Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  “Thank you, Richard. I should send someone to the townhouse, in case the fire brigade has arrived. I do not wish to have anyone else injured, thinking they need to rescue us.”

  One of the guards moved forward. “Mr Darcy, I have already sent two men there, and was planning to go there in a few minutes. With their employer dead, I am sure Armstrong’s men disbanded quickly. No profit in working for a dead man.”

  Darcy nodded his head. “Send word to Mr Bingley’s townhouse as to what is happening. And if any officials show up, send them down to Bingley’s as well.”

  “Yes, Sir. And Sir, may I extend my deepest regrets for what happened tonight. We were prepared for an attack on the main level, even from the mews, but the fire from above surprised us. The battle came from all sides.”

  “Geoffrey, your men held them off for a long time. The quick thinking of the men helped save many lives tonight, especially in getting the servants out of their rooms and down to the tunnel. The building and the items inside can be replaced. The people were the treasures, and you should all be proud you were able to save so many tonight.”

  “You are too kind, Sir. Especially in light of your aunt’s demise.” “Not at all. You did what you could. Having only one death is amazing, after the night we just experienced.” Richard stated. “There were nearly sixty people inside Darcy House tonight, with the family and their guests, as well as the staff and the guards. And only one death, and a few injured. In all my years of military campaigns, I consider this night to have been a miracle. And Armstrong is dealt with.”

  “Colonel, I appreciate your words.” Geoffrey said as he prepared to leave. “I will have men moved over to Mr Bingley’s townhouse, to keep watch over everyone. Just in case some of Armstrong’s men are foolish enough to retaliate.”

  Richard nodded his head. “Bingley, shall we gather our ladies and make our way to your home?” Bingley nodded his head. Gathering Jane in his arms, he called out to the Darcy House occupants to follow him. As they reached the front door to make their exit, it was discovered that the sky had opened up, sending a downpour of rain to the neighborhood.

  “Well, I guess someone in heaven decided the fire brigade needed some assistance.” Richard said with a smile.

  ~~ ** ~~ Lord Bentley was awake before sunrise that morning, hearing all the commotion on the streets of the neighborhood. Dressing quickly, he followed everyone as they quickly gathered in front of Darcy House. The fire was burning brightly, the damage was severe. Suddenly, rain began to sprinkle, then increased. Before long, the fire was being doused by the pouring rain which refused to relent.

  Looking about the people gathered, Lord Bentley could not find any of the family members. Good God, were they all killed in the flames? Did I gain a family, only to lose them all so quickly? This cannot be true, someone had to have escaped the blaze.

  Suddenly, Lord Bentley remembered the tunnel which ran beneath Darcy House to Matlock House. Being one of the few people outside the family who knew of the tunnel, Lord Bentley prayed he would find everyone safe and secure at Matlock House. He quickly made his way around the block, to the other townhouse, pounding on the front door. Richard opened the door, finding his old friend out of breath from his frenzied walk.

  “Richard, thank God, you are alive. Is everyone else here?”

  “Yes, yes, come in out of the rain. How did you know we would be here?” Richard asked. “I remembered your speaking of playing in the tunnel with Darcy when you were boys. You laughed that it was an easy way for your nannies to keep track of you both, and never have to worry of your running off.” Lord Bentley smiled at the memory. “Was anyone injured?”

  “A few injuries, and only two fatalities. Aunt Catherine saved Elizabeth, at the cost of her own life. And Armstrong is dead.”

  “Are we sure? Armstrong is truly dead?”

  Richard nodded his head. “Elizabeth and Kitty saw him crushed under a beam which fell from the ceiling. His men all fled, deserting their master. Armstrong was also dealt a painful blow by Aunt Catherine. She stabbed him in his…manhood, with a large piece of sharp glass.”

  “Ah, Catherine, feisty to the end. God bless that woman for her sacrifice.” Laughing Richard slapped a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “That is one statement I never thought I would ever hear in regards to my Aunt Catherine.”

  Chuckling, Lord Bentley agreed. Lady Catherine had always been out spoken in her opinions, but she knew where to place her energy. “No, Catherine de Bourgh was far from sainthood, but she came through in the end. I will be forever grateful to her for saving my cousin.”

  “Come, I am sure you wish to see your cousins, and make certain they are all well.” Richard led Lord Bentley into the drawing room.

  “Elizabeth, Darcy, you cannot know how it does my heart good to see you.” Lord Bentley looked around the room, seeing the Gardiner family, Mary, Kitty, Jane, and Bingley, all gathered together. “When I saw the house aflame, and could not find any of you in the crowd in front of Darcy House, my heart nearly broke. Thank heavens I remembered how Darcy and Richard loved to play in the tunnel when they were boys.”

  “Bentley, it is good to see you.” Darcy stepped closer to the gentleman, holding out a hand to him. “Richard told me of Catherine’s death. I extend my deepest regrets to all of you.” Lord Bentley looked into Darcy’s eyes. “She was a spitfire, Catherine was. And I never wished to be in her way when she got up a head of steam. But she was protective of those she loved, and that sort of dedication is worthy of respect, especially when it pertains to members of my own family.”

  “Thank you, Bentley. Your words are greatly accepted.” Lord Bentley looked around the room. “Where are you going to stay? I am sure that Richard’s father is not going to allow you to remain here, when he learns what happened.”

  “We were planning to move everyone to Bingley’s townhouse. You know Claymore.” Darcy replied. “There is no need for that. My townhouse is right across the street from here. Just a stone’s throw away. Come, everyone must come there, and stay as long as needed. You are my family, it is only fitting. After all, the townhouse will belong to my cousins when I am gone. I would love to have everyone there.”

  Darcy looked around the room, and, with the approval of those gathered, accepted Lord Bentley’s generous offer.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 17 Anne de Bourgh was surprised to receive an express from her cousin. Knowing he had only recently married, she was sure he would be too busy with his wife to think of anyone else.

  Breaking open the seal, she opened the letter and began to read.

  My dearest Anne, How I wish I could be with you in person to give you this news, but it is impossible for me to leave Town at the moment.

  A fire broke out in the middle of the night. It was set in many sections of the house, by the men Mr Armstrong hired to kill Elizabeth and my friend, Charles Bingley. The fire was burning on all levels of the townhouse, mainly on the north side, as the culprits had forced their way into the Hamilton family townhouse.

  Your mother was assisting us in moving everyone from Darcy House, heading for the tunnel which leads to Matlock House. We knew that Armstrong would have men outside the burning building, waiting to kill anyone who exited. When no one came out, Armstrong came inside. He attempted to shoot Elizabeth in the back, though your mother saw what was happening. Aunt Catherine moved to push Elizabeth out of her way, saving my dear wife, but taking the bullet herself. But Aunt Catherine was not finished. Armstrong did not realize that she was still alive, and when he moved near her, your mother reached out with a large, sharp shard of glass, plunging it into him.

  Needless to say, Armstrong was in severe pain. He was unable to cause any further harm, as a large, burning beam fell from the ceiling, crushing him. The man is dead.

  We were able to move Aunt Catherine to Matlock House, and we called for a surgeon. Unfortunately, your mother died before the surgeon could arrive.

  There are
no words to tell you how my heart pains for your loss. I promised her I would always assist you in any way you needed, and I pray that you know I will do so.

  As our uncle, Richard’s father, is at Rosings, we ask that you inform him what has happened. We have vacated Matlock House, and will be staying at Lord Bentley’s townhouse. Lord Bentley has extended his invitation for you to be a guest here as well, while arrangements are made for your mother.

  Again, you have, not only mine, but the sympathies of all of us here.

  Your cousin,

  F.Darcy Anne was shocked at the news. Her mother had always been strong and independent, and now, she was gone. Most people did not understand the true woman Lady Catherine de Bourgh was, of that Anne was certain. The grand lady kept her true feelings private. It pleased Anne that her cousins had come to know more of her mother.

  Going to the sitting room her uncle had taken up as his own, Anne entered to find Lord Matlock pouring himself another glass of port. “Your mother should order some more stock. She seems to be running low.”

  “Uncle, I received an express from London. There has been an accident, and my mother is dead.” Anne stated in a voice which was stronger than she felt. “I will need to travel to Town today.”

  “Catherine is dead? Your cousins are to blame, I am sure of it.” Lord Matlock was furious. “What did they do to my sister? They have destroyed our family, causing Anthony’s death, and now Catherine’s. I will speak to my solicitor, yes I will. I will sue Darcy for all he has, to make up for taking my family from me. It is his fault, him and his whore. I pray Armstrong kills the whore before anyone else in my family is murdered.” He tossed back the drink in one gulp.

  “That is enough, Uncle. More than enough. You are a foolish man, full of outrage over something you should have handled better. You allowed Anthony’s behavior to continue, not stopping him when you should have. No, your precious heir was doted on and spoiled until there was no possible way to correct his ways. And, instead of cherishing the good man that your younger son has turned out to be, you drown your sorrows in drink. Richard is a far better man than you have ever given him credit. He has always been honorable and trustworthy. For you to have even considered asking him to forsake Elizabeth is appalling.”

  “How do you know the whore’s name?” Lord Matlock roared. “She is now my cousin, Uncle. She and William have married. That is why Mother was still in London, she wished to be in attendance, to show her support to their marriage. And I will support Elizabeth and William for the rest of my life. She is no whore, Uncle. Elizabeth was placed in a difficult situation, and nearly died in the process. You need to open your eyes and see what is truly before you. Did you know that your younger son is to inherit an estate and be married?”

  “The estate my wife inherited from her mother was sold, Richard cannot inherit it. And he will never gain Matlock, I have seen to that. I would rather burn the estate to the ground before allowing him to have it.” A moment later, Lord Matlock realized what his niece had said. “Who is Richard marrying? Some heiress?”

  “Indeed. Richard is marrying one of Lord Bentley’s cousins. It was in the papers the other day, how Lord Bentley had discovered his long lost cousins and they are now to be his heirs. The young lady who has won Richard’s heart is named Mary.”

  “Bentley always was too soft on Richard. He should never have paid my son any attention.” Lord Matlock poured himself another glass of port. After swallowing it in one gulp, he poured another. “So, what is this girl like?”

  “She is the third born daughter of a country gentleman. Her parents are dead, so she has been living with relatives.” Anne stood and made her way to the doorway of the sitting room. Just before exiting the room, she turned her head. “Yes, Richard and William will truly be brothers, as Richard is marrying Miss Mary Bennet, Elizabeth’s sister.” Then Anne left the room, hearing her uncle sputtering the drink he had just inhaled in his surprise.

  ~~ ** ~~ Anne sent an express to Darcy House, explaining her inability to travel to Town, due to her health. She asked that her cousins bring her mother home, to be buried at Rosings. An invitation was made to Darcy’s family and friends to stay at Rosings if they wished to make the journey.

  Anne also informed Richard of his father’s reaction to the news of Lady Catherine’s death, and the pleasure she took in informing Lord Matlock the identity of Richard’s betrothed. Darcy and Richard chuckled at the thought of Anne being mischievous.

  Darcy, Richard, Elizabeth and Mary decided to make the journey, accompanying Lady Catherine home. Lord Bentley was seeing to the family being settled in at his townhouse, while the servants of Darcy House began sorting through the remains of their master’s house.

  Richard knew, from Anne’s description, that his father would not have bothered himself with notifying Lady Matlock of her sister in law’s demise, so Richard did so himself.

  Dearest Mother, I regret to inform you that Lady Catherine died yesterday. It was a tragic death, as she was shot by none other than Mr Armstrong. Aunt Catherine had purposely pushed my cousin Elizabeth out of the way when the scoundrel took his shot. Yes, I said my cousin, Elizabeth. You may not be aware of it yet, but William and Elizabeth were married on Friday past. Aunt Catherine supported their marriage, and had remained in Town to attend the service.

  You may not have heard the news that Lord Bentley has discovered that Elizabeth and her sisters are his cousins. As he has no other family members, he has made the Bennet sisters his heirs. Miss Jane Bennet, the eldest, is to marry Charles Bingley. The next sister, after Elizabeth, is Miss Mary Bennet. In one month’s time, she will be your daughter in law. Mary has agreed to make me the happiest of men. I am resigning my commission, and we will take up residence at Drummond, Lord Bentley’s estate, which he has officially given to Mary.

  Anthony’s death was difficult to accept, and it pains me that my brother was murdered. But the pain and disgrace which Father has brought is even more difficult. How he thought I would sacrifice the life of a young lady, especially one of gentle breeding and known to my cousins, just so my brother could continue to lead a wastrel’s life, gambling away everything which took generations to build, I just do not understand. Though I wish Anthony had not been murdered, his lifestyle lead to his demise far more than Elizabeth has.

  Mary and I have spoken, and we would be grateful if you could find it in your heart to attend our wedding. I know Father will never acknowledge it, and will most likely forbid you to come, though I am certain arrangements can be made, if you care to attend. Mary wishes you to know that you will always be welcome in our home.

  William and I, along with our ladies, will be taking Aunt Catherine to Rosings, as requested by Anne. Yes, I know Father is there, and I will contend with him as need be. I am going there for Aunt Catherine and Anne, not Father. Aunt Catherine approved of Mary, and spoke with my fiancé of having a marriage based on love, rather than a business transaction. I am grateful to be in love with my intended, and to feel her love in return. Mary would have married me if I had remained in the army, living as poor as church mice. Now that we will have the inheritance from Lord Bentley, along with my savings and the dowry William set up for each of his new sisters, Mary and I will be able to live comfortably.

  With Darcy House needing to be rebuilt, we will be staying at Lord Bentley’s townhouse after our return from Rosings.

  Your son, Richard Richard had sent the express off to Matlock, though he was not sure he would receive word from his mother. He knew his father’s influence forced Lady Matlock to obey her husband, but he also knew that the treatment of her beloved younger son was difficult for her to bear. Knowing Anthony was the heir, Lady Matlock had always allowed her husband to raise their eldest in the manner he saw fit. Richard was a different matter. Lord Matlock did not regard Richard as important, and often thought his younger son to have been mollycoddled by Lady Matlock.

  The trip to Rosings was difficult, as the thoughts of those in
the carriage were centered on what was to come upon their arrival. Richard was not looking forward to seeing his father, nor was Darcy. Elizabeth was nervous, as her mind continued to take the blame for the discord within the family. Mary wished for some way to make the situation easier on her betrothed, praying her love would give him the strength he would need.

  As the carriage arrived in front of Rosings, Anne’s butler announced that Anne would be awaiting them in the blue sitting room. Walking through Rosings, Elizabeth could not help but equate it with the décor which had been in Darcy House. Where Darcy House had been comfortable, yet stylish, Rosings was ornate and far too formal for her liking.

  Darcy knew what was going through his wife’s mind as he led her towards the sitting room. “Anne’s grandmother decorated the main house, and, as Aunt Catherine never liked the house, she never wasted a single coin to have it redone. She said it was not her home to do as she pleased, as she held it in trust for Anne. My cousin has never cared either way, and just allowed it to remain the same.”

  “I am pleased your tastes are more in common with my own.” Elizabeth smiled, squeezing his arm lightly with the hand which laid on it.

  “Indeed. And now, we will have a chance to remodel Darcy House together. There are many rooms I had thought to renovate, now we have a reason to do so.” Darcy chuckled. “Amazing that Fate has given us this chance to do so.”

  “There will be much to do to restore the townhouse. I am sorry there was so much damage.” Stopping his wife in mid-stride, Darcy turned to her. “You are not responsible for the actions of a mad man. I am grateful you were unharmed and that Armstrong is dead. We can now move forward with our lives.”

  “I love you, William. I am so grateful for your being my husband.” Darcy kissed his wife’s forehead before guiding her into the sitting room. Anne had been seated in an upholstered chair, and had begun to rise when Richard and Mary entered the room.