Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “Were you vexed, Miss Brown?”
“Given more time, perhaps I might have worked up a temper, but I recalled the sound of his laugh so well, nothing else mattered.” Miss Brown leaned forward. “You see, I loved—”
Gasps escaped from several locations in the room.
Miss Brown paused.
All the guests gathered in the room searched for the source of the uncontrolled emotion. That Lydia was one who reacted was obvious from the livid color of her pinched lips, but who else?
Miss Brown frowned as her gaze searched faces around her but she returned her attention to Colonel Fitzwilliam as she continued. “I loved Wickham’s charming smile, and easy manners. He was confident he could win any battle of wills and believed that he could.”
“Must we sit here and listen while this woman makes my daughter’s husband sound like a character out of one of those new novels people whisper about? This is most unseemly.” Mrs. Bennet sent Miss Brown a withering look.
“I fear we must, Mrs. Bennet if we are to discover who murdered Mr. Wickham.” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. Then he turned to Miss Brown as he asked, “Nothing seemed remiss to you? Mr. Wickham sounded the same as when you last met?”
“Not really, for I heard a note of tension underlying his words when he spoke.”
“Did you make yourself known to him and ask if anything was wrong?” Lydia demanded. “Perhaps you offered to comfort him and he turned you away.”
“I had no chance for the man in the chair spoke before I could.” Miss Brown turned to Colonel Fitzwilliam, “The man with the pipe said, ‘Ah, Wickham, no doubt you were entertaining yourself with another man’s wife, but you had better pray to the heavens it was not mine.’”
“Wickham said, ‘Sir, you under estimate your—’”
“‘Wickham, when it comes to you, I learned anything is possible.’”
“Wickham replied, ‘Sir, you underestimate your wife’s loyalty to you and do her dishonor by assuming she would find another man’s attentions welcome while married to you.’”
“‘Ah, but you see, Wickham,’ the other man rose from his chair for I heard it creak, ‘I know of my wife’s ability to betray me between the sheets, and to my disgust, so do you.’”
Miss Brown shuddered as she recalled the details and covered her mouth to hold back a sob. Then, voice quivering, she continued. “All I could think about was Wickham in the arms of that man’s wife. Was there no end to his betrayal of me? He declared his undying affection for me, and next I found him charming Miss Georgiana. But I could not fault her for believing in his charm. I held him responsible for my pain. I believed him and succumbed to his charms and his lies, and he betrayed me.”
“You murdered him!” Lydia cried as she jumped to her feet. “I loved him and you murdered him.”
“A woman scorned!” Colonel Forester nodded. He rocked on his heels as his gaze bored into Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Did I not tell you this was a crime of passion?”
“No! I could not move. I slumped back in my chair, lost in misery.” Ignoring Colonel Forester, Miss Brown responded to Lydia’s outburst. “I could not hurt Wickham. I loved him.” She paused to catch her breath. “Then I heard a loud thump. Consumed as I was by pain, I had missed the rest of the conversation. When I looked past the back of my chair, I saw a man leaning over a body on the floor.” Her lips trembled and tears rolled down her cheeks. “Wickham was crumpled on the floor.”
“Why did you not call for help, Miss Brown?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked in a soft tone.
“I was frightened. I had no wish to be murdered. I stared at the body of the man who ruined my life, but I could not move. He was dead. Wickham was dead. Before I could regain my senses, the other man whirled around and rushed out the door.”
“Did you then call for help?” Colonel Fitzwilliam demanded.
“To my shame, I did not.” Miss Brown shook her head. A curl escaped and hang down along side her face.
“You did nothing!” Lydia sobbed loudly. “My poor Wickham collapsed on the floor and she did nothing.”
“It shames me to admit, but fear kept me rooted my chair. What if the murderer came back? He could murder me, as well.” Staring at nothing, emotions flashing on her face as if she were reliving the event again, Miss Brown whispered. “Wickham was dead.”
“Maggie, don’t—”
“You as good as murdered my husband, for you did not help him.” Lydia cried.
“Mary,” Miss Brown twisted around to face her cousin, “Wickham stole my heart and promised me his in return. He left my bed and my life but I never wished him dead. How could I? All my hopes of rectifying that one mistake died when I saw him on the floor. He ruined my life, and before I could beg him to make amends, he was murdered. But not by me.”
“See here, Fitzwilliam, what more proof do you need? That woman clearly had a reason to murder Wickham, and emotions strong enough to do the deed.” Colonel Forester’s booming voice shattered the shocked silence of the room. “We have found the person guilty of this crime and the case is closed.”
“Not so fast, Colonel,” Colonel Fitzwilliam held up a hand, “Miss Brown, can you identify the man who smoked the pipe?”
“I could not at that time, Colonel. I can now.” Her shoulders were shaking with sobs, and her voice wavering, Miss Brown raised her hand and pointed. “It was him that I saw. It was Colonel Forester.”
Lydia and Mrs. Forester made squawking sounds of disbelief as gasps filled the air. All eyes turned to stare at Colonel Forester.
“You claim such nonsense because I saw through your story from the start,” Colonel Forester huffed. “We know you are the murderer. Anyone sitting in that chair,” he pointed to the chair in the corner, “could have seen you if indeed, you were sitting there as you claimed.”
“You can be assured she was sitting where she claimed. I found Miss Brown sitting here in the library.” Caroline Bingley said. “But I left and cannot speak for what she did later.”
“Be that as it may, I am convinced Miss Brown is the murderer.” During Miss Brown’s description of events, Colonel Forester had moved to a position near the door. Now, with people staring and waiting for his explanation, his face turned a color to match his uniform. Tone blustering, he glared at the guests gathered in the room, “That woman clearly is not in her right mind. You heard her words. Wickham used her and tossed her aside for her cousin. If anyone had reason to murder Wickham, it was she.”
“Colonel, you are quite correct when you say Wickham treated her badly.” Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a reluctant nod of agreement.
“No, this is all lies, I tell you.” Lydia screeched. “Wickham would not look at a servant. I do not believe a word she said.”
“Hush, daughter,” Mr. Bennet said softly into the quiet surrounding them. “Allow the colonel to speak.”
With a nod to Mr. Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to study Colonel Forester’s ruddy complexion. “Yet I must ask, Colonel, can you offer any reason why Miss Brown would make such a claim against you?”
“I know of none, Fitzwilliam,” Colonel Forester said as he glared at Miss Brown. “Before this night I have never seen the woman.”
“A fact that appears to be in your favor, Colonel, and we all agree she could make the claim out of anger over you naming her as the murderer.”
“Right, again, Colonel,” Colonel Forester’s rigid stance seemed to relax, “I have thought all along that passion was at the root of this crime. Now, it seems Miss Brown’s words prove me right.”
“Um, ‘tis true, Miss Brown had reason to wish Wickham harm.” Colonel Fitzwilliam frowned. “Yet I noticed a shinny spot on your right pocket. From something rubbing against your uniform, I suppose, Colonel?”
“What the blazes?” Colonel Forester stared down at his right side, then lifted his head and glared at Fitzwilliam. “Does the state of my uniform matter, when we are attempting to solve a murder, Fitzwilliam?”
“Perhaps it matters not at all, Colonel.” Colonel Fitzwilliam turned his attention to Mrs. Forester, who was sitting there gaping at him with an open mouth. “Yet I must ask, Mrs. Forester, does Colonel Forester smoke a pipe?”
Amid the shocked gasps filling the room, Mrs. Forester turned a frightened glance to her husband. What she saw in his expression turned her face an even more alarming shade of pale. Eyes wide, she turned back to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Her head tilted forward. as if she were a puppet attached to a string. “Yes, but that does not—”
“What complete nonsense,” Colonel Forester roared. “Now see here, Fitzwilliam, smoking a pipe does not mean I murdered Wickham. You could smoke a pipe, for all we know, and before you ask, yes I came in this library earlier tonight. To be quite honest, escaping the noise and heat of the ballroom appealed to me, and I found the quiet in this room most welcome.” Colonel Forester inhaled noisily. “I will even admit I stood over Wickham’s body. However, my only intention in so doing was to confirm he was actually dead. If one sees a body on the floor, is it not a natural reaction to check on it?”
“Exactly, Colonel, and what you say is all well and good, if that is what actually happened. Yet you did not sound the alert to inform others of Wickham’s death.” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s tone was one of a man well versed in his authority, as he waited for his fellow officer to respond.
“Ah, for the very reason you are thinking now, Colonel. I was aware my wife had been tumbling in the bushes with Wickham. And you know as well as I, if the husband knows of such affairs, everyone else knows the fact, as well.”
“This is nothing but lies! Wickham did not fancy Harriet!” Lydia cried as she jumped to her feet again. “After we married, he had nothing to do with her.”
“Mrs. Wickham, please—”
“Ohhoo, I will never really be Mrs. Wickham again,” Lydia wailed. She turned to face her family. “What am I to do?”
“Mrs. Wickham, please. We must focus on the murder—”
“Say please all you want, Colonel, but you will not stop me from speaking the truth. You and Darcy are just alike. Your noses are so high, you cannot see in front of your face.” Lydia snarled. “You were all envious of my Wickham’s ability to attract women, and I will not allow you to discuss him in this manner now that he is dead.”
“Daughter, hush—”
“Papa, pray do not speak to me as if I am a child,” Lydia turned on her father, “for I am a married woman, and... and you never liked Wickham—”
“My poor, dear Lydia,” Mrs. Bennet cooed, “of course we liked dear Wickham. Have you not heard me say he reminded me of a uniformed man from my youth? I would not say such words if he were not special. Do sit down, my dear. It is your nerves making you spout such nonsense. Here, use my salts.”
With a loud sob, Lydia collapsed in her chair. Kitty stepped closer, obviously wanting to offer comfort, but reluctant to move her hand closer to Lydia for fear of becoming a target of her sister’s anger. Mary eased closer to Kitty and they stood staring down at their younger sister.
Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke with authority. “Colonel Forester—”
“Use some sense, Fitzwilliam,” Colonel Forester roared. “Wickham’s own wife admits he charmed women. Wickham made fools of half the men in this room, including your own cousin, Mr. Darcy. Why would I be the one who murdered him?”
“Miss Brown,” Colonel Fitzwilliam turned away from the colonel’s outrage, “did you see Colonel Forester—”
“I am a respected Colonel in the militia, trusted with the responsibility of my own regiment. Who will believe a servant’s word against mine?” Colonel Forester demanded.
“Miss Brown, did you see Colonel Forester murder Mr. Wickham?”
Miss Brown stared at the two men, then slowly shook her head. “No, but I heard Wickham fall and when I looked, not much time had passed.”
“Did you hear the door open or close before you looked? Or hear footsteps of anyone else entering or leaving the room?”
“No.”
“Colonel Forester—”
“What would you do, Fitzwilliam, tell me that at least? We have worked all our lives to achieve this rank. I know I did and then a scoundrel like Wickham comes along, and charms my own wife right under my nose. Yet the worst part was the men in the regiment snickering behind my back. Even after I refused to have Wickham in the regiment, and he was forced to move north, it continued.” Colonel Forester’s face turned dark as his voice grew louder. “How can I command a regiment when the men have no respect for me? Wickham ruined my life, my marriage, and my career.”
With that last shout, Colonel Forester turned on his heel and ran out of the library.
“Should we go after him?” Captain Carter asked in a shock loaded voice?
“No, the authorities will arrive soon.” Sir William announced in a surprisingly firm tone.
Mrs. Forester made a loud whimper and collapsed in a fit of tears.
Denny paused for a moment to stare at Lydia, then he rushed to Mrs. Forester’s side.
Kitty watched as Denny tried to comfort the colonel’s wife and stomped her foot. “This is not fair. Denny cheated.”
Lydia watched her former friend console the wife of the man who murdered her husband and started wailing. Her cries grew even louder when Kitty and Mary tried to sooth her.
Mrs. Bennet glanced from her daughters to Mr. Bennet and said in a loud voice for all to hear, “I never liked that Denny. He always seemed too friendly to suit me.”
“Then, wife, I expect it is just as well you have a husband already.” Mr. Bennet said. His words offered no comfort for Mrs. Bennet for she started wailing loud as Lydia.
Captain Carter moved to Miss King’s side, as she tried to soothe Miss Brown. “Do stop crying before you make yourself ill, Maggie, dear. You must pack your bag and come home with me, and this time I intend to win the argument. If you insist you must work to support yourself and the baby, then you can act as my companion, but you and the child will always have a home with me.”
Miss Brown lifted a tear streaked face. “Oh, Mary, I cannot for how will you ever find a husband with me in tow?”
“Ah, Miss Brown,” Captain Carter bowed, “much as happened this long night, and not all of it for the worse. I gathered my courage and offered my heart and my love, such as it is, to Miss King. And much to my delight, she has accepted my offer of marriage.”
“Mary, can this be true?” Miss Brown stared at them both. “For you said not a word.”
“Oh, yes, Maggie it is true and now that we are not accused of murder, I am beside myself with happiness.”
A short distance away, Miss Darcy burst into tears after all the unrest of the past few hours. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy huddled around her and offered comfort. She had known Wickham all her life and his death unsettled her youthful emotions.
Caroline Bingley tried to catch Captain Carter’s attention, but then she became aware he had no notice of anyone except Miss King. Caroline shrugged and walked away. As she moved past Jane and Bingley, she paused. “Jane, when next you plan a ball, pray give me notice so I might make other arrangements.” With a twittering laugh, she turned and followed Louisa and Mr. Hurst out of the library.
Her exit turned out to be a timely, indeed. For had Caroline not observed the Hursts holding hands with her own eyes, as they climbed the stairs ahead of her, she would never have believed it possible.
After Caroline departed, Bingley and Jane joined Colonel Fitzwilliam and Sir William in front of the fireplace.
“Well, Colonel, what action do you take next? Do we organize a party to go after Colonel Forester?” Bingley asked.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Sir William exchanged glances. Colonel Fitzwilliam turned back to Bingley as he said, “I think not. Sir William will report our findings to the proper authorities and they will deal with Forester.”
“'Tis the best plan for all.” Sir William said as he hooked his thumbs in the
pockets of his waistcoat. “The colonel tells me you and Mrs. Bingley deserve credit for uncovering his deception.”
“Really, it was mostly the work of Jane and Miss King.” Bingley smiled down at his wife. “But I must ask, Colonel, how did you discover Colonel Forester was the murderer?”
“Your wife tipped me off, Bingley.”
“What did I do?” Jane asked with an arched brow.
“Among other things, it was your casual comment about the state of his uniform that alerted me.” Fitzwilliam shook his head. “I knew he acted the jealous husband, but I considered him guilty of no more until Mrs. Bingley commented that it was a shame the militia could not replace our uniforms when they showed the wear. She gave the example of the shiny pocket on Forester's coat.”
“Aye, the ladies notice such things.” Sir William said.
“Indeed they do,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said as he bowed. “Now, if you will excuse me, Bingley and Mrs. Bingley, I must return to my regiment.”
***
A short time later, and much faster than either expected it to happen, Jane and Bingley watched their guests prepare to depart. Standing to one side of the large front door, and out of the midst of the activities going on around them, Bingley leaned down and whispered for Jane’s hearing alone, “Soon, wife, we will have the house to ourselves.”
“My dear Bingley, I will be so glad. But our ball was a disaster. Nothing happened as I planned.” Jane forced her mind from his comment while their guests straggled about, and still needed her attention. For she knew when the house was empty of the last of their guests, her eagerness would match his. “I wanted to find love matches for our sisters, but I fear I failed miserably.”
“Be that as it may, my dear, you did not fail as a host.”
“Oh, Charles, how can you say so, when a murder happened and I allowed three eligible men to slip away without any interest in either of our sisters? Yet, to add to my disappointment, two of those men found love matches at our ball and neither of them looked twice at our sisters.” Jane expelled a deep sigh as she watched her mother order her father about to gather their cases.
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