Over the following days, Wickham learned all he could with regards to his prey. He learned that she was fond of long walks in the country, alone, in the early morning hours. And he had discovered Denny and Woods were also taken with Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s ample curves. He knew he could supply them with drink and they would go along with his plans.
His employer wished to have Darcy ruined in public, and what better way than to have him involved in a scandal over the stolen virtue of a gentlewoman. Wickham planned the event to be done in such a manner that he could accuse Darcy of being the perpetrator, causing even more of a scandal. The one thing that Wickham wished the most was for Darcy to witness the ruining of his little chit. It would not be as painful to the spoiled and pampered Master of Pemberley, if Darcy did not see, with his own eyes, the fall from grace which the young lady would take.
Wickham determined to set his plan in motion on Friday morning, as his friends would have been up all night the night before on guard duty, so he would talk them into some fun before they rested for the day. He also planned to send a message to Darcy, requesting a meeting between the two of them, which would have the man arriving at the determined location nearly an hour after the group had begun to enjoy her favors.
Having watched Miss Elizabeth walking for two mornings in a row, Wickham concluded that the young lady held a preference for Oakham Mount. This would be their point of attack; the men would be waiting for her at the top of the hill. Wickham had no qualms with dealing with the maid who accompanied Elizabeth either, for she was young and pretty.
Wickham decided to tell Denny and Woods that they were meeting a young gentle born lady who wished to fulfill her desires with them. He described a wanton young lady who wished to be handled roughly as if she were fighting them for her virtue. The men laughed and agreed that it would be entertaining to take a young lady in such a manner, with Denny commenting he had never had a gentlewoman before.
~~ ** ~~
Elizabeth had left home that morning, planning to walk to her favorite spot in all the estate. Susan was not feeling well, but Elizabeth decided to meet Darcy anyway, as she had promised and had no way to send word to him of the change. Darcy had stated, as he left the night before, he had a surprise for her in the morning. She was certain he was going to propose to her, and she had finally come to the realization that she was ready to take this step forward in their relationship. As she approached Oakham Mount, Elizabeth was so deep in thought of Darcy’s surprise, she was surprised to see three young men in red coats already at the top. “Forgive me, gentlemen, I will leave you to enjoy the view.” She said as she turned to leave.
Wickham took hold of her arm and held tight. “Miss Elizabeth, there is no need to pretend with Denny and Woods. I informed them of your desire and they are here to assist us.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Mr Wickham, is it not? I am not sure of what you speak, but it would be highly improper for me to remain here with three young men. I will return to my home.”
Woods blocked her path. “Come, Miss Elizabeth, we all know you desire us, and you wish for us to become better acquainted. I, for one, am looking forward to knowing you much better.” He stated as he leered at her, reaching out a hand to roughly caress her breast, through the fabric of her gown.
“Keep your hands off me.” Elizabeth stated in a harsh tone. “And I insist you let me go to my home. If you do as I say, I will not inform my father of your behavior.”
“You will not tell your father, for what would he say when he learns of your requesting our presence here.” Denny said as he stepped up from behind her. He placed his hands on her waist, then moving them towards her womanhood. “I believe it is time to remove some of these clothes, so we can begin to enjoy your bounty.”
With that, he began to tear at the buttons on the back of her dress. “Unhand me, immediately.” Elizabeth shrieked. Mortified at what was happening to her, Elizabeth fought the men as best she could, even grasped hold of Wickham’s hair and pulling. Wickham moved his arm, bringing it down roughly in a backhanded slap.
“There is some rope over by that bush.” He stated to Woods. “Denny, tear a piece of her petticoats to use as a gag, we cannot have her ruin everything by crying out in her pleasures.”
Wickham grabbed hold of Elizabeth’s hair and began to drag her to an area where there were two small trees. Holding her neck with his hands, in her struggles, he felt his fingernails dig into her tender flesh. Wickham continued to hold her while the other men secured her, tying one of her arms to each of the trees, so she would not be able to use them while they took her favors.
Just as they had secured her arms to the first tree, they heard the sound of a horse approaching. Wickham could not imagine who it was, so early in the morning. He had not expected Darcy for at least another hour.
Elizabeth attempted to cry out from around the gag, causing Wickham to become enraged. He reached out his hand and struck her about the face several times before she could take no more and collapsed.
Turning around, Wickham found Darcy had come into sight at the top of the hill. “Ah, Darcy, I did not know Miss Elizabeth had invited you here as well. Well, I am sure that there is more than enough to go around, as she is quite a tasty morsel.”
Since his first sighting of Wickham, Darcy had been carrying a new double barrel pistol he had recently acquired, keeping it with him each and every day. He knew Wickham was dangerous, though Darcy would never have imagined such an attack as lay before him. Darcy drew his gun and pointed it directly at the scoundrel who had plagued his life. “Let her go, and step away from her.”
“But the young lady invited us to join her here. She wished for our attentions to her.” Denny stated boldly.
“Miss Elizabeth did no such thing, for she is a gentlewoman. She would not behave so improperly. What have you done to her to cause her to be unconscious?”
“Come, Darcy, you know that young ladies are a fickle lot. This young lady requested us to meet her here, knowing what the outcome would be. You cannot blame us for indulging a fine piece of fluff that is so willingly given?” Wickham said with a smile.
“I know that she did no such thing, as I am courting her. I know the sort of young lady she is and Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a proper young lady, the daughter of a gentleman. You will now leave here, and speak of this to no one. If you dare to speak of your vile attempts on her, I will see that you are run through.” Darcy spat the final words out.
“How dare you?” Woods growled. “You think you are so much better than the rest of us. If I were Miss Elizabeth, I would prefer being with us to you.” “You heard me, step away from the young lady and leave. If you refuse, you force me to take measures to protect her.” Darcy stated, his pistol moving to each of the men.
“You cannot believe you can take the three of us on.” Denny said. “Pompous man, you think your money will protect you.”
Suddenly, Woods lunged at Darcy. The pistol fired, leaving Woods dead on the ground. “How dare you murder my friend?” Denny declared as he leaped at Darcy, knocking him to the ground. The fight continued, and soon, Wickham had joined in as well. The pistol fired a second time, and this time, the target was Denny. Wickham struggled with Darcy, managing to pull his own handgun, which became pinned between them. A shot fired, cutting through the skin of Darcy’s shoulder. In the heat of the moment, Wickham ran from the scene.
~~ ** ~~ Without thinking of his own injury, Darcy quickly released Elizabeth from the ropes, and then gathered her in his arms. He removed the blanket from his horse and wrapped it around Elizabeth, before he mounted his horse with her still in his arms.
Riding quickly to Longbourn, Darcy took her in the back entrance to avoid being seen by her mother. Darcy did not knock, he opened the door and brought Elizabeth inside the house. Knowing where Mr Bennet’s study was, and sure that the gentleman would be inside, Darcy made his way into the study.
“Mr Darcy, what is the meaning of this?” Mr Bennet demande
d. He then noticed the bundle in Darcy’s arms to be that of a young lady, and requested information.
“Sir, your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, was attacked by three men from the militia. Two of the men are dead, and the third ran from the area.”
“Attacked my Lizzy? How dare they treat my daughter in such a manner? Who is the culprit who ran from the scene of his crime? I will send word to have him brought here immediately so I may dispense justice.”
“Mr Bennet, I, too, wish to avenge Miss Elizabeth in seeing the man brought to justice. But if we do so, we will subject her to the most severe gossip and ridicule. Her reputation would be in ruins, as will the reputation of your entire family. Allow me to find justice for your daughter in a way that will not ruin your family.”
“And what do we say as to the men who are dead on my lands?” Mr Bennet was pale. “I fear that it is too late to fret over our family’s reputation with the blood of these blackguards staining my grounds. How badly injured is my daughter?”
“She is unconscious, so I am not sure of her injuries. I am certain the other man will not speak up on the matter, as I believe he will have deserted his post and is long gone by now. As to the men who are dead, a simple explanation can be that they attacked me to rob me. Miss Elizabeth was walking in the area, and heard the commotion. In coming to my aid, she was injured by one of the culprits striking her.”
“It appears that you are bleeding, Mr Darcy.” Mr Bennet pointed to the stain blooming on the shoulder of his coat.
“Would you mind if I were to take a seat?” Darcy asked. Mr Bennet assisted him to the nearest chair, with Darcy refusing to relinquish his blanket wrapped bundle.
“I will send for the apothecary.” Mr Bennet stated as he made his way to the door of the study, calling out for Mrs Hill.
Mrs Hill scurried inside the room as quickly as possible. The sight of Mr Darcy, bleeding through his coat, holding tightly to the bundle in his arms, brought Mrs Hill up short, as she suddenly realized the bundle was a person, particularly a young lady, and she recognized the skirt of the gown the young lady was wearing.
“Miss Elizabeth.” The devoted housekeeper nearly whispered. Though she could not see the face of the girl she had helped raise since birth, Mrs Hill was sure she was correct. She also knew that Mr Darcy held a tender regard for the young lady, so, seeing how protective he was of the precious bundle, it only reinforced her notion of the identity.
“It is, indeed, our Lizzy. Mrs Hill, we need for Mr Jones to be called here. We will keep Lizzy here, in the study. Mr Darcy, perhaps we should have you place her on the sofa.”
"I do not wish to cause her any further pain by moving her. Once Mr Jones arrives, I will move her, as he will need to examine her injuries.”
Mr Bennet shook his head. “And he will need to examine yours as well, Mr Darcy. Where did this attack occur? I will need to send someone for the bodies.”
Mrs Hill gasped. “What happened to our dear Lizzy, Mr Bennet?” “Fortunately, not what the young men had intended.” Mr Bennet knew he could trust Hill with the knowledge. “This cannot leave this room, and especially my wife cannot know what has happened as yet. We cannot have gossip spread about, and we know that my wife, though a good and loving lady, is fond of gossip. We will need some fresh water and cloths to wash the wounds, bandages, and bring your bag of herbs.”
Mrs Hill nodded her head. “I will send my son to Mr Jones. Shall I send some tea or coffee to you while you wait? I believe Mr Darcy could stand to have something.”
“Mrs Hill, you are indeed correct.” Darcy stated. “And perhaps some dry toast, as this event has caused my stomach to be slightly queasy.”
“And, Mrs Hill, would you send to Meryton for Colonel Forster. It was three of his men who were responsible for the attack upon my daughter and Mr Darcy.”
“Yes, Mr Bennet. After Fred notifies Mr Jones, he can go to the encampment and notify Colonel Forster. Mr Darcy, would you wish for Mr Bingley to be brought here as well?”
“Perhaps it is wise. I will need his assistance when I leave here.” “Very well, Sir, I will see that he is also sent for.” Mrs Hill then left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Mr Darcy, I am not certain how we should approach the Colonel with the actions of his men. I am not sure with who we should share the true situation, rather than the story you suggested.”
“The only person we have to worry about is Wickham. He escaped after wounding me. I would have given chase, but I was far more concerned with Miss Elizabeth. As I said, I am sure that Wickham has fled the area, for he is a coward. And I am sure that, as a Colonel, Forster can be trusted.”
“I appreciate that, Mr Darcy. I know we can trust Mr Jones with the truth, he has known Lizzy since she was a babe and he has been fond of her for many years. She has assisted him many times, nursing some of the patients for Mr Jones.”
~~ ** ~~ Jane knew something was wrong when she woke that morning. She could feel the tension in the house, though she was certain that her mother and younger sisters had no awareness of it. She made her way to her father’s study, after searching the house for Elizabeth and not being able to locate her.
Mr Bennet went to the door and opened it himself. “Ah, Jane, is there something you need?” “I am concerned for Lizzy, Papa. I have been looking for her and cannot find her. My heart is telling me that something dreadful has happened.”
“Come in the room, Jane. Your sister is in here with Mr Darcy and me.” Mr Bennet stepped aside. Mr Darcy was still holding Elizabeth in his arms, wrapped snuggly in the blanket. Seeing her sister’s gown from under the blanket, Jane gasped. “What has happened? Is Lizzy alive?”
“She is alive, Miss Bennet, as I can feel her heart beating and her soft breathing. I do not wish to move her until we need to when the apothecary arrives.”
“What happened to her? Is she badly injured?” Jane said as she moved closer to her sister’s form. “She was beaten by three men.” Mr Bennet said. “You must keep a secret, Jane, for your mother cannot know the truth. Three of the soldiers attempted to force themselves upon your sister. Fortunately, Mr Darcy arrived to save her. The men attacked Mr Darcy, and two of the men are dead. Mr Darcy has been injured in the struggle with the last man.”
“Who were the men?” Jane’s eyes pleaded with her father.
“I believe it best to wait until Colonel Forster arrives, so Mr Darcy only needs to tell the tale once.” “Of course, please forgive me, Mr Darcy.” Jane stated.
Another knock was heard on the door and Mr Bennet opened it to allow Mr Jones to enter. “Young Fred Hill stated that there had been an accident. Who is injured?” “We have two patients for you, Mr Jones. Mr Darcy has an injury to his shoulder and Lizzy has been beaten. I suggest we keep her down here for the time being, away from my wife and younger daughters. If you will assist me, we can aid Mr Darcy in standing with his bundle so he can carry it to the sofa.”
“Beaten? Who would do such a thing to Miss Elizabeth? She is such a kind young lady, taking care of others before her own needs. Who are these blackguards?”
Just then, another knock announced Colonel Forster. Once Darcy placed Elizabeth on the sofa, he was assisted in removing his coat and short coat while Mr Jones examined Elizabeth.
“Gentlemen, now that we are all here, I believe it is time for Mr Darcy to tell us what happened this morning.” Mr Bennet suggested. ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 8 “Very well, Mr Bennet. It may come as a surprise to you, Colonel and Mr Jones, but Miss Elizabeth and I have been courting. We have been keeping the news quiet for the time being. This morning, I went for an early morning horse ride, to Oakham Mount, planning to meet Miss Elizabeth with the purpose of proposing to her. Miss Elizabeth favors the location, and we have taken in the sunrise several mornings of late, chaperoned by a maid. This morning, when I arrived there, I was shocked at the scene before me. Miss Elizabeth was unconscious, lying on the ground with her hands tied by ropes to two small trees. The ro
pes are still there, when you go there you will see them. As you can see, her dress is torn and she has been beaten about the head and face. There were three men, preparing to violate Miss Elizabeth. Mr Wickham, Mr Woods, and Mr Denny were all claiming they had been invited by Miss Elizabeth, and that she desired them to take their pleasure of her. I knew this to be a falsehood, and insisted they step away from her. Mr Woods attacked me, and I shot him before he could harm me. Mr Denny then tried the same, and met with the same fate. Mr Wickham struggled with me for the pistol, which fired, striking me. Wickham then ran off. I freed Miss Elizabeth and brought her here.”
“As you can see, Mr Darcy is bleeding on the shoulder, and my daughter has obvious bruising and a cut lip from the beating. She has been unconscious since Mr Darcy brought her home.” Mr Bennet stated.
“You claim that my men were responsible for this heinous crime, and that Wickham had fled the scene? When I left the camp to come here, Wickham was there, breaking his fast with other men.”
“Wickham is the one who shot me. I am amazed he has not grabbed his belongings and run from the neighborhood, so there is some ultimate reason he has remained. You will need to arrest him
immediately, before he has time to escape.” Darcy stated.
“Miss Elizabeth also has marks on her arms from the ropes, Mr Bennet.” Mr Jones stated. “She fought the brutes, as she has torn her fingernails in clawing at them. There are bits of hair under her nails, so she must have fought them hard.”
“Elizabeth has always been a scrapper, Mr Jones. You, of all people, should know that she would not quietly stand by and allow the men to treat her in such a manner without a fight.”
“I am concerned for her head injuries.” Mr Jones stated. “Has she awakened at all?”
“No, Sir, she is as you see her.” Darcy stated. “Bennet, I would feel better to have a surgeon take a look at her. She should have made some response when I used the smelling salts in an attempt to wake her, and she did not even flinch when she was poked with a needle.”
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 7
