Chapter 24: Saving Elizabeth

Elizabeth's state of mind was as troubled as Darcy's. She kept trying to free herself, but the rope was bound too tight. She vouched that she would not drain her energy by crying.

She was tired and hungry. But more than anything, a feeling of helplessness tortured her. For the first time in her life, she had regrets. She regretted her prejudice towards Darcy.

Had I not been so blinded by my prejudice, I would have realised my feelings for him sooner.

She longed to see him. Her heart whispered that he would come for her. She feared his confrontation with Wickham. What if something happens to him? Oh! God! I hate feeling so helpless.

She kept replaying her conversations with Darcy. It gave her some comfort.

Downstairs, Wickham tried his best to keep his men calm. They wanted to leave the place, but somehow Wickham convinced them that they would get their share of money.

He knew that Darcy would have received the note. He was sure that Darcy was a man of principles and would never let an innocent woman get harmed.

I just have to wait until tomorrow. Once I have the money, I am going to leave. Nobody gets a share. Not even Denny.

Darcy and his men rode as fast as they could. Adam led them into the woods.

He stopped his carriage at one point and got down.

"Mr Darcy, the cottage is just a few minutes from here. It would be better to leave the horses here."

"Thanks, Adam. Richard, how shall we approach them? If Wickham sees us, he may harm Elizabeth."

"Adam, tell me about this house. How many entrances are there?" Richard asked.

"One side of it is burnt down, but there is an entrance in the ruins. There is the main door which we used and some rooms upstairs which were in good condition, with locks. There is a balcony on the side of the house, if you climb a tree you can get onto it. We can enter using the main door or we can go into the ruins."

Darcy and Richard quickly formulated a plan.

Darcy planned to enter through the ruins and the other footmen were to enter through the main entrance. Richard wanted to get to the upper floor by climbing onto the balcony. They wanted to make sure that Wickham was cornered.

They walked for a few minutes and saw the cottage appear. Darcy's heart raced. Richard pushed a pistol into his hand.

"Richard, I do not need this."

"You may never know. It may help you get Wickham to his senses. Keep it. I have one for my use."

"Be careful. Remember Elizabeth is with him. We do not want to harm her in any way."

They moved carefully near to the house. Darcy entered through the ruins. He had instructed his footmen to enter the cottage after some time so that he had time to search for Elizabeth.

He wanted to find Elizabeth before his men entered. He did not want to give time for Wickham to plan anything drastic.

The ruined side of the cottage was darker than he had expected and smelled bad.

He heard faint noises coming from the other side of the house. Darcy wanted to get to the upper floor and find Elizabeth, he was sure that she was locked in one of the rooms. He moved through the ruined hallway and tried to find the stairs to the upper floor. Soon, he came to a set of stairs. He started climbing them and stopped. The wooden steps were burnt beyond use and were too dangerous to be stepped on. He knew if he put weight on them, it would make the entire stairs crumble beneath him. He stood contemplating. Time was running out, and he realised that his men had entered the house from the sound of commotion from the other side.

Darcy had no choice. He headed for the stairs and stopped hearing noises from the top floor. In a few seconds, he saw Wickham appear on the top of the stairs, and with him was Elizabeth. He was dragging her and she looked terrified. His heart broke seeing her state. Her hands were tied, and Wickham was handling her like a prisoner. His blood boiled.

A few minutes earlier, Wickham had been in Elizabeth's room to find more details about her.

Elizabeth was completely drained of energy.

"Tell me about your family. Is there anybody who will be looking for you? Your father?"

"I am not obliged to answer any of your questions."

"Do you think you have a choice? You will die before tomorrow if you go in this state. You are at my mercy. Aren't those beautiful lips thirsty for some water?" He asked and smiled rakishly.

Elizabeth was disgusted. She turned her face away from him. Just then, they heard some noises outside the door. Wickham stood up and ran outside. He was astonished to see his men being attacked.

Damn it! Darcy must have found this place somehow. Whatever happens this time I am not letting him win.

He hurried back into the room and dragged Elizabeth. He took out his knife and held it close to her throat.

"If you struggle or scream, I will slit your throat before you can flutter your eyelashes. Do you understand?" He shook her fiercely.

Elizabeth nodded in compliance. Her hands were still bound, and he dragged her across the floor to the other side of the cottage. He pushed her through the ruins, and they reached the stairs to the lower floor. It was dark and musty. But suddenly Wickham stopped, both of them saw a figure at the bottom of the stairs. Elizabeth knew immediately. His form was etched forever in her mind.

Mr Darcy. Oh! God! Yes, he has come for me. She wanted to shout out and say something. But she could not make a sound. Wickham's knife was getting closer to her throat every passing second.

Darcy could not move. He wanted to run up the stairs and save her. But he saw how the knife was pressed against her throat. He did not want to risk her life.

Wickham did not expect to see anyone one that side of the house. He was astonished to see Darcy. He pressed his knife closer against Elizabeth's skin.

"Darcy, my old man, what a surprise to see you here? Just because you got here, do not think you won. I will not leave her until I have my money. Did you bring the money?"

"Let her go. Elizabeth, are you all right? Don't worry you are safe now. Wickham, release her at once. How dare you put an innocent woman in danger? Put your knife down. If it is money that you want, I will give it to you."

Wickham laughed.

"She is far from being safe. Do you want me to believe you? You did not even have the decency to settle my living in Kympton. How can I trust you? I need the money now. Do you want me to slice this beautiful throat of hers?"

Darcy was enraged. He pulled out his pistol and pointed it at Wickham.

"Wickham, I warn you, one scratch on her I will put a bullet through your head. I have tolerated you enough. Let her go now."

"You can never do it. I am the Godson of your father. You can never harm me."

"That was before. You have crossed all your limits now. I will not hesitate. Do not test me."

"You like her, don't you? She is an unusual beauty. Even if I let her go now, she is ruined. You can't fancy her. Why all the trouble? Put your pistol down and arrange for the money."

Wickham's words pierced Elizabeth's heart. He is right, I am ruined.

"Shut up Wickham. She is not ruined; she has been brave to foil your plans and save Georgiana. If you dare to use that knife, my bullet will hit you in a second."

Wickham was agitated. He saw no way out.

"You think I won't hurt her. I should have hurt your silly sister then you would take me seriously now. You give me no choice but to show you what I am capable of."

Just then they heard a noise behind Wickham. Wickham turned for a fraction of a second and Darcy took advantage of the situation and he made his shot, aiming at Wickham's shoulder. He was skillful and his aim was perfect.

The bullet hit Wickham's shoulder, and he screamed in pain.

But the things that happened in the next few minutes were unexpected.

Everything happened so fast and before he knew, Darcy was carrying Elizabeth in his arms and running towards his carriage.

Good God! What have I done? Elizabeth open your eyes. Can you hear me? I will never forgive myself if something happens to you. Yes! Never.