by Webb, Brenda
“I meant my assistance to Miss Elizabeth to help you as well, John. Holding her in this manner is certain to result in disaster. Our aunt will never tolerate it, and her friend, Lady Ashcroft, is expecting Miss Elizabeth at Hawthorne Hall in the morning. She is to travel back to London with them. And need I mention that Lord Landingham is in their party? I pray you, abandon this madness and let her go!”
Wilkens was not to be reasoned with, and at that point, he had shoved her aside to confront the one he considered his greatest betrayer—Elizabeth. The smell of his body odour and brandy-soaked breath made her nauseous as he stood inches from her face.
“You mean to throw me over just like the rest of those whores in the ton!” He spat out, staggering to stay upright as he threw his hands up in exasperation. “Little Miss High-and-Mighty! Who are you to refuse me, the Earl of Hampton?” As she tried to back away, he grabbed her forearms. “You are of no consequence. I could take you here and now, and no one would lift a finger against me, not even my mousey little sister. Then you would be mine, regardless.”
Breaking free of his unsteady grip, Elizabeth’s courage rose, and she stood tall, declaring, “You are the one who is of no consequence! You are a filthy man who is not worthy of the title or the wealth you possess, and you are certainly not worthy of me.”
As he growled and lunged towards her, he lost his balance and fell flat on his face. Cursing, he struggled to get back on his feet by clinging to a table. That was when Elizabeth seized the opportunity to run to the small trunk that she had brought from home. Opening it, she quickly found the hunting knife that was always inside and gripped it fiercely as she turned to face him. Her heart was beating furiously, but she did not let him see her discomposure.
“If you come near me, you shall find out that I am neither afraid of you nor helpless.”
Bleary eyed, Wilkens stood deathly still as he tried to gauge whether or not to call her bluff. A threat had always sufficed to make Alfreda fall in line, so he was taken aback by this petite woman standing her ground. Feeling the inside pocket of his coat, he realised that his pistol was still on his desk. Elizabeth blurred into two people and then back into one, a result of all the liquor in his system, and he wisely decided to wait.
“To the devil with your threats! Once I am sober, you shall learn to fear me!”
With that ominous warning, he cast a blistering look at his sister before stumbling back into the servant’s hallway and making a show of securing the door from the other side. They could hear him bump into the walls in his haste to leave.
Afterwards, Elizabeth had answered Alfreda’s anxious expression with a wan smile. “Let us find a way of escape from this prison before he comes to his senses.”
Thus they had broken a window, using a blanket to muffle the noise and then removed the glass and unlocked it. After accomplishing that, Elizabeth had begun using the knife to whittle the wood away from the latch that held the shutter. That shutter was the only obstacle standing between them and freedom, as Alfreda assured her that her brother would not have thought to lock all the doors that led onto the balcony. Once they were free, they could slip through the house using the back passages. Alfreda would then ask Mr. Drummond, the liveryman, to drive them to Hawthorne Hall. She was certain that her aunt would let the old servant work for her if he helped them to escape. Under her aunt’s protection, he would be in no danger of reprisal.
~~~*~~~
Now that several hours had passed, however, and though Elizabeth had made some progress, the lock still held. With the shutters covering the windows, there was no way of knowing if it was near daylight, but she imagined it was. She also wondered what would happen if they could not escape. Would Lady Ashcroft keep her promise not to leave Ramsgate without her? And, if so, would she come to Gatesbridge Manor to find out why she had not come?
Taking a minute to rest and wipe the perspiration from her brow, Elizabeth said a little prayer and then began again with renewed vigour.
~~~*~~~
Hawthorne Hall
The foyer
The next day
The mistress of the house stood tall and regal, or as tall as the petite woman could while she waited at the base of the stairs for those who were about to depart her home for London. Reflecting on the many wonderful times she had shared with her friend, Lady Ashcroft, Violet Hawthorne smiled in spite of herself. They shared a great deal in common.
Each had married men who loved them and whom they had loved. Both had lost children through miscarriage and been widowed at a young age, left alone to govern large estates. Each had charted her own course through the waters of the ton and neither backed down from a fight nor suffered fools gladly. Perhaps, she reflected, that was why they had become fast friends years ago, despite the vast difference in their ages. Audrey’s behaviour yesterday served to cement her favourable opinion of the younger woman. Though she could have, Audrey had not left it to Lord Landingham to confront the gallery owner, but had actively participated. That had earned her even more of Lady Hawthorne’s esteem.
Her mind thus occupied, Violet did not notice when her friend appeared at the top of the stairs, followed by her niece, Georgiana, and began to descend the ornate staircase. Jarred from her recollections when they came into sight, Lady Hawthorne enquired, “Where is Lord Landingham? Has he changed his mind?”
Laughing softly, Lady Ashcroft responded, “Due to his injury, he is a bit dizzy and having some problems getting dressed. One of your servants proposed his aid, and last I looked, the man was entering Marshall’s rooms with shaving implements. I think he is annoyed at having to have assistance. You know how he often boasts of not having a valet travel with him.”
“I am sure Landers will have him ready shortly,” Lady Hawthorne stated. “He was a valet for many years, and I asked if he would offer his services.”
Just at that moment, said gentleman appeared at the top of the stairs and swiftly trotted down them, calling out as he came, “Landers is a godsend! If he would agree, I would gladly take him back to London with me. One cannot find valets like him anymore, and that is one reason I do so much for myself.”
“He has lived at this estate almost his entire life, and I fear you will never talk him into leaving. However, I know that he will gladly be of service if you are ever in need of a valet while in Ramsgate.”
“And I would be pleased to have him.”
The Mistress turned to lead the party into the dining room. “Come, let us eat. We have plenty of time before it gets light, and that will give Miss Bennet time to arrive.”
The mention of that young woman brought frowns to all present, and Georgiana spoke for the first time. “Aunt, do you think she will come?”
Audrey took her niece’s hand. “She will come, or we shall go find her. In any event, she will be returning to London with us, as that was her desire.”
“I… I just wonder why she is not here. Did I not hear you tell her to be here at first light? And it is beginning to get light now.”
“I think you are mistaken. It is still dark.” Pushing her niece ahead of her playfully, she added. “Let us cease talking and eat! I want to be ready to leave as soon as Miss Bennet arrives. I plan to make Ashcroft Park before nightfall.”
As Georgiana hurried on ahead, those left in the circle exchanged worried glances before following after her.
~~~*~~~
London
Holmes House
The Drawing Room
The two women waited patiently as the maid set the tray of refreshments on the table between them, curtsied and quitted the room as quietly as she had entered. As the door clicked shut, proving that it was indeed closed, Mrs. Holmes resumed what she had been saying.
“I cannot believe that you are with child. You still look so slender.”
Madeline Gardiner chuckled. “I can tell a difference, though I can still squeeze into most of my clothes. But my maid is continuing to let out the seams in my gowns so that I may
breathe a little easier.” With that she sat up straighter, pressed a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath as if to make a point.
Penelope Holmes patted her friend’s hand thoughtfully before she began pouring the tea. “Sugar? Cream?”
Two nods of agreement found those items added to the hot liquid before the cup was passed to Elizabeth’s aunt. Stirring the tea with the delicate spoon provided, she blew on the contents lightly before taking a sip and then sighed in contentment.
“I believe this is just what I needed today.”
“I also cannot believe that you insisted on attending your sister in your delicate condition. It is a wonder that Edward would let you go.”
Madeline smiled, “He is very protective, but I am barely three months at this point, and other than some nausea early on, I have felt remarkably well. In fact, while I stayed with Harriet, with all there was to keep me busy, I almost forgot that I am carrying a child.”
“Well, I shall not scold you further, as you obviously know your own limitations,” she teased before changing the subject. “You were saying that your sister is much better?”
“Harriet gave us quite a scare. For the first few days after Judson’s birth, the doctor was concerned that she displayed a slight fever that he could not arrest. But on the fourth day, it disappeared as suddenly as it had come, and she began progressing normally. Before I left, everything was almost back to normal.”
“I know you were relieved, as I am to hear about it,” Lady Holmes murmured thoughtfully.
Out of the blue, Madeline Gardiner’s expression sobered and her brow furrowed. “I truly hate to bring this up, but I must ask about the note you sent regarding my niece. I came directly here once I read it.”
A shaky hand came to rest on Lady Holmes’ forehead. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I felt sure you would want to know. Alfreda relates that they all shall return to London in a few days, and I could not bear for you to think everything is well when it is not.”
“What exactly did Alfreda say? Has my niece completely ruined her chance to better herself?”
“Alfreda is always very vague. I cannot say for sure that Miss Bennet has squandered her chance, but my cousin’s letter was not encouraging. She hinted that there had been several disagreements between your niece and my nephew during their time in Ramsgate.”
Mrs. Gardiner took a deep breath, puffing her cheeks before releasing it. “I was afraid that Lizzy would not make an effort to be agreeable. Of all my nieces, she is the one most likely to speak up if she disagrees with you. Jane would have been my first choice to meet your cousin, as she is more complacent. She would have heeded my advice and endeavoured to please Lord Wilkens.”
“Then why not bring her to London and introduce her to John?”
“Because I had a letter from my Sister Bennet when I returned, and she bragged of nothing but Jane’s engagement.”
“Engaged? To whom?”
“To a Mr. Bingley, a merchant. But had she come to London with Lizzy, I feel sure she would have impressed your cousin from the start. She would likely be betrothed to him now, rather than the tradesman. While I love my Edward and he has been a sufficient provider, my nieces need to aim higher. Otherwise, if Mr. Bennet were to die, it would place great hardship on us to support Fanny and the girls.”
“Unfortunately, from your descriptions of the younger sisters, John would never consider them.”
“No, Jane and Lizzy were the only ones that could possibly have fit into London society.”
Penelope fiddled with the lace on her sleeves. “I so wanted to help you, my friend, but my cousin will, no doubt, set his sights on another fortunate woman.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s face brightened. “Perhaps all is not lost. Maybe there is still time for me to convince Lizzy to be more agreeable.”
“I am afraid you are being too hopeful.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“There is more you should hear. You realise that I am not one to believe in idle gossip or to pass it along, but—”
The older woman paled. “Tell me.”
“Rumour has it that Lizzy has captured the heart of one of the wealthiest men in all of England.” She paused, aware that what she next related would hurt deeply. “But, the gentleman’s wife is most unhappy and very vocal about it.”
Mrs. Gardiner almost dropped the cup she was holding. “My Lizzy having an affair with a married man? That cannot be. She has been in my company or Miss Wilkens’ since she arrived in London. When would she have had opportunity? Besides, she is not that type of woman; it is simply not in her character.”
“I did not think her capable of it either.”
“Who is the man?”
“Well, if one is to believe Gisela Darcy, and she is hardly a credible source, it is her husband.” There was an audible gasp.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy? I grew up in Lambton, and I remember him and his family as good and decent people. It is no secret that his marriage is a farce, but he has never added to the rumours by carrying on affairs, at least I have never heard of any, whereas Gisela’s liaisons are well-known.”
“That is true.” Penelope Holmes agreed. “Walter, who knows more than I about the circumstances because of his friendship with Colonel Fitzwilliam, has always contended that, in light of how ill that woman has used him, Mr. Darcy is a saint!”
“Besides, it makes no sense. When could he have met my niece? And even if he had met her, why would a man of his wealth and handsome looks be interested in our unruly, outspoken Lizzy? Her beauty is only tolerable, whereas it is no secret that Fitzwilliam Darcy could have his pick of any number of beautiful women if he were so inclined.” She made a clucking sound with her tongue. “No! This cannot be true!”
“I am only relating what is being said. However, Lady Matlock, who is a personal friend, denies there is any truth in the rumours. She contends that Gisela has lost her mind to strong drink, and frankly, that is a distinct possibility. Not one person of my acquaintance can remember even seeing Miss Bennet in Mr. Darcy’s company, other than when I introduced them at my ball. And I found their conversation awkward—like that of perfect strangers.”
“Which I am sure they are!”
“Remember that Lizzy is not the first woman, nor will she be the last, that Gisela has accused of warming her husband’s bed. That harridan is obsessed with anyone she perceives as a threat.”
“But that will not matter to the gossips! Lizzy will be ruined and so will her sisters!” Mrs. Gardiner stood up, her eyes wide now with fright. “How could this have happened under my watch? Once this gossip reaches Meryton, Lizzy’s parents will never speak to me again.”
Penelope stood and gently helped her friend back down in the chair. “Please sit and try to calm yourself. Evelyn Fitzwilliam has been very successful in hushing most of the gossip, though there are always a few who will repeat it until she warns them personally. I strongly believe, however, that there is a solution, and that was my purpose in telling you.”
“Pray tell me what it is!”
“If your niece were to announce her engagement to my cousin as soon as she arrives in London, that will end all the gossip.”
She blinked rapidly as she considered the plan. “You are right. That would quash the gossip, but what if Lord Wilkens is not willing to have Lizzy now? Or what if he hears the rumours and decides she is not worthy of his good opinion?”
“John is awkward with women, and he has not had a lot of luck in the marriage market. I think Lizzy’s lower station gives him more confidence in the relationship, and it would be to his advantage not to have another broken courtship. Besides, Walter has said that our cousin is jealous of many men, Fitzwilliam Darcy among them. It would likely stroke his ego to secure a woman rumoured to be sought after by Mr. Darcy.”
“Good. Good.” Mrs. Gardiner repeated, smoothing her skirts nervously. “My
Sister Bennet and Jane will be here the day after tomorrow to or
der Jane’s wedding clothes.” She smiled for the first time since learning of Elizabeth’s difficulties with Lord Wilkens. “And Fanny is the one person who can force Lizzy to accept your cousin, especially if it is necessary to keep down a scandal.”
“Then all shall work out for the best!”
“Thank you for helping me to see my way clear in this matter. You are a godsend, Penelope!”
“Maybe just a fairy godmother!”
Both ladies giggled as the hostess warmed their tea by refilling their cups and held out the platter of goodies to her friend.
“Almond biscuits or gingerbread?”
~~~*~~~
Chapter 29
Ramsgate
Hawthorne Hall
The Dining Room
Georgiana grew irritated as she studied the faces of those who surreptitiously stole glances at her over the delicate, flowery rims of Lady Hawthorne’s best china. Everyone at the large ornate dining room table had long since finished eating, but each still sipped on a steaming cup of tea. Apparently, being occupied with tea was as good a way as any to keep from talking about the subject presently on everyone’s mind: why had Miss Bennet not yet arrived? Finally, Georgiana could hold her tongue no more.
“I think Miss Bennet is being held against her will, otherwise she would have come by now. Should we not go to her?”
Audrey Ashcroft sought Lord Landingham’s gaze. She knew that he would be among those protecting them when they confronted John Wilkens, in spite of the fact that he still suffered from the wound inflicted by Wickham. Seeing the resolve in his eyes, she turned and answered her niece. “I believe you may be right. It seems we have no choice but to go to Gatesbridge Manor and learn the truth.”
