Who Murdered Mr Wickham

by Carol Hutchens

  “I find that hard to believe.” Colonel Fitzwilliam eyed the other two men. “Miss King seemed more uncomfortable admitting to her interest in Captain Carter than any details of her affair with Wickham.”

  “Women are known for being fickle, Colonel. As a man with a wife, I assure that fact is true. Miss King could have been head-over-heels for Wickham and led us to believe otherwise when confronted. Why else would Lydia Wickham blame her for the crime?” Colonel Forester rocked back on his heels as he concluded with a satisfied nod.

  “Colonel, you forget you and Mrs. Forester were also blamed for the crime.” Fitzwilliam paused as he studied the other two men. “No, gentlemen, I suggest it happened as Miss King described. The shock of hearing of Wickham’s death resulted in Mrs. Wickham’s harsh claims. No offense intended to your wife’s sister, Bingley, but that is my conclusion of the situation.”

  “I am in agreement, Colonel.” Bingley nodded. “I am certain Lydia would never say such words against Lizzy in normal circumstances.”

  “If one of the women Wickham courted and discarded did not commit the murder, what cause do we have for this crime?” Colonel Forester demanded. “In my experience, Lydia Wickham says exactly what is on her mind. At least, she did so for the months she stayed with us in Brighton, before she ran off to marry Wickham. For that reason, gentlemen, I consider Mrs. Darcy and Miss King the main suspects.”

  “We cannot proceed with charges of murder when the claims against the two women are based purely on the words of a grief stricken wife.” Colonel Fitzwilliam insisted.

  “I agree with Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Bingley threw his shoulders back and stepped forward to defend his wife’s family. “Neither woman possesses the temperament of a murderer. I am quite certain Mrs. Darcy could not commit this crime.”

  “Dare you risk the safety of your wife, based on this assumption?” Colonel Forester shook with barely-suppressed emotion as he faced them. “Were you at Mrs. Darcy’s side the whole of the evening, or were you with your wife, Mr. Bingley?”

  “Gentlemen,” Fitzwilliam said in the voice he used to command his men, “we must not vent our frustration on each other. Do reconsider your opinion, Colonel, for I agree with Bingley’s assessment of Mrs. Darcy’s character. I have known my cousin’s wife but a short time, but I do not believe her capable of murder.”

  “Ah, but this is where I have the advantage over you, gentlemen. I have firsthand knowledge of Lydia Wickham’s behavior and she holds no thoughts in her head, but blurts them for all to hear.” Colonel Forester raised his finger for emphasis, “Also my wife and I are house guests along with Miss King. I believe I can claim a more knowledge of her character, as well. With those facts in mind, it is my opinion that Mrs. Darcy and Miss King remain the main suspects.”

  A tense silence followed Colonel Forester’s declaration.

  Fitzwilliam and Bingley studied each other in disbelief. Colonel Forester insisted Darcy’s wife committed the murder but they each had reason to prove she did not.

  “Why would Lizzy...Mrs. Darcy do such at thing?” Bingley demanded in a rush of words. “Begging your pardon, Colonel, but I must disagree. Mrs. Darcy speaks her mind. If a thing irritates her, she makes no attempt to hide her emotions, as my dear wife is known to do. Nor does she have a fit of temper as Lydia and her mother do. Mrs. Darcy confronts the source of her irritation.”

  “Precisely!” Colonel Forester exclaimed, rocking back on his heels. “It might have escaped your notice, but we attended the ball the evening Mrs. Darcy’s younger sister tried to play the piano, despite all attempts to dissuade her. I clearly recall Mrs. Darcy’s expression and witnessed her humiliation as guests reacted to her sister’s lack of skill. Based on that account, I believe she confronted Wickham on his betrayal of her affections. Perhaps she intended no harm, and was overtaken by emotion. Upon my word, sir, how can anyone be certain of what they are capable when emotions take control? Therefore, I stand firm in my belief that Mrs. Darcy or Miss King is the murderer we seek. Both have the temperament. Have you not noticed the fire in their eyes as proof of their depth of emotion?”

  “How can you imagine, such?” Bingley stared at the colonel. “What does Mrs. Darcy gain by bringing harm to her sister’s husband?”

  “It is possible she had no mind of such actions. Perhaps Wickham forced his attentions on her. The confines of marriage did little to contain his passion, as we are all aware.”

  “I must disagree, Colonel. Bingley's thoughts are more to the point. Mrs. Darcy would not respond in such a manner. She might slice Wickham to the quick with her words, but not in an act of violence. Lizzy married Darcy only a few months ago. They have a lifetime ahead of them.” Colonel Fitzwilliam studied the two men. “Why would she take such a risk?”

  “Ah, but did she not marry a man she once professed to hate? That is the gossip repeated to my wife. Perhaps her true affections focused on Wickham. Or having gained knowledge of his character, could it be she had no choice but to defend herself.” Colonel Forester pursed his lips. “You must have observed how Wickham reacted to women. He charmed them and, poor souls that they are, few women resisted his attention. Perhaps Wickham attempted to pursue his previous relationship with Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Such a suggestion is not possible!” Colonel Fitzwilliam stalked across the room and back. “Compared to Darcy, Wickham had no chance—”

  “Wickham could not compete with Darcy on any level.” Bingley blurted.

  “Ah, but you must attempt to think as a woman might, if subjected to his charm. Mrs. Darcy was attracted to Wickham before he turned to her sister, Lydia. Perhaps she missed his charm, which I am told Mr. Darcy lacks.” Colonel Forester sent them a knowing glance. “Mrs. Darcy would not be the first married woman to seek excitement outside her marriage.”

  “You are out of line, Colonel.”

  “That idea is offensive, Colonel, and disrespectful.” Bingley added to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s objection. “My wife’s sister would never contemplate such behavior.”

  “Unless she had a good reason.” Colonel Forester held up a hand. “Consider the humiliation she must have endured when Wickham turned his attentions to Miss King’s fortune. Even worse, Wickham lured her younger sister into disgrace before marrying her. Imagine the blow to Mrs. Darcy’s pride when Wickham did not return his attentions to her after ending his affair with Miss King. Instead, Wickham turned to her younger sister. Gentlemen, I am convinced this is a crime of passion, and I suggest Mrs. Darcy is the murderer.”

  “So you disregard your earlier suspicion of Miss King and turn all blame on Darcy’s wife? How can you suggest such a possibility, Colonel?”

  Colonel Forester’s face twisted in thought as he considered Fitzwilliam’s question. “You are correct, Colonel. I offered only one possible solution. Either of these women could be guilty of this crime.”

  “Unbelievable,” Bingley muttered as he stomped across the room. “Wickham was tall, with wiry strength, while both women you hold suspect are of small stature. How could they commit this crime?”

  “Mr. Bingley,” Colonel Forester’s face eased into a pleased expression, “has described the reason I believe this to be a crime of passion. How else could anyone get close enough to murder a man trained in the militia, if not by pretending to embrace him?”

  ***

  To diffuse tension, Colonel Fitzwilliam suggested they halt the questioning for a short time. He needed to warn Darcy of Forester’s claims. Colonel Forester agreed to the delay and rushed to check on his wife with the concern of a devoted husband. Mr. Bingley also seemed relieved and hurried to find Jane to relate the latest news.

  “Lizzy is not a murderer! That cannot be,” Jane insisted upon hearing Bingley’s report. “She did not care a whit for Wickham after he turned to Miss King. Whether you agree or not, I am of the opinion Lizzy was attracted to Darcy from the night they first met. However, Lizzy's pride prevented her from admitting her interest when Darcy acted sta
ndoffish. Do you not recall how aloof Darcy acted, Charles? He was puffed up and looking down his nose—”

  “My dear Jane,” Bingley laid a soothing hand on her arm, “pray do not distress yourself.”

  “How can I not?” Jane’s cheeks filled with the heat of her emotions. “Where is the colonel now? I must disabuse him of this notion at once.”

  “Fear not, dear wife,” Bingley replied in a calm tone as he nodded toward Lizzy and Darcy standing with the colonel. “I suspect Colonel Fitzwilliam is relaying the details to Darcy as we speak. They will shield Lizzy from Colonel Forester’s claims.”

  For all her calm nature, Jane turned to glare at Colonel Forester as he hovered over his wife several feet away. “Has he not done enough to ruin my family without claiming that Lizzy murdered Wickham? Really, Charles, I am quite certain Colonel Forester has reached the wrong conclusion.”

  “Rest assured my dear, Darcy will defend Lizzy—”

  “How can he do so when his deeds are doubted as well?” Jane clutched her husband’s arm as she pleaded. “Oh, Charles, they are our family. We must prove—”

  “My dear, you must not concern yourself. Allow the colonels to inquire into these matters. The danger is too great and I will not have you exposed to risk. Come and walk with me as we consult with our guests.”

  “Oh Charles, if only I could depend on them but, as the colonels are not in accord, I cannot rest with knowing Lizzy is under suspicion. I need to help clear her name. You converse with the guests. I must consult with cook about food and drinks.”

  “Jane, please allow Caroline to handle the details, she is accustomed to dealing with cook.”

  “Oh, Charles,” Jane angled her chin to look in his eyes, “do you not see that as a problem? Caroline is still in charge of all that goes on in this house, but I am your wife, and I intend to make you proud.”

  “But Jane, I believed you were happy for Caroline to continue to handle things about the house.”

  “It saddens me to admit I was, Charles, and that only added to the problem. I stood back, willing for others to make my decisions, much as my parents did when I was at home. If no other good comes from this night, my eyes have opened to the need for us to take charge of our lives. I want to take my rightful place at your side as your wife. Therefore, I must share the responsibility as well as the joy.” Color filled her cheeks as their eyes tangled for long moments. “This night has taught me a lesson. Now I will speak to Cook. You must share with Mr. Darcy all that you know and learn what he thinks should be done.”

  Even so, Jane left the ballroom reluctantly. All she wanted to do was close herself and Bingley in their bedchamber and forget the rest of the world, but that was not going to happen. Until she proved Lizzy was innocent of this crime, she could not enjoy her husband’s love or any other pleasant events. Thoughts that Lizzy or Miss King might lose all because of false claims made her stomach roil.

  More determined than ever before in her life, Jane hurried downstairs, turned to the back hallway, and made her way to the kitchen.

  ***

  A short while later, Lizzy took her seat and glanced around the library as she said, “Why have they called us all here?”

  All the members of her family were gathered in the room where Wickham died. Kitty and Mary sat huddled together in a large chair. Lydia sat near-by and spread her skirts on the chair as she stared about with wide-eyed, as if unaffected by the crime. Mamma settled on one end of a sofa, while Jane sat at the other end. Bingley stood directly behind Jane, one hand on the back of the sofa as if to offer his support. Her father lounged in the wingback chair opposite the sofa and Lizzy suspected she was the only person in the room aware of his tension. Certainly her mother never seemed to notice the slight twitch to his right eye when he was worried.

  Darcy stood in front of the fireplace, hands clasped behind his back. He, too, kept his reactions to events from marring his countenance. When they first met his stern control kept her from understanding the depth of his emotions, but not any longer. She knew he was ready to spring to her defense from the way he took notice of every detail in the room.

  Most of his attention focused on the two officers leading the investigation. Even Darcy’s favorite cousin held himself rigid, but Lizzy supposed Fitzwilliam must appear detached. Her situation could worsen if Colonel Fitzwilliam showed favorites during the investigation of Lydia's claims. Lizzy was confident her activities this evening would prove her innocent. Indeed she dearly hoped that would be the true. She prayed there was no added reason for her mother to fall into a another fit of nerves.

  She glanced about and noticed Colonel Forester was studying her family as if they were a group of recalcitrant troops in need of discipline. “Colonel, why do you call all my family here if you only have questions for me?”

  “We assumed you would feel more comfortable with your family present.” Fitzwilliam said before Colonel Forester could respond, which was just as well Lizzy decided, as she noted the scowl on Colonel Forester’s face.

  “Then let us begin,” Colonel Forester demanded as he turned a grim glance on Lizzy. “Mrs. Darcy, were you angered by Mr. Wickham’s actions when he lured your sister, Lydia, to elope with him?”

  “Wickham did not lure me.” Lydia giggled. “It was all my idea. I wanted to surprise my family by being the first one married, and me the youngest.”

  Ignoring her sister’s comment, Lizzy angled her chin high as she met the colonel’s stare. “I was quite vexed with Wickham’s behavior.”

  “Lizzy—”

  “Were you jealous of Mr. Wickham’s affections for your youngest sister?” Colonel Forester demanded, ignoring Lydia’s attempt to interrupt.

  “Not at all, Colonel. I was worried his actions would ruin Lydia’s reputation and that of the rest of my family as well.”

  Lydia made a snorting sound. “You were afraid you would lose your chance with Darcy. You had no concern for me or the rest of our family.” Lydia watched Lizzy and Darcy exchange a glance and raised her voice even more. “Well, you have Darcy now, Lizzy, and I hope you are satisfied.”

  Colonel Forester watched the exchange with a gleam in his eye. When Lydia went silent, he gave a nod of agreement. “Perhaps Mrs. Wickham is correct. Were you concerned only for your own reputation, Mrs. Darcy? After all, a man of your husband's standing would hardly choose to marry a woman with a tarnished reputation.”

  “Colonel Forester—”

  “Do not concern yourself, Darcy. I will respond to the question.” Lizzy sent her husband a half-smile then turned to the colonel. “I was deeply concerned for Lydia’s future, but also for my father’s safety. I feared for his health if he pursued the couple to protect Lydia’s honor. You are also correct in assuming I feared for Jane’s future and my own. Wickham’s careless actions could have ended Mamma’s goal to marry off her daughters and my family’s chance for happiness.”

  “What nonsense is this?” Mrs. Bennet sputtered as she glared at Lizzy. “Ruin our family’s future? I was thrilled to have a daughter married at last. Lydia is younger than you, Lizzy, and not as pretty as Jane, but she found a husband, first, did she not?”

  “Now, who is being silly?” Lydia blurted as their mamma stopped speaking. She sent Darcy a challenging glance and turned back to Lizzy. “A little gossip would not keep Darcy away if he really loved you. Look what my Wickham did for me.”

  “What?” Kitty and several other voices said at once.

  Lydia turned a surprised glance on them and responded patiently. “Why, he turned his back on all his friends and the regiment and took me to London, of course.”

  “He ruined your reputation by running off without marrying you first.” Vexed emotions echoed in Lizzy’s voice.

  “Wife, do allow the colonels to get on with their questions.” Darcy’s words rang with caution as his gaze bored into Lizzy’s with an unspoken warning to control her emotions.

  “Ah, so you did have strong feelings against
Mr. Wickham for his actions with your sister.” A satisfied gleam glowed in Colonel Forester’s eyes as he rocked on his heels.

  Lizzy’s jaw set in a determined angle. “It is true. I harbored hard feelings towards Wickham for what he put the family through, at first.”

  “You expect us to believe your feelings changed after some time had passed?” Colonel Forester held her stare with a grim glance.

  “That is exactly what I expect.” Lizzy lifted her chin and glared at the colonel. “Lydia and Wickham came to Longbourn on a visit and he talked all of us around.”

  “A more charming son-in-law I never expect to have,” Mr. Bennet said. Crossing his hands over his mid-section, he turned a bland glance on Colonel Forester. “As his former commanding officer, Colonel, I expect you experienced some of Wickham’s smooth-talking skill at one time or another. I am certain you understand his ability.”

  “Um, yes, of course,” Colonel Forester mumbled as he turned back to Lizzy. “So, Lydia and Wickham visited the family and you forgot his past transgressions?”

  Lizzy arched a brow as she replied. “We agreed it was best to say nothing more for Lydia’s sake.”

  “How droll,” Lydia said between giggles. “Why did you worry about me? I was the one married, not you.”

  “Is it possible,” Colonel Forester continued as if Lydia had not spoken, “you met Wickham tonight for the first time since your marriage?”

  “Yes.” Lizzy’s tone clinked cold as ice pellets.

  “Were you happy to reunite with Mr. Wickham?”

  “I was very pleased to see my sister. Lydia missed our wedding, and it has been some time since we last saw her.” Lizzy locked gazes with Jane as they recalled their hopes and fears for Lydia’s adjustment to married life.

  “Ah, but seeing Lydia also meant seeing Mr. Wickham, did it not?” Colonel Forester demanded.

  “I suppose—”

  “Perhaps you were eager to take your revenge? For it did not take you long to arrange a meeting with Wickham in the garden, did it?”