Chapter 26 #3
There was a wedding they attended in Scarborough, and now they are in Nottinghamshire, where the Earl of Matlock’s daughter married the Earl of Granville.
Between all this, the new duchess’s adopted sister, Miss Jane Bennet, has become engaged to Lord Matlock’s heir, and the second son, the master of Rosings Park, is betrothed to Lady Bethany’s best friend.
Because of that, they will not be returning to Kiveton Park until after Misses Bennet and Lucas marry. They were planning to pass Christmastide here and have a Twelfth Night Ball, which would have been the ideal time to abscond with the young duchess.
However, they will all be traveling south and remain in the area of the town of Meryton in Hertfordshire until after the two weddings. This is not bad news! Above, I alluded to information I need to impart to you.
While she was here, I ingratiated myself to Lady Bethany, and Clay has become friendly with the head footman.
As such, we will both travel south as part of the group of servants who will accompany them.
It has been slow, but I have earned the duchess’s trust, so I am confident that when we are in Hertfordshire, I will get even closer to her while the mothers are busy with wedding arrangements.
It is my intention to begin to suggest that Clay be the footman who walks with her. It is known that we are brother and sister, which is why no one will question me when I request Clay accompany Lady Bethany when she walks.
You need to travel south as well. For the same reason, you had us use the post carriages when we went north; I suggest you do the same now. I left some coin with the leasing agent for Briar Rose Cottage. He has a letter from me authorising him to hand you enough for the journey.
The best time for you to reach the town I mentioned above, is between the two weddings when Lady Bethany’s family will be most distracted. I suggest you plan to arrive at the end of February 1808 or the first days of March at the latest.
I will discover the inn in the town and leave messages for you regarding where you will reside.
We will find something out of the way so you will not be seen.
More than that will not be needed to execute your brilliant plan.
Then, Clay and I will be avenged, and you will have more than the legacy that your natural father promised you.
With my warmest regards,
Karen
She was not meant to be the one to tell him what to do and when. However, that being said, Wickham was not sorry that the end was in sight.
He grudgingly admitted to himself that Karen Younge had done very well.
It would be because of her that he would get his due, while her reward was to be arrested along with that fool of a brother of hers.
Their capture would give Wickham precious time to increase the distance between him and those who would pursue him.
They would waste a day or two chasing a red herring before they realised that the Younges did not have Lady Bethany.
By then, she would be ruined, and there would be no choice but for them to marry.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Lady Elaine Fitzwilliam was handed a missive on the first Thursday of February 1808. She and Lady Anne were seated in a smaller parlour. The Fitzwilliams and Darcys were resident at Netherfield Park in anticipation of the day when Charlotte would marry Richard.
“It is from Anne!” Lady Elaine exclaimed.
“Then read it so we can hear what my namesake says,” Lady Anne suggested.
The paper was soon open and smoothed. Lady Elaine began to read.
1 February 1808
Granville
Nottinghamshire
Mamma,
Harry and I want to thank you once again for allowing my new sister, Petunia, to reside with you while we were on our wedding trip.
I am sure by the volume of letters you realise how friendly my new sister became with Bethie and Mary. (Petunia is less than a year younger than Mary.) She loved being with so many girls, even the younger ones like Kitty and Giana.
It was very gracious of Bethie to spend so much time with Petunia while she learns about her duties as the suo jure duchess.
This is a short epistle to tell you that being married to Harry is so much better than I imagined, and to inform you that we will depart Granville on the morrow.
(Petunia is most impatient to see her friends again.) With the short winter days, and without any bad weather, Harry estimates that we will arrive at Netherfield Park on Friday or Saturday.
It is wonderful that after Jane and Andy wed, all your children will be happily married. My brothers have chosen the best ladies for themselves.
Please tell all the family how much I am looking forward to seeing them.
With regards from all the Smythes,
Anne
Lady Elaine happily passed the letter to her sister-in-law. “It warms my heart to see how happy my daughter is.”
“I cannot but agree with you,” Lady Anne said after reading the one page.
“Let us go join those in the drawing room,” Lady Elaine stated as she stood. The two countesses walked out of the parlour, arm in arm.