Chapter 6
Darcy
We can hear above us a furry of movement and differing emotions. From crying to laughter. I can only imagine this home is always filled with a volume level I have never known in my whole existence. Nothing like the ghostly quiet halls of Pemberly.
"Gentleman, now that my fair cousins are away. I am here to claim my inheritance. Also from the great Lady Catherine de Burgh's suggestion, I am here to choose one of my lovely cousins as my wife. Naturally cousin Jane is a beauty, but she is nothing compared to cousin Elizabeth. Such beauty and passion… what an exquisite wedding night we will have." Collins trails off towards the end of his speech clearly still pondering on his musings.
If I had the gift to rip someone's brain out with a flick of my wrist, I would have at this very moment. Knowing he is thinking such salacious thoughts about my Elizabeth. My anger is uncontrollable once again. The floors begin to shake and even one of the window panes bust. My fist are balled up tight by my sides fighting the want to end this man's life. I believe Charles is helping control my anger some because I believe I would have already killed this idiot if not.
"That is the second time that has happened since I have been here. I am curious if this area is prone to quakes. I am quite vexed at cousin Bennet for not relating this information to me." Collins says while looking out the now busted window at the grounds around the estate trying to look for signs from the supposed quake.
"Yes, it seems to only occur when idiotic Elves come into the area." Fitz says barely holding back his own destructive anger. He might not have the special affection I have for Elizabeth, but he knows the amount of disrespect this man is giving to a gentleman's daughter and a powerful Mage at that.
Charles looks exhausted from trying to keep both me and Fitz as calm as possible.
"Back to what I was saying I shall have cousin Elizabeth as my wife, so she will be staying here. You may take my other cousins to the Capitol." Collins states matter of factly while examining the room more thoroughly.
All three of us erupt with laughter.
"I am sorry gentleman, I must have not heard the joke." Collins asks in confusion.
"You honestly believe that Miss Elizabeth Bennet will agree to be your wife and stay with you without her sisters?" Surprisingly it is Charles that speaks out first.
"Yes of course I don't seem to understand the confusion? Do you know of her already being engaged?" Collins looks at each of us with complete confusion.
"I do believe she is not currently engaged but-" I try to finish but am rudely interrupted.
"Then there you have it, she will be mine. Unless one of you believes you can stop me."
Another round of laughter erupts
"Honestly Mr. Colin's we are not your problem at all. If you truly believe that Miss Elizabeth will happily unite herself to you, then you are a bigger idiot then I was aware of." I am beyond tired of this man and his ridiculousness.
"Excuse me! I am parson to the great Lady Catherine de Burgh!"
"Which means absolutely nothing to Miss Elizabeth. Also if you are thinking you can "control" her. Better think again, she is the most powerful Mage in the country! If she heard our conversation right now she would be seconds from setting you on fire!" I can't hold back anymore. This man has gone too far.
"Also you might be the great Lady's parson but we're her nephews." Fitz adds my pointing at himself and then back at me.
"I do apologize sirs. I did not put that together." Collins practically grovels at our feet. He did seem quite distracted when we had made our introductions.
At this moment we hear footsteps coming down the stairs.
The ladies walk back in the drawing room, all attired and ready for travel.
"We are all ready to go my good Sir." Elizabeth curtsies right in front of me. When she rises she has a coy smile on her face. She apparently heard my last comment to Collins. The fact that she chose me to mess with Collins gives me chills all over.
Elizabeth
While heading down the stairs my name stops me from going any further.
Stop. Collins wants to marry me. Oh and Mr. Darcy is defending me, telling him I would never agree to be Collins wife. Also that I am the most powerful Mage he's ever met! My voice grows into shock as the last sentence pours out of my mouth. I explain to my sisters who are perched behind me on the stairs.
Lizzy did you have any idea? Kitty asks
I just shake my head. Still dumbfounded by this information.
Maybe that's a reason for Papa to fear the Capitol. Maybe he was worried someone would try to kidnap you for your powers?
You are a genius Mary! That definitely could be a good reason. Jane admits.
Well it's easy to see Mr. Darcy cares for you Lizzy. Let's go now before Collins can try to trap Lizzy!Lydia says in full guardian mode.
Once downstairs, I head straight to Mr. Darcy and make a big dramatic curtsy. Trying to show zero interest in Collins and that I truly appreciated Mr. Darcy's words.
We then said goodbye to each of our servants. Me and Jane linger with our goodbyes with Mrs. Hill as she has been like a second mother to us. We pray Collins will treat them well.
On shaking legs I turned and head into Papa's study. All my sister's gather in the warm room behind me. We each slowly take in a part of his study. Lydia goes to Papa's chair and sinks into like she use to when she was little.
Jane picks up Papa's pipe and sniffs it. She inhales deeply, with a sweet look on her face. "I know it will be most unladylike, but I have to admit I am very tempted to take this with me. Just to have his smell near me when I need it." I come up behind her and give her shoulders a squeeze. I am unable to say anything, just silent tears continue to fall down my face. She lays a hand on top of mine and squeezes back in understanding.
Kitty and Mary sat in the two chairs that were to the left of his desk. And begin to play chess on the board that was always there.
I finally calm enough to go over to Papa's bookshelves. I slowly drag my hand over the titles. Feeling the well worn leather beneath my fingertips. I can almost hear as clear as day Papa telling me when I was 5 that his study was always open to me. That I need not ever ask to borrow a book. But to cherish each book with the love and respect they deserve.
"Papa might not have been vocal about it, but I know he loved each one of us greatly." Jane said while looking at each of us, using her gift to remind us of the love Papa had for each of us.
I nod my head in agreement. I then find Papa's copy of Hamlet and know that I can not leave it here. It's too special. The pages almost unreadable from the heavy use. Papa would read it to me so often, I don't even need the actual book in front of me. It will be engrained in my heart forever.
My sisters start to leave the room, but just as hard as it was to make my self enter, it is equally as difficult to leave. I then decide to sit down in Papa's chair and feel his warmth so strongly. I close my eyes and soak it in. I take his book and bring it to my chest, pressing it as close as it can be to me. It's almost like I can feel him here embracing me with his strong arms wrapped fully around me. Knowing that nothing could ever go wrong when wrapped in my fathers love and protection. But, at last he is not here. I am now on my own.
Well at least I was…
My eyes are still my shut as I lean back into Papa's big solid leather chair. Without even opening my eyes I know Mr. Darcy is near. I feel the now familiar pull grow stronger as he moves towards the desk. I feel his hand gently land on top of mine. I finally open my tear filled eyes and glance upon Mr. Darcy's strong and steady countenance. I might not have a clue how I truly feel about this man, but I can have no doubt of his true care and understanding.
Darcy
As the ladies begin to make their final goodbyes. I make sure that all the servants know that no matter what happens with Collins that if they ever need a place to work, they should just call on me and I will find them work. With a ridiculous man like Collins trying to run this estate who knows what will become of each of them.
I then notice all the sisters coming out of a room to the side. My guess is it was there fathers study. They all are wiping tears from their eyes and trying to make themselves proper before heading back into the drawing room. I even notice Jane holding an ornately carved pipe and can only imagine it was her fathers and now a token of his remembrance for her. I do not see Elizabeth reappear. I know not what fully alerts me, but I know she needs my comfort. I transport myself inside the room.
She was picturesque. Her head leaned back against the large chair that framed her perfectly. Her eyes were closed and tears streamed down her face. I then notice her clutching a book to her chest. I can not make out the title, but I can see it has been well read. Must be a favorite of her fathers. I can't stop myself from placing a comforting hand on top of hers.
I notice a small smile appear on her face before she even opens her eyes. I can only hope she already knows it's me. Once she does open them, I don't say anything. Just try to convey my depths of understanding. I then hand her my handkerchief.
"Thank you." She says quietly. In a voice I have yet to hear from here. Barely above a whisper. Barely holding it together. I then help her out of the chair and begin leading her out of the study.
Once we enter the hallway, her arm comfortably balanced on the crook of mine. She looks up at me. "How did you know?"
I look at her quizzically. "How did I know you were in your fathers study?"
She shakes her head "No, that I needed help. That I couldn't make myself leave his study."
"I could feel your need. I'm not sure I can explain it." I look at her deeply. Trying to gauge if we can finally discuss our situation.
She opens her mouth to speak, but before she can Fitz walks towards us.
"It looks like everything is ready. How about you both?" He looks back and forth between us and lands on where Elizabeth's arm rests on mine. He then smiles such a huge knowing smile, I can't help but roll my eyes at his reaction.
"Yes I believe, we are ready. Oh but I just noticed I left my father's book in his study. Let me grab it and then I will meet you both outside." She heads back towards the door.
Are you sure? I can go with you if you need.
She glances back towards me and shakes her head
No, I am fine now. Please make sure my sisters are well outside.
Will do.
I force myself to head back towards the front door. Everyone is making their way towards the carriages. I see Jane walking with Charles and quicken my steps to join them.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth is on her way. She was just getting a book from your fathers study." Jane nods and smiles sweetly.
"My guess is she went back for Hamlet. Papa used to read it to her everyday." I smile back.
"Hamlet you say, isn't that a strange coincidence?" Charles says, looking at me with a smile.
"Why is that Mr. Bingley?" Jane looks at Charles expectantly.
"Because Darcy here is obsessed with it. Always carries a copy with him whenever we go on a trip." Charles hits me on the back with his palm to prove his point.
For some reason it embarrasses me. It's something I don't speak of. But I guess Charles has noticed.
"It was the last book I read with my mother. She loved Shakespeare." I say quietly. Jane looks at me with understanding.
We all begin to position ourselves in the carriages. Before I get in, I have still yet to see Elizabeth. My worry begins to rise, but it disappears quickly as I notice her just inside the front door speaking with Collins.
"Mr. Darcy there seems to be an issue with a couple of the footmen, do you mind speaking with them sir?" Mrs. Hill says to me and I head over to the side of the house where a few men are gathered.
"What seems to be the problem here?" All three men look up at me from the specific item that has caught their attention.
"Sir, we are sorry to bother you. But Walter here came across this a minute ago."
He pointed down towards the top of the small gate leading into the courtyard.
There was a handprint where someone had opened the gate, but it looked to be made from blood. I bent down to inspect the print further. I try to remember all the facts I have heard about the murders so far. From all that I know both of Elizabeth's parents were found with no outer marks on their skin. So the blood could not have come from them. It's very curious whose blood this is.
Elisabeth
"Cousin Elizabeth, might I have a word with you alone?" Collins gestures toward the drawing room.
"No, I do not believe we have time for that. As the Colonel said, we need to be going." I start to put my bonnet on my head and head towards the door.
"Cousin Elizabeth, please. You must not go."
"I truly am sorry, but I must bid you good day sir." At this time everyone else had shuffled out of the house and the footmen are carrying our trunks into one of the carriages.
I am steps away from the doorway when I feel a rope around my neck, but when I look down nothing is there. The invisible rope quickly pulls me back inside and tightens around my neck. I try to break free, use any of my gifts. But something is blocking them.
All my brain can think is-
Help! Please! Now!
Author's Note:
I know, I know mean place to end this chapter! Don't worry I will post the next chapter very soon.
I do want to say a HUGE THANKS for the follows, favorites and reviews! This is my first story to write and seeing all the lovely reviews makes me beyond happy! You guys are awesome sauce!
