Perfidy & Promises

by Abbey North

  “It is perfectly obvious that someone is setting out to ruin Lizzy,” said Fitzwilliam in a surprisingly mild tone. He sounded almost unconcerned when he glared at Lady Catherine, and then at Miss Caroline. “I do not know if you are working in conjunction, or if one of you has taken the lead on this scheme, but I consider you both guilty.”

  Caroline let out a startled screech as Lady Catherine’s mouth dropped open in shock. The older woman was the first to recover. “You cannot believe this was a setup, Fitzwilliam? She is here alone with this man in the cottage.”

  “She was locked in,” said Anne then.

  Lady Catherine looked dismissively at her daughter. “Miss Caroline already explained she moved the chair there to keep Lizzy from escaping so she could show proof of her betrayal to Mr. Darcy.”

  “Most convenient,” said Anne, her disbelief obvious.

  Lady Catherine clearly didn’t like being challenged by her daughter, but her attention was focused mainly on Fitzwilliam. “I insist you sever this inappropriate connection immediately. As for the groom, he is fired once he wakes up enough to recover a modicum of sobriety and digest that news.”

  “I cannot keep you from firing Carlos, but I can offer him a position here at Pemberley, for he is clearly a victim too.” Fitzwilliam moved closer to Lizzy, and she admitted it felt good when he put his arm around her waist.

  Relief swept through her, and though she hadn’t really doubted his faith in her, it was freeing to have it confirmed.

  “Lizzy has been the subject of machinations, but she did not meet Carlos like this. She and I were together this morning walking Pemberley, and it was not even fifteen minutes before Miss Caroline came to fetch me that I had parted with her.”

  Caroline looked vaguely constipated for a moment in her consternation. “I… But…” She trailed off, her mouth closing so rapidly that her teeth clicked together.

  “You might condone this sort of immorality, but I assure you, word will circulate of what kind of woman you are courting, Fitzwilliam. If you choose to continue down this path and sully our name, I will have no choice but to disown you.”

  “I accept your terms, Lady Catherine,” said Fitzwilliam formally, though he appeared to be staving off a smile.

  “I have never been treated like this,” said his aunt, her outrage obvious.

  “Perhaps it is time,” said Lizzy in her too-sweet tone.

  “Anne, come along. We are leaving Pemberley.”

  “I do not wish to go with you, Mama.”

  Lady Catherine had already started marching toward the door, and apparently, it took her a moment to realize her daughter was rebelling, because she took a few more steps before freezing and turning to look at Anne with her mouth agape. “I beg your pardon?”

  “If it is all right with Fitzwilliam, I will stay here.”

  “You are welcome to stay as long as you need or like,” said Fitzwilliam immediately.

  Anne nodded her appreciation before turning to face her mother. “Since you have fired Carlos, you have severed the last impediment between us. You should know that I am in love with him, and we have been meeting secretly for months. I intend to marry him as soon as it can be arranged.”

  Lizzy felt almost sorry for Lady Catherine as the color drained from her face. For a moment, she looked dreadfully ill, but the old biddy soon rallied, stiffening her shoulders as she glared at her daughter. “If that is true, I disown you as well.”

  “I fully expected that, Mama. I feel it is timely to remind you I have reached my majority, and according to the terms of Papa’s will, my inheritance is now mine to control.”

  Lady Catherine stumbled then. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I believe it is time for you to retire to one of our country estates. Carlos and I will likely want to move back to Rosings Park after our marriage.”

  “You cannot do that.” Lady Catherine looked alarmed for the first time. “Rosings Park is my home. Your father built much of it for me.”

  “Perhaps I would be willing to negotiate your continued residence there. I believe Carlos and I might enjoy traveling for a while anyway, since neither of us have had much opportunity to see all of England. With the continent inaccessible due to the war, I doubt our travels could take more than a year. In that time, you will return to Rosings Park and resign yourself to the change in circumstances. You will find a way to support my marriage to Carlos without attempting to undermine it, gossip against him, or maneuver against me. We will have your full and unwavering public support, or you will find yourself living at the cottage in the Cotswolds.”

  The color drained once more from Lady Catherine’s face. “I despise that property.”

  There was an impish look in Anne’s eyes when she nodded. She sounded calm when she said, “I am aware, Mama. I suggest you remove yourself from Pemberley and begin adjusting your expectations for how your life will go. Furthermore, you will also adjust your expectations for my life, for I will be living as I choose, and not under your dictates.”

  Lady Catherine managed to rally a little of her dignity, sweeping out of the cottage as though she were a queen, but Lizzy spared only a small glance for her as she rushed over to Anne, taking her hand. “You were magnificent, my dear.”

  Anne was trembling slightly now, likely in reaction. “I did not know I had that in me. I must admit, I have fantasized a similar scene many times over the years, and they came with increasing frequency after meeting Carlos, but I never expected to actually have the nerve to say the words.” After a moment, she glanced at Carlos. “Do you think he will be all right?”

  “I believe so, but we could send for an apothecary or the surgeon if you have any doubts,” said Fitzwilliam.

  Anne hesitated and then sat down on the bed. “I will simply remain here with him to ensure he is all right. If he does not awaken soon, then I might exercise that option.”

  Lizzy turned away from her, abruptly remembering Caroline was still in the room. The other woman was pale and trembling, and she seemed to be trying to draw in on herself as though she could make them forget her presence. Lizzy smiled at her, and she managed to make it a kind one. There was no point in gloating now that she had won.

  Fitzwilliam faced Caroline directly. “You will now be leaving Pemberley as well, Miss Bingley.”

  She trembled anew, her mouth opening and closing for a moment. “I was trying to save you from making a terrible mistake, Fitzwilliam.”

  “I fully understand your motives, Miss Bingley, and I tried to be kind while making it clear I would never be interested in taking you for my wife. That you have descended to such a low scheme only proves to me I was right in my assessment. You would never suit me.”

  “How did you make this work?” asked Lizzy, full of curiosity, and perhaps even a touch of admiration that Caroline had come up with the twisted plot. She admired the other woman’s intelligence, though she found nothing likable about her ethics.

  “I saw you and Miss Anne acting furtively shortly after her arrival. You both seemed well pleased when you found this cottage, and so I returned to follow you the next day when the two of you were walking. I saw her meeting with the groom,” Her voice dripped with disdain as she said the word, “And I considered revealing all then, but I decided it might prove useful for another purpose. When the man entering your room did nothing to dissuade Mr. Darcy, and in fact, he even lied to support your preposterous claims, I knew I had to do something more drastic.”

  “It was no lie, and it was no preposterous claim. Have you ever known Fitzwilliam to be dishonest, Miss Bingley?” Lizzy kept her tone kind, but she wanted Caroline to realize the full extent of her folly. “There was nothing untoward about the man in my room, because it was me as I claimed. You have disgraced yourself with this plot and lost the friendship of Fitzwilliam Darcy for no reason, for there is nothing you could have done to pull us asunder.” She took Fitzwilliam’s hand as she said the words, and he squeezed lightly.

&
nbsp; “Lizzy has the right of it,” said Fitzwilliam, his tone almost gentle. “Your brother will always remain my dearest friend, but you have lost my trust, Miss Bingley. When we meet in future, please remember that, and also bear in mind what your actions have cost you. It is not too late to change if you desire to do so.”

  Caroline looked gutted as she dabbed at her face with her gloved finger, wiping away tears. She didn’t manage Lady Catherine’s feigned dignity as she turned and departed, but she didn’t protest or try to offer further excuses. Nor did she try to sway Fitzwilliam to change his mind. She must have accepted the futility of the attempt.

  After Caroline had departed, Lizzy and Fitzwilliam left the cottage a few minutes later, while Anne remained behind to watch over Carlos until he was fully conscious.

  “Thank you,” said Lizzy as they walked, her arm entwined with his.

  He paused, turning to face her. “For what?”

  “For believing and defending me. We had been together this morning, but am I correct in assuming that even if we had not, you would have recognized what Caroline was doing and Lady Catherine was supporting?”

  That he nodded immediately was gratifying. “Without question. I know you, Lizzy, and I love and trust you.”

  Lizzy blinked back unexpected tears as she lifted her head to find his mouth, kissing him passionately. They might have continued on in that vein if they hadn’t heard someone running toward them. Lizzy quickly stepped back, though she doubted the footman approaching had been spared seeing her in Mr. Darcy’s arms.

  The young man stopped, clearly winded, and he took a second to regain his breath. “I am sorry to disturb you, Mr. Darcy, but you wanted me to report to you as soon as I returned from speaking with Madam Childe.” The boy blushed, likely having been surprised to be sent on such a task.

  Fitzwilliam nodded. “Did she have a message for me, Reams?”

  “Yes. She would like you to meet Miss Flora at the tearoom at one o’clock. She assures you she will guarantee Miss Flora’s presence.”

  “Thank you, Reams. You may return to your usual duties.”

  After the footman had left them, Lizzy and Fitzwilliam resumed walking. “I would like to have a long discussion with you, but I do not want to have it disrupted at a crucial point. I suggest we table any talk until after we have met with Miss Flora. Do you find that agreeable, Lizzy?”

  “I think that is a wise plan, Fitzwilliam. I do admire your mind.”

  He seemed like he was sulking, but there was a twinkle in his eye when he asked, “Is that all you admire about me?”

  Lizzy tipped her head slightly, as though considering. “I confess, I do admire your vast fortune, and your ability to wield it so effectively to get what is required.”

  If he believed a word of it, his expression didn’t show it. He merely grinned at her and said, “Minx.”

  “I hear you are passably good at chess as well, though I have not had an opportunity to prove that for myself yet. Perhaps we can enjoy a game soon? I am quite a formidable opponent, I assure you.”

  His hand wrapped around hers, and he blatantly grinned. “I have no doubt of that. I estimate there is little you could not accomplish if you are determined to do so.”

  Lizzy’s face flushed at the unexpected sincerity in his tone. It was a little out of place for the lighthearted mood she’d been trying to strike, but she couldn’t deny the warmth infusing her, and she cuddled a little closer for a moment, laying her head on his shoulder. “I do like how much you like me as well, Mr. Darcy. That is certainly another point in your favor.”

  He chuckled. “For as much as I like you, Lizzy, I suggest you might add two points to ensure proper credit.”

  11

  Lizzy had been in a good mood since this morning, particularly after they had arrived at Pemberley in time to see his aunt and then Miss Caroline depart within moments of each other. Darcy winced now as he recalled the tense and uncomfortable conversation he’d had with Charles, outlining the situation. He’d been afraid it might sever the ties between them, but Charles had sensibly laid the blame at Caroline’s feet, supporting Darcy’s decision that he could not be in the same social circles as her, at least until he had assurance she was no longer plotting against the woman he intended to marry.

  Just thinking about it caused him to look at her now, and he wanted to reach across the table and take her hand, but that would be scandalous in public, even if they were betrothed or married. He contented himself with sending her a warm smile, realizing she was nervous. Her fingers were continuously fiddling with the silver box on the table in front of her, and she was casting an anxious glance almost constantly at the door to the tearoom.

  She seemed anxious that Miss Flora wouldn’t show up, but Darcy was more confident. He had paid well enough to ensure Madam Childe had good reason to produce Flora. He was unsurprised when a thin, sallow woman entered just a few minutes past one, her posture one of defeat as she came closer to them. He knew it must be Miss Flora by Lizzy’s exhale of relief, and the way her shoulders loosened slightly as tension left her.

  When the woman sat down, Lizzy stiffened again, but it seemed to be with a new kind of tension, though her voice was neutral when she said, “Thank you for joining us, Miss Flora.”

  The woman sniffed. “I would not be here if Madam Childe had not forced me. I have nothing to share about Mr. Terrence that will assist you.”

  Lizzy’s tone was gentle. “I suspect there is nothing you want to share. However, I have something I must share with you.”

  Flora frowned as Lizzy opened the silver box. She looked at the ring doubtfully. “Are you trying to bribe me, miss?”

  Darcy started to speak, but realizing Lizzy seemed to have it in hand, he leaned back and let her control the narrative. From the way she acted, he suspected Lizzy had a theory, though she hadn’t shared it with him yet. He was irritated by that, and he would take her to task for it later, but for now, he was content to allow her to go with her instincts, since they were usually accurate when it came to solving mysteries.

  “We found this among Mr. Terrence’s things. As I told Mr. Darcy, I suspect it was an engagement ring.”

  Flora’s hand trembled as she reached for the box, bringing it closer to examine the contents. Tears started to leak from her eyes, though she seemed unaware. “He promised he was going to marry me, but he would not say when.”

  “You must have quarreled about it?” asked Lizzy in a gentle tone.

  “I was desperate, you see? Madam Childe has told me I am getting too old, and if not for Mr. Terrence’s patronage, I would have been discharged last year. He claimed to love me, but he kept insisting we wait a while longer, until he had enough money saved to leave service.”

  “That can take quite a while,” said Fitzwilliam in a sympathetic tone, while wondering why Mr. Terrence hadn’t come to him for assistance. He knew the obvious answer was because servants were discouraged from having personal lives, but he’d like to think his staff would give him the opportunity to help. Apparently not in Mr. Terrence’s case.

  “He wanted to open a horse-boarding facility, but there were always promises of soon, soon…and I could not take it anymore. When I told him Madam Childe was turning me out, he promised to speak with her and negotiate a few more months, so I would have a position and could help put toward our savings. I was certain he was lying then, intent only on using me, and based on his promises, I had made no further plans of my own. I believed he would take care of me, and I was so angry. I thought he had lied to me, you see?” Her face was covered with tears now, and her cheeks were blotchy.

  Lizzy patted her hand. “I am certain I can understand at least some of your rage. Was it your knife or Mr. Terrence’s?”

  “It was mine,” said the other woman with a small hiccup. “In my line of work, a woman must learn how to protect herself, so I carry it everywhere. I did…” She trailed off, looking lost. “It was out of my garter and in my hand before I even
realized it. I do not know how I did such a thing, for it was like something else had possessed me. I was in such a rage, you see?”

  Darcy winced, having sympathy for her, though the lion’s share was for Mr. Terrence.

  “I did not realize he truly planned to marry me.” She brushed her face then, using the napkin that had never made it to her lap. “I thought it was just empty promises.” She took the ring from the box and put it on her finger, silently crying for a moment. “It is near a perfect fit.”

  “I am sorry for the situation, Miss Flora. You understand we must turn you over to Constable Smith and the Runner from London?” Lizzy sounded gentle as she shared the news.

  Miss Flora was apparently in no state to object. She just nodded, and when Darcy stood up, taking her arm to prompt her to stand as well, she was compliant. He maintained a grip on her bicep as they walked from the tearoom to Constable Smith’s office, in case she decided to try to run, but the fight seemed to have gone out of the woman. It was a complete tragedy and a waste of two lives that her rage and Mr. Terrence’s clumsy handling of the situation had pushed it to the point where she had killed him.

  Constable Smith and Mr. Kenton were speaking in quiet tones when they entered the office a few minutes later. They both seemed surprised to see them, and after Lizzy had briefly explained the situation, Constable Smith took Miss Flora by the arm and led her to the back, where the cell waited. Darcy realized she would have to share with Wickham, and he felt sorrier for her than ever. Her own actions had driven her to this point, but he was still capable of some understanding.

  He bore no such understanding for Wickham, and he was almost disappointed to learn the man hadn’t been the one to kill Mr. Terrence. He was sorry Mr. Terrence had lost his life, but it had seemed like it would finally ensure the end of Wickham. When Constable Smith returned, he asked, “What will happen to both of them?”

  Lizzy moved closer, putting her arm through his, and she seemed just as vested in the answer.