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Part Twenty-Three, The Witch Sees Clearly
Meanwhile at Purvis Lodge, Lady Catherine De Bourgh was working a spell for the third time. She stood before a large silver inverted cross placed on a black altar. She chanted, "St. Vigeous, you who murdered so many, we beseech you. Este Scris, it is written. As it is written, so it shall be. The blood of the enemy will give us its power. Blood of the centuries will be spilled. The blood will bring the Slayer to Darkness. The Circle will be complete. Este Scris, it is written. Show me the third key now."
As the light of the flame in the knife blade had changed once to reveal a face, then again to show another, the light now changed to show the witch a third face. She cackled wickedly and said, "A nice surprise!"
From the shadows The Master spoke, "Can you tell me where they are?" He was turned so that he could not see the cross.
Lady Catherine looked at him haughtily, "Of course I can. Do not forget who I am, vampire." She wrote instructions on a small piece of paper, rolled it up and sealed it closed. She waved her hand and a crow flew in to take the note from her hand. She said, "Take this to our friends in Derbyshire. Speed is of the essence since that fool Wickham acted so precipitously. We shall have to bring the keys into hiding with us until it is time for the Feast."
Part Twenty-Four, Old Friends Meet for the First Time
The door to the upstairs parlor in the Inn at Lambton opened. Elizabeth walked in and Darcy stood quickly, bowing deeply before her. Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze. Again, she fought the urge to throw herself into his arms. She felt her body's response as his eyes moved over her.
Darcy found himself equally affected. With the utmost effort he remembered that Georgiana was in the room. He closed his eyes briefly, opened them again and properly made the introduction, "Miss Bennet, may I please present my sister Georgiana. Georgiana, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth eyed Darcy nervously as she walked past him to greet his sister with a smile. She was very curious about Miss Darcy. She'd first heard of Miss Darcy as a rival for Jane in Mr. Bingley's affections, then as a snob. Then she'd learned of her involvement with Wickham from Darcy's letter. Finally, she'd heard her described by Jane as a lovely girl. This last piqued her interest the most. Why would Miss Darcy have been part of the party in Kent? Mr. Darcy would never have allowed her to be in such a dangerous situation unless she'd had some part to play in the rescue. Elizabeth was exceedingly curious about Georgiana Darcy.
It only took one second for her to see that it was shyness instead of snobbery that dominated Georgiana Darcy's manner. Georgiana seemed very anxious to please. Elizabeth smiled as Georgiana stuttered, "I, I am very pleased… to make… your acquaintance, Miss Bennet." Elizabeth replied in kind. She found herself studying Georgiana.
Georgiana Darcy was fairly tall for her age, nearly the same height as Elizabeth. Georgiana had dark blond hair and a lovely, graceful figure. Her most outstanding feature, though, was her large, beautiful eyes. They reminded Elizabeth of Darcy's. Georgiana's eyes were filled with sweet empathy and the light of goodness that glowed from deep within her. It seemed to Elizabeth that Georgiana understood her completely. Elizabeth felt so comfortable with Georgiana that it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. She looked into Georgiana's eyes with wonder.
Darcy asked, "Mr. Bingley insisted on coming with us when he heard you were here. May I fetch him?"
Elizabeth responded with a little more enthusiasm than she felt as she said, "Oh, yes. I should like to see him very much." Darcy looked at her with concern at the slight strain he heard in her voice. She was unable to return his gaze, thoughts of Jane's heartbreak in her mind. Unhappy, he turned and left the room.
She turned back to Georgiana when they were alone and said, "I understand that you are fond of music and play very well."
Georgiana replied, "Oh no. I mean… I am fond of music, but I do not play very well." She blushed and then said, "But I understand you play well. My brother has told me that he has rarely heard anything that gave him as much pleasure as hearing you." She looked at Elizabeth with sincerity.
Now it was Elizabeth who blushed. She joked, "Well I am sure that he has exaggerated… probably for some mischievous purpose."
Georgiana grabbed her arm and said, "No! He always tells the absolute truth. Only, sometimes I think he is a little too kind where I am concerned."
Elizabeth felt her heart melt at this testimony to Darcy's attentions as a brother. She whispered, "An ideal elder brother! I have no brother… only four sisters."
Georgiana replied sincerely, "I should have liked to have a sister." Her look conveyed an immediate sense of how much she desired to get to know Elizabeth better. Elizabeth was touched.
They were interrupted by Bingley's arrival and Darcy's return. Bingley's enthusiasm melted Elizabeth's reserve quickly. He seemed genuinely glad to see her and very interested in the well being of her family, repeatedly asking if ALL her sisters were still at home. She could not but be touched by this and attribute it to a desire to hear more of Jane, despite all the time that had passed. Bingley remarked, "It has been too long since we have met! It has been since the twenty-sixth of November… when we were together at the ball at Netherfield." Elizabeth nodded, pleased by the exactness of his memory. Bingley continued, "I have often thought that I never knew a happier time than those few short months in Hertfordshire."
Over Bingley's shoulder, Elizabeth noted Darcy and Georgiana commiserating. Georgiana turned to her and asked, "Miss Bennet? Would you and your friends do us the honor of dining with us tomorrow evening?"
Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana's anxious manner. Equally anxious to put her at ease, Elizabeth replied, "We would be honored. I can answer for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner as we have no fixed engagements." Darcy exhaled as though he'd been holding his breath while awaiting her reply.
Georgiana's attention was drawn to the broach Elizabeth wore. She felt its power, even from where she stood. She contemplated it carefully.
Bingley said, "I do hate that we must depart so quickly now, but I promised my sister that we would be back in time for tea."
Darcy frowned. He desperately wished to speak with Elizabeth. He knew he could have managed to if Bingley had not insisted on coming, but he'd been unable to come up with a plausible reason why Bingley should not, so now he would have to comply with his friend's request to leave. He watched as Georgiana and Bingley took their leave of Elizabeth.
He stepped forward and stood before Elizabeth as the other two moved away from her and toward the door. The look in her eye fed the flame of hope that burned within him. At first, he froze up as he had before, but then he pressed his courage and forced himself to civility. He bowed deeply to her and reached for her hand. He stood so near that both her perfume and her touch made his head reel. He pulled her hand to his lips with a deep sigh and placed an ardent kiss there. "My compliments to your aunt and uncle, Miss Bennet. We look forward to seeing you at Pemberley tomorrow night… very much."
He saw the color rise in her cheeks and even thought her lips trembled as she replied, "Thank you. Good day, Mr. Darcy." Then, leaning in closer, she whispered quickly, "Thank you for agreeing to continue as my Watcher. I'm sorry for dismissing you. My judgment was clouded by thrall. And thank you for rescuing me from Rosings." She breathed in and out raggedly and looked up to meet Darcy's gaze.
His eyes were wide with surprise and gratitude. He bit his lip to conceal his trembling. Her gaze warmed him through. He was aware of Bingley looking at them with curiosity. When he felt that he might speak in a controlled fashion, he said in a voice heavy with emotion, "You are welcome. I am… glad that I… that we… will have the opportunity..."
Despite his efforts, he did tremble visibly as he struggled with his words. There were so many things he wished to say to her! He was overwhelmed by her apology and her admission. Being dismissed as Watcher had hurt him deeply. Hearing her attribute that to Wickham's thrall caused many emotions to rise within his heart.
Georgiana drew Bingley into conversation as they returned to Pemberley. Darcy seemed capable of little more than staring out the carriage window. He was so lost in his thoughts that Georgiana had to prod him to make him aware when they'd arrived.
As they entered the music room, Miss Bingley said, "Well, I am glad to see you all home. It was very kind of you to pay a call on your former acquaintance. Now that you have done so, we may enjoy our time here without further interruption. Pemberley is simply delightful." She simpered at the unseeing Darcy.
Bingley laughed and said, "Only some of us seem to have returned from Lambton, sister. Do not worry. I am sure that Darcy's attention will be back at Pemberley by tomorrow evening."
Darcy glanced at Bingley, embarrassed that he had revealed so much to his friend. Miss Bingley, discomfited by the look exchanged by the two men, asked, "What happens tomorrow evening?"
Part Twenty Five, Dinner at Pemberley
Elizabeth felt as though a swarm of butterflies flew about in her stomach as the party arrived at Pemberley. The estate was bathed in the golden glow of torch light. She was glad that she'd let Darcy know she wished him to continue as her Watcher, but wished she could have somehow let him know that she had changed her mind about more things than that. There were many things she needed to discuss with him.
As they entered the front hall, Miss Bingley came swooping down from the top of the staircase, dressed in the finest of orange silks and bedecked in jewels and feathers. She spoke to Elizabeth and her friends as though she were their hostess, saying, "Miss Bennet! Welcome to Pemberley. I cannot tell you how delighted we are to have you join our party this evening. Will you introduce me to your friends?"
Elizabeth forced herself not to let the color rise in her cheeks. She spoke calmly, "Miss Bingley, may I present my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, and my uncle, Mr. Gardiner. Aunt, this is Miss Bingley."
Caroline gave the slightest of curtseys to Aunt Gardiner, barely acknowledging her.
Mrs. Gardiner looked up into Miss Bingley's eyes and said, "Actually, we have met before. Miss Bingley was kind enough to call on Jane while she was visiting us this winter." She held the younger woman's gaze calmly.
Mrs. Gardiner's statement had a profound affect on Miss Bingley. She looked about nervously as though frightened that someone else might have heard Mrs. Gardiner's words. Elizabeth could not help smiling at Miss Bingley's discomfort. Her aunt looked at her innocently.
Caroline stuttered, "W…well, yes. You are correct, Madam." She recovered herself and held her head more haughtily as she said, "But I have not had the pleasure of meeting your husband." She smiled insincerely.
Caroline held out her hand to Mr. Gardiner. He bowed properly and took her hand lightly in his, saying, "It is a pleasure, Miss Bingley."
At that moment, Darcy came into the hallway and said, "I thought that I heard voices! Welcome, Miss Bennet!" He looked flustered as he realized he should have welcomed Mrs. Gardiner first. Mr. Gardiner looked amused. Darcy continued, "Mrs. Gardiner! It is a pleasure to see you again. You are very welcome." Darcy kissed Aunt Gardiner's hand and then shook Mr. Gardiner's hand. Then Darcy said, "Please come into the Music Room." He moved towards Aunt Gardiner, but Mr. Gardiner took her arm first. Thus, Darcy moved to Elizabeth and offered her his arm. Miss Bingley looked down her nose at them with obvious displeasure. Though she hovered close by, neither Darcy nor Elizabeth noticed.
Elizabeth placed her hand shyly on his arm. She could feel his muscles grow tense as she drew closer. She closed her eyes for a second, attempting to gain control of her thoughts, but instead found that she felt as though she were floating. As they entered the room, she curtseyed to Bingley, the Hursts, and Georgiana. Darcy showed Elizabeth to the sofa. His hand brushed against her as she let go of his arm. He heard her gasp as he stiffly moved to the chair next to the sofa to sit down. Color was high in both their faces.
Georgiana sat down next to Elizabeth. She said, "What a lovely broach! Is it a family heirloom?" She pointed to the broach, which Elizabeth wore over her heart.
Elizabeth touched it lightly and replied, "Well, yes. I… inherited it." Aunt Gardiner looked puzzled. The others were unable to see Elizabeth's face as Georgiana leaned in to look at the broach. Georgiana whispered, "It is filled with light and power. Such strength…" Only Darcy and Elizabeth heard Georgiana's words. They looked at each other over Georgiana's shoulder, both wondering at the thoughts of the other and at the meaning of Georgiana's statement. They both blushed when they realized that they were staring, but it was a long moment before either looked away.
Miss Bingley was very busy trying to distract both Darcy and Georgiana from their guest. She first attempted to direct all of the conversation to subjects of which she thought Elizabeth and her companions would have little knowledge. The Gardiners, however, knew much of London society and events. While kind in doing so, they were able to match Miss Bingley quite well in discussion. Elizabeth was pleased to have the others see that she had some relations who possessed intelligence, taste, and good sense.
Next, Miss Bingley began to dominate the conversation with questions and comments to Georgiana. She did her best to insinuate the existence of a relationship between Georgiana and Charles. The Gardiners looked a bit discomfited at the notion, aware as they were of Jane's feelings, but Elizabeth was angry as she watched Miss Bingley continue the deception she had enacted with Jane. Bingley looked confused. Darcy was dismayed. He knew Elizabeth's feelings on this matter all too well, but he could not think of anything to say that would not seem forced.
At first, Georgiana was only a bit embarrassed by Miss Bingley's insinuations. She had heard them before, though hearing them in company was far more alarming. What truly upset her, however, was the look of anger in Elizabeth's eye. Before Miss Bingley had distracted her, Elizabeth had seemed preoccupied with Fitzwilliam. Now, both Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth seemed thrown off balance.
Georgiana smiled as the vase of roses on the table next to Miss Bingley suddenly fell over on her, dumping flowers, thorn-covered stems, and cold water across the front of her gown and into her lap. Miss Bingley leapt up from her seat with a shriek. Servants came running in response to her cry. She cried out, "My gown! It is ruined!" She then made several rather incomprehensible noises, some of which could easily be taken for curses if one listened carefully enough. The wet feathers she wore drooped most sadly. The flailing of her arms only caused her to throw some of the flowers into her hair. The Hursts and Bingley sat looking at her, open mouthed, unable to move.
Mr. Gardiner picked up the vase. It was unbroken. Mrs. Gardiner helped the servants assist Miss Bingley, while Darcy slowly turned to observe the look of satisfaction on his sister's face. Despite his best efforts, his lips curled to form a slight smile. Brother and sister fought to repress their mirth amidst the melee. Sitting between them, Elizabeth saw this. At first she was puzzled.
Mrs. Gardiner commented, "I wonder what could have caused the vase to tip over like that. I did not see any reason why it should do so. How strange!"
As Georgiana fought to construct her features into a look of utter innocence, Elizabeth realized that she had been the cause of the 'accident.' She nodded and quietly said, "Ohhhh…" as she realized why Georgiana had been part of the group that had brought her out of Kent. A small smile flitted across Elizabeth's face as she whispered to Georgiana, "I'm glad you're on our side." Georgiana was unable to repress a giggle. Miss Bingley retreated to change her gown, a look of disgust on her face. A great deal of water dripped across the floor as she left the room.
Darcy sat back, watching his sister and Elizabeth getting to know each other, while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner turned the discussion to the theater and performances they had recently seen. A sense of ease began to return to the party. Knowing that Elizabeth was in the house spurred Miss Bingley to remarkable speed in repairing her appearance, however. Once she had returned, Darcy suggested that the group move to the dining room. Again, he offered his arm to Elizabeth. Again, they both enjoyed the closeness this afforded them. Though he felt quite warm, Darcy found that he was trembling as he sat down at the table.
Dinner was lovely. The food was wonderful. Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth were much able to concentrate on the food before them, but the little bit they did tasted was wonderful. Darcy was enraptured by Elizabeth's appearance in the light of the candles. She felt his admiration most warmly. Though nervous and inexperienced, Georgiana was a delightful hostess. She tried very hard to put the company at ease.
The only people not pleased with the success of the dinner party were Bingley's sisters. Caroline did not like that Georgiana had arranged for her to be seated at a rather inconvenient distance from Darcy, while Elizabeth was much closer to him. The only satisfaction that Caroline had was that it seemed to her that Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet did not converse much. She hoped that this was a sign that he admired her less than he had at one time. Had she known the true cause of the lack of conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy, she would have been very displeased, indeed!
After dinner, the group returned to the Music Room. At Georgiana's urging, Elizabeth sat down to the piano forte. Darcy sat on the sofa, where he had a good view of Elizabeth. He allowed himself to relax for a moment, dreamily thinking of spending time with her like this more often. She had a sweet voice. The aria she chose was a favorite of his from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Darcy allowed his feelings free rein. All he knew while Elizabeth sang and played was how very much he cherished her. Her presence gave him joy.
Next, Elizabeth urged Georgiana to play for the company. Darcy was pleased to see the rapport that had already developed between his sister and Elizabeth. As they chatted, he had a moment's discomfort when he thought they might be talking of him, but was well able to bear it when he saw the easiness between them. As Georgiana began to play, Elizabeth walked over to sit with the company. Darcy hoped that she might sit next to him. He drank in the sight of her as she crossed the room towards him.
Miss Bingley's discomfort had turned to anger by this time, however. Those who are angry are not always wise. So it was that Miss Bingley inadvertently gave injury to Georgiana, though she aimed her barbs at Elizabeth. Miss Bingley said snidely, "I understand the militia have left Meryton, Miss Eliza. What a very great loss that must be for your family."
Elizabeth saw what Miss Bingley intended. She avoided Darcy's eyes, thinking of the bad conduct he'd witnessed from her sisters and even from herself when she'd been enthralled. She replied quietly, "We are bearing with it the best we can, Miss Bingley. Thank you."
She took a few steps further before Miss Bingley continued, "For I understood some young ladies had a strange preference for the company of a certain Mr. Wickham?"
Georgiana stopped playing. Her eyes were wide with distress as she looked at her brother. Elizabeth saw the pain flicker through Darcy's eyes and turned suddenly back to Georgiana saying, "How can you possibly play with no one to assist you?" When she put a comforting hand on Georgiana's shoulder, Georgiana began to play again. Elizabeth could feel Georgiana trembling beneath her touch. She felt the desire to protect the younger girl coursing through her.
Unsure of what to expect, she looked up and met Darcy's gaze. She saw far more than gratitude there. She felt as though she saw into his very soul. His gaze was filled with admiration, respect, and love. Elizabeth felt light and warm and strong all at once. She let down her guard and allowed the changes of her heart to show in her return gaze.
Darcy stared after the departing carriage until it was entirely out of sight. Bingley led Georgiana back into the house. She retired. He returned to the Music Room.
When Darcy finally reentered the room, Miss Bingley had already begun her diatribe against Elizabeth. She was saying, "I declare, Mr. Darcy, Louisa and I were just saying that we should hardly have known Miss Bennet. Never have I seen someone so altered. She has grown so brown and coarse. There is nothing gentile about her!"
However much he disliked this speech, Darcy was determined for Bingley's sake to remain quiet. He accepted a drink from Bingley and walked over to the fire. Miss Bingley continued, "You were quite hard upon her when we first met her, but I do believe you thought her pretty at one time. Surely you must have noticed the difference in her appearance."
With an apologetic glance at his friend, Darcy replied, "I only thought her pretty when we first met, I confess. But it has been quite a long time since I knew her to be the handsomest woman of my acquaintance!" He looked at Miss Bingley as she drew her chin up and absorbed this blow. She turned and walked over to the window as though unaffected. Bingley held up his glass as though in a toast and smiled.
Darcy felt embarrassed and mean at his angry outburst. He glanced up from the fire and looked over at Miss Bingley. She stood stiffly by the window, obviously covering her distress and hurt pride. He observed her profile and then looked back at the fire. Suddenly something dawned on him. He finished his drink in one swallow as he considered this notion. He turned back from the fire and looked at his companions… not at Hurst, who lay unconscious in his chair, but at the others. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst sat talking quietly. They were both petite, with blond curling hair, blue eyes, and like profiles. Despite her marriage, Mrs. Hurst smiled often. Without the influence of Caroline, Mrs. Hurst could even be pleasant like her brother.
Caroline, on the other hand, was different. She was extremely tall. She had a delicate, birdlike profile… more like Georgiana's than either that of Bingley or Mrs. Hurst. She was very proud. She was intelligent, sharp even. She had a tendency to look at the darker side of things…
Could it be? Darcy excused himself and headed back to his library. For the second time in recent days, he learned the secrets of one of his ancestors. It was not an easy revelation to see confirmed. He recalled many times that Miss Bingley had said she would like to be able to call Georgiana sister. From the confession he now read in George Darcy's diary regarding a difficult time in his relationships with his Slayer and with his wife, it would seem that Miss Bingley's wish had come true.
Part Twenty-Six, Darcy Calls on Lizzy
Like all the servants in the Inn, Hannah the maid was running late in her duties because of their discussion of recent events at Pemberley. The early morning talk had been filled with laughter, descriptions of flying flowers and wet feathers, and more laughter. When Hannah's brother, an under-gardener from Pemberley came running in with additional news, the tone of the gossip changed entirely. She was pulled away from the hushed talk among her fellow servants by the arrival of the post. She brought the letters in to distribute quickly.
Elizabeth was about to leave with her aunt and uncle for an outing when Hannah called out to her that she had received letters. Elizabeth was glad to see that Jane had finally written to her. It had been too long since she'd heard from her sister. Elizabeth asked her companions if they would mind if she stayed in to read. They were very kind and understanding. Mr. Gardiner said, "We will walk to the church and call back for you in an hour, Elizabeth."
The first letter began much as she would expect. Jane talked of how their mother and her nerves were getting along, the joviality their nieces and nephews brought to the house, and how much Mr. Bennet missed Elizabeth's company. Elizabeth smiled as she read over Jane's many descriptions of the goings on at Longbourn.
Then her entire body stiffened as she read what Jane wrote of next. She put one hand to her heart as she attempted to gather breath. Without a sound, she blinked back tears as she gasped the name, "Lydia." She reread the lines. Though unsure of the exact meaning of Jane's words, she knew that this was a moment which would change her life forever. With cold, trembling fingers, she ripped open the second letter and continued to read.
Darcy had left Pemberley very early. With the revelation of Caroline Bingley's parentage so fresh in his thoughts, he did not feel equal to joining the others for breakfast. So he awoke his valet, dressed, and took an easy morning ride. This ride eventually included heading into Lambton. He hoped to have an opportunity to talk with Elizabeth alone. He could not believe his good fortune when the maid told him that Miss Bennet's companions had gone out, but that she was in the parlor. As he reached the door to the parlor, Hannah said, "I was very sorry to hear of the tragedy at Pemberley, Sir." She ducked her head meekly and opened the door before Darcy could ask her what she meant. She announced him and backed away immediately.
Elizabeth looked up from where she sat as Darcy entered the room. He stopped in mid-bow and his words of greeting stopped on his lips as he looked at her tear-stained face. He asked, "Good God! Whatever is the matter?" He rushed to her side.
Elizabeth choked back a sob as Darcy sat down in the chair across from her and took hold of her arm. He said, "You look very ill, indeed! May I get you something? Some wine for your present relief? What may I do?"
Touched by his kindness, she nearly smiled through her tears as she said, "There is nothing you can do. I don't think there is anything that anyone can do."
He realized how improper his grasp on her arm was and reluctantly released her. He sat back with his hand up to his lips, feeling helpless before her tears. He could not bear to watch her suffer. He longed to pull her into his embrace and comfort her. He admonished himself for his selfish thoughts.
Elizabeth breathed in and out several times to gather control of herself. She said, "Jane writes that it seems that our youngest sister, Lydia, has… left all her friends and… thrown herself… into the power of… Mr. Wickham. People believe that they have eloped! You, who know him so well, can guess the rest. My sister is lost. I only wonder if I will face her as a demon, whether she is dead… or something else. Our mother and the rest of my family are devastated because of the loss of reputation." She burst out crying again at this last. Tears coursed down her face. Darcy handed her a handkerchief.
He said, "Is it certain that she went with him?" Elizabeth nodded.
Darcy sat there helplessly watching her while her words echoed in his mind. He asked, "What 'something else' do you refer to?"
Elizabeth looked at him seriously and said, "I have had a nightmare that I think is more than just a nightmare." She let out a ragged sigh as she looked into Darcy's eyes.
He replied apprehensively, "You mean a Prophecy Dream?" She nodded. He asked, "Have you had them before?"
She answered, "I dreamt of the events at Rosings repeatedly last year, from autumn up until I was actually there. My nightmares came true." Knowing what she had gone through at Rosings, Darcy winced to think she had seen such scenes in her mind's eye many times over.
He asked, "Did everything you dreamed of occur?"
She thought of the way she had kissed Darcy in the midst of those nightmares. She looked down and blushed as she replied, "Almost everything happened in one way or another… except… that I never drank from him."
He wondered at the blush but replied gently, "Prophecy dreams tend to be somewhat cryptic. Tell me about the dream you had last night."
Elizabeth took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and said of her nightmare, "The Master knelt before a dark altar, worshipping. The witch… um… your Aunt Catherine… was chanting, intoning a spell of some sort. She had a knife, large and bright. There were vampires all around." Darcy put his hand back on her arm, unable to help himself from offering her a little comfort.
She glanced at his hand and smiled a very small smile, then grew serious again. "You and Bingley and I were there, dressed all in white. She cut out our hearts and turned to The Master. He drank. Then we were all dressed in black in the graveyard. My mother was there and she cried out 'Oh, my dear girl!' You looked so upset! I'd failed everyone. Then The Master made me a vampire." She stopped for a moment and stared into space. Again tears gleamed in her eyes.
She looked at Darcy urgently and said, "Last time… his words were exactly the same in life as in the nightmare, so I repeated his words from this dream when I woke so I would not forget. He said, 'Come to me, my mistress of the dark. Come to me and complete the Circle on this night of greatest strength, this holy night of attack.' I was helpless against him… or something. I felt that I was not wearing my broach… and there was no light… and I could not find you. The blood was filled with ancient power. And then I killed you." Darcy's eyes flashed to her at this last. He nodded slowly.
He said, "Night of greatest strength? Holy night of attack?" She nodded. He replied, "I believe that is a reference to the Feast of St. Vigeous. It comes soon."
Elizabeth wiped her eyes with Darcy's handkerchief. She did not move her left arm. She liked the feel of Darcy's hand there. She grimaced as she asked, "What is that and who is Vigeous? I've never heard of him."
Darcy chuckled grimly and said, "He is NOT someone you would learn about in church. Sort of the patron saint of vampires, if you will. The Feast is in late summer. It is a three night period when vampires are at their most powerful." She grimaced again.
He then asked, "What your mother said in the… nightmare… is that how she refers to you? My dear girl?" From what he'd seen of Elizabeth's relationship with her mother, he somehow doubted this to be the case.
She shook her head and said, "No. That is how she refers to Lydia. That is what worries me."
He replied, "Your sister." She nodded and watched as he stood and began pacing back and forth. Suddenly, he stopped. He closed his eyes and stood very still. Then he went to the door and called to the servant, "Hello there! Please come here."
Hannah entered the room a moment later. She curtseyed nervously before Darcy and stared at the ground, obviously in awe of him. He said, "When I came in you said something about a tragedy at Pemberley. Of what were you speaking?" Elizabeth noticed that he looked very pale all of a sudden.
Hannah spoke shakily, "Why, I was referring to the doorman, Thomas, Sir."
Darcy snapped, "What about him?"
Hannah whispered, "His… body was found in the bushes outside the library this morning. He was murdered, Sir." She trembled visibly. Then she whispered in a voice filled with horror, "They say that all of his blood was gone!"
Elizabeth stood, knocking over her chair. Darcy thanked Hannah hoarsely and dismissed her. He looked at Elizabeth, fear in his face, and said, "I left early. I wished to avoid seeing the others at breakfast, because... I fear…" He started to move to the door. Then he turned back to Elizabeth, "What does Jane ask you to do in the letter? Are you going back to Hertfordshire? What measures are being taken to recover your sister?"
Elizabeth said, "I am asked to return to Hertfordshire. My father seeks them in London and Jane hopes my uncle will join him in his search. They would have no idea of where to begin in such a search, so I doubt there is reason to fear for their safety… Tell me what you fear."
Darcy forced himself to remain calm enough to speak. His voice was low and tight as he said, "We were dressed in white like a sacrifice to Vigeous, whom only females are sacrificed to… yet then alive and dressed in the black of mourning. You, Bingley, myself… all born of Slayer families… with a lineage of ancient and powerful blood. Such blood would enrich The Master and give him great strength." He looked very thoughtful, then she saw pain in his eyes as he looked up and said plaintively, "If something were to happen to my sister it would be as though someone had cut out my heart." Darcy looked more and more distressed. "Now… a vampire at Pemberley?"
Elizabeth asked, "What are you going to do? What should I do?" Then she blinked and said, "Wait! Descendants of Slayers? You looked at the portrait! Did you find an explanation of Dominique's different names?"
Darcy pulled his great grandmother's letter from his jacket pocket and handed it to her. She joked, "Again, something from the jacket." He smiled wanly at her reference to the night they'd first met.
She read the letter carefully. Darcy walked away from her and stood at the window. He started slightly when she moved to stand next to him. Also looking straight ahead, she said, "Love is a magical force? What do you think she meant?"
Darcy shook his head and answered, "I don't know what she meant. She was as cryptic as a Watcher in her letter." He sounded bitter. Elizabeth looked at him in surprise.
She asked wryly, "You think Watchers cryptic?"
He replied flatly, "Deliberately so. I have found of late that there is much more to the history of Watchers and Slayers than meets the eye on first reading their diaries. Much more." He shook his head as he said this, as though dismissing an unpleasant thought. He swallowed hard and twisted his pinkie ring, apparently deciding on their course of action.
Then he said, "I must check and see if all is well at Pemberley. Then I will research the Feast of St. Vigeous and see if I can discover anything that helps explain your Prophecy Dream. I will also see if I can find out anything else about the broach. Its absence played a role in the outcome of your dream. Don't take it off." He looked at her.
Elizabeth said, "Don't worry. I will wear it constantly. It was very clear to me that the nightmare would have turned out very differently if I'd had the broach, the light, and you." She moved a step closer to him.
Color rose in Darcy's face as he looked at her uncertainly. He could feel the heat of her body as she stood by him. He blinked rapidly and said, "Go with your aunt and uncle to Longbourn. I shall see you in Hertfordshire as soon as I possibly can. Prepare." He hesitated, then said, "I understand Giles is here visiting his family. I shall… speak with him and have him return to Netherfield immediately in case you need anything before my arrival." He looked away.
Elizabeth blanched as she recalled Giles' description of the last time he and Darcy had spoken. She said, "He told me of your argument at Hunsford. I told him the truth about your 'resignation.'"
Darcy looked surprised and then nodded in reply and quietly said, "Thank you."
Then he asked, "Was there anything in your dream… any clue as to where the vampires might be? Your father and uncle are not the only ones with no idea of where to begin their search!"
Elizabeth hesitated slightly, then said, "I… spoke with a vampire when I was last in London, one called Spike. He said The Master was using a house in Hertfordshire as a base of sorts and that there was something planned for autumn, though he didn't know the details."
Darcy looked skeptical and alarmed all at once. "Spike? William the Bloody? You spoke with him?! Why would he tell you anything?"
She laughed slightly at this and said, "I saw an opportunity. He had a female fledgling with him. It was apparent that they were… in love… at the least, mad for one another. She, he called her Laura, was practically new-made. I held a stake to her heart. He talked to keep me from slaying her. He really did seem to love her."
Darcy replied, "Love? Vampires? Incredible. I had no idea that such disparate forces could come together." Elizabeth shrugged. Darcy continued, "Well, at least it is a place to look. I see no need to wait until their power is increased. We must try to find them before the Feast days."
She nodded. Darcy looked at her bleakly. He said, "There is much more I wish to discuss with you, but I must find out what has happened. I truly hope that the information regarding your sister is erroneous."
Elizabeth nodded and thanked him. Then she said, "I'm sorry about your servant. I pray that there is no further cause for alarm at Pemberley. Please give my excuses and regrets to the others. I would appreciate it if you would conceal what is being said of Lydia as long as you are able."
Darcy replied, "Of course. You may rely upon me." Then with a look of regret, he turned and left. As he strode out of the Inn, Elizabeth heard him order a servant to fetch her aunt and uncle. Then she heard him break into a run as he went down the stairs.
She sat down again to consider all Darcy had said. With his handkerchief, she dried her eyes. Then she closed her eyes and turned her musings to all that lay ahead. Resolve flowed through her. It was time for her retribution against The Master and his vampire coven.
Aunt and Uncle Gardiner returned to her side full of questions and concern. Quickly, they were off for Hertfordshire.
Part Twenty-Seven, Preparing for the Feast
A large enclosed carriage traveled the road from Derbyshire to Hertfordshire. The driver was a sickly looking demon, not a vampire, but a demon all the same. He drove the horses without mercy. He had a face that was no longer capable of expression. If his thoughts could have shown, anyone would have been able to tell that he was most anxious to have this journey behind him. He whipped the horses to urge them to travel faster.
Inside, the carriage was extremely crowded. Collins had changed into a crow just to make more room for the others. Anne De Bourgh sat on one side of the carriage, a forbidding expression on her face. Occasionally the motion of the carriage would cause her to bump against the woman next to her. When this happened, Caroline Bingley would cringe and attempt to pull away. Chained as she was, pulling away was difficult. She was gagged not because she would dare to scream, but because her pitiful whining had so aggravated her abductors. She was too frightened to open her eyes. Whenever she did so she tried only to look at Georgiana to see if she was yet conscious.
Every so often Collins would hop around and change back into human form. He would then place a strange-smelling handkerchief over Georgiana's face. Lady Catherine's note had advised him not to allow her niece any opportunity to give resistance. When he tended to Georgiana, he moved in close to both girls. Caroline shuddered in revulsion.
In the other seat of the carriage, Spike and Laura lay curled together in sleep. Seated back on the uncomfortable floor, Collins found his only pleasure in observing the females around him lasciviously. Caroline again moved closer to Georgiana. Collins turned his gaze to the sleeping female vampire. Suddenly a boot caught him in the jaw, hard. He was knocked against Anne. She gave Collins an icy glare and then ignored him. Collins looked up to see Spike looking at him, demonically angry. Collins moved back as Spike said, "You'll do bloody well to keep your grubby little bird eyes off 'er."
Collins muttered, "We could always step outside to settle the matter." Again, Spike kicked him. Collins reached for the door as though to open it and let the sun shine in on them. Now it was Anne who struck him. She waved her hands at him, indicating that it was time for him to reassume his avian form. Grudgingly, he did so. He cawed in amusement as he saw Caroline's expression. No matter how many times she saw him change she looked more amazed each time.
It was again nightfall as they approached Purvis Lodge. As they got closer to the lodge, Laura felt Spike's grip on her grow tighter and more protective. Ever since he'd told Lizzy about the lodge, Spike had grown more and more fearful that they would meet the Slayer there and be destroyed. He had not warned any of the others, though. If they knew he had revealed their lair, there would quite literally be hell to pay.
He wondered if he was insane. He'd heard it said that vampires should be at least a quarter century dead before they made a fledgling, in order that they would not go mad or become somehow less demonic. Spike had not been a vampire quite as long as the current Slayer had been alive. Ever since he'd made, Laura he'd feared that the old wisdom was true for him.
At the very least, he knew he was less demonic than he'd been before her. He'd grown more and more enamored of her with each passing day. It was not just that she had an unquenchable physical need for him and such capacity for expressing her need. It was that she brought passion back to his existence. Spike suspected that a small corner of his soul had come back to him. This did not make him wish peace and good will to men. He still thoroughly enjoyed the hunt and the kill. It was only that since he'd made Laura, he'd again found the capacity for joy.
The thought of facing eternity without that was more than he could bear.
As they left the carriage, Laura walked up behind Collins (who had resumed near-human form), grabbed him by the shoulder to whirl him around and slam him with her knee so that he doubled over in pain. She whispered, "Threaten my Spike again and I'll make you into a nasty little crow stew." She smiled sweetly at Spike as she left the witch's apprentice squawking in pain behind them. Spike caressed her cheek adoringly. Then, he resumed his watchful attitude and looked all around to verify that they were safe.
Angel saw all of this and felt his suspicions grow. He knew that Spike had been up to something. He did not know what it could be. As he watched, Spike ran one finger down Laura's spine. Her enthusiastic response gave Angel an idea of how he might discover what Spike was so worried about. He would have to arrange to get to know Spike's fledgling a bit better. Angel smiled.
Anne dragged Caroline into the lodge. Angel looked into the carriage at the unconscious form of Georgiana. She was exquisite in her innocence. He lifted her out and pulled her close. Behind him, the witch said, "She must not awaken. Bring her in to the altar. A spell of deep sleep will keep us safe from her power."
Angel carried Georgiana inside, up the stairs and into the attic. There, the altar had been made. Beneath the covered cross there were three niches carved into the blackened wood that the vampires had carried there. Each would hold a girl of the line of the Slayer. Each girl would be offered to St. Vigeous as a ritual sacrifice. The Master would act as the Vessel of St. Vigeous. He would drink each girl close to the point of death and take the power from her line. Then, he would take the Slayer and make his mistress of the dark. The keys would be given to Vigeous.
Lady Catherine began working her spell in earnest as she saw Georgiana's eyes flicker. Caroline saw Lydia Bennet already on the altar, chained. Behind her gag, Caroline began to scream.
Part Twenty Eight, Getting the Facts Straight
As Darcy saw the house, he pushed Leicester even harder than he had throughout his gallop from Lambton to Pemberley. The front door flew open and Bingley came running out as Darcy quickly dismounted. Bingley looked confused and deeply concerned. He said, "Then they are not with you?"
Darcy grimaced in pain at this confirmation of his fears. He replied, "You mean Georgiana and Caroline?"
Bingley nodded, then said tentatively, "Darcy? Has anyone told you about the doorman?" Darcy nodded. Bingley continued. "His wife is in hysterics and will not let anyone remove the body."
Darcy nodded sadly. He could hear voices over on the library side of the house. It sounded as though quite a crowd had gathered there. He began to walk over towards them, Bingley scurrying to keep up. A hush fell over the group as Darcy approached. The doorman's young wife, Emmy, knelt next to his body and held one of his hands in her own. She made a pitiful keening noise that tore at Darcy's conscience. As he placed a comforting hand on Emmy's shoulder, Darcy noted the man's lack of coloring. He looked up and nodded as Giles moved forward. Giles knelt by Thomas' head and turned the man so that Darcy could see the mark of the vampire on his neck. The bite mark was small, but vicious looking. Emmy shoved Giles away from her husband's body.
As she began to cry afresh, Darcy knelt next to her and pulled her into a comforting embrace. He whispered, "I would that I could change what has happened, madam. The only thing I can promise is that you and your family shall never want for food or shelter. I will see to that." He was not certain that she heard him. He struggled to remember something about the man that might help him in comforting her. He was embarrassed that he only seemed able to visualize him showing people in and out. Then he recalled that Thomas had been a man of great piety. He said, "Come now. You must help make your husband ready for service. He would want for you to do that, don't you think?" Emmy's sobs stopped. She looked at Darcy with eyes like those of a confused child. He found that he did not have a handkerchief with him, so he wiped the tears from her cheeks with his hand. Gently, he said, "Take him to the church. The Lord will take care of Thomas."
Emmy mumbled, "The Lord. Thomas should go to the church." A small spark of understanding gleamed in her eye and she looked suddenly much calmer. She gave Darcy's hand a squeeze and stood. In a low voice she said to the vicar, "Please, sir. May we take him to the church now?" Mrs. Reynolds put a comforting arm about the girl's shoulders and helped her away with the group as they removed the body.
Giles moved to Darcy's side. The two Watchers exchanged a serious look. Darcy said, "Come, Bingley. Come, Giles. We must talk."
As they walked around the house to the front entrance, Giles said urgently, "Darcy, I owe you an apology."
Darcy shook his head and said, "No. Though you did not know the situation, much of what you said had foundation. I was wrong to speak dismissively of your past and your decisions. Thank you for trying to keep me in line, Giles." Giles looked at Darcy with apparent discomfort. He seemed about to say more, but held his tongue.
Bingley looked at the two men, his confusion apparent. As they entered the Library, he said, "What is going on? Will someone tell me where Caroline and Georgiana are? And what happened to that man? That mark on his neck reminds me of nightmares I used to have when I was a boy!"
Giles looked to see Darcy's reaction. He wondered what Bingley meant about Caroline and Georgiana, as well.
Darcy indicated for each of the others to be seated by the fireplace. He paced back and forth before them and then said, "Bingley, that man was murdered by a vampire. I believe that the vampire abducted our sisters and has taken them to Hertfordshire where they will be sacrificed to enhance the strength of The Master of the vampire coven so that he can make the Slayer into a vampire, thereby preventing any more Slayers from coming into existence." Bingley stared at Darcy, mute as he assimilated his friend's words.
Giles said, "I can understand why Miss Bingley would be useful to them, but Georgiana?" Bingley looked quickly at Giles.
Darcy replied, "It would seem that Dominique the vampire Slayer and Anne D'Arcy were one and the same." Giles nodded as he absorbed this information.
Giles said, "Shouldn't there be a third girl? You are talking about the St. Vigeous, aren't you? Shouldn't there be three sacrifices?"
Darcy replied, "I believe that Miss Bennet's sister is the third sacrifice."
Bingley seemed to convulse, his hands grabbing hold of the chair arms. He gasped, "Miss Bennet?"
Darcy winced at his mistake. He said, "Miss Lydia Bennet is missing. She left Brighton with George Wickham. He is a minion of The Master."
Bingley relaxed some, then looked ashamed. Finally, he asked, "Why?"
Darcy looked confused as to the meaning of Bingley's question, then he replied, "Lydia Bennet is sister to the current vampire Slayer, Elizabeth Bennet. Undoubtedly Wickham used his considerable powers of persuasion to convince her to leave with him."
Bingley swallowed hard and asked, "Darcy, was my mother a Slayer?" Darcy nodded. Bingley's voice rose as he said, "How long have you known?" He stood.
Darcy replied, "I have always known."
Bingley looked at his friend with tears of anger in his eyes. His face was red with emotion as he replied, "You mean you've known all these years that my mother was the Slayer and you concealed it from me?"
Darcy nodded and said. "I have acted as though I were your protector on many occasions. I protected you from the truth about your mother. I also protected you from the danger I put you in last autumn when I inadvertently revealed your name to a vampire in Hertfordshire. Then, worst of all, I separated you from the best of happiness by convincing you that Miss Jane Bennet was indifferent to you."
Bingley was stunned. He stuttered, "J…Jane?" The color drained from his face. He sank back down in his chair.
Darcy continued, "I meant… I thought… Because of my activities as Watcher, secrecy became first nature with me. However, I can offer no justification. It was an arrogant presumption based on a failure to recognize your rights and your true feelings… and Miss Bennet's. I should never have interfered. It was very wrong of me, Bingley, and I apologize."
Bingley sat back and asked, "The you admit you were in the wrong?"
Darcy calmly replied, "Utterly and completely."
Bingley looked a bit dazed as he said, "My mother was the vampire Slayer. Miss Elizabeth is the vampire Slayer now and you are her Watcher. Our sisters are to be sacrificed… their blood is what would enhance The Master vampire, isn't it?"
Darcy moved to the bookshelf and pulled out several volumes. He said, "There is much to verify. Most of my information is from a Prophecy Dream that the Slayer had." Darcy told Giles of Elizabeth's Prophecy Dream. Giles moved to the books and began to flip through them. The two Watchers would occasionally remove additional books from the shelves. When they came upon information that seemed pertinent they shared it with each other. Then, each of them continued their search through Darcy's library.
Bingley sat by the fire. Occasionally he would take note of the activities of the other two men. He listened when they stopped their search and spoke to one another. Mostly he stared into the fire and thought about everything Darcy had said.
After a long time, Bingley spoke up. He said, "Darcy?" Darcy turned and looked at his friend expectantly. Bingley continued, "Jane?"
Darcy smiled slightly as he replied, "Loves you."
Bingley said, "When do we leave for Hertfordshire?"
Part Twenty Nine, Angel Makes His Move
Spike pulled on his jacket and looked down at his sleeping fledgling. He kissed her bare shoulder and said, "Back in a bit, love. Must take my turn at patrol. Sleep well." Laura stirred and murmured his name before returning to whatever dreams put the beautifully vicious smile he so adored on her face. Again, he kissed her before leaving the lodge.
As Spike left, Angelus walked over to the window. He'd arranged Spike's schedule and placed him far from the lodge at the first line of defense. Now it was time to see if he could find out what Spike had been up to and what had him so jumpy of late. It ought to be easy enough. Angelus turned away from the window as Spike disappeared from view and walked down the hallway to the room Spike was sharing with his fledgling.
Laura was a bit confused when she woke up. She was sure that Spike had left earlier, but she was waking up because of a pleasant nibbling at her ear. She also was quite aware that she was not alone, neither in the bed nor in her state of undress. She rolled back and looked up into Angelus' eyes. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. She pushed him back and asked in an intentionally girlish voice, "What are you doing?"
Angelus chuckled and said, "Spike must be doing it all wrong if you have no idea." He moved his hands over her expertly.
For a spark of a second, Laura allowed herself to savor the sensations. Then she opened her eyes and looked into his. He was beautiful of face and figure. But within his eyes was a hideous demon. Even the demon within her recoiled from the depths of his evil nature. She was frightened and unsure of how to escape him. Angelus continued his attentions and murmured pretty words. Laura played her role and tried to think of what to say when the time came.
As she'd guessed, just as she pretended to need him the most Angelus stopped. He asked in a low urgent whisper, "What did Spike tell the Slayer?" Anger as hot as the flames of Hell burned through Laura at his assumption that she would so easily incriminate Spike. She barely managed to utter a whimper of protest instead of a cry of rage. Finally, just as she saw him preparing to hurt her to get the information he wanted, inspiration struck.
She let out a giggle and said, "Oh, Angel, you tease! After she beat him to a pulp, Spike begged her to spare him, telling her that he would give her the secrets of the coven in return for his continued existence. He cried like a girl. Then he lied to her for all he was worth. She ought to be looking for us somewhere in Scotland about now. Of course he's been completely without… confidence… since she took him down. He's afraid of his own shadow. But you must never tell him that I told you. His ego is so low already…" Hoping against hope that she'd read Angelus correctly she whimpered, "Please continue," in the most desperate tone she could manage.
Angelus looked at the girl beneath him. He didn't really think she was telling the truth, but he figured she'd given him a place to start. If he confronted Spike with her story he would know what was in Spike's mind by his reaction. He'd had almost twenty years to learn to read Spike's reactions. If Spike didn't cooperate, he would do this all again, while Spike watched. Then he would torture them both until they admitted the truth. Once they'd told him the truth, he would torture them some more just for the fun of it. With a smile, Angelus leaned down to kiss Laura. Then he finished what he'd started.
As soon as he'd fallen to sleep, Laura grabbed her clothes and went out into the hallway. She opened the window, threw her clothes out, and jumped out after them. A few moments later she ran from post to post, looking for Spike while still putting on her clothes. When she found him, he listened to her urgent whisperings.
There were three vampires acting as lookout along with Spike. The one nearest to Spike jumped up as he saw the demonic change come over his face. Spike flew at the watchful demon with his talons outstretched. He sank them deep into the veins across the top of the other vampire's shoulders and pulled him forward, tearing his throat apart with animal-like intensity. The other two vampires stared in stunned disbelief. Without hesitation, he turned on them. One was quickly stunned by a straight up kick to the jaw and fell to the ground at Laura's feet. The other was impaled against the dried branch of a nearby tree and disappeared into a cloud of dust. Spike drew the sword he'd brought out with him and decapitated each of the others. With that out of his system, he turned to Laura. She looked at him adoringly and sidled up to him, a hungry look on her face. Spike's face softened at her look. He ran a caressing finger down her cheek and said, "Come along, love. I think it is time for us to leave this little coven."
Part Thirty, Dark Imaginings
Posted on Saturday, 16 January 1999
It was the palest part of the dawn as Darcy fought to return to sleep. Thinking of Georgiana and the others being held by the vampire coven filled him with fear and rage. He'd slept very little, despite knowing that he would need all of his strength in the battle to come. He clung desperately to the idea that Georgiana would be unharmed until the Feast… or that somehow she might be able to overcome the demons with her own powers. Dark imaginings appeared however, unbidden though they were. He remained unconvinced that she was not suffering, and it gnawed at him painfully.
Thinking of the Feast time was at least equally as stressing, though. It was written in the texts that he and Giles had found that 'The Master would take the blood of the Slayer's heart and make her strength his own. And then she would become undead.' The words hung over him like a curse.
In order to rescue his sisters and the Slayer's sister it was necessary for Elizabeth to face The Master. Even if she did not face him as he feasted, the words of the prophecy would come to pass. The Master would grow strong from the blood of the lines of Slayers, and she would be made undead. Darcy understood the idea intellectually. His heart, however, cried out in fear. Never before had his mind and his heart been at such odds. He felt torn as never before. In order to save his sister's life it was necessary for him to watch the woman he loved more than life itself walk into danger and preordained damnation. The words ran over and over through his mind as he sought ways around them… different ways of interpreting them… different meaning.
Additionally, he knew as a Watcher that it was his responsibility to help protect the world from demons like The Master becoming all-powerful… and from stripping the world of its sole protector. What would he do if the words in the texts meant what he feared? What would he do without her? What would the world do without her? The more he allowed the questions to develop in his mind, the further he drifted away from sleep.
He thought of what she'd said when they'd last spoken, "…the nightmare would have turned out very differently if I'd had the broach, the light, and you." He shivered as he recalled her words and the look that had passed between them. If only they'd not been faced with the disappearance of her sister and the suspicions he'd had about Georgiana's safety… if only they'd had a moment out of time to give to each other. He closed his eyes and imagined what it would be like to kiss Elizabeth, hold her close against him, and love her with all his heart and soul. He imagined her lively and passionate response to him. As so many times before, he imagined her lying beside him in the bed with a look of love in her luminous eyes, reaching out to him.
Now that he was on the edge of gaining all he desired, he was faced with a situation that could rob him of it forever.
He listened to the noises of the awakening Inn. Bingley had been up and pacing for some time in the room next door. This was a rare thing! Even in the despondency he'd faced over the past year, Bingley's sleep had never been so affected to Darcy's knowledge. But with his sister in grave danger, Bingley was disturbed as never before. Darcy grinned wryly as he acknowledged to himself that even a sister such as Miss Bingley was one to be treasured. Undoubtedly Bingley suffered much of the guilt that he felt. It was, in his opinion, his duty to look after the well being of his sister. His grin faded.
Finally, Darcy rang for the manservant and began preparations for the day. They would resume their journey to Hertfordshire early and arrive there by nightfall. It is a rare thing to face the day with the knowledge that it will be the most decisive and important day of your life… and possibly the last.
Part Thirty One, To the Field of Battle
Just one day after Elizabeth's return home, Bingley and Darcy arrived in Hertfordshire. There was much talk regarding Mr. Bingley's sudden arrival at Netherfield. The servants were in an uproar as they commenced making the house habitable again. The neighborhood gossips stopped their speculations regarding the fate of Lydia Bennet just long enough to pay the arrival of the gentlemen proper attention. That Jane Bennet would no longer hold much appeal for the very eligible Mr. Bingley was considered a certainty. With the Bennet girls disgraced, the matrons of the neighborhood prepared their daughters and nieces for the chance to make an impression on the gentleman. When it was learned that he came to the country merely with the intent of hunting, many laments were heard in parlors throughout Meryton.
Mrs. Bennet stopped her wailing over Lydia for a moment when she heard of the arrival of the gentlemen, but resumed it five-fold when Mrs. Phillips pointed out that the timing of their arrival would ensure that the ruin of the Bennet family was known to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth could not be in the same room as her mother and aunt. She had no patience for their silliness. She was terribly anxious for Lydia. The rooms of Longbourn seemed to call out to her in recrimination for not looking after her own family when she was entrusted by Fate with the safety of all.
That night Lizzy walked out across the lawn of Longbourn, dressed as Slayer. Her pouch held as many stakes as it could. She carried her Tiger spear in her hand and twirled it restlessly. In the trees on the edge of the property she saw Darcy on Leicester, Buttercup's reins in his hand. She smiled as she took Buttercup's reins. She then nodded to Giles, Fitzwilliam, and Bingley. Fitzwilliam and Bingley were on horseback. Giles drove a wagon loaded with weaponry. Each man nodded to her and spoke brief words of greeting. Bingley seemed nervous and uncomfortable. He looked at her apparel as though shocked. She scowled and jerked up her chin as she returned his gaze. Then, Lizzy looked appreciatively into the wagon at the supplies it held.
Darcy looked pale and drawn. It looked to her as though he'd slept little the previous night. She looked into his eyes and asked, "Georgiana?"
He nodded in reply, then said in a low voice, "She and Miss Bingley are both missing. Also, in our research we have discovered much that is alarming. I wish I could advise you to run away and avoid The Master." The expression in his eyes was bleak.
Lizzy's heartbeat quickened. She stroked Buttercup's mane as she looked at Darcy assessingly. She asked, "What did your research reveal?"
Darcy replied, "There is a spell for gaining great strength by the grace of St. Vigeous. By offering those of the bloodline of Slayers as sacrifices to St. Vigeous... as The Master takes the blood of each girl, the witch's curse will give him the strength of that line, alive or dead. 'The blood of the Slayer's heart will strengthen The Master and she will become undead.' That is what is written."
Lizzy looked up at him and asked, "These texts… are they ever wrong?"
He shook his head. He said, "No. Never wrong, always cryptic, never wrong." She smiled wanly at his reference to their last conversation. Then she looked down and closed her eyes for a moment, took several deep breaths, and opened her eyes again.
She mounted Buttercup and said in a determined tone, "Fate has chosen me. If it is written, it will happen whether we are there or not." She saw Darcy reluctantly nod agreement. She continued, "Earlier today I walked by Purvis Lodge. I sensed the presence of vampires. I thought I should wait to see what you had found out before I went in. We must do everything in our power to help them. Guide me, Watcher." She spoke this last as a challenge.
It worked.
Darcy's head jerked back. The expression in his eyes became one of determination equal to that he saw in the eyes of his Slayer. He felt courage course through him. He said, "I would feel more equal to this challenge with Georgiana's help. She is a powerful witch. There are forces at work here that she is most able to deal with. I am only capable of a few spells… bringing rain for my tenants' crops and the like."
Bingley muttered, "A witch? Georgiana?" in a voice of wonder.
Lizzy replied decisively, "First, we will free Georgiana so she can help us." She looked at Darcy with unquestioning expectation. "Dominique said that she and Jean worked together with those on the side of light… people like Georgiana."
Darcy's gaze flickered for a moment. Then he decided that she was right and that he was not just being selfish in making that their first concern. He nodded. Then he glanced at Bingley and said, "I believe our next priority must be to free Miss Bingley. Her bloodline is very… powerful." His voice trailed off.
Lizzy asked, "Because her mother was a Slayer?" She glanced at Bingley, wondering how much he knew. He did not react to her statement, but looked at Darcy.
Darcy hesitated and then replied, "And because the blood of the Slayer also flowed in the family of her father." Bingley looked confused. Darcy continued, "It would seem that my father was also her father…"
Giles muttered, "Oh, my!" while Fitzwilliam looked nonplused. After all he'd learned of the world when in Kent, Fitzwilliam was a much more difficult man to surprise than he'd previously been.
Bingley closed his eyes and said, "Of course…" He looked a bit sick.
Lizzy said, "Poor Miss Bingley! All of her attentions to you…" She blushed as she glanced at Bingley and then turned her gaze to Darcy again.
Darcy looked at Lizzy and said plainly, "Even were she not my half-sister I could never have loved her."
Lizzy looked at Darcy and smiled hesitantly. She was very conscious of the others there with them. She said, "So, we must first rescue Georgiana, then Miss Bingley, and then Lydia. When is best to go? Now?"
Darcy replied, "Tomorrow is the first night of the Feast."
Lizzy said, "Then we must go to Purvis Lodge now, mustn't we?"
He only nodded in reply. He stared at her as though etching her features in his mind. She looked at him reassuringly. She was simultaneously pleased and disappointed as she saw his expression become very impassive. She was pleased because this change meant that he was ready to concentrate on whatever was to come.
Lizzy looked at each of her companions. She knew Darcy could take care of himself. Helping her with her training served to keep him sharp and skilled. Also, from her nightmare, she knew that they should stay together. Fitzwilliam carried his weapons with an ease that made her believe him ready and capable. As to the others, Giles knew much, but was not as young as he'd once been… while Bingley just looked frightened.
She asked Giles and Bingley, "Are you certain you wish to involve yourself in this matter?"
Bingley looked hurt. He said, "Caroline has her faults and is not always easy to bear, but she is my sister. I love her. It is not only my duty to help. It is what my heart tells me I must do." He looked at her as though pleading with her to understand and trust him. Lizzy nodded hesitantly at Bingley.
Giles glanced at Lizzy sharply and then looked away. He stared into Darcy's eyes. In a low voice he said, "Regardless of what I may have said to the Council all those years ago, I now know that no Watcher can truly resign from the calling. When I told Darcy that I had dedicated my life to the fight against darkness, it opened the greatest wound I've ever suffered. I realized that I was wrong to retire… it was a betrayal to all I'd ever been, known, or loved. I should have helped other Slayers. I really was dead all those years… Jenny would have been ashamed of me. Please let me do what is right."
Lizzy reached into the wagon and pulled out a crossbow and a leather weapons pouch which she slipped over one shoulder. She secured her Tiger spear and crossbow on her back. Then she reached for a sheathed sword and buckled it around her waist. She turned Buttercup towards Purvis Lodge and began to lead the others in that direction. Behind her, she heard Bingley ask Darcy, "Have you any more secrets from me, Darcy?" She did not hear Darcy's reply.
She grew more and more taut and alert as they neared Purvis Lodge. They passed the caves the Purvises had always used for storage. She sensed vampires nearby. Suddenly, the air was filled with the beating of hundreds of wings. Birds flew at them savagely. The horses were senseless, overwhelmed with fear. Each of the members of their group fought off the birds with their weapons, killing many. Giles struggled to control the horses pulling the wagon. Lizzy leapt down from Buttercup and released the horse's reins. She then rolled to the ground underneath the wagon. Darcy was already laying there, breathless and quickly tending to many small wounds.
Urgently, Lizzy asked, "Did you say you could make it rain?" He nodded and began to chant ancient words. Hearing what Darcy was chanting, Giles joined him in calling for the skies to open up. Meanwhile, Lizzy scurried out from under the wagon and went to Bingley's aid. He was overwhelmed by the birds. She swatted and kicked at them furiously. Fitzwilliam had retreated to the nearby caves.
Lizzy smiled as the first drops of rain fell. When the light rain turned to a torrential downpour, the birds began to disperse. Lizzy pointed the others towards the caves. Giles brought the wagon. He and Fitzwilliam began sifting through the supplies to ascertain what might still be of help. Much of the shot and powder was now useless. Standing at the entrance to the cave, the men grimly sorted out the ruined items from those that could still be of help.
Lizzy turned and walked into the cave. Darcy had found and lit several torches. Bingley was sitting down tending to his wounds. Lizzy smiled grimly as she walked past him, around to where Darcy was. Darcy seemed to be looking through the inventory that was already in the caves. She asked, "How long will it last?"
He shrugged and said, "I don't know exactly. I was in a bit of a hurry. I'm just glad I got the spell right. A rain of locusts would not have been a very welcome diversion."
Lizzy chuckled as she squeezed water from her long braid. She became aware of the look on Darcy's face as he watched her. She asked, "What is it?"
Darcy blushed. In the torchlight, he could see that beneath her shirt, Lizzy wore a delicate pink, lace-trimmed camisole. The rain caused her clothing to cling to her body and he could not tear his eyes from the sight. Were he to live to dream another night, he was certain that this image would emerge from his mind's eye into his dreams for many nights to come. He could not form a reply to her question. He reached out one hand and gently cupped her face in a gentle caress. Her gasp of delight and the look of warmth in her eyes left him even more breathless. He leaned forward… and groaned with frustration as she moved past him, pulling her Tiger spear loose and holding it in a firm grip.
She called out, "I know you are there. Show yourselves!" A familiar blond vampire leapt down from a ledge and landed several feet away from her with lithe, cat-like grace.
Just then the others came in search of them. From behind Elizabeth, the Colonel let fly a bolt from his crossbow. His aim was perfect and the bolt flew speedily towards its target. Spike, however, had no intention of letting it continue on its course through his heart. Deftly, he caught hold of the bolt just a few inches in front of his chest. He looked at Lizzy with a very dead-pan expression and said in his mocking way, "Sorry to interrupt. Was actually hoping to avoid a reunion with you, Slayer." Then he offered, "If you'll hold off trying to kill me, I'll trade you information."
Lizzy looked around the area and asked, "Where is your lady-friend?" Laura leapt down and landed just behind Spike. His expression hardened as he pulled her protectively behind him. Lizzy noted this and asked, "Why do you want to give us information, Spike? Why are you here?"
She saw his eyes harden as he said, "We've left the coven... Angel crossed the line, love. He noticed that I was extra watchful and worried that you might find your way to us at the Lodge. As so many precautions have been taken he found that odd… Didn't you notice that you weren't seeing signs of any vampire activity in your neighborhood all these months? Well, he decided to... ask... my Laura a few questions on the subject… and I knew it was time to get out. I've seen the way Angel's interrogations progress too many times to wish to be on the painful end of one."
Giles winced in remembrance of Jenny's tortuous death. Darcy looked at Giles sympathetically. He also took note of the look in Spike's eye. It made him stop and think.
Spike saw Darcy's expression and turned to him (with a watchful eye on Lizzy the entire time), "You Watchers like to believe that information makes the difference in your efforts, don't you?"
Darcy found himself smiling at this demon's audacity. He nodded cautiously.
Spike smiled and said, "This will make a difference. I know you to be honorable, Slayer. I'm going to give you information that you need. Then, I expect you to leave us be. We'll leave the country and never come back." He looked desperate.
Lizzy looked at Spike with dismay. She said, "Spike, you are a killer. How could I ever justify leaving you in the world?" She took a step towards him.
He replied quickly, "Without my information, you stand little chance of getting there in time. If they complete their spell before you get to them, you will be powerless. The Master will make you his mistress…" Spike glanced at Darcy as he said this and was amused by Darcy's reaction. "Then there won't be a Slayer. Think how many more will die if that happens, love. Besides, I'm pretty tricky. There's a back way out of this place."
Lizzy nodded and said, "Yes, I know that. There's a back way out if you're willing to drop down into a cave about 100 feet down. Is that what you mean?"
Spike grinned, "I can survive that."
Lizzy retorted, "Your lady friend cannot."
Spike's grin faded. "True. And if she dies, you'll find out just what sort of killer I can be. I will make it the mission of my un-life to plague you and everyone you've ever known. You will learn then what retribution is made of…" He looked at Lizzy with deadly intent. She met his gaze impassively.
Darcy believed Spike. He said, "Let's not waste anymore time here, Lizzy. Save your strength." Then, to the vampire, he said, "You have a deal…Mr.….Spike. Tell us information that will help us get to our sisters in time and we will allow you and your fledgling to flee." Reluctantly, Lizzy acquiesced to Darcy's decision. She nodded at Spike, her expression grim.
Spike said, "Thank you, Watcher. That is all I ask." He continued, "Your sisters are being kept on the altar they've made to St. Vigeous. The altar is set up in the attics. They expect that even if you find them you will check the tunnels beneath the lodge first. They've torn up the first floor to make it look as though they only have use for the entrances to the tunnels. Simple, but effective. There's a really nasty collection of assorted demons down there… guaranteed at least to delay you long enough for The Master and the Witch to do their little spell should you arrive before they've completed it. I wouldn't wish to tangle with most of the creatures they've got down there waiting on you. Rather deadly bunch." Then, with a slight hesitation he offered, "To the bad, they're probably more on guard since we've left. I'd advise just blowing the place up."
Laura said, "Boom!" and made a motion with her hands. Spike smiled at her indulgently.
Lizzy said, "Not an option, Spike. We've family in there."
Spike replied, "That's your choice, Slayer. Just don't say I didn't warn you. By the way, Watcher, you've family out in front of the place, too. The leader of the outside force is The Master's new fledgling, Anne De Bourgh. Since The Master only makes fledglings every couple of hundred years or so, they are always unusually strong vampires. Take her out and the outside defenses will crumble. Too many idiot vampires are among those forces. The Master can't abide stupidity. He will probably thank you for killing most of them. They number about fifty vampires in all. Of the fifty, maybe fifteen are really dangerous."
Spike's face grew more taut in the torchlight as he waited to see if the Watcher's word was good. Laura clung to him. He said, "That's all I know."
Darcy nodded, turned his back, and walked away from the two vampires. The others followed suit. Lizzy moved away last, backing away cautiously with her eyes on the demon lovers. Spike smiled and blew her a kiss. The darkness soon encompassed the two vampires.
The rain stopped. The group quietly armed themselves and left the cave. Lizzy looked back every now and again to make sure they were not followed.
Some moments later the group came to the last hill before Purvis Lodge. Receding rain clouds covered what little moonlight there was on this night. Suddenly Lizzy stopped and pulled her crossbow over her shoulder. She aimed carefully and shot. A howl was heard just before a shower of dust fell from a tree fifty feet ahead of them.
Approvingly, Fitzwilliam cried, "Good shot, Miss Bennet!"
A second vampire came out from behind a tree further away and ran towards the lodge, yelling, "Slayer!" as loud as she could. Before she could say it for a second time a bolt caught her from behind and reduced her to dust. The damage, however, had been done. Vampires came running from all around. The battle was joined.
Lizzy put up her crossbow and ran forward with her Tiger spear held out before her. She focused her strength and agility entirely on this moment. She skewered vampires left and right, keeping a mental count as she destroyed one after another. Fitzwilliam stood back and fired bolts from his crossbow. As a vampire leapt at her and exploded from impact of one of Fitzwilliam's bolts, Lizzy smiled at him appreciatively.
Giles also stayed back and shot into the mass of demons before them. His aim was quite impressive. Bingley covered the two marksmen, protecting them so that they could concentrate on their efforts.
Darcy rushed in behind Lizzy with his sword drawn. Over the heads of the other demons, he spied his cousin. He yelled to Lizzy, "Anne is there!" and pointed her in the right direction. He worked vigilantly to help her reach Anne De Bourgh. Anne was standing on the verandah, directing vampires in the defense of Purvis Lodge.
Lizzy turned and kicked the legs out from under a vampire who was giving Darcy problems. She stabbed downward with her Tiger spear and jerked it back up quickly from the dust pile. She leapt at another vampire and beat it about the head and shoulders until it was stunned. Then she again used the spear. Her count of destroyed vampires had gone past fifteen. She ducked as a strong vampire swung a sword at her head. Crouched down, she ran against the vampire and knocked it to the ground. She leapt on it and struggled with it for several minutes. Suddenly, Darcy beheaded the vampire. Lizzy thanked him breathlessly and leapt up to fight another. They seemed to come at her without end.
Finally, she and Darcy found themselves making real progress. They were nearly to the verandah when Mr. Collins called out to Lizzy, shouting a spell. She froze in place as she stared at him. One of Fitzwilliam's well-aimed bolts caught Collins in the throat. His spell was broken. The Colonel ran forward and shot Collins again and again. He shouted to his cousin, "Now I KNOW I got him!" Collins fell to the ground, dead at long last.
Lizzy advanced on Anne De Bourgh. The vampire female leapt over the wall of the verandah and faced the Slayer. She hissed loudly as she swung a heavy club at Lizzy. Her first swing was so fast that it caught Lizzy off guard. With a grunt of pain, Lizzy fell to the ground. Anne advanced. Lizzy sprung to her feet. Again, Anne swung her club. Lizzy ducked and struck out with her spear. Anne dodged, but Lizzy caught Anne in the shoulder, gashing her badly.
From the attic window, Lady Catherine saw the melee below. She began to chant. Her swarm of birds was transformed into a pack of wolves. They joined in the fray. The witch smiled in satisfaction as one leapt on Colonel Fitzwilliam. Her smile returned to her usual expression of disapproval as Bingley pulled a pistol from his coat and shot the wolf dead. He helped Fitzwilliam pull out from beneath the beast. They resumed their efforts against the vampires, wary of the many wolves that now circled about the area.
Feeling overmatched, Anne turned and fled as a wolf leapt at Lizzy. Anne began to run away from the Slayer. She wanted to return to the safety she found when she stood at the side of The Master.
Lizzy held off the wolf with her spear. She then pulled her sword, dropped the spear, and killed the wolf. Looking towards the lodge, she saw that Anne had reached the entrance. Quickly, Lizzy knelt and grabbed a stake from the pouch on her leg. As Darcy had taught her on her very first night of training, she smoothly threw the stake, still kneeling.
A high-pitched shriek was heard as Anne De Bourgh disappeared into a cloud of dust.
All around them, confused vampires turned and ran. Lizzy turned to Darcy and said, "I don't believe it! Spike told the truth!"
Darcy looked at her in surprise. He said, "I believe it. Didn't you see his face when he said that Angel had questioned his fledgling? Murderous rage. He wants Angelus dead… even if it means helping us."
Lizzy nodded and said, "Then let's go up to the attics. It is time to free our sisters." They entered Purvis Lodge, closing the wolves and the scattered vampires out behind them. Inside the entrance, there was a gaping opening leading down to the dark tunnels beneath the lodge. Off to the right, the door to the stairwell was blocked with a very large boulder. Lizzy put her weapons up for a moment and pushed at the boulder with all her might. It fell away from the doorway with a loud crash. One by one, they went through the opening and up the stairs.