Chapter 6

Darcy

We could hear above us a furry of movement and differing emotions. From crying to laughter. I could only imagine this home was always filled with a volume level I had 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 trailed 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 was thinking such salacious thoughts about my Elizabeth. My anger was uncontrollable once again. The floors began to shake and even one of the window panes busted. My fist were balled up tight by my sides fighting the want to end this man's life. I believed Charles was helping control my anger some because 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 said 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 said 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 was giving to a gentleman's daughter and a powerful Mage at that.

Charles looked 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 stated matter of factly while examining the room more thoroughly.

All three of us erupted with laughter.

"I am sorry gentleman, I must have not heard the joke." Collins asked in confusion.

"You honestly believe that Miss Elizabeth Bennet will agree to be your wife and stay with you without her sisters?" Surprisingly it was Charles that spoke out first.

"Yes of course I don't seem to understand the confusion? Do you know of her already being engaged?" Collins looked at each of us with complete confusion.

"I do believe she is not currently engaged but-" I tried to finish but was rudely interrupted.

"Then there you have it, she will be mine. Unless one of you believes you can stop me."

Another round of laughter erupted.

"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 was 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 had gone too far.

"Also you might be the great Lady's parson but we're her nephews." Fitz added by pointing at himself and then back at me.

"I do apologize sirs. I did not put that together." Collins practically groveled at our feet. He did seem quite distracted when we had made our introductions.

At that moment we heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

The ladies walked back in the drawing room, all attired and ready for travel.

"We are all ready to go my good Sir." Elizabeth curtsied right in front of me. When she rose, she had a coy smile on her face. She apparently heard my last comment to Collins. The fact that she chose me to mess with Collins gave me chills all over.

Elizabeth

While heading down the stairs my name stopped 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 explained to my sisters who were perched behind me on the stairs.

Lizzy did you have any idea? Kitty asked

I just shook 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 admitted.

Well it's easy to see Mr. Darcy cares for you Lizzy. Let's go now before Collins can try to trap Lizzy! Lydia said in full guardian mode.

Once downstairs, I headed straight to Mr. Darcy and made 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 lingered with our goodbyes with Mrs. Hill as she had been like a second mother to us. We prayed Collins would treat them well.

On shaking legs I turned and headed into Papa's study. All my sister's gathered in the warm room behind me. We each slowly took in a part of his study. Lydia went to Papa's chair and sunk into it like she used to when she was little.

Jane picked up Papa's pipe and sniffed it. She inhaled 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 came up behind her and gave her shoulders a squeeze. I was unable to say anything, just silent tears continued to fall down my face. She laid a hand on top of mine and squeezed back in understanding.

Kitty and Mary sat in the two chairs that were to the left of his desk. And began to play chess on the board that was always there.

I finally calmed enough to go over to Papa's bookshelves. I slowly dragged my hand over the titles. Feeling the well worn leather beneath my fingertips. I could 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 nodded my head in agreement. I then found Papa's copy of Hamlet and knew immediately that I could not leave it here. It was 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 started to leave the room, but just as hard as it was to make my self enter, it was equally as difficult to leave. I then decided to sit down in Papa's chair and felt his warmth so strongly. I closed my eyes and soaked it in. I took his book and brought it to my chest, pressing it as close as it could be to me. It's almost like I could 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 was not here. I am now on my own.

Well at least I was…

My eyes were still shut as I leaned back into Papa's big solid leather chair. Without even opening my eyes I knew Mr. Darcy was near. I felt the now familiar pull growing stronger as he moved towards the desk. I felt his hand gently land on top of mine. I finally opened my tear filled eyes and glanced upon Mr. Darcy's strong and steady countenance. I might not have had a clue how I truly felt about this man, but I could have no doubt of his true care and understanding.

Darcy

As the ladies began to make their final goodbyes. I made sure that all the servants knew that no matter what happened with Collins that if they ever needed a place to work, they should just call on me and I would find them work. With a ridiculous man like Collins trying to run this estate who knew what would become of each of them.

I then noticed all the sisters coming out of a room to the side. My guess is it was their fathers study. They all were wiping tears from their eyes and trying to make themselves proper before heading back into the drawing room. I even noticed Jane holding an ornately carved pipe and could only imagine it was her fathers and now a token of his remembrance for her. I didn't see Elizabeth reappear. I knew not what fully alerted me, but I knew she needed my comfort. I transported 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 noticed her clutching a book to her chest. I could not make out the title, but I could see it had 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 noticed a small smile appear on her face before she even opened her eyes. I could only hope she already knew it was me. Once she opened them, I didn't say anything. Just tried to convey my depths of understanding. I then handed her my handkerchief.

"Thank you." She said quietly. In a voice I had yet to hear from her. Barely above a whisper. Barely holding it together. I then helped her out of the chair and began leading her out of the study.

Once we entered the hallway, her arm comfortably balanced on the crook of mine. She looked up at me. "How did you know?"

I looked at her quizzically. "How did I know you were in your fathers study?"

She shook 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 looked at her deeply. Trying to gauge if we could finally discuss our situation.

She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could Fitz walked towards us.

"It looks like everything is ready. How about you both?" He looked back and forth between us and landed on where Elizabeth's arm rested on mine. He then smiled such a huge knowing smile, I couldn'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 headed 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 forced myself to head back towards the front door. Everyone was making their way towards the carriages. I saw Jane walking with Charles and quickened my steps to join them.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth is on her way. She was just getting a book from your fathers study." Jane nodded and smiled sweetly.

"My guess is she went back for Hamlet. Papa used to read it to her everyday." I smiled back.

"Hamlet you say, isn't that a strange coincidence?" Charles said looking at me with a smile.

"Why is that Mr. Bingley?" Jane looked at Charles expectantly.

"Because Darcy here is obsessed with it. Always carries a copy with him whenever we go on a trip." Charles hit me on the back with his palm to prove his point.

For some reason it embarrassed me. It's something I didn't speak of. But I guess Charles had noticed.

"It was the last book I read with my mother. She loved Shakespeare." I said quietly. Jane looked at me with understanding.

We all began to position ourselves in the carriages. Before I got in, I had still yet to see Elizabeth. My worry began to rise, but it disappeared quickly as I noticed 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 said to me and I headed over to the side of the house where a few men were gathered.

"What seems to be the problem here?" All three men looked up at me from the specific item that had 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 tried to remember all the facts I had heard about the murders so far. From all that I knew both of Elizabeths 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 was.

Elisabeth

"Cousin Elizabeth, might I have a word with you alone?" Collins gestured toward the drawing room.

"No, I do not believe we have time for that. As the Colonel said, we need to be going." I started 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 felt a rope around my neck, but when I looked down nothing was there. The invisible rope quickly pulled me back inside and tightened around my neck. I tried to break free, use any of my gifts. But something was blocking them.

All my brain could think was-

Help! Please! Now!