Page 30

CHAPTER 30

Defensive Tactics

18 OCTOBER 1811

A s planned, Lady Matlock joined her son and nephew on their early morning ride.

The air was crisp and still, the last of the morning mist curling along the hedgerows as they made their way towards the small, secluded cottage that marked the border between Netherfield and Longbourn.

It was not long before they spotted horses already tethered and patiently cropping the sparse grass while the footmen stood guard nearby, their eyes alert.

One nodded at the colonel and Darcy in recognition.

The door opened before they could dismount fully.

“Good morning, Lady Matlock, Colonel, Mr. Darcy,” said Bennet with a polite nod, stepping aside to admit them.

“We arrived a short while ago. My men lit the fire and Lizzy has hot tea waiting as well as a few scones and pastries.”

Once everyone was seated in the various chairs scattered around the room and had taken their choice of refreshments, Lady Matlock offered her appreciation.

“Thank you, Mr. Bennet,” Lady Matlock stated, smiling at the gentleman.

“This repast was most thoughtful of you and quite fits our early morning conclave. ”

“Yes, well, it was Lizzy’s suggestion,” Bennet said with a laugh.

“Such a thought would have never occurred to me as necessary.”

“Then, thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” Lady Matlock said with a gracious smile.

“I have always said that a good hostess never relies on others to ensure things are arranged as they ought to be. You will make an excellent mistress of an estate one day.”

Elizabeth smiled her thanks, flushing slightly at the praise, but before any more could be said, the colonel turned the conversation towards its intended topic.

“What do you know of Father’s business dealings, Mother?” Richard asked curtly.

“We have little time this morning, and I am reluctant to leave Georgiana alone too long—especially if Miss Bingley decides to attempt to confide some untruths to her.”

The countess’s expression hardened.

“I know very little, I am afraid. My father cannot possibly know the extent to which Matlock is draining funds. If he suspected even half of what your father is rumoured to be involved in, he would sever all contact—and all financial support—at once. If he had any proof of treasonable activity…” She exhaled slowly.

“He would not hesitate to see my husband hanged and damn the consequences.”

Darcy crossed his arms, his voice cool.

“That may be reassuring in principle, but it does little to help us understand what my uncle is doing—or why he feels the need to blackmail me into marrying the viscount’s daughter. We need the specific details about what he is involved in so we can take steps to circumvent him.”

Lady Matlock sighed.

“I have written to the servants at Matlock House, the housekeeper and butler in particular, to see what they may know. My husband can be careless with his papers at times, but few are allowed into his study. Only the housekeeper enters that room to clean, and only for a certain few hours each week. It is possible she knows something but is too afraid to write to me directly. ”

“That is something, at least,” Fitzwilliam said in a low tone.

“What about my uncle’s blackmail attempt?” Darcy asked, taking Elizabeth’s hand in his.

“I have asked Elizabeth to marry me, Aunt, and while I wish to give her the courtship and engagement period she deserves, Richard suggested that a quick, secret wedding might thwart the plans of those who would cause us harm. If we were married, this scheme between my uncle and the viscount would be circumvented. However, we must consider that he might still take action against me or my family in that case, but my marriage to her will allow me to keep her safe.”

“I will take steps to ensure he cannot harm you or Elizabeth,” Lady Matlock said, her tone firm with resolve.

“But we must also consider how to protect Georgiana. Any scandal tied to her name could be disastrous, not just to her reputation, but to her confidence. She is still recovering from the events of the summer. Should the details of Ramsgate be released, particularly anything that could construe her actions as scandalous, or, worse, exaggerations and outright ruinous lies, she would have to start the whole process of healing over.”

After a moment of thought, she spoke again.

“Once I make my approval of your match known in town, my husband will have little choice but to offer public support. To do otherwise would make him appear a fool—and he cares far too much for his reputation to risk that. We also may be able to pre-empt any rumours he attempts to spread about Georgiana before they take hold.”

The room had fallen utterly still.

A low fire crackled in the hearth, warming the cool room, providing the only sound in the heavy pause that followed her words.

Darcy’s brow furrowed in concern, but he still gave a short nod.

“As much as I dislike dissembling, we must do what we can to protect my sister from gossip,” he said.

“However, at the moment, I am more concerned about the potential danger presented by Wickham’s presence in Meryton than the gossip my uncle may or may not spread in town. Richard—were you able to speak with Colonel Forster without drawing attention?”

Fitzwilliam’s expression darkened.

He leant forward, his voice low and grim.

“Yes. I sent a note, and we met in secret. Forster has agreed to keep a close watch on Wickham. We plan to catch him off guard when I report to the camp on Monday.”

Darcy’s jaw clenched.

“Wickham's enlisting in the militia has consequences he may not have realized.” Fitzwilliam continued. “He cannot leave the area now without facing punishment. If he disappears, he will be declared absent without leave. In that circumstance, I will see to it personally that he is found. The penalty could be the noose—or a firing squad.” The look that crossed his face was ugly, and reminded those present that this man was a soldier who had faced more than anyone there could imagine.

A tense silence followed, the weight of the implications of his words settling over the group like a pall. Elizabeth, seated beside Darcy, drew in a quiet breath, her fingers tightening slightly around his.

Fitzwilliam’s voice hardened. “Frankly, I consider both punishments far too merciful. I would rather see him sent to the Peninsula—into real battle. I would relish watching his bravado crumble under cannon fire.”

Elizabeth drew in a quiet breath at this, seeking her intended’s eyes. Their gaze locked, and after a moment, she again drew in a steadying breath before she spoke, her voice quiet but firm.

“That is surely possible,” Elizabeth continued, “But I think we must first try to discover what he may be about and whether he is in contact with Lord Matlock.”

“Richard, can you set a man whose primary responsibility will be to watch him?” Darcy suggested, drawing Elizabeth’s hand to his lap and idly caressing it. “Perhaps even befriend him to see if he will reveal his plans in time.”

“I will certainly enlist one of the officers to watch him, but it is possible that he has already notified Father not only of your presence here, which Father already knew, but also about your connection to Elizabeth. You said, Darcy, that you were not discreet when you spoke to her nor when you escorted her home, so Wickham is already aware of your preference for her,” Fitzwilliam replied. “He will likely have already written to Father about it, if the two are working together as we suspect.”

Bennet, who had been listening to this exchange and watching closely the interactions between Darcy and his second daughter, caught Darcy’s eye before clearing his throat and looking pointedly at Elizabeth’s hand enclosed within her intended’s.

Seeing this, Darcy almost released it, but Elizabeth tightened her grip slightly which seemed to strengthen Darcy’s resolve. Instead, he raised his brow at his future father and did nothing.

Leaning back in his chair, Bennet glared at the man a moment longer before shrugging his shoulders.

Having remained silent until this point, Bennet shifted in his seat and cleared his throat once more. “It seems this Wickham fellow leaves a trail of harm wherever he goes,” he said, his tone more serious than usual. “I cannot pretend I understand the full extent of it, but you have told me enough, Darcy, that I am concerned about what he might try. He has only been in the area a few days, but it is possible from what you’ve said of him that he is already up to his usual habits and has begun to accumulate debts. Could we not use that to our advantage to find a way to muzzle him?”

He looked towards his daughter. “Given the connection between the Darcy family and our own, any harm done to one will inevitably reflect upon both. If there is a way to outmanoeuvre him and prevent any harm before it takes root, then the sooner it is done, the better for all of us.”

Darcy inclined his head, his expression grave. “I could not agree more, sir. This is no longer a matter of family pride or personal grievance—it is a question of protection. Georgiana must be shielded, and so must Elizabeth.”

He glanced towards his cousin, then to Lady Matlock, before his gaze returned to Bennet. “Whatever actions we take towards either Lord Matlock or Wickham, I refuse to act in haste—but I will act. He has had far too many opportunities to slip through the cracks. That ends now. Richard, what do you suggest we do?”

“You have already sent for some of your men from London to increase the guard around both Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam said. “If Wickham tries to spread damaging stories about Georgiana, we need a way to quietly discredit him first. Bennet’s idea of investigating his debts is a good place to start. Father may have given him some money, but Wickham never pays for anything he can charm someone into giving him. He likes to keep his cash for more indulgent uses—not for something practical like the well-tailored militia coat he has already bought.”

Fitzwilliam continued with a sneer. “Wickham has always been vain and demanded the best, whether or not he could afford it.”

Darcy nodded. “He has been in the area less than a week, but I have seen him fall into debt in even less time—especially debts of honour. He was a reckless card player at university and never knew when to stop. Some of the officers might demand coin, but many will be easily convinced he is good for it, especially if he has already begun his campaign against me.”

Bennet leant in, steering the conversation in a new direction. “While we are keeping an eye on Wickham, my brother Gardiner is continuing to look into Lord Matlock’s affairs. I will let you know as soon as we learn anything more from London. That said, Darcy, you mentioned hiring your own investigator which I think is wise. The more people involved, the better.”

He turned to the countess. “Countess, I know you do not have much contact with your husband, but if word starts spreading in London about his activities—especially with the suspicion of smuggling—how badly would it affect your reputation?”

The countess frowned thoughtfully. “Less than it might have a few years ago. Those closest to me are well aware of how rarely I spend time with my husband, and how I detest his habits. No one would be surprised if I stayed with a friend, took up residence at Darcy House for the Season, or simply returned to my father’s home for a time.”

She paused, considering further. “If the worst were to happen, I could easily distance myself from him—and let it be known there has been a formal break between us. It would cause a scandal, of course, but it would also protect my reputation if he were to be charged with criminal activity.”

“You can begin to let it be known that you are spending the autumn with me in Hertfordshire,” Darcy suggested. “Perhaps even begin to lay the groundwork for my marriage to Elizabeth amongst your friends and let it be known that you approve of the match. If you could mention that Georgiana is with you, and has been since the summer, it would cause many to question anything that may be said about her. It is a small falsehood, but if people believe she has been with you all summer, it will be more difficult for any of the accusations about Ramsgate to land.”

Lady Matlock nodded. “I have already taken a few steps towards that end. Although I never lied outright, I may have implied that I was in Ramsgate with Georgiana when I was visiting a friend not far from there. Darcy, did you ensure that neither Mrs. Younge nor any other of the servants would spread rumours about Georgiana?”

Darcy nodded. “Yes,” he replied. “Those closest to her were well paid for their silence. Mrs. Younge knows that it would not be to her advantage if she were to speak out against my sister, no matter if Wickham might attempt to convince her otherwise. While, like you, Aunt, I try to stick as close to the truth as possible, I did employ a few small falsehoods to protect my sister’s reputation. We must concern ourselves only with Wickham and any rumors my uncle might attempt to spread.”

“Let us return to the matter of Elizabeth and Darcy marrying,” Bennet said. “Darcy, would Mr. Bingley be able and willing to keep it quiet for now? If so, we could come up with a reason for Elizabeth to remain at Netherfield for a time. But if we want to keep the marriage secret, we must avoid discussing it in front of my wife.”

Darcy shook his head. “I trust Bingley, but I cannot say the same for his sister. Miss Bingley is displeased with me and would make things as difficult as possible if she found out. If anyone in that household could be relied upon to keep the matter confidential, it would be Miss Horatia Bingley.”

“She strikes me as a very matter-of-fact woman, and quite capable of keeping her niece in line,” Lady Matlock said. “However, it will take time to bring a woman like Miss Bingley to heel. At present, I suspect something is stirring with Miss Bingley, given her persistent efforts to ingratiate herself with me and my family. Both Fitzwilliam and I have given her little encouragement, yet she continues in her attempts. I am almost as concerned about Miss Elizabeth spending time in her company as I am about her being near Wickham.”

“Perhaps we should all remove directly to London, even Pemberley,” Bennet suggested, with his typical sardonic humour. “Once Elizabeth and Darcy marry, we can all retreat to a location where none are there who wish us harm.”

Darcy grimaced. “That does sound appealing, but it hardly seems fair to Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth squeezed his hand, then shook her head firmly, her eyes steady and clear. “I have no objection to marrying William soon— quietly, without all the spectacle Mama would demand—but I have no intention of hiding away as though we have something to be ashamed of. These people who would do us harm must be confronted—each one of them, individually if necessary, and their threats against us eradicated.”

Fitzwilliam let out a low whistle and grinned. “You would have made an excellent soldier, Miss Elizabeth. Are you sure you have chosen the right Fitzwilliam? With you beside me, I would be promoted to general in no time, and you could bark orders to a whole regiment of men eager to obey your every word.”

Darcy frowned at the jest, but Elizabeth only laughed, a warm, bright sound. “Tempting as that is, I am afraid your cousin has already won me over. Much as I might enjoy commanding a regiment, or even a battalion, it is not quite enticing enough to cause me to abandon him for the glory of military life.”