by Kate Speck
“You disgust me, Mr. Wickham.” Elizabeth spat. “I wish I had never met you.”
Wickham turned red, “Well, you knew me quite well, did you not? As a matter of fact...”
Darcy immediately grabbed Wickham by the collars and shook him. “Prison. Tonight.”
“Come, come, Darcy.” Wickham paled once again. “I will be getting married! No need to send me off to debtor’s prison...”
A voice suddenly boomed from the doorway, “There will be no wedding! My niece will certainly not marry a degenerate who owes large debts and I will not condone my favourite niece to such a life, Wickham! I plan on sending her off to Liverpool immediately to end this farce of an engagement. I now know you only wished to marry her for her fortune and I will not allow it!”
After Mr. King entered, the Bennets, the Gouldings, the Longs, and a few other prominent family representatives entered and filled the room.
Lady Lucas sneered and told Wickham, “They all have been in waiting in secret before you arrived and I left the door open on purpose so they could hear our conversation. And believe me, by the looks on everyone’s faces, every word was heard.”
“It certainly has,” Mrs. Philips screeched. “Such a deviant man. I heard from his own mouth that he had sullied my nieces and now he lies straight-faced that Caroline Bingley started it!”
“I was there, too!” Mrs. Long added, “He blabbered it to the other officers that Mr. Bennet was lying about the debts to cover his shame about his daughters being loose. Of course, I never believed a word of it, knowing Miss Elizabeth to be a true lady.”
Mrs. Goulding yelled, “He is a liar! Wickham deceives and seduces innocent women and I know two maidservants who are with child and they pointed to him as the father! As if the Bennet daughters would ever fall for such a man...”
The neighbours looked upon the evil man with contempt.
Elizabeth motioned to Lydia and her youngest sister stood by her in front of Wickham.
Wickham turned to Lydia and begged, “Miss Lydia, you and I were very good friends and I know you were madly in love with me. Tell them! Tell them all that you flirted with me for my attentions and begged me to kiss you. You can help me, Lydia!”
“La! I never cared two straws about you, Wickham! You fooled me to make me believe you were amiable when you only lied and slandered my family. Lizzy had done nothing wrong and she was the only one that was nice to you but you fabricated stories about her.” Lydia shouted for all to hear, “And I know what you did to Harriet, too! Mrs. Forster is my bosom friend and she told me that you tried to hurt her. She was able to push you off and I was the only one she told because she was ashamed that she might have given you encouragement and could not dare tell her husband.”
Colonel Forster stood, “What in damnation is she speaking of, Wickham?! You dared to touch my wife?” He turned to Lydia, “What did he do to my Harriet, Miss Lydia?”
Lydia lowered her eyes in embarrassment, “Harriet was miserable and so sad about it, colonel. He tried to kiss her and attempted to lift her skirts, sir. She tried to get away from him but she said he would not let her go and held her by her arm to forcefully kiss her. She was able to slap him and run away and lock the door. This was in your own home, colonel.”
“I know about her bruise!” Colonel Forster exclaimed. “She said she bumped into something and hurt herself but I recall her being very sad about it. Damnation! That was only three days ago. You touched my wife?!” He now burned red in anger and was ready to throttle the young man. “How dare you spread such lies and try to take advantage of ladies? I will ensure you are given the worst punishment, you scoundrel!”
“Do you have anything to say to us, Lieutenant Wickham? I believe a very thorough apology is required.” Elizabeth responded. “You have offended more than one person in the room and I believe justice will be served today.”
Wickham fumed and answered foolishly, as angry people were not always wise, “I should have taken you, the both of you, and I would have been successful. I know I could have convinced you and your sister into giving me your chastity or else I would have just taken what I want. It would have been so easy if I had more time.”
Darcy then struck Wickham’s face with his hard fist and the revolting man fell flat on the floor with no one to assist him. Darcy declared, “I wish I could duel you so I can kill you but my wife does not wish to have blood on my hands. I will have you thrown in jail tonight and have you sent to the darkest hole in debtor’s prison. You have no friends or family and you will not last a week.”
Two officers that Colonel Forster had brought to make the arrest entered to lift up the dazed Wickham to his feet. Sir William saw to the wagon being brought around outside the front door while Darcy and Elizabeth walked out with them to ensure Wickham was placed in the jail cart, and Darcy made arrangements to have him transported to London the next day with the colonel.
The rest of the crowd remained indoors to begin the party and talks grew to declare Wickham evil and the Bennets and Darcys blameless, and Mr. Bennet sighed a breath a relief that his family’s reputation was vindicated. He and the girls remained by the front door to observe Wickham leaving as well.
As Wickham passed by on the front steps, appearing subdued with his punishment to come, Elizabeth suddenly screamed when he suddenly broke free from the two officers and drew out his concealed knife to attack Darcy.
Darcy instinctively jumped in front of Elizabeth to cover her from the assault but it was Colonel Forster who responded swiftly. The seasoned officer drew out his sabre and pushed his weapon deep into Wickham’s abdomen and pulled it out, making the dishonourable man stop in his tracks.
Wickham dropped his weapon and looked down to see blood slowly pooling on his clothing then faced Darcy. “I... I... wish you dead, Darcy.” He collapsed onto the ground and ceased moving.
Mr. King, who was the magistrate, had remained to see what had occurred and shook his head. He spoke loudly while the ladies were crying and Mr. Bennet was rubbing Kitty and Lydia’s arms. “It is obvious that Wickham attempted to murder Mr. Darcy with all of us as witnesses and that Colonel Forster did his duty by preventing the attack.” He looked at Darcy who was holding his wife and spoke to them, “It is over. He will no longer be a thorn in your side and my niece is safe and justice has been served. Sir William, let us get this cleaned up for your party. I will not have anyone mourn over this waste of a life and we will all have a delightful time to celebrate the season and our dear Miss Elizabeth’s nuptials.”
Bingley stood next to Jane to comfort her and led her back inside Lucas Lodge. Mr. Bennet directed Mary to take Kitty with Jane and turned to Lydia. “I will return you home now, Lydia. You were to attend for only the beginning portion and although things did not turn out as we had expected, I am glad this is concluded at last. What a waste of a life. Come, Lydia. I will take you home and return with your mother. I intentionally left her home and thank goodness for that insight. She would have fainted dead away and nothing would have been resolved.”
Darcy shook Colonel Forster’s hand and bowed to both Sir William and Mr. King. Leading his wife into Lucas Lodge, he stood in the foyer alone with Elizabeth and gently caressed her cheeks. “Are you well, my love? I was terrified that harm would come to you but I am glad Colonel Forster was able to protect us. It is over, Ellie. He will never harm us again.”
“I am fine, William. I was worried for you but I am glad we were all safe. Not well for Wickham but for everyone else, at least, and I am glad the officers were here for our protection. I cannot believe how much one man’s evil deeds hurt so many around here and although I would never wish anyone dead, he caused his own demise because he harmed so many and wanted to wound you. It is all over and we can go home in peace after Jane’s wedding.” Elizabeth hugged her husband tightly. “Although I will not forget this night, I wish to be distracted so I do not dwell on it for a while. You did promise me a dance, Mr. Darcy.” She smiled in his embrace
. “You will not beg me for a partner, will you? I am quite inclined to dance tonight. Perhaps I will go look for a handsome gentleman to partner with me.”
Darcy chuckled, “I cannot refuse to dance when so much beauty is before me. Even if all savages can dance, wild men could not drag me away from your side.” He pulled her into his arms, “You will never dance with anyone else if I can help it. You may only dance with old, ugly men. With gout.” He leaned and kissed her ardently. “I love you, Ellie. My wife. My heart.”
“And I love you, William. My dearest husband.” Elizabeth returned his kiss most zealously before they walked into the drawing room where the party was just beginning.
Chapter 20
Word spread quickly all over Hertfordshire that the evil George Wickham was killed after he attempted to attack Mr. Darcy and that he had been guilty of seducing two maids and besmirching the reputations of innocent young ladies. All the fault was laid on Wickham and none on the ladies who had unknowingly become acquainted with the rogue.
Some valuables, along with £200, were found with Wickham’s possessions and with Darcy’s insistence, all of his belongings were divided amongst the two women carrying his child. Mary King was now safe again and would be free to find a suitor who would be scrutinised by her fearsome uncle.
Darcy and Elizabeth stood in the front of the church while Bingley and Jane were taking their vows and only had eyes for each other.
Elizabeth mouthed, “I love you” with a bright smile and Darcy returned it with a grin of his own. Although most in attendance were excited for Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet to marry, many eyes were on the Darcys and they watched the interaction between Darcy and the former Miss Elizabeth and could easily see that it was a love match. Gossip had spread that Mr. Darcy had proposed daily for three months until she finally accepted him and could not fault the man for wishing to capture the vibrant young woman quickly with a special license.
After the newlywed couple departed in their carriage, Elizabeth wiped her joyous tears and wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist. “They will be happy, William. I know Charles was responsible for leaving but he would not have returned had you not intervened. Thank you for listening to me and speaking to him about coming back for Jane last November. I wonder how long she would have been heartbroken if you had not spoken to him to return to Netherfield.”
“Bingley would have listened to his sisters and likely still London to court undeserving ladies of questionable morals, if I had to guess. He has always been in and out of love easily but I never saw such dedication after meeting Jane and I was afraid for myself. I should have never interfered in the first place but I spoke to him to return because I was wrong, my love. Everything I do, I do for you.” Darcy leaned down and softly kissed her lips.
They were startled when the crowd behind them began to cheer loudly and blushed, suddenly realising that the wedding guests had been watching them.
Elizabeth beamed, “We have only been married for three weeks and it is expected that we are still affectionate, William. I hope you will not become shy again and avoid talking to anyone at the wedding breakfast.”
Darcy laughed, “No, my love. I have you by my side and I will kiss my wife when I wish.” He leaned and whispered, “Although, I think we might visit your old bedroom for a few moments.” He spoke louder, “Only to ensure you packed all you wished, of course.”
Elizabeth giggled, “Of course.”
They walked arm in arm to their carriage to attend the wedding breakfast at Longbourn. After the meal, the Darcys would return to London to deliver Georgiana and Anne de Bourgh to the Matlocks. Lord Matlock sent an express that all was being prepared to have Anne take full control over Rosings and that Lady Catherine would be removed to the dower house this week.
The wedding breakfast was wonderful with too many dishes to count, and the Bennets laughed and enjoyed the last moments of having all of the daughters together, as they would not reunite until September at Pemberley.
The Darcys were able to sneak some private time in Elizabeth’s old room and no one batted an eye when the couple returned to the party, even if her hair was slightly dishevelled and Darcy’s cravat was somewhat askew.
Mr. Bennet hugged Elizabeth after the Bingleys departed, “I will miss you but I am glad to see you so happy. You have a good husband, Lizzy, and he will take good care of you. Do write as often as you can. I love you, daughter, and see you in September.”
“I love you, papa. Thank you for your blessings and I know you will do well with the daughters still remaining at home. Jane will keep an eye on the girls after her return from Brighton in two weeks and mama will soon be busy to arrange for the next daughter’s wedding.” Elizabeth winked. “I am so glad you are out of your study more to spend time with the family. I am proud of you, papa.”
After many farewells and kisses, the Darcys finally left Longbourn and sat contently, remembering the past as it gave them pleasure and looking forward to the future of what was to come.
~*~
Caroline Dalcy looked up at her husband after another night of passion in their townhouse in Cheapside.
“I hope you have been pleased with me, husband. We have been married for a week and you have been taking your pleasures at least twice daily and I thought perhaps you might reconsider hiring that French maid that I had wanted. Agatha is efficient but she is so old and does not know the latest fashions, dear husband.” She flirted, “And I know you wish me to be fashionable so I can look my best when I entertain your friends next week.”
Mr. Dalcy stood to dress. “That will not be necessary. You look acceptable as is and you do not need to look like a peacock with those feathers and awful accoutrements draping over you. Most of your dresses that I donated to the orphanage were unusable because it was too gaudy and they were able to sell off piece by piece to get more money out of them than as a whole. Your maid is also responsible for other duties around the house so do not ask about a useless French maid again, wife. I did give you £10 to decorate the house so that is all you will get for now.” He sat back down at the bed and squeezed her cheeks with one hand. “You are keeping me satisfied and I might supplement another £10 to your allowance next quarter.”
He stood up and tied his cravat. “If all went according to plan, your brother married yesterday and is already enjoying his wedding trip in Brighton. He wrote that he is most content to be part of the Bennet-Darcy family and that he forgives you but he does not wish to see you for many more months yet. I will return by six o’clock. Make sure to visit the orphanage today. I told the headmistress there that you will begin teaching the girls how to sew and have them learn some languages starting today. What good are all your accomplishments if you are not using them? Do something productive with your day, Caroline, instead of ordering about the servants and moving the furniture. They have better things to do and I have told them to disregard your nonsense if they are busy. I would rather have my dinner warm than look at all the useless flowers on the table.” He scoffed. “Concentrate on what is important and save your table designs for when we have guests. Good day, Mrs. Dalcy.”
Mr. Dalcy left and Caroline leaned back into the pillow to consider what her husband had shared with her. She did not want to go to the orphanage at all but knew she would have to follow his edicts if she wanted to earn some of the comforts back in her life.
She thought about her brother marrying Jane Bennet and recalled that Mr. Darcy, who was to stand up with Charles, would be returning to Darcy House, if the plans remained the same.
Caroline quickly stood and dressed for the day. She would go to the disgusting orphanage after she made her call at Darcy House first to see the man of her dreams. Even now, if only Mr. Darcy had asked it of her, she would gladly be his mistress to give him her body and perhaps receive a hefty purse for her services.
She screeched for her maid at least ten times until the plump, older woman arrived at her door breathlessly, and ordered her to bring
her best gown along with all of the brightest jewellery and the biggest feathers she had kept. She would look as grand as a duchess today and make Mr. Darcy fall to his knees with her beauty.
Her maid Agatha could only shake her head, as her mistress appeared as if she were attending a royal wedding instead of walking to the orphanage located six blocks away. Mrs. Dalcy was as preposterous as they came but the maid liked Mr. Dalcy and would report back to the master of his wife’s habits as she was paid to do.
When Mrs. Dalcy blabbered on and on about going to Mayfair Square to see an old acquaintance, Agatha knew the master would not be pleased with his wife but she did as she was told after discreetly passing a note to the housekeeper.
~*~
Caroline Dalcy stood a block away from Darcy House and took a deep breath.
“This is where I should be residing, Agatha. That is the house where I should have been mistress if Mr. Darcy only came to his senses.” She declared. “He told me he liked Miss Eliza and her fine eyes but I never thought he would fall so low to marry such a woman. I know she is a harlot but he does not see it.”
“We should not be here, Mrs. Dalcy,” Agatha contended, “Master will be upset if you try to see the Darcys.”
Caroline scoffed, “I do not need to see the Darcys; Mr. Darcy will see me!”
She began to walk back and forth on the block to await Mr. Darcy’s eventual exit during calling hours.
