Chapter 3

Posted on: 2008-10-29

The light was beginning to fade on Saturday afternoon when Bingley and Fitzwilliam shouted for him. Their group had been riding towards a column of smoke in a dense, sparsely populated part of the woods.

"Darcy!" they bellowed from the other side of a small clearing.

He desperately urged his horse on, thundering through the woods, until he was in sight of them.

"What is it?" he asked breathlessly, looking from the shocked face of his best-friend to the grim one of his cousin.

Several other members of the Pemberley search party reined in their horses behind him. Many of them had carried lanterns while their master searched through the night for the brave, missing lady.

Fitzwilliam urged his horse forward to confer with his cousin, "Conductor Watkins found something distressing up ahead."

Darcy tried to catch his breath. Watkins, a Bow Street Runner, had been put on this special case by a magistrate who knew the Earl of Matlock. He had arrived with Fitzwilliam and Darcy's personal physician that morning. The Conductor had helped to coordinate the search's second day, believing, as Darcy did, that the rogues would not have been able to take their captive too far away.

Now, Darcy dismounted his horse, handing the reins to the first stable-hand to reach him. He walked up the next hill where Conductor Watkins stood. The man turned and motioned solemnly, the sun glinting off of the brass buttons on his blue coat. He respectfully removed his worn leather hat and then pointed with his truncheon at a spot at the bottom of the hill.

Numb with shock, Darcy would have fallen to his knees if Bingley and Fitzwilliam had not stepped forward to offer their support. The show of solidarity was lost on him. Everything seemed lost, as he looked down at the limp body wearing the pale muslin dress and light-brown Spencer. The pretty ribbons from her bonnet were blowing in the warm breeze, just as they had when he took her on a tour of the woods by the lake.

"No!" he suddenly bellowed, "She has to live!" His hat flew off as he ran down the hill, jumping over a fallen tree bough and a rocky outcrop. "Elizabeth," he said, falling to his knees beside the still form. He smoothed the brown hair from her face and then looked more closely at the white chalk and red rouge smeared across the woman's face. "It's not her!" he announced, in shocked relief.

"That was what Miss Bennet was last seen wearing," Bingley said, thinking Darcy was in denial about Elizabeth's death.

Darcy muttered a string of expletives as he thought about the cruel game that someone was playing. "One of those ner'do'wells dressed this poor woman up to look like her!"

"The smoke, too, was a ruse to bring us to this part of the forest. I think they moved Miss Bennet while we were travelling here," Watkins pointed at the acrid smoke pouring from the smouldering cottage up ahead.

Darcy had barely noticed it when he had believed that he was living his worst nightmare. He called to the top of the hill, telling half of the men to go for buckets of water from the stream, and the other half to keep searching the area. He ordered Hodges and a footman to take the young woman's body in to the Lambton undertaker.

Fitzwilliam and Bingley followed him over to where Watkins was surveying the burning cottage. The Conductor pulled a handkerchief from his red vest and then picked up a vial at his feet. While Darcy's men rushed to put out the fire, Watkins turned the small bottle over in his hands.

"We can hope that Miss Bennet is fast asleep, sir," he mused, "Although, I have had the misfortune to work on other cases where this laudanum was over-used."

"Is it a sleeping draught?" Bingley asked.

"It's an opiate," Watkins replied, "It induces a very deep, painless sleep."

Colonel Fitzwilliam realised that his cousin was quite overcome by his emotions, so he cleared his throat, "What shall we do next, Conductor?"

"Well, I shall look for clues now that the fire is out. We will lose the light soon. You need to confer about when we are to stop for the night."

Darcy immediately shook his head when both Bingley and Fitzwilliam turned to face him.

"We must keep looking. I cannot bear to be tucked up in bed while she is in the hands of these murderous thugs," he stated emphatically, "That could still be her fate!" He motioned to the men carrying the other woman's body up the hill.

"You will be no use to her if you fall asleep on your horse and hit a tree, Darce? You need a good meal and a rest," Bingley reasoned with him.

"Bingley is right. You can send your bailiff to the village to find more men to search overnight. Besides, Mr Bennet's express stated that he would spare no expense in trying to reach Derbyshire by this evening. Remember when she told Aunt Catherine that her father did not want to stay one more week in Kent, because he missed her society so much? They are very close. Miss Bennet would want you to welcome him yourself."
"You're right," Darcy agreed, "and he may have further news of Wickham's departure from Brighton!" Darcy exclaimed, "Watkins?" he called.

Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Bingley exchanged troubled glances as they turned to wait for the Conductor. They both doubted that Wickham had been involved in this plot. Even Watkins had said that Darcy's insistence on it might lead to them missing a valuable clue in their search for Elizabeth.

Watkins emerged from the rubble carrying a collection of sooty snuff-boxes. They were engraved with various names, but it was hard to make them out due to the ash and the dying light.

He held them up, "These felons may have been trying to fence them at an inn or some place. We may get a description of them. I will examine them when we return to your estate. What are your plans, sir?"

Darcy quickly hurried the man up the hill to the horses. Sadly, Watkins was quite used to ardent suitors trying to find their beloveds. He patiently answered questions as they rode in front of the other men, trying to offer some words of encouragement to the troubled, young man.

Darcy would pay whatever fee his uncle had set down for the Conductor. He prayed that the man's acuity and expertise would soon have Elizabeth back where she belonged: safe and sound in his home.

"Will!" Georgiana called out as soon as they left the stables and began to follow the path to the front steps. She rushed away from the butlers and maids towards him.

"I told you not to go outside!" he snapped and then paled when she burst into tears. She sobbingly apologised and he quickly wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "No, I am the one that is sorry; I just want you to be safe, Georgie."

"Where's my greeting?" Colonel Fitzwilliam said good-humouredly, pretending to be affronted. It was just what they all needed to break the tension.

"I beg your pardon, Richard," she whispered and hugged him quickly. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and walked up the steps. He had hoped for a shy smile from his antics, but at least some colour had returned to her cheeks.

As soon as Watkins followed Darcy and Bingley into the house, he asked the house-keeper for a quart of distilled vinegar. The Conductor followed her to the kitchens, with the snuffboxes he had found.

Darcy and Bingley arranged for his bailiff to send to the village for more men to search and for lanterns to be lit on the path for Mr Bennet's carriage. They then went upstairs to change out of their dusty clothes before dinner. Darcy was walking down the grand staircase when a small girl, dark brown curls bobbing on her shoulders, rushed around the corner.

"Aunt Lizzy!" she called, searching around the strange room.

"Jemima," Darcy heard Jane say urgently, "I told you the truth about Lizzy, poppet. She is not here. Besides, you must wait until we are announced."

Mr Darcy cleared his throat and then made a low bow, "I am honoured to make your acquaintance, Miss Jemima."

"We have not been introduced!" she exclaimed, her large, brown eyes flashing with indignation.

Darcy was struck by her likeness to her 'Aunt' Elizabeth.

"Please forgive her impertinence, sir," Jane said, curtseying nervously.

Darcy could tell that Elizabeth's sister had slept as little as he had since receiving the news. He hoped to put her mind at ease. "Your niece was quite correct in her understanding of social mores. Perhaps you would do me the honour of an introduction, Miss Bennet."

Jane nodded, "Mr Darcy, this is Miss Jemima Gardiner. Jemima, Mr Darcy."

Darcy bowed again, "I do hope that you can forgive my earlier slight. I will endeavour to improve your opinion of me after that disastrous first impression."

Jemima curtseyed, "You are rather tall," she randomly observed and then again began searching for Elizabeth.

Jane watched her sadly and then explained to Mr Darcy, "Papa did not want to alarm the children too much when we had to make a sudden trip here. Archibald overheard Hill saying that Lizzy was missing, and so Papa told him," a tear slid down her cheek, "Papa told him that it was like Sardines. When we reached the house and were shown into the parlour, I tried to explain how serious the situation is, but Jemima thinks Lizzy is playing a game with her."

Darcy handed her a handkerchief, "I will do everything in my power to recover her soon, Miss Bennet."

"Miss Bennet! If only we could meet again under better circumstances," Bingley said warmly, rushing down the stairs towards her.

Jane looked a little shocked as she curtsied, "I trust that your family are well, sir."

"Yes, thank you," he replied and then spoke without pausing for breath, "We have been looking for Miss Eliza all day and will go out again tomorrow at first light. Other men from Lambton are searching as we speak. Would you do me the honour of allowing me to show you to the dining room?"

She curtsied to Darcy, took Bingley's arm and walked with him across the foyer. Darcy walked over to Jemima, who was trying to wriggle under a low sideboard. He waved a maid away who stepped forward to help.

"Miss Gardiner," Darcy said formally, "I am sorry to say that your ‘Aunt Jane' was right. Your ‘Aunt Lizzy' is not here, but I promise to bring her back with me by Monday night, at the very latest."

Jemima wriggled out of the gap and peered up at him. She decided that he was in earnest and took the arm he offered her. The young girl prattled happily about what games she would play with her
'Aunt' as soon as she returned.

Mr Bennet was surprised to see the friendly ease with which Mr Darcy made the children comfortable. After making several introductions of his relatives and visitors from London, the young man, gravely bowed and apologised for the horrible situation. This was haltingly seconded by his sister.

"It is the Lord's hands," Mr Bennet replied, trying to be optimistic in front of his nieces and nephews, "And Lizzy is an astute, strong woman. Thank you for all that you have done to recover her."

While they supped in the opulent room, Darcy recounted the day's events, leaving out the discovery of the young woman's body until they were not in mixed company.

Mrs Gardiner and Jane soon left to put the children to bed, and Georgiana was easily persuaded to offer to assist them.
Doctor Blatchford, Darcy's private physician, went to inquire about Mrs Annesley's recovery. Watkins excused himself, to go and examine the snuff-boxes he had left to soak in vinegar.

As soon as the men had retired to Mr Darcy's study, he asked Mr Bennet for news of Mr Wickham's desertion from Brighton. Mr Bennet sipped his port, looking perplexed. He repeated the meagre facts that they all already knew -- Wickham had many debts, he had purchased gifts for Lydia, which she refused to return and he was now absent without leave from his post.

"I hope the French don't launch an attack there," Mr Bennet said dryly, "One less fop on our part might turn the tide in their favour," and then he looked at Colonel Fitzwilliam and added, "Present company excluded, naturally."

Mr Darcy knew his cousin was not offended and sat forward eagerly, "Is there any other reason you have to distrust George Wickham?"

Mr Bennet tilted his head to one side and replied, "He was paying quite a lot of attention to my Lizzy last November. You understand that I have little money to settle on the girls and that my property is entailed away to your Aunt's protégé. Well, he suddenly started courting Mary King. She had inherited 10 000 pounds, you see; then her relatives whisked her away. I do not know the circumstances, but I presume that they saw him as something akin to a fortune-hunter. On that account, I was relieved that he would not seek Lizzy's hand. Then I hoped that she would not be too heartbroken over the whole affair. Thankfully, she is much too smart to be too taken with a flatterer like that; she returned from her visit with Charlotte Lucas, and barely acknowledged Wickham after that."

Darcy was relieved that the letter he had delivered to her in Kent had made her wary of Wickham's company.

He sat forward once more, "I must apologise for my selfish disdain in not laying the particulars of Mr Wickham's conduct open for the world to see, Mr Bennet. I worried about the effect on my sister of such a disclosure, but I do not believe that he should enjoy the society of innocent maids like your fine daughter. The Colonel and I have largely raised my sister and..."

Mr Darcy proceeded to tell Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner about Wickham's attempt to elope with Georgiana, and then outlined his theory that Wickham was involved in this recent attempt to secure his sister's fortune. Mr Bennet was shocked to realise that Darcy was willing to pay the 30 000 pounds for his daughter's safe return. He could never repay a tenth of such a sum. They had always seemed at odds with each other; him haughty, she resigned to loathe him. His abstraction was cut short by the entry of Mr Darcy's valet.

He bowed quickly, "You must come at once, sir. I suggest that Colonel Fitzwilliam go upstairs and make sure that Miss Georgiana and the children do not come back down."

"What is it, Cartwright?" Darcy asked, standing up and pacing over to the door.

"Miss Bennet is back, sir. Mr Wickham just carried her into the foyer."

The men forgot all decorum as they rushed from the study.

Chapter 4

The seconds, on the ornate clock, still ticked by at precisely the same maddeningly slow speed, in which they had when she was missing. Now that she was found, it still seemed to Darcy that hours passed as he darted across the grand foyer.

For a moment, Darcy only had eyes for Elizabeth. She was wearing little more than a putrid chemise, but her eyes shone like diamonds when he came in to view. Elizabeth was badly hurt; but she was breathing and she was relieved to see him.

In the next moment, anger towards her supposed ‘rescuer' made the blood rush in his ears.

"I've brought you back safely. You will keep your word, Miss Eliza, won't you?" Wickham muttered to her, holding her possessively against his besmirched militia regimentals. His black eye and cut lip only made him appear more villainous in Darcy's mind.

A tear slid down Elizabeth's cheek, this and the slight nod seemed lost on the gentlemen rushing up behind him. They were not lost on Darcy, who gritted his teeth, trying to clamp down on the rage he felt towards Wickham.

Darcy seethed inwardly, but he struggled to keep his face calm so as not to alarm Elizabeth. The fact that Wickham had not taken off his own red blazer and placed it over Elizabeth's shivering form was, in Darcy's opinion, yet another sign of his former friend's moral bankruptcy.

Darcy whipped off his jacket and placed it over Elizabeth. Words seemed so insufficient and he did not want to express all of his feelings in front of Wickham.

Darcy also did not want her to think him a libertine, taking advantage of her in this dire situation. Within another tick of the clock, he had determined that what she most needed was every civility and amenity at his disposal. Darcy must be the perfect gentleman to make her forget her ordeal.

"I am so relieved to see you, Miss Bennet," he said warmly, "Please allow me to convey you to my physician."

Darcy was not exactly sure what he expected her to say, but her response astounded him.

"Please let Wickham go," she rasped, "I promised him..."

Darcy could tell that it caused her physical pain to make the request. As he settled her in his arms, he could tell that she was struggling to breathe evenly.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam will see to that," Darcy replied, as Mr Bennet reached them and tucked the jacket around her.

"Papa!" she hoarsely croaked, reaching out to take his hand.

"Do not exert yourself, my precious Lizzy," he smiled with a tear in his eye and then placed her hand back on Mr Darcy's shoulder. He did not want her to fall. Mr Bennet patted her hand. "Jane is upstairs. It will be her turn to nurse you, for a change, eh?"

Elizabeth felt so overwhelmed. Her Uncle Gardiner, Mr Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam and all of the servants crowded around her. All of their kind wishes echoed around her, making her feel a little less wretched, but she also like she had emerged from a dark cave and the light was now blindingly bright. She twisted her aching neck slightly and rested her head on Darcy's shoulder. She hoped he did not think she was being too forward, but she felt safe in his arms. He carefully tightened his hold on her.

Wickham took the opportunity of their rapture over her safe return to back towards the main doors. A butler and two footmen stepped forwards, barring his exit. Mrs Reynolds bustled along from the kitchens with Conductor Watkins. Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Bow Street Runner quickly advanced on the young man.

"Look, I was travelling through Derbyshire and people were talking about Georgiana being held for ransom. I was determined that I would right past wrongs and liberate her. I have moved in different circles; I happened to ask the right people. When I got to the bridge, I didn't expect to find Miss Bennet there! She will tell you that I had nothing to do with any of this -- apart from rescuing her. I was even injured in the process! Now, let me go!" Wickham implored them all.

Darcy, cradling Elizabeth, and Mr Bennet, speaking soothingly to her, were already making their way to the grand staircase. Darcy kept up his steady pace, trying hard not to vent his fury at Wickham and jolt her injured form.

"Cartwright," Darcy said, instead of blasting his enemy with his vitriol, "Make haste. Find Doctor Blatchford and help him to bring his equipment to Lady Anne's suite."

"What can I do to assist you, Darcy?" Bingley asked, again smiling solicitously at Elizabeth, as he walked beside them.

"Would you be so kind as to tell Georgiana, Miss Bennet and Mrs Gardiner the good news?" Darcy replied, "Please show Mr Gardiner to the nursery and tell the ladies not to leave the upper floors. Oh, and Bingley," he added, "Do not mention Wickham's involvement."

Bingley nodded and departed to the right with Mr Gardiner. Mr Bennet was certainly amazed by the grandeur of Mr Darcy's home, but he was more astounded by the man himself. He spoke reassuringly to Elizabeth, waiting patiently while the maids pulled back the blankets and sheet, before placing her gently on the bed. The staff all followed his instructions with respectful ease. Elizabeth's trunk from the inn was brought in and the gentlemen left the room.

Mr Bennet continued to watch Mr Darcy after he had followed him into the corridor. The footmen had closed the large wooden doors and waited for further instructions. Mrs Reynolds and two maids had remained inside the large, splendid suite. They were helping to bathe and change Elizabeth into some of her own soft, warm clothes.

After watching Darcy pacing for a few minutes, Mr Bennet cleared his throat, "I can not begin to thank you, sir, for all of your kindnesses to my Lizzy."

Darcy shook his head, "If only there was more I could do. If only I could have prevented these calamitous events."

Mr Bennet was not sure how to respond. He began to pace beside Darcy and then ventured, "May I ask you, sir, if you have an understanding with my daughter? Perhaps, due to the circumstances, I have not been told about your plans..."

"Sadly, that is not the case," Darcy replied and then surprised himself by relating the events that had occurred in Kent, "Miss Bennet rejected my proposal of marriage at Easter. After spending time again with her this week, I had hoped that she would reconsider. I fear that this catastrophic series of events will make her never want to leave Hertfordshire again."

"Thank you for your frank reply, sir. Lizzy is the strongest young woman I know; I am sure that she will follow her heart in the matter. She has always had a fascinating independent spark," he mused.

As they followed Doctor Blatchford into Lizzy's room, he did not add his other thoughts on Darcy's disclosure. Mr Bennet was highly relieved that his wife was not aware of Elizabeth's second missed opportunity to marry -- particularly when it would have been such an advantageous match.

Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam was downstairs glowering at Wickham, who was trying to convince the men to let him go. Wickham watched as a few men were sent out to fetch the other searching party; looking for a way through the people surrounding him.

"I am afraid the matter is quite out of our hands," Colonel Fitzwilliam repeated, "Even if, as you claim, you are innocent in this manner, you are still a deserter from your militia regiment. Besides, the Conductor will need your help in finding the men responsible for the heinous murders."

"Only Old John died," Wickham stated condescendingly, annoyed that Darcy's cousin did not have his facts straight. "Look I must go. There was another hostage, who I am yet to find."

"Do you mean a woman of about Georgiana's age with dark brown hair?" the Colonel asked.

"How do you know about Jessie?" Wickham's face paled and he staggered backwards, as if the wind had been knocked from him.

Conductor Watkins studied the young man as he said, "We found her body wearing Miss Bennet's clothes near a burning cottage up near..."

"Al Slater," Wickham muttered almost to himself, "It was him; couldn't have been Pete Jones; they must have quarrelled."

"You must come with us, sir," Conductor Watkins said, motioning towards one of the front parlours, "Colonel Fitzwilliam and I have a number of questions we need you to answer."

"Certainly," Wickham said formally, "I will offer you my assistance to find the scoundrel."

Upstairs, without the layer of grime on her face, neck and hands, Darcy was shocked to see how badly bruised Elizabeth was. Her right eye and neck were swollen and the purple and green marks darkening her delicate skin looked so painful that he had to look away to compose himself. Darcy stepped closer to Mr Bennet on the far side of the bed, and focused on the beauty of her soft, brown curls fanning out across the pillow.

"Where is Mama?" Elizabeth mouthed.

"Your mother, her nerves and the girls are in Brighton," Mr Bennet replied, "I'm afraid that your advice about Lydia's silly nature was quite sound. Oh, don't look so troubled, Lizzy. She merely accepted some trinkets, from a rake, and would not return them when Colonel Forster asked her to help clear the debts. Your mother decided that it called for an adventure."

Elizabeth's bemused smile was cut short by a pained gasp. Darcy winced and stepped forward, wishing he could hold her hand or kiss her temple. He settled for sitting closer to the bed, having a footman pull up another chair for Mr Bennet. Despite her father's quirks, Darcy was relieved at the man's easy manners and witty banter. It distracted Elizabeth for much of the bloodletting.

"I will breathe the vein on your other forearm tomorrow, Miss Bennet," Doctor Blatchford said quietly and finished bandaging the incision, "Now, before I place the onion and radish poultice on your neck, I need you to drink this. I am sorry to say that it will taste very bitter. It contains an opiate which will ease your pain."

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose at the pungent smell, "May I see Jane and Georgiana and my Aunt first?" she tried to say, but she found that her throat was too weak to push the words from her mouth. In frustration, she tried again.

"Please do not make yourself uneasy," Darcy said softly and then gave a series of instructions to one of the footmen.

Elizabeth was soon holding a quill and Darcy held a stack of paper at an angle for her. She wrote down her request. Darcy was especially gratified at the inclusion of his sister on her list. A maid was quickly dispatched to bring the ladies to the Elizabeth's room.

"Thank you for all of your kindnesses to me, sir. This is a beautiful room," Elizabeth wrote.

He wanted to say, "If I began thanking you, I would never stop." He wanted to say, "Thank you for trying to stop them taking Georgiana, for your smile, for helping me to change my life and for a hundred other things. Instead, he settled for, "It is I who should be thanking you. This was my mother's private suite. She lived here when my parents were first married."

"Lizzy!" Jane said happily, rushing across the room and sitting on the edge of the bed. She carefully took Elizabeth's hand and held it to her cheek, "I thought I would never see you again! Thanks be to God that you are safe!"

Madeline Gardiner echoed the sentiment and then handed Georgiana a handkerchief. Darcy's sister continued to weep quietly. Darcy walked over to comfort her and she leant her head against his chest, as she cried. She was overwhelmed a mixture of relief and guilt. Georgiana had no idea what to say to Elizabeth.

Bingley had been standing in the doorway, happily watching Jane's joy at being reunited with her sister. He cleared his throat and Darcy looked up. Bingley motioned to Elizabeth. She was trying to gain Georgiana's attention and was writing furiously on the paper which Mr Bennet was holding up for her.

Georgiana tugged on her brother's hand and stood closely beside him next to the bed. Elizabeth patted the bed beside her and then handed her the piece of paper. Georgiana hesitantly sat down, making sure not to disturb Elizabeth to the slightest degree. Elizabeth smiled warmly, trying to reassure the shy, young woman.

Georgiana read Elizabeth's words, "Please do not blame yourself for what has occurred, Miss Darcy. I could not have slept at night if I had not tried to stop those men from going in search of you. Perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, I would have done things differently. Alas, what has happened cannot be undone, and it was not your fault. I am so relieved, as I know that your brother is; that you are safe. I would have done the same for any of my sisters. Thank you for your kind hospitality to my family."

Georgiana smiled and tentatively leant forward to kiss Elizabeth's cheek, "Thank you," she whispered simply and then added, "I... I even stood up to Miss Bingley. My brother sent them back to London."

She straightened up and Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, wishing she could ask each of them several questions about the events during her absence. The doctor insisted on her drinking the analgesic and then applied the poultice to her neck. She slowly drifted off to sleep. The last thing she saw was a concerned, wistful look on Darcy's face. Her family and friends left to retire for the night. Darcy went downstairs to find out about Fitzwilliam and Watkins' interrogation of Wickham.

Chapter 5

Posted on: 2008-11-02

The grandfather clock struck nine as Darcy made his way towards the front parlour. Wickham was standing obstinately in one corner, flanked by footmen. Conductor Watkins was examining the collection of snuff boxes and Colonel Fitzwilliam was perusing a piece of paper and a map.

He stood as his cousin entered the room and spoke in a low voice, "Wickham answered a few questions, but once the shock of the news of the girl's death wore off... well, he refused to say more until you returned."

Darcy scanned the names on the piece of paper -- Al Slater, Pete Jones, Jessie Hogarth and the names of several Derbyshire towns. They meant nothing to him. He then approached his former friend. Wickham attempted a nonchalant swagger as he stepped forwards.

"I want the whole truth, Wickham. How much will it cost me?" Darcy asked directly.

"Ah, I would have bet thirty guineas that you would have sent for the duelling pistols, if I ever
‘darkened your doorstep' again," Wickham sneered, unable to resist taunting his nemesis.

"What a fitting turn of phrase!" Darcy exclaimed, "Judas gained thirty pieces of silver and we all know what happened to him! How much for the truth?"

"Did not Miss Eliza tell you the price, which she and I had agreed upon?" Wickham asked cockily.

The anger flashed through Darcy like a storm and as quick as lightning, he had Wickham pinned against the wall.

"Ah, there it is," Wickham choked out, "There's the true Darcy countenance."

"What did you make her promise? What sort of a black-hearted lout would only have brought her safely here, after she promised to do something that made her shed further tears?"

"Perhaps she agreed to marry me," Wickham's smile gleamed, "Although few women would cry over such a pleasure! It was not only necessary for her to pretend to be your sister; as we travelled; Miss Eliza had to... how can I put this delicately," he mocked, "assume the... role of being my lovely wife."

Darcy's resentment boiled over. He blackened Wickham's other eye before the Colonel and Watkins could pull him away.

"Never!" Darcy spat, "She would never agree to marry you!"

Wickham seemed quite amused by the string of obscenities, which Darcy then yelled in his face. The others only released him when he had finally calmed down.

"I will name my price," Wickham replied, "Miss Eliza begged me to reconsider when I proposed it. She seemed to think it would upset you. I wish to speak with Georgiana -- alone."

Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam both began shouting at him at once. They only stopped when Conductor Watkins pierced the air with a high-pitched whistle. All three men turned to look at him. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam followed him out into the foyer, and after much arguing, agreed to send for Georgiana.

"She will be safer once the other men are apprehended," Watkins repeated several times, while they paced and waited for her.

"We will only leave them alone for two minutes, Richard," Darcy added, and then turned to greet his sister.

"What is it, Will?" she asked anxiously, sleepily peering from one pale face to the other, "Has Miss Bennet taken a turn for the worst, Richard?"

Darcy shook his head and tightly held her hand, "I must ask you to do something that will cause us both much pain, Georgie. It was Wickham who brought Miss Bennet back here. He claims that he will tell us the truth about those involved if he is allowed to speak privately with you. Richard and I shall be right here. Phipps and Lawson are also at hand. If he so much as tries to kiss your hand, you only have to cry out and we will rush in. It pains me, Georgie, to have to ask you to do this..." his hoarse voice trailed off.

Georgiana willed herself not to cry and tried to be as brave as Elizabeth. She quietly assured the men of her willingness to help. She squeezed her brother's hand and then squared her shoulders. As soon as the door closed, Wickham approached her.

"Miss Georgiana," he bowed graciously, "How do you do? I am sure that someone with as kind a heart as yours would be relieved by Miss Eliza's safe return."

Georgiana mumbled a polite response, watching him carefully as he straightened up.

"I do apologise for interrupting your slumber," Wickham went on, motioning to the lounge opposite where he stood, "I needed to see you to be assured of your robust health. I spent the last few days searching for you. Imagine my surprise when it was Miss Bennet that I rescued. Although, I am relieved that it was not you, madam, I would not like to think of those men deflower- touching you in such a manner."

Georgiana's shocked gasp and slumping shoulders were his only response. Wickham leaned back in his chair, absent-mindedly polishing a brass button on his uniform.

"I daresay that ‘Will' wants to marry Miss Eliza," Wickham said sadly, "She was such a lively, witty English rose. Now," he paused and glanced up at her wide, tear-filled eyes, "Miss Eliza will now have to marry much below her station, if at all. You have the means to help me secure her future, Miss Georgiana. If we were to wed, we could take this young woman, who has sacrificed so very much to keep you safe, into our home. I know you will need time to think on the matter. I shall be ever so patient."

The double doors burst open and Darcy placed his timepiece back in to his pocket. He strode across the room, and pulled Georgiana against his side. She hurriedly tried to wipe away her tears, not wanting to cause further worry to her brother or cousin. Darcy surveyed her shocked, shaking form and again wanted to pummel Wickham's face. It was only his desire for her not to have to see him like that, which stopped another fray.

"I am ready to answer your questions," Wickham said, leaning back on the plush lounge, "but I would like some port."

A footman waited for Darcy's nod before procuring a tray of refreshments. Wickham stared off into the fire and sipped the sweetened wine.

"Last week, I was enjoying the company of Miss Lydia Bennet and taking part in a great many skirmishes at Brighton. I had to desert my post, because I received a dispatch full of grief from Hetty Younge. Mrs Younge's daughter, Jessie Hogarth..."

Georgiana's sharp intake of breath had Darcy and the Colonel again seeking to comfort her. They both knew that Wickham was punishing them for exiling him by making Georgiana sit through this interview.

Wickham leant forward, "Ah, yes, you thought Jessie a servant of the household at Ramsgate, Georgie. I'm afraid to say that she did not have a very easy life, always being moved around to suit one or other of her natural parent's whims," he took another sip of port, "Well, Mrs Younge wrote to tell me that her daughter had been taken by two men. As she was last seen near Tideswell, I immediately headed into Derbyshire."

"You are ever so gallant," Darcy muttered sarcastically.

"You should be glad of it. Miss Bennet is safe, is she not?" Wickham replied, satisfied by Darcy's grimace.

"Now, Miss Georgiana, you cannot imagine my dismay when I reached Tideswell and was told that you had also been kidnapped. I endeavoured to find you. I searched cottage after cottage, inn after inn, asking after both you and Jessie. Just as I was about to give up hope, I paid the last of my guineas to a swarthy-looking lad at the Exeter Arms. He mentioned that he had seen two men and a young woman up in a valley near Dove Dale. When I reached the spot, I found a man I knew from London. I fought Al Slater, picked up Miss Eliza and made my way to Pemberley."

Georgiana thought about Elizabeth's sacrificed virtue and willed herself to face her brother, "Will, perhaps we have judged G...George too harshly. We may have b...been mistaken as to his t...true character," she began, "I... I would like you and Richard to r...reconcile with h...him. He still wishes to b...be my h...husband."

Darcy and the Colonel's shocked outbursts at Georgiana's words were drowned out by Conductor Watkins. Almost as soon as the Bow Street Runner began to talk, the triumphant grin disappeared from Wickham's face.

"Sirs, Miss Darcy," he began loudly, "I can prove that the Lieutenant is lying! It was a highly imaginative story; full of contradictions and half-truths!"

Georgiana's sobbed apologies into her brother's shoulder ceased. She no longer worried that she would have to leave him and Richard behind and go with Wickham. She accepted Colonel Fitzwilliam's handkerchief and sat quietly, waiting for Conductor Watkins to continue.

"Let us begin with the contradictions," the Bow Street Runner pointed a finger at Wickham, who attempted to look bemused, "You first mentioned finding Miss Bennet on a bridge, and just know you say that she was in a valley. It was also impossible that she was with two men when you found her. Your earlier statements to the Colonel and myself, was that it ‘must have been Al Slater' who had hurt Miss Jessie Hogarth. You seemed convinced that ‘Pete Jones' was incapable of it. What do you say to that, sir?"

"You watchmen jump to a lot of conclusions, sir," Wickham tilted his head, "In my haste to bring Miss Bennet safely here, I have had little rest. I confess I may have become somewhat muddled," he rubbed his chin, "I forgot to say that Pete was already dead when I reached the... valley, near the bridge. I assumed that he and Al had quarrelled. He was the main culprit in all of this. As soon as you let me go, I must travel to London to console and warn Hetty Younge."

Darcy cleared his throat, "So, it is your estimation that Al Slater is still a menace to society?"

Wickham nodded and smiled reassuringly at Georgiana, "I shall bring him to justice."

"You will do nothing of the sort," Conductor Watkins snorted, placing the snuff-boxes in his lap, "Unless you both end up in the same prison hulk."

Wickham again lost his charming smile, "Of what do you speak, sir?" he asked indignantly.

"Who is Sir William Lucas? I believe that Mr Bennet may have mentioned him at supper." Conductor Watkins replied, using his monocle to read the names on each snuff-box. "Who is Captain Carter? Who is Colonel Forster? Who is Mr Harrington? Mr King? Mr Collins? John Hogarth? Who are these people? Are they not all acquainted with you?"

"I suppose so," Wickham said, feigning consternation, "What do these items have to do with me?"

"The cottage where Miss Bennet was first held and where Miss Hogarth met her death burned down. These were found there. I think, at the very least, they tie you to the kidnapper's plot."

"Tell us the truth, man," Colonel Fitzwilliam added, "We need to find this Slater before he causes any more grief."

"You stole from all those people?" Georgiana asked, "Did you really plot to have me by force, George?"

Wickham was highly grieved and began to plead with her, "I have such awful debts. You see what my state of poverty has led me to. What your brother has turned me into! Stealing from my friends and superiors! But, Georgie, you must know that I would never have let them hurt you!"

Darcy stood up to restrain Wickham who was trying to wrestle Georgiana from his grasp. Colonel Fitzwilliam took her into his arms.

Wickham tried to shove Darcy aside. "Georgie, I owed them a great sum and drunkenly, stupidly one night told them how I had once hoped to make my fortune. I never thought they would go through with it! I was delayed in reaching Lambton, because they took Jessie! They took her from Mrs Younge's to distract me, so that I would not intervene in the plan. Unhand me, Darcy!" he bellowed and then looked pleadingly at Georgiana, "It should have been like it was at Ramsgate, just the two of us. Your brother would pay the money and we could be together. I would make you happy, Georgie!"

Georgiana buried her face against Colonel Fitzwilliam's chest. Darcy pinned Wickham against the wall, and the Bow Street Runner walked over, pulling out his handcuffs.

"So, they planned this, based on your information about Mrs Annesley's appearance and routine; and other particulars about Pemberley?" Conductor Watkins asked, as he snapped the metal loops around the young man's wrists.

"Yes," Wickham muttered, "You must believe me that I never meant for any harm to come to Georgie."

"You are more a fool than a lout," the Bow Street Runner surmised, "It will bring little comfort to Miss Bennet's friends and family, or the others who were hurt in this debacle. Now, with your permission, Mr Darcy, I shall leave for Lambton with the prisoner. I will go at once and begin the search for the ringleader."

"Of course, sir," Darcy replied and then gave a series of orders to help bring about Wickham's removal from Pemberley.

Georgiana cried fresh tears as Wickham began to profess his love for her, "Please see me to my room, Will and Richard," she said.

As they reached the second storey, a terrified scream echoed across the gallery.

"Elizabeth!" Darcy exclaimed and took one of the candles from a footman. He stumbled towards Lady Anne's suite, almost knocking Mr Bennet to the floor. Both men burst into the room and rushed over to the bed.

Elizabeth was drenched in sweat and she shook with fear as she tossed in the bed. Richard clambered in to the room, followed by Georgiana.

"Lizzy," Mr Bennet said, straightening his nightcap and sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, "You are having a nightmare, dearest."

As he placed his hand on her trembling shoulder, she again screamed and then dug her fingernails into his arm as she tried to escape her tormenters.

Darcy was highly grieved for her. He leant forward and spoke softly, assuring her that she was safe; that he and her father were watching over her. Elizabeth slowly stilled and then clutched at her throat, gasping for relief. Richard had lit several candles and he now poured her a glass. Georgiana perched carefully on side of the bed, helping Elizabeth to sip from the glass.

"I am sorry for disturbing you all," she croaked after a few attempts, "Thank you."

"Do not make yourself uneasy," Darcy said quietly, worriedly running a hand through his hair, "We were still awake; Wickham has just been taken away with Conductor Watkins."

Elizabeth's eyes worriedly rested on Georgiana's troubled face. The younger woman leant forward and whispered, "He told me that you had paid the price of losing your virtue when you had let them take you in my place... he said you were deflowered and that if I married him, we could keep you in comfort... he...he told those men that Will would pay 30 000 pounds for me...now, no man will ever wish to marry you... I would gladly give you the..."

"Shh, Georgiana," Elizabeth whispered croakily, sitting up to pull the younger woman into a comforting embrace, "There is no need for your misery," she smiled weakly and wiped the tears from Georgiana's face, "I still possess whatever ‘virtues' I had last week."

Relief flooded through Georgiana like a waterfall and she beamed at the three men, "May I stay here and keep Miss Bennet company while she falls asleep."

"Certainly," Darcy replied and bent down to kiss his sister's temple, "Now, I believe that Doctor Blatchford said six drops of laudanum were to be administered if you woke during the night."

Elizabeth nodded sleepily as her father handed the bottle to Georgiana, who helped Elizabeth to take the does.

"Thank you, Mr Darcy. Goodnight Papa, Goodnight Colonel," Elizabeth murmured hoarsely.

As Darcy pulled the door shut behind him, he was struck by how peaceful Georgiana now seemed. She had nestled her head against Elizabeth's pillow and, for the first time in days, was calmly resting. He hoped that he could convince the beautiful and kind woman he loved to never leave.

Posted on: 2008-11-05

Chapter 6

Elizabeth spent most of the next week sleeping. She often wished that she could wake and be with the people she loved most; but she also knew that rest was what her body needed. The bloodletting and opiates both sedated her, but certain voices and faces stood out. Darcy, his face creased by concern, often seemed to be on the periphery of her vision -- just out of reach.

One sunny afternoon, Darcy stood there with her young cousins, their voices rising and falling as they told her of their ‘Pemberley adventures.' Another night, she knew not which, he apologised for waking her as he placed a shawl over Georgiana's shoulders. His sister had fallen asleep gripping her hand. One overcast morning, she woke to see him graciously offering an arm to Jane, while her Aunt Gardiner came to sit with Elizabeth. Another moonlit night, he stood beside her father, both men looking at her anxiously, as Doctor Blatchford applied balms and poultices to her wounds. And then, one sunny morning, she awoke to the sound of Jane's melodious voice, reading one of Papa's favourite poems -- ‘The Smile' by William Blake.

"For it sticks in the heart's deep core,
And it sticks in the deep back bone,
And no smile that ever was smil'd,
But only one smile alone
That betwixt the cradle and grave
It only once smil'd can be,
But when it once is smil'd..."

Jane broke off as Elizabeth tightly gripped her hand. "There's an end to all misery." Elizabeth murmured, smiling gratefully at her kind sister. She reached up to wipe the joyful tears from Jane's eyes, "Will you please help me to dress?"

"Are you sure, Lizzy?" Jane exclaimed in delight, kissing her on the temple, "You're really awake at last, aren't you?"

Elizabeth nodded and then tried to sit up. Jane pushed several pillows behind her head, kissed her cheek several times, and then helped her to sip a glass of water.

"Oh, how selfish I am!" Jane suddenly exclaimed, "I shall be right back."

Elizabeth caught her hand, "Please help me to dress before you tell the gentlemen."

"They have seen you much worse than this," Jane began to say and then blushed, "Oh, I see. I shall fetch Mrs Reynolds."

Within a few minutes, the housekeeper bustled in, delighted with the ‘colour' in Elizabeth's cheeks. She spoke excitedly and respectfully to her master's guest, while two maids helped her to wash and change.

"Do not tie the stays too tight," Jane interjected, worried that Elizabeth would at any moment faint from all this exertion.

"I thank you, but I am quite well," Elizabeth assured her, soon relieved to be wearing a fresh morning dress.

Jane sorted through Elizabeth's clothes hanging in the wardrobe. She selected a light-green Spencer and handed it to one of the maids.

"Be careful of Miss Bennet's neck, Polly," Mrs Reynolds said quietly, as the young woman put it over Elizabeth's dress.

The maids then helped Elizabeth to a plush seat in front of an ornate looking-glass. One expertly wound her hair into a loose bun and the other placed a green scarf around it. Elizabeth smiled and thanked them all for their assistance. Jane again kissed her on the cheek, wiping at her joyful tears and smiling more than she had since she arrived in Derbyshire.

"Perhaps you could help me downstairs," Elizabeth pondered, "It would show them all just how much I have recovered."

Mrs Reynolds ‘tsked, tsked' to herself for a moment and then said, "I think you are right, Miss Bennet. It would certainly ease my master's mind to see you up and about. All of our guests have been so concerned. Sarah, make haste, go and fetch Phipps and Fossett."

Elizabeth stayed seated for a few minutes, not wanting to admit that she felt a little dizzy. Jane handed her another glass of water, standing quietly beside her while she sipped it. Mrs Reynolds and Polly tidied the room. Elizabeth gazed around the opulent suite: the polished mahogany furniture, the soft pink quilts, the beautiful embroidery on the dusk-red curtains, the exquisite rugs. Everything was so comforting and tasteful. The honour of Darcy placing her in his beloved mother's boudoir was not lost on her.

Just as she was pondering this, two footmen entered the suite. They made low bows and then conferred with Mrs Reynolds. To Elizabeth's astonishment, they did not allow her to walk. They picked up the chair she was sitting in and balanced it easily between them. Elizabeth tried to protest, that she merely needed them each to take one of her arms to steady her.

"Pray, do not make yourself uneasy, Miss Bennet. Mr Darcy would be most displeased if we let you walk downstairs, madam," Mrs Reynolds said politely.

The housekeeper then fell into step behind Jane who walked on ahead, casting worried glances at Elizabeth. Jane was ever so anxious that Elizabeth would topple over.

"I rather feel like one of those fine dames in a sedan chair," Elizabeth quipped and was rewarded with her sister's sweet laughter.

Darcy and most of his guests were entertaining the children on the west lawn. He turned around in surprised awe when he heard Elizabeth and Jane laughing. When he saw her beaming face, it was almost like the morning had truly dawned. Before the servants had placed the chair down on the top step, Darcy had already reached her side.

"I can not tell you how delighted I am to see you looking so well, Miss Bennet!" he exclaimed, extending an arm.

"Thank you, sir," Elizabeth smiled and took his arm, "for everything." As he helped her to walk cautiously down the steps to the lawn, she exclaimed playfully, "You must have long wished for my recovery and our departure, sir! My young cousins seem to have the run of your grounds!"

Darcy's face paled, "I do not wish your family to leave at all, Miss Bennet," he said stiffly, his hurt feelings evident and then he lightened his tone, thinking that perhaps she had been teasing him, "Your cousins are delightful. Jemima, in particular, has a certain witty flair, which reminds me very much of one of the Bennet girls."

Elizabeth laughed, "You are not the first to observe it, sir. My mother often tells her niece not to take on my ‘airs.'"

As if on cue, Jemima skipped across the grass and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's waist, "‘Aunt' Lizzy!" she exclaimed and then the rest of the party turned and realised why Darcy had walked away so suddenly. They were so used to him, leaving to see to estate business, that they rarely noticed his sudden absences.

"My dearest girl!" Elizabeth's father exclaimed, quite forgetting his book as he strode over to embrace her.

She was soon thanking and either shaking hands with or hugging the whole party: Georgiana, Mrs Annesley, Bingley, Fitzwilliam, her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, her cousins Archie, Nate, Isabella and Jemima, who lined up behind Jane for another greeting. Darcy gave a series of commands and nods to his staff. Soon, Elizabeth found herself resting on a settee, shaded by a large, Spanish oak. A few servants returned with picnic blankets and the party were gathered around supping on cold meats and jellied fruits in the beautiful grounds.

Each of the party took turns sitting beside Elizabeth, careful not to mention her ordeal, and to make her feel at ease. Darcy paced about, making sure that the others were comfortable, unable to settle his nerves at her unexpected appearance.

After several minutes, he made his way back to Elizabeth's side. Her smallest cousin was nestled in her lap, gushing and giggling in turn over one of her sketches.

"May I?" Darcy asked, motioning to the spare seat beside them.

"I would be honoured, sir," Elizabeth replied warmly.

"‘Aunt' Lizzy said that I made you look almost as handsome as your portrait in the gallery!" Jemima said, delighted with her sketch.

Darcy was delighted, not only with the compliment, but with the blush which Elizabeth tried to hide. It again made him hope that she would not reject his next proposal. He tried to decide what to say, so as not to mortify either lady.

"I am afraid, Miss Jemima, that I cannot hang your portrait in the gallery," he winked at Elizabeth, "It is much too small, and I am afraid that as my father spent so much money on the Gainsborough that is there... that this uh, Gardiner would be... quite priceless..."

"I shall offer it to you for free, sir," Jemima replied, her brown eyes wide in awed solemnity, "for helping to make my ‘Aunt Lizzy' well again."

"Thank you, Miss Jemima," Darcy replied politely.

Elizabeth's smile as he took the sketch was brighter than the sunlight reflecting off the ripples in the stream. She then tickled the small girl, until she gasped, "Enough, Aunt Lizzy! Enough!"

Elizabeth smiled and set her down between herself and Darcy, "You know, Jemima, I am not your ‘Aunt.' Your mother is my Aunt, so that means that you are my cousin."

"That is what Isabella says," Jemima said crossly.

"Well, she is right," Elizabeth said patiently, "I am your cousin, just like Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, you see him there by Mr Bingley, just like they are cousins."

"They are the same age," Jemima replied stubbornly, "You are much older. You are old enough to be my Aunt."

Darcy could not help smirking at the aged stoop Elizabeth adopted as she melodramatically stated, "That is because your Papa married later in life, Jemima. I shall live long enough to teach you to embroider cushions and play the pianoforte very poorly indeed! Perhaps I shall even make it to five and twenty before I depart this life!"

"Lizzy!" Jane scolded her, crouching to wipe Jemima's sticky fingers, "I do not want to hear such jests! Mr Darcy, Papa and I have been so..."

"I am sorry, Jane," Elizabeth quickly replied, not wanting to think about her ordeal, or their painful wait as she recovered.

"I gave Mr Darcy the portrait," Jemima piped up, "Do you think Mr Bingley would sit for me? I may draw as well as Miss Darcy one day!"

"He is very obliging," Jane replied, smiling apologetically at her sister, "Let us go and see what he thinks." She took Jemima's hand and walked over to Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"I hope I did not offend you, sir," Elizabeth said quietly, glancing up at Darcy.

"Not at all," Darcy replied softly, gazing at her, "Are you sure you feel quite well? Is there anything you require?"

"I thank you, sir. I am fine," Elizabeth smiled and watched her family enjoying the summer day.

"Thank you for all of your kindnesses to them. They seem very happy," she remarked, smiling as Archie tried to beat the Colonel at skittles.

"I think only of your happiness," Darcy said hoarsely and Elizabeth was a little shocked by his candour. He glanced away as soon as she tried to meet his eye. "I know this may be distressing to you, but I fear that if I do not speak of it, it will become a wall between us, which neither of us will be able to scale." He hesitated and then lifted his watch chain. He opened the case and held out her amber cross. Her delicate fingers brushed against his as she reached for it.

"I am so sorry that you were hurt," Darcy said earnestly, "Thank you for making such a sacrifice to protect Georgiana. I... I need to tell you how much you still mean to me, even though you may not wish for me to repeat my addresses from Easter..."

"I owe you an apology," Elizabeth blurted out.

"I highly doubt that," Darcy said in surprise, "Uh, if I may, please let me finish or I will quite lose my nerve. I... I thought you had died last Saturday. We found a woman's body up near Tideswell and she was wearing your..."

"Jessie's dead?" Elizabeth said in astonishment, tears welling in her eyes.

Darcy patted her hand and then sat back, not wanting to take advantage of her. He pulled a handkerchief from his waistcoat and handed it to her.

Elizabeth's voice shook, but she drew on his quiet strength and began to talk of her ordeal. Once she had begun, it felt so much better to let it out and to weep, than to keep trying not to think of the awful events.

"I... I thought she had made it here!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "She knew I was not Georgiana, and she offered to come here in search of help. Everything has been so confusing this last week. I could not quite remember how Wickham came to be the one who found me."

Darcy shook his head at Jane, worried that she would become distressed if she heard Elizabeth's narrative. Jane nodded thoughtfully and returned to Bingley's side. Darcy leant towards Elizabeth, "You are quite safe, madam. Wickham was not as innocent in the matter as he at first appeared. He is in London helping the Bow Street Runners to search for one of the kidnappers. I also have men patrolling the estate as we speak. If it will help to lighten your burden, please confide in me."

"I thank you again for your kindnesses," Elizabeth replied, "Well, I ended up in a squalid cottage and there was a young woman there."

"Jessie Hogarth," Mr Darcy supplied, "She is the natural daughter of Hetty Younge, Wickham's accomplice at Ramsgate."

Elizabeth frowned, trying to fit the puzzle pieces together in her mind, "There were two men who were both quite rough with me. She... put something in the ale and spirits they were drinking. When they passed out... she told me that she knew I was not Georgiana Darcy. I suppose she had met your sister at Ramsgate," Elizabeth waited for Darcy's nod and then pressed on, "Jessie was shocked that you would send for the Colonel and the 30 000 pounds when you knew it wasn't Georgiana in Slater and Jones' clutches."
Elizabeth did not add that she herself was surprised by this development.

"I would have paid every pound I possess," Darcy replied, "I am not meaning to be too forward, madam," he rushed on to say, "Or to imply that you are a possession... oh, please continue... I do not get on at all well."

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly, "I...I know not what to say... I am not deserving of such a kind... compliment, sir. Well, I told Jessie that I was a friend of your family. Imagine your Aunt's censure if she had heard me described thus!" she twisted the amber cross in her fingers. "Jessie and I came up with a plan. She would wear my clothes, so that you would know that she was telling the truth. I could not walk, you see. I was too weak from my injuries. A little while after Jessie left, Slater and Jones awoke. They were rather rough with me when they realised she had gone for help. Slater rushed outside and Jones began to set the cottage alight and... and I feared that they would leave me there. They returned and quarrelled as they dragged me outside. Only my connection to you...saved my life. They had to keep me ‘safe' until they received the ransom. That is what... stopped Slater and Jones from doing what they wished to... it is too indelicate for me to say. I am sorry..."

Darcy stood up in agitation to pace in front of her for a moment. Her Aunt Gardiner placed a hand on Jane's arm to restrain her, whispering reassuringly to her. Darcy then resumed his seat and waited for Elizabeth to continue.

"The next time I awoke...I was sitting on a hill... near a turnpike. There was blood on the grass beside me. I realised that Jones was... dead. Slater was standing over me... such a look of spite in his eyes... Hatred against the ‘gentry' spewing from his mouth... Suddenly, everything went black again... When I came to again, Wickham was carrying me towards a tavern. He told me... to say... that I was his..."

"Wife," Darcy said quietly.

"I see he crowed about it," Elizabeth replied, "I am sorry. I had to go along with his story while he arranged for a trap to bring us here... I suppose I could have just told the taverner the truth... now I think on it... but at the time, it seemed important to do as Wickham suggested...not to be suspicious... not to delay my return here by having them think I was unmarried and travelling alone with him, in that state..."

"It is perfectly understandable why you went along with the blackguard. You were unwell," Darcy replied.

"I take it that from what your sister said the other night, he tried to convince her to accept his hand...in order to rescue me from my... ‘fallen' state..."

"Georgiana should have known that I would never have left you destitute," Darcy replied, "Whatever the circumstances."

"I...I thank you," Elizabeth murmured in amazement, "You are not angry with your sister, are you?"

"I am disappointed that she was taken in so easily by him once more," Darcy said, after a minute's reflection, "I am angry at Wickham for putting this dangerous notion into Slater and Jones' minds. Wickham and Slater will pay for what they have done," he said resentfully.

"I still owe you an apology, sir," Elizabeth murmured, "You mentioned last Easter... I must tell you that I was so very wrong about you! I should never have said that you were ‘un-gentleman-like'! You are the very essence of a gentleman!"

Darcy shook his head gravely, "I did not behave like a gentleman then at all, Miss Bennet. Your reproofs have humbled me. Over the last months, I have sought to live out the true principles, which my parents taught me, instead of following my own conceited and distorted notion of them. I... You... May I ever dare to hope that your feelings for me may change?"

"You may not," Elizabeth replied quickly, and seeing the hurt on his face as he jerked his head towards her, she rushed on, "I hope my feelings never change again. I hope I have learnt not to be arrogant and prejudiced. I hope I will always love you as I do now!"

Darcy reached for her hand and pressed it to his lips. He had quite forgotten himself, quite forgotten their audience, and almost forgotten how to speak.

"Miss Bennet," he said sitting up straighter, "I rode to Lambton last Friday to ask you a question. I... Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

"Even with all that's happened... With what people may think or say... about me being with... Wickh..."

"Do you need more time to think on the matter, madam?" Darcy asked, "I am convinced that we can put all of that behind us. I wish to make you happy for the rest of your days."

Lizzy stared into his eyes, lost in the depths of the love that she saw there, "Yes... I mean... I would be honoured to be your wife."

Darcy pressed another kiss to her hand and then rushed over to request an audience with Mr Bennet. Elizabeth's father had been absorbed in a discussion with Mr Gardiner. He was quite surprised by Darcy's insistence that he meet with him in the parlour. He tried to match the tall, young man's enthusiastic strides. Jane, Georgiana and Madeline kept their composure only until Darcy's back was turned.

"You shall really be my sister," Georgiana cooed, embracing Elizabeth, who also smiled at the kind congratulations from her sister and aunt.

"Papa may refuse him," Elizabeth teased Georgiana.

"There can be no impediment!" her Aunt Gardiner exclaimed.

Elizabeth hoped that she was right.