PP Non-Canon AU General Regency
A Gentleman's Choice
Sequel to Making Peace
NOTE: It was not uncommon for woman NOT to have access to any type of funds as married woman (though some the wealthier did). So, having Charlotte needing help to flee out of an ABUSIVE situation would be totally understandable. And just in case anyone else had the same question, I get the feeling it was a case of Charlotte coming up with a believable reason to visit Elizabeth for two weeks. And as much as Mr. Darcy and the colonel would have detested what Mr. Collins was doing ..legally...there would have been nothing they could have done during the regency period as to Charlotte. As to the others...they would still be very restricted in what they could do. Most likely, unless the women came from extremely wealthy families, they best those men could have done was to publicly shame Mr. Collins IF the women even spoke up about the abuse in the first place (many did not, or if they did it was just to other women who knew they had no real power to speak up).
Previously:
"As far as you, and anyone else is concerned, unless my lady says anything different, Lydia Bennet is dead. Jocasta Shaw is the one you will be speaking to. One time of calling her Lydia and I will show you out the door. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir." Mr. Hurst did not fail to notice the man's usage of 'my lady' and instantly knew why the gentleman had been so protective about handing out information.
Mr. Niles Talks to The Duke
Ch. 21
The grand halls of the Parliament building echoed with the murmur of voices and the shuffle of papers. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and the faint smell of ink. Outside, the late fall air was crisp, with a hint of winter's chill. The trees lining the streets had shed most of their leaves, leaving a carpet of gold and brown on the ground. Duke Walton, a man in his early thirties with a commanding presence and a sharp intellect, strode purposefully through the corridors. His mind was preoccupied with the subject of wondering how James was getting along with his investigation.
As he approached the Parliament building, the duke pulled his coat tighter against the biting wind. The sky was overcast, and the promise of an early snowfall hung in the air. He climbed the stone steps, his boots echoing against the cold, hard surface. Entering the building, he was greeted by the warmth and the familiar scent of polished wood and ink, a stark contrast to the chill outside.
He entered a private chamber, where a fire crackled warmly in the hearth. The room, adorned with colorful tapestries and portraits of notable figures, held a feeling of just how serious the matters he had been dealing with of late were. As he approached his desk, he noticed a sealed note lying atop a stack of documents. It bore a familiar insignia; it was James Hurst's. He wasted no time in picking it up.
Breaking the seal, the duke unfolded the note and read its contents with growing concern:
"Your Grace,
I have uncovered significant information regarding the whereabouts of Lydia and possibly Ensign Corby. A woman named Jocasta Shaw holds crucial knowledge and I am in route to speak with her. However, it is extremely imperative that you do not divulge any definite answers to Mr. Niles. He is not as innocent as he appears. Burn this note immediately after reading, for it must not fall into his hands.
Yours in confidence, Hurst"
The duke's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the seriousness of the message and what it could mean. He moved swiftly to the fireplace, dropping the note into the flames and watching until it was consumed entirely. The paper quickly turned to ash, leaving no trace of the warning.
Just as it finished burning a knock sounded at the door. "Enter," he called, his voice steady.
Mr. Niles, as if on cue by an unseen director, stepped into the room. His dark, tailored coat and cravat were immaculate, reflecting his status and the seriousness with which he projected onto his duties. He inclined his head in a respectful bow. "Your Grace, I thank you for granting me this audience on such short notice."
"Do not worry about it, Mr. Niles," the duke showed no particular emotion as he nodded his own head. "I understand the urgency you must feel. Please, be seated."
Both men took their places at the large oak table in the center of the room, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. Mr. Niles wasted no time in broaching the subject that had brought him to this meeting.
"Your Grace, I am aware that you were present when Ensign George Wickham's body was discovered," Mr. Niles began, his tone slow and measured. "I have been told there were several… oddities, such as the absence of spy buttons on his person, unlike the other bodies we have encountered. This raises several questions, and I seek your advice on any new developments."
The duke's expression remained unreadable; his eyes fixed on the flickering flames of the candles. "Indeed, it is a most confusing situation," he murmured. "The absence of spy buttons does not fit the pattern of the other bodies found in that area, including the Carson fellow. I confess that does make it stand out. However, rest assured. Mr. Hurst is continuing the investigation with diligence."
Mr. Niles leaned forward slightly; his brow furrowed. "And what of the one called Ensign Corby, Your Grace? There have been troubling reports regarding his whereabouts. Has there been any progress at all in locating his whereabouts? The military cannot even find him."
The duke's gaze shifted to meet Mr. Niles's, his eyes revealing nothing. "A few leads are being pursued concerning that particular ensign. It is a complicated matter, and I fear I can offer no definitive answers at this time. However much I wish I could."
Mr. Niles sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "I understand, Your Grace. The uncertainty is most vexing to me. I wish to see this matter settled. The safety and well-being of our men is not something to be ignored, and these unresolved matters weigh heavily upon my mind."
"Rest assured, Mr. Niles," the duke said, his tone remained firm. "Every effort is being made to get to the heart of the matter, to find Ensign Corby. Patience, though often difficult, is absolutely necessary in these type of delicate type of affairs. If we make one wrong move, the public could cause such a loud out cry, well, it would cause us more trouble than it is worth."
Mr. Niles nodded. "I appreciate your candor, Your Grace. I shall convey your words to my colleagues; for you are correct. We want no public outcry."
The duke rose, signaling the end of their conversation. "Thank you, Mr. Niles. Your dedication is commendable. I will keep in contact with Mr. Hurst. I am sure you will have a report soon."
With a final bow, Mr. Niles took his leave, frustrated due to the fact there had been a misunderstanding between himself and Ensign Corby. And now it was impossible for Mr. Niles to locate him to give him further instructions, nor had it been possible for his other men to track him down. It had been his hope Mr. Hurst would do it for him.
As the door closed behind Mr. Niles, the Duke returned to his desk, his thoughts once again turning to the note from James. The mention of Jocasta Shaw and her potential knowledge of Lydia and Ensign Corby had him curious. So, Lydia still lived. Why was she not showing herself? If he had been in on the conversation with Mr. Thompson, the duke would have thought a few other things; for now, he just knew they were in the middle of one very murky situation. He also realized Mr. Hurst's discretion was paramount, and the warning about Mr. Niles's true nature only served to complicate things.
The duke sat down, his mind racing with the implications of the information he had just received. He knew that he had to watch his steps, balancing the need for secrecy with the urgency of the investigation. The stakes were high, and any misstep could put innocent people in danger.
He reached for a fresh sheet of parchment and began drafting a letter to Mr. Hurst, emphasizing the importance of caution. "Give me something to toss Mr. Niles's way if at all possible, just enough to keep him at bay. I fear he may try sending someone up there if you do not," he wrote, conveying the gravity of the situation without revealing too much.
As he sealed the letter and prepared to send it, the duke watched the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. It might as well have been mirrored shadows which loomed over the investigation. The duke knew that he could not afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment. The safety of his brother, and others, not to mention the integrity of the investigation depended on his vigilance and resolve.
With a final glance at the now-burned note's ashes in the fireplace, the duke rose and made his way to the door. He had much to do and little time to waste. The truth awaited, and he hoped James could uncover it; however, he prayed it would not be at the cost of the man's life—or this Jocasta's.