The Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet Page 8

  “Darcy! How glad I am to see you. It has been far too long.”

  “This is not a social call Bingley,” Darcy replied coldly.

  It was at that moment that Bingley took notice of the others and saw Lizzie.

  “Why it is Miss Elizabeth! How surprised I am to see you again! I was informed that you eloped with a member of the militia and left the country.”

  Darcy cut Bingley off and asked if they could all remove to his study for a private conversation. Before they seated themselves, Darcy introduced the magistrate and the constable.

  Bingley was truly baffled as he looked from one person to another.

  Darcy produced the signed confession from his inside pocket and handed it to Bingley. “Once you have read this, all will be explained.’

  Bingley took the paper and began to read. After a few minutes, he face paled and his hands shook.

  “This cannot be true,” his voice hoarse and low.

  “It is as you see. That is why the magistrate and the constable have come to arrest your sister Caroline. Please have her summoned here.”

  Bingley did as requested and sat is stunned silence until Caroline Bingley entered the room.

  She glided into the room waving one hand in the air. “What is so important that I had to attend you immediately? I was preparing to call on Mrs. Benton.” Suddenly, she caught sight of the others in the room, especially Darcy, and softened her tone.

  “Why Mr. Darcy! I did not notice you at first sir. How lovely it is to see you again. It has been way too long since we have had the pleasure of your company.”

  “Sit down Caroline, and be quiet!”

  Caroline was shocked at the severity with which her brother spoke to her but did as she was told. It was then she noticed Lizzie. She blanched but then recovered her composure.

  “Eliza Bennet! Whatever are you doing here?” she sneered. “The gossip in Hertfordshire had you eloping with a soldier and living on the continent.”

  Lizzie raised her chin and looked Miss Bingley directly in the eye. “And who spread such gossip Miss Bingley, if not yourself?”

  Miss Bingley assumed a haughty countenance and sneered, “I am sure I do not know of what you speak. Why would I concern myself with one so decidedly beneath me?”

  “That is enough!” Darcy roared. “I will not have my wife insulted in any manner by the likes of you! The magistrate and the constable have George Wickham’s signed confession implicating you in the abduction of my wife and the murders of Mr. Bennet and Lydia Bennet. They are here to arrest you for your complicity in these crimes.”

  Caroline paled and turned to her brother. “Do something Charles,” she begged.

  “Oh Caroline, what have you done?” he sadly asked. “They will hang you.”

  “All I ever wanted was to be mistress of Pemberley! I was educated and groomed to be Mrs. Darcy, not this low-born, uneducated hoyden with no manner of style or accomplishments whatsoever!”

  Bingley interrupted her rant. “That is enough Caroline! You must now go with these gentlemen.”

  She appeared to gain her composure and calmly said, “Very well, but allow me to gather a few of my things to take with me.”

  Bingley sent her maid with her to pack what she wish to take with her to prison.

  A few minutes later, they heard a terrifying scream from above and all ran into the hallway as Miss Bingley’s maid came running down the stairs.

  “Oh sir, I could not stop her,” she wailed. “Miss Bingley threw herself out of the window and I am fearful that she is dead.”

  Darcy turned to Lizzie and asked her to wait in the house. Lizzie complied as that was one sight she did not wish to witness. When Darcy and the gentlemen returned to the house, he embraced his wife. “She is dead. Are you well my love?”

  Lizzie clung to Darcy. “I never expected that William.”

  “She knew she would have been hung for her crimes and took the cowards’ way out. Do not feel any compassion for her Elizabeth as she brought this all upon herself. Let us go home now. We are not needed here as the magistrate and constable have the situation well in hand.”

  Lizzie took Darcy’s arm and together with the Colonel, they returned to Darcy House.

  Once settled in his study, Darcy poured the Colonel and himself a large brandy and a smaller one for Lizzie. They sat in silence, each one contemplating the events of the day.

  Darcy finally spoke, “Richard, we still have to confront the Countess. You do not have to come with us if you feel it would too painful for you.”

  “It will be painful Darcy, but I must confront her myself. I am so ashamed of her behavior and I do not know how the Earl is going to react when he learns of her treachery. I must be present, and I am going with you. May I suggest we speak privately with the Earl first before we confront my mother?”

  Darcy took Lizzie’s and asked “Sweetheart, are you in agreement with this plan? You do not have to accompany us to Matlock House if you do not want to. This has been a very emotional day for you.”

  Lizzie replied, “I must see this through to the end William. I am going with you.”

  Still grasping Lizzie’s hand in his Darcy stood. “Then there is no time like the present. Let us be on our way.”

  Chapter 17

  “Where is my father?” asked the Colonel of the Matlock house butler as he handed him his hat and outerwear.

  “The Earl is in his study,” the butler replied.

  “And the Countess? Is she at home?”

  “M’Lady is upstairs sir.”

  “Please see that we are not disturbed Sloan,” and led Darcy and Lizzie to the Earl’s study.

  After knocking and receiving permission, they entered the study.

  The Earl was sitting behind his desk perusing correspondence but stood when he noticed a lady was among their party.

  “Richard, what brings you here today? And Darcy, it is good to see you nephew. We see you too infrequently. Will you introduce me to your companion?”

  “Uncle, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth, may I present my uncle, the Earl of Matlock.”

  Although stunned by his nephew’s announcement, the Earl bowed and Lizzie curtseyed.

  “Well this certainly is a surprise Darcy, but then you were always a dark horse!”

  “I must ask you to withhold your inquiries regarding my marriage for the time being uncle. We are here regarding a very grave matter.”

  “Please be seated and pray continue.”

  Darcy removed Wickham’s confession from his coat pocket and passed it to his uncle. “I think it best if you read this first. It is the reason why we have come here today.”

  The Earl took the paper from Darcy and began to read. His countenance displayed shock and then darkened when he finished.

  “Is this true?” he demanded.

  “I am sorry to say it is so father.”

  “I do not believe your mother was a co-conspirator to murder and kidnapping. What of the others? Have they been apprehended?”

  “Wickham has been arrested and will probably hang for his crimes and Caroline Bingley is dead by her own hand. I found it unbelievable that the Countess was involved as well and that is why we must speak with her.”

  The Earl stood and ran his hand over his face. “Not even my status as a peer of the realm can contain the ruin and scandal that will reign down on our family.”

  He then faced Lizzie. “Were you the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet mentioned by Wickham?”

  “I was, your Lordship, and it was my family that suffered death and destruction at the hands of these miscreants.”

  “I am truly sorry for your losses and all that you have endured. But I must speak with the Countess.”

  He then rang for his butler and when he appeared asked for Lady Matlock to be summoned to his study.

  “Her Ladyship has left the house M’Lord.”

  “When did she leave?”

&nb
sp; “Immediately after Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with Mr. Darcy and the lady. She called for her carriage to take her to Rosings. I should also mention sir, that she took your two dueling pistols with her.”

  The Earl waited until the butler closed the door before speaking.

  “She is going to confront Catherine.”

  “No father,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “she is going to kill Aunt Catherine. I suggest we make haste and go to Rosings as quickly as possible.”

  “I agree with you Richard. My carriage is outside and we can leave at once,” stated Darcy.

  When the others left the room, Darcy brought Lizzie close to his side and spoke softly. “You do not have to go with us, my love. I fear that it will be a very unpleasant encounter with my aunts. But the decision is yours.”

  “I am decided to go with you William.”

  “Very well, let us be on our way.”

  Chapter 18

  The Earl led the way into Rosings and immediately confronted the butler. Where are Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine?” he demanded.

  Lady Matlock is upstairs with her ladyship in the front parlor,” replied the butler.

  Before anyone could ascend the staircase, a shot rang out. All three men charged up the stairs. Lizzie followed slowly, afraid of what tragedy awaited them in the front parlor.

  Lord Matlock threw open the door and all three men observed Lady Matlock with a pistol in each hand. Lady Catherine laid slump on the carpet, a bullet hole between her eyes. Blood had already started to pool around her head.

  Lady Matlock threw the discharged pistol away and held the other one to her head.

  “Stay back!” she yelled. “Do not enter!”

  “Elaine, please put down the gun,” the Earl pleaded. “Whatever has happened can be put to rights. There is no need for this.”

  “No Edward,” the Countess replied. “This cannot be put to rights. I observed our son arrive with our nephew and Miss Bennet. I knew that my misdeeds had come to light. I know you know all as well. How disgraceful I acted in doing this evil woman’s bidding. By ridding the world of her presence, I have put matters to right.” She sadly looked at Darcy and said, “I am sorry nephew, so very, very sorry.” She placed the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger. Her body fell to the floor.

  All were shocked and no one moved until Colonel Fitzwilliam let out a piercing scream.

  The Earl put an arm around his son and asked Darcy to take his son and his wife downstairs. “I will follow shortly. I believe a good stiff brandy is in order.”

  Darcy handed his uncle a large brandy as soon as he entered the parlor. He drank it swiftly and held his hand out for a refill. Only after Darcy obliged his uncle, did the Earl speak.

  “Darcy, I think it best if you took your wife back to town. Richard and I will settle matters. I have sent for the magistrate, Sir Henry Horne, who happens to be an old and dear friend of mine. I will tell him that Lady Matlock brought my grandfather’s pistols to Rosings at Catherine’s request. The pistols discharged as they were being examined. I know Sir Henry will raise an eyebrow and doubt the explanation but I trust him and know that he will not question my account of the shootings. I have requested two coffins be brought immediately. Richard, I need for you to remain here and assist me with placing the bodies in the coffins. There will be no viewing or service and the bodies will be interred with haste. If all goes according to plan, we shall be able to return to town on the morrow. I need to meet with Anne’s solicitor and learn the particulars of her will. You do know that Anne, and not her mother, inherited Rosings from her father, although Catherine never allow her control over the estate or her monies.”

  “Father, you do know that there will be much gossip and speculation among the ton.”

  “I am aware of that Richard and it will have to be dealt with. But I also know that another scandal will replace it and it will be forgotten in time.”

  The Earl stood and extended his hand to Darcy. “Now Darcy, I believe that you and Mrs. Darcy should be on your way. You should not be here when Sir Henry arrives.”

  Farewells were tendered and the Darcys exited the house.

  Chapter 19

  Darcy held his wife closely to him on the ride back to town. Neither one spoke for some time and just held each other. When they arrived at Darcy House, Darcy ordered baths drawn and dinner trays sent to their room.

  Before they ascended the stairs, he took her hand and said, “Elizabeth, I will be with you shortly. I want to send an express to Georgiana to let her know of your return and our marriage. She will share the joyous news with your sisters. We should be at Pemberley within a sennight. The other events can wait until we arrive. Do you concur my love?”

  “Oh yes, William, I do concur most heartfully. I can hardly wait to see Pemberley and our sisters.”

  “Do you still wish to stop at Longbourn?”

  “Yes William, I do and I wish to see my dear friend Charlotte Lucas and and visit the graves of my parents and sister.”

  “As you wish my love,” he said as he bent and kissed her hand.

  The Darcys arrived late in the breakfast room the next day to find Colonel Fitzwilliam sipping a cup of coffee.

  “Cousin!” Darcy exclaimed, “you have returned already?”

  The Colonel arose and bowed to Elizabeth. “And a good day to you too! I am so glad that my presence pleases you although it is already afternoon.”

  “Of course we are pleased to see you Richard,” Lizzie said. We just did not expect to see you this soon. Has all been settled at Rosings?”

  “Once the burials took place, father was eager to return to town and visit Anne’s solicitor. And I am eager to know when you are to return to Pemberley. There is a certain lady awaiting my proposal.” At the mention of Jane Bennet, his face sported a huge grin.

  “We are planning to depart the day after tomorrow but will stop at Longbourn first. Elizabeth has some visits she wishes to make and Collins will be dealt with at that time. The magistrate and constable will accompany us as far as Longbourn and then return to town with their prisoner.”

  “Good, good,” replied the Colonel. “This will bring this sorry affair to an end and we can move forward.”

  “Richard, in all the confusion at Rosings, I did not offer you my condolences,” said Lizzie.

  “Thank you Elizabeth and I did not have the opportunity to ask for you forgiveness and apologize for the wrongs that were inflicted on you and your family by members of my own family.”

  “You did nothing wrong that you need apologize for Richard. We cannot control the actions of our family.”

  “Thank you Elizabeth. You are understanding as well as kind.”

  Two days hence found the Darcy’s coaches on the road to Longbourn with the magistrate and constable following behind.

  As they passed through Merryton, Elizabeth eagerly looked out the window at familiar sights she had not seen in over three years. She grew anxious as they drove down Longborn’s drive and squeezed Darcy’s hand.

  “Do not fret, my love. I shall not leave your side and I promise you that man will not harm you. I would protect you with my life before I allowed that to happen.”

  Tears filled her eyes and she whispered, “I love you William.”

  As the carriage pulled up to the front steps, Lizzie took note of the overgrown yard, the paint peeling on the door and shutters, and the dirty windows.

  Darcy noticed the look of dismay on Lizzie’s face as she viewed her childhood home.

  “Collins cannot keep his servants. The bookseller told me that no one in the village would work for him after his mistreatment of your family when your father died.”

  Lizzie did not reply but only nodded her head. As she descended the carriage with Darcy’s assistance, the front door flew open and there stood Mr. Collins. He was overly effusive in his greeting to Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, bowing so low that his head nearly touched the ground.

  “Welcome Mr. Darcy
and Colonel Fitzwilliam! I cannot begin to tell you how honored this humble servant is to be afforded a visit from two of the most esteemed personages as the celebrated nephews of my magnanimous patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”

  It was then that he lifted his head and his eyes alighted on Lizzie. His countenance paled, and his hands began to tremble.

  “Miss Elizabeth!” he shrieked. “Whatever are you doing here at Longbourn? I was led to believe you eloped with a soldier. I cannot allow someone of your low morals to be at Longbourn. Begone! Begone now, I say!”

  Darcy stepped forward and roughly grabbed Collins by his lapels.

  “One more insulting word against my wife and I swear I will punch you so hard that you will land in the next county!” he roared.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward and placed a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “Let us go inside and get this nasty business done with. The sooner we are away from this odious man, the better.”

  Still holding onto Collin’s lapels, Darcy dragged him into the house and threw him in a chair in which he supposed was the front parlor. His party followed behind him.

  Lizzie was even more dismayed by the condition of the inside of the house. The furnishings were dirty and shabby with an odor of foul food permeating the air. Mr. Collins himself, appeared not to have changed his clothes or bathed in some time.

  Lizzie and the four men stood in a row in front of Collins. He looked nervously from one to another. “Now see here, I will not be treated in this manner. I am an esteemed gentlemen and landowner and when my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bough is informed of my mistreatment by her nephew….”

  “Lady Catherine is dead,” Darcy interjected.

  “What?” Collins stammered.

  “Shot right between the eyes.”

  “I do not believe you!” Collins shouted.

  “We have Wickham’s signed confession implicating you in the murder of Mr. Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet. We know that you conspired in the abduction of my wife. You will hang for your crimes. These two gentlemen are the magistrate and the constable and they will be escorting you to prison.”