Jump to new as of July 4, 2000
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Jump to new as of July 28, 2000
Prologue
The coach slowly made its way down the muddy road. Inside was a young girl and her father. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was her name and she was only 12. She was accompanying her father on one of his business trips to London and they were traveling post. No other passengers shared this particular journey with them for very few people made the trip to London during that time of year.
Suddenly, the coach stopped and the dim sound of scuffling accompanied by a loud thud could be heard outside.
"What is it, Papa?" Elizabeth asked her father searchingly and with large questioning eyes.
"I do not know. Stay here, Lizzy." replied her father.
Elizabeth could hear muffled talking going on outside the coach. Mr. Bennet was reaching his hand for the door to find out what was happening when the door was roughly thrust open! The outline of a tough looking, burley highwayman in a mask with slits for eyes blocked the light from the suddenly opened doorway. Elizabeth cringed into the corner of the coach, her eyes wide with fear.
"Jim! Tom!" gruffly shouted the Highwayman. "Lookey wot we got 'ere!"
He grabbed Mr. Bennet, who was much smaller than the robber, and gave him a rather nasty knock on the head with his club.
Elizabeth cried out, but the Highwayman clapped his hand over her mouth and roughly 'helped' her out of the coach. Once outside she saw her father sitting on the ground holding his head. He was being closely guarded by two other robbers. The driver was lying on the ground out cold with a bloody lump on his head.
The first robber proceeded to ransack the coach in search of booty. His efforts were rewarded with only a small bag of money. He roughly tossed the bag to one of his partners and headed toward the terrified passengers, intent on stripping them of all their valuables.
With a leering face he grabbed a red garnet necklace around Elizabeth's neck and was about to rip it off when suddenly, the sound of galloping interrupted his reverie. He dropped the necklace and spun around just as man dressed all in black and mounted on a black steed came into view.
"How dare you rob innocent people!" the man in black cried out. He too had a mask, but it wasn't sinister or crude like the robbers. (The 'Zorro' look).
"Release them at one!" he ordered fearlessly as he brandished a fencing sword which had previously hung at his side.
The head robber laughed a short, derisive laugh. "Boys, why don't you teach this man some manners?" he jeered.
With a grunt, the two other henchmen armed with a knife and club were upon the man in black.
A nasty fight ensued during which the man in black walloped the first over the head with his sword handle and quickly felled the second by a nasty blow to his nose, leaving him senseless.
Sadly, the man in black was not unscathed for he had several bruises, a deep cut on his wrist and an ugly gash on his forehead.
The head robber turned and ran, but the man in black quickly grabbed a stone, threw it and hit him squarely in the back of his head.
Without a word, he tied up the men securely and did his best to help Mr. Bennet and the driver. The two men were recovered well enough to bring the coach to the nearest village.
"They both should see a doctor as soon as can be," he told Elizabeth. "And report these three ruffians to the Militia. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"We're forever indebted to you, Mr. ...?" whispered Elizabeth.
"You may call me the 'Black Mask'" replied the man with a laugh, and he helped the girl to her feet and into the coach. "The pleasure is mine," he said with a smile on his face as he mounted his horse and rode off.
This incident was forever remembered by Elizabeth and she often wistfully thought of the 'Black Mask' and his heroic deed done for her and her father.
Chapter One
Eight years later (after prologue)...
Darcy looked up from his newspaper. The headline was "The Black Mask Captures Two Bank Robbers! (and it continued), Citizens are eternally grateful!"
Bingley strode into the room, "Well Darcy, are you ready to attend to the ball in Meryton?"
"You know how I detest balls, Bingley," Darcy replied, making a face.
"Surely even you must take a rest sometimes!"
"Very true but these are bad times. I cannot take risks."
"Come now, Darcy! Fitzwilliam your cousin will be there and I'm sure you can take care of anything that might happen."
"Very well, Charles, I will go. But if anything happens..."
"Do not worry, Darcy. I am positive that you will be glad you went." Then, as Bingley glanced down at the newspaper he grinned and said: "What would we do without our 'Black Mask', eh?"
The party that entered the ballroom was small. It consisted of four people: Mr. Bingley, his sister Caroline Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam. They were greeted cordially by Sir William Lucas. People began whispering excitedly because the word had just been spread that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy was the owner of a great estate in Derbyshire; Bingley's wealth of five thousand pounds was nothing compared to his - ten thousand a year at least!
Mrs. Bennet was particularly excited over Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy's wealth and greeted them with as much warmth as she could muster. She already hoped that one of the gentlemen would marry one of her daughters. She thought that she had very good reason to hope for the first thing that Mr. Bingley did upon entering the room was claim Miss Jane Bennet for the first two dances. The Colonel was soon similarly engaged with Miss Charlotte Lucas. Darcy would not dance and he had a bad feeling that he should not have come. No matter how much Bingley and Fitzwilliam tried to get him to dance they could not upon him
After about a-half-an-hour of wandering around the room, Darcy overheard a group of young men talking loudly and enthusiastically...
"Did you read the newspaper this morning?" Robert Thornton, the tallest of the group, asked his companions, who looked like they where in-between the ages sixteen to nineteen.
"Oh yes! The Back Mask fought for justice again!"
"Black Mask Captures Two Bank Robbers. Citizens Eternally Grateful." One young man named Thomas Gilbert quoted.
"Ha! I don't think this Black Mask thing is so big! Why he might be a bandit himself! I don't understand why he is so very special." Hubert Lucas cried defiantly. His companions shot him venomous glares.
"What are you talking about!?!" Robert Thornton , Jr. almost shouted, "He's a public hero!"
"Of course we don't know who he is. His cover would be vanquished." Thomas Gilbert said angrily.
"Yes! That's what he's worried about! If everyone found out who he really is then they would see what a fraud he is and then no one would care about him." Hubert said defiantly.
Thornton rose to his full height, eyes ablaze.
"If you speak one more word against Black Mask then I will knock you senseless!" He growled.
Hubert was slightly taken aback for Robert Thornton was a very large person and much taller than himself.
"But you must admit that it is odd that no one knows who he is." Edward Jones, who had been the first one to answer Thornton's question, said solemnly.
"Maybe his face is horribly disfigured. If he isn't a fraud then he must be fatally disfigured because -" but Hubert stopped as he saw Thornton step towards him menacingly.
"Perhaps," Gilbert said.
"I think he's probably a fugitive -- from France perhaps. All of the best fencers are from France. And if he is a fugitive then that would explain why he wears a mask." Edward said.
"No, you're wrong. All of the best fencers come from Spain. Therefore he is Spanish." Hubert argued (who had always wanted to visit Spain).
"No, he is French." Edward insisted.
"Spanish."
"French."
"No, that's a lie! He is Spanish!" Hubert cried. There would have been a nasty brawl if Gilbert had not stepped between them.
"No listen, we have not even decided if he is a fugitive or not, so there is no point in fighting - yet." He said.
"I think he is Italian! They are always are such passionate people. I always cry at the end of their operas." Robert Thornton said enthusiastically.
Hubert snickered and said: "Robert Thornton, you cry at the end of Italian operas?"
Everyone broke into laughter and Robert turned a deep shade of red. He raised his fist and definitely would have carried out his threat to Hubert if Thomas Gilbert and Edward had not held him back.
"You are right, Robert." Edward agreed after this small scuffle. "Perhaps he used to live in Rome."
"Rome!" Robert cried.
"Rome," Gilbert said dreamily.
"No - I've changed my mind. He must be Scottish! They always were such hotheaded people and brave warriors. Think of all the wars they have started!" Edward said.
"Yes, he must be Scottish! You all know how proud I am of my Scottish heritage. Perhaps I may even be related to him!" Gilbert cried. Edward shot him a very jealous look.
"No, he cannot be Scottish if Thomas is Scottish. He must be from Wales; they are fierce fighters too!"
Darcy, who had tried to restrain his laughter (from the idea that The Black Mask lived and Rome), believed that if he listened any longer then he would break out in laughter and then the small party of young men would all jump on him. So he turned and walked straight into Miss Elisabeth Bennet.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy?" She asked politely as she quickly curtseyed.
"Excuse me, I need something to drink." He answered, nearly exploding with laughter.
After he had drunk a glass of wine he felt a little better. An hour later Darcy, who was very bored by that time, decided to ask someone to dance. After all, nothing had happened yet had it?
He scanned the ballroom, looking for a partner, when his eyes met with Miss Elisabeth's. He stared at her, for she looked vaguely familiar. "I've seen her somewhere before..." Darcy thought, "But where?"
His thoughts where interrupted when a man suddenly arrived with a mysterious letter for him.
He quickly dismissed the messenger and frowning, began to read the letter. Darcy didn't seem to notice that everyone in the ballroom was staring at him. Bingley was giving him a questioning look. Darcy looked at him and nodded. Charles whispered a few things to Jane Bennet and then moved away from her. He cleared his throat and announced to the assembly:
"Mr. Darcy, the Colonel and I need to leave on a matter of urgent business. We shall return in a few hours. My sister Caroline will remain in your company until our return. It is nothing serious, yet cannot be delayed. We beg your pardons." Col. Fitzwilliam, taking the hint, strode over to Darcy and they left the assembly with Bingley.
After the gentlemen had departed, the ballroom began to buzz. Everyone was very excited by the arrival of the mysterious messenger. Even stranger was urgent 'business' of Mr. Bingley and his two companions. The dancing and music, which had stopped upon the arrival of the messenger, started up again. People again began to dance but in a distracted way.
Some time later when the assembly was just beginning to break up, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam returned. People gasped at the sight of them. Charles Bingley had a bleeding nose that might even be broken, a black eye, a bandage around his head and was walking with a slight limp. Colonel Fitzwilliam had a swollen lip, and his left-hand wrapped up in gauze. They both had several various bruises and were very disheveled looking.
"My dear Mr. Bingley! Colonel! What every has happened to you?" Sir William cried.
Bingley answered (sounding like he had a plugged up nose), "We were attacked by highway men. Mr. Darcy is not in - ahem - a suitable condition to come here at present. The Colonel and I returned to take Caroline home and keep our word that we would be back."
"Oh how very frightful!" Sir William cried just as one of the elder ladies began to faint.
"Oh Mama are you all right?" Jane Bennet cried, rushing to her mother's side.
"Perhaps it would be best if you removed yourselves from the ballroom ... some of the ladies present cannot stand the sight of blood." Sir William said, pulling them towards the door. "Do you need any assistance?" Charles blew his nose on a handkerchief and Sir William turned a little green.
"No, no, no! We can manage fine by ourselves. Thank you for your hospitality. Please apologize to the assembly for us. Come Caroline," Bingley said and they left the room.
The morning paper surprised several people, but it did not shock them. The headlines were: Seven bandits found lying senseless on the road near Meryton. Several have been identified as local thieves. Perhaps the Black Mask has helped us again. Mr. Bennet's eyebrows rose as he read the newspaper.
"What is it Papa?" Elizabeth asked he father.
"Seven bandits were captured last night. The authorities think that the Black Mask had something to do with this." This time Elizabeth's eyebrows rose.
"Jane - do you think that perhaps it was Black Mask who helped Mr. Bingley and his friends last night? He might have sworn them to secrecy for he did not want them to tell that he's helped them."
"It might be." Jane said thoughtfully.
"What happened to Mr. Bingley?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"You remember when Mama fainted last night?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes I do," he chuckled.
"Well, you also know how Mama gets very ill at the sight of blood?"
"Of course, but she does not usually faint."
"Mr. Bingley and his two friends left on urgent business in the middle of the ball last night. Near the end of the festivities, Mr. Bingley and the Colonel returned looking as if they had been in a brawl!"
"They had cuts and bruises all over them! It was horrible!" Jane shivered.
"Indeed? Why did they even enter the ballroom?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"Mr. Bingley had said that he would return. He needed to claim his sister, Caroline. He also mentioned wanting to keep his word. He had announced earlier that they would all return before the ball ended. " Elizabeth explained.
"Well what happened to Darcy?"
"They said that he was ... indisposed, Papa." Elizabeth stammered.
"Then he must have gotten the worst of the trio." Mr. Bennet thoughtfully. "This may indeed have something to do with the Black Mask ..."
Lydia then spoke up. "Kitty and I are going into Meryton after breakfast. Perhaps you would like to accompany us?" She asked, addressing her two eldest sisters. "We are hoping that we shall catch a glimpse of Colonel Fitzwilliam if he rides into town - maybe on more of his urgent business. Doesn't he look dashing in his red coat? Oh how I love a red coat! He looked to very heroic at the ball." Lydia sighed.
"I suppose I will go. There may be more news of the Black Mask." Elizabeth said thoughtfully.
"You always are talking of the Black Mask! I wish you would get your head out of the clouds and pay attention to some of the nice young men around here. The Black Mask certainly isn't interested in you so you needn't dream about him." Mrs. Bennet complained and Elizabeth blushed.
"I will go if Lizzy goes," Jane said. "But I do not wish to catch a glimpse of the Colonel."
"But she wouldn't mind meeting Mr. Bingley!" Lydia teased and it was Jane's turn to blush.
"And I suppose Mary won't go. She never does." Kitty said.
"What do you mean I don't want to come?" Mary said, looking up from her book angrily. "Do you think I like to stay shut up inside all day long with a tiresome book? I think not! Of course I shall walk towards Meryton with you."
So it was settled. After breakfast they all walked to Meryton. Lydia and Kitty, forgetting Colonel Fitzwilliam, rushed into a shop. Mary followed Elizabeth and Jane until they came to the library, which she entered and probably wouldn't come out of for some time. Ten minutes after arriving in Meryton, Jane and Elizabeth were deserted by their sisters.
"Oh look!" Elizabeth said. "Mr. Bingley is here in town and so is the Colonel! What a pity that Lydia and Kitty will most likely miss him."
"Someone else is with him," Jane said, squinting from the bright sunlight as she tried to see who it was. "It's Mr. Darcy!"
"Mr. Darcy? What would he be doing here?" Elizabeth asked and then gasped: "Oh my! Look at him, the poor man!"
Mr. Darcy was indeed a sight to be seen. He had definitely, as Mr. Bennet had thought, gotten the worst of the fight. (Perhaps the delicate readers of this story would like to skip this paragraph and just go on to the next.) Mr. Darcy had his arm in a sling, a very bad limp and it was apparent that he had several bad bruises and cuts.
"What is he doing in town in this state?" Jane cried.
"Perhaps they are on more of their important business?" Elizabeth said feebly as the three men approached them.
"Jane, look! The man who delivered the message to them last night is with them! But now that I see him he does not look like a man - he looks more like a lad of sixteen. You know Jane, I think it very odd the way that he entered the ballroom without being introduced and then left just as suddenly as he came? Perhaps he sneaked in for surely the servants would have seen him and at least announced him."
"What puzzles me the most is why they are even in town and not at home resting. Just look at Mr. Darcy! No wonder that he didn't return to the assembly last night." Jane said and then blushed, "I do believe we are staring, Lizzy. It would be best if we turned the other direction." But the gentlemen were already there.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! How do you find yourselves today?" Mr. Bingley said cheerfully.
"Very well thank you. How are you faring?" Jane asked, very concerned.
"Oh, it's just the usual routine. I've been in worse conditions then this. You know I was once -" but Bingley was cut off as Darcy said quickly:
"How are you faring, Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"I beg your pardon?" Elizabeth asked, as Darcy's question had been almost unintelligible.
"How-are-you-faring-today, Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" he said very slowly, as though talking distinctly gave him pain. Darcy began to sway a little on his horse, but the Colonel supported him in his seat.
"Fine. Are you sure you are quite all right, Mr. Darcy? Perhaps you should be getting back to Netherfield." He coughed a rather hacking cough.
"As a matter of fact, I am feeling horrible. But we had more business to attend to this morning." Darcy seemed to be having a hard time talking since his lower lip was swollen.
"I think we had better be going." Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "Good day to you."
"Good day," Bingley said. Darcy, who was in danger of passing out, did not say good-bye. In fact he looked almost asleep. Bingley however shook him a little and he croaked a feeble: Good-bye and then they turned their horses and were on their way back to Netherfield.
Chapter Two
Darcy groaned as he got out of bed. It would be weeks, he supposed, before he would be in top condition again. 'Perhaps I ought to return to Pemberley?' he thought, 'Bingley and the Colonel could surely take care of business while I am not here ...But no, it would be much easier if I took care of everything myself. After all, it would be very hard to send messages all of the way to Pemberley. I wouldn't be able to be back in time.' He sighed and started to dress.
It took two weeks for Darcy to recover enough to go into Meryton again. He still was not his old self, but he was the kind of fellow who rarely gets ill and if he does, easily recovers from it. He recovered just in time for a party held at Lucas Lodge. Bingley, again, convinced him to go. For, he said, people would be wondering how you are doing and it would be best to show yourself again in society rather then having people coming here to call.
"But," Darcy objected, "There may be enemies at the party. They will see that I am up and around again and may begin to plot against me again."
"Must you always be such a pessimist, Darcy?" Bingley cried. "That has never happened before and I do not see why it would happen now."
Reluctantly Darcy admitted that Bingley's idea was by far the best. So, at the night of the party he accompanied Mr. Bingley, his sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam to the party held at Lucas Lodge.
As they entered the room, Darcy was greeted with much sympathy by everyone present. They had all been wondering how he was faring. Colonel Fitzwilliam was attacked by Lydia and Kitty Bennet as soon as he entered the room. The very annoyed Col. tried his very best to escape their clutches, but to no avail. Bingley immediately began talking with Jane Bennet. After people greeted him, Darcy stood in a corner observing the party, quite alone.
Lydia Bennet loved to dance and so soon after the party began she forced Mary to play a country-dance. She was sorely disappointed when the Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Charlotte Lucas to dance instead of her, but was soon happy again since her favorite officer, Denny, claimed her hand. Soon several people were dancing and everyone was enjoying themselves immensely.
Sir William, noticing that Darcy was standing alone in a corner and not taking part in any of the festivities, came over to encourage him to dance.
"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! This is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies." Sir William said.
"Certainly, sir! It has the advantage of also being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance." Sir William only smiled.
"Your friend performs delightfully," he continued after a pause on seeing Bingley join the group. "And I doubt not that you are adept in the science yourself. Do you like to dance also, Mr. Darcy?"
"Of course," Darcy mumbled. "If I have the time and opportunity to do so."
"Look! There is Miss Elizabeth standing alone. Why don't you ask her to dance?" Sir William suddenly suggested. "For you have plenty of time this evening, and who could object to such a partner?"
Darcy turned and looked at Miss Elizabeth, who was standing near them. She was watching her friend Charlotte dance with the Colonel and then watched Jane and Bingley dancing. She had very pretty eyes, Darcy thought. And he still could not shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. He shook his head. He could not let himself think of a woman - he was far too busy to be involved in a romance. So he answered...
"She is tolerable, I suppose. But she is not handsome enough to tempt me." Sir William was quite taken aback.
"I beg your pardon?" But Darcy did not answer since the dance was finished and everyone was clapping.
He stood in silence for a moment until Elizabeth passed by him, throwing him a cold glare as she walked over to Jane and Charlotte. Had she overheard those rash words? He stirred uneasily as he heard laughter. They were laughing at him!
On the way back to Netherfield, Darcy remembered the words he had said. Should he have really said them? But he shrugged, trying to push it out of his mind.
Darcy had many things to do and plan. Bingley and Col. Fitzwilliam, therefore, were very shocked when he said that he agreed to dine with them and the officers at Meryton that night. His real plan, of course, was not to go to Meryton at all, rather to go about his secret business.
"I do declare," Col. Fitzwilliam said when he heard the real reason for his going, "That you are a genius Darcy. Are you sure that you will arrive at Netherfield in time?"
"Positive. Don't worry about me, and have a good time." He answered.
"Very well. Goodbye Darcy."
So Bingley and the Col. got into their carriage and drove out of sight, while Darcy disappeared into a corner and was not seen by anyone as he took out a black mask...
Chapter Three
Darcy returned a few hours later, with a scratch or two but nothing else. He had not long to wait before Bingley's carriage pulled up. As the Col. and Bingley got out and walked back, they where joined by Fitzwilliam, who had stealthily crept up behind them.
"You are late." He said.
The two other gentlemen jumped at the sound of his voice but soon calmed down.
"Yes, we lost track of time. It was a splendid dinner. I hope we didn't keep you waiting, Darcy?" Bingley answered.
"Not for long. I've picked up a few new leads, so I will need to have a word with you both tonight. I have reason to believe that Wickham is on my trail, and we might need to give a visit to Pemberley soon."
"That is bad news indeed, Fitzwilliam. I hope that we don't need to leave very soon?" the Colonel asked.
"It depends."
They had now reached the front door and were greeted by Caroline.
"I'm afraid that we have a visitor." She said, as they walked into the parlor.
"Who?"
"Miss Bennet. I invited her for dinner and she caught a cold on the way here. I hope you don't mind Charles, if she stays the night."
"Mind? Of course not! Indeed, she must stay here until she is well. We have more than enough room."
"Very well. I feel rather tired, if you don't mind, I will return to my bedchamber."
"Of course I don't mind. Goodnight, Caroline."
After she left, Darcy said, "I think now would be a good time to have that talk. My study will be the safest place."
So they walked off, following Fitzwilliam's course down to his study.
The next morning Darcy was not at the breakfast room, as Miss Bingley commented. Mr. Bingley said that Darcy had little sleep that night and was resting.
Darcy did not get up until 10:00 a.m., and after a light breakfast decided to go for a walk on Netherfield's grounds (and perhaps a small journey to Meryton). You can imagine his astonishment when he saw Elizabeth Bennet making her way to the house!
"Miss Bennet, whatever are you doing here?"
"I have come from Longbourn to see my sister."
"On foot?" He asked, sounding rather amused.
She nodded.
"May I escort you back?"
"No thank you, I would rather go by myself."
So she walked off, leaving Darcy standing there, his eyes following her. Then he sighed and made his way to Meryton.
At Meryton, he strolled down main street, occasionally buying a thing or two. As he walked, Darcy kept an alert watch to make sure no one was following him. Suddenly he froze, made a hasty purchase and walked down a deserted alley, far away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street. A few people stared has he entered the alleyway, for what ever would a gentleman like Darcy be doing there? But none of these people noticed a dark shadow following him.
Darcy knew someone was following. The reason for him to leave Main Street was because of all the passersby. Here he could deal with his assailant in peace. He could hear footsteps other than his own following him. They stopped when he stopped. They moved when he moved -- and slowly they gained on him! Darcy kept on walking, until-- he whirled around, catching his opponent by surprise and overthrowing him! The man who was following him was a swarthy one, short and muscular. Darcy pulled a sword out of his cloak, and pointed it at him.
"Get up!" He commanded.
The man obeyed.
"Dickson, what a pleasure it is to see you."
"Darcy." Dickson muttered.
"Well it is a pleasure that I could well forgo. Go back to your master. And remember, next time, I may not be so merciful."
The man turned and ran away.
When Darcy returned to the house, Caroline seemed annoyed, but the Col. and Bingley were rather cheerful.
"Where is Miss Bennet and her sister?" He inquired.
"Up in the spare room, you know, on the third corridor. Miss Bennet is staying there until she is well. Her sister will remain with her for the duration of her illness. I have sent a carriage to Longbourn for her clothes." Bingley answered.
Darcy coughed, "Ahem, Edward (Col. Fitzwilliam's first name), Bingley, if you need me I will be in my study. "
After this short speech he retired from the room.
Chapter Four
Elizabeth had stayed at Netherfield for six days. Jane was so much recovered that she hoped to leave with her to Longbourn tomorrow. She had had the most peculiar stay. Mr. Bingley and Col. Fitzwilliam seemed normal, but Mr. Darcy... Elizabeth shook her head. Mr. Darcy was hardly ever in the house and when he was, he stayed shut up in the library or the study. Once he went to and fro from the house and outside nearly five times, coming back to Netherfield at ten o'clock at night. Now, at nine o'clock at night, she was very tired and about to go to bed when she heard a noise from outside. Looking out the window she noticed someone saddling up a horse. It was Mr. Darcy!
What is he doing? she wondered.
Suddenly an idea struck her -- it was a very crazy one, and dangerous. She decided to follow him! She opened her window and looked down. It wasn't too far to the ground as she was only on the second floor. So she slipped out of the window and began climb down a trellis used for vines. Fortunately, Elizabeth had much climbing experience for she did it often when she was younger. After a few minutes, she jumped gracefully onto the ground. She managed to see a fleeing glimpse of Mr. Darcy, riding out into the night.
Fitzwilliam was on his nightly round, which hopefully would be the last for tonight. He needed to be on patrol, for many robbers and highwaymen would pillage the countryside at night.
And perhaps even my enemies, he mused.
He didn't think that there would be much excitement tonight, so he felt he needn't ask for Bingley or Col. Fitzwilliam to accompany him.
Suddenly a scream pierced the silence of the night.
That sounded like Elizabeth Bennet!
He wheeled his horse around, and followed the sound. He had not far to go.
There was a small company of men right in front of him, a few of whom carried torches. They evidently saw him, and the sound of a musket being fired echoed in the night. The shot missed him by a few feet -- they couldn't see him very well due to the darkness of the night and his black clothing. But Fitzwilliam could. He could just make out the figure of Elizabeth Bennet, slumped on the ground. Whether she was dead or alive he could not tell. Darcy jumped off his horse and grabbing a pistol from the saddle, shot a signal flare in the air, hoping that Bingley or the Colonel would see it. Two more shots whizzed through the air, and Darcy's horse neighed and in terror galloped off to Netherfield. Unsheathing his sword, he approached the company of men, keeping a careful distance.
He heard a sharp command from what looked like the leader of the group, and three men departed from the main company and headed his way. One of the men Darcy instantly recognized as Dickson! One, then two shots from a pistol headed Darcy's way. He dodged them both, and barely avoided a third. Meanwhile two more men joined Dickson and the others, and one carried a torch. Two men reloaded their weapons while the others advanced on Darcy. A small battle thereby followed. Darcy, avoiding musket shots and slashing here and there, while the bandits armed with knives and guns fought back. He managed to take out one before help arrived.
"Darcy, we are here to help!" came the voice of Col. Fitzwilliam. "We happened to see your signal flare!"
"It's about time! Come over here and give me a hand! And watch out for musket balls!"
With help, Darcy managed to drive off the attackers. They therefore fled leaving the four behind who hadn't participated in the battle. Darcy and the others advanced upon them, and would have overpowered them if the leader of the group hadn't grabbed Elizabeth and pressed a pistol against her ear.
"Stop or I'll shoot!" he yelled.
His opponents obediently stopped.
"Lay down you weapons!"
They each laid down their swords.
"Step into the light!"
Darcy meanwhile had been secretly fingering a small, one shot gun concealed in his sleeve. It happened very quickly, there was a faint bang, and the man holding the gun was suddenly holding his hand, howling in agony. Darcy delivered a karate-type chop blow on the head to the man nearest to him, who immediately slumped to the ground. Bingley and the Col. had already taken out another man, while the remaining two fled, dropping Elisabeth.
Bingley paused to wipe the sweat off of his brow, and examine a few minor injuries.
"Well, we know for one thing that they have definitely detected our presence here. Perhaps we should move?"
"No." Darcy answered flatly. "They will follow us. But we will need to make a trip to Pemberley soon."
"Well, at least we drove them off. Pity that Wickham escaped though. We had better take Miss Bennet to a doctor. She looks positively ghastly." Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
"I agree, Edward. And we had better get going before anyone sees us."
"Uhhh." Elizabeth groaned, as she attempted to rise but fell down again.
Darcy strode over and picked her up. "Don't worry, we will get you to a doctor very soon."
"The Black Mask?" Elizabeth asked before drifting back to unconsciousness.
Chapter Five
Fortunately, the Bennets are known to have a hearty constitution. Elizabeth especially exhibited this trait, which she had inherited from her father, and therefore recovery from her head injury was quick. After two days, both Bennet girls were in good condition and more than able to return to Longbourn. It was fortunate that they returned when they did.
During the meal that evening, Mr. Bennet produced a letter from their cousin, Mr. Collins, informing them that he would be arriving at Longbourn the next day. The family received this information with great interest, especially Mrs. Bennet, as it had been hinted in Mr. Collins' letter that he wished to 'make amends' to her daughters.
The next day, Mr. Collins arrived safely at Longbourn. His arrival wasn't a very grand one, for he had been traveling post and looked rather disheveled. Mr. Collins was around six feet, and heavyset. He was received with much politeness and took a rest until dinnertime. At dinner, Mr. Bennet was very silent as he surveyed his guest with a critical eye -- Elizabeth could tell that he disliked Mr. Collins from the start. But Mr. Bennet showed no such feelings in his manner, and started up a few polite conversations with his guest. Mr. Collins too, was watching Mr. Bennet very closely, while at the same time making small talk. Elizabeth didn't like the way he looked at her father. Mr. Collin's eyes showed hate and distrust, but no one else noticed except perhaps Mr. Bennet himself.
Soon Mr. Collins stopped constantly glancing at Mr. Bennet, and was full of talk about his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her grand house, the great cost of her chandeliers and many more subjects on this vein. Soon it was time for everyone to retire for it had been a long night.
Before retiring to sleep, Elizabeth and Jane, who shared a special bond of sisterly affection, regularly made arrangements for late night chats. On this particular night, their meeting was to be in Jane's room. Elizabeth donned her sleeping apparel and was just opening her bedroom door enroute to her sister's chamber when she saw Mr. Collins leave his bedchamber and creep stealthily down the stairs.
Perhaps to get a drink of water? She wondered...
Elizabeth waited for the houseguest to descend the stairs before quietly running down the hall, entering her sister's bedchamber and flopping down on the bed beside Jane.
Meanwhile back at Netherfield...
Two young men were comfortably lounging by a fire in Charles Bingley's study at Netherfield. One sat in a chair fondling a cold pipe and idly glancing at a rather large volume of Shakespeare. The second, the tallest of the two, was stretched out comfortably on the sofa with his head resting on pillows and heavy-lidded eyes staring lazily into the fire.
The bored gaze of the gentleman in the chair moved from the large tome on his lap to his companion on the couch. His brows knitted with concern and he chewed his pipe thoughtfully, as if deciding what to say or whether he should say anything at all. When the gentleman on the couch let out an almost inaudible sigh, the silence was broken. Putting down his pipe, he looked resolutely at his friend and said,
"Darcy, you need a few days rest. Even if you are busy saving England and everything, you need a rest."
Darcy jerked as if startled out of a dream, glanced up at Col. Fitzwilliam and answered lazily, "Well, you know that I need to make a trip to Meryton today -- but I think a rest would be fine. Still, we may need to make a trip to Pemberley..." his voice trailed off as he stretched and resumed his sleepy observation of the crackling fire.
Unbeknownst to the first two, a third gentleman had quietly entered the room. He quickly took in the scene and said,
"Darcy, I think a trip to Pemberley would be most agreeable. How about next week?"
Smiling and finally breaking his gaze with the fireplace, the gentleman on the couch sat up, scratching his head and yawning.
"It would be better to go on Saturday, Bingley." Darcy answered, "After the Netherfield ball. But I had better go now. It's already one and Samuel will be waiting."
"Fine. Have a quick bite to eat first and some tea. Should the Col. and I go with you?"
"Yes, it would attract less attention if we went together. We will be meeting Samuel in the teashop at the square. We can have a bite there."
At Meryton...
Comfortably situated in a teashop, three inconspicuous gentlemen sipped hot tea and ate scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. The matron was noisily bustling around refilling teapots and checking on the general well being of her customers. Apparently satisfied with her work and noticing that only the three gentlemen remained in the dining room, she bustled into the kitchen. An older gentleman, perhaps the woman's husband, entered the dining room. He carried a tray with the intent of cleaning the vacant tables. While removing cups and plates from the table next to the gentlemen, he began speaking to the tallest of the three in a low, almost inaudible voice.
"Fitzwilliam," he almost sighed, "Brenton has arrived. Georgiana has just received word from one of our spies. I received the information from her just before leaving for our meeting today."
"Where is he staying, Samuel?" asked Darcy, his faced creased with concern.
"At the Bennets house. But why he's there we don't know."
"What word of Wickham?"
"I personally have not seen him, Sir. But he is here we are sure."
"Very well. Keep an eye out for him." Darcy answered. "And watch Brenton closely."
Samuel nodded and then left Darcy and his companions, carrying a tray laden with dirty tableware into the kitchen.
The gentlemen paid their bill and left the shop. As they where turning back in the direction of Netherfield, the Col. grabbed Darcy's arm suddenly and said in an alarmed whisper, "Darcy, Bingley, there he is!"
"Who?"
"Wickham! He's talking to the Bennets. And Brenton is with him!"
Chapter Six
"Well, well. He has decided to show himself. We should go back to Netherfield as we need not have a conversation with him," Darcy said.
"Well Fitz, I would like to speak with the Bennet girls. They are so pleasant and I would like to just say hello, you know ..." Bingley said. Darcy rolled his eyes and said,
"Then you and Edward may stay and greet the Bennet women. I will notify Samuel and William that Wickham has arrived in town. I will probably have William take a message back to Pemberley."
Darcy rode off after sending a black look at Wickham. Bingley and the Colonel joined the Bennets to say hello.
Meanwhile, Wickham and Collins were glaring at each other. This did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth. She had also seen Mr. Darcy's dark look and at whom it was directed. Mr. Wickham, at the sight of Mr. Darcy, had turned a dark shade of red. She did not know the reason why Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham disliked each other so. She was determined to find the cause. Her first impressions of Mr. Wickham were entirely positive and she felt their apparent distaste for one another was probably Mr. Darcy's fault.
When Mr. Bingley and the Colonel had said their good-byes and left the party, Lydia quickly invited Mr. Wickham to a party to be held at their Aunt Phillips that evening. Since their friends Denny and Carter were planning to attend, she felt free to extend an invitation to their new acquaintance. Mr. Wickham graciously accepted the offer and plans were made for their later meeting before parting company and returning home.
Later that evening at their Aunt Phillip's, Mr. Collins continued paying his attentions to Elizabeth. She finally escaped when he was asked to sit down and play a game of whist with her Aunt. It was during this time that Mr. Wickham took the opportunity to speak with her...
"Have you know Mr. Darcy for very long?"
"Well, for about a month," was Elizabeth's reply to the rather strange question.
"I have known him all of my life. We played together as children."
"But, I do not see how..."
"Yes, you have every right to be surprised. No doubt, you noticed the cold greeting we gave one another on the street this afternoon. You see, my father was Old Mr. Darcy's steward. After my father's early death Mr. Darcy provided for me, caring and loving me, I believe. He intended me for the church. Unfortunately he died of a stroke before my wish could be fulfilled. A few days after his death, the young Mr. Darcy threw me out of the house. Clearly, he did not want to help me and refused to grant my and his father's wishes. I was not given the living I had wanted." Elizabeth's face showed signs of extreme angry.
"This is quite shocking! Surely he could not have sent you out of the house...." She cried, and Wickham said nothing. "I had not thought Mr. Darcy as bad as this." She shook her head.
"Miss Bennet, please, no pity. At present I have every reason to be cheerful. My situation in life is not so bad, and my fellow officers are excellent men. You see, Miss Bennet? I absolutely forbid you to feel sorry for me!" At that moment Lydia came up to them and begged Wickham for a dance, interrupting their conversation.
That night Elizabeth related the whole story to Jane, who refused to think so ill of Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth's opinion was however fixed: Mr. Darcy was one of the worst men on earth. There was nothing else to say.
A few days later, Mr. Bingley and his friends came over to Longbourn to invite the Bennets and their distinguished guest to a grand ball at Netherfield. This news, of course, was received with great joy - not the least of which, by Mrs. Bennet and her favorite daughter, Lydia.
At Netherfield...
The Ball had been progressing nicely. Everyone was in very high spirits and enjoying themselves immensely. Amongst the guests an interesting conversation was being held between Thomas Gilbert, Hubert Lucas, Edward Jones and Robert Thornton Jr.
"Elizabeth Bennet is the luckiest person I know!" Edward Jones cried.
Gilbert answered, "Yes, she has been rescued two times by The Black Mask!"
"It's not fair!" Robert Thornton cried out passionately, slamming his large fist into his palm.
"Maybe he has taken a liking to her!" Hubert Lucas said slyly.
"Huh?" Gilbert said.
"Perhaps the person who pays her the most attention at this ball tonight could be the Black Mask!" Edward said. The four looked at Collins shuddering, and then at Darcy, who was at the moment dancing with Elizabeth.
"Hmm...he's a tall, sturdy fellow..." Gilbert observed.
"Who, Mr. Darcy? The Black Mask? Impossible!" Robert cried.
"And the Black mask could never be..." Edward gulped, "Mr. C-collins, you know." The four shuddered again.
"No wait - listen! Mr. Darcy could be! You see, consider -" Gilbert would have continued but just then Elizabeth passed by them, as the dance had finished. They could hear her muttering: 'Insufferable man!'
"Lizzy! Come here. Now, we were all having a little debate you see, about the Black Mask..." Gilbert began.
"Really?' Elizabeth said, her countenance changing immediately.
"Now tell me, Lizzy, dearest cousin, what did the Black Mask look like? You were rescued twice and so you must have noticed what he looked like," Gilbert urged. The other three listened intently as she began her description with a dreamy look on her face.
"Well, he was tall with dark brown hair and beautiful brown eyes... he was so very handsome..." Hubert snickered, and Elizabeth shot him a look of pure poison. "It's true! He is a very handsome man!"
None of them were aware that Mr. Darcy was listening to every word spoken. 'Handsome, am I? Very handsome? Hmm...'
"Thank you, Lizzy. You can go now," Gilbert said, and Elizabeth walked off. Gilbert turned back to his companions. "You see what I mean? He hissed. "Mr. Darcy looks exactly like what she described! Just look!" All four turned their eyes onto Mr. Darcy, who quickly looked away.
"Well, I suppose he might possibly be the Black Mask..." Edward said doubtfully.
"Are you both insane? He is so rude and proud! I imagine the Black Mask very different," Robert cried.
"And Mr. Darcy is much too good looking. The Black Mask must at least have a smashed up nose..." Hubert said and the other three glared at him.
"Hubert Lucas, you little -" Robert began but Gilbert placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Take a deep breath. Count to ten and then you can beat him up if you still want to." Robert clenched his jaw.
"I'll do it after the ball...as the ladies might get upset..."
"Ah yes, and you don't want to upset the ladies..." Hubert said, grinning wickedly as Robert was trying to lunge at him, but Edward and Gilbert were holding him back with all of their strength.
"Don't make a scene in front of those ladies, Robert! Please!" Edward begged and Robert relaxed.
"We will settle this tonight, Hubert Lucas! You name the place and when!" Robert snarled.
"Excuse me, um, Thornton, Jones? I just remember that my, um sister needs me and I'll um, see you tomorrow! Cheerio!" Hubert squeaked and scurried off.
"Come back here you coward!" Robert roared.
"Robert, calm yourself. We are at a ball, you know," Gilbert hissed. "And anyway, if Mr. Darcy is the Black Mask, you wouldn't want him to think ill of you for being too hot tempered, would you?"
"Well, no..." Robert sighed. "But I still say you are both insane!" And the debate began again.
Darcy by this time could no longer contain his laughter and headed over to the table to find some wine. Unfortunately, in his haste, he bumped into Elizabeth Bennet, again.
"Umm...excuse me, madam, I--" and then he broke off into a fit of laughter.
"Mr. - Darcy?" Elizabeth said confusedly.
"I am sorry - it's just that -" but he could not finish.
"Did you have a little too much wine, Mr. Darcy? Do you need to sit down?" Elizabeth asked, looking very angry (if not a little shocked) as she gestured to a chair.
"No, I haven't had any wine all evening. But if you will excuse me, I think I need some," and Mr. Darcy hurried from the room, leaving a very vexed Elizabeth behind.