Murdering a Bennet, page 26
“While in London, Mr. Bingley met Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy provided the name of a highly qualified physician. Mr. Darcy’s return to Netherfield with Mr. Bingley also surprised me. In fact, I questioned him on his appearance, but his words to me assured me he only meant to help in any way possible. He is an honorable man, Lizzy. I think you will like him once you become better acquainted with him.” He did not believe her mental state ready to learn about Mr. Darcy’s affections for her. The gentleman could declare his intentions to her at a later date; a time when she would be ready to hear about his true feelings for her.
“Did he play chess with me while I was recovering?” She had vague recollections of many events and wondered if this one was true. It was, she silently admitted, a good memory of her time while at Netherfield.
“I mentioned to him you played. We thought playing might help your memory. I also think he did not believe me when I told him you won as many matches as you lost,” he chuckled.
Elizabeth chuckled in return; the first real laugh he had heard from his daughter since before the attack. This laugh caused her eyes to sparkle and caused him to hope his daughter finally had returned to them.
Those games had been one of Elizabeth’s happier recollections, so she laughed as she asked, “Did he discover you spoke the truth?” She believed she remembered winning at least one match.
“Yes. I believe he went easy on you during the first match because it ended too quickly. He did not make it easy for you during the second match, and even though you still won, it was a very evenly played game. Your skills greatly impressed him.” He patted her hands in her lap with his free hand.
“Did Jane and Mr. Bingley really marry?” Elizabeth felt like she had missed so much but still did not realize the extent of the mental and emotional injuries.
“Yes. Within a day of Mr. Bingley returning from London, they were married.” He laughed again.
After all the horror and pain she had shared with him, she was pleased he could still find some humor in other situations she shared.
“So quickly?” This surprised her. Who would have thought Jane would agree to marry in such a short time.
“I believe Mr. Bingley and your sister felt it better to marry without the aid of your mother, and had they waited, Jane would not have been able to remain at Netherfield to tend to your needs.”
“Mama did not object?” She could not understand her mother not desiring to plan an elaborate affair to show of her skills to her neighbors.
“Your mother was not informed of the marriage until afterwards. Remember, Lizzy, your younger sister had just died. Any proper arrangements would have required a wait of at least six months for half mourning. Your mother’s nerves were only one of my considerations. Jane felt it best to have a quiet ceremony with just Mary and me in attendance. You were still unconscious, so you could not attend. Jane really did regret your absence, but we all agreed it was the best arrangement possible.” At the time, he had believed it was the appropriate step, and Jane had encouraged him to agree, for all she wanted was to marry the man she loved and stay by her sister’s side.
“And I missed seeing her married,” Elizabeth said forlornly. They had always agreed to stand up with each other, and she had missed her opportunity. “Tell me everything about the time after the attack. What was it really like for me, and for you and the family?”
Thereafter, Mr. Bennet gave his daughter an honest accounting of her time while unconsciousness, then in a state of shock, and finally conscious but without much of a memory. It took a greater part of the morning to cover everything including the family changes, which occurred because of Lydia’s scandalous behavior. Her father’s strong actions surprised, pleased, and impressed Elizabeth, and she hoped her youngest sister would eventually benefit from the new regulations she would live under. Elizabeth had always wished for a governess in the household when she was younger, but her mother declared it a waste of money because anything her daughters needed to know she felt she could teach them. How wrong her mother had been, for she never taught her youngest daughter how to behave as a proper young lady.
Elizabeth remembered how their Aunt Gardiner had instructed Jane and her about proper manners as young ladies. As memories of the times Jane and she spent in London resurfaced, she smiled at the kindness and care their aunt had showered upon them. Unfortunately, their aunt had been unable to provide the same education for the younger Bennet sisters because of the growth of her own family.
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While Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth traveled home, Darcy and Bingley passed through four more villages receiving the same response from those questioned. “No, Sir. Seen no one like that fer more than three, maybe four months.”
Upon reaching the fifth village with the same response, the gentlemen decided Mr. Collins must have gone in a different direction. It was late afternoon on Sunday, and they were only fifteen miles from Meryton, so they decided to return to Netherfield. Darcy hoped they might discover something had been heard from Mr. Collins or Elizabeth. If no word had arrived, Darcy planned on mounting a full-scale search for Elizabeth including calling for the services of some Bow Street runners and requesting the militia’s assistance. He felt the help would be given considering they were tracking a murderer.
Chapter Twenty-Four
(Sunday, April 26th)
Mr. Bennet, although wishing he could return Elizabeth to her own home, realized the folly of such an action. With Mr. Collins still free, he might attempt to once again harm his beloved daughter. So, he had directed his coachman to Netherfield where he would leave her under the protection of Jane’s household. He also hoped Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy might have returned from their search. He held no hopes they would have found the scoundrel; if they had been successful, he would have heard from them sooner.
While passing through Meryton, Mr. Bennet informed Elizabeth he would return her to Netherfield. He had long since returned to the opposite side of the coach to allow Elizabeth some extra space.
“Why?” She was surprised he would not want her at home.
“Mr. Collins has not been caught, yet. You will be safer at Netherfield.”
“What about Miss Bingley? She helped Mr. Collins abduct me.” She felt she could not reside in the same house as someone who meant her harm. In fact, she shivered and wrapped her arms protectively around her body at the thought.
“You no longer need to worry about her.” Mr. Bennet pulled one of her hands away from its position around her and patted it reassuringly.
Elizabeth doubted her father’s reassurance, and her raised eyebrow revealed her skepticism. He knew the look for he often used it himself when encountering his wife and youngest daughters.
“Miss Bingley is no longer at Netherfield. Her aunt and Jane had her packed and transported north early the following morning.” He still held her hand.
“Her aunt?” Elizabeth thought aloud, and then she remembered another older lady who had been in residence while she resided there. “Mr. Bingley’s aunt. Yes. I believe I remember her,” Elizabeth finally said as more memories flooded back.
“You will like her. You liked her when you still struggled to remember. She is a very intelligent lady. I have had some very interesting conversations with her during my visits.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Much more interesting than any conversation you have had with Mama, I presume.”
“Indeed.” He chuckled in return and released her hand. He was pleased to see she had relaxed and both hands returned to her lap.
“Just remember you are married.”
“I doubt your mother would ever let me forget such a fact,” her father chuckled again. “It does not mean I cannot enjoy the conversation of an intelligent lady, however.”
Elizabeth laughed softly, but watched her father’s expression. She could tell he was truly impressed with Mrs. Gunther. Remembering the lady’s name, gave Elizabeth a feeling of assurance about her returning memory.
“I am happy Jane sent Miss Bingley away. I never trusted the lady before my memory loss, and I have even less reason to trust her now.” Elizabeth shifted in her seat trying to determine how close they were to Netherfield, now she knew their destination. Her father’s voice drew her back to the conversation.
“I believe Jane is finally learning she cannot trust everyone. It has been a hard lesson for her to learn, but I am hoping it will be a beneficial lesson.”
“As do I.” Her words were sincere.
By this time, they were nearing Netherfield, and Elizabeth gazed out the window again hoping to see her sister. Her father had sent no message telling Jane when they would arrive, but if positions had been reversed, Elizabeth would have been watching and waiting at any window with a good view of the drive. As soon as she saw a coach approaching the house, she would rush expectantly out of the door. Even as she thought of her own actions, she laughed as she saw Jane coming out the front door. She also noticed her sister gripping her hands, a sure sign of her sister’s anxiety.
“So like Jane.” She murmured to no one in particular, and her father smiled in response to her softly spoken words.
Elizabeth could hardly contain herself at the sight of her sister, but she knew she had to wait for the coach to stop and for someone to hand her down. She could not afford to jump out of the coach like she might have because she had realized, while resting at the Morton’s home, her ankle must have been twisted at some point during her escape or walk. Not a serious injury, but one needing tender treatment.
“Oh, Lizzy!” Jane cried as she rushed toward the coach.
Elizabeth knew Jane would recognize her because she had let the window down and leaned slightly out so she could wave to her sister letting her know she was well.
“Jane!” Elizabeth responded.
The step was quickly let down, and Mr. Bennet departed first. He then held his hand out for his daughter. As soon as possible, Jane and Elizabeth embraced and wept on each other. Jane, slightly taller, laid her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder, while Elizabeth leaned against her sister’s shoulder.
Their father, while they still embraced, ushered them lovingly into the house before he excused himself. “I must attend to some immediate business,” he informed them. “I will join you as soon as I am finished.”
Elizabeth had no idea what business he might mean, but Jane suspected he would contact Sir William and the constable.
Much needed saying between the two sisters, so they retired to the drawing room and chose to sit comfortably beside each other, but before they could begin, they heard male voices entering the front door. Jane promptly jumped up from her seat and rushed toward the drawing room doors. As soon as they opened, she threw her arms around her husband saying, “She is safe. She is home.”
Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy standing right behind Mr. Bingley, and her eyes locked with his as soon as his gazed fixed on her. Never before had she felt such a fluttering near her heart as she did when she saw him. She could not explain her reaction, but she felt extremely pleased to see him. Rising, she greeted him in the only way allowable; she gave him a slight but pleasant smile. He quickly moved past the embracing couple and reached her side. As he reached her, he bowed, and still smiling, she responded with a curtsey.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am extremely pleased to see you safe. How were you able to get away from your cousin?” His question mirrored the same one her sister had meant to ask only moments before the men returned.
It pleased Elizabeth she would only have to give the account one more time, but she was still unaware she would have to share the story with Sir William and the constable. Just before the gentlemen had returned to Netherfield, Mr. Bennet had sent a footman with messages to Sir William and the constable requesting their presence as soon as possible at Netherfield Park. With the return of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet breathed a sigh of relief realizing Elizabeth would only have to give one more accounting of the events leading to the death of Kitty and her near death. He had no desire for her to dwell on those events any more than necessary.
Before Elizabeth began speaking, Jane, having already rung for tea, served everyone and offered cold meats, cheese, fruit, and biscuits. This allowed all to have a little nourishment after a long day, which was only to get longer.
After everyone finished enjoying the small repast, Elizabeth repeated the account about her abduction and escape to the present company, which not only included her father, sister, and the two gentlemen, but also Mrs. Gunther, Georgiana, and Mary, who had joined the sisters at the same time as the gentlemen had returned. As she spoke, she fixed her gaze most often on Mr. Darcy. She watched his face take on a hard, displeased expression, and at first, she thought his displeasure focused on her until he noticed her watching him, and then he smiled kindly at her. Although unsure of what caused his fiercer look, she felt uncomfortable about questioning him.
About the time she finished her narrative, Sir William and Mr. Quincy, the constable, were shown into the drawing room. With their presence, Elizabeth once again related the events of the attack, but first she questioned if Mr. Darcy wished his sister to be present for her narrative of events might be found too sensitive for Georgiana.
Georgiana protested this idea. “If Miss Mary is allowed to stay, then I request the same privilege. We are near enough in age,” she declared.
Her open defense of her continuing presence surprised her brother. Before coming to Netherfield, she would have bowed to her brother’s preferences. Darcy moved over to his sister’s side saying, “I will consent to you remaining, but if I notice you becoming distressed, I will insist you leave the room.”
“I will be fine, William. I foresee no problems. Now, please allow Miss Lizzy to tell us her recollections of the event.” Georgiana remained calm and determined.
Darcy and Elizabeth both chuckled softly at Georgiana’s comment, but then Elizabeth slowly began to reveal everything she remembered about the attack on her and the death of her sister, providing the same details she shared with her father.
Mr. Bennet had earlier seen his daughter’s reactions as she spoke, so this time, he watched Mr. Darcy. He noted every facial expression, from shock to compassion to anger to outrage, and he knew the man would gladly put the noose around Mr. Collins’ neck if he were given the choice. As he watched Mr. Darcy, he began to wonder how long it would take for the man to approach him requesting his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Mr. Quincy stopped her only once to ask if she was certain of the identity of her attacker. She and her father gave him a disapproving look, and he only responded, “I must be sure you are not mistaken in your identification.”
“I can assure you Mr. Quincy. Just because he wore an officer’s red coat did not mean I could not identify him. I knew who he was the moment he said my name, and this was before I actually saw his face.”
“I had to be sure,” he replied again.
Elizabeth continued with her story, but everyone noticed when the tears began to slide gently down her cheeks. It still hurt her to remember seeing her sister murdered, and she did not think she would ever banish the memory of her sister’s dead eyes staring at her.
When she finished her narrative, Mr. Quincy asked her about her kidnapping and if she was sure she could identify the man who had taken her. Again, she assured him she knew the man, and her identification was not in error.
“As soon as he is apprehended, I will see him charged with murder. I fear it will mean you giving testimony about the event. I think we would all prefer not to mention his assault other than it being an attempt to murder you.” Mr. Quincy looked to Mr. Bennet for understanding of the necessity.
“I would prefer if my daughter did not have to give her testimony in person. I fear what my cousin will say against her. Even though we will all know it is lies, we cannot be sure how his solicitor might make it look, or how it might damage her reputation. The fact he murdered Kitty, however, should prove much against him.” Mr. Bennet turned to Mr. Darcy. “Will your aunt offer him her support? Will she claim he was at Hunsford when the attack occurred?”
Darcy wondered the same thing, but then his sister spoke up.
“If my aunt claims he was in Hunsford, I can supply a letter which proves he was not. My cousin, Anne de Bourgh wrote to me about Mr. Collins’ return to Hunsford. Her letter led William and Mr. Bingley into suspecting Mr. Collins as the murderer. My cousin gave details about Mr. Collins’ condition when he returned from his visit to Longbourn, and she mentioned the date of his return. I think it will prove helpful information for whoever prosecutes him.”
“This will prove helpful.” Mr. Quincy and Sir William agreed. “Do you happen to have the letter with you?” Mr. Quincy added.
“Yes. It is safely locked in my writing box up in my room,” she assured them.
“Good, good!” Sir William declared.
Chapter Twenty-Five
(Sunday, April 26th – Evening)
Once Elizabeth completed her narration the gentlemen began a discussion about what could be done to find and arrest Mr. Collins. Losing interest in the gentlemen’s conversation, Elizabeth pulled her sister off to a corner where they were far enough away to speak quietly. Her curiosity about Miss Bingley needed satisfaction.
“Tell me, Jane. What occurred with Miss Bingley the morning after my disappearance? Father says you sent her away.” Elizabeth took her sister’s hand in both of hers.
“First,” Jane squeezed her sister’s hands, “I must tell you one of the maids saw you leaving the house with Caroline and turning you over to our cousin. The maid said you seemed unable to walk properly, and we suspect Caroline put something in the tea she served you after supper. Since the maid saw everything and heard bits and pieces of their conversation, we were able to piece together what happened. Charles and Mr. Darcy left immediately to search for you. I did not send a note to Papa until morning.”
