“Very good, Sir.”
~~ ** ~~
Reading the express from his eldest daughters and their husbands, Thomas Bennet was not completely shocked to learn of his nephew’s involvement. He had been curious about his sister’s behavior, one moment kind and loving, and the next moment she was cold and distant. Mr Bennet was certain that his eldest nephew was not involved in what had happened, Phillip had seemed just as confused with his mother’s behavior as Mr Bennet was.
First order of business, in Mr Bennet’s opinion, was to protect his younger children. He penned a letter to his sister in law, Mrs Philips, who lived in Meryton, then called for Mary to come to his study.
“Papa, Mrs Hill said you wished to see me.” “Yes, child, come in and shut the door.” Once this was done, Mr Bennet motioned for his daughter to take a seat. “I have asked your aunt, Mrs Philips, to allow you and your younger sisters to come stay with her in Meryton. It is not clear as yet, but I may need to travel to Pemberley soon, to assist Jane and Bingley.”
“Are they recovering from the accident?” Mary asked. Of the younger daughters, only Mary, being the middle and most level headed of the trio, knew the truth of the alleged fatal carriage accident.
“They are, though there are some things happening at Pemberley, and I may need to make the journey.”
Mary nodded her head. “If you do, please give my sisters a kiss for me and tell them I miss them terribly.”
“You are a good girl, Mary. I will pass your good thoughts along to your sisters and their young men. I am certain they will appreciate your kindness.”
Once Mary had left his study, Mr Bennet called for Mr and Mrs Hill to join him. They quickly settled into the chairs before their master’s desk.
“Unfortunately, I need to ask your opinion of my relations. My sister and her sons are a mystery to me and it is vital I determine as much of the truth to their being here as possible. In your dealings with them, what can you tell me?”
Mr Hill looked at his wife, then back to Mr Bennet. “My wife and I were just speaking of this subject last night. Mr Bennet, we have been with you for more than twenty years. It bereaves me to speak ill of anyone in your family, but there is something wrong with your sister and her younger son.”
“How so? What has caused you to think this way?” Mrs Hill joined the conversation. “Mr Bennet, last night, after dinner, I overheard Mrs Dalton speaking. At first, I could have sworn there were two people in the room, carrying on the conversation between them. I caught a glance into the room, only to be surprised in learning there was only Mrs Dalton. She was frantic one moment, speaking of being betrayed by Miss Lizzy, then she turned pleased, as if she were glad of the carriage accident. From the sounds of her discussion, it was as if Mrs Dalton believed Miss Lizzy were engaged to her younger son, your heir. I then heard Mrs Dalton say that it was your fault your favorite daughter died, for if you had only let Miss Lizzy live with her when she asked, our dear girl would still be alive.” Mrs Hill took a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her eyes.
“I am sending the younger girls to Meryton to my wife’s sister, for I fear for their safety while my sister is here. What do you think of my elder nephew?”
“From what I have seen of Mr Dalton, he is a kind and caring young man, and he seems genuinely confused by his mother’s behavior. The younger man is frightening, very cold and calculating. I believe he is not to be trusted, but Mr Dalton I find to be worthy of trust.”
Mr Bennet nodded his head. “I thank you for your honesty. Now I must relay to you some news which has to be kept in the utmost secrecy. Mr and Mrs Darcy were not in the carriage which overturned. My dear Jane and her husband were in the carriage, though they survived the accident. We have kept this news secret to see what the person responsible would do next. I received word this morning that my youngest nephew is now attempting to steal Pemberley from Mr Darcy’s family. We are sure Gregory will make some sort of attempt against Lady Anne and Lord Matlock.”
Mrs Hill gasped as her husband let loose a curse. Mr Hill was able to regain control of his emotions. “Mr Bennet, whatever you require of us, you know you only need ask. You are like family to my wife and I. We will do whatever we can to protect you.”
“I know, Hill, and I am grateful for your loyalty throughout my life. I could not ask for better friends than the two of you. If you would, have a bag packed and put to the side, for I may have to travel quickly and not have time to spare.”
With a nod, Mrs Hill prepared to leave the room. Mr Bennet smiled at the devotion his staff showed him and his family. He would make sure they were properly rewarded when this was over.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 22 The plan was to have Culiver meet Gregory in Lambton at the inn. Richard and one of the young stable hands, Ross, would be with Culiver. It was believed Caroline Goodman would not travel with Gregory, so they would not risk her being able to identify Richard as Darcy’s cousin.
The men would suggest to Gregory that the first line of attack should be against Lord Matlock. They would claim the man came by carriage every Friday to Lambton to do some shopping. He was always alone when he made the trip, and the carriage could easily be overtaken before leaving the border of Pemberley. What Gregory would not know was that Darcy would be inside the carriage, armed to the teeth, and ready to take Gregory down, once and for all.
Gregory and Liam arrived at the inn, and met with the other men. Richard had disguised himself well, as to not be recognized by the residents of Lambton, and he kept to the back of the dining room as the men spoke.
“There is a line of woods to the east side of the road from the entrance to Pemberley’s estate to the main house. On the west side of the road, near the border, is an unused cottage. Richie has worked at Pemberley, and he knows the land well. Ross is his brother, and he knows it nearly as well. Their father used to be the gamekeeper, until he died. The boys were too young to take over the work for their father, so they were cast out of the estate. I promised them I would speak with you of finding them work when you took over as Master.” Culiver said to his employer.
“If you men perform well at this task, I am certain there will be positions for the likes of you at my estate.” Gregory smiled. “So Lord Matlock is predictable on his trip to Lambton each week?”
“He makes the mercantile by eleven every Friday.” Richie said. “After the mercantile, he goes to the bookshop, then to the apothecary. Then he has tea at the tea shop and returns to Pemberley. I would say he is predictable.”
“You have been observing him for some time?” Gregory asked. Ross nodded his head. “My brother and I had thought of robbing him, but we decided to throw in with Culiver when we heard his plan. Less chance of being caught if there was more of us.”
“Safety in numbers, you are quite right at that. So you would suggest taking the carriage inside Pemberley grounds rather than outside?”
“Yes.” Richie said. “Easier to hide in the trees if need be afterwards. Past the border, there is nowhere to hide as good.”
“Very well. Let us prepare, as tomorrow is Friday. Get a good night’s sleep and we will meet just after sunrise.”
Once the other men had left them, Gregory stopped Culiver for a moment. “Do you know where the Darcys’ graves are? I would like to pay my respects.”
~~ ** ~~ Friday morning dawned bright, and the men met as planned. After they enjoyed their repast, they set out for their locations to hide themselves and wait for the carriage.
They had split into two groups. Richard and Culiver went to the west side of the road, behind the shack. Ross went with Liam and Gregory to the east side, in the woods.
Just as planned, the carriage came rolling towards them and the attack began. Only the attack was not as planned, as the group from the east was not to be seen. Darcy jumped from the carriage and joined his cousin as they searched the woods for the men. After a few minutes, they located Ross, unconscious and bound, lying on the ground. Gregory wa
s nowhere to be seen.
~~ ** ~~ With Bingley and Lord Matlock disabled, and Darcy and Richard executing their plan to capture Gregory, Lord Albert was left to watch over their loved ones at the house. The family was to keep to the second floor, in the west wing, where the drawing room and music rooms were near the library. Elizabeth decided to keep herself busy in the sitting room which was attached to the Master and Mistress suites, attempting to work on the ledgers for the house as well as go over the menus for the following week.
The Master and Mistress suites were located in the east wing of the house, with the other family suites. Charles and Jane Bingley were in their rooms, as Jane was fatigued and Charles was to have his exercises done by his valet. Lady Anne and Georgiana were in the music room, as Georgiana practiced her music. Lord Matlock and Lord Albert were in the library, attempting to read.
Hannah had just left her Mistress, going to the kitchen to have some tea with mint sent to Elizabeth, as the lady was having an upset stomach. She left the door from the servants’ hall into the sitting room open as she left, carrying some bedding to be laundered.
Elizabeth looked up when she heard someone enter the room, thinking it would be Hannah. Instead, she found two men holding a knife to the throat of one of the scullery maids, a young girl named Lucy. One of the men was unknown to her, but the other had been a part of her life since she was young.
“Gregory, what are you doing here? What do you think you are doing, holding Lucy in such a manner?” “Ah, my dear Lizzy, as feisty as ever. Did you honestly believe I would not come for you? Did you honestly think I would release you from our future together?”
Confused, Elizabeth tried to understand what had caused her cousin to behave in such a manner. “Of what are you speaking, releasing me from our future? Do you believe there was an attachment between us?”
“Of course there was. You knew of it, as I did. It was the wish of our mothers, from our births. My mother stated she waited for the second born, so we would both be equal. Mother always said we were formed for each other.”
“You are mistaken, Gregory. There was never an understanding between us, my father impressed upon his desire for my sisters and I to marry only for the deepest love. I fell in love with William.”
“Nonsense. You were betrothed to me, you knew it. Mother tried to have your father allow you to live with us, but he was selfish, forcing us to wait until you were grown. Then he turned out to be a liar, giving you to another man. I should have killed him for his betrayal. He knew I loved you, how could he give you to another?”
“Papa never promised me to anyone, until William asked for permission to marry me. There was no attachment or arrangement between the two of us, Gregory. Your mother spoke incorrectly. It was her desire, not anyone else’s.”
“How dare you speak of my mother in such a manner? I will not tolerate disrespect towards Mother when we are married.” Gregory stepped closer to Elizabeth, handing Lucy to Liam. When he was near enough, Gregory reached out his hand and smacked Elizabeth’s face. “You must learn your place, and Mother is the rightful Mistress of my home until she dies. You will be my wife, but you will take your place behind Mother, doing as she commands.”
“Please, Gregory, I am married to William. I am happy with him. Can you not see I am happy?” “You are to be happy with me, not with him. I will not allow you to betray me any longer. Come with me now, or I will kill this girl.” “No, Gregory, do not harm her. I will come.” Elizabeth tried to calm her cousin. “You should release Lucy, I will come, I promise.”
“Your promises mean nothing to me, cousin. The girl will be released when we are safely away from the house.”
A knock was heard on the door from the hall, just before the door opened. Lord Albert poked his head inside to speak to Elizabeth, but, upon seeing men in the room, he attempted to come to Elizabeth’s aid. As he reached her side, Liam threw his knife, striking Lord Albert in the arm. Elizabeth screamed and attempted to go to Lord Albert’s side when Gregory grabbed hold of her, dragging her out of the room, through the servants’ hall.
Once they had escaped the house, with their captives in tow, Gregory and Liam headed towards the stables. Gregory gave Liam orders to saddle three horses, they would leave the ones they had brought behind for fresh ones.
“Gregory, you know I fear horses. I cannot ride on one.” Elizabeth cried out, trying desperately to come up with a plan.
“I told you when you were a child that you were foolish. Just because you saw that man fall from a horse and die from his injuries, is no reason to fear horses. You will do as I say and ride on one of the horses.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw someone moving near the door of the stables. A sudden thought crossed her mind. Her husband had introduced her to some of the horses which
Pemberley had, telling her about each of them. Most of the horses had been raised by Darcy, and he knew most everything about each one.
One of the first stalls held Apollo. He was a fine stallion, strong and beautiful, he had one major flaw in his character. The horse did not like loud, shrill sounds. When he heard them, Apollo would go wild.
Seeing Liam enter the stall to saddle Apollo, Elizabeth saw her opportunity. She was certain there were others hiding out of sight, waiting for the best moment to swarm in to rescue her, so, when she saw Gregory standing in the door of the stall with his back towards the horse, Elizabeth gave a long, loud whistle. As predicted, Apollo began bucking and kicking at everything near, including kicking backwards into Gregory, knocking him forward. Elizabeth grabbed hold of Lucy’s hand, pulling her into a nearby stall, hiding behind the bale of straw. They could hear the commotion going on around them.
Liam was being knocked around the stall, striking his cheek against one of the nails which held a rope. He cried out for help, trying desperately to calm the horse. Darcy, Richard, and three other men rushed into the stables, Darcy immediately calling out for his wife.
“I am here, William.” Elizabeth called out from her hiding spot. As soon as her husband saw her, he gathered her to his chest and would not let go. “Is it over?” She asked as she sobbed against his shirt front.
“It is.” He replied softly. As they stepped from the stall, she could see Gregory, lying on the ground. When he fell forward, he landed on a pitchfork which Lucy had knocked over as she was dragged into the stables. The prongs of the pitchfork had pierced Gregory’s chest, sticking out the back of his torso. His eyes were open, yet vacant. The man who had brought so much pain and agony to their lives for the past months was dead.
“Lord Albert, is he…” “He will be fine. It was a minor cut to his arm. Albert was the one who found me and Richard, directing us to where you had been taken. My dearest love, I nearly lost you again.”
“I am safe, my love. And now it is over.”
“We must send word to your father immediately. Your aunt must be taken into custody before she harms your father or your other sisters.”
“What of Mrs Goodman?” “An express arrived just before Albert came to speak to you. Caroline Goodman is dead. She attacked her husband when she was confronted with her lies, pulling a gun on him. In the struggle, the gun discharged, striking her in the chest. Bingley is saddened, though he is worried more for your safety.”
“We must go to the house at once. I wish to see Lord Albert for myself, as the vision of the knife striking him is haunting me.”
Darcy wrapped his arm about his wife’s shoulders and led her to the house. As soon as their family members saw them, they hurried towards the couple. Lady Anne and Georgiana led the Darcys into the Bingleys’ room, where Bingley was demanding someone carry him so that he could aid in finding Elizabeth. Jane was attempting to calm her husband, at the same time she tried to still her runaway heart which was filled with fear for her sister’s welfare. When the Bingleys saw Elizabeth being led into their suite, Jane rushed to her sister’s arms.
“Lizzy, I have been so worrie
d for you. Are you well? Were you injured?”
“I am fine, Jane. A few bruises, nothing more. It is over. Our cousin is dead.” “Lizzy, it still seems so strange to me. Why would Gregory do all of this? He was set to inherit Longbourn, why would he wish to harm you and William? Why would he try to take Pemberley?”
“It is a long story, Jane. Perhaps we should wait until your sister has had a chance to freshen up and rest.” Bingley said, trying to calm himself as much as his wife.
Jane nodded, wiping tears from her eyes. “Of course, how foolish of me. Lizzy, you must wish to wash up and put on a fresh gown. Would you like some assistance?”
Darcy intervened. “Forgive me, Jane, but I would like some time alone with my wife. Albert, if you or my mother would be so kind, could you write a message to Mr Bennet, informing him of the events here. We should travel to Longbourn as soon as possible, I fear for the other Bennet family members, with Mrs Dalton and her eldest son still visiting Longbourn. Send the message express, and please inform him Lizzy is safe and we will be on our way soon.”
Lady Anne nodded her head. “I will take care of the message, as I wish Albert to rest. He is putting up a brave front, but he is in pain.” “I will have horses prepared for us to travel in two hours.” Richard stated to his cousin. “We should take some men with us.”
“See to it, Richard.” Darcy said as he stepped past his cousin. “And thank you.” “I am pleased with the outcome, cousin.” ~~ ** ~~
Mr Bennet asked his eldest nephew to join him in his study. “Phillip, I need to ask you some important questions.”
“Of course, Uncle. Is something wrong?” “Is your mother well? She seems to be having emotional swings, one moment pleasant, then she becomes nearly bitter and hateful. Has this been something that has developed since arriving here?”
Phillip thought for a few moments before standing and walking towards the window. Staring out, Phillip began to speak. “My mother has had a difficult time the past twenty years. I am not sure you were ever told much of the time when my sister was alive.”
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 21
