahead of time tha t we were coming. These men are acting on my orders.”

   “As a magistrate, I would think you would know that coming here, outside your jurisdiction, bringing a group of men who appear to be thugs ready to start a fight, would be highly inappropriate. I have Miss Bennet residing here due to her injuries. There are two physicians attending her. You will not be disturbing her peace, as she had a difficult night with a high fever.”

   “Then it is imperative we speak with her immediately. Her statement will be vital, in case she does not survive.” Mr Stuckley declared. “Show me to her this very minute. If we do not hear her declaration, and she dies, I will hold you responsible. We are discussing a murder, Mr Darcy. A murder where your sister is accused of killing her husband.”

   “George Wickham has never been married to my sister. No matter what any other so called witnesses claim, Georgiana is not, and never shall be, the wife of George Wickham.” Darcy’s lack of sleep had robbed him of tolerance with the men. “If you wish to speak with my sister, you will be required to await our family solicitor. You will not be allowed in the same room as Georgiana if she does not have our solicitor or myself with her.”

   “With her husband being her legal guardian, and he is now deceased, you have no say in what happens.” Stuckley spat out the words.

   “Again, there was no marriage. George Wickham had no legal authority over Georgiana. Besides myself, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of The Fourth Dragoons, is Georgiana’s guardian. As he is on the continent, fighting in our king’s name, his father has been given authority to act in his place. That would be Lord Matlock, Henry Fitzwilliam, the fourth earl of Matlock. I have sent a footman to Matlock House to have my uncle join us as well.”

   There was a momentary look which passed between Stuckley and Morton. Darcy was sure he saw it, just a fleeting look which appeared to be fear.  A knock was heard at the door, and the butler motioned for one of the footmen to open said door, allowing Lord Matlock to swiftly enter.

   “Darcy, your footman informed me of trouble. What has happened? Are Georgiana and Miss Bennet well?”

   “Who are you sir?” Mr Stuckley demanded.

   “I am Lord Matlock. Just who the devil are all you and what right do you have to speak to me in such a manner, in my nephew’s home?” Lord Matlock pulled himself to stand his full height. He was not as tall as his nephew, but Henry Fitzwilliam was not short like the rude man before him.

   Stuckley stepped back a step, clearly intimidated by his lordship. “I am the magistrate for the area near Ware, where my estate is two miles from the town.”

   “If you are the magistrate near Ware, you have no authority to make demands of my nephew while he is in his home, in London. How long have you been the magistrate?” Lord Matlock

   “That is none of your business. I am here to find justice for a murdered man. If I must follow these women to the Americas to discover the truth, I will do so.”

   Darcy could see that his uncle was not believing the words of the magistrate. There was definitely something the man was not telling them, which only added to Darcy’s desire to protect his sister and her friend. Before he could ponder the question further, there was another rapping on the door. This time, it was Mr Merriweather who entered.

   “I was preparing to make my way here when the footman found me. In preparation of this event, I sent a missive to Mr Jeremy Dennington. He is a barrister who will officially represent the young ladies if matters are taken to the court.”

   Again, Darcy noticed a look shared by Morton and Stuckley. “What is wrong? Are you concerned with others joining us? Men who can protect the young ladies?”

   “I do not understand what you are saying.” Stuckley stated, a loud sniff was part of his response.

   “You and your friend seem to share looks which lead me to believe you do not want any delay. Are you afraid that we will protect the young ladies from whatever you have in store for them? I do not trust you, as you have refused to honor any conditions we have set forth. Why is it that you do not want my sister and Miss Bennet to have representation or allow their male relations to be with them when they are questioned? What is it you have to hide?” Darcy and his uncle moved so they were able to block the staircase from the interlopers. Darcy’s staff moved closer, with the largest of the men who worked in the mews aiding in forming a menacing wall.

   “I am attempting to bring a murderer to justice. If you are protecting the females so determinedly, there must be something that you are keeping hidden from us.” Stuckley insisted, though his voice was strained from his nervousness.

   Merryweather looked at the magistrate. “Forgive me, but where is your estate?”

   “N…near Ware, in Hertfordshire.”

   “Lord Matlock, do you know Lord Whitaker? His estate is near Ware.”

   His lordship understood what the solicitor was saying. “I had a feeling that this man could not be the solicitor from Ware. I know Lord Whitaker, not closely, but have been at gatherings with him in the past.”

   Stuckley was becoming extremely nervous. “I know no Lord Whitaker. I am the magistrate for the area to the south of Ware.”

   “Forgive me, but I believe it would be best if I were to make some inquiries.” Darcy decided. “If you are the magistrate, you should have no difficulty in waiting a few days until we are able to collaborate your claims.”

   “If the females do not accompany me and my men, there will be hell to pay. I will spread it far and wide that your sister is married to a man who was murdered by her and her friend.” Mr Morton nearly spat out his words.

   “If you are wishing the truth to come out with regards to a murder case, you would have nothing to hide from the ladies to be represented.” Merryweather stated. “Obviously, you are not here as you have stated. My question is what are you attempting with your desire to remove the ladies from here?”   

Chapter 12

   Suddenly, chaos took over the foyer. Stuckley and Morton turned to the men who were with them. Morton gave a slight nod of his head. The men pulled pistols from their coats. Pointing one pistol at Darcy, Morton made his demands.

   “The females are coming with us. You will not stop us.”

   “You have no right to come into my home and make such demands. You have no authority, as Stuckley is not the magistrate. If he is pretending to be a magistrate, I am certain you are not a constable. My sister and Miss Bennet are under my protection. I must insist you leave my home or I will be forced to send for the magistrate here in London to have you removed.”

   One of the footmen moved slightly to the right of the fake constable, making the imposter turn, firing a shot at the footman. As the footman fell to the floor, the men on both sides began to battle.

   Throwing his pistol to the floor, Morton pulled out a wicked looking knife. He used it to wound those who came near him, slashing and stabbing some of the Darcy House staff. The men who accompanied him were also using knives, after having fired their pistols. Stuckley was shocked at what was happening around him. He was not violent, only a con man. He found he could not fire the pistol which Morton had handed him prior to entering Darcy House.

   By the time the fight was over, Morton and his men were dead on the floor, with Stuckley the only survivor of the intruders. Darcy found he had lost one of his footmen, with another four members of his staff wounded.

   Merryweather knew he was unable to fight the younger men, his age and health kept him from being physically fit. Lord Matlock was near, and the pair took hold of Stuckley, dragging the coward to the corner and kept him there until the battle was over.

   Darcy quickly called for Mrs Oaks and Mr Jansen to aid the staff who were wounded, thanking his luck that Tanner and his nephew were still in the townhouse. One of the uninjured grooms from the mews was sent for the constable. Before the constable could arrive, Darcy wanted his chance to learn what the invaders were planning.

   Leaning in towards Stuckley’s quivering form, Darcy used his height and athletic body to intimidate the criminal.

   “What was your plan? Why were you so desperate to take my sister and her friend from my home?”

   “M…Morton told me that y…you would pay t…to get your s…sister back.”

   “Tell me the entire plan. Where is Wickham?”

   “Dead…that is what Morton told me. Never met the man. Morton said that he came across Wickham on the road. Said that Wickham wanted revenge against the ladies and knew he was dying. Morton said that either we would take the females and ransom them back to you, or, more likely, you would offer us money, bribing us to go away.”

   “What did you plan to do today?”

   “If we could not take your sister and the other one from here, we were going to demand money, threatening to ruin Miss Darcy if you refused. Morton… he was desperate. Someone was looking for him, as he had stolen from the wrong person. If he had not been so desperate, we would have taken our time and been more prepared. I told him this would not work. We did not have enough men to assist us in pulling off the deception, but Morton was greedy, not wanting to split the money up any further than necessary.”

   “Mr Darcy, come quick.” Mr Gardiner shouted from the upper floor.

   Unsure what had happened, with his thoughts primarily on his beloved sister and her safety, Darcy rushed up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When he reached Gardiner, who was standing at the landing next to the staircase, he saw blood on the man’s clothing and hands.

   “What has happened?” Darcy looked around, searching for what could have caused the man to be covered in blood.

   “Your sister, two men came from the servant’s staircase, they forced their way in the rooms and attempted to take Miss Darcy.”

   A chill coursed through Darcy as if he had plunged into a frozen lake in winter. “Where is Georgiana?”

   “She is in the room with Lizzy. I…I…I used the fire poker to strike the men. The one man fell to the floor, bleeding from his head. The other fled and I am not certain where he is?”

   “You are unharmed? My sister is not injured?”

   Gardiner shook his head. “Miss Darcy is well, though she took quite a fright. Mr Tanner is with the ladies, Mr Moreland went downstairs to aid your staff.”

   A scream was heard from the upper floor, coming from the nursery. “My family…” Mr Gardiner shouted as he hurried up the stairs, though Darcy outpaced the elder man, allowing him to arrive at the nursery sooner than Gardiner.

   Mrs Gardiner was holding one of her children in her arms while the others were hiding behind her skirt. The maid who had been assigned to care for the children was being held by a man who had a knife to the girl’s throat.

   “Let the maid go. You do not need to harm her.”

   “Just wanna leave. Got lost, this place be too big. Let me leave and none get harmed.” The young man said, pulling the maid closer to his body.

   “I can show you the way. There is no need to harm anyone else.”

   “Saw what that un did to my mate. Split hims head like crackin an egg.” The man motioned his head towards Gardiner.

   “This is my home; my staff will do as I say. If you let the maid go, I will go with you and show you how to leave the house.” Darcy pleaded with the man.

   “Dunnot trust quality. You show me, but the maid goes with us. No tricks, she will be unharmed.”

   The master of the house had to take a chance. If he was not careful, Mrs Gardiner and her children could be harmed. “Very well.” Turning his attention to the trembling maid, he spoke again. “Bessie, all will be well. Stay calm and all will be well.”

   The girl nodded her head. She knew that Darcy took great care of all in his home. As much as she feared the intruder, she had faith in her employer.

   As the intruder pushed the pair forward, he suddenly cried out in pain. Hopping up and down. Darcy turned his attention to the man, grabbing his arm and twisting it, disarming him. Once the man was secured, Darcy looked down to see what had caused the criminal pain. What had caused the pain turned out to be Gardiner’s middle child, young Benjamin Gardiner. The boy was furious over the intruder threatening his family and servants, so he crept behind the adults, carrying a toy sword. When the man pushed the maid forward, Benjamin took his opportunity and stabbed the sword as hard as he could into the cruel man’s calf. Though the sword was made of wood, the point jabbing into the man’s leg was enough to make the man forget about holding onto Mrs Gardiner and hop about in pain. This gave Darcy the chance to disarm blackguard and knock him to the ground.

   “Well done, Master Gardiner. Now, can you bring me the ties from the curtain so I can secure him.” Darcy felt the child was far superior than his age would have suggested.

   Benjamin was proud to hear Mr Darcy’s words. Running to the window, the boy took the ties from the curtains, unfastening the fabric from the hook, and hurrying to return to the gentleman.

   Once the man’s hands were secure, Darcy hauled him up from the floor and marched him from the room and to the stairs. As the pair walked past Mr Gardiner, Darcy shared a nod of the head to the elder man, then looked at Benjamin. Gardiner’s pride in his son was visible, and there was no doubt that something special will be in store to reward the boy.

   Just as Darcy had arrived downstairs with the criminal, the Bow Street Runners and the magistrate had arrived to investigate what had happened.

   One of the Runners, Mr Blaine, was known to Darcy, as Blaine had served with Colonel Fitzwilliam until he had been injured. The injury had left the Runner with a limp. Though some would look upon having a permanent disability as making a man unable to work, Blaine never shirked his duty and was a most dedicated employee.

   “This one came through the rear entrance, then upstairs. It appears that these men were to cause a distraction, while this one snuck up to abduct my sister and Miss Bennet.” Darcy explained.

   Blaine stepped up to the man. “What was the plan? Is there anyone else in the house?”

   The man looked around the foyer, noting all the dead men. “We wassunt told the plan. All we was told is our part. I be the one to sneak in, as all them distracted you. Was to take the ladies out the back.”

   “What is your name and how did you come to be with this bunch?”

   “Jinks…John Jinks. That there be me brother, Jacob.” He pointed at one of the deceased. “We met that one at the pub.” His finger had moved to point at Morton.

   “What were you told to do once you removed the ladies from the house?” Darcy asked.

   “There was to be a man waiting with a hackney. He was to pay me. Then me brother was to meet me at the pub.”

   Blaine looked at the man, questioning the truthfulness of his words. “Who was the man who was to meet you?”

   “Dunno who. Me brother maybe knew, not sure.”

   Blaine put the cuffs on the man’s wrists, then motioned for one of his men to come towards them. “Lord Atwater, should we take these two to the offices of the Runners, or would you prefer them taken elsewhere? I have more of which I wish to ask of him.”

   His lordship was pleased with the Runner. “Take him to your offices, I will come there to question him.”

   The officer moved to take custody of Jinks and made to leave the house. As they stepped out of the door, Darcy had another question. When he called out, the officer turned just as a shot rang out. Had the officer not turned, pulling Jinks beside him, the bullet would have struck Jinks. Instead, it struck the door. Jerking the suspect inside the house, the door was immediately slammed shut behind the pair.

   Jinks was deeply afraid. “Who be shootin at me?”

   “There is someone else involved in this plot and it looks like they plan to ensure there is no one to talk with us.” Blaine shouted. “You must know something more for which someone wants you dead.”

   “I teld you everything I knows. Me brother knew more, but he be dead.”

   Blaine looked at Jinks’ brother’s body. The brothers were dressed alike and had similar appearances. Could someone have mistaken one for the other?

   Everyone turned towards Stuckley, who was sobbing in the corner of the foyer.

   “What do you know?” Blaine asked the false magistrate. “If someone is willing to kill this man, what do you think they would do to you?”

   “It was a woman. She hired us. Said you had killed her husband and she wanted you to pay for his death.”

   Darcy knew who the likely suspect was. “Mrs Penelope Younge, my sister’s companion. Though I am not clear who her husband was. From what Georgiana has said, the woman never spoke of her husband, and from what we were told when we interviewed her, she stated she was a widow. I do not remember her husband, especially if I had done anything which led to the man’s death, I should know who he is.”

   Lord Matlock was also confused. “This companion, you and Richard interviewed her before Richard left for the continent?”

   A nod was Darcy’s reply. “We should have checked her references closer. I was a fool to have accepted what she told us. From this day forward, I will rely on your wife’s opinions when it comes to my sister.”

   “I would be careful making such comments, as Rebecca would shock you with her decisions. Remember, Richard’s no nonsense taskmaster was learned from his mother.” Lord Matlock chuckled.

   “In other words, the army would have gained an excellent general if they allowed ladies in the military.” Darcy replied.

   “Rebecca would have the little Frenchman wrapped up and imprisoned months ago. When Richard is here and tells his mother some of the battles, she gets frustrated, as she can describe how the battle could have been done to achieve a better outcome.”

   The men turned their attention back to Stuckley. “What else are you leaving out? There must be more.” Darcy inquired.

   “No, I am telling you all I know. Honestly, Morton was the one who knew everything. He only told me what he thought I needed to know.” The sniveling man said between sobs.

   Merryweather was formulating a strategy. “We will need someone to ensure there is not a danger leaving through the mews.”

   Lord Matlock smiled. “Very few know this information, but there is a tunnel between this townhouse and my own.  My father and Darcy’s grandfather had it made when they learned of a courtship between George and Anne. Only family and a few very trusted staff members are aware of its existence.”

   “Goodness, that is surprising. In all the years I’ve known the family and been the solicitor for all of you, I had no notion of its existence.” Merryweather said.

   “Forgive me, old friend, it never was an issue and had not thought of it before. Not something you speak of in a normal conversation.” Matlock replied.