Lizzie Bennet Agent for the Crown Page 3

  He looked at Lizzie and gave her an impish grin.

  “I will be taking you to Madame Collette as soon as we our finished with our tea.”

  Lizzie knew that the modiste was the most sought after dress maker on Bond Street.

  “But sir,” she protested. “I do not need more gowns.”

  “These are gowns of a special design” he replied.

  Lizzie raised her eyebrows at this and the Colonel was quick to add “It is not what you are thinking Miss Bennet. These garments will have hidden pockets, something that is necessary in our line of work.”

  The Colonel stood and advised Lizzie he would have the carriage readied and meet her and Mrs. Mcglinty in the hotel lobby in a quarter hours’ time.

  When the carriage arrived at Madame Collette’s establishment, it proceeded to the alleyway in the back of the shop. After the ladies had alighted from the carriage, the Colonel rapped on the door with his cane. It was opened by a pretty women several years older than Lizzie.

  Lizzie took note that she was dressed in the first stare of fashion. After they gained entrance, Colonel Fitzwilliam made the introductions.

  “Madame Collette may I introduce you to Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet, this is Madame Collette, the proprietor.”

  “Eet is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mees Bennet” Her eyes roved over Lizzie’s figure. “Eet will be a pleasure to dress her Colonel.”

  Lizzie eyed the woman and finally spoke “Madame Collette it is also a pleasure to make your acquaintance. But if an English woman wanted to impersonate a French woman speaking English, I would recommend that she roll her r’s and soften her g’s.”

  Madame Collette looked surprised then burst out laughing.

  “The Colonel said you were clever and he did not exaggerate. I will keep your suggestion in mind. My accent is good enough to fool the Ladies of the ton, but not you. Come, let us begin. Colonel you may return in one hour.”

  The Colonel took his leave and Lizzie was escorted to a room where she was measured from head to toe. The modiste advised Lizzie that in addition to the gowns, she would also have new undergarments, boots, slippers, bonnets and pelisses. Lizzie just shook her head at the extravagance of it all.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning after Lizzie had broken her fast in her room, Sergeant Chesup presented himself at the sitting room door to begin her training.

  He instructed her on picking locks open with a hair pin and then presented her with a small dagger.

  “You will have this strapped to your upper thigh Miss Bennet. One never knows when it might be useful.”

  He then removed the handle and then showed her the thin taper it concealed.

  “This end is for picking larger locks. Allow me to demonstrate.”

  For the remainder of the day, Lizzie practiced her new talent with opening locks until Sergeant Chessup was satisfied with her competence.

  “Very good Miss Bennet. Tomorrow I shall instruct you on basic self-defense. As the Colonel stated, you must be prepared for every eventuality.”

  While Lizzie was occupied with Sergeant Chessup, Darcy and the Colonel were in the Darcy coach heading to Rosings after being summoned by their Aunt Catherine, Lady de Bourgh.

  Darcy starred out the window with a wistful expression on his faced and sighed.

  His cousin studied him carefully.

  He was abruptly brought out of his reverie of Elizabeth Bennet when his cousin spoke.

  “Out with it Darcy!” Fitzwilliam demanded.

  “Out with what cousin” Darcy asked.

  “Out with whatever has you sighing and pondering so intently. I would wager a month’s salary it is a woman.”

  Darcy scowled at his cousin “She is a Lady and I will thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head.”

  “Oh ho” the Colonel guffawed. “Can it be? Dare I say it? My cousin has finally met a lady he is not repulsed with. Tell Uncle Richard all. You know you want to and I will not allow the matter to rest until you do so.”

  Darcy sighed and said “Very well. You recall Bingley leased an estate in Hertfordshire?”

  At the Colonel’s nod, Darcy continued. “I met the daughter of a country gentleman who is my equal in every way. She is witty, intelligent, and beautiful. My thoughts are constantly consumed with her. I wanted to pursue her and ask for a courtship but Bingley’s situation forced us to return to town before I could do so.”

  “What situation?” the Colonel asked.

  “I am not at liberty to divulge Bingley’s confidence. I gave my word I would not do so.”

  “But why did you have to retreat to town in such haste?”

  “Bingley was on the verge of proposing to a gentleman’s daughter who is the eldest sister of the woman I ardently admired. I felt duty bound to protect all that were involved.”

  “Truly Darcy? You are telling me that you would forgo your own happiness because of a situation with Bingley?”

  “That is exactly what I am saying. I was honor bound to separate them.”

  “I do not agree with your interference Darcy. Bingley is a man full grown and I believe it is time you unleashed the puppy. You cannot always be responsible for him.”

  “I am aware of that Richard, but I gave my word that I would keep his confidence.”

  “And pray tell, what is the name of the Lady that you so ardently admire?”

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  The Colonel was so startled he nearly fell off his seat. Darcy noticed his reaction and asked “Have you made her acquaintance cousin?”

  The Colonel nodded and said “Yes, she works for me at the war office. And you are correct, there is much to admire about Miss Bennet.”

  Darcy snarled at his cousin and Richard held his hands up “Whoa. We both admire her but for different reasons. She is intelligent and her language skills will make a great contribution in the war effort against the French.”

  “Do you mean to say that she is presently in London?” Darcy demanded angrily.

  “Yes, but….” the Colonel was cut off by Darcy who rapped his cane on the roof of the coach and barked to his coachman, “Turn the coach around, we return to London immediately!”

  “Darcy! Desist! We are nearly at Rosings. Let us proceed as planned and you shall see Miss Bennet when we return to town. At present, she is engaged in training.”

  “Very well cousin,” Darcy reluctantly agreed.

  “We are to attend the Barrington Ball this coming Tuesday, why do you not attend? It will give you the perfect opportunity to further your acquaintance with Miss Bennet. I know how much you detest balls so I suggest that you bring that puppy Bingley with you.”

  Darcy nodded his agreement as the carriage pulled up to the front steps of Rosings.

  The cousins were shown into the blue parlor where Lady Catherine sat on a throne-like chair awaiting their arrival.

  “Darcy!” she bellowed. “Where have you been? I expected you yesterday!”

  “Urgent business prevented me from arriving sooner Aunt. What is this business that has caused you to summon me in this urgent manner?”

  “Why it is the calling of the banns between you and Anne. It is time that you did your duty to our family and married my daughter. In this manner, our estates will be united. It was the fondest wish of your dear mother and has been planned since you were both in your cradles.”

  Darcy was enraged! He took a deep breath in an attempt to abate his anger.

  “Madame, I have repeatedly advised you that I will not marry my cousin. My mother never made known this so-called desire for me to marry your daughter. My father also knew not of any such agreement and cautioned me against it. I am my own man and the head of the Darcy family. When I decide to marry, it will be to a lady of my own choosing.”

  Lady Catherine thumped her cane on the floor and shouted “I will not be gainsaid! I am your nearest and dearest relation and you will do as I say!”

  “Georgianna is my nearest
and dearest relation and again I reiterate I AM MY OWN MAN! Good day to you madam.”

  Darcy turned on his heel and quickly left the room with Richard following.

  They could hear their aunt bellowing as they exited the house.

  “Come back at once Darcy! I am not finished with you!” she screeched.

  “But I am finished with you Madam.”

  “Bravo, cousin, bravo. It is about time that old dragon was put in her place” Richard remarked when they entered the carriage.

  Darcy put his head in his hands as Richard continued to speak “Let us stop at the inn in Browley for a good meal and some well-deserved brandy. The horses need to be rest and we can be back in London before night fall.”

  Darcy agreed and rested his head against the cushions with his eyes closed until they reached the inn.

  Chapter 10

  Lizzie stood in front of the looking glass turning from side to side to admire her new gown. Madame Collette has certainly outdone herself! She had never worn a more beautiful gown. The color was a deep crimson with black crystals on the bodice and the hem. The silk was of the finest quality. Her dainty slippers were of the same color with black crystals dotting the front of the shoe. Long black gloves completed her ensemble. The diamond necklace and ear bobs were on loan from the war office and diamond hair pins were arranged artfully in the elaborate coiffure Sarah had fashioned for her. Lizzie actually felt beautiful.

  Mrs. Mcglinty entered through the sitting room door and said “You look beautiful Miss Bennet. Shall we go? The Colonel awaits us in the lobby.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Mcglinty. Let us not keep the Colonel waiting.” Lizzie donned her pelisse which was of the same crimson color but trimmed in black fur.

  The Colonel met her at the foot of the stairs and extended his arm. “Your carriage awaits M’lady.”

  Lizzie giggled and said “Thank you Colonel.”

  They were on route to the Barrington Ball. A missive had previously been intercepted and translated with only one word ‘Barrington’. Lizzie had translated a more recent communique. It was written in five different languages and when translated it revealed itself to be a code within a code. Lizzie took the first letter of each word and then discovered another code. Those letters were an anagram and when rearranged, it spelled ‘L. Lanville’.

  Lord Luber Lanville was to be in attendance at the Barrington Ball and Colonel Fitzwilliam hoped to reacquaint himself with the man and possibly determine whether or not he was a traitor.

  Fitzwilliam frowned at this thought. Lanville was of an age with the Colonel’s late father, the Fifth Earl of Matlock. His father’s opinion, and those of just about everyone else in the ton, was that Lanville was a doddering old fool. He never took his seat in The House of Lords and infrequently came to town preferring to reside at his country estate in Devon. The Lanville’s were well known for their house parties and hunts. But Fitzwilliam still had a hard time reconciling Lanville as the head of a French spy network.

  “What makes you frown so Colonel?” inquired Lizzie.

  “Tis nothing Miss Bennet. Merely wool gathering. I should mention that my cousin Darcy and his friend Bingley will be meeting us at the ball.”

  The Colonel observed her countenance carefully. Lizzie gasped and blushed at the mention of Darcy’s name.

  “It will be pleasant to renew their acquaintance. We became acquainted last year when Mr. Bingley leased the estate bordering Longbourn.”

  “Yes, my cousin did inform me of already having made your acquaintance. He also informed me of the great service he did his friend by removing him from the neighborhood. It appears he rescued Bingley from an unsuitable match. I suppose there was some fault with the lady, but I do not know all the particulars.”

  Rage rose in Lizzie’s chest and it took all of her will to contain it and she could momentarily could not speak. Her Jane? Unsuitable? Ridiculous! The odious prig! How dare he say such untruths about her dear sister!

  Before Lizzie could form a coherent reply, the carriage pulled up to the Barrington townhouse. As the Colonel assisted the ladies from the coach, he leaned in and whispered in Lizzie’s ear “Remember to adhere to the plan.”

  Lizzie nodded, recalling the Colonel’s previous instructions. After a suitable length of time, the Colonel will escort Lizzie to the library, and while pretending a liaison; they would search for proof implicating either Barrington or Lanville, or both.

  Chapter 11

  After settling Mrs. Mcglinty in a chair, the Colonel escorted Lizzie slowly around the perimeter of the ballroom. He greeted acquaintances he knew but never lost sight of his intended prey.

  When they stood before Lord and Lady Lanville, the Colonel bowed.

  “Lord Lanville, Lady Lanville, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been far too long. May I introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet to you.”

  Lizzie curtsied but remained silent. Lord Lanville looked befuddled and it was obvious he did not know who the Colonel was.

  His wife leaned in closer to his ear and whispered “Colonel Fitzwilliam, the youngest son of the Earl of Matlock.”

  “Of course, of course” Lanville sputtered. “And how is your father? I have not seen him in an age?”

  “Regretfully my Lord he passed.”

  “Oh I am grieved to hear that. Always liked your father. You have my condolences.”

  “Thank you sir” replied the Colonel. “A few of my acquaintances were speaking of your superior horse flesh.”

  “Yes, yes” replied Lanville. “You must come to Oakend to see for yourself. Do you hunt Colonel?”

  “As a matter of fact I do,” replied the Colonel enthusiastically.

  “We are having a hunt in a sennight. You must come and stay.”

  “I would be delighted to.”

  “”And bring Miss Bennet with you. We have invited many like-minded who enjoy the sport. We shall be a jolly party.”

  “I thank you my Lord for your gracious invitation. Might I impose on your generosity to bring my cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy as well?”

  “George Darcy’s boy? I have not seen George in sometime as well. How is he keeping? Of course bring the boy along.”

  Could this man be anymore foolish Fitzwilliam thought to himself.

  “Thank you again Lord Lanville, Lady Lanville.”

  He and Lizzie took their leave of the Lanvilles and he directed her to the hallway so that they might locate the library.

  The Colonel whispered to Lizzie “That was most fortuitous Miss Bennett.”

  After ascertaining they were not seen, they slipped into the library and began to search. After a quarter of an hour Lizzie said “Colonel, I do not see anything of note here. Could we possibly get access to the study?”

  “Too dangerous Miss Bennet. We shall have to contend ourselves with the upcoming house party at the Lanville’s estate. What is your opinion of Lord Lanville?”

  “He is either a very stupid man or the greatest actor in the world. What are your thoughts of the man?”

  “The same as yours Miss Bennet. But let us leave this discussion for another time and return to the ball.”

  As he extended his arm to Lizzie, the door opened and Fitzwilliam Darcy entered.

  All of the anger Lizzie had previously managed to quell, rose to the surface.

  Darcy bowed and said “Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you again. Have you been well?”

  How dare he ask of my wellbeing Lizzie thought! Lizzie stood within inches of Darcy, with her fist clenched at her sides and her face flushed. Her breathing became rapid.

  “Mr. Darcy!” She spoke in cold voice. “Answer me one question sir. Did you or did you not purposely separate Mr. Bingley from my sister Jane?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stood by the fireplace with one arm on the mantle. Oh ho! This should be very entertaining! He thought to himself.

  Darcy was astonished and never expected such a reception from Lizzie. He hoped she would be as happy to see him
as he was to see her.

  A lumped formed in his throat and he was momentarily at a loss of words.

  “Well Mr. Darcy?” Lizzie demanded as her voice increased in volume.

  “I…yes I did,…but….” Darcy stammered

  “Why?” demanded Lizzie. “Why would you separate two people that were so obviously in love? Why would you hurt my sister so? She is the sweetest, amicable person I know and you are responsible for her broken heart! I have never known anyone to be so cruel!”

  Before she could speak again, Darcy blurted “Bingley was already engaged to another lady when he leased Netherfield.”

  Lizzie was astonished and took a step away from him. Colonel Fitzwilliam was also shocked and thought so this is the situation with Bingley that my cousin alluded to and the confidence he kept for his friend.

  “If that be the case Mr. Darcy, then pray, tell me why you, as his best friend allowed him to present himself in our neighborhood as an available, single gentleman. Do you realize how my sister is so pitied because a man my family, nay the entire village, had expectation of him to propose? Did you sir?!”

  Darcy could not readily answer, for at that moment the door flew open and Bingley strode into the room.

  Oh ho, the Colonel smiled gleefully, the real fun begins!

  “Miss Elizabeth! How delighted I am to see you. How is your family and all of your sisters, and Miss Bennet is she well? You must send her my warmest regards.”

  Bingley now stood directly in front of Lizzie and prepared to bow. Lizzie made a fist and pulled back her arm. She struck him squarely in the face and Bingley flew backwards, landing spread-eagle and unconscious on the floor.

  The Colonel had to place his hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter.

  Darcy knelt next to his friend and patted his face. “Bingley, Bingley wake up man!”

  “Allow me Mr. Darcy” Lizzie said.