The men were growing restless, as the minutes ticked by slowly. Each was nervous at the thought of an assault against an entire townhouse, in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Town. A robbery was one thing, but they were not there to rob the family. They were there to commit murder. Arson, murder, and who knew what else would come soon, and each of Armstrong’s men were wondering how well thought out the plan truly was.
Though Armstrong had offered to pay high wages, was it worth the possibilities they faced? Each man went over the list of possibilities in his head. Prison, hanging, transportation, or dying during the assault. They knew there were many guards, and some had heard of Colonel Fitzwilliam, his reputation was well known to those who had served in the army. Only two of Armstrong’s men had been present the night of the raid on the other townhouse, the night Armstrong had been injured. Some had been captured, and others had disappeared, wishing to escape rather than deal with the insane man again. One of the men who stormed the townhouse with Armstrong had become so frightened of his employer, the man turned himself in to the authorities on another crime he had committed, begging to be transported to Australia as soon as possible.
Finally a signal was given. Those who were to enter the Hamilton townhouse began to move. They would secure the rooms where servants were known to be sleeping, then take positions where they could cause the most damage with fire. Two of Armstrong’s men made their way to the rooftop, finding a perfect location to launch their fire bombs, bottles of kerosene which had strips of cloth secured in the opening which would be lit, before launching them inside the upper levels of Darcy House. Three more men were in the top floor of the Hamilton townhouse, preparing fires in the fireplaces to set arrows aflame. And Armstrong had a dozen men on the second level of the townhouse, prepared to take aim at anyone as they exit Darcy House. The deranged man cared not as to the number of lives which could be lost that night. All that mattered was that Elizabeth Bennet and Charles Bingley were amongst them.
The clock finally struck two, and Armstrong could wait no longer. He motioned for his men to prepare the attack. The men on the rooftop had bottles of kerosene ready to light, and prepared to propel them through the windows of the upper level. The fires were stoked in the fireplaces. It was now time to strike.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ Chapter 16 Elizabeth was lying in bed, her husband’s arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her to his chest. The peaceful feeling she had come to enjoy in only a few days of being married surprised her. How did I live before marrying William? He has completed my life, filled me with love and security. I never knew love could be so fulfilling, so consuming, yet so very pleasant.
Feeling the need to relieve herself, Elizabeth carefully extricated herself from her husband’s grasp, feeling cold outside the warmth of his embrace. Grabbing her dressing gown, she quickly donned the garment as she made her way to her dressing room. Using the necessary room attached to the dressing room, Elizabeth, soon, had refreshed herself. Looking in the peer glass on her dressing table, Elizabeth smiled at the glow of happiness which had come over her since her marriage.
Returning to the Master’s bedchamber, Elizabeth sat on the side of the bed, looking at the man sleeping there. How handsome her husband was, and how caring he was of her. Not only to her, but to everyone he felt was under his protection. If Fitzwilliam Darcy felt someone was important, no matter their station in life, he would move mountains to protect them. And yet, seeing him sleep, Elizabeth could see the young boy inside of him. The boy who had wished to be loved, the boy who had needed his parents to care for him as much as the servants did. The boy who had grown into a most amazing man, and had won her heart.
As she prepared to remove her dressing gown, something caught her attention outside the window. Being in the family wing on the second floor, she had no fear of any danger, she felt they were safe. But that thought changed in a matter of seconds.
“William, wake up!” Elizabeth screamed as bottles broke through the windows of their rooms, bursting into flames, instantly lapping at anything to devour in its path.
“William, we have to get out of the house. Fire, William, we have to get out.” Elizabeth screamed, pulling at her husband’s arm. “Hurry, Will, we have to get the others out.”
Darcy woke with a start. The heat of the fire was intense, and growing. Picking up a coverlet from the end of their bed, Darcy began beat at the flames. “Will, it is no use. The fire is everywhere.” Elizabeth announced. “It is coming through the windows. Someone has set fire to the house. The bottles came through the windows.” Elizabeth was as near to the windows as she could get, and could see men throwing the bottles through other windows. Flaming arrows were also being shot at the
townhouse. “We have to get everyone out. Our family, the staff, we have to get them all to safety.”
“Start pounding on doors, make sure everyone gets out. With the broken windows, the smoke will be pulled partially outside, which is in our favor. We will be able to breathe and see a little better.” Darcy pulled on his dressing gown and followed his wife out their door and into the hall.
They began to pound on every door, shouting to everyone to wake up and leave their rooms. The chaos seemed to last an eternity. People screaming, running about, searching for their loved ones or something to wear. Soon, everyone had been evacuated from their rooms and were herded down the stairs of the burning building. Fortunately, the grand staircase was located on the south side of the townhouse, farther from the flames which were threatening the safety of all inside.
Reaching the main level, Darcy called out to one of the guards. “Where are they?” “It appears they have taken over Hamilton’s house, as well as behind the mews. A few were caught out front, though they are not the only ones. There are some on the roof of Hamilton’s house, and inside the house.”
“Are all the servants accounted for?” Elizabeth asked.
“They are, Mrs Darcy.” Called out Mrs Jarvis. “Mr Darcy, should we take everyone down to the tunnel?” Elizabeth looked at her husband, confused by their housekeeper’s statement. “Tunnel?” “Yes, I never thought we would have need of the tunnel. Richard and I used to play in the tunnel when we were boys. My grandfather had it built to allow the family to make their way from Darcy House to Matlock House, which abuts our property in the back. Grandfather did not wish to have to travel around the block to come here, nor did he wish for anyone to see the Earl of Matlock entering his daughter’s home from the rear. The tunnel allowed him the convenience to not having to go outdoors and a quicker route to Darcy House. My grandfather was a strange man, though at this moment, I am pleased for his eccentric desires.”
Darcy led everyone to the rear of the main level. By the time they reached the kitchen area, the flames had engulfed the entire north side of the building.
As her husband pushed forward, leading the way through the debris and burning pieces of their home, Elizabeth assisted the moving of everyone and begging for them to stay together. Richard was carrying an injured servant while Mary held the hand of Georgiana. Bingley carried Jane. Mr Gardiner had his arms filled with two of his children, while his wife held fast to the elder two.
Lady Catherine was bringing up the rear, assisting Kitty, who was scared beyond belief. Standing amongst the pieces of burning debris, Kitty began screaming from fear. “Come, girl, we must stay with the others.”
Kitty could not move, frozen in place. Lady Catherine pulled back her hand, bringing it down just hard enough against the girl’s cheek to gain Kitty’s attention. The young girl looked at Lady Catherine, unable to understand what was happening. “Come, we must move forward. If we do not, we will perish in the flames. Move, girl. There is no time for fear now.”
Finally coming out of her trance like state, Kitty nodded her head and moved forward. ~~ ** ~~
“The house is engulfed in flames, yet no one is coming out.” Cried Armstrong. “Where is everyone? They would not all remain inside, some have to come out. What
is happening?”
“Sir, one of the men saw inside the house. It appears that the people inside are moving towards the kitchen area.” One of the men called out.
“They must have some way of escaping Darcy House, some way of not being seen.” Another man shouted.
“Quick, we need to find them.” Armstrong was on the move. He would not allow his prey to escape, not this time. Running down the stairs of the Hamilton townhouse, he was soon outside the house and making his way around the wall which separated the two properties. The flames were hot on his skin as he made his way towards the rear of Darcy House. Momentarily, Armstrong would glance inside the burning townhouse, desperately trying to find any view of Elizabeth or Bingley. Finally, he reached the entrance door located on the rear north corner of the townhouse, the entrance used by servants.
Kicking at the door, Armstrong was unable to force it open. Calling for assistance, two other men moved towards the door. After several attempts, the door was finally pushed inward, moving rubble along with it. Armstrong climbed through the rubble, and finally reached the dining room. He could see people moving in the hallway outside the dining room. Dodging the bits of burning debris falling all about him, Armstrong moved forward, his pistol in one hand and a dagger in the other.
He heard her voice in the hallway, calling out to others to keep moving towards the kitchen. Moving forward, Armstrong motioned his men to follow.
Elizabeth was gathering some of the last of the servants to move them forward. One of the maids had fallen, a piece of the ceiling pinning her to the floor. Calling out to one of the other maids who was nearby, Elizabeth was desperately attempting to move the debris from the young maid.
Seeing her back towards him, Armstrong moved forward to take his revenge. Bringing his pistol up and taking aim, Armstrong squeezed the trigger, firing his weapon, aimed at his prey’s back.
Suddenly, there was another lady who had moved in the path of the oncoming bullet. An elderly lady, who had moved towards Elizabeth with a younger girl. To Armstrong’s astonishment, the elderly lady had seen him and moved forward, pushing Elizabeth out of the way. The lady slumped, landing hard on the floor.
Sprawled on the floor, where she landed from Lady Catherine pushing her, Elizabeth was shocked to see her new aunt falling to the floor. “Aunt Catherine, are you injured?”
Kitty stood nearby, staring not at the form of Lady Catherine, but at the man standing nearby. Elizabeth followed her sister’s eyes, seeing Armstrong standing before her.
Tossing his pistol to the side, Armstrong moved towards Elizabeth, dagger in hand, scowling at the young lady who had defied him. This was the end, no one would stand between him and his goal now. He would take delight in killing her, cutting her flesh with his blade. It would be his pleasure to do the act himself, rather than relying on one of his men to commit the deed. Let his men kill Bingley, he would relish in finally showing Elizabeth Bennet who was in control. She may have escaped him before, but she would never do so again. He circled around her, as she desperately looked about for something to use to protect herself.
Seeing Kitty still standing, staring at Armstrong, Elizabeth screamed at her young sister to run. But Kitty was traumatized, unable to move. “Kitty, leave, please, run.”
Kitty did not move. Armstrong wore a sneer of pure evil as he looked from one sister to another. Moving towards the younger, intending to bring Elizabeth greater pain by killing her sister before killing her, Armstrong was unaware of movement nearby.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh was wounded, but not dead. And she would not allow this man to harm anyone else. Grabbing hold of a large shard of glass, she moved carefully across the floor, until she was close enough. With all her might, she shoved the glass upward, reaching her intended goal.
Armstrong howled in pain as his hand reached down towards his manhood. Dropping to his knees, the man continued to shout out, now insisting his men kill all of the ladies.
“Kill them! Kill all of these whores!” Armstrong screamed as he writhed in pain, the glass deeply embedded in his privates.
Elizabeth grabbed hold of Lady Catherine’s arm pulling her out of Armstrong’s reach. As his hired hands came forward to follow their employer’s commands, a large beam fell from the ceiling, crushing Armstrong beneath it.
The men decided it was too dangerous to remain inside the burning townhouse, and retreated back the way they had entered. As they were sounding a hasty retreat, Darcy and Richard had returned to the burning room to find the missing ladies. Richard pulled the debris from on top of the maid, lifting her into his arms. Darcy scooped his aunt into his arms, as Elizabeth grabbed hold of Kitty’s arm, pulling her behind her as they all hurried from the blazing room.
Only moments after they had exited the area, the entire ceiling collapsed upon the floor, further burying Armstrong’s body under the rubble he had caused.
Darcy and Richard took the ladies down the stairs on the south side of the kitchen, leading them to the cellar and to the tunnel. “Hurry Richard, I doubt we have much time left before more of the house crumbles down.” Darcy called forward to his cousin.
The men kept moving everyone forward, with Elizabeth pulling Kitty, sandwiched between the men. Reaching the end of the tunnel, Richard led the way up the stairs and into the nearest drawing room. Placing the maid on one of the sofas, Richard turned to see Darcy lay their aunt on another.
Darcy took hold of his aunt’s hand. “Aunt Catherine, hold on. We have sent for a surgeon.” “Have no fear, William. I am beyond a surgeon’s care. Now, do not cry. I will not have such a show in front of servants. Men do not cry in public.” Pain coursed through her and she grimaced. “I have only one regret. I would have loved to see your children.” Lady Catherine placed her hand gently against her nephew’s cheek. “Elizabeth, where are you girl?”
Elizabeth released her hold on Kitty, leaving her in Mary’s care. Kneeling beside the sofa, Elizabeth took Lady Catherine’s hand in her own. “You saved my life. There is no way I can ever be able to thank you properly?”
“Live a long and happy life, Elizabeth. Be good to my dear boy. He deserves to be loved. If you can do this, it will be thanks enough.” Lady Catherine smiled, her eyelids growing heavy. “Everyone has always thought me wicked, but all I ever wanted was to be loved. Have lots of children, fill Pemberley with laughter. And, if you can find it in your heart, name one of your daughters after me.”
Nodding her head, Elizabeth agreed. Lady Catherine opened her eyes as wide as she could. “Georgiana, come here.”
Georgiana moved forward, kneeling beside her sister. “Yes, Aunt Catherine?” “You are my heir. Your brother will explain. But I have one thing to tell you. You will never be proficient if you do not practice. That pertains to everything in life, not just the pianoforte.” A small smile crept on her lips. Only a moment later, Lady Catherine’s heart ceased beating.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Georgiana, holding her tightly as they wept beside Lady Catherine’s still form.
Darcy and Richard had moved towards the two young ladies. Taking his wife in his arms, Darcy kissed her on the temple. “What happened, my love? One of the maids came rushing to us, telling us that one of the other maids was trapped by debris. She said nothing of anyone else being in the house.”
“Armstrong had found a way inside the house with some of his men. They moved towards us, and, as he took aim and fired his weapon at my back, Lady Catherine pushed me away and was struck by the bullet. When Armstrong moved towards Kitty, he did not realize that Lady Catherine was still alive. She found a jagged piece of glass on the floor, a rather large piece. She shoved it…into…”
Kitty finally came out of her trance like state. “She shoved the glass into that man’s privates. He was in so much pain, crying out for his men to kill us all. That is when the beam fell, landing on top of that man.”
Darcy pulled back from his wife to see her face. “Armstrong was under the beam? He is dead?” �
�I am sure he is, as the beam was large and heavy. His men retreated from the house, so I doubt any of them went back in to retrieve him. Especially if the house was collapsing, as it sounded like it was.” Elizabeth stated.
Pulling her back to his chest, Darcy began to cry. Holding his beloved wife tightly to him, he gave thanks to the heavens for watching over her, keeping her safe.
“Darce, I know my father is not here, but we had best figure out to where we are going to move everyone. I am sure my father will return, once he learns of his sister’s death. And he will most likely bring Anne with him.”
“We can move everyone to my warehouse for the time being. There is enough space for everyone, until we can find adequate housing.” Mr Gardiner stated. “We have a few rooms in our house available as well.”
“The first thing needed would be to arrange transportation to the warehouse.” Richard took charge. “Those who are unharmed should be moved there first, as the surgeon will need to tend to those who are injured.”
“We can move everyone to my townhouse.” Bingley stated as he moved forward through the crowd. “It is not as large as Darcy House, but it would work. Louisa and Hurst are not due back to Town for another month, if not longer.”
“Good thinking, Bingley.” Darcy exclaimed. “Your townhouse is closer, only five blocks away. Richard, would you and Mary assist Bingley in moving people to his townhouse? Hire any hackney carriages you need, I will see they are all compensated. Anyone who can walk, lead them there.”
Richard nodded his head. “I will send some of your men to check the mews, as I am sure Father has at least one wagon here. And I will send someone to see if your carriages and wagon are safe. If they are, and the horses are unharmed, I will have them brought here to transport the injured, and Aunt Catherine.”
Saving Elizabeth Bennet Page 18
