Chapter Sixteen

Darcy waited anxiously for Mary to join him on Oakham Mount. Under the excuse of retrieving Houyhnhnm, he had travelled to Hertfordshire to speak with her. Sir Hugo had tried to persuade him to wait until they were in Kent, but a burning need to know and more importantly comfort her caused him to put aside his uncle's advice. The judge had warned, "Fitzwilliam the subject you will be raising is extremely mortifying. Allow Miss Bennet to reveal her secret." Promising himself he would do so, he paced in anticipation; he was long past being a dispassionate detective. Understanding this piece of the puzzle was key to moving forward. A possible proposal was often on his mind… perhaps when at Rosings.

A dog's barking and his horse's neighing heralded her.

It was delightful to witness her mirth upon arrival. "I asked Houyhnhnm if he liked my sketch. I think he answered yes; at least he nodded that beautiful head of his. He and Fiona are now having a discussion. I think she is telling him about her puppies."

Oh how he loved to hear her laugh. He had been in agony since his meeting with Lord Templeton. "Oh yes, his whinnies went on for at least five minutes after I shared your picture with him. it appears you received my message to meet."

"Yes, but this is about the time of day I generally walk here and ponder life."

"What things have lately been on your mind?"

"I wonder how your investigation is progressing."

He didn't want to discuss this topic yet. "Is everyone in your family well?"

"Yes, very well. My father and I are very much in anticipation of spending time in Kent. Charlotte Collins has written me that your cousins are looking forward to my visit."

"I have heard the same from Anne. How is Lady Lydon? Bingley told me she and Sarah are staying at Netherfield."

"Yes, he and Jane have been very kind to her. They arranged rooms downstairs. I visit her most every day. Sarah and I even have her walking a bit. Baby Charlie is starting to crawl. The three of us enjoy encouraging him. Miss Bingley seems to resent her presence."

"I am not surprised. She enjoys being the center of attention. Her jealousy when I explained I was only here for one day and that you and I would be together at Rosings caused her to turn positively green."

They shared another moment of mirth. The mood between them was such that he began considering moving the conversation to what he had learned. As he was deciding how to proceed, she spoke.

"Lydia talks too much about how charming Lieutenant Wickham is. I have told her he is not serious in his attentions and is only trying to determine whether she has a substantial dowry. She insists he cares nothing about money, and finds her more fascinating than her 'incomparable' deceased sister."

This was not information he wanted to address today. "I will talk to your father when we are in Kent. I have known George Wickham my entire life."

"Oh yes, all of Meryton has heard how you cheated him out of a living when your father died."

"I was unaware Lydia did not approve of me. Do the families here even remember me?"

"My sister thought you tall and handsome when you danced at the assembly, but you have been away from here for months and she enjoys flattery. As for our Meryton neighbors, they are often reminded of you by the lieutenant. His other favourite topic is his great friend, the Earl of Templeton. I detest thinking about them, but It is hard to avoid your charming lifelong friend. In a society of so few families, he is always being asked to attend some gathering. Rosings will be a wonderful respite from those memories."

"I spoke with Lord Templeton a few days ago." As soon as his admission left his mouth, anger erupted and a cry of dismay pierced the air. Fiona charged up the hill and growled at him. He was unprepared for this storm of disapproval. He waited for her to speak, but instead she turned away and allowed him to observe her attempt to compose herself as she petted her faithful guardian.

"I do not understand your displeasure, Mary. I am only trying to achieve justice for you and Lizzy"

"You should have asked my permission. I am certain, Lord Templeton did not kill Elizabeth, but Lieutenant Wickham revealed to me he enjoys speaking of his indecent proposals. I had hoped that door could remain closed, and now it will be talked about by you, Captain Marlowe, your uncle and likely your cousins. Who knows how many have heard?"

"I have told no one but Sir Hugo. He will, I assume, tell Marlowe. I will ensure they tell no one else. Tell me why you are so confident Lord Templeton was not responsible for Lizzy's death."

"Whoever killed her was both jealous and impulsive—neither are part of his Lordship's character. He is a powerful member of the entitled class. For one like him, rejection is better served with lurid rumours about the silly country girl."

"Your assessment of the Earl is correct in both my opinion and my uncle's. However, you refused to tell me what had been weighing on Lizzy's mind. I was forced to question Lord Templeton in order to understand that important aspect of my investigation. I should have asked your permission, but you should have trusted me."

Her answer was practically a whisper, "and what about you trusting me?"

Darcy remembered his sister's words of caution, but was unable to curb his tongue. "His words are not proof of any wrong doing on the part of you and Lizzy."

Her complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of her mind was visible in every feature. She was struggling for the appearance of composure, and did not open her lips till she seemed to have attained it. The pause was dreadful. Finally, in a voice of forced calmness, she spoke. "What did his Lordship tell you? I received no indecent proposal. You have proved my point; he is telling all who will listen disgusting lies."

"He said he wanted the pair of you as his mistresses. He was willing to pay Sir Walter 5000 pounds."

Her fury ebbed into sadness. "I live in fear my family and friends will learn the truth about m… my sister's popularity. She deserves a better legacy. A woman's character is no less brittle than it is beautiful. We must be too much guarded in our behaviour toward your sex. Men do not have to worry about their reputation; one could even say it is enhanced by rumours of conquest. Mr Darcy, I have been too long alone with you. I will write to Mrs Fitzwilliam cancelling my visit."

She was up and headed down the hill immediately. He stood up to follow, but he was dissuaded by a snarl from Fiona. His horse whinnied in what sounded like concern when they reached the foot of Oakham Mount.

The tumult of his mind was more painful than he could remember. Perhaps learning of Georgiana's determination to elope had felt comparable… but no this was different. He sat down on the bench they had recently shared. His understanding, as he reflected on what had passed, was increased by every review of it. The unfeeling manner in which he raised Lord Templeton was done despite Sir Hugo's warning and his sister's attempt to help him understand Mary's feelings. Part of him was annoyed she did not understand the gravity of trying to solve a murder, but in the next instant he was feeling profoundly defeated by the loss of her friendship… and trust. He must make it right. Within half an hour, he had put a plan together to attempt to make amends.

His intentions for the day had been to leave Hertfordshire this afternoon and ride Houyhnhnm to Kent. He revised his schedule with the idea to pretend to leave and spend the evening in a close by inn. He would write a letter emphasizing his understanding of her need for secrecy. Most importantly, he needed to persuade her to go to Rosings and enjoy the respite she desired. A walk to Oakham Mount early tomorrow morning, without his horse at the foot of the path to warn her and Fiona of his presence, was his best hope for delivery. He prayed for good weather and that she would not reject the communication he hoped to hand her. Easing her pain and hopefully beginning to regain her trust was his mission.

Before leaving Netherfield, he spent some time with Lady Lydon. Miss Sarah gave him directions to an inn that would allow him to carry out his plan and assured him she would keep what he was doing to herself. Writing the letter took most of the night. Finally, as dawn was threatening the eastern sky, he read it one last time.

Miss Bennet,

Forgive my intrusion and accept my assurance, I will never speak of my conversation with the vile Lord Templeton again. Please do not cancel your visit to Rosings. Based on what has happened between us, I do not intend to travel to Kent. You need not fear you will encounter me. It is most important you be able to enjoy the company of my cousins as you have been desiring. My sister, Georgiana, is planning to join you there. She too is an accomplished musician and is looking forward to playing with you and Anne.

This letter is written without any intention of paining you, or to be honest, indicting my own behaviour, by dwelling on a subject that cannot be too soon forgotten by both of us. I wish I could have spared you this intrusion, but my character required it to be written and read. Please pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention. I believe I know you well enough, to hope you will bestow it cautiously, but grant me the right to be heard out of your desire for justice.

My frustration by your refusal to reveal information about what was worrying Miss Elizabeth, though understandable, did not give me permission to betray your trust. My silence in the face of Mr Wickham spreading rumours about my character has much in common with your determination to protect your sister's reputation. It is time for me to lay before you the whole of his connexion with my family. The truth of what I shall relate, I can summon more than one witness of undoubted veracity.

Mr Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estate. His excellent conduct in the discharge of his duties naturally inclined his employer to be of service to him. His son, George Wickham, who was my father's godson and namesake, was therefore liberally bestowed much kindness. My father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge—a most important assistance in terms of his current friends in society. His own father was unable to give him a gentleman's education.

My father had a high opinion of this young man, whose manners were always engaging. He hoped the church would be his profession, and intended to provide a living for him. As for myself, it is many years since I first began to think of him in a very different manner. His want of principle, though he was careful to guard from my knowledge his most vicious propensities, could not escape my ability to observe him.

You remember when my father died two years ago, and his attachment to George Wickham was to the last steady. I preferred not to dash his illusions at a time when he suffered from ill health. In his will, he particularly recommended to me to promote his advancement in the best manner that his profession might allow. If as he hoped, he took orders, a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant. There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds. Within half a year from these events, Mr Wickham wrote to inform me that having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the living, by which he could not be benefited. He had some intention, he added, of studying the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be very insufficient support. I rather wished that I believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; the business was therefore soon settled—he resigned all claim to assistance in the church, and accepted in return three thousand pounds. All connexion between us seemed now dissolved. I believe he chiefly lived in town, but his studying the law was a mere pretence, and being now free from all restraint, his life was all idleness and dissipation.

I must now mention the circumstance which I most wish to forget; as it involves another. This fact has been the most significant deterrent in telling you the whole truth about my dealings with Mr Wickham. My worries of his resorting to as you said 'lurid rumours' played a role in my refusal to unfold the incident to any human being outside my close family. Having said this much, I feel no doubt of your ability to keep this secret.

My sister Georgiana, who is more than ten years my junior, was left to the guardianship of Colonel Fitzwilliam and myself. About a year ago she was taken from school, and an establishment formed for her in London. Late last summer she went with the lady who presided over it to Ramsgate; and also went George Wickham, undoubtedly by design. There proved to have been a prior acquaintance between him and Mrs Younge, in whose character I was most unhappily deceived. By her connivance and aid, he recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, and she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement.

She was then but fifteen, the same age as Miss Lydia, I believe. Her youth was as an excuse in my mind. Chastisement for her imprudence was required, but a mitigating circumstance is she shared the knowledge of her plan with me. I joined them unexpectedly a day or two before the intended elopement, and then Georgiana, unable to support the idea of offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father, acknowledged the whole to me. She told me Mr Wickham had confessed he had found the law a most unprofitable study, and was now absolutely resolved on being ordained, and that he would insist I present the living as had been her father's intentions. He had solicited her agreement to help him in accomplishing the life they should have with his proposal. You may imagine what I felt and how I wanted to act upon hearing that information, but regard for my sister's feelings and reputation prevented any public exposure. My family's need for privacy was something I never thought to question, but I was incapable of allowing you the same respect.

Mr Wickham's chief object was unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge would have been complete indeed. Mr Wickham, left the place immediately, and Mrs Younge was of course removed from her charge, but I did little else to achieve justice. Imagine my despair to arrive in Hertfordshire, only to learn Lieutenant Wickham was in the militia and charming your neighborhood. I have written a letter to your father alerting him to Wickham's behaviour toward my sister.

Miss Bennet, despite how you feel about me, I consider you a dear friend and a young woman of the highest integrity. You deserve to enjoy your time at Rosings. Please do not cancel.

If you are reading this, I have been successful putting this letter in your hands.

I will only add, God bless you. Fitzwilliam Darcy

The next morning, his first prayer was answered. The weather, though a bit blustery, was not such that would keep her from walking. Fiona must have smelled him as they traversed the path. She yapped excitedly, but thankfully the sound was not threatening. Mary told her to run ahead and catch whatever was of interest. Darcy stood at the head of the trail with her dog continuing to comment on his presence when she arrived.

"Miss Bennet, I have been waiting here for some time in the hope of meeting you. Will you do me the honour of reading this letter." His second prayer was also answered. She accepted. With a slight bow, he headed down and away to a cacophony of Fiona's barks.

Chapter Seventeen

After leaving Hertfordshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy rode to Kent to leave Houyhnhnm at Rosings, and to offer his regrets for postponing his visit. He told his cousins little about why he was cancelling for fear they would conclude there was animosity between him and Miss Bennet. A vague explanation of other commitments was his reason. He wished them an enjoyable Easter and Richard offered his carriage to take him to London. Colonel Fitzwilliam attempted to engage him in discussion about what was happening, but he shrugged his shoulders with a vague promise once the murderer was uncovered, he would be more forthcoming.

Despite being sleep deprived, Darcy was unable to make up the deficit. His mind replayed every word they exchanged and critiqued the worth of his letter to her. Once in bed, he tossed and turned, fitfully dreaming of both twins chastising him for being rude and uncaring. His need for slumber finally won and he slept until noon. He arrived at Sir Hugo's home at six to confess his lack of success.

"Uncle, I have failed you, Miss Elizabeth, and most importantly, Miss Mary. My impetuous action means she will never reveal what she is hiding… and without that information, I fear we will never solve this murder."

"You undervalue your contribution. Without the bond you achieved with Miss Mary, we would have never learned about the confusion and anxiety her sister was experiencing. That is the key to this crime. She will realize that in time."

"I lost my objectivity. The bond, as you call it, has become strong feelings for Miss Bennet. I was even considering proposing when Lord Templeton made a fool of me. After hearing his vile words, nothing would do but letting her know I wanted to protect her from such men. My hope for a relationship with her is ruined as well as our investigation."

"Your letter was heartfelt. Why do you believe Miss Mary will not be persuaded by your explanation?"

"I do not know."

"I suggest you go back to investigating. Have confidence in the woman you believe you love. Let us hope she has feelings for you, and if not, we can at least assume she shares your desire for justice."

Darcy thought about his uncle's suggestion for a few moments. He sipped more of the wonderful smuggled cognac he had been provided again. Finally, he replied, "She is very thoughtful with regards to the investigation. One reason she was so annoyed by my meeting Lord Templeton is she had already eliminated him. A blow to Lizzy's reputation was the only thing that would come of speaking with him. To her, he did not have the requisite personality for our murderer… she said he was neither jealous or impetuous."

"That is very perceptive. I had come to the same conclusion after you told me of your interview."

Another sip and he continued with his musing. "I had considered proposing to Miss Elizabeth during the Season, but my feelings for Mary are different. I was infatuated with Lizzy. She was lively… she was witty… she was pretty… and her approval of me was most important to my opinion. Mary's appearance is very similar to her twin—the same but more subdued. She too is witty. One of the most enjoyable features of our time together is the laughter. Most importantly there is a depth and seriousness to her that I never saw in her sister."

"If that be true, that is all the more reason to have confidence she will accept your apology. Your feelings do not seem to be diminished by her disapproval."

"I had not thought of that. How do you know so much about men and women in love?"

"It is not that different from men and men in love. The problem with my love is it is always tempered by danger. Are you aware that Britain's arch enemy, Napoleon, has made my type of amour not a crime? Here we fear the pillory and hanging. There my kind are not punished—except rightly for use of force and with children. The French appreciate my dilemma more favorably than my own country.

"Peers like Lord Templeton need uphold the best standards of morality."

"That sounds like something Lady Anne would have said."

Between the cognac and his discussion with Sir Hugo, Darcy was feeling much better. "Tell me what I should do next to further the investigation."

"Join Kit in Cornwall. He will tell you what he has uncovered and how you would be able to help."

"Where is he staying?"

"Your father's and my cousin, Sir Joshua Andrews, inherited a house that belonged to our grandmother. Torpoint is a fishing village near the small estate where Sir Walter is living. Sir Joshua agreed to let me use this house as a base for our mission. Do you remember him?"

"I do. I have not thought about him or the house for years. Papa and I went to that house when I was a child. At ten or eleven, it was a very exciting place. It was situated on a cliff above the water. Sir Joshua also came to my father's funeral."

"Yes, I had forgotten he was there that day. I believe he and Lord Elderton were disagreeing about something being discussed in parliament."

"Yes, you are correct. I was not paying much attention, but their arguing is vivid in my memory. I am pleased to be going back to that house. When I went as a child, your grandmother, my great-grandmother, was still alive—but quite ill."

"As I remember, she died a couple months after your visit. George spent a month with her, and then Sir Joshua came to be with her in her last few months. Your mother was not well, which caused your father to cut short his visit. All of my grandmother's children were already deceased."

"The house had a staircase dug out of the cliff that took me down to the beach. Should I leave tomorrow?"

Darcy awoke to bright sunshine streaming into his room. Someone must have entered and pulled back the drapes while he slept. He had arrived at Torpoint late the previous night. The footman had given him some dinner and he had been shone to a room. It was the one he had slept in as a child. The window beckoned. The sea shimmered in the bright sun. His first thought was of Mary. She should be here to sketch this view. He dressed quickly, eager to make his way down to the beach.

He knew exactly where to go for breakfast. Upon entering he saw Marlowe reading the newspaper. It was probably he who had showered him with sunlight this morning. Perhaps, his Uncle Hugo had sent word Darcy was needing an elevation in mood.

There was a woman of about sixty smiling at him. Pleasant memories came flooding back. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and embraced her. "Dear Mrs Darling, were you the one who opened my drapes so I could wake to that glorious sunshine?"

"Yes, I remembered how much you loved the morning light as a boy. Mr Marlowe told me who was coming. I have been so looking forward to renewing our acquaintance."

"I apologize I had not thought you would still be here. I would have brought you a present"

"Fitzwilliam, you gave me presents almost every day you were here as a child—I have kept and treasured every one, bits of driftwood, polished rocks, sea glass and shells. You left to return to a mother who was quite ill. So much has happened since then."

"There is nothing like death and despair to wipe away fond memories. My mother was very weak when she had my sister a few months after we arrived home. She only managed to live but a year more."

"With tears in her eyes, Mrs Darling changed the subject. "I have had the cook prepare smoked red herrings and corn mush for you. I remember how you and your father loved them."

"How wonderful of you to remember."

"You have Mr Marlowe to thank for reminding me. He too loves it for breakfast and brought some corn meal from Penzance for the cook."

Darcy gave his partner a nod of thanks and encountered another of his enigmatic smiles as he explained, "I have been eating, what my family calls grits, my whole life. The Bingley's cook told of your fondness. I, on the other hand, do not like them with smoked fish. I prefer mine with lots of butter and an egg on top."

A beaming Mrs Darling said, "Mr Marlowe, your friend was a very worthy young man. I never heard a cross word from him the entire time he was here."

"Your presence here seems to have been just the thing for him. He is all smiles this morning. We have work to do, and I feared he would not be in the mood to solve our mystery."

"Mystery?"

Darcy spoke up. "A young woman of my acquaintance… actually someone I was very taken with a couple of years ago was murdered by highwaymen."

"What has brought you here?"

"Sit here beside me while I eat. You might be able to help us with our mission. May I bring you something to eat or drink?"

"A cup of tea would be nice. How can I help you? I have no highwaymen among my acquaintance."

Marlowe smiled approvingly at his partner as he fetched a cup of tea for Mrs Darling. After Darcy was situated with his breakfast, he began his questions. "I want to learn about the area here abouts. The young woman, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, knew some of your neighbours."

"So, do you believe, she was not killed by bandits."

"It is possible. She was shot in the face with a fowling piece. That seems a bit vicious for a coach robbery would not you agree? This breakfast is delicious. You have made me very happy, Mrs Darling."

"Who did she know in this neighbourhood?"

"Sir Humphrey Hawkins. What do you know about him?"

"Very little. Rumours about that family being involved in smuggling and wrecking have been bandied about for years. I remember hearing them as a child when his father was still alive. I know no one in service at the estate. I used to know some maids, but they are long gone. Gossip has it he does not want staff from here abouts. Do you think he hires highwaymen?"

"What other things do you hear about Sir Humphrey? Have there ever been stories about unseemly behaviour with women?"

"I have never heard any such stories. He does not mix much with the locals. My friend, Mrs Chance, who is the housekeeper at the next house up the coast told me he hosts friends from London quite often. Sir Walter Lydon, who has taken up residence at Windward House, is often in company with Sir Humphrey. Mrs Chase and I speculated carriages coming and going from London was a way to distribute wine and brandy that had been smuggled in. Do you think he hired some men to feign a robbery and kill your young lady?"

"I think it very possible. I just do not know his motive. Has Mrs Chase told you that Lady Lydon was badly injured in the same attack where Miss Elizabeth Bennet was murdered?"

"Oh my, no. I knew she had been injured in a coach accident, but I never heard the details. I don't think my friend has either. I remember Lady Lydon, Cassandra, as a little girl. Two years ago, she told Mrs Chase she wanted to lease Windward to increase their income. The next thing my friend knew was Sir Walter arrived and took up residence."

"Do you think Mr Marlowe and I could meet Mrs Chase? Sir Walter and Lady Lydon sponsored Miss Elizabeth and her twin sister for their Season in London. It was there I met her and became enamoured. It is important we learn the full extent of the connection between your friend's employer and Sir Humphrey."

"I will have her spend time with you on her next day off."

"Thank you for being so helpful. I know I need not remind you, but as this is a murder investigation please tell no one what we are doing here. We will tell Mrs Chase when we meet with her. The Bennet family, who are seeing to Lady Lydon's care, hired Sir Hugo to win justice for all who were killed and injured in the incident."

"I will Fitzwilliam. I am saddened you lost one you might have made a life with. You said she had a twin?"

"Darcy struggled to keep his face from belying his pain at her mention. "Yes, she has a twin who is an excellent artist. She would love to sketch your beautiful environs. He stood up and spoke to Marlowe. "Well Kit, it is time to explore the coast around here. We must be on the lookout for treasures to bring back to Mrs Darling so she can add to her collection."

Her laugh was soft and endearing. "Please be careful. Do not tangle with smugglers." She patted Darcy's arm and rewarded both men with a motherly smile. Seeing it made him recall a more carefree time… but then his mind drifted to his own mother and his reason for leaving Cornwall all those years ago. But, today he would return to being a boy exploring the coast.