Page 46

“Each of us will go around to the front of the house. I will take the east side and you the west—”

“No.” He shook his head. “I will not leave you to fend for yourself. We are stronger together than we are apart.”

Elizabeth grumbled out an exhale. Why was he so adamantly opposed to her plan? He had not even heard the whole of it before refusing. Stubborn man!

“I do not disagree, but we will be working together when we begin to take these men out from each side of the house.”

He crossed his arms over his chest while he tapped his foot in a furious rhythm. “I understand what you wish to do, and I agree the scheme has merit, yet we do not know how many men my aunt brought with her.”

“Well, there were the two in the drawing room.” She held up two fingers as she mentioned them. “Then three that we incapacitated in the hall.”

“The stunning spell on my aunt will not last forever.”

That was the only drawback to the stunning spell.

The worst of the effect would wear off, unless the individual was more susceptible to that spell than most. No one knew why some were slower to rouse than others, but it happened from time to time; however, they would never be so fortunate that Lady Catherine was one of those more susceptible people.

Still, she would have a devil of a headache when she awakened.

“Sir!”

They both turned with a start at Fitzwilliam’s valet, who was on his way out the door to the kitchens.

“The servants have subdued three men inside in addition to the five the mistress bound with her magic. Lady Catherine has not roused as yet, and the servants have tied all of the men captured thus far. Two more await Lady Catherine’s instruction in front of the house.”

Elizabeth allowed one side of her lip to lift. “She brought ten men to capture you, but only brought two into the drawing room with her?”

“I would not say my aunt is an expert at strategy.”

“I should say not. If she had brought all ten in and had you been alone, perhaps she could have seen some success, but she underestimated you, to say the least.”

“We should not complain. She is now aware she requires more. We also do not know much about the men she left outside. What if one of them has magic? We cannot be too careful.”

He was correct. They needed to ensure the men in the front of the house were captured so they all could be turned over to the constable.

His aunt would be put back on the road to Kent.

This was unlikely to be the end of her schemes.

They had spoken of her tenacity often enough.

But, at least, the end of this campaign would not be difficult.

His hand took hers. “Come.”

He charmed their feet so they moved without sound. They kept close to the side of the house as they tiptoed to the front near the portico, where they stopped and peered around the edge. Two men stood in front of the steps as though a barrier to anyone attempting to enter.

Fitzwilliam pointed up, and she glanced up before frowning at him.

She sucked in a breath as he lifted her to the edge of the portico where she could fit a foot along the edge.

With a firm grip, she held the stone railing and hoisted her leg over then the other until she was standing on the portico.

The two men still stood facing the fields in front of the great house .

“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said in her cheeriest tone. “Is there something I can do to be of aid?”

The men whirled around to face her. She had definitely startled them, which had been her intention. As they turned, Fitzwilliam ran out from his hiding place and extended both arms.

“ò mò táthaigh!” The blast of light that accompanied his spell splintered into three beams.

She crossed her arms. “Caisg.”

The part of the spell that shot towards her bounced off her shield and dissipated.

She had never multiplied a spell. Doing so was risky since the charm split into however many people were nearby.

You could inadvertently strike anyone who happened to be around, which was why she had to shield herself.

In the drawing room, casting such a charm could have hit Mrs. Nichols or one of the servants.

In this case, however, she could defend herself from the effects while the remaining men collapsed to the ground.

When she opened the front door, the butler and housekeeper were just inside with several footmen. “Pray, bind them so we can hand the lot over to the constable. They were hired to kidnap Mr. Darcy, so that should carry a fitting punishment.”

“What of Lady Catherine?” asked Mrs. Nichols.

Fitzwilliam stepped up beside Elizabeth. “Bind my aunt’s wrists and put her in her carriage. I shall speak with the driver and instruct him to return her to Rosings Park without delay. She will likely return, but let us hope not until after we have departed for Pemberley.”

“You do not believe she will follow us to Derbyshire?” Elizabeth attempted her most doubtful countenance. Lady Catherine was not known for her docile nature.

“Not until the weather is warmer. This was but a day’s travel.

She likely travelled to London and stayed for the night before rising early and finishing the trip this morning.

My aunt prefers comfort, and a cold carriage for a three-day journey north would not appeal to her, no matter how much she objects to our marriage. ”

While one of the grooms departed to fetch the constable, those remaining joined the footmen in binding up the men and putting them in the back of a cart. Once the constable had the testimony of the servants, he removed Lady Catherine’s lackeys.

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam spoke to Lady Catherine’s servants and paid them handsomely to return his aunt to her home. His aunt’s maid appeared horrified when she saw her mistress bound and carried to the equipage, but she said naught.

As soon as the carriage pulled away, Elizabeth set her hand on Fitzwilliam’s arm. “You know her maid will untie her before they reach Meryton.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “I stunned my aunt again before I carried her out. I believe the likelihood she will rouse before London is low. She may have them stop for the night, but I do not foresee her returning to Hertfordshire today or even tomorrow. Without the appropriate potions, her headache will linger for at least a week. She would also have to find new men to hire before making another attempt.”

She chuckled. “I suppose we have practised for today.”

Fitzwilliam shook his head. “We should call at Longbourn and inform your father of what has happened.”

They returned to the house to gather their warm coats and hats and await the curricle he requested.

Fitzwilliam sought out Georgiana, whose maid had ensured the girl had remained in her rooms. Once he had apprised her of what had occurred, he returned downstairs at the same time as the vehicle arrived in front of the house.

He assisted her atop before climbing up himself, then cued the horses forward.

The cold air stung her cheeks some as they travelled, but she wrapped her arm through Fitzwilliam’s while she took in the beauty around her.

The light dusting of snow glittered with the sunlight beaming down upon it.

Despite what it meant as to the vision at the altar, the fields and trees were lovely with their bare branches coated in white.

“I hope you do not mind the curricle. Since my aunt’s attempt earlier, I preferred an open carriage.”

“No, I am enjoying the crisp air and the unfettered views of the fields and trees. The snow may not be heavy, but the view it affords still has its charms.

He nodded. “It does indeed.”

When they arrived at Longbourn, a groom rushed out to take the equipage, and Mrs. Hill hurried them inside the hall where Mrs. Bennet stood with her ear pressed to the parlour door.

Elizabeth lifted her eyebrows. “What is happening?”

With a light laugh, Mrs. Hill glanced at her mistress. “Mr. Bingley requested a private audience with Miss Bennet. Your mother shooed everyone from the room before they could say a word and has been standing thus ever since.”

Fitzwilliam gave her a glance, his lips turned up just a little. “Your mother may never forgive you for marrying better than Miss Bennet, but I daresay she will be crowing for the remainder of the day as soon as Bingley and your sister emerge from that room.

“We should speak to your father.” Her husband took her hand and led her to the library.

Papa peered up at them over his spectacles as they entered before placing a ribbon inside his book to mark the page and setting it down. “I heard rumour of a disturbance at Netherfield.”

She paused before taking her usual seat. “How did you hear word of that so quickly?” Her father always seemed to know what had occurred in the village. Had he learnt some magic she had not?

Her father laughed. “Hill had a message sent to Mrs. Nichols, who was to send a note in return. The messenger heard the beginnings of the row inside the house. As soon as you incapacitated the men in front of the house, he departed for Longbourn. I assume the matter has been handled by the constable?”

“He took the men,” said Fitzwilliam. “I stunned my aunt a second time and bound her before loading her in the carriage to return to Rosings.

“We expect her to try again.”

Papa laughed and tapped his finger on the desk.

“She will not come back so readily. Lady Catherine is not circumspect and will speak of her misfortune in the encounter. I am certain she will not find men cheaply nor will she find them so ready to serve when her last attempt failed in such a miserable manner.” He was correct.

Not many men would agree when the last were carted away to gaol.

“I had not considered,” said Fitzwilliam. “I do wonder what my uncle will say to her if she tells him.”

Another chuckle came from Papa. “I wager she will be more guarded with him. She knows who Elizabeth is and that she is my daughter. Your uncle and I have been long-time correspondents and friends. He will take our part. I am certain of it.”

At a knock on the door, they all looked in that direction as it opened, and Mr. Bingley entered wearing an enormous grin.

A surge of joy coursed through her as Fitzwilliam’s hand tightened around hers.

The gregarious gentleman was so delighted, he could not control his talent.

Since he had been shuttered away with Jane when they arrived, that only meant one thing.

Jane had said yes to Mr. Bingley’s proposal.

“I also wager you are here to request permission to marry my Jane.”

Another gust of cheer filled the room as Elizabeth stood. “I believe I shall wish my sister joy.” As she approached Mr. Bingley, she held out her hands, which he took readily. “I wish you joy. ”

Mr. Bingley gave a slight dip over their joined hands. “I thank you, Mrs. Darcy.”

“If you would prefer privacy,” said Fitzwilliam, “I shall join my wife in wishing my sister well.”

The gentleman shook his head. “No, I would be pleased to have you remain. I do not know the first thing about negotiating a marriage contract.”

Fitzwilliam grinned. “And I do? Do remember my parents wrote mine when I was no more than eight years of age.”

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and blew her husband a kiss. He blushed a bit, which was well worth the gesture. He always turned a little red when she flirted with him like this.

The men were already in quiet conversation as she closed the door behind her, but the house around her was far from silent. Lydia’s raucous laughter could be heard from upstairs. Kitty’s joined in a moment later, and from the parlour, Mama’s excited chatter filled the hall.

She sighed. At least Mama would be pleased with the marriage of one of her daughters. The notion stung, but instead of dwelling upon what would upset her, Elizabeth straightened and entered the room as Mama bustled towards the kitchens muttering about punch for the servants.

As soon as Elizabeth entered, Jane held out her hands. Her dearest sister wore a smile brighter than she had ever seen, and her eyes were slightly red. Jane had been crying joyful tears it seemed.

“I am so pleased for you, Jane. He is the kindest of men.”

“I am so happy,” said Jane while she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “Is everyone this happy when they become engaged?”

Elizabeth laughed and shrugged. “I would not know. I was but a new babe when I was betrothed. ”

Jane’s expression faltered. “But you are not displeased with your situation, are you?”

“I am exceedingly satisfied with Fitzwilliam. I must admit that I have come to love him most dearly. He is the perfect man for me, even if I was uncertain of him in the beginning.”

“Then I can be content,” said Jane. “I could not be so if you were miserable.”

“Forgive me. I should not have made jest of how our engagement came to be. I would never want you to be disappointed or sad when you should be the opposite.”

“There is naught to forgive. Charles has spoken of how you and Mr. Darcy behave with each other. I was certain you had feelings for him, but I am relieved to hear from you that I am not mistaken.”

She held up her hands, palms out. “Now, enough about me. Let us speak of what just happened. What did he say?”

While Jane recounted Mr. Bingley’s apparently bumbling speech, she could not stop smiling. Neither could Elizabeth for that matter!

Even so, another of the visions from the altar had just occurred. Since she was not with child, that vision would not be so soon, but what of the duel? Snow was on the ground and Jane was engaged. How much longer did they have before this unknown mage would arrive?