Jane began to wake. “Good morning, Charles.” She yawned and stretched. “Shall we eat before James comes to do your exercises?”
“Yes, that would be fine.” Bingley leaned over to kiss his wife. “How are you feeling today? Are you in pain from your leg?”
“My leg is healing well, Charles. I should be free of the splint in another three weeks. It is difficult to believe that it has been a month since the accident. And Mamma has been gone for nearly as long. How I wish I could see Papa.”
“He had planned to travel here, with your sisters, but his sister and her sons are still at Longbourn. He believes if he leaves to come here, they will wish to accompany him here. We cannot keep Darcy and Lizzy safe if more people discover they are still alive.” Bingley replied. “The letter which was received yesterday spoke of how your father wishes to be here, with us.”
“I still cannot understand why our aunt and cousins are at Longbourn. Aunt Sarah has pointedly refused to come before. Why would she suddenly wish to come now?”
“Until we know more, your father does not wish to take a chance with any of our safety. He is just as curious as the rest of us in this matter.”
~~ ** ~~ Lady Anne was called to the study at
Pemberley. Mrs Reynolds informed her there was a man wishing to speak with her, with regards to the estate. Realizing this was most likely one of the men involved in the attempts on her son’s life, Lady Anne signaled the housekeeper.
“Lady Anne, this is Mr Walter Culiver.” Mrs Reynolds introduced the former Mistress to the visitor.
“Mr Culiver, might I ask what the nature of your visit is? Our family is in mourning and has much to deal with.”
“Lady Covington, I will come straight to the point. I have paperwork documenting that I am your son’s heir, and I will be taking possession of Pemberley and the Darcy holdings.”
“Forgive me, Mr Culiver, but I do not understand how you could be my son’s heir.” Culiver pulled out the forged papers. “My mother was the daughter of your late husband’s, Gerard Darcy, second cousin. As there are no other male heirs in the Darcy line, I have traveled here from Canada to take possession of my heritage.”
“I believe the only male relation there was in the Darcy line is a descendant of a second cousin to my son’s great grandfather. His name was Roland D’Arcy, and he was last known to be in northern France. The relation who went to Canada died, as we have documentation to this matter. Believe me, Mr Culiver, we have had the best men in England and the continent investigate my late husband’s lineage. You are a fraud.”
“My lady, I would highly recommend you reconsider your words. It is not only me about which you need to worry. There are others, who are far more dangerous, who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. You have your current husband’s estate, you need nothing of Pemberley. It is not worth losing your life to fight these people. You have already lost your son for his foolishness. Give in to the demand for this estate.”
“I have no intention to give in to the demand, and even if I did, I have no legal right to give Pemberley to anyone. Pemberley, and the Darcy holdings, belong to my son and his wife. The only heir will be born of their marriage.”
“You have lost your mind, Lady Covington. Your son and his wife were killed when their carriage overturned. They are dead, so they cannot be Master and Mistress of this estate.”
“I believe my mother is correct.” Came a strong baritone voice from behind Culiver. Turning around, Culiver paled at the sight of Fitzwilliam Darcy standing before him. “Mr Darcy, we were told you were dead.”
“And just who are you? We know that you are not any relation to anyone named Darcy, and not in any way in line to inherit this estate. From what you have said, I believe you are involved with the damage to the carriage, which caused the accident.”
“I…I…do not understand of what you are speaking. I was notified of your death, and that I was the heir to the family estate. Are you saying someone attempted to kill you?” Culiver was attempting to think fast on his feet. This was not in any of the plans that had been discussed with his employers.
“Mr…Culiver, was it? You are a liar. You know everything, as you were involved with the carriage accident. If I am not mistaken, I would place a bet that you were involved with George Wickham in the attack on my wife, before we married.”
“I know no one by that name. I…that is to say…I am confused by all…I am offended by your accusation.”
Darcy walked up to the man, standing mere inches from him, leaning toward Culiver, who was much shorter than the Master of Pemberley. “Do. Not. Lie. To. Me. I am certain you know all about these attacks against my family. Now, you will begin to tell me everything, or I will turn you over to the
magistrate. With the evidence we have found, it would not be difficult to prove your involvement. You will hang for your part of the conspiracy, unless someone of import speaks up on your behalf.”
After several moments Culiver knew he was caught. “I was hired to destroy you, Mr Darcy. There are two people who hired me, a man and a woman. The man is evil, he will kill me when he learns I have failed him. He was going to when Wickham failed, he was certain Wickham would have informed you who I was, and my employers wanted no connection to what happened.”
Fury was nearly boiling over in Darcy. This man knew who had hired Wickham to assault
Elizabeth. This man had led to all the misery and death that was related with the event. And this man was involved in the carriage accident which killed two good men and nearly killed Jane and
Bingley. Fortunately for Culiver, Richard Fitzwilliam had come from behind Darcy and took hold of his cousin’s arms.
“You despicable man. You murdering, piece of filth. Because of you, Wickham nearly killed my wife. Because of you, my wife’s sister and brother in law were nearly killed. Because of you, two of my servants were killed. Wickham and his friends are dead because you hired them to destroy my wife’s life. All of these deaths and injuries are due to you, and yet, you walk into my home, attempting to take possession of all I own. I will see you hang for what you have done.”
“If you hang me, I cannot help you find the people who are behind all of this. I am only hired to do this, I was not the one who devised all these plans. You will never find them if you kill me.” Culiver shouted frantically.
“He is correct, Darcy.” Richard said in his cousin’s ear. “Start talking, or I will take my chances.” Darcy growled. “Who are these people, and why do they wish to harm me?”
“The lady is Caroline Goodman…formerly Bingley. She is the one who found me and introduced me to him. She is insane, but he is completely evil. Be careful in your dealings with him, as he will cut your heart out with a spoon, without a thought.”
“And what is his name.” Darcy asked impatiently.
“Gregory…Gregory Dalton.” ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 21 Darcy sent an express to Longbourn, informing his father in law of the news. Another express was sent to Geoffrey Goodman. Preparations were made for the battle which was to come.
The ladies were instructed to remain inside the house at all times, and the male servants were all armed. The tenants were all called to the grand house and informed of the need to be watchful and cautious of any strangers they saw, reporting to the guards or the house anyone or anything out of the ordinary.
~~ ** ~~ Standing before the mirror, Caroline ran her hand gently over the fine fabric of her gown. She could not wait until the day she could be rid of her husband, she had only married the man to escape her brother and sister, and for his money. If she had only known she would meet Gregory Dalton a week after her wedding. But then again, Gregory was not looking for a permanent relationship, other than being her lover.
Looking back at the number of men she had been with over the years, she had to admit that Gregory was, by far, the best lover she had enjoyed. But he had made it clear that his heart belonged to his cousin, who had recently died.
&nb
sp; As she prepared to leave, she noticed her husband standing in the door frame. “Geoff, what brings you here?”
“Can I not wish to see my beautiful wife? The past few days have been so busy, I have not had as much time to admire you as I would have wished.”
Caroline cringed internally at his words. She hated to bed her husband, wishing that he would continue working on his business with his steward rather than allow him time to think of coming to her.
“And what do you have planned for this day, Caroline?” Goodman asked. “Marjorie Simpleton and Mrs Jepson are meeting me for some shopping this morning. We heard of some new lace which arrived from the continent which is supposed to be all the rage in Town.”
“Ah, Mrs Jepson, it has been some time since I last spoke with her. Her son and I went to the university together. If I remember correctly, his wife recently had a babe. Perhaps I could accompany you, as I would dearly love a chance to speak with Mrs Jepson.”
“Well, I am certain you have much more important work to do than escort some ladies about their shopping excursion. I will ask her about the babe and report back to you. Perhaps, later in the week, we could have her to dine with us.”
“My plans for the day have been cancelled, and spending the time with such company would be delightful. There is a new tea house on Plumbton Street, perhaps we could stop there for refreshments.” Goodman knew his wife was not planning to shop, but he wished to see her reaction.
Turning towards the nearby table, Caroline walked towards it to gather her belongings as if to leave. “Dear Geoff, Marjorie expressed a need to speak with Mrs Jepson and me on a personal matter. You know it would be uncomfortable to speak openly if you are with us. We can go together another time.”
“Well, Caroline, as I spoke to Marjorie only last night, and she told me she was leaving Town for her aunt’s house in Brighton, I must call you a liar.”
A gasp could be heard from Caroline. “You dare to call me a liar? You dare to check up on me? I have never been so insulted in my life. I thought you were different than my brother and sister, but you are worse than they are. All of your promises to protect me, to care for me, all were words.”
“Ah, your brother and sister. Caroline, I know the true reason you left your family and latched on to me so quickly. Your attack on your brother, the attempted attack against your sister. I know of your attempt to seduce Mr Darcy into a compromise. And I am well aware that I was not your first lover, nor have I been your last.”
Lifting her hand, Caroline made to smack her husband’s face. Goodman caught her hand before it struck. “You have played me for a fool, but no more. I am meeting with my solicitor today. I will have you locked away, in an asylum, by the end of the day.”
“You will not. I am leaving here this very moment.” Caroline grabbed hold of her reticule and dipped her hand inside, drawing out a pistol. “Either back away, or you will force me to kill you.”
“Good God, Caroline, what are you doing? You truly are insane.” Goodman was shocked at the extremes his wife had taken. “Put down the gun at once.”
“Back away from the door and let me leave, or I promise I will shoot.” Suddenly, Caroline could hear footsteps on the stairs. As her eyes diverted towards the hall beyond her husband, Goodman grabbed hold of the gun barrel, struggling with her to point it in a safe direction. In her fury, Caroline clawed at her husband’s face, drawing blood around his eye. Trying to regain control of the pistol, the barrel ended up pointed towards her as she squeezed the trigger. The bullet struck her in the chest. Caroline’s eyes grew larger, before she slumped to the floor, dead.
Goodman collapsed beside his wife’s body, weeping uncontrollably.
~~ ** ~~ He was sitting behind his desk in the study of his house in Town, when Gregory Dalton received a letter from his mother. Only Sarah and Mrs Goodman knew of his address, his own brother had no clue of the wealth Gregory had accumulated in the past few years.
The past began to flow before Gregory’s eyes. Ever since he could remember, his mother had told him of his presumed betrothal to his second eldest cousin, Elizabeth Bennet. Gregory knew that Elizabeth would understand the trials of being second born, always being pushed back and undervalued in comparison. Though his father was decent enough, Mr Dalton had instilled in his sons the belief in society’s rules of first born being the heir and the second born being the spare. As he grew older, Gregory grew bitter at his brother’s treatment over his own.
But all his life, Gregory had been promised something his brother could not have, Elizabeth Bennet. Sarah Dalton had groomed her son to marry her niece, the girl she wished to have as a daughter. If she could not convince her brother to give Elizabeth to her, she would still win Elizabeth through marriage to Gregory. As she spoke of the future, Sarah painted a beautiful portrait of Gregory and Elizabeth being happily married to each other, with many children blessing the union. Gregory knew how desperately his mother wished for grandchildren, especially granddaughters she could dress in pretty dresses with ribbons and lace.
Hard work had paid off, as Gregory was able to save two thousand pounds by the time he was twenty. He had also inherited twenty thousand from his father’s mother. Investing a majority of the funds, by the time Gregory was five and twenty, he had built a tidy nest egg. It was then, as he had purchased his house in Town near the more fashionable area, that Gregory decided to hire two people to keep a watchful eye on his intended, making sure she was well.
When word reached his ears of her courtship with Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Gregory was furious. How could Elizabeth betray him so? That was when Culiver was hired to see Darcy’s reputation ruined. When he heard of Wickham’s attack on Elizabeth, and how she nearly died after her near loss of virtue, Gregory went wild with anger. If Wickham had not been apprehended, Gregory would have hunted him down and torn him apart with his bare hands. Then to learn that his beloved Elizabeth was staying in Darcy House in Town, receiving treatment from a surgeon, the besotted cousin nearly went insane. How could he even rush to her side, declare his love, insist she marry him immediately, when she was in the townhouse of the rich gentleman from
Derbyshire? It took every ounce of self-control Gregory had to keep from storming the door to Darcy House and removing his betrothed from his enemy’s home.
After all his Lizzy had been through, her mind must have been addled in the attack, for Gregory was soon to learn that she married Fitzwilliam Darcy in a private ceremony at his townhouse. Perhaps she felt she owed him for all he had done for her? Or maybe she could not remember what she owed me and our family? Gregory continued to mull over these questions when he thought of the betrayal he had been served.
When he happened to catch a glance of the Darcys one evening at the theater, the look of happiness which his Lizzy wore made Gregory violently angry. The feel of utter betrayal was more than he could tolerate. That was when he hired Culiver to see the carriage was damaged, in hopes that there would be a terrible carriage accident which would take one or both of the Darcys’ lives.
The pain he felt when he learned his beloved Lizzy had died was overwhelming to Gregory. His heart turned to stone. When his mother learned of Mrs Bennet’s death, she had decided to return to the home of her youth, to silently gloat over her brother’s loss of his dearest daughter. She felt that he deserved to lose Elizabeth, for if he had allowed Sarah to have her years before, Elizabeth would still be alive. But visiting the places he knew had brought Lizzy joy soon forced Gregory to retreat to Town to nurse his wounds and prepare for his final attack against the Darcy family, to take all that had belonged to Fitzwilliam Darcy as his own. It would soon be over, and the only thing Gregory regretted was that he could not reclaim Lizzy from Darcy’s hold over her.
Smiling, Gregory opened the letter to see what his mother had to tell him from Longbourn.
My beloved Gregory, I cannot wait to see you again. You have only been away for a week, yet it seems like an eternity. It will be a bles
sing when you have finished your business and are able to take possession of your new estate. To think, I will be Mistress of Pemberley, taking your upstart cousin’s place. Serves her right, throwing away your love for the wealth and glory of being Mrs Darcy of Pemberley. She did not deserve such a wonderful man as you.
Please send word as soon as you are ready to move to Pemberley. I have heard the estate is remarkable, and I cannot wait to see it for myself. Once we are settled, you must begin your search for a wife. I so desire grandchildren, and you will require an heir to whom to leave your estate. You are grieving the loss of your beloved Lizzy, I know, but it cannot overrule your duty to provide children. You must take a wife, even if she is nothing like our dear girl.
Until we are together again,
Your loving mother, S.Dalton Gregory was pleased, his mother was anxious to see their future home. At first, Sarah had been apprehensive with regards to living at Pemberley, but she decided that taking the property of the man who had taken Gregory’s wife was just and fitting.
A knock was heard on the study door. “Enter” he called out. His butler opened the door and stepped to the front of the desk.
“An express just arrived, Sir.”
“Thank you. Is the rider awaiting a response?” “He is.” The butler stated.
“Send him to the kitchen for something to eat. I will have a reply momentarily.” The butler left the room as Gregory began to read. It was as he expected, Lady Anne and Lord Matlock were fighting the information Culiver had taken with him. Gregory knew he would have to remove them from his path to being Master of Pemberley. He quickly wrote a response to Culiver before ringing for the butler to return.
“Have my bags packed to travel within the hour. Here is the message for the rider to return. And send for Liam to travel with me.”
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 20
