The door to Elizabeth’s room opened and Mr Jones came out. “It is too soon to tell, but I feel that Miss Elizabeth should fully recover. She is beginning to breathe easier, and her pulse rate is better. We will continue to give her the mustard and castor oil mixture, as well as coffee.”
“Mr Jones, my brother in law has a wound on his shoulder that needs tending. Would you be able to care for him as well as Miss Elizabeth?”
“Certainly. At the moment, all we can do is wait to see if Miss Elizabeth responds, so show me to your brother’s rooms.”
Chapter 13
Mrs Hurst came from her husband’s chambers, tears streaming down her cheek. Seeing her brother down the hall, she walked quickly to him. “Charles, why did this happen? What is wrong with our sister that she would cause such harm?”
Bingley embraced his sister, holding her in his arms as she sobbed. “I do not understand it either, Louisa. Heaven help me, I cannot understand her reasoning. I knew she was jealous of Miss Elizabeth, and we both know that she wished to be the future Mistress of Pemberley, but to deliberately poison Miss Elizabeth and then to stab Hurst. How is Hurst fairing?”
“It was a nasty wound, and I pray that it does not become infected. How is Miss Elizabeth?” Mrs Hurst asked.
“We are still waiting for her to awaken. Darcy is going to wear a hole in the floor in front of her door, his pacing is growing faster and faster as time goes by and no word from inside the room. Miss Bennet and Lady Anne are in the room, so they will inform us when there is more to know.”
“Where is Miss Darcy? Has anyone spoken to her?” Mrs Hurst was trying to think of ways she could be helpful in this situation.
“I believe that she may be in the music room. I do not think anyone has spoken to her, as they did not wish to worry her.”
“Should I go and speak with her. Speak with her as to what has happened? I am sure that Lady Anne and Mr Darcy have not had the time to consider speaking with Miss Darcy.”
Louisa had always had a strong motherly instinct and Bingley realized that, at this moment, it would be beneficial to Louisa to have something constructive to do. “That would be most appreciated, Louisa. If there is any news, I will come to the music room to find you.”
She made her way down the hall as Bingley determined the fate of his other sister. Knowing that Louisa and Hurst would agree with whatever decision he made in regards to Caroline’s future, he still wished to hear their opinion. He would speak with Louisa after she had a chance to expel her energy into caring for Miss Darcy. So, stepping closer to the door of his brother in law’s rooms, Bingley took a deep breath and knocked lightly. He heard Mr Jones bid him to enter.
“How is he, Mr Jones? Is the wound severe?”
“I believe that Mr Hurst will survive the wound. We will need to keep a close watch to ensure that no infection develops, but I believe we have it well cleaned.”
“Hurst, do you feel well enough to speak?” Bingley inquired.
“I am groggy, but I believe I have enough of my senses to know what is happening. You wish to discuss Caroline, am I correct?”
“I do. You were the only one who knows what she did to you, how it happened, can you tell me the particulars?”
Hurst looked at his wife’s brother, seeing the pain in the younger man’s eyes at what his sister had caused them all. “I caught up with Caroline and told her that she needed to return to the main house on an urgent matter. I reached over and took hold of the reins and was pulling her horse alongside my own. She asked as to the nature of the urgent matter and when I told her that we were in need of information as to what she had placed into Miss Elizabeth’s tea. Caroline shouted that she did nothing to cause Miss Elizabeth any harm and attempted to pull the reins from my hand. I held on tightly, and that is when she suddenly swung at me with a knife, sinking it into my shoulder. She continued to try to free herself from my hold on the reins, and as I began to be drowsy from the loss of blood, I decided I needed to do something to stop her until help could arrive. So I punched her straight in the face. She was unconscious as soon as she fell from her horse. Forgive me, but I did find it satisfying to strike her so.”
“I do not blame you at all, Hurst. I am grateful that you have survived. At this moment, I wish that it had been me that was able to strike Caroline. It has been a long time coming, as she has done her best over the years to have her way at all times.”
“It is not your fault, Bingley. The damage had been done long before you ever took over as head of the family. Your mother, from what Louisa has told me, was the one who doted on Caroline, making her believe that she was far worthier than any other, deserving the very best in life.”
“Mother detested being married to a man of trade. She felt that she was destined to be mistress of some grand estate. Caroline grew up with the same belief. No matter how many times she was told to give up her fixation with marrying Darcy, she refused to accept that this was not her future. I should have done more to check her behavior.”
“Your sister has been addled brained when it comes to her standing in society.” Hurst grimaced as Mr Jones placed a final stitch. “I am sure that you are aware of Louisa’s difficulty in society, for Caroline always insisted on attending with Louisa and most who know Caroline do not wish to associate with her. It has been painful to Louisa. My own parents have denied our staying with them if Caroline travelled with us.”
“Forgive me, Hurst. I knew that my sister was causing a great deal of difficulty for you and Louisa. It causes me a great deal of pain to know just how Caroline has affected everyone’s lives.” Bingley could not look at his brother in law. “I have spoken with Darcy and Mr Bennet on the matter of what to do with Caroline. As you were injured by her behavior, I wish for your opinion as well.”
“What have Darcy and Mr Bennet determined would be a just punishment for Caroline?” Hurst asked.
“We should send for a doctor from Town and have Caroline placed in an asylum. They prefer to not involve the law, as it would harm us more than anything.”
Nodding his agreement, Hurst looked Bingley in the eye. “I agree. Caroline has caused far too much damage already; she should not have the power to cause further harm.”
“Then you agree with this course of action?” Bingley displayed an expression of a lost child, wishing for someone to guide him in the right direction.
“Bingley, you have tried your best, as has Louisa. It is time to put a stop to Caroline’s behavior. She could have killed Miss Elizabeth and me. What will she do in the future if she is not stopped now?”
“That has been a concern to me as well. Her mind must be addled to behave so viciously. I have no doubts that she will attempt to justify her behavior, but there is no justifying attempting to murder someone. I will send an express to Town for the doctor to come.”
Bingley then stepped down the hall to the music room. He could hear his sister speaking with Miss Darcy. Hearing Louisa’s patience and caring made him remember his childhood. Whenever Caroline had been particularly vicious with her behavior, Louisa was there to soothe him. Bingley had thought for years that it was a shame that Louisa had never had a child of her own; she was born to be a mother.
He then made his way down the hall to the door of Caroline’s rooms. The footmen stated that there had been no movement from inside the rooms. Bingley knocked lightly on the door and the maid opened it slightly. Once she knew that it was Mr Bingley, she opened the door further, allowing him to enter.
“Is she still unconscious?” he asked.
“No, Sir, she is in her dressing chamber. She wished to refresh herself. I was just about to send word that Miss Bingley wishes bath water drawn for her.”
“Very well, I will remain here while you make the request.” Once the maid had stepped from the room, Bingley approached the dressing room door. “Caroline, I wish to speak with you for a moment.”
No sound came from within the room. “Caroline, please open the door so I may
speak with you.” Still no sound came from inside the dressing room so Bingley opened the door and entered. Seeing his sister seated in a chair with her back to him, he stepped further into the room. “I know that you are furious with me, Caroline, but I intend to remain here until you allow me to speak with you. I will explain to you what plans I have arranged for you.”
Still Caroline did not acknowledge him. “Sister, I demand that you turn around this instant and hear me out.” Bingley stepped closer, until he could touch his sister’s shoulder. “Enough of this behavior, Caroline, turn around and listen to me this instant.”
Taking hold of her shoulder and expecting her to pull away, Bingley was stunned to see that there was no resistance at all. When Caroline fell back into his arms, Bingley realized that something was wrong. Caroline’s body landed on the floor as a vial of liquid rolled from her grip. “Caroline, what have you done?” Bingley cried out. He then ran to the door and shouted for the footman to bring Mr Jones to him immediately. Bingley then returned to his sister’s side, lifting her up into his arms as he prepared to carry her to her bed. Before he could stand, Mr Jones entered the room, followed by Hurst. Bingley was holding Caroline’s body close to his chest, tears threatening to flow down his cheeks. One look at Caroline told Hurst that she was dead, most likely from her own hand. He looked carefully to see if she had stabbed herself, only to find no wounds. Then Hurst noticed the glass vial on the floor. It was quite obvious that Caroline had taken her own life, most likely from poison.
Mr Jones pronounced Caroline’s death as he took the vial from Hurst. Opening the vial, Mr Jones determined that the liquid was most likely belladonna. “Your sister appears to have taken her own life, Mr Bingley. You have my deepest condolences.”
“Hurst, go to your wife. Louisa should hear the news from you or me. I will remain here with Caroline.” Bingley stated as he attempted to stave off the flood of tears. Once Hurst had left the room, Mr Jones and Bingley carried Caroline’s body to the bed.
“I will send for the undertaker to come take care of your sister.” Mr Jones stated. As he prepared to leave the room, Louisa Hurst ran in the room with Hurst close behind her.
“Caroline, oh sister, what have you done to yourself?” Louisa cried as she sat on the side of the bed. “What was wrong with you to cause such behavior? What should we have done to protect you from yourself?”
“Louisa, dearest, it was not your fault. Your sister was not in her right mind. She would not have allowed you or your brother to assist her, as she would never have acknowledged anything was wrong with her.” Hurst said as he placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
“Your husband is correct, Louisa. Caroline was truly ill and has hidden the truth from all of us. She made the decision to behave the way she did; we are only guilty of not seeing just how ill she was.” Bingley stood and walked out of the room. He did not pay attention as to where he was walking until he found himself outside the door to the rooms where Elizabeth was being tended to. He knocked lightly on the door and was pleased to find Jane Bennet to be the one who answered it. “Miss Bennet, I know that you are quite busy with your sister, but would you spare a moment to speak with me on a matter of extreme importance?”
Confused by his behavior, Jane nodded her head. She turned to inform Lady Anne that she would be down the hall for a few moments; then Jane followed behind Bingley as he led her to a sitting room nearby.
Alex had watched the exchange between his sister and Bingley, and though he knew that it would be improper for them to be alone in the sitting room, there was something in Bingley’s expression that begged forgiveness in allowing them a few moments alone.
Jane took a seat in the sitting room and waited for Bingley to begin. She watched him pacing around the room until finally; he came to a halt in front of her. Kneeling down in front of her, Bingley took hold of her hand. “Miss Bennet, I have been struggling for days as to how to approach you. I have found that my life is not complete unless you are at my side and I beg of you, I plead with you, to accept me and do me the great honor of agreeing to be my wife.”
“Mr Bingley, I am pleased to hear the words from your lips, as I had hoped you would make me an offer. Though I am pleased to accept you, I also realize that there is something wrong. Your expression and your eyes tell me that something drastic has happened. Please, tell me what has taken hold of your heart to cause you so much pain.”
The tears that had been welling up in Bingley’s eyes began to overflow. “You know of your sister’s condition, of how she became to be so ill?” Seeing her nod her head, he continued. “Are you aware that my sister, after poisoning your sister, took leave on horseback? Mr Hurst located her and when he attempted to bring her back to the house, she stabbed him in his shoulder. Mr Hurst ended up punching her to control her, knocking her senseless.”
“Mr Bingley, how awful for you to endure; is Mr Hurst well?” Jane asked cautiously.
“He will recover, though we need to keep watch of signs of infection. I pray that he does not take a fever.”
Jane knew that this was not the end of the story. “What has happened since then?”
Bingley took Jane’s hand in his own, bringing it to his lips and kissing the back ever so gently. “My sister, Caroline, has…she took…”
“Did Miss Bingley do something to cause harm to someone else?” Jane asked, frightened at the possibility that someone else was injured.
Bingley leaned until his forehead rested against Jane’s. “My sister has taken a fatal dose of poison. She has taken her own life. I found her just moments ago.”
“Mr Bingley, please accept my condolences. How terrible, you found her dead?”
“Indeed, I found her, though I am not certain that it is horrible. Perhaps it is horrible for me to say this, but her death eliminates having to deal with her crimes that she has perpetrated against others. Is it heartless of me to feel relief rather than grief?”
“No, Mr Bingley, it is quite understandable after all that Miss Bingley has done. I am not sorry to know that she is dead, though I know it is better to forgive. She nearly killed my sister and your own brother in law as well.”
“I wish to begin a new life. Starting today, I wish to begin a new life. I will no longer be responsible for my sister or her actions. I wish to begin a life with you by my side. Marry you if you are willing and raise a family with you, to be the master of my own property. Please tell me that you will make me the happiest of men and agree to be my wife.” Bingley was looking Jane straight in the eyes, pleading with her. Jane took a moment before she nodded her head. “Yes, oh, yes. I will marry you.”
Chapter 14
Elizabeth woke with a headache that made her groan as she attempted to open her eyes.
“Lizzy, can you hear me?” Lady Anne asked. When Elizabeth nodded, Lady Anne continued. “Are you in pain, Lizzy?” Again, Elizabeth nodded.
There was movement in the room and low voices speaking in the background. Elizabeth attempted to open her eyes, and in finding the light causing her headache to become more painful, she closed them again. Then she heard someone enter the room. A familiar voice spoke softly to her.
“Miss Elizabeth, it is a true pleasure to see you waken. You gave us such a fright, young lady.”
“Mr Jones?” Elizabeth whispered. “What happened?”
“You had a mishap, but fortunately you have survived.” Mr Jones stated. He began to examine his patient and determine any damage the poison had done. “What is the last thing you remember, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I was at Netherfield Park, having tea. What sort of mishap could have occurred while I was having tea?”
“There was some hemlock in your tea. Fortunately it was not a fatal dose.”
Elizabeth’s eyes quickly opened, and she raised her hand to shield them from the light. “How did hemlock come to be in my tea? Was anyone else poisoned?”
Lady Anne leaned forward, taking hold of Elizabeth’s hand. “My dear gir
l, Miss Bingley placed the hemlock in your tea, no one else was poisoned. As Mr Jones has stated, fortunately it was not a fatal dose.”
“What has become of Miss Bingley? Has she admitted to committing this crime?”
Lady Anne shook her head. “No, she did not admit to it, though the vial was found in her gown’s pocket. It was found after the men went in search of her, and she stabbed Mr Hurst with a knife.”
A gasp escaped Elizabeth. “She stabbed her brother in law? And what do you mean, the men had to search for her? Where was she?”
It was difficult knowing just how much information to tell Elizabeth in her condition. Looking at the apothecary who had known Elizabeth all of her life, Lady Anne saw him nod for her to continue telling the young lady the truth. “Miss Bingley left the house just after you were taken ill and brought to this room. Mr Jones informed us that you had been poisoned, so William and Mr Bingley went to confront Miss Bingley. She had left the house and made her way to the stables, taking one of the horses, and rode off. Mr Hurst was the first to locate her, and she stabbed him in the shoulder. The other men located them just after Mr Hurst had been stabbed.”
If Only In His Dreams Page 10
