Chapter 14 #2
They both agreed that the perfect place for an ambush would be the little clearing in the forest where the road took a sharp turn to the right.
If it were their former Aunt planning the attack, it made sense that she would choose this location, as she had travelled the road many times over the years when she was still at Snowhaven.
Everyone agreed that they would finalise the plan after Twelfth Night when the remaining information that their enemy required would be released.
If it were Lady Catherine behind whatever was going to be attempted, the fact that she was Lady Anne’s sister would count for nothing, and she would be handed over to the law.
If there was a scandal, it now would be minor.
The fact that Catherine de Bourgh was wanted for murder and had been disowned by all of her family, was well known among the Ton.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Like their father before them, the first time that William and John visited Pemberley they were awestruck by the Darcy library.
William lost himself in the religious tracts, making no time for the anti-woman writings of Reverend Fordyce.
John Manning spent many hours reading books, ancient and current, on the law.
The two Bennet sons would remain in Derbyshire until the end of June, then travel south to join the family.
It was the first time that they had so much dedicated time to spend with their sister and both were amazed at her intellectual abilities.
For a minute William wondered if he would be able to win such a woman, but he was not blind.
He saw the way that the Darcy heir looked at his younger sister and how she looked at him.
He had noticed something the first time they had all been together, but he had believed it to be only cousinly affection; something that he was now sure was not true.
As a surprise for Lizzy, a few days before the celebration, Anne and Ian Ashby arrived with their sister Amy accompanying them.
Both Elizabeth and Georgiana were extremely happy to see their friend.
Anne Darcy, knowing that Anne and Ian were coming and bringing Amy with them, had allowed her daughter to stay at Snowhaven for the rest of the summer, if she so desired, which of course she did.
“Anne, Ian, Amy! Why did you not inform us that you were travelling to see us?” Elizabeth asked.
“Because silly,” Amy shot back and then giggled, “that would not be much of a surprise now, would it?”
“You and Georgie were the only ones who did not know,” Marie informed her younger sister with a smile.
“As it is a good surprise, I will not be vexed,” Elizabeth teased back. Aggie, who had been sunning herself on the top step next to the front doors, gave a deep woof of welcome.
“It is good to see you too girl,” Anne Ashby walked up the stairs to scratch Aggie’s chest. The huge dog promptly rolled on her side to expose more of it and one hind leg made a scratching motion reflexively.
When Anne ceased her ministrations, Aggie gave her a baleful look that asked why she stopped, but after no more scratches were forthcoming, she was soon snoring again.
Before they could enter the house, another surprise arrived in the form of Richard riding his horse.
The yell of “Itch” rang in the air as Elizabeth spied her brother.
She threw herself into his waiting arms. Knowing that her brother was tired from his long ride, Elizabeth released her grip on his neck, and after he greeted the rest of the family, he took himself to his chambers, but not before asking Mrs Smythe to send up hot water for him.
The following evening the family had the festive meal to celebrate Elizabeth’s discovery and arrival at Snowhaven.
As would be expected, the celebration was enjoyed by all.
There was no separation of the sexes that night, and each of the ladies entertained the family, either alone or in duets.
Elizabeth and Jane had practised a piece for the harp and pianoforte which they played.
They also sang a song where Jane’s mezzo soprano blended perfectly with Elizabeth’s contralto.
As she usually did, Elizabeth performed an Italian aria to end the evening.
Will sat mesmerised as he listened to the lady who he loved sing like an angel.
At the very least, he had crossed more days off his calendar.
A little more than one-and-one-half years to go until Elizabeth had her come out.
He would not be able to declare himself immediately, but he, who did not love dancing in a crowded ball room, would make a statement that would be hard to misinterpret by the number of times he wanted to dance with his cousin, if she would allow it.
Before they all left for their chambers at the end of the evening, Andrew informed them that he and Uncle George would like to speak to the family on the morrow. It was agreed to meet at ten once everyone was done with breaking their fasts.
Before ten, all of the family was assembled in the family sitting room. Andrew and Uncle George, with a little input from Richard and William, informed all of them about the ongoing espionage at Pemberley and what was being done to thwart whatever nefarious plans were being made.
Richard explained that they planned to capture all involved at one time so that they would not have to go chasing conspirators all over the kingdom. “Is someone else trying to hurt me again?” Elizabeth asked. “I do not want anyone to get hurt because of me.”
“As you well know it has never been ‘because of you,’ as these people will do what they do regardless. In this case, the harm is aimed at the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families as a whole. You never had the pleasure of meeting the former Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Lizzy, but we believe that she is behind this. We fear that she is insane.” Richard went on to remind Lizzy how the mad woman had murdered a maid and then fled.
“I am sure that in her warped perception, my sister believes that somehow we are all responsible for her problems, and she is now trying to take her revenge. She was also obsessed with gaining Pemberley’s fortune by any means she could devise,” Lady Anne told all sadly.
“So you see, Sprite,” Andrew gave her a hug, “this is not about you. We do suspect that Wickham has found sanctuary with her, so we hope to capture them all in one fell swoop.”
“If that miscreant is there, I would like to have a little discussion with him,” Richard growled malevolently. No one hearing him had any doubt that his ‘talk’ would be a message no words could deliver.
“We will not allow them to harm a hair on any of our loved ones’ heads,” Uncle George added resolutely.
After the discussion, it was agreed that everyone who wanted to ride would meet at the stables in a half hour.
Andrew elected to stay with his wife in the company of his mother and mother-in-law as even the Darcy parents would be joining the ride.
The four, who remained inside, discussed the upcoming little season and the family’s first foray to London in a while.
Andrew and Marie would not be on the trip as it would be too soon after Marie’s confinement and too cold to travel with a new born.
Elizabeth would stay between Darcy and Bennet houses with Uncle George as her temporary guardian.
Elaine would stay at Darcy House as there was no reason to open Matlock House just for her.
Everyone would have to brace for the scrutiny of the Ton, although they hoped that, given the time that had passed it may have lessened somewhat, but none were confident of that.