The full impact of what had occurred between James, Lydia, and Mr. Wickham did not settle on the occupants of Pemberley until after the magistrate, physician, and apothecary had left. One of the servants had fetched James' walking stick from the woods near the body. The once finely carved wooden head had been smashed into unrecognisable pieces.
"James!" exclaimed Elizabeth when she saw it; "you walked all the way back, carrying Lydia, and without your stick!"
"I suppose that I did," said James, staring at the remnant of the walking stick. He heard a faint whisper of sadness for the loss of one of the few items left to him by his Grandfather Bennet, but he was overwhelmingly thankful to have saved his sister. He was also somewhat perturbed that he had taken another man's life, even if it was a matter of self-defence, but he experienced no remorse for his action.
Conversation continued around James as the others discussed the day's events, how Lydia fared, and what would happen with Mr. Wickham's body, but James could not attend to it. He knew his sister was sleeping soundly with Mrs. Gardiner watching over her, so he let his mind wander. How had he been able to carry his sister all the way back to Pemberley? It was certainly near a half mile, or perhaps more, that they had been from the house. He had not even thought about his actions in the moment. He had simply taken his sister in his arms and got her to safety. Yet now that the fear and intensity of the moment had worn off, he was quite certain he still needed a walking stick if he were to make it up the stairs to his bedchamber.
The next day, Lydia did not awaken until after midday, and only then because Mr. Hubert Baxter and Miss Baxter had called after hearing of the attack. Lydia roused herself so she might see her friends, although she did not take nearly the care with her appearance that she usually would have.
"Does everyone know, then? Am I ruined?" asked Lydia of Mr. Hubert when they walked in the garden later that day.
"No one is saying anything about you being ruined," replied Mr. Baxter with confusion. "Nothing… of that sort occurred, did it? From what I heard, you were knocked to the ground by the rogue when you were out for a walk with Mr. Bennet and got separated from him for only a moment."
"I did not mean that. I mean because I am now a murderer twice over."
"A murderer? Your brother killed Mr. Wickham in defence of you. That is not murder. Who is the other?"
"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. I hated Miss Dorr and then she died."
"I do not think that is how that scripture is meant."
"I did hate her, though. Yet, she liked me, apparently, at least well enough to send me her bonnets."
"I think she did like you. You may have hated her, but you were not unkind to her."
"No, I just wished her to the devil in my mind. Which makes it worse."
"Come, now. Lydia, Miss Lydia, I mean… I do not think you have damned yourself because you disliked your sister's friend."
"But now, with Mr. Wickham… I slipped away without a maid. Mr. Darcy told me it was not allowed, as did James. I disobeyed. The only reason why Mr. Wickham did not succeed in whatever he was planning is because James was nearby. We did not walk out together. He simply heard me and came to my rescue. If I had simply stayed in or taken someone with me, Mr. Wickham would yet live. I am quite certain that, at least, is my fault."
"Mr. Wickham attacked you. You should be able to walk out on your brother's land without fear. Mayhap you should not have disobeyed your brothers, but that does not mean you are a murderer."
They were then interrupted by a maid coming to fetch them for tea, and their conversation was halted. Mr. Baxter could only give Lydia a significant look, to which she replied with a roll of her eyes. She did not believe her friend that she could be absolved of her guilt in the matter.
"Lydie?" came James' voice from outside Lydia's door later that day. Lydia let him in but was surprised at his being there. He sat on her bed while she tidied her dressing table. "Why do you think you are a murderer?" he asked.
"I did not know Mr. Hubert Baxter was so little to be trusted." Lydia slammed closed the drawer to her jewellery box and sat down to brush her hair.
"Do not blame him. He was right to tell me."
"Then I am sure he told you my reasons."
"Do you believe me a murderer?"
"No." Lydia did not look at her brother, instead focusing on the split ends she found in her hair.
"If you are a murderer, then I certainly am. Two men, if you count Collins, have died due to me."
"You did not want Mr. Collins to die. You wished him transported."
"True, but I might have done more to prevent it. In the end, I did not request that he be granted mercy and I even went to watch him die. And one can certainly not doubt that I killed Mr. Wickham."
"Only because I misbehaved and went out without a companion." Lydia's face was contorted with anguish as tears ran down her cheeks.
"That was foolish, my dear sister, when you had been warned not to. Yet many girls do many more foolish things and nothing bad happens at all. I daresay that you will do many more foolish things in the future, none of which will result in anyone's death." James embraced Lydia, holding her close as her tears wet his clothes. His eyes were also glistening with tears, for he needed the embrace as much as his sister did.
When finally the siblings were both settled their emotions, they pulled apart. James took up the brush that Lydia had left on the dressing table and began to brush her hair as he had when she was very small.
"You know, I begin to like your Mr. Baxter more," observed James.
"He is not my Mr. Baxter," said Lydia with a blush.
"I suppose not. Not now, at least, when he is but seventeen. Still, if his character remains the same, I think he shall become a good man."
"He is to be sent off to Cambridge soon."
"I assumed he would be. Either Cambridge or one of the other universities."
"I shan't see him again, likely for years."
"Perhaps not, and it is likely that both of you shall grow and change. I do not mean to say you should set your cap for him or anything of the sort. I rather would prefer you never marry and instead be a spinster and draw insects. Yet I simply like him. I think him a good friend to you."
"He is, I suppose. He and his sister are my best friends, besides my own family."
"Then we shall simply have to arrange to see them occasionally. I shouldn't like my baby sister to be without friends," said James, kissing his sister atop her head.
"Thank you, James," said Lydia as he retreated from her room to leave her in peace.
The next morning, while they were yet at breakfast, an express rider arrived bearing a note that he gave into Mr. Darcy's hands. Darcy hastily ripped the paper open and quickly digested its contents, before re-reading it aloud.
"21st June
Dear Family,
I send this express as I am certain by the time you receive this Mrs. Bennet will have born her child. The pains began this morning and have been progressing. Both the midwife and Mr. Jones say everything appears to be well, although they did not think she would be taken to bed so soon. She is asking for Lizzy and Mrs. Gardiner. Lady Lucas is with her now, as is Mrs. Phillips.
Yours, etc.
T. Bennet"
By the time anyone had a moment to process what had been read, Mr. Reynolds had inferred what orders his master and mistress would give and had sent footmen and maids to begin the preparations. Once the shock had worn off, the house was filled with activity as the occupants ran about to prepare for departure. It was no more than an hour before they were on their way, as much of what was needed could be sent later in a carriage with their servants.
The journey passed quickly, as they did not stop so often as they had on the way thither. Even with so many people and an expectant woman in the party, they were often able to stop only for meals and to sleep. This was helped by Charlotte's riding in the Darcy carriage, which was so well sprung that she might not have known she was travelling at all. By the time they reached half-way to Hertfordshire, they were met by another express rider who bore further news. He had seen the Darcy crest on the carriage and known he needed not ride any further, for his query was there.
22nd June,
Dear Family,
Mrs. Bennet has brought two daughters safely into the world. Yes, two. They are called Jane and Alice. Jane, of course, is after Mrs. Phillips, and Alice after my aunt. They both appear healthy and have fine lungs, if their cries are any indication. Mrs. Bennet seems well, if tired. The midwife and Mrs. Phillips have not left her side.
T. Bennet.
"Twins!" Lydia exclaimed.
"Twin girls," said James with relief.
The rider, who had not yet been tipped for his effort, shifted impatiently from foot to foot. Darcy noticed and tossed the man a coin that was rather too much. The rider bowed low and set off in the opposite direction.
"I suppose we need not make such haste," said Elizabeth, "since they are safely arrived."
Still, everyone was excited to meet the newest Bennets, and they slowed little in their travels.
Rosings Park, Near Westerham, Kent
22nd June
Dear Darcy,
I wished to thank you for telling me that Mr. Tilney is a fine man. How right you were! Ben and he get on famously together. His wife, Mrs. Tilney, is delightful as well. Their son, little Jimmy, is delightfully mischievous. His mother is always chasing after him as he goes haring off whenever he gets an idea in his head. I think she might have more difficulty in doing so of late, for her condition is rather like that of your wife's mother and sister. They have been wonderful company to have at Rosings and soon we shall even host some of Mrs. Tilney's family. She has a whole brood of siblings, I hear, and I think three or four shall visit. The eldest, her brother, for whom Jimmy is named, is married as well and thus shall bring his wife and young daughter.
Speaking of children, I believe your wife wrote that her sibling was due to arrive in early June, so I suspect you shall be making your way to Hertfordshire soon. If this is the case, do feel free to visit if you wish it. I do not wish to take away from your wife's time with her new sibling, but perhaps on the way back to London or Derbyshire you might wish to stop. I do long to see you and your lovely wife. Dear Richard and Mary, I have invited as well. We shall be quite cosy if you come at the same time as the Morlands, but I think we shall make do. Mayhap we could make a house party of it.
Do let me know what you think, dear cousin.
Your affectionate cousin,
Anne Bateman