Page 3 of Until My Last Breath

Elizabeth turned her head and read the newspaper headlines.

“Another lady is missing in London. Again, family and authorities discarded the possibility of an elopement and the case is being regarded as another heinous crime...”

“Ah, Lizzy,” Mr Bennet said, folding the paper as he noticed her eyes on it. “Are you too busy? I know you must be very… well, engaged preparing your things. But considering you are going to stay away for the next six weeks, would you care…” — he lowered his voice and looked over her shoulder at the door — “…to join me in our little ‘training’?”

At his invitation, Elizabeth forgot about everything else. “Thank you, Papa. I would like it very much,” she whispered merrily.

Half an hour later, they were in the old barn used to house the cattle in wintertime.

“Lizzy,” Mr Bennet said, his hands on her shoulders. “As an old man, I think it does not benefit you to keep fencing only with me, especially after what has happened to my leg.” He was referring to the accident he had had some years ago. He paused, considering that now he had some other concerns for his daughters, especially after following the news about the missing ladies. “So today I have invited one of your old friends to join us. Mr Lucas?” he called, turning from Elizabeth. “Would you mind joining us?”

A young man in his mid-twenties stepped out from behind a large pile of hay and approached father and daughter with a shy smile.

“Papa! I thought it was supposed to be our secret. How could you ask John to join us?”

Mr Bennet smiled. “Ah! I can understand your concern, Lizzy. But it should be enough to say I caught Mr Lucas here kissing your sister Kitty in this very place some days ago. He asked for her hand, as it should be expected, professing his love for her, but also begging me not to tell his father. Until their engagement can be announced, I proposed to exchange one favour for another — or rather, one secret for another.” Mr Bennetchuckled at his own wit, then sobered. “I know he is a worthy opponent. It will do you good to train with someone younger, stronger and with better techniques than I can ever teach you.”

John Lucas, Charlotte’s youngest brother — who had perfected his skills as a swordsman at Cambridge, one of the best centres in the country in that sport — had recently finished his studies and returned home to help with his father’s political career. After Sir William’s knighthood, his business had been prospering, and his son would make an invaluable contribution to his works.

Elizabeth’s gaze rested on her future brother-in-law with warm affection. “Well, John, it seems like your secret has at last been discovered,” Elizabeth said, turning her smile to her frowning father. “But is my secret safe with you?”

They both smiled — John in a nervous way. He had been nurturing a secret love for Catherine since before he had left for university, promising her he would come back and marry her.

“I can guarantee it is, Lizzy. Now,” John quickly said, rubbing his hands, and before Mr Bennet could make further enquiries about the meaning of her mischievous words, he added, “show me what you can do. I confess to being surprised when Mr Bennet told me you were an excellent swordsman… um, well, swordswoman? Is there such a word?”

Elizabeth laughed, rearranging her clothes. She was wearing an old-fashioned riding attire not well adjusted to fit her now womanly frame. Her auburn hair was braided and pinned up in a single bun; not very fashionable, but much more efficient.

“I do not think so, John. But it does not matter, does it?” Elizabeth said, fetching her sword, an old sabre. She moved it in the air, testing its weight and balance, nodding towards John in approval. “What really matters is what I can do with a sword.”

They positioned themselves, and John indicated that she should be the one to start.

As the attacks and defences progressed, so did the complexity of their moves. John was fascinated by Elizabeth’s skills and decided to trysomething more audacious. Once or twice, she was taken by surprise when John stopped his sword just under her chin, or in the middle of her chest. They paused for a short time, just long enough for him to explain to her how to attack in the same way. She was delighted. A quarter of an hour later, Elizabeth had managed to imitate his moves. An hour later, she could attack and defend almost as well as he could.

“You are a fast learner, Lizzy,” John said still panting when their training ended. “I hope never to be a real enemy for you. I assure you that any man who underestimates your abilities will be sadly surprised.”

Exhausted and absolutely joyous, she thanked him, and they left.

Back home, a spent Elizabeth, ironically, found the energy to finish her packing. And when that arduous task was at last accomplished, she sat on her bed and thought about the weeks to come.

Chapter 2

4th April 1812

On the following day, Darcy’s staff had everything prepared, and he and his valet departed just after sunrise. Some minutes later, his cousin, Richard, joined them when the carriage stopped in front of Darcy’s uncle’s townhouse some streets ahead.

“Good morning, Darcy. Morning, Wilfred,” Richard greeted them with his usual enthusiasm. “I cannot wait to see Aunt Catherine and… Anne. Do you not agree, Darcy? I believe you share my feelings…” he added, winking and laughing.

The valet bowed his head, and Darcy did the same, releasing a long breath. It would not do to start the day being baited by his cousin. Richard had always teased him about their aunt’s wish for Darcy to marry her daughter, Anne.

They left London and after reaching the main road, the carriage set a comfortable pace, despite the recent rains. After some time looking outside the window, Darcy turned and saw Wilfred dozing. Wilfred had been serving his family since before Darcy was born. His sixty years of age were now taking their toll on the old man’s disposition.

Turning to his cousin, Darcy found Richard staring at him. “Good Lord, Richard! What do you mean by looking at me like that? Are you trying to scare me?”

“No, but I can see you have been unhappy about something. What is it?” Richard had been observing Darcy in the last weeks since arriving for his new assignment in London.

Wilfred snored and moved his head slightly.

Richard left his seat beside Darcy and sat in front of him, looking him in the eyes. “I know I have been a thorn in your side our entire lives, but you know I care for you like you were my brother.”

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