AU Pride and Prejudice

Unbreakable Bonds

NOTE: I do not recall, and if they mentioned any I missed it, mention of any children the Philips may have had, so I gave them one.

Previously:

Therefore, no, Mrs. Doyle would not have had any issue with what the colonel and his sister had been saying..

Patty Calls Paddy Called

Ch. 23

The winter weather had been harsher than normal, so the early, warm spring air felt grand on Arelia's face, as did the idea that she was carrying Thomas's child. She was not very far along, barely four weeks. However, the shine on Mrs. Bennet's face could not be hidden, even if she had wanted to keep it under wraps. Therefore, her flat stomach did nothing to conceal the secret, as her face shouted the news without her even opening her mouth.

Adelia walked along the path that led to Mr. and Mrs. Philips' house, admiring the fresh green grass and the budding flowers. The house was a modest but cozy one, with a white picket fence and a red brick facade. A wreath of spring blossoms hung on the door, and a sign that said "Welcome" greeted the visitors.

"Good for you, old chap!" Mr. Philips slapped his brother-in-law on the back. "May you be blessed with a son after those five daughters of yours."

"From your mouth to his ears." Thomas laughed, but then grew serious. "Honestly, brother, I should care, I suppose, but I am finding myself not caring anymore. I just want her safe. Her health scares me at times."

"Mrs. Bennet is something else at times, I admit." Mr. Philips turned somber himself. "I too worry about her at times."

The two men were speaking as they watched Mrs. Bennet walking towards them, and Mr. Bennet suddenly felt, yes, there was danger coming for his wife, but he was not sure why. Was it because of the baby, or was it from another source? The hair on the back of his neck stood up, and so did the ones on his arms. He visibly shuddered.

"What is wrong, Thomas?" Mr. Philips asked.

"I do not know. Something, but I do not know what."

The family was gathered for a small celebration of the Philips' first grandson being born; they had six granddaughters. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were there, along with Charles and Jane. Mary was being accompanied by a Captain Wheelwright, whom she had recently met, and Kitty was again being seen with Mr. James Collins. The last to show up were Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne, who now wore a diamond ring as a sign of affection. They were due to be wed in June.

"Welcome, free to come around back." Mrs. Philips waved people around back.

Everyone that had been invited, who were not already in back, followed her to the Philip's spacious backyard garden. Mr. Philip and his son had set a long table in the back and the women had put a white cloth over it and put silverware and china plates on it . Mrs. Bennet could smell the aroma of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple pie. She could also see a banner hung from the branches of a cherry tree, reading "Congratulations on your first grandson, Mr. and Mrs. Philips!"

Mr. Philip's son was holding the baby boy in his arms, smiling proudly as he showed him to the relatives and friends. His infant son had a tuft of blond hair and dark eyes, just like his father, who was sitting next to his wife. They had named him Philip after the child's maternal grandfather who had no sons.

"Isn't he adorable?" Mrs. Philips gushed, as she kissed the baby's cheek. "He looks just like his grandfather."

The sun continued shining brightly, and it felt good to see the garden in full bloom. Various kinds of flowers added a splash of color to the green lawn. Butterflies and bees buzzed around the flowers, while more than one bird sang in the trees. Finally, Mrs. Philips announced that it was time for lunch.

She invited everyone to take their seats at the table, and served them generous portions of the delicious food. They ate and drank, and toasted to the baby's health and happiness. They also shared stories and memories of their own children and grandchildren, laughing and reminiscing.

Adelia could not have explained what happened. Everything was fine, she and Anne were laughing and joking away from the group, but not that far. There was no sign of danger, but all of a sudden the sky darkened and people had to grab their hats. Then, without warning, Patricia appeared, a wild-eyed look on her face. It was one that shouted 'I will have your blood, you stole from me! You're the sole reason for all my problems! And the person it was aimed at could not be mistaken for the ex Mrs. Perry was looking straight at Adelia.

Unfortunately, everyone else was too busy diving for cover to see her arrival. That is until Anne screamed. It was then that Mr. Bennet turned in horror to see a mad woman attempting to strangle his wife. Racing like mad he managed to get to Adelia, as did a few other men.

"Get off my wife!" Thomas managed to get Adelia into his arms while the others held the wild-eyed lady back.

"Get her in the house now!" Anne shouted and pointed to blood that had started to fall to the grround from where Mrs. Bennet stood; Thomas raced with his wife and Anne into the Philip's home.

"Get Patricia locked up!" Shouted Anne over her shoulders; she was easily heard for the strange storm that had sprung up had disapated as quickly as it had appeared.

Adelia was in shock and pain, as she felt a sharp stab in her lower abdomen. Anne followed them, her face pale and worried.

"Thomas, I am scared. I think I am bleeding." Adelia whispered, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Shh, it is going to be alright, my love. We will get you a doctor, don't worry." Thomas tried to comfort her

"I am not waiting for any doctor." Anne ran to the kitchen and started handing out orders right and left.

"Adelia is with child?" Mrs. Philips gasped, as she grabbed her shawl and ran to the door.

"Yes, she is four weeks along. Please hurry, she is losing more blood than is normal." Anne wasted no time in doing what needed to be done; thankful she no longer struggled to speak her own language.

Adelia's friend did not have much hope in being able to save the baby, but there was no way on earth she was just going to stand by and wait for a doctor to arrive; it might be too late by then.

And Mr. Bennet would have stayed by his wife's side but, with no medical skills, he focused on wasting no time in getting back outside to make sure this lady called Patricia was under control. Therefore, he went downstairs, and out the door. His eyes scanned the area where the attack had taken place but saw no one.

"They are out front." Mr. Philips pointed around the house. "They are keeping the lunatic restrained until Mr. Jasperson and his friend, Doctor Hansen, can get here."

Mr. Bennet went around front and saw the woman who had attacked his wife no longer looking so wild-eyed. She was made to sit on the steps, her wrists constrained by rope. She looked at Mr. Bennet and had the audacity to ask about Adelia as if she cared.

"I didn't know what I was doing. I never meant to hurt her. I was just upset." Patricia said a few other things, none of which Thomas believed; none of which the others bought into either. And, if her lies were not bad enough, other things such as dates which had not occurred yet, or places that were not in existence in America, convinced them Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Doyle had hit the nail on the head; Mrs. Perry needed to be locked up.

"And if my wife dies," Mr. Bennet got right up in Patricia's face, "crazy or sane, I will have you charged for murder." When she sputtered something about temporary insanity causing it, he laughed. "By the time I get through with you, if they let you live in a mental institution…" This time it was Thomas's eyes that were on fire. "You may find yourself wishing a hangman's noose would have found your neck instead!" His words were hissed and Patricia pulled back, knowing wherever she was, this was not a situation that she was going to come out on top.