Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  Lord Jonathon Bentley has announced his cousins, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet and Miss Kitty Bennet, are to be his heirs. There had been some distance between family members several generations previous, and a loss of connection has been recently mended. The young ladies, daughters of Thomas and Francis Gardiner Bennet, of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, have been residing in Town since the brutal slaying of their parents and youngest sister, Miss Lydia Bennet. Lord Bentley is pleased to find his relations and has officially declared the ladies to be under his protection and heir to his estates and fortune.

  Plans for a ball in their honor will be delayed, though Lord Bentley intends on their presentation in the future. The young ladies are also nieces of Mr and Mrs Edward Gardiner, of Gardiner Imports.

  Lord Bentley knew this would infuriate

  Armstrong, as it made Elizabeth someone of importance, explaining to many why she would have sought employment after her parents were murdered. There would still be many questions, but showing his support and acceptance of Elizabeth and her sisters would go a long way to protect them from society.

  Today was the wedding of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Lord Bentley planned to attend. He was pleased to see Darcy find a lady he loved. Over the years, he knew there had been little love between Darcy’s parents, which had saddened the earl. Though Richard Fitzwilliam was the earl’s favorite, Darcy was second on his list of honorable and worthy young men.

  A footman entered the breakfast room,

  announcing Mr Sheridan had arrived and wished to speak to Lord Bentley. “Send him in.”

  “Ah, Sheridan, a pleasure to see you this morning. As it is quite early, I doubt you have had time to break your fast. Please, help yourself to whatever you would like. My staff always fixes too many delicious items, it is a miracle that I am not bigger than I am around the middle.”

  “Thank you, Sir, I am grateful.” Sheridan picked up a plate from the sideboard and filled it with pastries, fruit, eggs, and ham. Once he set his plate down at the table, and the footman poured a cup of coffee for him, Sheridan spoke. “I think we have a lead on the shooter who killed Miss Bingley. I spoke with several people, and was told that the only man who could have made such a shot and was in the area was a Samuel Butler. He was in the army until a year ago, and now is working at a warehouse by the harbor. It is not a surprise to know that the warehouse where he works is owned by none other than Mr

  Armstrong.”

  “I want that man captured and brought to me as soon as possible. I will be at Darcy House for a wedding. Do not inform anyone of the wedding, the announcement will be afterwards. But, as this involves the Darcy family, please bring the man to Darcy House so we may all interrogate him.”

  Sheridan nodded his head as he took a drink of his coffee. “I have also received word that Mr Collins is having a fit over the truth of his parentage being brought to light. He is frantically searching for another living, and has even asked if the Bennet sisters would allow him to remain living at Longbourn until he finds a suitable situation for himself.”

  Lord Bentley laughed. “After how that man treated the girls after the robbery and murder, with Jane in such a condition, and their parents and younger sister not even buried, he expects kindness from them? The man is an imbecile.”

  “I thought the same, and sent word for him to vacate the estate immediately, leaving it in the same condition as when he moved in, or he would be taken to court for damages or stolen items. I also informed him to count himself fortunate that the sisters did not charge him for his living there under false pretenses. It was clear that he knew he was not born a Collins, and that he had no rightful claims to the estate.”

  “Indeed, Sheridan, I like your style. I do not tolerate such behavior as his, even if the estate had been his rightfully. Cruelty does not sit well with me. Especially when Jane was in such dire straights, forcing her to travel to Town so he could take over the estate was barbaric.”

  Sheridan nodded. “It does not sit well with me either. I am still waiting for word on the robbery and murder. I am hopeful that word will arrive soon, as we found a man who received an offer to purchase the jewelry which had been stolen from the Bennets in the carriage. Mr Bennet’s pocket watch was inscribed to him, from his father. This information was why the man would not purchase the jewelry, but he did not know the scoundrel who was attempting to sell them.”

  “Good, good, keep me informed as to any information you receive in the matter. Well, I must be off to attend my cousin’s wedding. It will be a wonderful day.”

  “My best wishes to your cousin on her wedding day. Hopefully, I will be bringing your gift, wrapped up nicely, for you to present.” Sheridan finished his coffee and the last bite of pastry, before taking his leave.

  Watching the investigator leave, Lord Bentley smiled. “It will be a perfect day for Elizabeth and Darcy.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Unable to dine with his beloved at breakfast, Darcy was pacing in his study. Lady Catherine and Mrs Gardiner had insisted on the groom not seeing his bride before the wedding, and he was completely miserable at not being able to see her. Richard entered the study quietly, watching his cousin.

  “If I did not know better, I would think you had been apart from Elizabeth for a month or longer. But it has been mere hours, since you parted for your separate rooms for the night.”

  “I am pleased to be bringing you such humor, Richard. Are you ready to stand up with me?” Darcy asked.

  “I am. I believe it was wise of you to have Bingley and me both at your side. Having to choose from her sisters must have been difficult for Elizabeth.”

  Darcy smiled. “Well, she stated she has always dreamed of having Jane at her side, but now she will have Jane and Mary. Kitty has decided to assist Georgiana, turning the pages while Georgiana plays the pianoforte.”

  “It will be a pleasant day. I cannot wait until I have the same privilege.” Richard wore a dreamy expression as he thought of Mary, and the day he would be blessed with her as his wife.

  “And have you set a date for your wedding?” Darcy smirked. Seeing his cousin’s eyes grow round, Darcy burst into laughter. “Richard, did you really think that you were keeping your desires to take Mary as your wife a secret? In less than an hour she will be my sister. I take my role as elder brother seriously, when it comes to protecting my sisters, as you well know. I would not wish for them to become attached to some scoundrel. But I must admit, not only did Mr Gardiner inform me, it is clearly written on your expression that you have asked her. And I am certain that Bingley has asked Jane to marry him.”

  Bingley was just entering the room, and was shocked by his friend’s announcement. “How did you know?”

  “Bingley, your expressions are as easy to read as Richard’s. You are in love with Jane, and it is clear to see how much she truly loves you. I am pleased to see the two of you repair the foolishness I brought to you last year. There was a reason Jane survived the robbery, and I believe it was for her to become your wife.”

  “And with whom is Richard in love?” Bingley asked, his brow furrowed. “If you had not been so wrapped up in your own lady, you would have realized that we will all be brothers one day, as Richard has fallen in love with Mary, and I believe he has asked for her hand.”

  Richard smiled. “I have asked for her hand, her heart, and her beautiful soul. Every part of her, I wish to have at my side for the rest of my life.”

  “The Bennet sisters are quite remarkable, are they not?” Bingley wore a wistful expression. “I am also pleased to know I will have you men as my brothers.”

  “And why do you think I made the suggestions I did for the estates Lord Bentley has decided to give our ladies. Charles, you and Jane would live close to Elizabeth and me. Richard, Drummond was the estate which Lord Bentley had hoped to have you and his daughter live if you had married. He has always considered Drummond to be yours, as he has wished for you as his heir for many years. I know he would be delighted t
o have you taking charge of

  Drummond.”

  “I know Bentley has always held the desire, I just never gave the desire any credence. How could it ever have come to be?” Richard said with a sad, though peaceful look. Remembering Lord Bentley’s daughter, and her marriage to the man who ultimately murdered her, was painful. It had all happened while he was away, on the continent, fighting in the war. Returning to England, Richard had been heartbroken to learn of his first love marrying another, and then had died such a brutal death.

  “But my daughter would not wish to see you sad, Richard.” Came the voice of Lord Bentley as he entered the room. “From what I have seen of my cousin, you will be very happy. And Darcy is correct. You have always been my favorite for whom to leave Drummond. You were to be my heir, from the time you were just ten years old and playing at the estate with my dear girl.”

  “Well, gentlemen, I believe it is time for us to make our way into the drawing room, for I am about to become the first of us to take a Bennet sister as my bride.” Darcy smiled.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mary and Jane entered the room together, Mary pushing the wheeled chair with her eldest sister sitting straight and tall. When the young ladies saw the men with whom they had fallen in love, standing by their soon to be brother, Mary and Jane blushed brilliantly. Each of the ladies was dressed in their favorite colors, Jane in pale blue and Mary in deep forest green, and their hair styled beautifully up on their heads, with curls dangling down, about which small seed pearls on pins were strewn.

  Richard and Bingley were awestruck by the visions before them. Each wished it was their wedding, and decided to speak with their fiancés with regards to setting a date, hopefully with a very short engagement period.

  Lady Catherine could see the love in the eyes of both of her nephews. Seeing the way Richard and Mary looked at each other, Lady Catherine knew she would be welcoming another niece soon.

  Hearing Georgiana playing a song for Elizabeth to enter the drawing room, everyone turned their attention to the doors of the room. Mr Gardiner entered the room, escorting his second eldest niece on his arm. It was clear to see the pride he held as he brought Elizabeth to her betrothed, placing her hand in his and granting his blessing to the wedding, before taking a seat next to his wife.

  The ceremony was simple, and, in no time at all, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy were husband and wife. Darcy had taken the wedding band and placed it lightly, first on the thumb, stating “In the name of the father”, the index finger, “The son”, the middle finger, “And the Holy Ghost”, he finally placed the ring securely on her ring finger with the word “Amen”. She was now his wife, for the rest of their lives, to love and cherish.

  While everyone was wishing them joy, Darcy could not take his eyes from his wife’s. The warmth and love he found there was tremendous, and he was overwhelmed in knowing that she was his, completely and eternally, his beloved Elizabeth.

  As the couple and their family made their way into the dining room, to enjoy the delicious wedding breakfast the staff of Darcy House had prepared, Mr Jarvis stepped to his master’s side. “Master William, I first wish to express my joy in seeing you so happily wed. Mrs Darcy is a wonderful young lady, and will be a perfect Mistress of this house, as well as Pemberley. Secondly, there is a Mr Sheridan here to speak with Lord Bentley and yourself. He is accompanied by several men, one of which is tied up with a hood over his head.”

  “Ah, yes, Lord Bentley said he had instructed his investigator to bring a potential suspect. Lord Bentley was certain we would all wish to interrogate the man as to whom had hired him.” Darcy said. Turning to his wife, Darcy placed his hand over her own, which was holding on to his arm. “Dearest, let us enjoy our wedding breakfast, and then we will have a gift, from your cousin, to investigate.”

  Elizabeth looked at her husband curiously. “What is there to investigate?” “Your cousin has had his investigator working on the shooting. It appears they have found a man who is thought to be the shooter, and they have brought him here.”

  “Would it not be wise to delay the breakfast, and see to this man first?” Elizabeth inquired. “No, dearest, I wish to enjoy the delightful meal our staff has prepared for our celebration. I am certain the men who are guarding him will have no objections in the delay, especially when they will be given an opportunity to partake in the food as well.” Darcy smiled.

  ~~ ** ~~ After an hour of celebrating, everyone in the dining room was eager to learn what they could from the man who was brought to Darcy House, bound and identity hidden from the men watching the house for Armstrong.

  Darcy and Elizabeth, still dressed in their wedding clothes, entered the drawing room where the interrogation was to take place. The man was seated in a chair, guards on either side of him. Hands bound behind his back, and a black hood over his head, he appeared to be prepared to mount the gallows.

  “Take the hood off him.” Darcy ordered. Sheridan motioned to one of the men to do as directed. “You men, take some refreshments in the dining room. My guards are able to manage this…man, for the time being.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” The men said as they left the room. Richard had escorted Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana into the room, followed by Bingley pushing Jane’s chair. Last to enter were the Gardiners, Lady Catherine and Lord Bentley.

  Once everyone had taken a seat, Darcy began asking Sam Butler questions. “You are most likely aware of why you were brought here.”

  “No, sir, I was snatched outside me house, I have notta clue what be happenin’. Is you planning to murder me? Some sorta rich folk game?”

  “Do you recognize this lady?” Darcy motioned to his wife.

  “She looks some familiar, sir, but not enuff to say we be acquainted.” “Were you not the man who was hired to kill Elizabeth Bennet, now my wife, Mrs Darcy? Were you not the one who missed killing my wife, and instead, killed Miss Caroline Bingley?”

  “Sir, I know not what you be talkin’ about.” Sam was perspiring profusely, his mouth grew dry as he attempted to figure a way out of this situation. “You must be confusing me with some other fella.”

  “Are you not Sam Butler, former lieutenant from His Majesty’s ____ Brigade? Are you not the same Sam Butler who is known to be an excellent marksman, winning the highest awards for your talents? The same Sam Butler who is currently working in a warehouse owned by a Mr Armstrong?”

  Sam looked around the room, hoping for any sympathy he could find amongst those gathered. He gulped at the knot which had developed in his throat, when he found no kindness in the eyes of those in the room.

  “I be Sam Butler, sir. I was in the Brigade, years ago. When I left the army, I worked many a job. Last autumn, Mr Armstrong came to me, with an offer of work. He said he had need of some protection for his warehouse. I took the job, but I am no killer. Since the war, I dislike killin’.”

  “I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.” Richard said as he stepped forward. “I remember you, from a contest which was held three years ago. You made some amazing shots, long distance and of small targets. I have never seen the likes, before or after, of the sort of shooting you were able to do. So, you are telling us, the most amazing shot, taken from a tree across the street, through a second story window, striking one lady just seconds after the intended subject fell, was not taken by yourself? And it just so happens that your boss wishes my new cousin dead, having made multiple attempts on her life already. So many coincidences, though you do not admit to having any sort of knowledge of it?”

  “N…N…No Colonel. I…I…I know nuffin.” “You know nothing, but I should tell you, I do not believe you. You are an excellent shot, one of the best I have ever known. You work for Armstrong, who is attempting to kill my cousin. And you have the nerve to claim you know nothing about the shot, which missed my cousin, only to kill the other lady, who was the sister of this man, here.” Richard pointed to Bingley. “Do you truly believe we are foolish enough to believe the words coming out of your mouth?”


  “Sir…you must understand. Mr Armstrong…he is not to be crossed. When he learns I was here, he will kill me. He is brutal. I have a wife, he would kill ‘er too. Please, I value me life.” Sam began to plead.

  “So you are telling us you are not innocent? You were involved in the shooting?” Darcy asked in a voice which refused to be denied.

  “Yes, sir. I wudden’ have, if me wife was safe. But Armstrong would kill ‘er.” Sam had tears streaking down his face.

  “If we can make certain your wife is safe, will you testify as to Armstrong hiring you to kill my wife?” Darcy stood mere inches from Sam’s face, though above the sniveling man.

  “There is no place safe from him.” Sam cried. “We be as good as dead, soon as Armstrong learns you grabbed me.”

  Darcy nodded to Sheridan, who quickly moved to the hall with one of his men. The man left the house with two of the other men, making haste to Sam Butler’s home. If they were fortunate enough, Armstrong was still unaware of Sam being captured at Lord Bentley’s orders.

  ~~ ** ~~ Nearly two hours passed by until the men returned to Darcy House, with a woman in her thirties. Mrs Butler was fearful as she was brought into the room of the grand house.

  “Brydie, girl, you is safe.” Sam cried out. “Sam, what ‘as happened? Why we here?” “I did a job, for Armstrong.” Sam replied.

  “I told ya nuffin good would come of workin’ for the likes of ‘im.” Brydie said, a touch of anger in her voice. “I told ya not to work for such a man.”

  “We needed the coin. You was starvin’.” “And now look where we be.”

  “Mr Butler, I should tell you I am the local magistrate for this area. I am willing to make you a deal, if you will work with us.” Lord Bentley said as he stepped closer. “If you are willing to testify against Armstrong, testify as to his hiring you to murder Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet, then I will see to it you will be transported to the Americas, with your wife. Do you agree to my terms?”