A swift heartbeat later, Mr. Hurst burst through the greenery. “I say, wife, what are you doing out here in the dark?”
Mrs. Hurst stared at her husband, astounded he had left liquid refreshment long enough to come out of the house. However, she quickly surmised his appearance did not bode well for her if she responded incorrectly. “I came with Caroline to enjoy the fresh air. Did you not get overheated, sir?”
“Caroline?” Mr. Hurst turned his head from side-to-side and blinked as Caroline stepped closer. “Oh, thought you were a shadow, m'dear. This garden is full of people out taking the air.” He lifted an arm in a swiping motion and almost lost his balance. “That Colonel Forester almost trampled me over in the dark.” He pointed in the direction where earlier, Wickham and Mrs. Forester had heard a rustling in the hedge.
“Oh, Hurst, how you carry on when you are in your cups. Do take a long respite in this night air to clear your head.” Mrs. Hurst grabbed her sister’s arm. “I must escort Caroline safely inside. I declare, her skin is quite chilled.” With those words, Mrs. Hurst tugged Caroline along the path.
Mr. Hurst stepped closer to Wickham and peered at him from wide eyes. “I am on to you, sir. You think you can smear your charm around and do as you please, but I am aware of your tricks.”
“Pray tell, sir, of what are you speaking?” Wickham stiffened the least bit. Not that he had any fear of a man twice his age and already half in his cups, but a loose tongue could put him in an uncomfortable situation with Lydia.
Mr. Hurst’s body seemed to wind around in his shoes before he steadied himself and pointed a shaking finger in Wickham’s face. “My wife, sir. I am speaking of my wife and I am warning you to stay away from her.” His body did that winding motion again and he frowned. “My wife. Where is she? She was standing right there not more than a minute past.”
“Mrs. Hurst and her sister went back inside, sir.” Wickham looked down from his considerable height at the shorter man. “Might I suggest you should do the same?”
“Suggest all you want, you…you—”
“Hurst, you do not seem well. Would it not be better if you returned to your wife?”
“Ah, yes, m'wife. I warn you, Wickham. I mean what I say. Stay away from my wife or you will regret it until your last breath.” Mr. Hurst stumbled as he turned around. “I must find some refreshment to warm my insides. Blasted cold. Feel it all the way to my bones.” He wandered off down the path, mumbling as he went.
***
On the other side of the shrubs, sheltered by the tall overgrown bushes, Kitty covered her mouth to conceal her gasp. How could Mr. Hurst threaten Lydia’s husband in such a manner? Hand clutched to her chest, Kitty tried to think of what she must do. She had followed Denny to the garden, hoping to spend some time with him, but lost sight of him in the shadows. The moon half covered by clouds and soft glow from the windows was not enough to guide her around the garden. So far the evening was a disappointment, and hearing this conversation made things worse.
To start, Lydia and Wickham arrived late—so she had no time to converse with her sister before the ball. Even when she entered the ballroom and was amongst all those officers, Lydia seemed vexed. Kitty had missed Lydia since she and Wickham relocated to the north. They exchanged letters, but Kitty longed to hear all the news her sister left out when writing, for Lydia never had the patience or attention for her correspondence. But all evening Lydia was either clinging to Wickham’s arm or delivering insults to anyone unfortunate enough to speak to her.
Kitty was of the opinion that marriage had made no improvement in Lydia’s disposition, and she longed for the fun and laughter she found in Denny’s company. However, speaking to her old friend had proved difficult. Denny arrived with the guests from Lucas Lodge and seemed to have time only for Mrs. Forester.
Kitty stomped her foot, frustration making her forget she was hiding from the men on the other side of the hedge. But it was so unfair. Lydia went to Brighton last summer and she was younger than Kitty. Now some of the militia were here at Jane’s ball, but no one would talk to her. She wanted fun the same as Lydia did. But what vexed Kitty even more than the lack of interest from guests was being ignored by her old friend Denny, while he gave his attention to Mrs. Forester, who was already married.
Why did Mrs. Forester encourage single men like Denny and Captain Carter when she already had a husband? Colonel Forester was their commanding officer, and not as pleasing in his appearance and personality, and Mrs. Forester gathered other officers around her with smiles and giggles. Couldn’t she be happy with the status of being a colonel’s wife?
And now, to add to her unrest, Kitty mulled the threat she had overheard Bingley’s bother-in-law deliver to Wickham. Even Jane with her calm disposition would be unhappy at learning Wickham and Mr. Hurst had exchanged harsh words at her ball.
Whatever would poor Bingley think of such an exchange? He was as good-natured as Jane and by far the friendliest of her sisters’ new husbands, and Kitty dreaded to think what he might say when he learned about this incident.
Perhaps she should keep what she had heard to herself. Yet to what end, if Mr. Hurst was sincere in his threats to Wickham? She dared not ask her mother what to do, for Mamma would react with a fit of her nerves and ruin the ball. Papa would only pat her on the head and tell her to be a good daughter. Kitty clenched her hands in her skirts as she sighed. Life had been so dull since Lydia left for Brighton. Even her elopement with Wickham proved little distraction after she was found safe. When Lydia married and moved to Newcastle, Kitty had even less to do to occupy her time. And now, repeating Mr. Hurst’s threats to anyone would bring only disbelief and censure upon her head as a silly, overly-imaginative female.
Ohhh! Where was Denny, anyway? She had lost sight of him in the shadows and now see what a state she was in. Why could the clouds not blow away and allow the moon to shine bright on Jane’s ball? Why did it have to be so dark? And cold? Why could Denny not turn his attention to her now that Lydia was married?
Kitty shivered and caused limbs of the hedge she was leaning against to shake. Fearful of revealing her presence and bringing a lecture upon her head, she decided to give up the search for Denny and return to the house. Perhaps she would find Lizzy and ask her what to do. Lizzy might lecture her for being foolish enough to come out in the dark alone, but after a sisterly warning, Lizzy would tell her what to do.
***
Some short distance away, Caroline Bingley came to a halt in mid-stride and jerked her arm from her sister’s grip. “Louisa, do stop this rapid pace and explain yourself. Why claim you left the ballroom with me, for you know quite well you arrived on your own?”
“Caroline, what are you thinking?” Louisa snapped, “I said the first words in my head. You know full well how Hurst can vex me. He spends all evening emptying his cup, refuses to dance and ignores my conversation, but let me step out for air and he follows like a devoted servant.”
“Did you want your husband’s attention? I should think that the last thing you wanted.” Caroline sniffed. “After all, you did not marry a man with a countenance as pleasing as Darcy’s or Mr. Wickham’s. Though, I dare say, you wish your husband had half Wickham’s charm.”
“You are right in thinking I would change Hurst if I had a choice, but for the time being, I must make amends for my swift departure or I might well regret my actions before the morrow dawns.” Louisa turned to retrace her steps, then paused and looked over her shoulder. “Go along inside, Caroline, your skin is really quite chilled.”
“What of you, Louisa? You do not even have a shawl.”
“Pray do not concern yourself, my dear. My blood is quite warm.” Louisa hid a smile behind her glove before remembering it was quite dark and Caroline could not see her face as she hurried away. It she had her wish, she would get warm quite soon.
***
Colonel Forester eased down the path so as not to encounter another guest in the dark. Almost stepping on Mr
. Hurst was bad enough. Yet Hurst was so full of drink, perhaps he would not recall the incident. It seemed possible, for Hurst was so far in his cups he made no effort to lower his voice while threatening Wickham. Still, Forester felt a certain amount of sympathy for the man’s ire. He also found himself searching for results on this dark night, but fate was not in his favor. He was so focused on discovering his wife’s whereabouts that he had ignored the need for stealth and barreled into Hurst. Still, some measure of satisfaction was his, for he had not found his wife in Wickham’s arms as he had feared.
Though, in truth, he had not discovered his wife’s whereabouts at all. Since the militia moved to Brighton , he had suspected his wife fancied Wickham more than was considered proper. But he would be the first to admit his young wife was easy on the eye. He was not the least surprised she was the center of attention where ever the militia were stationed.
He had reservations, however, about her becoming too familiar with one of his officers, in particular. Wickham’s attention troubled him. For that reason, he suggested his wife invite Lydia Bennet to come with them to Brighton. But his plan ended in failure. He and his wife suffered embarrassment when Wickham used the opportunity to slip away to London with Lydia, while she was under their guardianship. Despite their subsequent marriage, and Wickham’s new commission in Newcastle, he was never really sure of his wife's feelings for Wickham.
In his opinion, commanding officers must maintain an air of authority and status. Yet his encounters with Wickham cost him both, as his actions tonight proved, for he was tiptoeing around Mr. Bingley’s garden in the dark, looking for his wife. And worried where he might find her.
***
Denny slipped behind a tall hedge soon as the weak moonlight revealed Colonel Forester in the shadows a few feet away. He had followed Mrs. Forester when she left the ballroom, but took the wrong path and lost sight of her in the dark. Only the light color of her gown stood out in the odd shaft of light from a ballroom window. The moon was quickly becoming obscured by clouds and provided little light. If not for the white trim on Colonel Forester’s uniform, in two more strides Denny would have been nose to nose with his commanding officer.
Not daring to move a muscle, Denny stood rigid and listened to sounds in the night as he waited for Colonel Forester to go past. Earlier, he almost walked into Mr. Bingley’s sisters and now his superior officer was roaming around the grounds. There must be more people in this garden than in the ballroom.
Finally, the colonel passed and Denny eased out of hiding to continue his search. He wanted to meet Mrs. Forester alone. This might be their only chance for one of their secret rendezvous while they were away from Brighton.
***
Across the garden, in the opposite direction, Lydia trudged through the dark. She was determined to discover who Harriet was meeting. To that end, she kept her focus on the pale figure ahead of her on the path and held her temper. Harriet better not meet Wickham. Or Denny either, for she knew Harriet’s flirtatious ways, and did not wish to find her old friend entangled with his commander’s wife.
She had enjoyed Harriet’s company when the militia was stationed here in Meryton, and overjoyed when Harriet asked her to travel to Brighton as her companion. However, she was not fond of that woman's actions now that she had married one of Harriet’s special favorites. A fact well concealed even though she learned later that her presence provided some distraction for Harriet’s actions. Lydia sighed as she stomped down the path. Now that Wickham was her husband, she resented Harriet’s attempts to continue her acquaintance with him.
She felt the need to protect Denny, as well. He was always an enjoyable companion when she needed a dance partner, before she had married Wickham, and she could not bear to watch him fall under Harriet’s spell.
Surely, if Colonel Forester knew of Harriet’s flirting, he would not tolerate his wife’s actions. Though how a man could reach his rank and not use the eyes in his head to see what was happening with his own wife, was beyond Lydia's understanding. Therefore, it was up to her to protect Denny and Wickham. Truthfully, she delighted in thoughts of denying Harriet pleasure, as well. When she met up with Harriet, Lydia intended to speak her mind while they were alone in the garden. At least, she thought they would be alone, but when she paused to determine where the figure she was following had turned, she heard a squawk from the other side of the garden. But that noise sounded more like a surprised female than of any animal she was familiar with.
Lydia stopped and stared into the night. She was about to reach the conclusion she had lost sight of Harriet, when a hand took hold of her arm. Letting loose a screech, Lydia jerked her arm free. But as her vision adjusted to the darkness, her nose twitched at the familiar scents of lavender and vanilla that brought visions of her sister to mind. “Lizzy, you gave me a such fright. Why are you prowling around in the dark? Why did you not alert me to your presence?”
“I followed you from the ballroom.” Lizzy glanced about the garden. “I confess, if I had not had you in my sight, I would not venture out with all these moving shadows. What are you about? Are you meeting Wickham?”
“Not that it is any concern of yours, but in you must know, I was following Harriet.” Lydia huffed. “And it wasn’t very nice of you to give me a fright, but since you are here, we may as well walk together for I am not ready to return.” Lydia sighed. “Really, Lizzy, why are you out here alone? I thought you would cling to Darcy’s arm now that you succeeded in catching him for your husband.”
“Is that your view of matrimony, Lydia? Your husband is a catch, same as holding a pole in a pond to lure a fish.”
“Don’t put on your airs with me, Lizzy Bennet. I know you wanted Darcy.” Lydia cast a frustrated glance toward the last place she had seen Harriet’s shadow. It was too late to catch the woman now and she blamed Lizzy. “For all your claims that Darcy didn’t interest you, I saw the way you watched him at socials. You think you are so much better than I am because I ran off with Wickham, and you waited for Darcy to beg for your hand. Well, I found the man I wanted and I went after him. What is so wrong about that?”
“Lydia, please, I followed you out here to have a conversation, not ponder over past mistakes.”
“So, you do think you are better than me.” Lydia whipped her skirts out of the way and rushed down the path at a fast clip. “I knew what you thought.” She stopped abruptly and whirled to face Lizzy. “Just as I know you once had feelings for my husband. Do you care for him still, Lizzy? Is that why you try to make me look bad?”
Lizzy struggled for a calm tone. “Lydia, do be sensible. I always wished to marry for love, as you well know. Do not doubt my feelings for my husband.”
“You were making eyes at my husband, before you met Darcy.” Lydia snapped. “Now, leave me alone, Lizzy. I came outside for a reason.”
“What reason would that be?” Lizzy put a hand on Lydia’s arm. “What are you doing, Lydia? Surely, you are not considering a liaison outside of marriage. Please think of what you are doing, Lydia. You could lose all with such behavior.”
Lydia whirled to face Lizzy and barked a laugh. “I am married now, Lizzy. I do not need your lectures.”
“Perhaps not,” Lizzy stepped in front of her, “but you will listen to what I have to say about my husband.”
“What? Are you warning me off Darcy?” Lydia let loose a fit of giggles. “Oh, Lord, Lizzy, you are so funny. I knew there was a reason I missed being at home.”
“You do, really? Oh, my dear Lydia, we have missed seeing you too.”
“Well, forget I said that. I am married to Wickham now and I love him.”
“I know you do, and that is why it is important that you to understand what I have to say. We all wish that your circumstances were better. I want to help when I can. But Lydia, you must stop Wickham from asking Darcy for money.”
“Why should I? Darcy is married to my sister. He has more money than he needs, and goodness knows Wickham and I never
have enough. What does it hurt to remind Darcy he has a responsibility to help his family?”
“Lydia, please—”
“Oh, Lizzy and Lydia,” Kitty gasped as she bumped into Lizzy. “I was so busy looking behind me, I would have missed you if you hadn't been arguing.”
“Kitty, why are you out here alone in the dark?” Lizzy demanded.
“Silly,” Lydia snickered, “Kitty, are you still afraid of your own shadow? I am surprised you would venture out here on you own, if indeed, you are alone.”
“Lydia, that is not fair.” Kitty whirled in her older sister’s direction. “Lizzy, make her take it back. She thinks she is better than me just because she married Wickham, but we all know—”
“Kitty, Lydia, that is enough. You have been apart months, can you not enjoy each other’s company for one night without fighting? Jane will be disappointed if you argue at her ball.”
“I am a married woman, now.” Lydia tilted her chin up. “I do not miss such childish chatter.”
“You would not act so haughty if you knew what I just heard,” Kitty retorted.
“I am finished with this childish game.” Lydia whirled around and stalked off toward the house. “I will see you inside.”
Determined to have the last word, Kitty called, “Watch your step, Lydia. You never know who might be lurking in the bushes.”
“Hush, Kitty. You know how Lydia is when she is vexed.” Lizzy took hold of Kitty’s arm. “Come, we should return to the ball and on the way you can tell me what you heard.”
“I will Lizzy, but you will not be pleased, in the least.” Kitty locked arms with Lizzy, happy to have a sister to chat with instead of facing Mary’s condemnation all the time. “I followed Denny out of the ballroom—”
“Kitty, you know—”
“I only wanted to talk to him. And Lydia followed him too.” Kitty stopped and stared at her sister's shadowy features, dully illuminated by the half-covered moon. “Lizzy, I think Lydia still has feelings for Denny. I know she married Wickham, but she knew Denny first; and I am not convinced but what she regrets her choice of husbands.”
Who Murdered Mr Wickham Page 3
