Richard’s lips twitched as he bowed again to our aunt. “If you will excuse me, Aunt.” Without awaiting her response, he turned, offered Elizabeth his arm, and left the room with her at his side.
Fitzwilliam’s eyes fell on me and he winked before turning back to our aunt. His voice took on a softer tone, but lost none of the determination. “My decision is made, Lady Catherine, and nothing you say or do will change it. I ask that you respect my wishes. If not, then you must return to Rosings Park. Know that I shall not be visiting this Easter nor any future years until you have come to accept my choices.”
A look of complete disbelief settled upon Lady Catherine’s features. “You are then resolved to have her?”
“I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any other person.”
“She will ruin you in the opinion of all your friends, and make you the contempt of the world,” she spat at him.
“Were my friends excited by my marrying her, it would not give me one moment’s concern—and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.” Fitzwilliam’s posture had relaxed, but his countenance continued to hold an implacable resoluteness.
“And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act.” She stepped forward until she was once again toe to toe with him. “Depend upon it, Darcy, I will carry my point.”
Slowly releasing a fatigued sigh, Fitzwilliam stepped back and bowed. “I am certain you shall try, but you shall not succeed. Good day, Lady Catherine.” He turned and took my hand in his to assist me to my feet. Laying my hand upon his arm, he escorted me from the room and closed the door behind him.
Once in the hallway, he glanced about. Seeing the maid nearby, he motioned her forward. “My aunt will be leaving as soon as her coach is readied. Please see to her things and have Mrs. Nicholls notify the stables.”
“Yes, sir.” The young girl gave a quick curtsey. I was certain a relieved smile lit her face as she turned away to see to her duties.
“Shall we see what Samuel has learned?” Fitzwilliam whispered as he guided me toward the stairs.
“Oh, yes.” I bit my lip. “Fitzwilliam, do you believe Lady Catherine will leave so easily?”
“She will leave on her own, or I will bundle her into the carriage myself.” His voice was bitter and I felt his arm stiffen under my hand.
“Will you truly cut ties with her? And with Anne?” Though I was not close with my aunt or my cousin, my compassionate side felt for Anne who had no influence on her mother’s actions and less freedom of her own.
“I will speak to Uncle about aiding Anne, but I will not subject Elizabeth to Lady Catherine’s tirades.”
He led me down the steps and toward the study. Upon entering, he motioned toward Jeremy who stood just inside the door. The lad approached, showing his eagerness to be of assistance.
“I want you to stand outside this door and keep any who approach away. I want no one to enter or even get near enough to hear what is being said inside. Do you understand?”
Jeremy nodded and Fitzwilliam smiled as he patted the boy’s shoulder. The lad slipped into the hall and drew the door closed behind him.
Fitzwilliam looked back toward the desk where Richard and Elizabeth stood, speaking softly with Samuel. Still holding my arm, he moved toward them.
“So Lady Catherine has succumbed to the Darcy glare?” Richard asked, his eyes flashing in amusement.
“She will be gone as soon as her carriage is readied.” Fitzwilliam’s jaw was set.
I glanced at Elizabeth, but she was looking down at the handkerchief she twisted in front of her. The look of overpowering emotions which had suffused her countenance earlier was gone and she appeared almost remorseful.
Before I could address my friend, Fitzwilliam led us closer so he was standing beside the lady. She raised her gaze as we approached and Fitzwilliam smiled reassuringly at her. A light blush covered her cheeks as he took her hand, raising it to brush a kiss across her fingers. I could not suppress my grin as I watched the couple.
“Ahem.” Richard cleared his throat to draw everyone’s attention back to the crisis at hand. “I have sent Miss Bennet and Miss Kitty to see to Mrs. King.” He turned his gaze upon me. “Georgie, perhaps you should join them.”
My eyes widened in disbelief. “No, I shall remain.” I turned to my brother, seeking his support, but saw only doubt. “Fitzwilliam, six months ago it could have been me. Please allow me to be of some assistance.”
Our gaze held for a moment longer. Finally, he nodded before looking to our cousin. “She may at least hear what has been learned and what plan we devise.” He turned back to me once more. “But you will remain at Netherfield, Georgie. I will not have you anywhere near Wickham.”
Nodding, I released his arm and focused on Samuel as he gave his report.
“I was able to get near enough to hear voices. It appears there be one gent and two ladies within the Schmitt home. One of them is most definitely Miss Lydia, and she were not pleased.”
“What was said?” Elizabeth asked.
The servant’s countenance reddened and he glanced at the Colonel. “I don’t rightly like to say in front of ladies.”
“Samuel, it is my sister. I doubt I would be surprised.”
Again, the man looked to the officer, refusing to meet the ladies’ gazes. “I can say that Miss Lydia were not expecting the other lady to be present. She demanded the man, George she called him, send the other lady away so they could be on their way.”
Richard leaned forward. “On their way? To where?”
With a shrug and shake of the head, Samuel replied, “I know not. The door opened and I had to hide before I was seen. The gent stepped outside and slammed the door behind him. The ladies’ voices grew loud quickly and he ran back inside, demandin’ they be quiet. I decided to leave while they were being loud enough to cover any sound I might make.”
“Wise decision,” Richard said as he placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Well, at least we know where they are. Now, we must decide what is to be done with them.”
“Done?” Elizabeth asked. “Can they not be returned to their families and the matter addressed privately?”
The men exchanged knowing glances before Samuel turned toward Elizabeth. “Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Lizzy. I do not believe Miss Lydia will return home willingly. I suspect she will make quite a to-do.”
“Well, Papa will have to be firm.” Though her words sounded strong, by the time Elizabeth ended it was clear she understood the folly of such hope. Her eyes fell to her hand which still rested in Fitzwilliam’s, and she began to withdraw it.
I saw Fitzwilliam clasp her fingers tighter as he placed a finger from his other hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. “Do not fear. I shall make it all well. If need be, we will find a school or companion for Miss Lydia. This will not affect you or your other sisters, I swear it. We will find a way.”
A knock on the door kept Elizabeth from responding. Everyone looked confused as Fitzwilliam had issued strict orders for them not to be disturbed. Before any could respond, the door opened and young Jeremy poked his head inside.
“I beg your pardon, sir. I know none was to interrupt, but the young lady’s uncle has arrived. I thought you might want to know.”
Fitzwilliam nodded. “You did right, Jeremy. Please show him in.”
As the door opened wider, a loud voice was heard from the stairs. “I will not be treated in this manner! I will leave when I decide to do so!”
A groan escaped Fitzwilliam as he released Elizabeth and moved toward the door. “I shall see to Lady Catherine. Richard, you continue and I will return as quickly as possible.”
I watched my brother leave and an older gentleman enter the room. He was dirty from the road, but what struck me was the look of anger and disgust which was clearly displayed on his countenance
and in his very stance. Stealing my aunt’s favourite sentiment, I decided Miss King’s uncle was “most displeased”.
Chapter Twenty-Three
I stood quietly to the side and watched the gentleman look about anxiously as he entered the room. “I received a letter from a Mr. Bennet regarding my niece.”
Richard stepped forward, offering his hand. “I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Mr. Bennet is currently searching for Miss King. My cousin, Mr. Darcy, attended the ball which was held here last night and enlisted my assistance when he was made aware of Miss King’s disappearance. I fear our family has a history with the man who was behind it.”
The man’s eyes narrowed as he reluctantly accepted the outstretched hand. “Mr. Arlen Singleton. Where are my sister and her daughter?”
“Your sister is in the drawing room with a few other ladies who are keeping her company.” Richard glanced toward Samuel and back to Mr. Singleton. “We believe we have just learned the whereabouts of your niece and were in the process of devising a plan for returning her to her home.”
Mr. Singleton’s countenance became flushed as he glanced about the room. “And how many people are aware of my niece’s shame? She will be ruined if she returns home.”
“Please be assured, we have taken every precaution to avoid such a thing, sir.” Richard took a deep breath as though considering the man before him. “I fear the man who absconded with your niece is not the sort you would want her to wed. He is a profligate waste of good space.” His normally jovial appearance hardened as he spoke until I could well imagine him frightening any enemy in the field.
“That well may be, but what can be done to keep the knowledge of my niece’s foolishness a secret from her neighbours?” Mr. Singleton appeared to relax somewhat, but his concern was still great.
“We have kept your sister sequestered with only a handful of trustworthy ladies who also have a concern in the manner. You see, Mr. Wickham disappeared not just with your niece, but with another young lady as well.” Richard returned to the desk.
“There are two such foolish young girls in this neighbourhood? Do they breed them here?” The bitterness dripped from Mr. Singleton’s words, but a look of tired repentance quickly suffused his features. “Forgive me, I am more displeased with myself. I knew my sister should not be left alone, but I dallied in coming to Hertfordshire.”
Richard gave a brief nod. “Do you wish to see Mrs. King?”
Taking a deep breath, Mr. Singleton ran his fingers over his eyes. “I suppose I should, but I do not wish to delay the return of my niece.”
“We are capable of …”
“No, Colonel, I shall be present when she is found. If so much as a hair on her head has been harmed, the man will answer for it.”
I was unable to suppress the shiver which ran through me as I observed the man’s determined mien. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward. “Richard, since Fitzwilliam has not yet returned, perhaps I could escort Mr. Singleton to the drawing room to see his sister.”
My cousin met my gaze, but did not immediately respond. I looked at him quizzically as he took a deep breath. Before he could actually speak, Elizabeth stepped between us.
“Perhaps, Colonel, you could introduce us and Miss Darcy and I could both accompany Mr. Singleton to the drawing room.”
Suddenly I realized my cousin’s hesitation was due to his reluctance for me to be alone with a strange man. Though I realized I should be grateful for his concern for my well-being, I was actually quite disconcerted. Would he forever see me as a helpless child?
“Thank you, Miss Bennet.” Richard bowed his head in the lady’s direction before turning toward the gentleman. “Mr. Singleton, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet of,” he turned toward the lady to be certain he was correct, “Longbourn.” Elizabeth nodded. “It was her father who wrote to you and her youngest sister who is also missing.”
Elizabeth curtseyed as Mr. Singleton acknowledged the introduction with a brief bow.
“And this is my cousin, Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. Ladies, may I present Mr. Singleton of …?”
“Sizemore Abbey in Liverpool, sir,” The gentleman replied as he acknowledged my curtsey. “It was estate business there which kept me from collecting my sister and niece before now.” He ran a hand across the back of his neck.
“Well you have come and I am certain your sister will be pleased to see you,” Elizabeth said as she approached him. “If you will step this way.” She motioned toward the door and I followed her and Mr. Singleton from the room.
As we entered the hallway, the man gave a soft harrumph. “Pleased is not the word I would use,” he muttered under his breath, just loud enough that I could hear.
Before I could consider the reason for his comment, we had reached the drawing room door. Elizabeth was about to open it, when a voice was heard from the other side.
“Enough! Mama, if you are unable to remain respectful or quiet, you must return to Longbourn. Mrs. King, I believe we are all agreed that the most important thing is the safe return of both Lydia and Miss King. Any speculation on who shall be married and who shall not is fully indefensible!”
“Oh dear,” Elizabeth whispered. “I fear they have pushed even sweet Jane to her breaking point.” She pushed open the door and rushed inside, quite forgetting her companions.
I followed Elizabeth and Mr. Singleton into the room, though none of the inhabitants noticed our entry. Mrs. Bennet sat with her back stiff, indignation radiating from her being, while Mrs. King stared in shock at the normally quiet young lady. Kitty and Mrs. Annesley sat, eyes wide, observing the scene.
“I did not raise my daughter to speak to me in this manner!” Mrs. Bennet began fanning herself violently.
Quietly, Elizabeth stepped up to her sister before anything more could be said, and slipped an arm about her waist. “Oh Jane, please have a seat and take some tea to calm yourself. I will see to things.”
As Jane glanced at her sister, I saw a look of gratitude and relief pass over her features. When she moved toward the nearest chair, it became clear she was shaking. I wondered if Jane had ever spoken so harshly to anyone in her life.
Elizabeth made certain her sister was well settled and asked Mrs. Annesley to pour out a fresh cup of tea for her before turning her attention to the matrons. Her lips pursed in disappointment as she looked from one to the other. Mrs. King had the decency to lower her eyes to her lap.
“Mrs. King, your brother has arrived.” Elizabeth announced coldly.
The older lady’s hands flew to her face as her eyes grew wide and she looked about. The moment her gaze fell upon her brother, a look of fear crossed her features. “Arlen!”
“Abigail,” he replied, looking more like a disappointed father than a concerned brother.
“Oh,” Mrs. King began to whimper as she twisted her handkerchief. It was clear she was uncertain what to do. Neither sibling moved.
The brother continued to stare at his sister, as though he had forgotten the others were in the room. Finally, he took a deep breath and broke the tense silence. “It appears you have ignored all my directives. If you had remained at home, mindful of your mourning, this would not have happened.”
“But the officers were so thoughtful, speaking their condolences and not wanting us to be alone. They were so attentive to Mary and me. I thought it the perfect opportunity for Mary to find a husband …”
“From a group of penniless men who only saw her dowry?” Mr. Singleton shouted. “How long was Father dead before you announced the amount of her inheritance? I have always known you were foolish, but this is by far the most imprudent thing you have ever done!” He ran a hand over the back of his neck and took a deep breath. “I am going to ride out with the others and retrieve Mary. When we return, we shall be leaving for Liverpool at once. Send word to your home to have what is needed for the journey packed. The rest will be handled once we are away from here.”
With that said, he turn
ed abruptly and marched from the room. All eyes remained upon Mrs. King who stared disbelieving for but a few seconds before she collapsed in sobs upon the cushions of the sofa where she sat.
Mrs. Annesley quickly moved to the lady’s side and began reassuring her, while Elizabeth moved to the tea service and poured a fresh cup for her.
While all bustled about Mrs. King, I watched Mrs. Bennet. A cruel smile slowly spread across her lips as she stared at the woman she had called a friend. Is she truly seeing this as a victory? That her daughter has won the prize in Mr. Wickham?
I shivered in disgust and backed toward the doorway, but I was brought up short when I collided with a firm but warm obstacle. Glancing over my shoulder, I realized Fitzwilliam was standing behind me. He slipped an arm about my shoulders and led me from the room.
“I heard raised voices and thought I would investigate.” He spoke softly as we stopped just outside the doorway and he let his arm fall to his side. “Are the ladies well?”
“Mr. Singleton, Mrs. King’s brother, just announced he will be taking his sister and niece back to Liverpool as soon as Miss King is found. I believe he has returned to the study to speak to Richard.” I bit my lip and glanced back toward the room. “Prior to then, Mrs. King and Mrs. Bennet were arguing over which of their daughters would marry Mr. Wickham.” I looked back to see my brother’s reaction.
His lips formed a thin line as he also looked back into the room. “I suppose Mrs. Bennet sees this as a victory for her daughter.”
I nodded solemnly.
Fitzwilliam frowned. “If I did not believe Wickham would abandon the girl at his earliest opportunity, I might consider it a lesson well taught.” He shook his head as his gaze fell upon Elizabeth and Jane, and the fierceness of his expression fell away; replaced by sadness.
“It is amazing they are part of the same family,” I whispered. “What can be done to save the girls’ reputations?”
My brother sighed and met my gaze. “We shall have to see what we learn once we find them. I am hopeful, but the afternoon visiting hours have come. If Miss Elizabeth is correct, there will be much activity as ladies move from house to house to discuss the ball. It might appear odd that the Bennets and Kings are not available to visitors, but perhaps people will think they are out visiting.”
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 22
