Page 43

Elizabeth and Darcy awoke as the sunlight began to creep into their room.

They parted to dress and were soon making their way downstairs to breakfast. Charlotte and Anne had just sat down and greeted them with pleasure.

Anne surveyed the display of fruits with anticipation.

“Your cook has made it his business to tempt my appetite. Just look at these lovely fruits, and most of them not in season.”

Darcy, a farmer at heart, looked over at the fruit. “We have hothouses and succession-houses at Pemberley, Anne. I will send you delicious oranges at Christmas.” A footman handed Darcy a newly arrived express letter which he took but did not open.

“I should like that, Fitzwilliam. Rosings is such a--such a useless place. Flowers are lovely, but we should be growing our own vegetables, fruits, and herbs at least. Everything is purchased. It seems such a waste. ”

“We have plenty of wise people at Pemberley who can help you, Anne, and when life has become more settled, I will see that you meet them. There is no reason you should not have a fine home-farm at Rosings.”

Darcy excused himself and turned away to read his letter, and as he finished, Lord Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived.

“Here you all are together,” said Lord Matlock. “And I happen to need to see you all together.” He turned to Anne. “You look well this morning, Anne. I trust everyone enjoyed our evening yesterday.”

There were exclamations of delight all around, and Elizabeth poured out coffee for the Earl and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

When all had been served, Darcy related the contents of his letter.

“This letter is from Charles Bingley. The trial of the two abductors and murderers took place yesterday in the town of Wells. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. The executions will take place tomorrow.” He sighed. “There could be no other outcome.”

“I have a great deal of news as well,” said his uncle.

“We have discussed all of this before. The ownership of Rosings was easily established.

Sir Lewis left it to Anne, to be settled on her when she reached the age of five-and-twenty, as is customary.

Catherine was named as trustee on behalf of Anne until she came of age.

He also settled money on his wife to provide her with an income for her lifetime in addition to her own fortune.

I briefly informed Anne of all of this last night.

She knows we will assist her to recover her inheritance.

“I have carefully considered what to do with my sister. We cannot simply turn her over to the authorities, as the names of her victims would inevitably become public. The scandal would be swift, inevitable, and very public, and the reputations of the young ladies involved would inevitably suffer. However, Catherine must be prevented from harming anyone else. The only acceptable course is to have her declared a person of unsound mind. A lunatic, if you will. I have instructed my solicitor to file the necessary petition with the Chancery Court today. This will be a very public inquest, it will be held in Hunsford, and I certainly do not expect my sister to allow the court to brand her a lunatic without putting up a struggle. But I also do not doubt that such will be the decision of the court.”

Lord Matlock settled back in his chair and passed his hand over his eyes.

“I have also petitioned the court to be appointed Catherine’s guardian.

That should not present a problem because I am her closest male relative, and I have no financial interest in her fortune.

Once I am her guardian, I will have her escorted to my estate in Derbyshire.

There she will be housed in a secluded and well guarded cottage.

This will enable me to care for her needs and see that she is comfortable and well treated.

” He looked at Darcy. “The estate backs up onto desolate and uninhabited moorlands.

There will be no escape. Once Catherine has been removed to Derbyshire, we can begin to determine the restitution that must be paid to her victims. I believe we should assign priority to Miss Arabella Grant.

She is in the most serious need, and her injuries seem to be the first that occurred, second only to the Olivers.

We must also concern ourselves with helping the young women in the house in Audley Street to find proper gainful employment.

That may best be accomplished by means of education.

Any who wish to be reunited with their families can also be assisted in that effort.

“Two nurses are here from a private asylum in Derbyshire to escort and supervise Catherine while the trial is going on, and I intend to conduct interviews and hire several more nurses while I am in town. While we are awaiting the inquest, she will be moved to the dower house at Rosings and will be kept there under guard and will be cared for by these women.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam took over. “Darcy, I had a talk with Parker. He has begun sending a few hand-picked men to Hunsford, where they are being received by Mr. Collins at the parsonage. Vulnerable persons, such as young maids, older servants, Mrs. Jenkinson, and the like, are being gradually removed from the house at Rosings and are being housed temporarily with people in the village or sent to their families. A small group of dedicated, I should say very dedicated, staff are staying behind. These persons include the butler and housekeeper, the cook and several kitchen helpers, two footmen, and my aunt’s lady’s-maid.

The house will soon be infiltrated by Parker’s men, sent by twos and threes from the parsonage.

When we go to move my aunt to the dower house to await the inquest, she will be a virtual prisoner in that house.

“This morning, I wrote to my commanding officer requesting an indefinite leave of absence. Unless the situation on the Continent changes drastically, I expect my request to be granted. I will assume responsibility for moving Aunt Catherine from Rosings to Derbyshire. Darcy, with your kind permission, Parker will assist me in those undertakings.”

“Of course,” replied his cousin.

“We should also be grateful for your assistance tomorrow when we ride into Kent to move her into the dower house. Servants and the two nurses will be going today to make ready for her.” Anne broke in.

“They will find the dower house in immaculate condition. My mother insists upon its being cleaned once each week, and she inspects it every month. All they will be required to do is to remove the holland covers from the furniture.”

“What is our departure time tomorrow morning?” Darcy looked over at Elizabeth.

“We should be on the road by eight.”

“Come and join us for breakfast at seven.”

“Now,” said the Earl. “I declare that the remainder of today shall be a respite from all cares for you young people. Find some pleasant activity and enjoy it. Walk, shop, read, write letters, or whatever strikes your fancy.”

Rosings, Kent - Thursday, August 13, 18__

Rosings was eerily quiet. She recognized her maid, Marks, as well as the butler, housekeeper, and head footman, but where were all the maids?

And who were these footmen she had never seen before?

As she sat at breakfast in the small summer breakfast parlor, her mind seemed to be racing, almost ungovernable.

She gave herself a mental shake. It was desperately important that she keep her wits about her.

Her eye fell on the decanter of brandy, and she walked over to it and added a generous portion to her coffee.

It would help. It always did. Then she sat down and began to eat a hearty breakfast, though her appetite was no longer as good as it had always been.

She needed to be ready when that idiot Collins arrived with suggestions for a new man to do her bidding.

Brook Street, London - Thursday, August 13, 18__

A discreet knock summoned Darcy from sleep at five the next morning. As Elizabeth slept peacefully on, he put on his dressing gown and opened the door to Larkin, who wished Darcy a good morning as he handed over the tray he had brought.

“Thank you, Larkin. Please return in one-half-hour and ask my wife’s maid to come as well.” Darcy poured out two cups of coffee and returned to Elizabeth, who was stirring. She smiled up at him, trying to brush the sleep from her eyes.

“Are you well, dearest?” His eyes searched her face anxiously as he handed her the coffee.

Elizabeth laughed. “Perfectly well. I could not possibly be better. Are you well?”

He kissed the top of her head. “Oh, Lizzy. You are my safe harbor. You are my refuge.”

“Just as you are mine.” They stayed quiet for a long moment.

Elizabeth was prevented from saying all that she wanted to say by Larkin’s knock. Before long, she and Darcy went downstairs for their early breakfast, where they were joined by the Earl and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

After breakfast it was time for the men to leave.

Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and they all walked out of the front door into the still-quiet street.

Grooms stood with the horses, and Elizabeth saw that Darcy would ride his tall gray, the stallion he had favored at Netherfield and during their brief summer interlude at Pemberley.

He leaned over to kiss her, and she said quietly, “I will be here when you return.” The horses clattered down the street and around the corner and were lost to view.

As they rode, the men discussed what could be anticipated over the next few days. Darcy spoke first. “I am not sure I understand why my aunt is being moved to the Dower House. It seems in some respects to be quite disturbing to her. Will it not make her more difficult to look after?”