“The physician is with her now, but her injuries appear to be minor in comparison to what they could have been. And what has been done with your sisters?” Darcy asked.
Richard entered the room just behind his cousin. “Hurst is making arrangements. Mrs Hurst will be making a journey to northern Scotland tomorrow. The estate there is primitive and isolated from all society. Mrs Hurst is not pleased.”
“If I had my way, Louisa and Caroline could both rot in a prison cell for the rest of their lives. Anything less is too easy for them.” Bingley announced, taking another long drink from his glass.
“The constable wishes to speak with us with regards to Miss Bingley and the postilion.” Richard stated. “He particularly wishes to know Mr Bennet and Wills opinion on the matter.”
Darcy looked at Mr Bennet. “Do you wish to speak with him now or wait until we know more of Lady Elizabeth’s condition?”
“We might as well deal with it. It will take the ladies a while to bathe my daughter and get her settled in her bed. And the physician will need to examine her for injuries.” Mr Bennet stated. It was clear to see the fatigue which was taking hold of the gentleman.
“Very well, let us take our seats. Richard, would you be as kind so to show the constable in here?” Moments later, Mr O’Leary, the constable, entered the drawing room, following Richard. The men discussed the matter, all of the possibilities of punishments, and finally arrived at a decision.
Caroline Bingley would join her sister in Scotland, to spend her days in the desolate estate that no one wanted. There would be three servants hired to watch over the ladies, a maid, a cook, and a footman. They would have weekly provisions delivered from the nearest village, which happened to be ten miles away. There would be no horses for the ladies to ride, no possibility of escape from the location with the exception of on foot, and neither Caroline nor Louisa were strong walkers.
The fate of the foolish postilion was the main issue with the constable. As he was the one to actually cause the harm, and the Bingley sisters were conspirators, Raymond was the one with the most to lose. The constable decided to offer the young man a lighter sentence if he would confess, saving everyone the need for a trial. Bingley snorted and suggested sending the man to Scotland with his sisters.
“Serves them all.” Bingley said, obviously after having drank quite a bit. “My sisters would have their footman to keep them occupied, and he would suffer their unhappiness and cruelty towards him.”
“Bingley does have a point.” Mr Gardiner stated. “Not only would they all be imprisoned together, but they would all make each other miserable for the remainder of their lives.”
Mr Bennet chuckled. “It would be cruel, but a just way to see to it they all suffered the same.” The men all agreed and the constable went to speak with Raymond. “The decision has been made to allow you to live out the rest of your days in Scotland. You will remain there for the remainder of your life, never to return to England. You will be the footman in the house where Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst will be living for the rest of their lives.”
“Oh, yes, I will be pleased to be in service to the ladies.” Raymond could not believe his good fortune. “Young man, you must understand. The estate, where you will be living, is not one of luxury. It is located in the northern area of Scotland, very remote and no other people around for miles. There are no tenant farmers, for it is not good farm land. Do you understand what I am telling you? You would be alone, with the ladies and two servants, for the rest of your lives. And you cannot leave the estate.”
“But I will be with Miss Bingley, as she promised. That is the most important part. I accept the terms.” “Very well. You will leave tomorrow. If, for any reason, you leave the estate, you can still face charges of attempted murder. You would, most likely, be hung for such charges.”
“I will not leave the estate. I will remain there, as Miss Bingley will be there. That is all that matters.” Raymond stated.
The constable knew that the young man was deluding himself with his thoughts of Caroline Bingley’s devotion, but the young man had accepted the offer and that was all that mattered.
He returned to the drawing room, expressing the sentiments of the postilion. The men all agreed that Raymond was naïve and foolish, but they wished to be rid of the trio as soon as possible.
Richard decided to take the journey north with Hurst, escorting the condemned to their new accommodations. Once he finished there, he would return to London, as he planned to return to his unit. There was word of war brewing again, and he would be instrumental in training the new recruits. His years of battle had honed his skills and used his natural talents to good use. But he would not return to a battlefield. After the last battle, when he was nearly killed, his left leg had been permanently damaged. Though it rarely stood in his way when he needed to ride or walk, he felt the pain of it most nights. It was a secret his family never knew. But he felt safe in the knowledge that they would be grateful for his not being able to return to war.
Caroline was furious with the decision which was made for her. “I will not go. You cannot make me go.” Bingley stood his ground. Walking towards his sister, he came to a stop mere inches from her face. With a menacing glare never before seen from Bingley, he growled. “You are going to Scotland, or you will be spending time in prison. If you choose not to go to Scotland, you will face deportation as a punishment for your crimes, if you are lucky. You conspired to commit murder. And the plot was against a member of royalty. Have you no notion of your foolishness? Have you no conscious? It is bad enough you plotted to kill someone, but to have that person be a member of royalty. You heartless shrew. You worthless harpy. As head of our family, I am telling you, you will be going to Scotland with Louisa. I will not tolerate you any longer. You have destroyed my life and nearly murdered a kind and caring young lady. I have been stupid, and will pay the price for the rest of my life. But I will not allow you to cause any further harm.”
“No one will convict a lady of such crimes. You should accept the truth. Miss Elizabeth is not worthy of all this commotion. Her entire family is beneath us, and your betrothal to her sister is going to ruin our family. I will not live in Scotland, and neither will Louisa. We will remain in England, and prepare for the coming Season in Town. We will be welcomed to all the best parties and dinners, just wait and see. If you go through with the wedding to Jane Bennet, we will be the laughing stocks of society.”
“Caroline, have you taken leave of your senses?” Hurst asked, appalled by his sister in law’s behavior. “Louisa has admitted to what she did wrong, and is willing to take her punishment in Scotland, rather than the humiliation of a trial. You cannot believe you are innocent?”
“I know that having someone killed is wrong, but there are times that it is permissible. Like when someone threatens or endangers your life. Miss Eliza Bennet was threatening my life. She deserved to die, so she could not harm me. It is as simple as that.” Caroline looked at herself in the looking glass. “Now, when shall we leave for London?”
Bingley was certain of what his sister was doing. After her pretense of illness with a pretend fever, he would not believe a word from her. “Caroline, enough of your acting. It is not to be tolerated any longer. You leave in the morning, with Louisa, to live in Scotland. But, if you would prefer, we could have you locked away in Bedlam. You are pretending to be unstable, so we will feel sorry for you. Fine, Bedlam would be an appropriate place for someone who is unstable enough to plot a murder. We could make certain you are included on the tour that comes through for the wealthy to see the sick and depraved. I am sure they would enjoy witnessing you bound up in one of the coats they use, your hair disheveled and drool flowing out of your mouth. Perhaps the visitors will throw food at you. I would love to witness such an event.” Bingley gave his sister an evil smile.
“Charles, you would not dare. You would not tolerate the humiliation it would bring our family. Would you treat Louisa as poorly as you do me
? It is not like Eliza died. I know Raymond thought she had, when she fell, but he is such a fool, and can never do as I tell him. It is his fault that the plan failed. He should be the one to pay the consequences, not me.”
“Caroline, you just admitted to the fact that you told Raymond to commit the assault on Lady Elizabeth.” Hurst exclaimed. “You know what is right and what is wrong. Now, no more of this foolishness. You will be joining Louisa in Scotland. Do as you are told or I will see that you are bound and gagged, and placed with the luggage.”
Caroline began to sob. “You are both cruel. All of my hopes of becoming Mrs Darcy of Pemberley are being ruined due to you. Everything I have hoped for will be gone, due to your failing to assist me. It is your fault I reached out to cause Eliza Bennet harm. All your fault for not securing Darcy for me.”
“Enough. Goodbye, Caroline. Enjoy Scotland. And I do not plan to write to you, so do the same, do not write to me. So far as I am concerned, I am an only child and have no sisters. You are dead to me.” Bingley gave up on his sister. “Hurst, I will remain here until you return, then we can decide what else will need to be done.”
Hurst nodded his head. “Colonel Fitzwilliam will ride in the second carriage with Raymond and the cook and maid we hire. We are taking four of the Pemberley men to assist in guarding the three prisoners. I should return in a fortnight.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 17 Bingley refused to bid his sisters farewell, and he did not wish to watch out the window as the carriages pulled away from the front of the house. To his way of thinking, it was best to be done with Caroline and Louisa. The only thing he had left to do was to see that their weekly deliveries were arranged, and once Hurst made the arrangements and brought the details to him, for Bingley to set up the regular payments to the shop.
The man was still fuming from the behavior of his two sisters. How could they behave in such a manner? Was it not bad enough how they separated me from Jane when they insisted on leaving Netherfield? Was it not bad enough that they kept the knowledge of Jane’s regard from me? Then they plot to have her sister killed. Good God, how can they possibly be related to me? To wish someone dead is terrible, but then to wish to profit from the death in the hopes that Caroline would win Darcy’s hand. Dear God in heaven, how can they be my sisters? They are deluded and cruel.
I am shocked that Jane would still wish to marry me. Her beloved sister was harmed, and could have died, due to my sisters’ plot. It amazes me that Mr Bennet has not called off the wedding, and called for my immediate removal from the neighborhood. Or he might wish to call me out for all my family has done to his. If he did, I would put up no resistance. I deserve to be killed. What a pathetic excuse I am for a man. Perhaps I deserve to be sent off to some isolated and remote location to spend the rest of my life. Jane does not deserve such a wretched fool for a husband. She deserves to be treated like the treasure she is. And how can I even face Darcy? He is in love with Lady Elizabeth, and he nearly lost her, due to my sisters. I should have removed Caroline and Louisa to Town, immediately after Hurst’s accident. I could have returned without my sisters. Why did I not remove them?
It was because I was jealous of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attention towards Jane. Now, due to my jealousy, my sisters are guilty of conspiring to murder Lady Elizabeth, and my dearest Jane pains for her injured sister. And Darcy is beside himself with worry for Lady Elizabeth’s well-being. I pray that Lady Elizabeth will recover quickly. She does not deserve to be in pain, especially at the hands of my miserable sisters.
Perhaps it would be best for me to leave here immediately. Go to Town, stay there until Hurst returns. Then I could take a trip somewhere, disappear somewhere in the world. I should allow Jane to find someone who will bring her happiness as well as love. She deserves more than what little I can give to her.
A knock on his bedchamber door returned him to the world. “Enter.” He called out. The door opened and in came Darcy and Mr Bennet. They were aware of his drinking heavily the night before, and both of the men assumed Bingley would be blaming himself for what had happened.
Darcy spoke first. “Bingley, you have not come down to dine with us. What is the problem? You did not send for a tray either, so I am concerned.”
“I was contemplating my future. At the moment, I cannot determine what will happen, as I cannot see a future for myself.” Bingley said bitterly.
“Does that mean you no longer wish to marry my daughter?” Mr Bennet asked. “Jane deserves far more than me. She deserves someone who does not have sisters who attempt to kill her own sister. She deserves to be cherished by a real man, not a weak willed simpleton who cannot protect her from his relations.”
“When are you going to learn that you are not your sisters, Bingley? You did not assist them in their plot. And when you discovered their ploy, you refused to accept their excuses. If not for you, we might not have found Lady Elizabeth in time.” Darcy said, taking a deep breath. His body tremored at the thought of Elizabeth’s dying. “We were able to find Lady Elizabeth and rescue her, due to your
persistence with getting to the truth.”
“How is Lady Elizabeth? What did Mr Abernathy say of her condition?” “She has a concussion, and a bump on the back of her head. It was not a severe injury, but we will have to keep a close watch over her. There are bruises and scrapes, including bruised ribs, and a severely sprained ankle.” Mr Bennet stated. “We are very fortunate.”
“She was also exposed to the storm, so we need to keep watch for any illness she might take.
Fortunately, she is a strong and healthy lady. The warm bath and the warmed bricks placed in her bed to keep a chill away seem to have been helpful so far. And Mr Abernathy prescribed a tonic to assist Lady Elizabeth’s natural strength against illness.” Darcy further explained.
“How can you both stand there and not hate me? My sisters were behind this assault against Lady Elizabeth. Both of you should hate me for having brought them here. Even after Hurst’s accident, I should have removed my sisters from this estate. I should have taken them to Town and left them there. But I was too selfish and Lady Elizabeth has suffered for it.”
“That is more than enough of your wallowing in self-pity, Bingley.” Darcy announced. “Now, do you still love Miss Jane? Do you still wish to marry her?”
“You know I do. I love her more than I can say.” Mr Bennet walked towards Bingley, placing a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Then you will marry Jane and live your lives in the future, not in the past. Take this example from one who knows what living in the past can do to you. I wallowed in self-pity over my lost love, Elizabeth’s mother. I allowed my pity to fester and cause me to give up hope on my family, not wishing to be a part of a family that did not include Constance. I allowed Fanny too much control and then blamed her for the way things turned out. But I was to blame for how things turned out. I should have stood my ground and declared my love for Constance, stating I could not marry Fanny, no matter what she had done to secure me. I should have been a better father to my children, not hidden away in my study. I know I could have been a better husband, even though I deplored all that Fanny represented. I still could have treated her kinder. Perhaps she could have come to be a friend, as I know I could never have loved her. But I could have been a friend to her. No, Mr Bingley, I have lived with far too many mistakes and frustrations from the past, and allowed them full rein over my life. When we found Lizzy in Liverpool, I vowed, then and there, I would never dwell on what could have been. I wish to live for the future.”
“Will Jane still accept me?” Bingley asked, his eyes pleading with Mr Bennet. “I spoke with her this morning. Having been in the room when you discovered the truth from Miss Bingley, Jane knows that you are not responsible for what happened to Lizzy. She does not blame you. As a matter of fact, she is grateful for your having gotten the truth from your sisters and the young man. It was due to your assistance that we were able to rescue Lizzy. And she is proud of
you for the manner in which the punishment is being handled. Jane could not have stood by and watched your sisters be put on trial and possibly be executed. Due to Lizzy being a member of royalty, even as minor as her relationship is, your sisters faced possible execution for their behavior. Jane is proud of you for standing your ground and refusing to accept Miss Bingley’s behavior. It is her belief that you can both move forward. Without your sisters to cause you harm, you and Jane can live a good and happy life, filled with love.”
“I have been praying for just such a life. I have feared what all of you would think of me, whether you would understand that I am not my sisters.”
Darcy chuckled. “Bingley, you are the complete opposite of your sisters. No one could ever consider you to be anything remotely similar to Miss Bingley or Mrs Hurst. If you had ever been like them, I would not be your friend.”
“And I doubt my daughter would have given you a second glance, if you were like those harpies. Fortunately, for all of us, you are a kind and caring man. Now, are you to be my son in law?” Mr Bennet smiled.
“If Jane will still have me, I will be honored to be your son in law.”
~~ ** ~~
Elizabeth woke with a start, as she moved her foot and pain shot through her. “Oh, my, what have I done?” “Lizzy, how are you feeling?” Jane’s sweet voice could be heard by her sister. Opening her eyes, she looked at Jane. “What did I do to myself? I ache all over, and my foot feels as if someone is sticking sharp, hot needles into it. And I must ask who has been beating on my head with sticks. Goodness, did I fall under a carriage or trampled by horses?”
“No horses or carriages, but yes, you did fall. Down into a hole in the ground. We are grateful it was not as severe as we first thought. You could have been killed.”
Elizabeth sat up suddenly, realizing too late that it was not a wise move. “Sadie…Sadie was injured. Where is she? Is she alive?”
A Royal Bennet Page 18
