Notes: Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
PPP
Bingley sat sipping his second glass of brandy, deep in thought about the events that had taken place earlier that day.
He was in the park down the street, keeping an eye on the building Sir Frederick frequently visited. He saw Sir Frederick get out of his carriage and enter the house. To keep an eye on him, Bingley went into a nearby tavern, ordered a beer and sandwiches, and waited patiently. Despite the piercing cold, he chose to return to the park and sat on a bench reading a book, until he observed Sir Frederick leaving.
Bingley jumped up and quickly crossed the street to confront Sir Frederick. Before he could get close, a man pushed him from behind, running past and causing him to stumble. In the next instant, there was a loud bang, and Sir Frederick fell to the ground.
Bewildered by the sudden turn of events, he quickly retreated to the small house he was leasing. His plan had always been to leave the next day for Hurst's estate. He had not seen his god-daughter in months and was anxious for her well-being. First things first, he must shave. The methodical process allowed his brain to wonder about the man who shoved him. Was it possible he had known Bingley's real intent?
PPP
The sun had already set when Mr Alton found himself sitting in his dimly lit living room, a crystal glass of brandy in his hand. The amber liquid glowed under the soft light of a nearby lamp. He took a sip and savoured the smoothness of the drink as it slid down his throat.
Mr. Alton's months of planning had paid off, and he was satisfied. He achieved his revenge, and now one less scoundrel roamed the world. He had been meticulous and precise; no investigator would be able to trace the murder back to him.
Furthermore, he raised his glass to the room in a silent toast, then took another sip; a contented smile spreading across his face. He had avenged the wrongs done to his daughter; now he could die in peace.
PPP
In a mansion near Mayfair, Elinor was heartbroken over her brother's death.
The investigator asked for the second time, "Lady Phelps, I repeat the question, do you know who it was your brother went to visit in Cheapside?"
Elinor took a few moments to think, and decided it was best to tell the investigator everything she knew. "I cannot say for sure, but I believe he went to visit a lady."
"Do you know the lady's name? Or where we might locate her for questioning?"
"Yes, the lady is Lady Marianne, and she lives very close to here. I can give you the address, if you require it."
"Do you think she was involved in your brother's murder?"
Elinor shook her head quickly, "No; I do not believe it."
The investigator watched Elinor closely, "Did your brother have any enemies that you are aware of?"
She thought of all the young women her brother had ruined with her help. It was highly possible one of the relatives murdered her brother in revenge. "I – I am not sure." She let her eyes fill with tears and whispered, "There had been a few unscrupulous women who did everything possible to marry my brother, but he refused to give in to them." Now a little louder she added, "Perhaps a relative of theirs is behind Frederick's murder."
"I understand." He paused, then continued, "If you can tell me the names of those women and where they live, I would appreciate it."
Elinor lowered her face, so the investigator would not be able to see her expression. "I will make you a list of possible suspects and send it to you as soon as possible. What I want most is justice for my brother's death."
"Let us hope it will be so, Lady Phelps."
PPP
Once the investigator left, Elinor sat down and carefully sifted through her memories, trying to recall all the different women her brother had targeted. She went through each one, analysing their personalities, their backgrounds, and the circumstances under which her brother had met them.
Her brother's last conquest was Caroline Bingley, but she was dead. Her surviving brother, Charles Bingley, was a simpleton, but he had motives for murdering her brother. He added him to the list as one of the main suspects.
Before Caroline, there was Miss Bells. That young lady's father had died a few years earlier and there were no other siblings. Miss Bells had married so she was discarded.
Miss Jameson had preceded Miss Bells. She lived near Cambridge, and had no siblings, but the father was alive and included on the list.
That brought her to Miss Jane Bennet. No brothers, she had married years ago, and the father was dead. Elinor moved on.
There had been that little orphaned girl before Jane. Her cousin had found out and challenged Frederick to a duel. That was quite some years ago, and the cousin was now serving in the military in the Americas. Elinor also ruled her out.
Then, Miss Alton came to her mind. If she recalled correctly, the young lady has a brother and the father is still living, too. She noted the father's name as a possible suspect.
The first of Frederick's conquests had not even been a maiden, and it could not be proven who the boy's father was. Disinherited by her father, she was now a mistress of a middle-income gentleman.
Ultimately, the list she compiled for the investigator included three possible suspects:
The main suspect was Charles Bingley, followed by Edward Jameson and lastly John Alton.