Author's note: This is a rewrite of the previous edition of this chapter after reconsidering and researching the distances between London and Derbyshire. (Silly American here...Sorry! LOL!) Thank you for those that left KIND and constructive reviews to help me make this a better story. This is my first time attempting a period piece so it is truly a work-in-progress.

(Take two on the upload...Sorry about that!)


Chapter 8

Mr. Darcy almost fell off his horse from exhaustion when he had at last arrived at Pemberley. He had never ridden any horses as hard nor as fast as he had in his panicked haste to get to Elizabeth's side and still, he feared that it was not fast enough. He was promptly greeted by one of the groomsmen who immediately led his horse away to the stables allowing him to race inside.

"Where is she? Take me to her," Mr. Darcy gasped as Mrs. Reynolds greeted him at the door.

"She is in the grand guest suite, sir," Mrs. Reynolds said as she led the way, swiftly walking next to her master. "Dr. Thomas has only just left after checking in early this morning. He has been most diligent with his care but says that there is little more that he can do at this time but keep her comfortable. Miss Georgianna is with her now."

Mr. Darcy stopped midstride and turned to face his trusted housekeeper. "Will she recover? Is she going to be well again?" he asked unable to keep the pain from his voice.

"Dr. Thomas said that she had faced the most danger that first night, but he feels now her chances are much better," Mrs. Reynolds replied gently. "We are making sure that she is looked after around the clock. She is strong, sir. She will pull through this, and we will help in every way we can."

His heart swelled as he heard these words and all he could do was reply in a voice barely above a whisper, "Thank you."

It did not take long for Mr. Darcy to regain his composure and remember the details of the afternoon as they were conveyed to him bringing on fresh waves of anger.

"And where is Lady Catherine?" he growled.

Mrs. Reynolds stole a glance at her master and was astonished by the look of fury upon his normally stoic face. "She has retreated to her quarters, sir. She has not ventured out much after she had heard word of the attack on Miss Bennett except for meals."

"Inform her that I have arrived home and that I demand to meet with her. Bring her into the music room and I will meet her there," Mr. Darcy said as they reached the closed door behind which Elizabeth laid. "Col Fitzwilliam should be here later tonight or tomorrow. Could you please assure that his rooms are ready for him?"

"Of course, sir. At once," Mrs. Reynolds replied.

"Your post said that it was one of the footmen that halted the attack on Miss Bennett?"

"Yes sir. Jacob. He had seen her fleeing the house and did his best to follow behind her," she said softly.

Nodding Mr. Darcy asked, "Could you ask him to meet me in the drawing room if he is able. I know that he is probably busy with his duties, but I feel that I must speak with him right away. Could you also summon the magistrate to meet us as well?"

With a nod Mrs. Reynolds hurried off down the hallway as Mr. Darcy slowly turned to face the door in front of him. His hand trembled as he reached for the door handle of the guest suite. With a deep sigh he steeled himself and made his way into the room.

Before his eyes could even adjust fully to the dimly lit room, the shadowed figure of his sister jumped up from where she had been sitting beside the enormous bed and ran towards him.

"Oh Will," Georgianna cried as she threw herself into his arms and began to sob.

Stroking his young sister's hair and letting her cry, he tried to look past her at the still form on the bed. He had imagined so many terrifying things after he had received the post from Pemberley but seeing Elizabeth laying there motionless and pale looking so small and fragile was worse than anything that he could have conjured in his mind.

Hearing his sister's crying beginning to ebb, he took her hands and led her to the seat by Elizabeth's bed in which she had previously been sitting. Kneeling next to her still holding her hands, he asked in a wavering voice, "How is she, Georgie?"

"Not good," Georgianna said. "She has not yet woken. Dr. Thomas said that her cheekbone is likely broken and possibly her jaw, but what he was seemingly most concerned about was the blood coming from her ear from where she was kicked. He said that he wasn't entirely sure what else could be done for her right now except to wait and hope that she wakes," she finished as a fresh wave of sobs racked her body.

Mr. Darcy stood and turned to stand at Elizabeth's bedside. Looking down at her, he was overwhelmed by such a feeling of helplessness that he feared he might begin crying as well. Unfortunately, this was a luxury that he could not afford at this time with the responsibilities that still lay in front of him.

"I am so sorry I could not keep you safe, Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy whispered almost inaudibly as he dared to grab her hand. "I need you to wake so I may make this right. Please?"

He thought for a moment that he felt her fingers tighten in his grip but knew that could only be his tired mind playing tricks on him. Reluctantly he released her hand and turned again towards his sister.

"Georgianna, you need some rest," he said softly. "Let Mrs. Reynolds have someone sit with her until you are able to get some repose yourself."

His sister shook her head, "Please don't send me away, William. Not yet. I'm scared for her. I should not sleep for worrying," she pleaded.

Mr. Darcy sighed. "As you wish. But at least allow me to have your maid bring you some tea and something to eat. I can't be worrying about your health as well as hers," he said solemnly.

"I am so sorry that I let this happen, dear brother," came the choked response. "If I could but take her place-"

"I will have no such talk," Mr. Darcy interrupted. "You are to take no part of the blame. I will not allow it. You must believe me that there is nothing that you could have done to prevent this." He leaned down to kiss the top of his sister's head. "I will promise you that I will not rest until those that are responsible for Miss Bennett's condition are justly dealt with."

Once again feeling the burn of his anger, he righted himself, took one long look at Elizabeth and let himself out of the room.


By the time that Mr. Darcy had made his way to the drawing room to meet with the magistrate and Jacob he was so worn that he feared he would likely fall over from pure exhaustion. When the messenger had arrived with news of Elizabeth's attack, he had left London immediately fearing the absolute worst in the nearly three days it had taken for the courier to ride the distance. He had been determined to make the trip in less time at any cost, but even forgoing stops to eat and sleep it still took him a little over forty-eight hours.

His encounter with Lady Catherine had been short in duration, but emotionally charged on both accounts. It had not been pleasant informing her that she would no longer be so easily welcomed at Pemberley especially since she often treated the place as a second home to her and her daughter Anne. The staff would need to be instructed to immediately begin packing up all of her belongings, including ones that she previously kept at the estate permanently, to be sent home with her when she took her leave first thing in the morning. At least she properly feigned shame for her actions that led to Elizabeth getting attacked and was appropriately worried for her own safety while traveling. Mr. Darcy did promise to employ the services of two additional armed guards to ensure her safe passage to Rosings who would remain at her estate until Wickham was captured.

Walking into the drawing room he greeted the two men that stood waiting for him and offered them both a seat. The magistrate gladly accepted while Jacob shook his head nervously but moved to stand behind that chair closest to where Mr. Darcy sat.

"Thank you so much for coming Mr. Clarke," Mr. Darcy began, addressing the magistrate first. "I'm sure you are aware of the heinous attack on one of my house guests earlier this week. I have been informed that there were attempts at a man hunt in order to locate the culprit, but I am in need of something further reaching. You are very well respected not only in Derbyshire but many other counties as well and I think you would be someone to help assure that catching the man responsible is made the top priority. It need not even be said, but I will definitely reward you handsomely for your assistance."

Mr. Clarke leaned forward in his seat. "I am, of course, at your disposal sir. I want this man caught by any means possible. What were you thinking?"

"I want his name and likeness posted in every county leaving him with no chance of finding refuge wherever he go. I want you to coordinate man hunts, funded by myself, in every county until he captured and is justly dealt with. I want justice for the Bennett family and all of the families that have been wronged by Mr. Wickham," Mr. Darcy finished venomously.

"This all sounds very reasonable," Mr. Clarke said with a nod. "I should like to have some more information about this Mr. Wickham and the details of the attack that happened here at Pemberley as well as the situation in London to distribute as we elevate this situation."

"Of course," Mr. Darcy said. "This here is Jacob Fraser whom I am to understand witnessed and subsequently halted the attack" he finished as he gestured toward the still standing footman.

Mr. Clarke addressed the worried looking man. "Can you tell me what happened this morning?"

"Y-Yes sir," Jacob began. "I had been outside finishing up with Lady Catherine's coach when I had seen Miss Bennett run crying from the house. We had been told that Master Darcy was worried about security for Mistress Darcy and Miss Bennett, so I tried to find one of the guards that had been sent but none were to be found. I knew that if there had been enough cause to have hired security at the estate that Master wouldn't have wanted her running about alone so I followed her myself." Jacob turned to face his employer. "I hesitated too long, sir, in wondering whether I should go myself or find the guard. By the time that I had caught up with her it was too late. She had already been knocked to the ground. And then…well…Mr. Wickham…he….kicked her, sir. Straight at the side of her head! It turns my stomach now to even remember it. I charged at him immediately, but he ran off. I'm not a good runner, sir but I gave him chase enough to the lane. But I left him go so I could return to Miss Bennett. One of the groundskeepers heard the commotion and was able to help me get her back to the house."

"This is most grievous," Mr. Clarke declared. "An unprovoked attack on a gentlewoman? Truly this Wickham must not be of sound mind."

"I think Wickham capable of anything of this point," Mr. Darcy spat angrily.

Mr. Clarke stood and nodded. "I'm afraid that I must agree with you. I can assure you my full cooperation. Every resource available will be dedicated to finding Mr. Wickham. You have my word. I will get started right away and will call on you tomorrow evening to give you an update on the hunt."

"I thank you," Mr. Darcy said as he stood to meet him. After shaking hands, Mr. Clarke let himself out of the room.

"Master Darcy?" Jacob asked hesitantly. "Would it be too bold of me, sir, to inquire after Miss Bennett's health? I have been most worried about her and have not been able to sleep for guilt, sir."

Mr. Darcy faced his employee. "Your concern is just. I wish I could give you comfort and reassure you of her health, but I am afraid this is not possible right now. I have not yet met with Dr. Thomas, but I was told that the worst of the danger is behind her," He let out a shaky sigh before continuing. "I do wish to thank you most sincerely for pursuing Miss Bennett when you did. Without your intervention I would imagine that we would have had no hope for her health at all. Your impeccable judgement in the situation is commendable and I will be sure that your efforts are justly compensated."

"That is not necessary, sir," Jacob responded embarrassedly. "I did nothing but my job and my duty to serve Pemberley and those sheltered here as guests."

"You have served my family for many years and I hope you will remain for many more," Mr. Darcy said earnestly. "That service and your dedication to those that are important to the house will not be unrecognized." Clasping his shoulder affectionately he continued, "Now, I fear I have kept your from duties for far too long and if I do not release you Reginold may come scold the both of us. I, myself, am in danger of falling asleep here where we stand. Please know that you have made me proud, sir, and that you have nothing to feel guilty for."

As Mr. Darcy left the room and made his way to his chambers, he felt the exhaustion so heavily that he feared that his legs were encased in stone. A bath had been prepared for him, but he bypassed this, dismissed his valet and collapsed fully clothed onto his bed where he finally allowed the depths of his despair to flow freely until he fell into a fitful sleep.