Chapter Four

When Fitzwilliam received the news, he nodded.

Slowly, he inhaled as he rose to his feet. He closed his eyes as he remembered what his last request to Charles was at their Victorian Manor; the evening of their wedding.

"Charles? If you would do me the great honors: I would like your first born son to be my first heir to my inheritance. Second to my sister, Georgina Darcy."

Charles was more than pleased to hear this! When he informed Jane about it, she too was happy and she promised that when God sent them a son, he would be first to be in line for Mr. Darcy's inheritance! Fitzwilliam was happy knowing this but when he inwardly looked at Jane, he couldn't help but feel the reminder of the woman, her sister, he called the courtship off because of what he knew would be a danger to her if Wickham ever got involved. He remembered Lizzy wasn't there at the marriage Mass and neither was Wickham but he felt he was prowling around somewhere.

Now, as he made his way into the living room, he felt his heart pump a thousand beats when he remembered how he'd purchased her engagement ring and that was the year before!

The dining room wasn't far from the living room as Fitzwilliam made his way into the main lobby. It was the mid-morning when he stepped into the parlor. From the evening before to the present moment, he couldn't believe his friend as well as his wife were gone! He clenched a fist when he realized who was behind it all and he felt such an urge to pound something!

Hearing the musical tones of the piano forte, as well as Miss Bennet's voice, Ftizwilliam felt courage when he forced his feet to move to where the lively music was coming from. He paused when he realized Miss Bennet was not only teaching his sister how to play but she was also singing with her!

This soothed the moment and he relaxed when the ladies inside were singing their feminine voices to glory and praise to God, Our Father, and Fitzwilliam was reminded how Miss Bennet made the Sign of the Cross before she had her tea. He realized he needed to trust God in this area where it concerned his heir as well as his heart and Miss Bennet. Wondering if he should either tell them about the piece of news or wait until they were finished singing, Fitzwilliam decided to pace a bit. But his boots, the minute he started to pull back, were heard when Georgina called.

"We heard you, brother! Do come in and tell us what's on your mind!"

"Bless it all for sisters!" Fitzwilliam thought as he realized he was caught.

When he entered the living room, he watched as Miss Bennet rose and she rolled her shoulders back. She looked at him but her expression wasn't a friendly one. He couldn't blame her. From how he'd been treating her previously, who wouldn't be on their guard in a circumstance such as this?

"Brother! What is it?" Georgina asked.

"I'm afraid I don't bare the best of news. It concerns your sister and Charles, Miss Bennet." Fitzwilliam answered and he disliked how he was talking in the tone of which that showed no emotion.

Holding up the newspaper, he blurted out the news.

"They were murdered last night by George Wickham."

"The man who wants your inheritance?" His sister replied and Fitzwilliam nodded.

He kept his eyes on Miss Bennet and her expression was calm. She didn't react the way he thought she would but it was here when Fitzwilliam realized something…

"Miss Bennet?"

He asked as Lizzy blinked. When Elizabeth Bennet looked at Mr. Darcy, his heart shot in his throat when he realized her complexion was pale and even Georgina turned to look at her.

"Miss Bennet? What is it?" He heard his sister ask.

But Miss Bennet, as she blinked, wasn't listening. For some reason, as Fitzwilliam walked forward, he continued to stare into those eyes, as he asked.

"Miss Bennet? What is wrong?"

But she didn't respond. Instead, she reached her hand across and touching the instrument, turned around before she finally answered.

"Mr. Darcy? I wouldn't suggest you turn around."

"Why?"

"Because of him."

"Who-"

The tip of a gun touched his back and Fitzwilliam froze when he heard an all too familiar voice speak.

"Seems you're still unaware of how I like to eavesdrop on people such as you, Ftizwilliam."

When Georgina let out a shriek and fell backwards, Fitzwilliam wished he could have turned around wiped the weapon out of Wickham's hand when he heard him shout.

"Blind!"

Then with a howl the gun fired and someone in the room fell to the ground with a thud.