Saving Jane

by Martin Hunnicutt

  She struggled and her muffled cries called out to the prisoner but he made no move to help her.

  “I believe they intend to try you tomorrow and hang you the next morning,” Darcy informed Wickham.

  Now the attorney spoke up, “Mr. Wickham, we were able to locate Mrs. Young and bring her here today. She has been persuaded to share her information and she says you are blameless for the murder of the first Mrs. Wickham. She has confessed to poisoning Mrs. Wickham.”

  Wickham grinned and whispered to Darcy, “Women are so simple to handle. Pleasure them a few times and they believe you are a god.”

  Standing and approaching the governor with his hand outstretched, Wickham said, “Mr. Jefferson, my gratitude for the resolution of my beloved wife’s murder will see you fifty guineas richer! Take charge of your prisoner, return my valise and I shall reward you this very hour.”

  ++**++

  A woman – not the woman held by the footmen and not dressed in widow’s weeds – rushed into the jail cell from the side, shouting and cursing George Wickham.

  “You bastard! You said we were wed! I signed the licence and the register at Saint Mary’s! I got the high and mighty Mr. Darcy to come to your aid and you would hang me in your place!” she shouted.

  Crazed, Mrs. Young turned to the governor and pointing at Wickham, she shouted, “He did it. George poisoned her with inheritance powder. All in one great meat pie he brought Dora from the street. She loved the damned things – she hardly chewed before she swallowed every bite, him sitting there beside her the entire time, telling her that he loved her and wanted to bed her!”

  She turned back to George Wickham and completed her story, “She was dead and cold in the morning when he came to my bed.”

  “Damn you Edith!” George cried. Realizing he was doomed, he turned to Darcy with more curses and advanced to strike at the man.

  The footmen released the actress in widow’s weeds and entered the cell to protect their master. But Darcy was not touched by Wickham, when the prisoner stepped close strike at the gentlemen, Darcy deflected the attacker’s right arm with his left and followed through with a punch to Wickham’s abdomen with his right fist that left George doubled over.

  Except for the prisoner, the governor and his guards hustled everyone out of the cell, closing and locking the door behind them. In the hallway, Mrs. Young cried bitterly.

  Darcy took the valise and handed it to his attorney who opened it to find a dozen cheques.

  “Mrs. Wickham – Mrs. Young – has cheques for almost five thousand here. They look to be authentic and drawn on Rothschild’s.”

  “Those are mine!” Wickham called from the jail cell door. “And there should be six thousand in cheques and four hundred pounds!”

  He coughed as he recovered from Darcy’s strike to his abdomen and then yelled, “Edith, what have you done with my money? Where is the rest of my inheritance?”

  The governor and attorney consulted together for a moment and then announced, “We shall testify at Mr. Wickham’s trial that his conspirator confessed all and named Mr. Wickham as the responsible party in the poisoning death of Mrs. Dora Wickham.”

  “This valise shall be returned to Mr. Horace Jones of Bath when he returns to shore from duty with HMS Defiance.”

  The governor bowed to Mrs. Young and said, “Madam, I shall keep you close until such time as Mr. Wickham is tried and convicted – in case the judge wishes to hear the words from your own mouth. Then you will be free to go; unless Mr. Darcy wishes to press charges against you.”

  “I will not bring charges against Mrs. Young so long as she agrees to depart England and never return.”

  The officials conferred again before the governor announced, “Mrs. Young will be taken from this prison after Mr. Wickham is sentenced and placed onboard a ship of her choosing heading for a British possession. If ever she returns to Britain, she will be arrested.”

  Mrs. Young stood quietly while George Wickham cursed her repeatedly. Under her gown she could feel the cheques for one thousand pounds and sewn into her gown, her hat and her chemise were almost four hundred pounds. On her person, there were only twenty pounds and a few shillings. A guard escorted Mrs. Young away, to a private cell in another part of the prison. She would pay the governor and his guards almost two pounds for bedding, food and drink over the next few but she would be taken to a ship bound for the West Indies within four days.

  Mr. Darcy watched the woman being led away and heard George Wickham behind him begging for his life. He walked away without speaking to the man again, followed by the governor and his attorney and footmen. Darcy heard his name called for a short time but the thick walls soon muffled the sound.

  Outside the building he paid the actress her fee and watched his footmen escort her to the carriage, to return her to the theatre where she performed in Shakespearean productions. Then Mr. Darcy turned to the governor of the prison and handed over ten pounds.

  “If you will make certain the noose breaks his neck when he drops – my father would not want his godson to suffer a slow strangulation,” Darcy explained to the man.

  “I shall speak to the hangman and pay his fee from your generous donation. Mr. Wickham will have food and drink through his door but not be allowed out until his trial and execution.”

  “Very good.”

  “Do you wish him to have clean clothing and a funeral?”

  Darcy shook his head. “A quick death is my last payment for his sins. Bury him in his rags in potter’s field.”

  “The guards will strip his corpse bear and sell the clothes to the ragman. He will go before God for judgement naked as the day he was born.”

  Darcy saw the faces of several young women for a moment before he nodded. “Sir, I thank you for your consideration today.”

  The governor’s last glimpse of Mr. Darcy was the man climbing into his carriage with his attorney and leaving, his face a mask exhibiting no emotion.

  ++**++

  Chapter 13.

  Elizabeth’s Better Days in London

  Following a long letter from Mr. Darcy to Mr. Gardiner, Elizabeth was once again allowed to visit Georgiana at Darcy House, though she did not see Mr. Darcy for the remainder of that week. It was only in the following week that he joined the ladies for tea once again and Elizabeth made certain to pay him attention and tease him until he smiled and joined the conversation in full.

  “And how do you like the sonnets?” Darcy asked his sister, waiting for her to return her tea cup to the saucer before she answered.

  “I like them very much but I do not understand the emotions Mr. Shakespeare names in his verses – the love and the pain of love. They are so intertwined; I find the idea of love to be...”

  Mrs. Annesley and Mr. Darcy waited for Georgiana to continue but Elizabeth spoke up, “...frightening!”

  “Frightening Miss Bennet?” asked Mr. Darcy. “I wonder that anything frightens you!”

  “You forget sir, I have met Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth replied and all three ladies were surprised to hear the master of the house begin to laugh; a laughter that was infectious and brought giggles from both Elizabeth and Georgiana.

  ++**++

  “What is the news from Hertfordshire? How does your family fare this fall?” Mr. Darcy asked Miss Bennet as he escorted her to the door of Darcy House at the conclusion of tea with Georgiana.

  “I am concerned for my sister Jane. She writes of everything except for the most important item in her life – her engagement to Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth replied. “She writes of our sister Mary’s courtship with Mr. Lucas, the heir of a neighbouring estate. My father has lectured my mother severely to not anticipate the engagement with purchases for Mary’s trousseau.”

  “Your mother is in favour of these matches?” Mr. Darcy asked and he watched Elizabeth Bennet’s fascinating face scowl – a look he had never seen on her face before.

  “Are you well Miss Bennet?”

  The young woman pa
used in her steps to the door and she looked anywhere except at the handsome man who had begun to occupy her thoughts during the day as well as haunting her dreams at night. “Our mother loves my sisters and me dearly, but she is very much afraid of my father’s death before a daughter is well-married. My father’s estate is entailed from the female line and thus the engagement to Mr. Collins is appealing.”

  Darcy nodded, remembering the tale from the night of their supper at Darcy House. “And the engagement of your eldest sister to Mr. Collins ensures that your family’s future is secure. Your mother may remain at the estate...” he paused searching his memory for the name of her home.

  “Longbourn,” she said, naming her home.

  “...Longbourn after your father’s death. It appears to be a suitable arrangement. Forgive me, but Georgiana told me that your dowry is very small – a thousand pounds after your mother’s death.”

  “But my father’s own words to Uncle Gardiner name Mr. Collins to be a fool. How is a fool to manage an estate and make my sister a good husband? He already has refused to hear her comments on our tenants and fields. What security will there be if he ruins Longbourn?”

  Darcy indicated that they should continue walking to the door while he thought for a moment. As they neared the door, he made a suggestion. “Your uncle told me that Mr. Collins is the pastor at Hunsford, my aunt’s estate in Kent. Next Easter, I shall take the man in hand and require him to train with my aunt’s steward in the coming years. If he is intelligent enough to take orders and become a parson, he can learn to follow an almanac and to listen to his experienced tenants.”

  They had just reached the door as he completed his offer of assistance and Elizabeth’s gratitude made her grace Fitzwilliam with the most brilliant smile he had ever seen. The young lady’s eyes glimmered with tears and she reached out but drew back before touching his hand.

  “Your thoughtfulness and kindness to my family does you great credit sir,” she said.

  Darcy smiled, reached for Elizabeth’s hand and brushed it with his lips. “It is my pleasure to be of service, Miss Bennet.”

  For a long moment, there were no other person in the world but the handsome, kind man who had just kissed her hand; Lizzy Bennet, the girl who climbed trees and read too many books, was lost. And the gentleman was also lost in the eyes bright with fire and beauty; Darcy forgot to release the young lady’s hand.

  “I say Darcy! Will you do me the honour of an introduction?” asked a booming voice. Both Elizabeth and Darcy startled back to the foyer of Darcy House where Mr. Jones and the footmen were staring at the walls above their heads and a colonel in his bright red coat stood at the door.

  “Richard!” Darcy called pleased and exasperated at the same time. “When did you return to town?”

  “Just today! The Earl and Countess are away and I thought to bed down here for a week,” the king’s officer replied. “But please, do not let me interrupt your conversation with the young lady.”

  “Be nice!” Darcy growled at the man and Elizabeth blushed once again. But Darcy turned back to Elizabeth and made the introduction.

  “Miss Bennet, please allow me to introduce my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of His Majesty’s ______ Battalion.” The colonel bowed and Elizabeth curtseyed as Darcy completed the introduction, “Cousin, allow me to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire, Georgiana’s dear friend and partner on the pianoforte this fall.”

  “Miss Bennet, I am pleased to meet you. I shall look forward to becoming acquainted this week if you return. I can tell scandalous tales of my cousins that will curl your hair.”

  “Thank you Colonel Fitzwilliam but my hair curls too excess already. Perhaps we can discuss Byron or Shakespeare?”

  “Enough!” Darcy said. “Miss Bennet’s uncle insists that we keep a strict schedule with her visits so her aunt does not worry for her safety.”

  “Does your family have problems with vagrants or pickpockets, Miss Bennet?” asked the colonel.

  Glancing at Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth teased, “It is not my family colonel but we are concerned that the Darcy acquaintances and connections are largely contentious. Are the Darcy relations a problem also?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stared speechless at the girl as Darcy grinned and helped her with her pelisse before he escorted her to the carriage and assisted her inside. Richard smiled as his dour cousin remained on the street until the carriage was out of sight before he returned to the house.

  “Well, it appears that life in Darcy House has been interesting this fall. Can you tell me any tales?”

  “There are many tales to tell but you must promise to remain the perfect gentleman with Georgiana’s guest before we go further into the house,” Darcy said.

  “Georgiana’s guest?” Richard asked sarcastically before noticing the seriousness of his cousin’s gaze. “Very well, I shall remain the perfect guest and entertain Miss Bennet with only appropriate stories of your youth.”

  Snorting at the outrageousness of Fitzwilliam’s straight face, Darcy smiled. “Come along, I shall take you to Georgie and then allow you to refresh after you are made welcome.”

  “How is she?” Richard asked. “I have not had a letter from her in two months.”

  “Come and see,” Darcy said, leading his cousin to the music room.

  ++**++

  “…and Elizabeth has taught me how to look for the author’s meanings in a book and then pose questions that my brother enjoys discussing for an hour or more at a time.”

  During supper, the colonel had watched in fascination as his cousins had detailed Miss Bennet’s goodness and intelligence, her wit and interest in the affairs of business, war with the French, and current government politics. Afterwards, the three cousins retreated to the music room where Georgiana played two difficult pieces with more feeling than Richard remembered hearing in the past.

  At the end of the evening, when Georgiana said good night and departed above stairs, Richard had no doubt that Miss Bennet was an accomplished lady; she was bringing Georgiana out of her shell as well as making his dour, brooding cousin smile and laugh. The young woman was a marvel.

  ++**++

  With Georgiana safely above stairs, Richard joined Darcy in his study for a taste of his best whiskey.

  “Not too much,” Richard said when Darcy poured. “I need my head about me tonight to conduct my inquisition and tomorrow morning for my interview at the war office.”

  “What inquisition will you conduct tonight?”

  “The real discussion of Miss Bennet,” Richard replied. “I know you cousin. I have never seen you so affected by a young lady.”

  Darcy smiled and answered. “She is truly different; unafraid of George Wickham, unafraid of Caroline Bingley and unafraid of me.”

  “What has George Wickham to do with Miss Bennet?” Richard asked sitting up with some alarm.

  “There was some plot by George with Mrs. Young to importune Georgiana last summer. Now that I have had time to think on it, Mrs. Young continued to suggest that I allow her to take Georgie to the seaside at Ramsgate for the summer. I imagine that they intended for George to approach her there.”

  “Oh, good lord! What happened? Where is Wickham now?”

  Darcy paused; his face becoming the stoic mask of business. “He was arrested for the murder of his wife.”

  “Murder of his wife? Who married George Wickham?”

  “He married a widow and once he had his fingers in her inheritance, he poisoned her.”

  “And the constabulary arrested him?”

  “Arrested, tried, convicted and hung.”

  “Wickham is dead?”

  Darcy nodded. Richard remained quiet for a few minutes before he asked, “And so, how far along are you with falling love with Miss Bennet?”

  ++**++

  Chapter 14.

  Georgiana’s Plans for Family Dinner

  Another invitation to supper at Darcy House arrived at Grace Church Street sever
al days before the Gardiners were to depart for Hertfordshire for Christmas. The next day, around their tea, Elizabeth and Georgiana plotted a seating chart for the dining table while Mrs. Annesley oversaw their plans. The lady’s companion was familiar with the master’s requirements for the seating chart; Georgiana would act as hostess at one end of the table with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Gardiner while Mr. Darcy would sit at the other end with Miss Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. The Bingleys and Hursts were placed in the centre of the table.

  Georgiana explained her brother’s invitation to the Bingleys and Hursts to Elizabeth. “I am not certain how Miss Bingley learned of her brother’s invitation to dinner but William told me that she pestered Mr. Bingley until he begged an invitation. She did not care if the Hursts were invited but Mr. Bingley included them in the request.”

  “Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet, we will not gossip,” Mrs. Annesley admonished the young ladies.

  “Yes, Mrs. Annesley,” Georgiana said. “Would you join us for supper tomorrow night?”

  “Thank you Miss Darcy, but with the expanded sitting for dinner, I will take supper in my sitting room and spend the evening with the new novel Miss Bennet brought me.”

  “Tomorrow night will be our last visit until spring,” Georgiana told Elizabeth. “I shall miss our talks, reading books with you and playing duets.”

  “Then we shall write many letters this winter,” Elizabeth told her friend as the door opened and Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy joined the ladies for tea. Georgiana sent for a fresh pot while Mrs. Annesley moved chairs closer for the gentlemen.

  “How has your practice for the duet progressed?” Darcy asked.

  Georgiana glanced at Elizabeth who smiled. “We are ready brother! I believe even Miss Bingley will be impressed.”