Vol 2, Chapter 8 #3
“After my mother passed,” Darcy replied. “I used to dismount and scream at God, asking why He took my mother. I believed as I was closer to heaven here, my voice would be easier to hear, such was the working of my mind at eleven.”
“You were Mark’s age. It was not just sad occasions that brought you here, was it? I would hate to think that this place is associated with only sadness for you,” Elizabeth stated softly.
“No, Elizabeth, happy occasions more than sad ones brought me here, one of the happiest being today and our sharing this place with…friends.” As he spoke, he looked directly into her entrancing eyes. Elizabeth understood his message clearly.
The spell was broken when someone noted it was time to return to the manor house.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Lady Marie Carrington and her sister-in-law Jacqui had been to Madame Chambourg’s to check on their niece’s dresses and gowns. As they exited, they could not miss the burnt orange monstrosity on the woman walking on the other side of the street.
“Is not that the pretentious social climber, Miss Bingley?” Lady Marie whispered to her sister-in-law as they entered their carriage.
“I believe it was. Did we not leave word she is persona non grata in society after what William told us about her behaviour in Hertfordshire?” the Viscountess asked sweetly.
“I thought our brother Thomas' investigators reported that she was banished to Scarborough,” Lady Marie wondered.
“We will make sure to warn our nieces that the harpy is in Town. Not even Esther, who generally likes everyone, can stand the sight nor, I dare say, the smell of that woman. Mayhap they will not be unfortunate enough to see her as they will only be in Town for two days before heading to Longbourn,” the Viscountess speculated.
“I have the feeling she is lying in wait for our nieces. Given what we know of her, she must be salivating to be in their company now that the truth of their situation is public.” Lady Marie offered her estimation.
“Then I think we need to speak to Mother Sarah and Lady Elaine even before the Bennets return to Town.” Lady Marie could not have agreed with her sister more.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“I am sure Thomas will take steps to protect all of his children now they have become the focus of many machinations by those who care only for connection and fortune. I will, however, recommend he add guards to whomever he intends to assign to each of my grandchildren,” the Earl of Jersey stated with purpose at the meeting with the Fitzwilliams, Carringtons, and his son Wes and wife Jacqui.
“I think I may be able to assist in this, Lord Jersey,” Richard stated.
“Just Jersey, young Fitzwilliam,” the Earl allowed.
“There are a good number of my ex-soldiers looking for work. Good, ferocious men who could work as footmen-guards. There are two I specifically have in mind, Biggs and Johns, and believe me the name Biggs is an understatement. Both men look like walking mountains but are deceptively fleet of foot and have the reflexes of a cat. I could have twenty or more as soon as Bennet gives the go ahead,” Richard informed the group.
“Jersey, do you believe Bennet will think it presumptuous if my son reaches out to have the men ready to meet with him when he arrives in Town the day after the morrow?” Lord Matlock asked.
“I do not believe so, Matlock. In fact, I think it a sound plan, and as a grandfather am willing to overrule his objection should he attempt one. I rather think both my daughter and son-in-law will be grateful, as they place the safety and security of their children above all else. Remember what they let people believe for years just to stave off fortune hunters and false friends like that Bigley woman,” Lord Jersey opined.
“Bingley Papa, the Bingley woman!” Lady Marie said with a smile.
“Who cares what her name is so long as she does not get near our nieces and nephews,” Lord Holder stated with asperity.
“Do you think she would try and harm one of them?” Lady Sarah asked with concern.
“You never know with one as delusional as she is, which never gets better, only worse for one who would attempt to manipulate her whole family into thinking Darcy had not meant his warnings. It may be she only wants to use them for her social climbing endeavours, but I would rather we were safe than sorry,” Andrew added. “If she tries to harm my Jane…”
“She is not, by any means, the only potential threat. With the wealth they have, they are targets for all kinds of unscrupulous people looking to gain wealth the easy way,” Richard pointed out, his strategic mind thinking three steps ahead about how best to cut off any avenues which could be attempted.
“No one will be allowed to harm Jane or any of her siblings, Andrew,” his father assured him. “Richard, make the contacts and have the men at Bedford House by Friday morning. Twenty, forty, whatever you think best.”
Everyone felt easier knowing there was a plan of action to protect the Bennets. Just like the late Duke had predicted, the Bennets were surrounded by friends and family determined to protect them and see that they succeeded.