by Kate Speck
He quickly bowed as he straightened his hair with his fingers and took the only available seat next to Mrs. Annesley. “My apologies, everyone. I was indisposed this morning and I had heard just now that you were all here at Matlock House.”
“Are you wearing yesterday’s jacket, Darcy?” Lord Matlock asked, seeing the wrinkles on his clothes. “I had not realised you were here, nephew.”
Darcy coloured red, “I was out late and I... I did not have a chance to return home before taking a brief rest here, uncle. Please, do not let me interrupt your conversation. I believe Bingley was updating us on the source of the rumours.”
Bingley cleared his throat before continuing, “After what I had learned yesterday, I went home to interrogate my sister regarding where she had heard about Miss Bennet, or rather Miss Bennell’s history of compromise, and after much... coercion, she admitted that Lady Metcalfe’s daughter’s governess, a Miss Pope, had heard during a tea party, who told Miss Grantley who told several others during her own calls, and then Caroline had heard it from Mrs. Allens.”
“MRS. ALLENS?!” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed, “But she knows Lizzy! How could she spread such a thing about her?”
Bingley buried his face in mortification. “It seems that the name ‘Bennell’ was passed down but my sister attributed it to a mispronunciation by word of mouth and began to change it to ‘Bennet’ after I told her of Darcy’s courtship with Miss Elizabeth. Because of Miss Elizabeth’s injury, they had not been seen in public and Caroline decided on her own that Miss Bennet must have been Miss Bennell, and Miss Elizabeth, the younger sister involved in the scandal and began to pre-emptively start her own rumours.” He turned to Jane and Elizabeth. “I cannot apologise enough for what my sister began. She confessed that she related to Miss Grantley of her suspicions of the name change and that Darcy was getting involved with a disgraceful family. I do not know if Miss Grantley has spread it about to anyone else.”
Jane softly answered, “I understand the confusion and I do not place the blame on you, Mr. Bingley. I cannot think so ill of your sister that she had intentionally wished to misalign my family and this must have been all a misunderstanding. Surely, she must now understand that we are not that same family and must regret her error.”
Elizabeth huffed, “No, Jane, I cannot believe it. She physically attacked me so that she could keep what was hers, according to her speech. You may not choose to see it, Jane, but Caroline Bingley knew exactly what she was doing when she hurt my shoulder and threatened me.”
Darcy stood and walked back and forth for several moments before speaking out. “Allens… Where have I heard of that name before? I cannot remember right now.” He rubbed his face hard before continuing. “Bingley,” he turned to look at his friend of many years, “do you recall what your sister said after we walked through the door?” Seeing the blank look on his face, Darcy turned to Lady Matlock and asked her with a stern face, “Aunt, was there a rumour about Miss Elizabeth being a mistress to Lord Suffolk or Mr. Kingston? I know that it is a ridiculous accusation but Caroline Bingley spewed the nonsense to us. Had you spoken of such a thing to anyone?”
“Dear lord, no! I may have confused Miss Bennell’s history but I clearly knew Lizzy is not anyone’s mistress!” Lady Matlock proclaimed. “It was two years ago, I believe. I had arrived late in the season and attended one of the Suffolks’ balls where a rumour began to circulate that a young lady had been dancing with Lord Suffolk and Mr. Kingston a week prior. I was outraged when Richard reported to me the talk of a mistress and that Lizzy’s name was being implicated, and Lady Suffolk took care of it quickly after I informed her what I had heard.” She looked at the countess to continue.
Lady Suffolk chimed in, “I had the two young ladies expelled from my home quite publicly and my dear husband,” she looked at Lord Suffolk, “was outraged and threatened their fathers a public cut if they failed to get their daughters under control. They were married off quickly a few weeks later and we had heard nothing else since.”
Lady Matlock continued, “I found that I had missed seeing Lizzy that year as well and since the last time we had encountered each other was when she was eleven or twelve years old, that is the reason why I did not recognise her when we were introduced at the theatre. I would have never repeated such a thing; to talk about the Suffolks or Lizzy like that!”
Darcy rubbed his chin in contemplation. “I had heard about that gossip before Miss Bingley spoke of it. I was first made aware of it when... after Miss Elizabeth was shot. It was Richard who told me of it when we were discussing my... my wishes to know her better. How is it possible that Caroline Bingley knew of Miss Elizabeth’s gossip from two years ago? How did she connect that rumour to the Bennell scandal? You had not heard anything about it before, had you, Bingley?”
Bingley shook his head. “I have never heard of it. We were in York after my uncle passed two years ago and spent the entire season in the north. Caroline was bitter that she was missing events in town and her chance to flaunt her new dresses to you, Darcy.” He laughed. “Even then, she only cared about herself and nothing else.”
“She must have heard it from someone. Who would be vengeful enough to spread that about? It is old news; no one cares about what did not happen and Miss Bingley would be a fool to say such a thing since it could be easily traced to her.” Elizabeth responded. “How could she have learned of it?”
Darcy froze mid-step. “Someone who heard Richard and my conversation! Someone who was living in my house at the time who had access to the servants’ corridors who could have been eavesdropping.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “It could only have been Mrs. Younge, I am certain of it. Who could Mrs. Younge have been speaking with to pass on that information? The man that had been sneaking into Darcy House, he is the key. There is something missing here and that man is in the thick of it.”
“Well, I am certain you will find the answer, Darcy,” Bingley sighed. “I plan on getting my sister married off this year and out of my life. I hope to remain optimistic that this insane world will right itself eventually.”
Lady Suffolk inquired, “Oh, is she betrothed already? I cannot fathom who would marry such a shrew. I do not hold you at fault for the gossip, Mr. Bingley, but she is your sister and your responsibility.”
Bingley was ashamed with the countess’ chastisement, “I accept all responsibility, milady. She has been a selfish creature all of her life but her future husband will certainly keep her restrained.”
“Oh? Who is she marrying, Mr. Bingley?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
He smiled broadly, “She is not betrothed yet but Mr. Samuel Allens had been calling on her daily for a fortnight and he revealed to my brother Hurst last night that he will be proposing today. He is nearly twice her age and recently inherited an estate in Cumberland and she has realised that her choices are now non-existent. He likes her dowry enough to overlook her disgrace and once they marry, my sister will be as far away from London as possible without entering Scotland.”
While Mrs. Gardiner was surprised by the news and planned to speak with her friend Mrs. Allens as soon as possible, Elizabeth giggled with her sister and did not envy Miss Bingley’s fate. Having had met Mr. Allens before, Elizabeth described to Jane of Samuel Allens’ dull personality and his weighing at least twenty stones.
“Well, let us plan on showing off our Lizzy during our ball on Wednesday. Now, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Suffolk ordered, “you will dance the first with her and introduce her to all of your friends. Of course, her godfather, Lord Suffolk, will have the second, and Lord Matlock,” she nodded to both earls, “will dance the third, and Edward, the fourth.” She looked at Mr. Gardiner and arranged Elizabeth’s sets. “Richard will have the fifth and I will have several other prestigious gentlemen lined up to dance with her.”
Lady Matlock laughed seeing Darcy cross his arms. “Be calm, Darcy! No one will steal her from you.” Everyone laughed. “Many prestigious gentlemen will attempt to woo her but y
ou will have your second set and everyone will know of your courtship with her. We are doing this for you, dear nephew.”
Elizabeth walked to Darcy and stood with him by the fireplace. She spoke to him quietly while the other guests conversed with each other. “Are you well, William? You do not seem... quite yourself today.”
Darcy flustered for a moment before composing himself. “It had been a long night, Elizabeth. I... I was out late and there were several things that I had to do. I arrived here this morning and fell asleep until I missed church and was told you were here when I awoke. I should have left with Richard but he allowed me to sleep in and I am rather glad to have been here to see you.” He tenderly smiled. “I missed you.”
“I wish you had been with us at church. It would have been nice to sit with you. Lady Julia and your aunt fussed that you were missing today of all days but we made it work and they introduced me to so many distinguished gentlemen and ladies. And oh! There was a big commotion because of the murders on Ratcliff Highway. The bishop had to make an announcement and it frightened everyone that such an abominable act could be committed. Four murdered! Have you already heard of it?” Elizabeth asked. “I was so disheartened to hear that a babe had been killed.” She lowered her eyes in distress.
“Do not think of such horrors, Elizabeth. It is not good for the soul to dwell on such morbid thoughts. Take it from me, my love; death will follow you if you continue to think of it. There are many who are working to keep the city safe and we must allow them to do their job.” Darcy soothed her as he rubbed her hand. He looked into her eyes, “I hope you still saved me the supper sets. I would not be able to tolerate dining with anyone else.” He caressed her hand again as she nodded with her eyes shining.
Darcy’s face softened as he continued, “I believe I can go through anything with you by my side, my love. I have learned several things about you last night that I had not known. We still have so much to find out about each other; it would take a lifetime to know you, I believe. A lifetime of sketching each other’s character.”
“Yes, William, it would take all of my life to know you. I have a little more to reveal about myself and there is a rather silly matter that I would like to speak to you about.” Elizabeth blushed. “It is not a good time right now and I do not know when we will have another opportunity before the ball. I hope we are both honest with each other, William.”
“I am sorry I will not be able to see you until Wednesday, Elizabeth. I have many appointments that I cannot miss and I know you are also committed to many engagements.” He squeezed her hand. “My particular question to you will be delayed a bit but we will have our time soon. I know we will find our happiness, my love. We will be open with each other and tell each other everything.” He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. “I must go. I need to go home to change and meet... someone for an appointment.”
“On a Sunday?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.
Darcy nodded. “I have urgent business, unfortunately, and the day of the week matters not.” His face turned grim again. “I will call on you as soon as I can, otherwise see you at the ball, Elizabeth. I am finding myself most eager to get out of the city for a while.”
He turned to the other guests and bowed, “My apologies, everyone. I must return to Darcy House and head to my appointment. I will see you at the Christmas Ball. Georgiana, I do not know if I will make dinner. I will send a note as soon as I have finalised my plans.” He faced Elizabeth again, “Will you walk out with me for a moment?” She nodded.
The couple left the room while the others continued their tea.
“Elizabeth,” Darcy pulled her into an alcove, “I hope you know, with all the chaos out in the world, everything going on right now, I wish I could forget everything and leave it all behind. I have work to do and I am sorry that I cannot stay with you. I wish for nothing but to be with you always.” He leaned and kissed her softly. “I love you, Elizabeth. Never forget that.”
And he left quickly out of the front doors without a look back, leaving Elizabeth to wonder what business would be so pressing on a Sunday afternoon.
Chapter 11
“I think you had better take Darcy home. He has not slept in his bed for four nights straight and he is exhausted.” The two men laughed, seeing that Darcy had fallen asleep in the chair in front of the fireplace.
Colonel Fitzwilliam answered, “He has been ridden with guilt that the River Thames murders might be related to him because of his past, Peel, and I can see the similarities from what he finally revealed to us. No one else knows about what he went through when his friend died in the pond as a young lad. Same posture, same nudity, and a handkerchief in the mouth. It is as if someone wants Darcy to take the blame for the murders, as if Darcy had committed these atrocious crimes himself. Even the timing is only when he is in town.”
Richard puffed on his cigar and continued. “But four victims were killed at the Ratcliff Highway shop at once and their bodies left completely different. The method, the number of the killings at one time, the locations, they are nothing alike. The latest victims were easily identifiable while the other three were unknowns. No one else suspects that they are connected except us but Darcy is convinced that they are related because of the handkerchief in Timothy Marr’s mouth. No one knows about that specific fact and it has been kept out of the papers. There seems to be a correlation, however small it might be, but why Darcy? Who could be behind this?”
Peel responded, “I have had James Colquhoun followed and he maintains a regular schedule. My men lost him for a short time but they think he is visiting prostitutes in the seedy part of East London. He returns sober and goes back to his routines. I do not know how he could be behind it. He would never get his hands dirty and his family’s reputation is too important to him. Darcy might be right, though, about the murderer being the same man. I cannot recall, but I have heard the name of this Timothy Marr before. He was a draper and I have never been near that area before but his name sounds familiar.”
“We have every resource looking into the deaths of Marr and his family as well as the apprentice, and the killer left traces and will be caught. The public does not know a few key pieces of details we have and the murder weapon is the solution. If we can find out who had access to the maul, we will find the killer.” The colonel affirmed. “Darcy’s efforts are unknown to others but he has formed a squad of sorts to monitor parts of town continuously and witnesses will come forward.”
“His secret policing force has merit, but I believe we need uniformed men, separate from the military, who are visible to the masses to show them that someone is keeping them safe. This is a new idea that is still under debate and I am hoping to test it out in a smaller scale first. Financial support is needed and laws will have to be passed but we will get there someday,” Mr. Peel stated, “but there will always be mysteries that will be unsolvable.”
“ALLENS!” Darcy suddenly woke up yelling. “Allens is the key. Richard, I just recalled where I had heard that name before.”
Peel asked, “Who is Allens? I thought you were sound asleep, Darcy.”
“I was dreaming about my lady and that she was slapping Caroline Bingley again. In my dream, I had to duel Caroline’s husband and it was a foul bloke named Allens. Bingley said his sister will be betrothed to Samuel Allens and I knew I heard that name before.” He stood and walked to the desk with many papers on it. He looked through several pages and pulled one out.
Darcy continued, “Take a look at we found out last week, Robert. Back in April, when the first body was discovered, it was widely circulated that the victim had been found naked and that the identity was untraceable. Several elements were kept hidden from the papers but when Samuel Allens reported his distant cousin missing, he was eager to tell the Bow Street Runner that his cousin had a distinctive birthmark on his left buttock. The first victim, we only found out recently, was named Jacob Donohoe who was a hermit with no wife or children, and no one would have mi
ssed him if this distant cousin had not come forth. He had been in town to visit a solicitor and no one had known of his travel from the north. The victim's face had been beaten beyond recognition and I thought it odd that Samuel Allens would know of his cousin’s birthmark when his statement to the Thames River Police describes that they had never met before. But due to pressure from the family and no doubt coins exchanging hands, one of the Bow Street Runners kept Donohoe’s identity a secret and released his body to the cousin without anyone else’s knowledge.” Robert Peel handed the paper to Colonel Fitzwilliam. “When the second victim was found under similar circumstances, it was then erroneously announced that both victims were unidentified. We know two of the three killed, as we know the first as Jacob Donohoe and the third as Mrs. Younge.”
Richard looked at the notes, “That Runner wrote it down in one place and one place only that the body was identified as Jacob Donohoe by his cousin. This was missed by everyone else but Darcy found it in the runner’s notebook. His name is Lawrence Smith and he had written, ‘Body claimed by Samuel Allens as Jacob Donohoe.’ Darcy’s men tracked down Donohoe and his whereabouts and all of the evidence had been piled up with the stack of the mess on the desk and we missed the name of the cousin. It seems having the man declared dead allowed Allens to finally receive his inheritance two month ago, and he is now a gentleman of £2,000 a year, even if it is somewhere near the Scotland border.”
“Exactly! What if Samuel Allens hired this man, someone with initials J.W. who wrote those letters to Mrs. Younge? What if J.W., who was Mrs. Younge’s lover, either heard us speak at Darcy’s house or Mrs. Younge relayed our conversation of Elizabeth’s rumour of being Lord Suffolk’s mistress to him and he told it to Samuel Allens, who repeated it to Caroline Bingley?!” Darcy exclaimed. “And remember that we spoke of my considering courting Caroline Bingley that night? I had not told another soul; not Bingley, not my sister, no one else but you, Richard, yet Caroline Bingley blurted it out to Elizabeth and caused us to argue. There is our connection! Samuel Allens is involved and may know the killer!”
