The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet Read online

  “She has not been recovered and has not been seen since the night of the ball.”

  That was almost two weeks ago thought Darcy.

  “What has been done to recover her?” asked the Colonel.

  Sir William replied, “Search parties were formed by every man and child in the neighborhood. Miss Elizabeth was very well liked and her disappearance has saddened us all, but especially my daughter Charlotte who considered her as her best friend.

  “Sir William, would it be possible to speak with your daughter?”

  “If you like” replied Sir William and rang for a servant to bring Miss Lucas to his study.

  Darcy finally found his voice and asked “What has become of Mrs. Bennet and her other daughters?”

  “They went to live with relations. My Charlotte corresponds with the eldest Miss Bennet and will be able to give you more information on where they have gone to live.”

  Charlotte Lucas entered the study, curtseyed to Mr. Darcy and was introduced to his cousin.

  “Miss Lucas I have just returned to the neighborhood and learned the terrible events that befell the Bennet family. I want to assist in locating Miss Elizabeth. Please tell me anything that you can that would aid me in this endeavor.”

  Charlotte was surprised by this request and asked Darcy, “May I ask why you concern yourself in this matter sir. It is commendable of you but you are unconnected to the family.”

  Darcy took a deep breath and related to Charlotte his courtship with Elizabeth. “I have a very keen interest in finding Miss Elizabeth for I hope to convince her to become my wife.”

  “I shall tell you all that I know Mr. Darcy. I would do anything to have my friend returned safely to her family. After her sets with her cousin Mr. Collins, I observed Lizzie limping in my direction. Mr. Collins is a poor dancer and abused her toes most severely. She did not reach me as she was intercepted by Miss Bingley. I do not know what was said but Lizzie changed direction and walked out onto the terrace that leads into the gardens below. That was the last time I saw my friend. I also observed that Mr. Collins joined Miss Bingley and both were looking out the window. I got the impression that they were both observing Lizzie.”

  Darcy exchanged a look with his cousin. “Thank you Miss Lucas for your time and the information. If you remember anything else of import, please have your father write to me.” He handed her his card and both men took their leave.

  Once they were in the coach he directed his driver to take them into Merryton.

  Fitzwilliam observed his cousin and pain suffused his entire being. “How do we proceed Darcy? I am at your disposal and will do whatever you deem necessary to recover Miss Elizabeth.”

  “Thank you Richard, I always knew I could count on you for anything. I am going to visit some of the shopkeepers and I would ask you to visit the colonel of the local militia where Wickham is enlisted. I say we meet at the inn in one hour and go over what we have learned.”

  After he dropped his cousin off at the local militia, Darcy proceeded to the bookstore. He was known there by the owner Mr. Hodges and hoped the man would be forthcoming in answering Darcy’s questions.

  “Mr. Darcy, sir, how good it is to see you again.” Greeted the owner enthusiastically as he came from behind his counter.

  “Thank you Mr. Hodges but today I am here on a specific errand and am hoping that you will oblige me.”

  “Any way that I can sir, I will gladly be of assistance.”

  “I returned to the area today and only just learned of the tragedies that befell the Bennet family and the disappearance of Miss Elizabeth. Miss Elizabeth and I were in a courtship so you see I have a keen interest in doing all that can be done to recover her.”

  “Aye, the entire village is upset by these events, especially in regards to Miss Elizabeth. Very well liked she is. And that heir Collins, he is no gentleman, throwing Mrs. Bennet and her girls out of Longbourn the day after the funerals for Mr. Bennet and Miss Lydia. No sir, he is not well liked around here. I do not have much to add but you might speak to their servants, the Hills. I am certain they will help if they can being ever so fond of Miss Elizabeth. They left same time Collins evicted the Bennets. They refused to stay and work for him. They are with her sister’s family just outside of town.”

  “Thank you Mr. Hodges, you have been most helpful.”

  “I almost forgot sir that Collins crated up all of Mr. Bennet’s books and had them brought here to be sold. I have not opened the crates as of yet but would you be interested in any of them?”

  “I will take them all Mr. Hodges. Miss Elizabeth will appreciate them when she is recovered. I will send my servants with a wagon to transport them to town when I return to Darcy House.”

  After agreeing on a price, Darcy took his leave and made his way to the inn to await his cousin.

  The barroom was dark but he spotted his cousin in conversation with the barman when he entered. He ordered Darcy an ale and together they entered the private parlor.

  “What have you learned Richard?” Darcy asked as soon as they were seated and the door was closed.

  “Prepare to be astonished Darcy. Wickham resigned his commission the morning after the ball and that is not all. Before he left the area he paid his debts of honor to his fellow officers and all monies owed to the shopkeepers here in town. The man I was speaking to is the owner of this inn and he confirmed it.”

  “That is astonishing! That is not the behavior of the Wickham we know. Where did he get the funds? You know he is not an honorable man and it is more in his character to run away from the militia leaving debts in his wake.”

  “Yes cousin, it is puzzling and something worth investigating.”

  Darcy replied, “He is involved in these murders and Elizabeth’s disappearance. I can feel it in my bones.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned forward in his chair and spoke softly. “I believe we should retrieve Georgiana from Netherfield and proceed to London. I know good men who were formerly part of my regiment that can assist us. What say you Darcy?”

  Darcy slowly nodded his head in the affirmative. “Yes, let us go to London and formulate a plan. Cousin, I wish to apprise Georgiana of all that has happened to the Bennets. I am of the opinion that had I made Wickham’s character known to her she would not have been so deceived by him and suspicious of his motives. He could not have convinced her to elope. As much as I wish her to remain so, she is no longer a child. I have been remiss in not educating her as to the ways of evil men. I must do so now.”

  The Colonel was momentarily taken aback by Darcy’s statement, but pleased nevertheless.

  “I am happy to hear you say that cousin and will support you in any manner you see fit.”

  Chapter 8

  Georgiana was eager to speak with her brother when he and Fitzwilliam returned to Netherfield but as she was handed into the carriage, he whispered to her that he would tell her all a soon as they reached Darcy House. He did not wish to have Georgiana’s companion be privy to their conversation. The ride to London was uneventful and they spoke of mundane matters such as the scenery and the weather.

  Darcy was stricken with deep concern and anxiety over Lizzy’s disappearance. He could not fathom what had happened to her but he would use every resource he had at his disposal to find out the truth. He felt that Wickham was at the center of this bad business and he needed to prove it so that he would be severely punished for the devastation and grief he had brought to the Bennet family and to his dear Elizabeth; not to mention his own pain at her disappearance.

  After they had arrived, the three cousins refreshed themselves and settled in Darcy’s study. He locked the door, not wanting to be disturbed and informed his butler that the family was not at home to any callers.

  Once they were comfortably ensconced before the fire, Darcy and Fitzwilliam with brandies and Georgiana with a small glass of sherry, Darcy began to relate everything they had learned to Georgiana.

  “Dearest, what I have to re
late to you is not a pretty tale, but Richard and I both agree that it is best that you know all that has transpired with regards to the Bennets and Miss Elizabeth.”

  Darcy then proceeded to relate all that he and Richard had learned from Elizabeth’s neighbors in Merryton. At one point, Georgiana gasped and put her hand to her mouth; silent tears were threatening to fall.

  “The express you received at Netherfield was a ruse to remove you from the neighborhood?” she asked.

  “Yes, I do believe it to be so, but I do not yet know why”.

  “And what will be done to recover Miss Elizabeth?” she asked.

  Silent until now, Richard joined the conversation.

  “In addition to myself and your brother, I have contacted a former sergeant that I served with in the regulars. Webster is a good man and a fine soldier. He knows others that we can hire to assist us in locating Miss Elizabeth. Webster will be here tomorrow morning and you are welcomed to join us. As your brother stated, we have no intention of keeping any information from you.”

  Georgiana arose from her seat and went to her brother and hugged him.

  When the Colonel and Georgiana entered Darcy’s study the following morning, he frowned at what he saw. Darcy did not join them in the breakfast room and was slumped in a chair in front of the fire with his eyes closed and his head in his hand. At first, he appeared to be asleep, but then the Colonel recognized that his cousin was in a state of deep despair. He asked Georgiana to have a servant bring Darcy a tray as well as a large pot of coffee. As she went to do so, he approached his cousin.

  “My heart breaks for you cousin but you must keep faith. Webster is the best of men at what he does and if anyone can recover Miss Elizabeth, he can. I beg you, do not abandon hope.”

  Darcy slowly opened his eyes and looked at his cousin.

  “She has been gone over a sennight. It is possible that the trail has gone cold.”

  “Do not even think such thoughts! Are you giving way before we have even begun to search? That is not the Darcy I know,” responded the Colonel angrily.

  “I am afraid Richard. I am afraid that I will never set eyes on her lovely countenance again or hear her sweet melodious voice. I cannot begin to relate the joy that infused my entire being when she agreed to the courtship. I love her Richard with every fiber of my being. I envisioned years of happiness with her by my side as my wife. Now all I feel is an emptiness in my chest where my heart once resided.”

  The Colonel never saw Darcy is such a state of despair.

  “Cousin, I am begging you to not give up hope of her recovery! I do not know how long it will take but I beg you please to keep faith that she will be found. I want you to do it for yourself but also for Georgina and all those that depend upon you. Please do not abandon them!”

  Darcy arose from his seat and finally spoke.

  “Very well Richard. I will try to do as you say but it will be difficult, very difficult.”

  The Colonel came over to where Darcy was standing by the window and put his hand on his shoulder. His words were spoken softly and with much tenderness and love for his cousin.

  “I know no man of stronger character than you. You are both honorable and generous to a fault. I will do everything and anything within my power to assist you.”

  “Thank you Richard” Darcy softly replied.

  At that moment, Georgina re-entered the study with a maid bearing Darcy’s breakfast. The butler announced a Sergeant Webster had arrived.

  After introductions were made and the offer of breakfast refused, all sat down to discussion.

  The Colonel explained all that they knew of the situation and their firm belief that Wickham was involved.

  “That blackguard!” Webster exclaimed. “Begging your pardon Miss Darcy.”

  “There is no need to apologize Sergeant. I quite concur, he is a blackguard of the worse kind.”

  “What do you propose Webster and how many men will you require?” asked the Colonel.

  Darcy interceded “Hire as many men as you need. I cannot emphasize how important it is to me to recover Miss Bennet.”

  “I understand sir and I will be hiring several men to assist me; good men that are all former soldiers. Some you are already acquainted with Colonel. I will begin the search in her home county and cover all of England. My men are discreet and will blend in with the local populace. If there is anything to be learned, we will find it. We will also scour the ports and investigate all ships that have departed since the abduction of your good lady. If necessary, we will also search into Scotland. I will send timely reports to keep you apprised of our endeavors. But what of the parson Collins and your friends sister? They should be interviewed as well.”

  Darcy replied “I have already spoken to Collins and he has not told me anything of use. I believe he is concealing the truth. I shall speak with my friend Bingley and hopefully Miss Bingley will reveal something of import but I honestly detest the thought of conversing with her. But it must be done.”

  The men stood at the conclusion of their meeting and Darcy handed Webster a purse of coins.

  “Have your expenses submitted with your reports and I will ensure that you are paid promptly.”

  “Thank you sir” replied Webster and with a nod of his head took his leave.

  “When will you see Bingley? I would very much like to see him as well” asked the Colonel.

  “Since time is of the essence, we shall go today. I will send word that we will call on him at 11:00 today.” Looking at his watch he said “Allow me to bathe and have a change of clothes first.”

  Georgiana rose from her seat and hugged both her brother and cousin. “I shall await your return here. I pray that you will learn something to aid in Miss Elizabeth’s recovery.”

  Chapter 9

  The gentlemen presented themselves promptly at 11:00 at Bingley’s townhouse and requested the butler to show them directly to his master. Darcy wanted to avoid Miss Bingley at present until he spoken to his friend. Bingley stood from behind his desk and exclaimed “Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam! Welcome my friends. I am most pleased to see you both again.”

  Bingley was literally bouncing on his toes, that happy he was to see them. He possessed an amiable disposition and was generally well-liked wherever he went. He always appeared to have a perpetual smile on his face.

  “Forgive me Darcy, but how is Miss Darcy faring? Is she well?”

  The gentlemen seated themselves and Darcy informed Bingley that his sister was quite in good health and the express he received at Netherfield was a ruse.

  Bingley looked baffled and asked “A ruse? To what end? I do not take your meaning Darcy.

  Darcy replied “Someone wanted me removed from Netherfield, as far away as possible and almost immediately. Georgiana is very dear to me and as you saw I hastened my departure as soon as I received the express. Nevertheless it was a ruse and Georgiana is in the best of health.”

  Bingley was surprised and asked “But who would commit such a despicable act?”

  “That is what the Colonel and I hope to find out. Bingley please relate to us all that occurred after my departure from the ball and please do not leave out the smallest detail.”

  Bingley thought for a moment and then said “When I left your rooms I met Caroline and advised her of you need to depart immediately. She expressed her regrets and then took the missive you had given me for Mr. Bennet. She reminded me that I had promised the next dance to Miss Bennet and she was awaiting me.”

  Darcy and the Colonel exchanged glances.

  “You mean to say you never handed the letter to Mr. Bennet and instead consigned it to your sister?”

  “Yes, yes that is exactly what occurred.”

  “Please continue Bingley, I need to know what happened to the Bennets.”

  “At the conclusion of the ball, the Bennet’s carriage was brought around to the house. It was then that it was discovered that Miss Elizabeth was not one among them and assumed that sh
e left earlier and was awaiting for them all at home.”

  “Who suggested this explanation?” asked Darcy.

  “I believe it was one of my sisters. Caroline. Yes it was she who stated that Miss Elizabeth had left earlier so the assumption was made that she had gone home.”

  “How did she get to Longbourn if the Bennet carriage was still at Netherfield?” Darcy demanded.

  Bingley was taken aback and momentarily confused at Darcy’s question.

  “I truly do not know as I never gave it another thought. Is it important Darcy?”

  Anger started to swell in his chest as Darcy attempted to calm his demeanor. The Colonel recognized his cousin’s agitation and gently placed his hand on his arm and took up the inquiry.

  “Please continue Bingley and tell us all you know about the circumstances leading up to the deaths of Mr. Bennet and the younger sister.”

  “As I recall, I was departing for London that morning after the ball and expected to return in a few days. Before dawn, a servant arrived from Longbourn stating that Mr. Bennet had gathered several men to search the woods for Miss Elizabeth as she was not at home when the family arrived. However, Mr. Bennet was soon found dead in the woods while searching and it was determined that he was murdered. They also found Miss Lydia Bennet at the side of the road dead from a broken neck. The magistrate could not determine whether she fell or was pushed from a moving carriage, so severe were her injuries. Caroline determined we would return to town immediately to avoid the scandal.”

  “Did you take your leave of Miss Bennet or offer your condolences to the family?” asked Darcy.

  “Bingley looked sheepishly at Darcy and stammered “Er..no..not exactly. Caroline said she would send a missive before we left.”

  “And did Miss Bingley do so?” asked the Colonel.

  “I assumed so, but I am not certain.”

  The Colonel replied, “Bingley we must speak with sister. She might be able to clarify matters.”

  “Of course, I shall have her summoned immediately.”

  As Bingley went to inform a footman of his request, the Colonel leaned closer to his cousin and spoke only for his ears. “Calm yourself cousin. We will never get anything useful from Miss Bingley if you antagonize her.”