Chapter 14 News from London

Fanny woke up from hearing some voices near the door. She looked to that corner and saw Sarah whispering with Edmund.
Why were they there? Why was she in bed? She looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. It was still quite early in the evening!

Then her memories came flooding back. The confrontation with Mr Nicholson! She remembered his persistence. She remembered that he had blocked the way so she could not escape. She remembered her anger at him and how she had picked up the cue and had threatened to hit him with it. She remembered the door opening and Edmund and Mr Crawford entering. Mr Nicholson had then left with Samuel, who would lock him into his room. Then she remembered how she had collapsed in Mr Crawford's arms. She blushed when she thought of the impropriety. But she could not care very much about it.
She had cried until she was in her room and then she had cried until she had fallen asleep.

Sarah and Edmund were still talking. Fanny sat up.
"Sarah?" she called the maid. "Does Mr Bertram want to come in?"
They both looked at her and Sarah let Edmund through.
"Fanny! How are you? Did you manage to sleep some?"
"Surprisingly I did! I even cannot remember having any bad dreams."
Her face fell. "Did you manage to sort out the situation?"

"Well," he started. "Again, a lot has happened during the time you were asleep. My father has returned unexpectedly." Fanny's face brightened. That was news indeed! "Was he very angry at the acting?"

"I believe he was, but he was angrier about the fact that Nicholson and Matthews are here. He is going to kick them out tomorrow morning. Crawford and I told him about our investigation and tomorrow he will talk to Maria and break off her engagement to Rushworth."

Fanny breathed a sigh of relief. She could not wait to see the last of Mr Rushworth.

Edmund continued: "We tried to come up with an explanation as to why Nicholson was absent at dinner. Matthews ended up doing that for us by saying that Nicholson had urgent business to attend to." Edmund sounded solemn. "It sounds like Matthews knew what Nicholson was up to, or at least suspected it. I hope he will not cause more problems."
Fanny shivered at the thought of what the consequences could be if he talked. He was probably thinking that Mr Nicholson had succeeded this time in seducing her.

"One more thing I must tell you," Edmund said. "My father made the connection between your absence and the fact that Nicholson has caused trouble – we had only told him that he had caused trouble, not what exactly the trouble was.
So I had to tell him that Nicholson had cornered you and that you scared him off in time. Of course he remembered the reason why he had expelled those scoundrels from the house three years ago." And then, upon seeing Fanny's frightened face: "Do not worry! He will not tell anyone else. You'll be safe!"

But fear gripped her heart once more. What if they talked? She would certainly be ruined. Nicholson would never marry her and she would not wish that to happen anyway. What would her family say if it came out?
Edmund took her hand. "Fanny, I see you are worrying and probably imagining the worst. Do not fear. Everything will work out!" He squeezed her hand. "Do you wish to come downstairs for a while or will you be trying to sleep again?"

"Perhaps I should go downstairs for a while. I do not think I would be able to fall asleep again for some time.
What do you think? Would it help if I showed up? To quell any unfounded assumptions, I mean."
Edmund thought for a moment. "I think it might be a good idea. If you are feeling well enough to be in company that is."
She nodded. "I think I shall be alright."

"Well, let Sarah help you dress and freshen up. I will wait for you outside the door. I also think it best if Sarah slept here tonight and of course have the door locked. And I will ask a footman to stand guard at the door. If any of those three men get a whiff of the fact that their plans are thwarted, they might turn to drastic measures."
Fanny could not suppress a shudder. "It would help me feel safer at night for sure. And it will only be for one night." Edmund nodded.
Then he left the room and closed the door.

Fanny let Sarah help her to get her clothes in order. When they were both satisfied with the result, she walked out of the door. Edmund took her arm and accompanied her downstairs to the drawing room. Three people seemed happy to see her. Lady Bertram exclaimed: "Fanny, how good to see you. I hope you feel better now!" Fanny smiled and nodded. "Thank you, aunt." She did not miss the silent huff Mrs Norris uttered, probably thinking Fanny's absence and return were highly overrated.

Sir Thomas came towards her and embraced her.
"Fanny! I am so glad to see you again after such a long time! How you have grown!" He looked at her more closely. "Edmund told me you weren't well earlier on. Are you truly feeling better?"
She coloured at this scrutiny and then nodded. "Yes sir, I slept for some hours and it has helped me."

The third happy person did not say anything, but on Mr Crawford's face was visible how relieved he was to see her. Fanny blushed at his strong emotion.

She sat down at her normal place and Edmund brought her a cup of tea and some little things to eat. Only then she realised that she had missed dinner and felt suddenly how hungry she was.

Sir Thomas was telling about his experiences in Antigua and the voyage there and back.
Fanny listened to it with a fondness that surprised her. Before he left, she had always been a bit scared of her uncle. He always seemed so severe. But in the past weeks she had more or less looked forward to his return, for it would help solve her problems. She felt a little guilty about this selfish reason, but found she could not care too much about it.

Her eyes wandered through the room. They were arrested by such a vile look from Lord Matthews that she shivered. She assumed he was surprised or confused at seeing her here. She recovered herself quickly and stared frankly back at him. He must not think she was afraid or ashamed or weak in any other way!

When she looked away, she caught Mr Crawford looking at her. He raised his eyebrows to ask if she was alright. She smiled and nodded.
How odd, she suddenly thought, to be able to understand what his looks meant. She realised that they regularly seemed to communicate with just looks and gestures. Not even with Edmund she did this. She could not suppress a blush.
But he had become such a good friend in the past months, that maybe it wasn't really surprising.

She took up her embroidery and set herself to work for a while, until the party broke up and Mr and Miss Crawford left for the parsonage.
"Will you be riding tomorrow?" Mr Crawford asked in a low voice.
She nodded. "If the weather is fine. I would like to be out of the house until they have left." Mr Crawford nodded understandingly. "If the weather turns out to be bad, you are very welcome to visit with my sisters."
She curtsied. "Thank you!"

Sir Thomas asked her and Edmund to come into the study for a moment.
When they were seated, he said: "I thought I'd tell you that Tom was sufficiently sorry for inviting those two men. He said he had forgotten that they had been expelled the last time they were here. Of course I did not give much details. I truly hope Mr Crawford will receive more concrete evidence, for that will be very helpful. Edmund, do you think we could release Nicholson or should we wait?"

Edmund looked uncertain. "I really do not know. I think Matthews is already doubting his own explanation of Nicholson's absence, since he saw Fanny reappear in the drawing room, so it might help if he discovered Nicholson just in his room but not locked away. However, if they talked they would find out that their schemes are thwarted. I am afraid for the danger that might bring. If they get desperate, who knows what they will do?"

Sir Thomas nodded. "You are right. I think it's best to keep Nicholson in his room, have Samuel tell anyone that he doesn't wish to be disturbed. And as for the other two, we need to have footmen keep watch around the house, so they will not have the chance to do anything. Fanny, take care you are never on your own."
"Yes sir," she nodded.
"Well, I will speak with Baddeley and instruct the footmen. You two should go and sleep. And I will too, eventually."

Fanny and Edmund left and he brought her all the way to her room.
Sarah was waiting for her and a footman stood in the corridor.
"Good night, Fanny! I hope you sleep well."
"Thank you, Edmund. Good night to you too."

Soon Fanny was in a deep sleep until the morning.

Henry was once more woken up by the arrival of an express rider. He hoped that this would not be repeated too often.
He had had a hard time falling asleep the night before. It was astonishing how much had happened the previous day.

When reading the note, he couldn't be more shocked. No wonder they had sent an express rider as fast as they could.

Once more, he found himself taking his horse and race to the great house. This time no one was awake yet, except for the servants. "Baddeley, please wake up Sir Thomas and Mr Edmund. It is even more urgent than yesterday!"

Baddeley went off and Henry let himself into the study. Five minutes later father and son appeared, only half dressed.
"What's wrong, Crawford?" They exclaimed.
"Here, read this!" He handed them the note.

They read:

Crawford, I hope this note finds you in time. You must make sure Nicholson and Matthews are detained and have no way of escaping! They are sought for murder. Three days ago they were involved in a brawl and killed Lord G- himself. Although this man is far from innocent himself, he has connections with parliament and the royal family. They take this murder seriously and have put a lot of effort in the finding of the murderers. A group of soldiers will be on the tail of this letter and will likely arrive tomorrow late in the afternoon to take Matthews and Nicholson back to London to be trialled and hanged.

One more thing: if your Rushworth hears of this news, he might think he is free from his debts, but that is not true. Lord G-'s relatives expect the full amount still to be paid on the date that was agreed on.

Yours etc.

"Well, I did not expect that!" Edmund said. "This is shocking news indeed." His father nodded. "So, if I understand it well, they accepted my son's invitation as a way of escaping the crime scene?"
Henry nodded. "Yes, that must be true. I also find it interesting to see that they were warning Rushworth that this Lord G- was getting impatient, all the while knowing that the man was dead. I wonder if they thought they themselves might be able to receive all that money that was due to Lord G-."

"As far as I know, they are both wealthy themselves," Edmund said. "But I guess they would not say no to more."
"Who knows they themselves have some debts to settle as well," Sir Thomas said. "It truly is a mess. And I find it most unfortunate that we have gotten involved in all this. I do not know what it will do to the reputation of our name. If it becomes known that we have harboured two murderers."
"That," said Edmund, "is not likely I think. We should be clear to others that we did not harbour them, but detained them as soon as we knew, so they could not escape."

"Speaking of detention," Sir Thomas suddenly said. "We must make sure they cannot escape." He rang the bell and when Baddeley appeared, he explained that now both men must be detained in their room and not be let out under any circumstances. They would receive their meals in their rooms, but no more. If there was any opposition, it was allowed to have them handcuffed.
Baddeley left to bring this about.

Then Sir Thomas said: "Now I think we must tell the rest of the family. I'm sure it is better if they are prepared for when a whole group of soldiers arrive and arrest two of our guests. I think I will do that after we break our fast, as soon as everyone is gathered in the drawing room. Now, Edmund, I think we both should finish getting dressed. Crawford, do you wish to wait for us here? You can stay here for breakfast, you know."

"Thank you, sir, but I believe I must return to the parsonage for now. I myself am not fully dressed either, being in such a hurry. I will return after that, if that is suitable."
The other two men nodded and they all went their way.

An hour later they met each other again in the breakfast room at the great house. When Henry entered, there were not many people present yet; he was greeted by Sir Thomas and Edmund, Lady Bertram and Fanny. After he got himself a plate with food, he sat himself next to Fanny.

"You are awake early, Mr Crawford," Lady Bertram said. "Yes ma'am," he answered. "I had an important message for your husband and son, which I have now delivered."
"Another express?" Fanny asked softly. He nodded. "Yes, with even more shocking news. But I believe your uncle will tell all of your family after breakfast."
"Ah, has this to do with the two 'gentlemen'?"
"Yes, and I think you will not like it. But if I may ask: how did you sleep? How are you feeling after all that happened yesterday?"

She looked shy suddenly. "I think about it all the time. I still cannot believe that I had the courage to stand up against him. I am glad though, that my sleep has not suffered from it. That is such a blessing!"
Henry smiled at her. "My dear Miss Price. I have seen it from the beginning: you have a lot of strength in you! I think it just took you until yesterday to discover it for yourself. I am so proud of you!"

She now blushed very deeply at his praise. She turned away without responding and took another bite of her food.
Henry admonished himself silently. He had said too much. He had showed too much of his feelings in what he said. And it seemed it made her very uncomfortable.
He stood up. "Would you like some coffee, Miss Price?" She nodded and he walked away to refill their cups.

By now, more people started to arrive for breakfast. When all were present, Sir Thomas announced: "Before you all go about your day after breakfast, I would like to speak to you in the drawing room first. I have important news." As soon as he stopped speaking, there was a lot of speculation going on.

Henry stayed quiet for a while. Right now, his mind was more occupied with the woman next to him and with what he had said to her, than with anything else.
Fanny looked out of sorts and suddenly seemed to try to avoid him.

He had to say something!
He bent over slightly and whispered under his breath: "I am so sorry Miss Price. I really seem to have upset you with what I said. I know I can be too frank when I speak. I am sorry."

She nodded. "I know." Then she turned back to her plate.

Fanny felt absolutely mortified! Why had Mr Crawford said that to her? He must mean it. But to speak it so freely! She knew he was always frank in his speech and could be very passionate in his opinions. However, this did so much more to her.

What he had said disturbed her. Or was it the way how he had said it? Or how he had looked at her? She was not used to receiving praise. But this went much further, it seemed.
It confused her greatly and she did not know how to react. For the rest of the meal she was quiet and gave attention to no one.

Her musings about Mr Crawford got a break when in the drawing room, where everyone - including Mrs Norris - was now gathered, Sir Thomas told them the news of the fact that Mr Nicholson and Lord Matthews had killed someone and that soldiers would come that afternoon to take them away to London.

This was a great shock indeed! She shivered when she thought about how she had reacted to Mr Nicholson the day before. If she had known he was a murderer, she would not have been so brave!

Lady Bertram seemed rather shocked too and required some soothing.
Tom looked even more contrite than he had yesterday. He might be someone enjoying flighty pleasures and making friends wherever he went without much consideration as to their background, but he now was fully aware of the dangers he had placed his family in by inviting those two men. This certainly was a lesson for him to be more careful in selecting his friends and in being more responsible for his own family.

Mr Rushworth looked very shocked and seemed to try to suppress some panic.
Sir Thomas had not mentioned who the victim had been. This would undoubtedly have been even more shocking to him.

"Now," Sir Thomas started again. "I have told you all this, so that you will not be taken by surprise when those soldiers arrive this afternoon. But I do expect from all of you to be discreet and to not speak of it with anyone outside this room. I am sorry, Mr Yates, that you got caught up in all this. I do hope that I could ask you the same. To not speak of it. I would be very grateful for that." He nodded towards the man, to emphasise what he had said.
"I will keep quiet sir!" Mr Yates answered.

"For now," continued Sir Thomas, "I hope I can persuade all you young people," here he looked pointedly at Fanny, to indicate she was included, "to take a ride together. The weather is very fine and I think you must make use of that. But before that, Maria, I would like to speak with you in the study please."
He stood up, excused himself and then went out of the room, followed by a clearly confused Maria.

All others started to talk among each other.
Mrs Norris declared that 'she had always distrusted them.' This was of course laughable, since she had never said anything in that direction before.

Edmund told in a whisper to Fanny the details that his father had omitted to tell to the rest of the family. They both looked in the direction of where Mr Rushworth was sitting. They wondered how he would react if he knew it was his creditor that was killed.
Edmund said he was glad they would all go out for a ride. He knew that his father was going to talk to Mr Rushworth after his conference with Maria. For safety it was best that they would not be around. For it was not certain how Rushworth would react to the news that his engagement was called off. He would most likely be devastated since he would now have to find another way to pay off his debts. Sir Thomas would make sure there would be some strong footmen around, in case there would be violence.

People now began to disperse through the house to get ready to ride. Mrs Norris called Fanny back. "Fanny, where are you going? You should be staying here. I have some things for you to do."
Before Fanny could react, Edmund said: "Aunt Norris, Fanny is going too! I know my father was specific that she should go too. Besides, it is her normal time for riding after all."
Mrs Norris began to protest but Edmund stopped her. "Fanny is going with us. And that is the end to it. No more!"
Then he took Fanny's arm and guided her out of the room.
"Do not worry," he said. "You know that my father specifically included you as well."
"I know. But thank you for standing up for me."

Half an hour later they were all waiting in the hall for Maria to appear. When she did, she looked very shocked, but subdued.
"Rushworth," she said. "My father wishes to speak with you now." Then she walked to her room to get into her riding habit.

Meanwhile Mr Rushworth looked confused, but went to the office without a word.

Maria came back quickly and they all were soon on their horses.
The group was fairly large and they first went past the parsonage to collect Miss Crawford to join them. Mr Crawford had sent a note to her so she would know and be able to prepare.

They all went in the same direction but soon groups were formed. Tom and Mr Yates rode ahead, followed by Maria and Julia, the former being unusually quiet.
Edmund and Mary came next and last rode Fanny and Mr Crawford.

It was as usual, but Fanny felt something had changed. She was still so confused and Mr Crawford seemed to notice. He didn't try to get her to talk, but stayed quiet. Fanny appreciated this, for she needed to think.

A.N. A slightly abrupt end to the chapter. But of course it will be continued in the next chapter. ;-)
I have had the basic outline for the story since I started writing. However, some things suddenly just seemed to happen under my hands. Having this murder debacle in the story is one of those things.
I don't know if everything I describe is logical or could have happened that way in that time, but after all, I am the writer. I guess I may allow myself some liberties. ;-)