He was answered by his wife’s lips meeting his. “I am your wife, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and I have no hesitation in sharing myself with you completely.” She whispered.
Darcy was pleased with her words, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her to his bed. It would be two days before anyone saw them outside their suite of rooms. Only the reminder of Lady Matlock’s plans to take Elizabeth to the modiste pried the newlyweds from their chambers.
~~**~~
“I have learned that the new Mrs Darcy will be visiting Madame Celeste on Bond Street tomorrow. It would give me the perfect opportunity to abduct the new Mistress of Pemberley.” Wickham announced.
“And how can you be certain of the modiste? There are many in London.” Lord Ashton asked, sipping on his glass of port.
“The maid who I have been speaking with told me. Lady Matlock sent word through one of her maids, reminding the couple of the plans. The girl expressly stated Madame Celeste.”
“You expect me to rely on the word of a servant? It is difficult enough for me to trust your word. Ever since the fire at Netherfield, you have disappointed me on more than one occasion. Perhaps it is time I find a replacement, someone who will not fail to carry out my orders.”
“Please, your lordship, I beg of you to give me one more chance. The ladies will be at the modiste, and I will be able to remove her from there, and do away with her, once and for all. Yours is not the only desire which will be fulfilled, as I wish to exact pain to my childhood friend. It is due to his selfish disdain that my circumstances are so reduced.”
“Very well, I will give you this final chance to redeem yourself. Do not fail, Wickham. You are aware of how I deal with failure.”
Wickham swallowed, as he felt as if there was a lump in his throat. “Of course, your lordship. I aim to please you.”
As Wickham turned to leave, Lord Ashton spoke again. “If need be, eliminate anyone else who is with her, even if it is Lady Matlock. It is essential that the young lady is killed, no one else matters.”
A nod from the head, and Wickham was out the door of the earl’s study. The man prayed he would be able to succeed. If he was unable to do so, it would be best if he fled to the docks, finding a ship he could board for another country. The further away from England, the better.
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 13
Lady Matlock was shocked to find her nephew prepared to attend his wife on their outing. “Fitzwilliam Gerald Darcy, what do you think you are doing? We will be visiting a modiste, and I am certain you would be bored within an hour. You would be better occupied to spend time with your uncle and cousins. Fret not, I will see to Elizabeth’s needs on your behalf.”
“Forgive me, Aunt, but I have decided to be on hand for the shopping. Yesterday, my wife attempted to dissuade me against purchasing so many items. I had stated that Mother would order at least twenty gowns for the Season, along with day dresses, pelisses, coats, cloaks, hats, and everything else a lady would need.”
“I told you, William, I do not require such extremes.” Elizabeth’s cheeks were heated with her embarrassment. “And to make such purchases will cost far too much, especially where I bring nothing to the marriage, having no dowry.”
“That is enough of such talk, Lizzy.” Lady Matlock spoke in a stern, motherly manner. “My nephew has more than enough funds to cover hundreds of such shopping excursions. Though it is not commonly known, you are married to one of the wealthiest men in all of England. What he did to rebuild the estate and rebuild his breeding stock of horses, along with the investments he has made over the last years, has improved the Darcy coffers far greater than any of his ancestors. Besides, I was under the impression William had provided you with appropriate pin money to be able to make such purchases.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew round and large. Turning her attention towards her husband, she was stunned. “You promised me we would discuss the particulars of the settlement, and yet you have failed to show me the documents. Exactly how much have you allotted as pen money?”
Darcy wore a suspicious look. “We can discuss such matters upon our return. Just know, today’s excursion will not be taken from your pin money. Today is my wedding gift to you.” Leaning over, he took his wife’s hand into his, and bringing it to his lips. “I love you, my dear wife.”
The look of pure joy her nephew wore warmed Rebecca Fitzwilliam. She had prayed for the young man she felt as close to as her own sons, hoping that he would find just such a love.
“Well, we had best be on our way. Lady Celeste is waiting for you and I am interested to see how long before William flees from the modiste’s shop. If I were a betting person, I would place money on one hour after our arrival.”
“Just for that, dear aunt, I will be certain to last for at least two hours.”
The trio made their way to the waiting carriage and were on their way to Bond Street.
They had no way of knowing that their carriage was being followed.
First on the list of shopping was the visit to Madame Celeste. The modiste was pleased to have one of her preferred customers bringing further business to her establishment, and gave them her utmost attention.
Two hours had passed when Darcy gave his aunt a contemptable smile. “If we had made a bet, Aunt, I would have won.”
“Well, I will agree that you have a stronger constitution for shopping than your uncle does. Henry has steadfastly refused to shop with me through our entire marriage. He claims that he attended Catherine once, and she nearly brought him to Bedlam with her ridiculous demands.”
“Aunt Catherine could drive anyone to Bedlam, no matter what the subject might be.” Darcy chuckled. “Which shop are we to honor with our patronage next?”
“As Helen sent fabrics for Elizabeth’s trousseau, we will not need to visit the draper. I would suggest we stop at Griffin & Son, for gloves and stockings. Then to the cobbler. We shall wait for a few weeks for your wife to recover from her first shopping venture as Mrs Darcy, before we order winter coat and boots. Hats can be done this afternoon, before we return to your townhouse.”
“Before you look for items at Griffin & Son, I believe we could stop at a shop my wife and I would find immense pleasure in exploring.”
Lady Matlock shook her head. “Elizabeth, are you going to be as difficult about leaving a bookshop as your husband? I have it on good authority that Richard once left William in Hatchard’s after my nephew had been in the shop for over an hour. Henry refuses to be with William when the dear boy even looks in the window of such a shop. The quickest way for your husband to become distracted is take him where there are shelves and shelves of books.”
Elizabeth chuckled at her new aunt’s chastising the grown man as if he were just a child. Even more amusing was the sight of him behaving as if he was still in school, a young boy who was accepting his punishment from a parent. William losing his parents so young had made William’s affection for the Fitzwilliam family all the stronger.
Lady Matlock agreed to allow the newlyweds one hour in Hatchard’s, while she enjoyed a cup of tea in the shop across the street. Her orders were clear, when she came to collected them, the pair would abide Lady Matlock’s request to make their way to the next shop.
Darcy opened an account for his wife at the shop, and the pair browsed the rows of books, selecting several to have sent to their townhouse. There were two volumes of poetry, a collection of papers of Sir Joseph Banks from his journeys.
“Papa has wished to read more of Sir Joseph, as my father is fond of botany. He read an article a few years ago which described his time in New South Wales, colonizing the area, and Papa enjoyed the article.”
“We should purchase two copies, one for us and one for your father.” Darcy stated. He would do anything to please his father-in-law, as his generosity in granting permission for Darcy to marry Mr Bennet’s dearest daughter had made the younger man’s life perfect.
After they decided on their purchases, the co
uple heard the bell on the door ringing. With a smile on each of their faces, they greeted Lady Matlock. Noting they were finishing, the countess chuckled lightly. “Lizzy, you are already a good influence over my nephew. Now, let us be off.”
Lady Matlock led the way, with Darcy and Elizabeth close behind her. Darcy felt all was right with the world, having his enchanting wife at his side, her hand securely holding on to his arm. They had just passed a jewelry shop, when suddenly Elizabeth stopped and moved back towards the window. Just as she moved, a shot rang out, striking the exterior of the business’ front wall. People were frightened, running this way and that. Darcy shielded his wife, grasping his aunt by the arm and pulling her towards him. When no further shots were fired, Darcy turned his attention to ensure that the ladies were unharmed.
The gentleman looked at the location of the bullet hole. With the angle the building had struck, he was certain Elizabeth would have been struck if she had not turned her attention back to the jewelry shop’s display.
“William, what happened?” Elizabeth asked, attempting to control the sobs that threatened to engulf her.
“I am not certain, but I believe we should remove to our home. We do not know if the person responsible is still nearby. You need to be safe. Aunt, once we arrive at the townhouse, I will send word to Uncle Henry. I believe you could stand a glass of sherry.”
Lady Matlock was obviously shaken, and was only able to nod her head in agreement.
As they made their way to the Matlock carriage, which had been waiting for the trio on one of the nearby side streets. Handing the ladies inside, Darcy turned, searching the area, still attempting to discover what had happened. The carriage left Bond Street, heading for Grosvenor Square. In the shadow of a nearby alley, Wickham watched his nemesis drive away.
Angrily, Wickham made his way to the rooming house in which he had been residing. He would have to leave immediately. Lord Ashton would be furious, and the young man from Derbyshire was not willing to be in the earl’s path.
But he had one last chance at fulfilling his employer’s demands. If he could not take Darcy’s wife from him, perhaps the Master of Pemberley would be willing to make a trade, his wife for the life of his young sister. Tilly had told Wickham that the viscount had left after the wedding, making the journey to Derbyshire, to bring Georgiana Darcy to Town. Wickham only needed to overtake the carriage, taking the girl away from her cousin and the servants. His ransom price would be for Mrs Elizabeth Darcy to be delivered to him. And he had the perfect location for the exchange to occur.
~~**~~
“Will she like me?” Georgiana asked for what seemed to be the hundredth time. Her cousin just shook his head.
“Georgie, I have told you many times, Elizabeth will adore you. She has younger sisters. I believe one of the girls is the same age as you. And you will love having Elizabeth for a sister. Your brother has married a very kind lady, and the two of you will be close, I am certain.”
“Vincent, you know how shy I am with people I do not know. I have never met this woman, and now she is my sister. All I know of her is what you have said, and what your mother wrote in her letter. What sort of music does she prefer? Does she play the pianoforte or harp? Does she sing? Does she enjoy reading? There are so many things I need to know about her.”
The viscount chuckled. “Poppet, you have no need to fret. Elizabeth will adore you and between the two of you, William will not stand a chance. Not that I believe he would ever mind, as he loves both of his ladies.”
“Will we remain in Town for long? I would enjoy spending some time shopping. All my gowns have become too short and my maid can attest to having let the hems down as far as possible. Just ask Mrs Annesley.” Georgiana moved her head to nod at the lady who was her governess.
“Indeed, Miss Darcy, you have grown considerably this year. Mrs Reynolds was just discussing how much taller you are.”
Georgiana giggled. “She said if I kept growing like I have, I will be as tall as William.”
“Heavens, let us not have such an occurrence. Your brother is the tallest in the family, and he is always jesting at Richard and myself of not being true Fitzwilliam men, as we must take after our mother’s side of the family.”
The trio were enjoying the travel, being on the second day of their journey to London, when there was an abrupt halt, sending everyone from their seats. Shouting could be heard outside the carriage, as the driver and postilions were instructed to remove themselves from the carriage. Viscount Tilton opened the door, and was shocked at the man standing before him, holding a gun, pointed at the heir to Matlock.
“George Wickham, what the devil are you doing? Why are you stopping us, and why do you point a gun in our direction? We have done nothing to cause you to act in such a manner.”
“I insist you and the other men to remove yourselves from the carriage. The ladies will be coming with me, and it will be simpler for me to take them in the carriage.”
“If you have need of funds, I will give you all that we have with us.” The viscount stated, attempting to negotiate with the man. “You may even have my signet ring. Georgiana has a few of her mother’s jewels with her, we can hand them over. There is no need to take the ladies. They will only be a burden. Please George, let them be.”
The sound of a gunshot was heard, as Viscount Tilton was struck in the shoulder. Georgiana screamed, before collapsing to the floor of the carriage. Mrs Annesley attempted to aid the girl, but Wickham was not in the mood for any further delays. As the men went to the viscount, Wickham pulled another pistol from the saddlebag he had placed over the front of the saddle. “Move him away from the carriage.” He shouted his orders. “All of you men, step over by the tree.” Using the gun, he motioned towards a tree that was nearby.
When the men had moved, carrying the viscount with them, Wickham climbed on the carriage and took up the reins. He tossed a piece of paper, wrapped around a stone, at the men. “Tell Darcy to follow the directions, or he will never see his little sister again.” With the slap of leather, the horses were worked into a fury, taking off like a bolt of lightning had struck behind them. The carriage was on its way, leaving an injured viscount and servants behind.
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 14
Darcy was worried. He had been pacing about the drawing room at his townhouse. Lord Matlock watched his nephew, with growing agitation.
“William, do sit down. Richard will be here soon enough. If there is one thing my youngest son can do well, it is to get to the heart of a problem. That boy has always been like a dog digging for a bone.”
“Why would someone take a shot at my wife? If she had not suddenly turned, I might be grieving the loss of Elizabeth.”
“Do not forget, your aunt, my wife, was also there. She could have been killed just as easy.”
“Forgive me, Uncle. I forgot that Aunt Rebecca was with us. I do not wish for any harm to come to her. She has been like a second mother to me, treating me like she does her sons.”
“You did not see anyone holding a pistol?”
“Everyone was panicked and rushing from the area. Once I made certain that Elizabeth and Aunt Rebecca were safe and uninjured, I finally looked around. There was no one I could see holding a weapon.”
“Do you believe Lord Ashton has some connection to the attempts on Elizabeth’s life?” Lord Matlock took a sip of brandy from his glass.
“It is the only possible explanation I can come up with. I cannot imagine why he has determined my wife needs to be eliminated from existence. What does he hold so dear that he feels justified in having her killed?”
“I sent word to Lord Griffin. He is known to have a strong dislike of Ashby. His lordship might have information which would shed light on the subject. Lord Griffin stated he will join us here, at eleven.”
“While you wait for his lordship, I will check on my wife. She has been worried since the incident at Bond Street. Elizabeth has rarely left our suite, as sh
e fears what will be next.”
“I was surprised to see my wife so nervous. The shooting has influenced her equilibrium.” Lord Matlock replied. “Richard has done all he could to calm her, but Rebecca was still shaken.”
“Please forgive me for causing such pain to your family. If it had been possible I would have done anything to protect you all from what is happening.”
“Rebecca will recover. I have promised to take her to Bath for a holiday. And it is not your fault, nor is it Elizabeth’s. Your aunt feels the same. Last night, Rebecca told me that she is worried for our newest niece. Only my slipping some laudanum in her tea ensured her rest, as she was preparing to come here. My dear wife can be a force to be reckoned with when she is angry. But I deemed she required rest. Most likely, Rebecca will make her way here before too much time has passed, as she is determined to see for herself that Elizabeth is well.”
“When do you suppose Vincent will arrive with my sister?” Darcy attempted to distract himself from what had happened the day before.
“I am not certain, as Vincent’s express stated that they would leave Pemberley on Wednesday morning. Even taking the journey slow, I would have thought they would arrive last night. But knowing my first born, if there was a problem, I am certain my son would have sent word.”
A knock on the study door alerted the men of the arrival of their guest. Davies opened the door upon hearing his employer’s response to enter. “Sir, Lord Griffin has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
The butler stepped aside, motioning for the gentleman to enter. Lord Matlock stood, reaching out his hand to the other earl. “Griffin, I am grateful you could come.”
“I was intrigued by your message. You wish to know more of Lord Ashton? Might I inquire what your connection to the man is?”
“We have recently learned some news that made us suspect him involved in some criminal activities.” Lord Matlock stated. “I remembered that you have held some reserve of dealing with the man, and wished to learn more from you.”
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