Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
PPP
Bingley had never felt more alone. It has been three months since his sisters' deaths and he still suffered their loss. Naturally an exuberant man, his days now consisted of darkness and depression. Only the thoughts of seeking revenge on Caroline's behalf and ensuring the well-being of his god-daughter kept him going.
Little Lucy's nurse, Mrs. Shaw, sent Bingley a letter once a week, updating him with the girl's progress and the happenings of her brother-in-law's estate. In them, she informed Bingley Lucy was rarely visited by Hurst or his mother. This news only added to Bingley's grief. Hurst's lack of care for his daughter was disappointing.
Adding insult to injury, Hurst put off his mourning for Louisa after only six weeks. Now he was courting the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
Hurst's marriage to Louisa may have been a business arrangement, but his brother-in-law wasting no time to pursue another woman, was insulting. He only hoped this woman would be a kind and warm mother to little Lucy, if she did marry Hurst.
When the first year of Netherfield's lease came to an end, Bingley decided against renewing it. He could not bear the thought of spending another year in Netherfield. The estate was a constant reminder of his loss and many of the memories were bittersweet. A few were poignant reminders of the man he despised most in the world.
Removing from Netherfield, Bingley leased a small house in a commercial neighbourhood in London. It had the added benefit of being situated near to Sir Frederick's residence. Despite the risks involved, Bingley had been devising a plan to kill Sir Frederick for quite some time.
Bingley created a disguise with a wig, glasses, and clothing of lower quality than he usually wore. He also grew a beard and moustache. He had very few acquaintances in common with Sir Frederick, but Bingley was determined to leave no room for error.
As part of the preparation, Bingley passed by Sir Frederick's house two or three times a week with a folder under his arm. He observed the surroundings and took note of the neighbours. To avoid unwanted attention, he introduced himself as Louis Steward when he interacted with anyone on the street, explaining he was a solicitor and had clients in the area.
Bingley knew if he was patient, the right opportunity would present itself. With all his careful preparation, he was confident his plan would succeed.
Following a long absence, Sir Frederick finally returned to town in early November. Bingley had been taking his stroll when he caught sight of the man stepping out of his carriage. Now all Bingley had to do was keep an eye on Sir Frederick and study his routine and activities.
Bingley had befriended a poor boy, Benny, who often visited the area for work. Benny ran errands for several families, assisted merchants in the nearby market, and sold his mother's cakes. To gain Benny's trust, Bingley bought him cakes and chatted with him. Over time, Benny revealed that he knew some of Sir Frederick's servants, including the coachman.
A few days after Sir Frederick's arrival, Bingley developed an uneasy feeling that he was being followed. He could not be sure if someone was indeed tailing him or if he was merely being paranoid. The feeling persisted, and he experienced it again and again over the next couple of days. He grew concerned, wondering if Sir Frederick was behind the strange occurrences.
PPP
John Alton, a widower, was a merchant in his 50s. He had a 23-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter.
When his only daughter, Maria, was 17, Frederick Willow began courting her. He called on her at home, several times accompanied by his sister.
One afternoon, Miss Willow invited her daughter to tea in her house, and Frederick proposed to her. Using champagne both to toast and to drug her, he assaulted Maria while she was semi-conscious. Sir Frederick without another word left the area. Maria never fully recovered from her attack and sunk into a deep depression. She even attempted suicide. The pretty and friendly young girl died that day, and became a very nervous and depressed woman. Learning Maria was pregnant, John arranged a marriage to a cousin who was a widower and a few years older than her. The wedding took place, and they went to live far away from London thereby saving her reputation from ruin.
Some months ago his daughter, now a widow herself, suffered a relapse when by happenstance, she came face to face with that scoundrel again.
John Alton's business had grown, and he was now a wealthy man, with his son running the business. Unfortunately, he also had cancer, and the only thing he wanted before he died was revenge.
Through the servants he found out the scoundrel had returned to London. He planned on following him to find the right moment to kill him. Going to prison or being hung did not frighten him, as he had little time left as it was. He could always use the poison he carried with him in case he was caught.