Page 26 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I am well aware of the man’s heinousness, Aunt. I am counted amongst those he has importuned.” Miss Darcy stood tall when she made her declaration.
“Georgiana,” the countess gasped.
“He tried to convince me I loved him, to elope with him to Gretna Green. Brother will tell you I speak the truth. It was my dowry he wanted. He needed theblunt, he called it, when William found us in company and demanded that he account for his being in Ramsgate. Every lie he spoke to me, he repeated to Miss King—a near exact echo. Comprehending how foolish I had been made me ill. I had believed he loved me. I am so very foolish.” Miss Darcy was shaking by the time she finished speaking.
“When Eliza and I came down the drive, we heard her yell for help. Miss Darcy screamed her demand that he not touch her. Miss Darcy only defended herself against the man attempting to harm her,” Charlotte said. Elizabeth joined her in hugging the girl as any sister might.
“He hurt her.” Elizabeth lifted one of Miss Darcy’s sleeves to show the bruising.
“His joining the militia means it is probable that he attempted to hide from debts he could not pay. I suspect he believed the army would protect him.” Mr. Darcy moved to stand behind his sister and Elizabeth.
“Where is the lout?” Colonel Forster demanded, storming into the room.
It was obvious he had expected to be in the exclusive company of men. He stopped short, wincing when he saw the ladies.
Bingley said, “Lord and Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss de Bourgh, Miss Darcy. May I introduce Colonel Forster of the regiment? Colonel, you have arrived before I have had time to message you.”
After announcing that Captain Denny was the man who accompanied him, Colonel Forster snapped to attention, executing the sharpest of salutes to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“At ease, Forster. Please.” Fitzwilliam extended a hand.
“Colonel, it’s an honor—” Forster cut himself off at the shake of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s head.
“Such deference from a man of equal rank? I would dearly like to know why he thinks it such an honor to meet you, Richard,” the countess challenged both men with a seeming benign inquest.
“A decision I made put my life in danger but spared the lives of most of those men under my command. It was done in haste, and I captured their commander before the enemy could evade us. Their men surrendered and shall be able to return home at the end of this blasted war,” Fitzwilliam said in a succinct explanation.
A hush fell when the countess pursed her lips, apart from Miss Darcy’s crying out in fear of her cousin.
Her Ladyship eyed her son but only said, “I believe you were speaking of the deceased, Colonel Forster. If so, then your proclamation is accurate.”
“Deceased? Denny told me Wickham had come to Netherfield Park to see some old friends. He has now missed his duty a third time, so I came to collect himpersonally,” Colonel Forster said.
“A friend he wasnot,” Mr. Darcy declared.
“So I learnt today. There is a Bow Street Runner who has tracked him to my regiment.” Colonel Forster said, looking bewildered. “Forgive me, Miss Lucas, but are you harmed?”
“I thank you, Colonel, but no. We are only a little shocked,” Charlotte said, her insides wincing when she saw her father’s distress.
“Sir William, if I am not needed, I must return to Longbourn. I know my family will soon be worried, if they are not already. We expect our cousin’s arrival today, and our mother wishes us all to be present,” Elizabeth said, both breaking the silence and leaning to kiss Charlotte’s cheek.
The two of them took notice of Miss Darcy’s turmoil with the suggestion of Elizabeth’s departure.
“Might I send a note to ask your mother if you might stay the night? Perhaps Miss Bennet might come with your things and also remain here with us?” Miss Darcy asked with hope shining in her wide, tear-filled eyes.
Charlotte knew Elizabeth would agree even before Elizabeth did.
“If it is your wish. But I would think this is a night to visit with your cousins and your aunt and uncle.”
“Please, I also wish you and Miss Lucas to stay with me, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Of course. Though you were able to vanquish the monsters as well as any knight may have done,” Elizabeth said with a small laugh. “As you wish.”
With Elizabeth, Miss Darcy moved to a small table to pen the request.
“And you shall remain, too, Miss Lucas,” Miss de Bourgh said, walking across the room to where Charlotte stood.
Charlotte was too surprised and too impressed with the lady, who did not wait for permission or agreement before objecting.
