Page 27 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Chapter 11
A Continuation of this Same Day
After Sir William and the other gentlemen had inspected the body, they covered Wickham with a blanket. They assigned a footman to stand guard as they awaited the arrival of another magistrate from another jurisdiction. Then a carriage had been sent to Longbourn, and everyone reconvened in the drawing room.
Darcy suspected Bingley and Fitzwilliam knew Wickham would not have survived the initial wounds inflicted by his sister. It was also true that those wounds inflicted by Miss Lucas and his cousin were pure defense against the act of a dying man bent on revenge.
Darcy was surprised out of his thoughts when his cousin Anne came to his side, but said, “I apologize for upsetting Lady Catherine. Though necessary to make her accept our decision, I did not intend—”
“It was long overdue, and I am thankful. You say you are in Miss Lucas’s debt, Darcy. Rosings and I are in yours. I will clear that debt by inviting Miss Lucas to Rosings, allowing any rumors to settle. To extend our protection of our name and family in return for which you have ever extended us.”
Darcy noted that, like himself, none attempted to deny Anne her plan. To him, it made sense, both for Anne’s professed reason and that he considered his cousin and Miss Lucas to be of similar intelligence and temperament. If it was because she made an astonishing suggestion or because she spoke up at all, it mattered not. When their cousin Fitzwilliam agreed, Darcy knew any disagreement that might have come would now not. Their cousin’s acceptance was of equal import to them all.
“No one shall take your daughter to prison for protecting our beloved niece, Sir William,” the earl said.
“And in defense of me,” Fitzwilliam added. “His gun was aimed at me.”
“If he were not dead, I would demand you have him hunted andIwould run him through,” Lady Matlock said, pressing her hands to her breast.
“Do you have any objection, Sir William?” Anne asked the gentleman with such directness that Darcy was again startled. Never had he thought her capable.
“If Charlotte wishes to stay for a time in Kent, she may go,” Sir William said, bowing low in his appreciation.
“Wickham has escaped comeuppance for any of his crimes since we were youths. I am indebted to you and Miss Lucas. This is an offer I support you in, Anne,” Fitzwilliam said, walking to Anne and kissing her cheek.
“I am happy to finally be of use to you, Richard. You will never owe me a debt. Those I owe you are too great.”
“There is no debt between us, Anne. There never was.” Fitzwilliam patted her hand.
“You do not think of my daughter as a murderess?” Sir William whispered, his voice hoarse from the strain of his emotions.
“Never, sir. Wickham was the orchestrator of his own death. My sister protected herself against his ill intent. AndMiss Lucas and my cousin defended my sister. The man was a gamester, a dissolute, and a blackguard,” Darcy interjected.
“Then you need not leave Meryton once this business is cleared up, Charlotte.” Sir William turned to his daughter, who looked stunned by the exchange.
The countess held up a hand. “There are always rumors. I believe it would be best for Miss Lucas to stay at Rosings for an extended period. Allow any talk to subside. The Fitzwilliams and Darcys are in her debt, a debt that can never be repaid. Whatever is asked, we will find a way to see it done.”
Darcy well understood when Sir William all but fell to his knees in relief. Having done the same in the gardens, he moved to pour then pass to Sir William a glass of whiskey.
“I believe I was perfectly understood. I have every intention of taking Charlotte to Rosings Park with me,” Anne said again. “Sir William, when you and this other magistrate complete your inquiry, you will find my cousin Darcy correct. My certainty comes from William’s rarely being in the wrong and Richard never so. They agree your daughter holds no blame. Therefore, it must be true, and will be judged such.”
Darcy added, “Miss Lucas, please know, you and Miss Elizabeth are welcome at Pemberley all of your days. My sister and I will look forward to you visiting often.”
“We are to visit often? Is there a carriage which is at my disposaloften?” Elizabeth asked, her brow arching at him.
“If it is your wish to visit, you shall be given the means to do so. Both Ana and I want you with us, you see.”
“I am certain Miss Elizabeth and I will enjoy all visits Miss Lucas and Anne make to Pemberley, Brother,” Georgiana said merrily, likely believing her matchmaking now to be bearing fruit.
Though aware his declarations, spoken in passionate defense and not born of contemplation, gave Georgiana reasonto hope, Darcy did not retract his words. The moment the wounded Wickham reached for the gun, Darcy had clutched Miss Elizabeth and his sister behind him and had been willing to die in their stead. He could no longer deny that he was falling in love with Miss Elizabeth.
Darcy found himself unable to fault his sister when Georgiana said she would rest before dinner. He felt exhaustion pulling at him. It was countered only by the more pressing wish to speak with Fitzwilliam alone.
Once Miss Bennet arrived, the gentlemen removed to the study with Colonel Forster for further discussion of the death of Lieutenant Wickham. The magistrate from the next closest market town had arrived five hours after the gunshot. He knew because the moment was burned into his mind with such vivid clarity that he could never forget it.
After seeing his sister, Miss Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth to Georgiana’s room, Darcy walked down the stairs to speak to his cousin and uncle. He was surprised to find Fitzwilliam and Miss Lucas talking outside the study. Darcy stopped some feet away in the corridor.
“Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. We may have defended her, but you taught her how to shoot. You are the very example of a guardian I would wish every young lady might know.”
