“Lizzy Bennet—”
“Wickham is mine, Lizzy, and do not forget that.” Lydia’s outburst interrupted her mother’s objection.
Colonel Forester ignored Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, as he demanded, “As soon as Mr. Darcy left your side in the ballroom, Wickham appeared did he not?”
“I am sure I do not know—”
“Mrs. Darcy, I insist you answer the question. Wickham joined you and engaged in conversation as soon as your husband walked away, is that not so?”
“We talked—”
“And arranged to meet—”
“Wickham was only trying to regain my good opinion—”
“Why is that, Mrs. Darcy? Why would your brother-in-law feel the need to renew his association with you?”
“We were being polite for the sake of Jane’s ball, Colonel, and nothing more.” Lizzy’s glare flamed hot as she met the colonel’s stare. “And yes, I did arrange a meeting in the garden—”
“Ah, ha—”
“—with Lydia,” Lizzy continued, her voice steady even with the gloating expression on Colonel Forester’s face, “and only Lydia.”
“It is true.” Lydia sniffed. “Lizzy ordered me to meet her in the garden so we could have a conversation without being interrupted. Some discussion that turned out to be. She scolded me, same as always. I should have paid her no attention and stayed away.”
Colonel Forester eyed Lizzy as he continued, “You left the ballroom alone, but met with Lydia in the garden? Good story, Mrs. Darcy, yet there was still time enough for you to murder Mr. Wickham.”
The only sound in the library came from the gentle crackling of the fire and gasps from the occupants. Jane watched muscles bunch in Darcy’s jaw. Lizzy clenched her hands in the fabric of her gown, but neither of them made a sound.
Was it finished then, Jane worried. Would Colonel Forester declare Lizzy was Wickham’s murderer? Even thought of such a thing was abhorrent to Jane. Could no one speak a word in Lizzy’s defense? What would happen to Lizzy...to Darcy...if they charged her with this crime? Life would never be the same if they took Lizzy away. Jane released a shuddering breath. How could she wrap herself in the warmth of Bingley’s affections if her favorite sister was not there to share her joy? This must not happen. Lizzy would never hurt anyone, especially her own sister’s husband, but how could she prove Lizzy was innocent?
A loud crackle sounded in the fireplace, and suddenly, all those gathered in the room seemed to snap out of a trance.
“Well, that does it then,” Colonel Forester clasped his hands behind his back as a satisfied expression covered his face.
Bodies shuffled around Jane as her family straightened in their chairs and stared at the colonel. Murmurs escaped, as one by one they sensed approaching doom. Muscles bulged along Darcy’s jaw as he exchanged a tension-filled look with his cousin.
As if activated by Darcy’s silence, Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward and spoke for the first time since accusations against Lizzy began. “Colonel—”
“This is not right,” Kitty’s voice sounded on a breath, her words squeaky as a little girl’s voice. “I was with Lizzy when we met Lydia in the garden.”
Jane watched disappointment line Colonel Forester’s face as Kitty’s words echoed in the quiet room. He seemed determined to blame Lizzy for this crime, but why? All his questions focused on Lizzy’s actions and her reasons for wishing Wickham harm, all of which Jane knew to be unfounded. Now, her dear, giddy sister, Kitty, had saved Lizzy.
“My apologies, Madam,” Colonel Forester made a stiff bow toward Lizzy and scrubbed a hand over his face, “I only wished for this crime to be solved.”
“Mrs. Darcy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s voice rang with authority, but his tone softened as he continued, “why would you go to the garden at night without Darcy?”
Lips clamped, her expression tightened from Colonel Forester’s assertions, Lizzy glanced at her husband. “Darcy knows I am not helpless. He was talking with someone across the room. I saw Lydia leave the ballroom and I followed to meet with her. I wanted a chance to speak to her alone.”
“Why was it important that Mrs. Wickham be alone? I take it you mean without her husband’s presence?” Colonel Forester said.
Lizzy lifted her chin as she replied. “Lydia is my sister. I have not visited with her in months. What other reason would I have for seeking her company?”
“Perhaps the two of you were making plans.” Colonel Forester rocked on his heels, ready to attack again.
“It is as you suggest, Colonel. We were making plans for Lydia to visit Pemberley.”
Jane frowned. From Colonel Forester’s comments this evening, she concluded he had never liked Lydia. Perhaps he had not been in favor of Lydia accompanying his wife to Brighton. But if that were the case, why had he not refused his wife's request for Lydia's presence? Surely, he did not imagine Lydia, three years younger than his wife, was a bad influence. If anything, Jane believed the opposite. For all of Lydia’s forward ways in dealing with Denny and his friends, she actually had no real experience of being alone with a man until she went to Brighton to visit the Foresters.
“Taking a stroll in the cold, evening air seems extreme for such an innocent conversation.” Colonel Forester stared at Lizzy. “Tell us, Mrs. Darcy, what did you really want to talk to your sister about?”
Jane watched as color fill Lizzy’s cheeks. Oh no, she knew that expression. Colonel Forester would get no response from Lizzy by badgering, and why was Lizzy so unforthcoming? Could she not explain why she needed to speak with Lydia instead of adding to the colonel's suspicion of her actions?
Lizzy studied Darcy's tight expression for several heartbeats, and finally, her chin angled, she returned the colonel’s glare. “It is as I said. I wanted to visit with Lydia.”
“Oh, what stuff and nonsense,” Mrs. Bennet blurted the words into the tense silence following Lizzy’s comment. “You could have talked to Lydia all evening had you so desired. Tell the colonel what you were doing.”
“Mamma,” Lizzy exclaimed, her expression not hiding her impatience with her parent. “It is true. I wished to speak to Lydia and it seemed easier to talk without the music and chatter around us.”
“Stuff and nonsense is right.” Lydia said, glaring at Lizzy with a pouting expression on her face. “Why not tell them the truth?”
“I only wanted to speak with you.”
“Same as all the times you would seek me out for a conversation at home?” Lydia made a snorting sound and turned to the colonel with her chin angled stubbornly. “It is true Lizzy wanted to talk to me in private, but not about a visit. She—”
“Lydia, please,” Lizzy said, “you need not do this.”
“What do I care if they know? Wickham is dead. It matters not,” Lydia said as she sent Lizzy a defiant glare. A smirk covered her face as she turned to Darcy. “Lizzy warned me to stop Wickham from asking Darcy for money.”
“Did she threaten you?” Colonel Forester demanded eagerly.
“Lizzy? Threaten me, her own sister. How droll.” Lydia’s giggles filled the stunned silence of the room. “I lived with Lizzy’s bossy ways and stubborn manner all my life, but she never threatened me. Why would she? She married a man of wealth. Wickham was lucky to have two pence in his pocket. Why would she threaten me?”
“But she warned you off,” the colonel repeated helpfully.
“She said we should not trouble Darcy over matters of money.” Lydia turned wide eyes on the colonel. “She offered to help when she could, and so she should. She is my sister.”
“You are satisfied she intended no harm?”
“Lizzy would not hurt an insect. Have you not seen her tromping through the fields on her nature walks? Really, Colonel, if you must blame someone for Wickham’s murder, you need to look farther than Lizzy.”
The entire room seemed to revive at once as those present sighed with relief.
Mr. Bennet stood slowly and surveyed the
colonel with a calculating glance. “Colonel Forester, your murderer is gaining ground, as you sniff the wrong trail.” With a smirk revealing his wicked humor, Mr. Bennet walked to his wife’s chair and to the surprise of his daughters, he offered his hand. “Come, wife, we must return to the guests before the good Colonel decides you too are guilty of Wickham’s murder.”
“Me,” Mrs. Bennet screeched as she took his offered hand, “why would I harm Wickham? Why he was charm itself and reminded me of men in uniform I knew in my youth. I fancied a militia man more than once before we married, you know.”
“So you keep reminding me.” Mr. Bennet steered her out the door. Mary and Kitty followed, looking dazed.
Darcy stopped in front of Fitzwilliam. “You were very quiet, cousin.”
“I thought it best if the colonel tripped over his own suggestions. Had I defended Lizzy, he might have continued badgering her.”
“Point taken, but Mr. Bennet’s words are correct. The killer gains a head start with all this wasted time.”
“It is a matter foremost in my mind.”
Lydia flounced to a halt in front of Colonel Forester. “Really, Colonel, you were most unkind to Lizzy.”
Colonel Forester bowed. “I accepted the duty to discover who murdered your husband, my dear.”
“Then perhaps you should speak with your wife.” Lydia said with a sly glance. “Surely you are aware she fancied my Wickham above all the militia men in Brighton? Have you not wondered why she is so vexed with me?” Lydia burst into giggles. “Surely you do not imagine it is because I ran away from your home?” She giggled again. “I can assure you it is not. Your wife is vexed because I eloped with her favorite. Wickham told me so. You should keep watch on Harriet, Colonel.”
Keeping his face blank, Fitzwilliam watched Jane and Lizzy rush Lydia out of the library before she said more. Darcy followed the sisters out of the room. Fitzwilliam turned to Forester. “Colonel, it is evident Mrs. Darcy did not commit this crime. Whom do you suggest we question next?
Colonel Forester turned, his flushed face set in a rigid expression. “I am not convinced Mrs. Wickham is free from suspicion, gentlemen. But as we must still question Miss King, I thought it best to let the issue rest for now.”
Chapter 10
“Ohhh!” Lizzy cried as she stopped halfway up the stairs. Lydia had jerked her arm away and rushed on ahead so only Darcy and Jane heard Lizzy's outburst.
“Lizzy, what is the matter?” Jane rushed up the stairs, bringing her level with Lizzy. “Are you unwell?” Yet even as she said the words, Jane noted Lizzy’s squinted eyes and red face. She recognized the expression from their childhood. Lizzy was sick, but not physically. Jane glanced at Mr. Darcy as he stood beside his wife.
Lizzy followed Jane’s gaze and attempted a smile to ease her husband’s concern. “I am fine, Darcy. Only I need to speak with Jane. Please, do go ahead to check on Georgiana and Miss Brown.”
“Miss Brown seems nice,” Jane murmured as they slowly climbed the stairs, giving Mr. Darcy time to outdistance them. “I regret that she was the one to discover the body.”
“She is nice.” Lizzy’s brow wrinkled. “She is kindness itself to Georgiana, and always willing to do her wishes, if circumstances permit.” Lizzy turned a thoughtful look on Jane. “Miss Brown reminds me of someone. But I cannot think who it is.”
“That cannot be what vexed you so.”
Lizzy stopped on the stairs and turned as Jane paused beside her. “Ohhh, that man is impossible.” Eyes flashing, she continued through gritted teeth. “How can he speak to me in such a way? And Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s own cousin, said nothing to help.”
“But Lizzy, Colonel Fitzwilliam could not come to your aid and do his job fairly.”
“Oh, Jane, as usual you are correct, but why does Colonel Forester dislike me so much? If he were to speak in such a manner to Lydia, I could understand, but I hardly know the man.”
“It does seem strange that he was so determined to make you appear guilty.” Jane paused, soothing chatter from the ballroom filled the air, but here, they could speak their thoughts and not be overheard. “It almost seems as if he is protecting someone by making you appear guilty of the crime.”
“You have voiced my opinion perfectly. I could not put my finger on what was troubling me, but you are correct.” Lizzy stepped close to Jane and lowered her voice. “I can not imagine who he is protecting, but we must discover their identity.”
“Lizzy, you cannot!” Jane caught Lizzy’s arm and stopped her as she rushed to the top of the stairs. “You must do nothing. Involving yourself in this situation further could only may you seem guilty.”
“But I am involved. Colonel Forester,” Lizzy inhaled a shuddering breath, “tried to make me sound guilty of murder.”
“Indeed he did and that is why you must keep your distance from this situation.” Jane whispered intently. She stared in Lizzy’s eyes, willing her to understand. “Think what would happen if you discovered the identity of the real murderer. The colonel, with his attitude, could still accuse you of the crime and laying the blame on someone else. Please, Lizzy, I insist you stay visible in the ballroom at all times. You must allow Bingley and I to search out the truth. I beg you agree for your own safety.”
“Bingley?” Lizzy rolled her eyes. “I am sorry, Jane, but Bingley is much too nice to act as my defender. If I am in danger, I need to discover the facts for myself or have the help of someone with Darcy’s nature.”
“Lizzy, you must hear me out.”
Lizzy stopped mid-step and turned to stare at her sister. This authoritative tone from her dear, easy-going Jane was something she had not heard before in all her life. Whatever had happened to her calm, cool sister's disposition? “Jane, I appreciate—”
“You narrowly escaped this last session with the colonel. What do you suppose he intends next? Indeed, if he is protecting someone as we assume, you must remain as distant from any details as possible.” Jane took a deep breath and struggled to regain her composure. “I know only too well how this goes against your nature, but in this instance I am certain what I say is correct. Do you trust me, Lizzy?”
“Jane, do you need ask? I would trust you with my life, but—”
“Is it Bingley you—”
“Jane, please, do not speak the words.”
“How can I not? Your life is at stake—”
“Oh, Jane!” Lizzy flung her arms around Jane and hugged her tight. “My dear, Jane, do you not realize that other than Darcy, I love you more than anyone in the world? However, my future is threatened by lies, and I fear your sweet nature cannot withstand the challenge needed to prove me innocent. Bingley is too nice, by far, for such a task. Poppa even commented on Bingley’s easy nature. To clear my name, I need someone willing to fight for my honor.”
“Do you suppose for a minute I would not?” Jane stood tall with her shoulders squared. Heat filled her cheeks but she would not be dissuaded. “Do you imagine I have no knowledge of Bingley’s true character? Have you never considered why Darcy regards Bingley as his friend? If he has so little regard for Bingley, why are they as close as brothers?”
“Jane, I—”
“Pray, do forgive my outburst. This evening’s events have caused me to loosen my tongue in a most unbecoming manner.”
“Or perhaps there is more stiffness in your backbone than you allow us to observe. Seeing you now, Jane, with sparks in your eyes and fire in your cheeks, I can well believe you will defend me as well as Darcy could.”
“I will not fail you, Lizzy. You have my word. Bingley and I will help to find the answers and discover the murderer. Bingley is attending the questioning sessions. He has knowledge of what occurs there. Pray, assure me you will do nothing to cast further blame on your head.”
Lizzy stared at the guests mulling around in the ballroom and frowned. Darcy barely escaped a close encounter with the colonel’s questions earlier in the evening. She dared not put him at risk b
y complaining about the colonel. Again, Jane's suggestion of using caution proved to be the best choice. Lizzy needed to remain visible and stay removed from all suspicion to protect Darcy and Georgiana.
“Oh, Jane, what would I do without you? Your goodness and calm keep me sane. Forgive my quick temper, for I know you will never fail me.”
***
Denny arrived in the library after Mr. Darcy passed on the colonels request for his presence.
“Lt. Denny, how well did you know Mr. Wickham?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked pleasantly.
Recalling Carter’s warning, Denny kept his tone calm. “I would say as well as a brother, Colonel. Before Wickham left Brighton, we were almost inseparable.”
“When you went gaming and drinking with friends?”
“We liked a game of chance,” Denny admitted with a smile, “and a pint better than we should.” His face sobered, “Else, we did, before tonight.”
“The news of Wickham’s death saddened you?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
“It did,” Denny purposely turned away from the blood staining the rug where Wickham fell, “I feel bad for Lydia, uh, Mrs. Wickham. She was crazy about Wickham from the day they met.”
“When you give voice to the word crazy—”
“She was besotted with Wickham and could not stand for him to be out of her sight.” Denny gazed at the fire. “I often wonder how it would feel to be loved in such as way.”
“Would you describe Mrs. Wickham as jealous?” Colonel Forester stepped forward as he asked the question.
“Colonel, you saw Lydia...Mrs. Wickham at socials. She was not averse to having a flirt, but she never had eyes for anyone but Wickham.”
“You did not answer the question, Denny. Was Mrs. Wickham jealous of Mr. Wickham’s attention to other women?” Colonel Forester demanded in the no nonsense tone he used with the regiment.
“I have no answer to that question, Colonel.”
“Because you will not or—”
“Lydia never did anything that led me to form such an opinion.” Denny avoided the colonel’s stare and looked instead at Colonel Fitzwilliam. “We all enjoyed socials and having a good time together.”
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