by Wells, Linda
The newly attached couples settled on chairs adjacent to each other to begin forming what would eventually be their new family, and the earls and their wives leaned together to discuss the blending of their own. Stewart and Bingley found their own spot as the remaining bachelors, laughing and discussing how their mature friends had suddenly turned into cow-eyed youths, and the Darcys and Laytons drifted off to talk about their pending parenthood, leaving Jane alone for the moment. Elizabeth noticed her by herself and stood. Darcy began to follow her and she shook her head and smiled then walked over to Jane.
“Will you join us?” She asked and took Jane’s hand. “Are you well?”
Jane smiled softly. “Oh yes, I am fine. I am very happy for them all.” She noticed Elizabeth’s relief. “It was never meant to be, Lizzy. I had my doubts as much as he. If I am destined for a marriage of convenience, it should not be with a man who knows what it is to love. He was trying to convince himself of something he knew was wrong, and I was too foolish to recognize that if I had tried, perhaps it could have been right.” Jane smiled at her and shrugged her shoulders.
“You have grown in the past months, Jane.” Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I am proud of you.”
She shook her head. “I have been dealt a hard lesson, I always knew that our parents were not perfect, but I refused to understand the effect that their negligence had upon all of us. I should have followed your example and educated myself. All I am is an empty shell.” She smiled sadly.
“Then fill it, you have already begun, Fitzwilliam and I are both happy with the changes you have made.” Elizabeth said quietly. “You are but twenty, Jane. Most girls do not marry for several more years. Perhaps you will find the right man for you, and should you not; you are very welcome to live here at Pemberley. You will always have a home with us.”
“You and your ten children?” Jane laughed and patted Elizabeth’s baby. “I would like that, I think.”
“Well do not give up yet!” She laughed. “Come, join us in the corner, and listen to Alicia warn me of what is to come. Watch Fitzwilliam’s eyes grow wide! He will surely dwell on every word when we are separated.” They walked over to the trio and Jane sat with them. Darcy held open his arms for Elizabeth and she settled against his side and snuggled into his embrace. She smiled at her husband when he kissed her forehead and rested his cheek in her hair. “Now we are ready to hear anything.”
“AND?” DARCY PRODDED Stewart as the carriage rumbled slowly through the streets of London after an afternoon spent at their club.
He laughed and sat back in the cushions. “And we will see. Miss Henley’s mother confirmed that she has rejected every other man who has called.”
“But she encouraged you. Besides, they were after that property she owns, not the woman.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled and stretched out his long legs with a groan and no little pain. “What has become of us, three men in search of love, not money. Of course you do not need any Darcy. Call it second sons who defy convention!”
“But Mrs. Carter does have money.” Darcy pointed out.
“I was serious, Darcy. Call her Evangeline.” Fitzwilliam said sharply. “I intend to give her a respectable name very soon. That bastard deserved the bullet he got. If I knew his executioner, I would shake his hand.”
Darcy and Stewart exchanged glances. “What is it, Richard?”
“Never mind.” He said darkly. “Bloody long engagement! Whose foolish idea was that?”
“Yours, I believe.” Darcy offered and received a glare. “I take it that you are impatient to claim your bride?”
“She will not leave Meadowbrook until Harwick does, and Miss Stewart will not marry without a proper engagement.” He growled. “Eight weeks! I have to change her mind.”
“But you have the time to begin the repairs to the townhouse, so it will be completed by the date of your wedding.” Darcy pointed out.
“Yes, but in the meantime where is she? At Meadowbrook with Lord and Lady Moreland, and Miss Stewart. It is not fair, Darcy! Why does Harwick get to live under the same roof with his bride and play house?”
“Because they have not had the courtship you enjoyed with Mrs …. I am sorry Richard, but her name is Mrs. Carter.” Fitzwilliam glared and Darcy raised his brow in return, and received a curt nod.
“We wrote letters, it is not the same as a flesh and blood woman in my arms.” He gestured at his cousin. “And do not deny it! We practically had to pry your fingers from Elizabeth!”
“Do not remind me.” Darcy looked out of the window and became silent, thinking of Elizabeth’s tears dampening his cheek when they parted four days earlier.
Stewart cleared his throat. “Well my sister and parents will only be at Meadowbrook for a week if that is any consolation, then they will come to town to have her wedding clothes prepared. Mrs. Carter will be with you in a few weeks, and you Darcy, will be home within the next fortnight.”
“Sooner than that.” He said softly.
“And Miss Henley?” Fitzwilliam sat up and repaired his humour. “Will she be in town soon?”
Stewart looked at his hands and nodded. “Yes.”
“And?”
“How should I know? It is early days yet.” He looked up to see the cousins smiling knowingly at each other. “Do not start on me.”
“Not yet.” Fitzwilliam agreed.
“But given time …” Darcy’s smile returned.
Stewart groaned. The coach at last stopped at the inn where he kept his rooms. The sight of the traditional quarters of barristers and judges silenced the banter. He turned to Darcy, “I will come by tomorrow with Smith. Henderson will not meet with you before the trial, Smith as your solicitor will speak for you to him. I know that you wished for me to handle this, but … I want to be absolutely sure that Wickham is convicted. You need a man of experience, not me.” Darcy nodded but noted Stewart’s disappointment with his own decision. “Although the magistrate could have testified alone, Henderson is relieved that you are appearing. The cases are quick, and well, he is presumed guilty. He has no funds to buy witnesses on his behalf and frankly a man of your status really will not be questioned. I will be with you; I have nothing on my schedule that day.”
“I will gladly pay for your time, Stewart.”
He smiled. “Now you know that we do not accept fees, Darcy! We only take gifts! We gentlemen of law are not in trade!” He snorted at the hypocrisy and climbed down from the coach. “I do this for my friends, Darcy, nothing more is needed.” Touching his hat he smiled and entered the inn. Soon the coach was back in motion and Darcy and Fitzwilliam were left alone.
“I will testify if you wish.” Fitzwilliam said quietly.
Darcy shook his head. “No. It will be a difficult experience but I can face the crowd for her. Seeing Wickham in the dock will be a pleasure.” He looked down at the ring on his hand and touched it. “Besides, Elizabeth is with me.”
“IT IS PURE LUCK you know, Mr. Darcy.” Henderson sniffed as they entered the witness room. “It is a rare event when you know what case is coming up, but with a bit of persuasion I had it moved to today.” He met Darcy’s eye with a raised brow and he nodded.
“I appreciate that and I will be sure to augment your gift for the effort.”
Henderson broke into a wide smile. “I thought you might!” He indicated two empty chairs in the noisy room. “Just wait your turn, it could be all day. Used to make you all sit in the pub, but now you have your own place.”
Darcy sank into the chair and Fitzwilliam joined him. The room was filled with people from all walks of society, but for the most part, it was the working class. They appeared to be the only gentlemen present. Pressing his lips tightly together, Darcy clasped his hands and took in the scene.
“Quite an education we are receiving today.” Fitzwilliam observed.
“It is worth it to see him convicted.”
“Naturally. So how much bile is rising in your throat?”
&nbs
p; “The smell …”
“Not rosewater, that is certain. Reminds me distinctly of the barracks.”
The cousins exchanged glances and silently watched the people watching them. Stewart looked in the doorway and spotting them, entered and shook their hands when they stood. “I am sorry to be late, Smith has a few other cases today, but he is ready for you. I am sorry that the funds you gave me were not enough, seems there were a lot of hands asking for a piece of it to guarantee this date.” He glanced at the door and waved. “Here is Smith!”
“Mr. Darcy, Colonel.” Smith bowed. “You will be sworn, Mr. Darcy you are first, just answer the questions from Henderson as they are asked, Colonel you are next, then the magistrate, then Wickham. He will make it as straightforward as possible, Wickham has no representative.”
A man came to the doorway, “Prosecutor for Elizabeth Hollingworth!” Darcy started with the name and a man stood from some seats behind them and the room silenced as he left. Smith watched them go and shook his head. “I’m betting on transportation for that one, servant girl stole a banknote from her employer’s pocket book.”
“Well you cannot be too careful when hiring servants.” Fitzwilliam observed. “Mother only takes on relatives of our staff, or one recommended by a friend.”
“I have not been involved in that, I have just left it to Mrs. Mercer and Mrs. Reynolds.” Darcy mused.
“And now Elizabeth.” Darcy met Fitzwilliam’s raised brows and smiled.
“Yes.” Darcy looked down and twisted his ring. Smith spoke to them some more and then another man appeared.
“Prosecutor for William Dean!” A man rose and Smith jumped.
“Ah one of mine, I will return shortly, this one stole a twenty-pound note from his employer, definitely transportation for him. Who knows, maybe William and Elizabeth will marry one day!” He laughed and departed the room.
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Can you imagine if you and your Elizabeth committed some crimes and were sent off to Australia?”
“No, no I cannot.” Darcy snarled.
“Relax, Cousin, our turn will come. I am glad that Smith convinced you to let me testify. I want my hand in this too.” Seeing only a nod of assent, Fitzwilliam crossed his legs and took in the crowd, and gave up trying to relax Darcy. He was lost in his thoughts.
“Prosecutor for George Wickham!”
Darcy jumped up and Fitzwilliam was right behind him. They were met by Smith and were led into the courtroom. The solicitor took his place at a great mahogany table and Darcy and Fitzwilliam were showed their places in the witness box. Darcy’s eyes wandered the room, and noted the looking glass positioned to catch sunlight from the windows to illuminate the accused. The jurors were seated and whispering amongst themselves while staring at them, and a crowd of noisy spectators was above. Wickham was led into the room and took a seat in the dock, opposite Darcy. He looked wan, his time in Newgate had not been easy, but the cockiness was unchanged. The men glared at each other.
“George Wickham, indicted for robbery, assault, and housebreaking.”
Darcy was sworn in. Henderson took charge. “Your name?”
“I am Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“You are a gentleman?”
“I am; I live in Park Lane.”
“Do you know the accused?”
“I do, he is the son of my father’s deceased steward and was his ward.”
“What took place?”
“On the morning of October 2nd, Wickham entered my home through the kitchen door, evaded detection by the staff and gained entry to my private study. He was surprised to find my wife at home and in the room.”
“Why is your wife not here to bear witness?”
“My wife is with child and unable to travel. She was with child when Wickham attacked her.”
“You were not present?”
“No.”
“What does Mrs. Darcy claim occurred?”
“She rose to her feet and reached for the bell pull to summon help. Wickham grabbed her arm and twisted it, threatening to break it if she screamed.” The conversation in the courtroom increased. Darcy met Smith’s eyes and he nodded. The kiss would not be mentioned. Raising his voice so he would be heard, Darcy continued, “My wife then fainted and fell to the floor. Wickham left her there and proceeded to open a secreted space and remove the strongbox kept there.”
“How would he know of this place and the strongbox?”
“He observed my father removing it on many occasions.”
“And then?”
“He attempted to open it using a silver knife kept on the desk for opening letters.”
Smith held it up to show the jury. “Is this the knife?”
“It is. If you observe it is engraved with the initials GD, that was my father.”
“And then?”
“He failed at picking the lock, picked up a marble statue and attempted to break the lock with it. It was at this point that I and my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to the house and entered the room. I struck him and went to my wife’s aid.”
“And the knife?”
“Was in his waistcoat.”
“What is it worth?”
“I would estimate no less than five pounds.”
“And then?”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam stood guard over him until the magistrate arrived. I took my wife to her chambers and awaited the physician.”
“Thank you. You may step down.”
Fitzwilliam was sworn in and gave his testimony. The physician was unable to appear but the magistrate did and had his record. At last it was Wickham’s turn.
“Did you enter uninvited the Darcy home, threaten and assault his wife, and attempt to steal the contents of his strongbox?”
“No, I was trying to recover monies that were owed to me.”
“And what is that?”
“His father left me a living, Darcy refused it to me and I demanded compensation.”
“Did he give you nothing for the living?”
“A pittance of its worth.”
Henderson held up a paper. “Is this your signature?”
“It appears to be.”
“This document certifies that you received one thousand pounds inheritance and three thousand pounds in exchange for the living. Did you receive these funds?”
Wickham snarled. “Yes.”
“You feel that this was not enough?”
“I do.” The murmurs amongst the jury and the spectators increased. Darcy watched them talking and looked to Fitzwilliam. He shrugged and sat forward.
“You felt it necessary to threaten a pregnant woman to take this so-called compensation?”
“I did not know she was with child.”
“Why did you not seek legal means to recover what you felt you were owed?”
“I could not afford representation.”
“You had spent the four thousand pounds in a period of two years?”
Wickham was silent, then seeing Darcy’s cold stare responded. “I did.” More conversation broke out, and the judge struck his gavel and demanded silence. “I should have finished what I started, Darcy. That would have been acceptable compensation.”
Darcy stood and slammed his fist on the table. “Then you never would have seen justice in this room.”
“Enough!” The judge declared as the volume of the conversations rose. “Mr. Darcy please take you seat. Jury, you have heard enough. Render your verdict.”
Darcy sat down but kept his eyes boring into Wickham’s identical cold gaze. Fitzwilliam kept a hand near Darcy’s elbow, ready to drag him down if necessary. The jury leaned together and after several minutes of whispered conversation signalled they were ready. The foreman stood.
“We find the defendant guilty.”
“Fourteen years transportation.” The gavel was struck and Wickham was hustled out, but his eyes remained with Darcy’s until the end.
“I will be back to collect!”
Fitzwilli
am grabbed Darcy and held him fast then hustled him from the courtroom. In the background he heard a loud voice call, “Prosecutor for John Bridge!”
Stewart was down from the spectator’s seats and joined them along with Henderson and Smith. “How do you feel Darcy? I was waiting for you leap across the courtroom and strangle him. In a few months he will be gone.”
“But he will be back.” Darcy spat. “You heard him. He is not through with me. He will nurse this.”
“He will never be back.” Henderson assured him. “I would not waste a moment of worry over that.
Darcy glared back at the courtroom silently then finally looked up to the barrister. “I hope that you are correct. Thank you for your efforts today.” He shook off Fitzwilliam’s clutching hand and straightened.
Henderson shook his hand and gripped his elbow. Darcy passed a packet to Smith; he extracted an envelope and handed that to Henderson. Both men bowed, and Henderson left to take his next case. Smith paused. “Oh, the woman who visits Wickham in prison is a Mrs. Dorothy Younge. I understand that she teaches sewing at a girls’ school.” He bowed again and disappeared back inside of the Old Bailey.
Whatever relief Darcy had felt was replaced now with fear. “Georgiana!” He took off to find his coach and Fitzwilliam was right behind him.
“What is it?” He demanded.
Darcy turned and glared. “Mrs. Younge works in the school where Georgiana and Mary are enrolled! Mary mentioned her; she said she was overly friendly!”
“Good Lord.” Fitzwilliam muttered and when they finally located the coach they immediately were on their way to Mrs. Banks’ School for Girls.
Chapter 8
Elizabeth rubbed her hands up and down her arms and finally moved away from the window. The cold radiating from the glass did not help the feeling of loss that settled over her within hours of Darcy’s departure five days earlier. Jane approached and placing a shawl around her shoulders, gave her a hug. “It will not be long now.”“No, the trial was today.” She smiled a little and they walked together to sit by the fire. “I can only hope that it was worth his effort to be there.”
“Without a doubt it was, Elizabeth.” Lady Matlock smiled. “I know that separation from your husband is difficult, especially this first time and when you are so newly married, but it is something that will happen many times. He will need to attend to his business, just as he did when he had to address the fire, and you may often find yourself unable to join him, whether it is because wives are not welcome or because you are again carrying a babe.”
