Voices in the Dark

by Jaeza Rayleigh

  As Lizzy had suspected, the shadows fed on the one who controlled them differently. From that one they took away the capacity for love and kindness, draining those emotions from the person's heart and mind. The controller became tied to the land and could not venture far from the source of their power. Eventually the shadows took all, draining the life and soul from their worshiper and leaving nothing but a ghostly image to haunt the site of their final conscious moment.

  "We should not have read this before bed, you know," Lizzy said as they finished that portion of the volume. All four had simply been staring at each other in horror at the fate awaiting Lady Catherine, but Lizzy's comment broke the tension, causing them to laugh nervously.

  "I think we should probably wait for the rest of it," Mr. Darcy said. "You are correct that this is not good nighttime reading."

  Someone knocked at the library door. At Mr. Darcy's bidding, Mr. Carroll entered the room.

  "Your messenger has returned from Rosings, sir."

  "Thank you, Mr. Carroll. I will see him in my study." The butler bowed and left as Mr. Darcy stood up.

  "Why did you send a messenger to Rosings?" Georgiana asked.

  "I sent him to talk with groom who helped us leave. I wanted to find out what is going on at the house and whether Lady Catherine is even still alive. I will come back after I speak with him and let you know. Perhaps you should read something cheerful to distract you while I am gone."

  Lizzy thought that was a good idea. She found a copy of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The three young women settled together on the sofa to alternate reading parts.

  "It will be funnier if we do not worry about which character is speaking, but just take turns reading whichever line is next," she told them. They went along with her suggestion and were soon giggling as Lizzy took her turns using the silliest voices she could manage. Anne and Georgiana tried to follow suit, causing even more giggles.

  They did not even notice Mr. Darcy's return until they heard his laughter mingling with their own. "I have never heard the play read quite that way before," he said when he caught his breath, "but it seems to have cheered you up."

  "What was the news?" Anne asked nervously.

  Mr. Darcy sobered immediately. "Your mother lives, although in the household they say she had some kind of fit and is having trouble speaking clearly. Both Mr. Herbert and Mrs. Porter suffered fits as well and have taken to their beds in nervous prostration. The house is in an uproar. It seems some of the servants have taken the opportunity provided by the chaos to make good their own escapes. I do not know how much influence Lady Catherine can wield from afar, but I would prefer if you all remain here at Darcy House for the time being."

  "Do you think the Earl of Matlock could do anything to break her influence?" Georgiana asked.

  "The question is less one of whether he could, but whether he would. Our uncle was the only one who ever had any hope of controlling Lady Catherine. Since his death our cousin, Simon, has done his best to ignore the connection to Rosings altogether. Even if we could make him believe our story, I doubt he could be bothered to attempt any action against her. I expect far more help from Richard when he arrives."

  "So what do we do?" Anne asked.

  "Stick together and stay alert. If what we read is true, she cannot leave."

  "She controlled the household with threats of ruin and retribution," Lizzy said. "She may have been bluffing. If she has not left Rosings for years and she does not entertain, what kind of connections does she truly have outside her little realm?"

  "Not many that I am aware of. That is another reason why I managed the contracts and other business," Mr. Darcy said thoughtfully.

  "Then I think we are wise to simply be wary," Lizzy replied.

  "True. Now I think I have another copy of the play around here somewhere so I can join in with the reading as well. We can use some more laughter before we retire for the night." Mr. Darcy found the volume and took the first line from where they had left off. Soon they could all barely read for laughing.

  Chapter 18: A Birthday Party

  Lizzy woke on her birthday feeling better rested than she had been for a few months. Oh, she had suffered a few nightmares, but somehow the laughter of the previous evening had stayed with her as well, and she was able to quickly return to sleep.

  After seeing how much Anne and Georgiana had enjoyed their shopping trip the day before, Lizzy decided to swallow her protests and simply accept what they so graciously offered. It was not every day she was able to go to Hatchards. She had no intention of buying anything, but it would be fun to browse. The stop at Gunter's would be fun as well and she need not be too embarrassed at allowing her friends to purchase the treat.

  She allowed the maid to help her don the lovely peach dress again and to put her hair up in another fancy style. Lizzy thought she could get used to wearing such fine garments now that they had already been ordered. It had been such a pleasure not having to consider her mother's penchant for the overuse of lace when selecting the designs. Her new gowns had generally simple lines, but that would be offset by fine fabrics and delicate embroidery.

  At breakfast Lizzy noticed everyone else seemed better rested as well. The other three all wished her many happy returns of the day. In such good company, Lizzy felt sure her days would be happy.

  The morning passed quickly. Lizzy and Georgiana decided to give Anne her first lesson on the pianoforte. They ended up laughing more than playing, but Anne did learn to play some scales and the right-hand portion of a short and simple duet with Lizzy. After years of fighting with Mary for the chance to practice, this easy sharing of the instrument delighted Lizzy as did Anne's joy at actually being able to sit at the keyboard and play.

  Mr. Darcy joined them for a light luncheon. He said he had gone to the de Bourgh townhouse that morning.

  "It is good you came here first," he told Anne. "The house is not really ready for occupancy at the moment. Since it has not been used by the family for years most of the rooms are closed up. Three people live there, the former butler and his wife who acts as housekeeper and their teenage daughter who helps keep things clean. They have not had any instructions from your mother in years, so I think you would be safe if they house were properly staffed. I can take you there on Monday and you can decide if you want to open the house up and hire staff. Of course, you are welcome to stay at Darcy House as long as you wish, or at Pemberley if you prefer."

  "Thank you for checking on the house, William," Anne replied. "I would like to visit on Monday just to see for myself what the house is like before I make any decisions."

  "We will plan on it, unless Richard shows up and we need to take other actions. I hope he arrives soon."

  "I do as well. Has anyone heard from him that you are aware of?" Anne asked.

  "No, although he may have notified Mrs. Reynolds of his expected return. Hopefully he would stop here before going on to Pemberley."

  "At least they have the news that you are safe," Lizzy told him. "He might be annoyed at the unnecessary trip if he goes there first, but he will not have to worry that you are still missing."

  "I would still feel better if we had heard from him. Someday an inventor will find a better means for communicating that dealing with the vagaries of the postal system."

  ~o~

  Hatchards was just as wonderful as Lizzy had remembered. So many books in one place meant could look for hours. Better yet, she was with others who loved books as well and they had agreed to take as long as they wished to browse the stacks. Anne was smiling happily and looking stronger than ever. Lizzy had to wonder if all her ill health, even that first fever she mentioned, was due to the shadows at Rosings Park. She watched as Georgiana headed for the section with the novels, hoping for something new. Lizzy and Anne stayed together and began in the section dealing with history.

  "I wonder how many members of the de Bourgh family have fed the shadows like my mother," Anne commented quietly as they examined
a book about the Norman invasion. Anne had told Lizzy once that the de Bourghs had come over with the Conqueror. "I do not think my father had anything to do with the shadows. He was a very kind man to the end."

  "Perhaps they lie quiet if there is no one of the right temperament on the property to wake them. We will have to read the rest of that book at some point," Lizzy answered.

  "Not right away, I hope. I am glad you got us all laughing last evening. I had some nightmares, but then I heard our laughter in my head, and I felt better again."

  "It affected me the same way. Of course, reading something cheerful was your cousin's idea. I just made it into something silly."

  "That was the most fun I have ever had with a Shakespeare play. Reading plays always seems to lack something. Perhaps one evening soon we can attend a play so I can see and hear the difference in a performance as opposed to just reading."

  "I know you will enjoy that, and William will arrange it if you ask. He seems willing to arrange for anything that will make us happy." Lizzy turned over some other books of interest, then moved along the row.

  By the time they decided to leave, Anne and Lizzy had browsed through nearly every section of the store. Georgiana and Mr. Darcy both purchased a few books, but Anne wanted to wait until she knew where she would be living. Lizzy stuck to her intent to only look, although she was sorely tempted several times.

  They were lucky enough to find an empty table at Gunter's. The ices were delicious and the company excellent. All four had nearly finished enjoying their treats when a cheerful voice rang out from behind Mr. Darcy.

  "Darcy! I am surprised to see you here, old man. You are usually at Pemberley this time of year. Let me introduce you to my wife."

  Lizzy saw Mr. Darcy grimace. She looked up to see an amiable looking man with tousled blond curls and a bright smile. Standing by his side was Jane.

  Mr. Darcy turned and looked the man in the eye and then turned back to the remnants of his ice without a word. Lizzy saw the blond man color as he realized he had been publicly cut. Jane blushed slightly and then her eyes lit on her sister.

  "Lizzy?" she said in mild surprise. "What are you doing here? Mr. Collins told Uncle Gardiner you were in Kent somewhere."

  "I was in Kent, Jane. Now I am here visiting with friends. We are celebrating my birthday."

  "Oh, is that today? I had forgotten," Jane said dismissively. "I am here with my new husband, Mr. Bingley. We married two weeks ago."

  Lizzy realized this must have been the second friend who betrayed Mr. Darcy. Why else would he cut the man? "Congratulations," she said to her sister in an even voice.

  "Uncle Gardiner wondered where you were. He sent letters to the address to which Mr. Collins said he had sent you. Why did you not answer him?"

  "I never received his letters. The post to Rosings Park is notoriously unreliable."

  Jane looked Lizzy up and down coolly. "That is a very fine gown for a paid companion. Did your friend buy it for you?" she looked significantly at Mr. Darcy.

  Lizzy kept her composure. Jane was being unpleasant but was nothing to Lady Catherine. "The gown was a birthday present from my friend, Miss Darcy. I am not a paid companion of any kind. As I said, I am visiting with friends. I would introduce you, but I do not think my friends wish it. Now, if you will excuse me..." Lizzy spoke evenly with as little emotion as Jane had displayed. She left the final phrase hanging between them for a few seconds then turned back to her birthday treat. It had not escaped her notice that Jane had not even bothered to wish her many happy returns when reminded of the day. Yet at Longbourn, Jane was really ever the only one who had.

  Mr. Bingley finally realized he would get no further response from Mr. Darcy and he clearly did not know what to make of the conversation between Lizzy and Jane. He took his wife by the arm and they left without further attempts at conversation.

  Lizzy's three companions had also listened to the conversation between the sisters, although Georgiana did not know of the relationship. They stayed silent until Mr. Bingley and Jane had exited the cafe.

  "That was your older sister?" Anne asked.

  "It was. Apparently, Uncle Gardiner was correct about her disdain for me," said Lizzy with a slight smile and teasingly added. "I have you as an older sister now, Anne, so her attitude is unimportant."

  "She is just the type I would expect Bingley to marry," Mr. Darcy said. "He has always been drawn to beautiful willowy blondes. But you were wrong about something you once told me, Miss Bennet."

  "What is that, Mr. Darcy?" Lizzy asked.

  "You said your oldest sister was the most beautiful of the Bennet daughters, along with your youngest sister. Mrs. Bingley is a very pretty woman, to be sure, but I think you are more beautiful than she."

  Lizzy blushed fiercely. "Not according to my mother. She often despaired over my looks as much as my education."

  "What is wrong with your education?" Georgiana asked.

  "Why, that I have one," Lizzy responded with a grin. "Mama does not believe that women should read books or, heaven forbid, admit to it. For her it is all about beauty."

  "Let me guess," Mr. Darcy said, "your mother was a beautiful willowy blonde as well."

  "Once upon a time. That willow has grown a bit rotund these days and she tends to drape herself in too much lace to properly show off her still-beautiful features. However, you would be correct in thinking that I take after the Bennets rather than the Gardiners."

  "You wear it well, Miss Bennet. I wonder how Bingley met your sister. Of course, he is a tradesman although he is looking to buy an estate to set up as a gentleman. I remember you said your uncle would be looking for a husband for her among his colleagues."

  "I will need to contact Uncle Gardiner to let him know I am safe. I can ask him about Jane's marriage then."

  Georgiana spoke up. "She sounded almost as unpleasant as Mr. Bingley's younger sister, although she certainly has better taste in clothing. I suppose Mr. Bingley will be comfortable with her since he is familiar with that kind of attitude."

  "Lizzy, was she implying what I think she was with her comment about your dress?" Anne asked.

  "She could not have been more clear if she had said it outright," Mr. Darcy commented. "I hope Bingley informs her that I have never been one to keep that sort of company."

  "I do not understand. What was she implying?" Georgiana asked.

  "She assumed that I was a paid companion to your brother," Lizzy said with an even deeper blush.

  "Oh," Georgiana gasped. "How could she? She is your sister. She should know you better."

  "Well apparently she does not. Fortunately all of you do know me better. Let us not worry about Jane. I am content with the people I have around me now. You are the true friends."

  "Is everyone finished," Mr. Darcy asked. The festive mood had been a little soured by the encounter.

  As they got up to leave, Georgiana and Anne went out quickly to look for the carriage. Lizzy lingered and asked Mr. Darcy, "Was he the one who tried to blackmail you?"

  He nodded. "He did not really have anything to blackmail me with, although he tried to make out that he did. I still refused to marry his sister and he eventually had to back down. He does not seem to realize I might resent his behavior."

  "You make it a habit to refuse to marry anyone others expect you to," Lizzy said teasingly, hoping to lighten his mood. "Is there any woman you would be willing to marry?"

  He looked at her quite seriously. "There is one." He looked around and saw that no one was paying them any particular attention. "You are that one, Miss Bennet. I want no other for my wife. I know this may not be the best or most romantic of times, but I must ask. Will you marry me?"

  "Is that a serious proposal Mr. Darcy? You know I was teasing you before. And we need not pay attention to Jane's insinuations."

  "I am most serious, Miss Bennet. I am not asking because of what your sister said. I am asking because I want to spend the rest of my life with you." he said fir
mly but with a nervous look. Lizzy realized he feared rejection.

  "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will gladly marry you. I have come to respect and esteem you greatly and want no other man for my husband," she said with a bright smile.

  "William, Lizzy," he said. "Call me William."

  "Yes, William, I will marry you."

  As they headed to the door Lizzy added a little uncertainly. "William, I do not want to desert Anne in any way. I consider her more of a sister than the four I have lost. She may stay with us if she wishes, may she not?"

  "Of course, Lizzy. I was serious in my invitation to her earlier as well."

  "Good. Do you know why she did not wish to marry you?"

  He stopped and looked at her in surprise. "I never really thought about it. She told me she did not, and I questioned no further. Do you know why?"

  "Richard." was all she said, and she looked at William intently, willing him to understand. After a moment, he did.

  "Ah," he said. They walked to the door and he said. "I wonder if he knows. It would be a good match for them both."

  "She does not know how he feels. She just knew Lady Catherine would never allow it. He probably knew the same if his thoughts ever tended that way." William nodded and they stepped outside. Anne and Georgiana waited just outside the door. William handed the ladies into the carriage, giving Lizzy a happy smile as he helped her.

  "What took you two so long?" Georgiana once they were settled and the carriage began to roll down the street.

  "Your brother was giving me a very special birthday present," Lizzy said with a grin.

  "What was that?"

  "He asked me to marry him and I accepted."

  "What!" Anne and Georgiana exclaimed in unison. They looked at each other and began to laugh.

  "But that will make you my sister," said Georgiana through her laughter.

  "Then Anne will be both your cousin and your sister's sister," teased Lizzy. "And we shall all stay happily together. I would not want to send you off on your own, Sister Anne. You are worth a hundred of Jane."