Chapter Thirteen
Fitzwilliam Darcy prepared for the evening filled with an equal amount of anticipation and apprehension. He very much looked forward to spending time with Mary and even planned to persuade her to take a curricle ride with him tomorrow. Lady Lydon's request to be spared more questioning after her evening out provided the opportunity. Making a promise to himself to tell her he would drive cautiously; he considered other things he wanted to accomplish during their time alone. On the top of his list was a request to bring both her sketchbook and Lizzy's as well.
Marlowe helped him dress. They decided he would not wear green again (despite it being Miss Mary's favorite colour) but instead wear the navy blue with gold buttons and the gold silk waistcoat he wanted her to embroider someday. Despite the expectation of his uncle's presence, they chose trousers instead of breeches. Kit persuaded him to wear his cravat arranged higher than usual. He agreed in the interest of appearing fashionable, despite knowing it would increase his anxiety.
He was altogether unsure what to tell his relatives about his business in Bath. At least Lady Catherine had met Mary and Lady Lydon. He would be able to tell his aunt about Miss Bennet's visit to Rosings. Lord Elderton would be an altogether different story. His countess was actually rather pleasant. She and Richard were close and shared a similar temperament. His uncle was a more difficult matter. He had accepted George Darcy but had a great dislike for his brother Hugo for some reason. His son, the Viscount Thornbridge, Clarence Fitzwilliam, was nothing like his brother… he was arrogant, pretentious and amazingly stupid. His wife, Annabelle, suited him perfectly despite being a duke's daughter. The more time he spent with those two caused him to seriously consider regulating his pride the way the judge was always advising, particularly since beginning this investigation. Of the two uncles, Sir Hugo was the one he admired the most.
Darcy and Marlowe decided their best approach would be just enough honesty about their mission when speaking with his relatives to allow the ladies to enjoy their evening. Since his uncle was Signorina Rossi's patron, they planned to make every effort to steer the conversation toward that topic as much as possible.
Upon arrival at the concert hall, Kit carried Lady Lydon up the stairs with Mrs Bennet and Sarah preceding him to find a place for the party to sit. Miss Mary remained with Darcy as he carried the wheelchair to the place they had chosen.
She wore gold silk. Once again, he wondered whether there was collusion between Kit and Mary in choosing this evening's wardrobe. Every time they were together, she seemed less dour and more cheerful, not to mention the improvement in her appearance. As he watched her enthusiastically telling him about the program of beautiful Italian love songs, he decided his mind must be playing tricks on him. Tonight, she looked exactly as he remembered her twin.
"Miss Mary, would you be willing to accompany me tomorrow by taking a curricle ride? I promise I will be very careful."
"I trust you. You have been very kind to me while you have been investigating Lizzy's murder. I would very much enjoy spending time with you."
"I also would like you to bring both yours and Lizzy's sketchbooks. I would like to see if there was anything captured that might give me a clue."
Her smile dimmed. "Will Captain Marlowe be with us?"
Her words filled him with amusement. Donning a teasing smile, he said, "Oh no, this is a time just for us. I believe some of the sketches might be of me, and I want to enjoy them, or perhaps be mortified, without anyone but you looking over my shoulder." He heard the laughter he had grown to love.
His enjoyment was disrupted by an ever-increasing hum of excitement in the room. Obviously, his family had arrived. He assembled their party with Miss Mary on his one arm and her mother on his other. Marlowe and Miss Sarah pushed Lady Lydon's chair. They were ready to move toward the titled personages as soon as they entered the room.
The appearance of his family was definitely impressive. All were taller, even the women, than average and they were dressed in the richest of fabrics—though Kit would surely criticize the style of their garments as not being the latest. Because of their height, Darcy was able to see his uncle and cousin's haughty expressions as they accepted the addresses of those around them. His cousin saw him first and nodded his head toward him when he whispered to his father. The Earl of Elderton dismissed those surrounding him to allow his nephew to approach. His countess was carrying a beautiful bouquet of roses and smiled at the sight of him, but the look on the Earl's face was not as inviting. He obviously was not expecting his sister's son to approach with an entourage.
"Lord and Lady Elderton, Lord and Lady Thorbridge, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, it is a pleasure to see you again. Our recent time together in London was so very enjoyable for both Georgiana and me. I was not aware you too were to be traveling soon to Bath. Allow me to introduce my party. Lady Lydon, her friend Mrs Bennet, Mrs Bennet's daughter, Miss Mary Bennet, Lady Lydon's companion, Miss Sarah Hill and Captain Marlowe, please allow me to present my uncle, my aunts and my cousins. Lady Catherine, you met Lady Lydon and Miss Mary in London almost two years ago during Anne and Mary's Season."
His aunt had a quizzical look as she searched Mary's face. Her eyes rested on her arm linked with his for a moment. "Ah yes, I remember. You were quite close to my daughter… but you were a twin."
Before Darcy could speak, Mary answered solemnly, though not in the least intimidated by either his impressive relatives or the horrific nature of her news. "Yes, my sister was shot and killed when we were robbed by highwaymen returning from Brighton. Lady Lydon and I were badly injured but survived." She allowed a most charming smile to return to her countenance before she added, "And on a more pleasant topic, I have been invited by Colonel and Mrs Fitzwilliam next month to spend time with them at Rosings. I hope you will be there when I visit. We plan to play and sing together as we did in London."
Darcy could tell his uncle wanted other answers, but would not ask unless they were alone. "Uncle, Captain Marlowe and I are looking into the death of Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary's twin and Mrs Bennet's daughter. There are unanswered questions that makes Sir Hugo think something more than just an attack by highwaymen occurred. However, tonight we are here to listen to Signorina Rossi. It is a special treat for the ladies and Captain Marlowe and I came along. It is fortuitous you are here to tell us about the singer."
"Fitzwilliam, I need to speak with you. Could you come to our lodgings tomorrow afternoon?"
He favoured Mary with a smile and said, "No Uncle, Miss Mary and I are going for a curricle ride. She is to show me the sketches she and her twin drew when they participated in the Season. She is a very competent artist. In fact, Signor Giovanni told me she is one of his most talented students."
Lady Catherine added, "Yes Harry, I saw her drawings when Anne was studying with him. If she were not a woman, she could have a career as great as Lawrence or Reynolds."
Mrs Bennet who had seemed in awe of his august relatives spoke upon hearing the praise of her daughter. "She did two portraits of my Lizzy that both capture her beauty and her lively personality. I am so pleased I have them to remember my poor dear girl."
"Perhaps she may be persuaded to paint my Anne and Richard when she is in Kent."
Mary looked a bit worried, but answered her genially. "Lady Catherine, I would be pleased to try. My arm and hand were injured when I was thrown out of the carriage during the attack by highwaymen. I spent some time with Giovanni in December, and he says I am gaining back my control. Hopefully if I keep practicing, I will be able to do justice to Colonel and Mrs Fitzwilliam."
Miss Mary's answer successfully ingratiated herself to his aunt—who he had so often tried to avoid rather than relating. The next thing he knew, Lady Catherine and Lady Elderton moved with the ladies back to their seats. They were engaged in a lively discussion of the soon to begin performance. How could he have thought Miss Mary only tolerable? Her ability to beguile even his most troublesome relatives was positively magnificent. He turned back to Lord Elderton to discern his uncle had not been charmed.
"I would be able to come in the evening—dinner perhaps."
"That will be acceptable."
"May I bring Miss Bennet?" He looked back in Mary's direction. "My aunts seem to enjoy her company."
"No, I would prefer tomorrow be for family only."
The singer joined the musicians. Darcy had the excuse he needed to return to his seat.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. He was able to translate some of the lyrics for Mary. Once as he drew close to whisper, he saw the shine of tears in her eyes despite an agreeable expression. Upon the end of the program, his family immediately approached Signorina Rossi. Once they had presented her the bouquet of roses and their praise for her performance, they quickly left the room with only a nod to Darcy and his party.
The following day was beautiful. Mary had reverted to her favoured green though it was a pale new-shoots-shade with a slightly darker spencer. Her straw bonnet echoed the same colour palette with the whimsical addition of tiny pink buds and leaves. Her appearance to him was a breath of Spring, despite having several weeks to go before it was upon them. She carried several sketchbooks.
He helped her into the curricle and asked after the health of Lady Lydon after their evening out.
"She was in excellent humour this morning. She enjoyed meeting your family. Your aunts, in particular, were so very kind to her. Aunt Cassandra invited them to visit tomorrow afternoon. I know you and Captain Marlowe are to ask us questions, but she hopes we can conclude our meeting with you in the morning."
He thought he was pleased by Lady Elderton and Lady Catherine's interest in his friends. Though the first time he had called them friends, he believed it to be an accurate description of his feelings. However, he decided he should be cautious with the situation since it was clear Lord Elderton was skeptical.
"I am certain we will be able to finish our questions before noon. Richard will be pleased you have spent time with his mother. They are quite close."
"She must be the source of his pleasantness. Where are we going on our ride?"
"There is a coaching inn a few miles out of town. We will be able to enjoy some refreshment, plan for our trip to Kent, and you can show me the sketches. I would particularly like to know what you were thinking when you made each drawing."
"That sounds lovely. You do promise you will not urge the horses to make haste. We have all afternoon to enjoy our time together."
"I promise, Mary. You have taught me to be conscious of the situation of others, and I am better for it."
"Thank you, Mr Darcy."
Her enjoyment of his words caused him to remember a recent conversation with Georgiana. Wickham had been conscientious about flattering her when they were together. She admitted she now knew it was a way to encourage her to agree to the elopement, but she also explained how it made her feel hopeful to hear complimentary expressions about her appearance or her accomplishments. He decided to tell her what he had thought when he first saw her today.
"Miss Mary, you look like Spring." The look on her face told him he had said the right thing.
"Mr and Mrs Gardiner gave me the spencer and Lydia made over one of my bonnets to compliment it. My family is encouraging me to dress less gloomy."
While they traveled, she asked numerous questions about the Peak district and his home. His thoughts drifted to the discussion with his uncle looming that evening. Just when the suspicion she was developing ideas of being Pemberley's mistress was gathering, she switched the topic to chess. He learned she and Lizzy had been learning when they were in Brighton. She asked him to teach her more of the game when they were in Kent. All misgivings gone, his mind drifted to images of teaching her strategy.
Their next conversation was about 'Sense and Sensibility.' She too had recently read it.
"My whole life I have regretted not having a brother to protect our family upon the death of my father. After reading her novel, I realized it all depended on the brother. I believe your sister is very fortunate."
"I am far from a perfect brother."
"Your words prove my Lizzy sketched you fittingly the night we met. Because you apologized immediately for disparaging me when challenged, she determined you were not as arrogant as we originally believed."
"I would like to see that sketch. I hope you brought it with you." Her laughter, though pleasing to hear, confused him.
"I was not using 'sketching' to mean drawing, but her ability to determine your character."
She seemed to enjoy his laughter. He decided to return to the novel they had both read. "Sense and Sensibility" caused me to ponder why people marry."
"My friend Charlotte—you will meet her when we are in Kent—she says happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. She married that ridiculous Mr Collins so she would have her own home. Her chances for felicity are very poor in my opinion. I have heard gossip I was suggested as a possible bride." A delightful expression lit her face as she added, "He rejected me because I was scarred and lame. That was my lucky day."
"I still want to marry—actually I have to marry—but it is so difficult to 'sketch' an acquaintance's honour, especially in a ballroom. I could easily end up miserable with Lucy Steele"
"Yes, I worried my Lizzy would in a moment of infatuation be drawn in by someone like Mr Willoughby. And he would find someone with a larger dowry and leave her with her reputation and sensibilities in tatters. He was so like all those men who were buzzing around her during the Season. Unlike you, he could not own his failings. He blamed everyone for his poor behaviour… Eliza, Marianne, his aunt and even his new wife… everyone but himself."
"I think Mr Wickham is like him, but even poorer."
"I have nothing against poor, but you know him better. Lizzy said he had, a fine countenance, a good figure, and a very pleasing address. Her appraisal of you was similar, but she felt your manners, though improving, were a bit too hasty to censure. However, to her, discussions with you had substance unlike those of Mr Wickham. She described his conversation as the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topics delivered with excessive charm. I told her at the time he had little to recommend him. I have seen too many marriages, including my parents, that are less than a sensible pairing." She stared straight ahead and her next words were delivered in almost a whisper. "That is why I decided never to marry even before we went to London. Lizzy told me I was ridiculous, but she was beginning to agree with me while we were in Brighton."
"Which man was causing her to change her mind?"
"All of them." He watched as she turned her head so he could not see her eyes at all. They had been so honest with each other. Why would she not tell him what was troubling her? He decided not to intrude on her silence. When she did speak it was not what he was expecting.
"It is sad your father needed you, and my Lizzy was murdered. I believe you two were well suited and both of you would have been honourable to each other. She would have made you laugh… she always made me laugh." Now her face became fixed on the inn they were approaching but he still could not see her eyes. If he could, her voice told him there would be tears.
By the time they were settled outside the inn at one of the tables, she had regained her composure. He ordered wine and her expression reflected pleasure. They sipped without speaking for several minutes.
The sketchbooks were brought out for his perusal. He chose to look at Miss Elizabeth's first. She too was talented. There were numerous pictures of Fiona, a cat, and all her sisters. The one of Miss Lydia and Miss Katherine arguing over a bonnet was amusing. He remembered fighting with George at that age. Hopefully they would not develop more serious disagreements as they grew older. The sketch of her father reading while her mother was attempting to gain his attention captured more of their relationship than perhaps was proper for a daughter.
The drawings were now of London. There were many fewer than before. Mary told him she preferred to participate rather than observe and did very little drawing during that time except as assignments for Giovanni. There were only two drawn in a ballroom. One was of the section of the room where the onlookers flocked—here she had captured Mary obliviously sketching surrounded by other merely 'tolerable' young ladies waiting for interest with hope in their eyes. This quick sketch captured a certain pathos that caused him to feel discomfort. Another was a sweet depiction of Lady Lydon conversing with his Aunt Catherine while Mary and Anne giggled at whatever they were seeing on the dance floor.
Once they were in Brighton, she resumed daily sketching. There was a redundancy of images of Fiona, Mary, the beach, and close up renderings of shells and other flotsam and jetsam from the sea. There was one exception. It was the last in her book. She had drawn a startling depiction of Lady Lydon and Sir Walter arguing. This had none of the innocence of her picture of her sisters having a spat over a bonnet. To him it was sinister. Kit should explore this disagreement tomorrow.
He sipped a bit more wine before opening the first of Mary's two books. He went through those prior to London quickly. Almost immediately when he arrived at the drawings of the Season, he saw himself dancing with Lizzy. She obviously was delivering her chastising speech. Mary had deftly captured his simultaneous chagrin and fascination. His laughter at this special memory receded as he saw the observers to his rebuke. George Wickham was with his Cambridge friends and patrons, Lord Templeton and Sir Humphrey Hawkins. Again, he felt he was seeing something ominous.
All three of those gentlemen had their depiction dancing with the 'incomparable.' He and Colonel Fitzwilliam were among those watching. Their expressions were filled with trepidation. Another picture of Darcy enjoying a turn with Lizzy was shown being commented on by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. Mary had given the sisters expressions of sneering haughtiness that were almost comical.
Sir Walter Lydon was an observer of Lizzy's dances numerous times in Mary's sketches. Darcy believed he could hear him telling his companions about his responsibility for her popularity. She was a master at capturing expressions to convey her subjects' thoughts. Unfortunately, he saw no murderous intentions in any of her drawings.
The last drawing before she traveled to Brighton, was one of the most intriguing to him. It was Sir Hugo dancing with Lizzy. They were laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Their observers were three very fashionable and quite handsome young men. Darcy had seen them at various balls but did not know their names. He could not remember them dancing with Lizzy. They appeared to be gossiping about the couple.
The sketches in Brighton were obviously helping her work on the two paintings she was finishing.
"Miss Mary is it true, Lizzy was reading 'Fordyce's Sermons?' Your father says she thought his advice to young women ridiculous and that is why you painted her with a mysterious smile?"
"That was what we decided to tell people, like you, who asked. Our other choice was 'Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure' but decided that would give people, like you, the wrong impression of her virtue. I told you we liked to laugh. In truth, she was rereading Pope's 'An Essay on Criticism.'
His memory was triggered by her remark. "According to Sir Hugo and Captain Marlowe, you were mutteringly about 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing' when they talked to you soon after the attack."
"Yes, I have been told that. However, I do not know why I made the mistake and said 'knowledge' instead of 'learning.' Lizzy and I had discussed what Pope actually wrote when we were in Brighton. It was fresh in my mind."
Her sadness had returned. He decided to drop his inquisition and return to her sketches. She did no drawing for quite a while after the carriage crash and Lizzy's murder. Her first attempts were of baby Charlie. One of the last drawings in the second book was of a rider in a top hat on a sleek black steed galloping through the meadow beneath Oakham Mount.
"Is this me?"
"Yes, you traversed across the field enough times for me to capture the motion. I had only begun to attempt more difficult drawings. As you can see, I have lost much of my ability."
"No, I love this one. Would you consider giving it to me? I would love to show it to Houyhnhnm." He was successful. She almost spit out the wine she was sipping—her response was no ladylike merriment but instead a loud guffaw.
Darcy gave Kit a detailed account of his day out with Miss Mary Bennet. He related her words but did not indulge in sharing her highs and lows He felt those intimate moments were theirs alone. Though Marlowe pressed him, he had no ready explanation for why during the trip back to Camden Place they had discussed little of substance. Instead, there were long periods of silence punctuated by discussion about the scenery and the weather. He blamed their reticence on the wine.
Fitzwilliam Darcy found it difficult to concentrate on his family's discussion during dinner at their lodgings. His mind was still filled with Miss Mary Bennet and all the different facets she had revealed today. He promised himself the luxury to pick apart their time together tonight as he tried to sleep.
Lady Catherine was speaking about her hopes for a grandchild this year. He decided the conclusion he had come to about her over Christmas held true. She was considerably less severe than before Anne and Richard's marriage. His Aunt Julia enthusiastically agreed and then added with a look toward Clarence and Annabelle, "Perhaps I might be blessed with one from each son."
Darcy struggled with the unspoken hypocrisy. Clarence had a child by his mistress, but his mother either did not know or it had been decided to pretend the adorable little girl did not exist. If Richard had any children, Darcy believed he would know… his cousin had never had enough money or, while in Spain, the time for a mistress.
After dinner, he dutifully followed his uncle into his study. The Earl was definitely annoyed with him.
"Fitzwilliam, you and your sister must avoid Hugo. You have a responsibility to Georgiana. She should not be associated with him when she has her Season. And what is this nonsense about helping him find a murderer?"
"I knew and admired the young woman who was shot. She deserves justice."
"You have other duties. She is no one of any importance."
"She is a gentleman's daughter, and Pemberley is extremely well managed." He wanted to add better than Elderton, but out of respect did not. "I made a mistake hiring Mrs Younge, but Georgiana is now settled in an excellent establishment and has a very responsible companion."
"Yes, and I know the judge found both the place where she is living and the woman who was hired to look after her."
"He suggested, but Richard and I approved."
"I demand you distance yourself from him. I did not insist as long as your parents were alive."
Darcy was thoroughly confused by the Earl's attitude toward his father's brother. Both his parents had always expressed great affection and admiration for Sir Hugo. As best he knew, there had never been any hint of disgrace associated with him… no mistresses or affairs with married women… both Lord Elderton and Lord Thornbridge had indulged in such liaisons over the years.
"I will not disassociate myself and my sister from our own flesh and blood. Sir Hugo is an honourable man. I am proud to be his nephew, just as I am proud to be yours. My father did not choose you to be Georgiana's guardian. He chose me and Richard. Your request will be discussed with your son when I visit him in a few weeks. My day has been tiring. After I say farewell to my relations, I am leaving."
"You are making a grave mistake. Sir Hugo Darcy is an abomination and a scandal waiting to happen!"
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Darcy arrived at Gay Street without knowing how. The entire way, his mind had been sifting through images of what his uncle might have possibly meant by abomination and scandal. The picture that kept surfacing was not of Sir Hugo but of Lord Elderton. Richard had disclosed some shocking information during a discussion of the men who had been interested in Miss Elizabeth Bennet during her Season. His father and Lord Templeton's father had shared a mistress in the early days of his parent's marriage. A child had been born and it was unknown which earl was her father. He could think of nothing more repulsive. When he was next at Rosings, he should find out whether the child had been cared for by his uncle. A shocking thought displaced his concern. Possibly the two earls enjoyed being with her at the same time… that would definitely be scandalous. No, it wouldn't. He had spent too many years being a dutiful son to have much experience with the seamy side of society. Having a mistress or two or three was a common occurrence among the peerage. His hopes of being able to savor his day with Mary tonight were dashed.
Marlowe might know what Lord Elderton meant. Working with his uncle for several years must have given him more intimate knowledge than Darcy had. Besides, he had a responsibility to let him know about the Earl's demand he abandon the murder investigation. He hurried up the stairs to their rooms to ask?
A lounging Kit was reading his copy of 'Sense and Sensibility' and drinking brandy. He probably felt compelled to understand the conversation with Mary he had told him about.
"Darcy, you look as though you ate something disgusting."
"The food was fine. The conversation with Lord Elderton was unsettling."
"I also have some bad news. Sir Walter is in town. He insists on speaking to us tomorrow morning. "
Darcy threw his hat onto a chair and raked his fingers through his hair. "Can this day become any more disastrous?"
"We do not know what speaking with Sir Walter will yield. Angry people are not always wise. He might accidentally give us needed information. Besides, your conversation with Miss Mary definitely moved her closer to divulging what she is hiding. Sir Hugo will be very pleased when we tell him."
"Does Sir Hugo have a secret life?"
Kit put his drink down. The enigmatic smile that almost always graced his face was replaced by something Darcy had never seen… fear. "What do you mean?'
"Lord Elderton insisted I must drop this investigation, because it will be detrimental to my sister's reputation to be associated with him. He said he was an abomination and a scandal waiting to happen."
"Pour yourself a brandy and sit down. I am unable to tell you what you want to know. However, as soon as we finish with Sir Walter tomorrow, we must go to London to see Sir Hugo."
"What about the questions we were going to ask the ladies?"
"Does your question mean you have decided to continue with our mission?"
"Yes, I feel I owe it to Mary… Lady Lydon and all the others to keep pursuing Lizzy's murderer. But I am going to discuss his father's demand with Richard. He shares guardianship of Georgiana with me."
"Your uncle Hugo is a good man. He deserves to be heard."
His night had been without slumber until almost dawn. An attempt to focus on Mary was unsuccessful. About two hours into attempting sleep, he crafted an apology to Georgiana for being naïve about Wickham's advances. He resolved to deliver it when he was in London. His memory was filled with every slight to a young lady he had committed over the years. Perhaps it was arrogance to assume they were traumatized. Mary barely seemed to care about his insult. The disgusting images he had pictured yesterday about Lord Elderton were resurrected, this time sketched by Mary with his parents and dear Lizzy as observers. With that he finally fell asleep.
They arrived at Camden Place by nine in the morning. Marlowe had been silent during their walk. As he had no desire to talk, it was a blessing to Darcy who also preferred to remain silent. Kit had seemed very disturbed by Darcy's question both last evening and again this morning. As soon as the door was opened, they were shown into the same room where they had questioned Lady Lydon. None of the ladies were present or appeared as they waited more than half an hour for Sir Walter.
The impeccably dressed baronet entered with a superior attitude. He settled himself and took a sip from a mug of something he brought with him. There was no offer of anything for the men whose presence he had commanded. His first words were, "Who authorized you to look into highwaymen wrecking my carriage and stealing my property?'
Darcy was horrified that he had reduced such a horrific wounding and murdering event to theft. Thankfully, Kit had his emotions under control. He delivered his obviously prepared speech complete with the return of his mercurial smile.
"The father and uncle of the young woman who was shot, I believe you know them well, came to Sir Hugo Darcy, a judge at the Old Bailey. I have worked for both the judge and the Bow Street Runners as an investigator. I also performed reconnaissance for Wellington in Spain. Sir Hugo requested me and his nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, who knew Miss Elizabeth during her Season, to look into her death."
"Has Sir Hugo communicated with the magistrate of Guildford. Sir Jonas Turner? He was in charge of apprehending the highwaymen. He would know best who was behind the type of robbery I suffered in his area."
Darcy could not control himself. "But people died."
"Someone who worked for me and a young woman who I sponsored for her Season and paid for a holiday in Brighton were unfortunately killed by dastardly brigands. Their kind run wild in our country. This horrific event was investigated by those whose job it is to protect us from such bandits. Why do you think you will be able to uncover anything more? A year and a half later, and you are still talking to my wife and Miss Mary Bennet. They were both knocked unconscious. What can they tell you?"
The coldness of this man toward Miss Elizabeth and Miss Sarah's Mr Trent was appalling to Darcy… not to mention the horrible injuries suffered by Mary, Lady Lydon, the coachman and the other footman. This was not the way the arrogant baronet had spoken about his protégé when she was thought to be the 'incomparable.' His wife was correct to feel bitterness that those inquiring into what happened had never had the courtesy to question her a second time.
Kit seemed to have made a decision about how to proceed. "Speaking of your wife and Miss Bennet, we have an appointment with them. Please have them told we are here. You will not be needed. We only want to question the two of them."
"This is my establishment. I will be present."
"If you will not let us do our job as we feel best, then we will leave. Sir Hugo is expecting us to report to him this evening. The ladies, I believe, are expecting a visit from Mr Darcy's aunts and cousin, the Countess Elderton, the Viscountess Thornbridge and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. We will question your wife and Miss Mary at a later time, perhaps when you are in Cornwall with Sir Humphrey Hawkins."
Kit accomplished his goal with Sir Walter. The man had definitely lost much of his confidence. As he stood before them, unsure how to proceed, Captain Marlowe made a request. "We need you to provide a detailed account of what was stolen from you, including what was taken from the Miss Bennets. We have heard Miss Elizabeth had expensive emerald earrings Lord Templeton had given her. They were not included in the information from Guildford provided to Sir Hugo. The judge will be expecting you to send this list to the Old Bailey. He wants to compare your information with that from Sir Jonas."
The usually pompous Baronet, said nothing as Darcy and Marlowe left the room.
Mrs Bennet was on the landing above the entrance hall, dressed to go out. Moving down the stairs quickly, she said in a whisper, "Mr Darcy, Captain Marlowe we must leave immediately. Walk with me to the building where Lord Elderton is staying? I must deliver a message cancelling our engagement this afternoon with your aunts and cousin."
She kept them moving outside and down the front steps while speaking. His relative's rooms were only a few blocks away. They turned the corner to walk in that direction.
"My daughter and I have insisted Lady Lydon return to Hertfordshire. Between Longbourn and Netherfield, the Bennets will be able to best care for her. Mary and Sarah are packing and one of the footmen just left to arrange a carriage. We hope to be on our way by noon."
He had not thought Mrs Bennet to be as capable as she was this morning. There was a protective mother quality to her actions that seemed to explain her change of character… also Mary seemed to be playing a role helping her.
"I have heard from Lady Lydon about the friendship between my daughter and your cousin. It was not something she mentioned after Lizzy's death. Last evening after her ride with you, her visit to Rosings was all she could talk about… at least until Sir Walter arrived. The only good that came with his arrival, was Mary acquired permission to bring Fiona."
"Mr Darcy, Captain Marlowe, please do not abandon your investigation. My friend and daughter need you. The reason I never heard about Mary's acquaintances in London is because she barely spoke for the first six months. It was only with Baby Charlie's birth that she began doing anything but walk. My absence from Cassandra's life means I have no idea what agonies she has endured. Your actions have given them hope."
Mrs Bennet's words helped Darcy make a decision.
The carriage ride to London gave Darcy the opportunity to finally review his day with Miss Mary. She certainly was less gloomy than the day she had watched him admiring her painting of Lizzy. Still, after all their numerous discussions, there were things she refused to disclose. When in Kent, the need to explore her sister's changing attitudes about the men of her acquaintance was first on his list to accomplish. What did she know about the emerald earrings Lord Templeton had given Lizzy? Then, there was that shadowy figure she had seen in the trees. As he planned how to persuade Mary to reveal her secrets, her mother's words weighed heavily. He must also spend time helping her rekindle her relationship with Anne. Teaching her to play chess was a thought he spent many minutes enjoying. If she was bringing Fiona, he must collect Houyhnhnm from Pemberley for his visit.
Upon arrival, he was ushered into Sir Hugo's study and offered a cognac by a footman. Marlowe was told the judge wanted to speak with him upstairs. They were both assured dinner had been held for their arrival and would be served soon. Darcy's memories of his afternoon with Mary returned. Now he remembered her smiles, her hidden tears, and her skill in capturing the human comedy of a London Season. He must remember to tell his uncle of her sketch of him dancing and laughing with Lizzy.
The footman showed Darcy into the dining room. Kit and Sir Hugo were already present. Upon experiencing the aroma of the dinner dishes, he realized how hungry he was. He would put off asking about the meaning of Lord Elderton's threats until he had finished dinner.
Sir Hugo did not wait. "Fitzwilliam, Captain Marlowe tells me how successful your discussion with Miss Mary was. Your diligence is to be applauded. It is obvious, Miss Elizabeth was being threatened by a man—or men. The fact that she was viciously shot in the face has all the signs of a crime of passion. I believe highwaymen were hired to hide a different type of transgression."
"I agree. I also believe Sir Walter is somehow involved. I doubt he shot Lizzy, but I believe he was involved in the attack on his carriage. He needed money and his wife and the Bennet twins' jewelry could be converted to cash. Kit mentioned the emerald earrings Miss Elizabeth had been given and the Baronet positively turned green. Do you think he could have had insurance?"
"Darcy, I made that fact up to confuse Sir Walter."
"Oh my, how unschooled I am in the ways of detection. Uncle, Kit was magnificent. I was totally unsure how to handle Sir Walter's anger, and he stood up to him with what I now find out was a most elegant bluff."
"Yes, Captain Marlowe is very skilled at attaining the best position in a dispute."
His uncle directed a knowing look in Kit's direction. "Fitzwilliam, I understand you were also challenged by Lord Elderton. He insisted you disassociate yourself and your sister from me."
"His words were disgusting. He said you were an abomination and a scandal waiting to happen."
"I have known for many years his distaste for the way I live. Your parents, particularly your mother, refused to allow him to take action. She was appalled by his libertine ways and told him he had no right to judge me. Oh, how I loved her."
"Uncle Hugo, what is Lord Elderton so disgusted by?"
"I am what the courts call a sodomite." His uncle allowed his statement to lay upon the table waiting for his nephew to react.
Darcy was unable to hide his disgust. He blurted out, "You bugger men?"
"I do, but not without discretion. I prefer to think of my sexual activities as enjoying intimate relations with my own sex. Bugger projects such an ugly aggressive image. I have agonized over my inappropriate feelings since a youth in school. Everyone knows, young boys experiment, but for me it was different."
Darcy was feeling nauseous. He stopped eating, pushed his plate away, and fortified himself with wine before asking another question. "How did you avoid being exposed as a sodomite? I hear talk about other men, but never about you."
"I am careful and prefer long time relationships instead of frequenting known denizens of those who practice sodomy for a casual coupling. Most men in my position marry and have relationships with men on the side instead of keeping a mistress. Your mother asked me not to do that. She felt sympathy for the woman who would live her life deceived by me. I had no need to produce an heir, so I took her advice."
"Did my father know?"
"Yes, he loved your mother and allowed her to decide how they would handle my secret. He was very proud of the Darcy name, so his only request was that I be discreet. I have been, and over the years I became very astute with whom I shared my desires."
Once again, he caught Marlowe's eye and added, "I knew the first day I met Kit. We have been very happy for almost two years."
Darcy stared at his partner and could see nothing to reveal he preferred men. He had even wondered and hoped he might be attracted to Sarah. "What about God? I have always heard the church disapproves of your kind."
"I vividly remember the day Lady Anne helped me make sense of those admonitions. I was seventeen and soon to leave for Cambridge. Your mother was about your age, and you were about four. I had been teaching you to play chess, and she had been giving you hints. She was very proud of how bright you were. When you were sent upstairs for a nap, I poured my heart out to her about disappointing God."
"What did she tell you?"
"She pointed out the hypocrisy of men breaking the commandment against adultery. Finally, she hugged me and said our Creator had made me the way I was. Since that day, my occupation has forced me to see affronts against God I could not even imagine possible. What I do with Kit is about love and your mother helped me see the truth."
Darcy spent the next few minutes remembering his mother. Georgiana had never experienced her sweetness mixed with strength. Tomorrow he must spend time with his sister.
"Do you have other questions, Fitzwilliam?"
"How are you able to hide your ways from your staff?"
"I chose them well. The two men who work for me share my preference. They are a couple."
Darcy had too much to sort through. His questions stopped. He wondered if Miss Mary would think his uncle an abomination. Compared to Lord Elderton, Sir Hugo seemed to possess integrity and a sense of responsibility toward others.
After his uncle and Marlowe had finished their dinner, he asked the most pertinent question." Will Lord Elderton expose you to the ton? I have an obligation to Georgiana. Her reputation must be protected at all costs. I also need to tell my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"I am well respected in society, and the Earl would appear spiteful. There is absolutely no evidence anyone could bring to destroy my reputation. I spoke with your father when he decided to appoint you and Richard as Georgiana's guardians. He had confidence in him and I do too. He is much more worldly than you. I believe you will find he already knows my secret."
"Sir Hugo, you have given me much to consider. I am going home now. I want to spend some time with Georgiana. Miss Mary, though she does not know, has persuaded me I owe my sister an apology. Would it be possible for me to return to discuss our mission with you two tomorrow evening?"
"Certainly, Fitzwilliam." Both men's expressions displayed much more confidence in the result of their discussion than he did.
Author's note: I have received a request to explain the numbering of my chapters. I have posted 14 chapters, but I have only posted 8 times. I have posted two chapters together several times. I assume that is what is confusing.