Netherfield Park Quarantined (9 page)

Lady Matlock stood her ground. “Anne knew your daughter was of a
sickly nature, and she knew your Anne would never be able to have children.
What good would such a wife do for William? He must have an heir, not a wife
who would bring nothing to their marriage.”

“Good lady, my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has the utmost
faith in her daughter’s ability to bear children. Due to her cautious watch over
her daughter, Miss de Bourgh has not overtaxed herself and caused her health
any harm which would prevent her from leading a full and productive
marriage.” Mr Collins stated. “I have seen for myself the care Lady Catherine
has bestowed upon her daughter, and Miss de Bourgh is quite grateful for her
mother’s guidance. And it is Miss de Bourgh’s greatest desire to marry her
cousin. It is only my own cousin who has caused this wedding to be delayed,
as Miss Elizabeth Bennet has attempted to lay claim to Mr Darcy. I will attest
to the fact that I am betrothed to Miss Elizabeth, as her mother gave me the
wonderful news when Mr Bennet was taken ill with scarlet fever and was
removed from his estate of Longbourn. It was a shock that Mr Bennet
recovered, though, I am sad to admit, his mind is addled from the illness. My
great patroness is kind enough to assist me in having my cousin committed,
which will allow me to take possession of my inheritance sooner than
expected.”

Lord Matlock was concerned. “You say that the country chit who has
fooled Darcy into marriage has a father who is not mentally capable, so she
maneuvered the situation to her advantage? If her father is declared
incompetent, who is the next male in her family to make decisions?”

“It would be me, your lordship. As her father’s heir, I would become the
Master of Longbourn, and therefore, would be in position of authority over
her.”

“But, you stated you were to marry her.” Lady Matlock stated. “To me, it
would appear that, out of jealousy, you are taking steps to destroy her
marriage so that you would be able to secure her for yourself.”

“You know nothing, Rebecca.” Lord Matlock admonished his wife. “You
have not been with Catherine or Mr Collins, how do you know they are not
telling us the truth? With the word of a clergyman supporting Catherine, I am
inclined to believe their story. I will send word for the solicitor to come
tonight.”

“I insist you send word to the encampment and have Richard come as
well. If anyone knows what is going on with William, it would be our son.”
Lady Matlock stated.

Lord Matlock turned red with anger. “I am the master of this house, and
I will not be questioned by my wife or anyone else. Rebecca, I suggest you
return upstairs to your rooms. I will have a tray sent up to you there. We will
be quite busy with the solicitor, so you will be bored with the discussion.”

Lady Matlock knew that she would not be able to convince her husband
against his sister’s ranting on her own. “Very well, Henry. I am hopeful you
will come to see me before you head for your own chambers tonight, for I
would wish to say goodnight to you.”

“Of course, my dear. Thank you for understanding.” Lord Matlock
foolishly thought his wife was complying passively.

As soon as Lady Matlock arrived at her rooms, she pulled out some
parchment, ink and pen. She quickly penned a letter to her second son,
informing him of the situation with Lady Catherine and Mr Collins. Then Lady
Matlock sealed the message and called for her maid.

When Lucy entered to attend her mistress, Lady Matlock handed her the
note. “Please send one of the young men who is loyal to me, to take this note
to Colonel Fitzwilliam. It is important for my son to receive the information as
soon as possible.”

“Of course, Ma’am. My brother is in the mews, I will send him.”
~~ ** ~~

Richard Fitzwilliam was shocked to receive his mother’s message,
especially being so late in the day. He was fortunately free from duty and left
the camp to see his mother, going up the back staircase to avoid being seen by
his father or aunt.

“Richard, thank heavens you came. It is vital we send word to William
to let him know what is happening. Your father and aunt are attempting to
have his marriage annulled, and this Mr Collins is attempting to have William’s
father in law declared incompetent as well. It is terrible, and the only reason
they are doing all of this is to further their own selfish desires.”

“Tell me everything they are planning. I will take a leave from my duties
and make my way to Bingley’s estate. Now that the quarantine is lifted, I will
be able to speak with William personally.” Richard stated.

For the next two hours, Lady Matlock informed her son all she had
heard from Lady Catherine, Mr Collins, and Lord Matlock. Once Richard was
ready to leave, he gave his mother a kiss on the forehead. “Thank you Mother.
I am sure that William and his wife will thank you as well. As soon as we
know anything, I will write to you.”

“Thank you, Richard. I knew I could count on you.” Lady Matlock
squeezed her son’s hand.

 

~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

 

Chapter 8

When Darcy and Elizabeth returned to the world outside their private
suite of rooms, they learned of Darcy’s aunt visiting and threatening the
Bennet family. “How dare she think she can rule my life?” He said as he paced
about Mr Bennet’s study. “And Mr Collins, what does he think he will gain
from assisting Lady Catherine.”

“Mr Collins tried to persuade me to see his way of thinking before he left
Netherfield. He believes he will be able to marry Lizzy once you are out of her
life. The man is quite ill, and I do not trust him at all.”

“We had best speak with Mr Phillips with regards to all the legal papers.
We should plan our strategy, as we know that Lady Catherine and Mr Collins
are not finished with us. They will not just give up and walk away.” Darcy
stated.

“I have sent a message to Mr Phillips, he and his wife will be joining us
for dinner tonight. I am grateful for his being involved throughout the
preparations for the marriage, Mr Phillips is highly regarded for his legal
mind.”

“When we first spoke of the marriage contract, I thought you were being
foolish in involving your brother in law. I would have sent to London to have
the papers all drawn up, there is no problem that would keep me from taking
good care of Lizzy. Now, I am grateful for Mr Phillips’ being involved. It will
protect us both, and it will be nice if he is on our side if my aunt or Mr Collins
tries anything.”

~~ ** ~~

Mr and Mrs Phillips were pleased to spend the evening with the
Bennets, Darcys and Mr Bingley. Bingley’s sister, Louisa, and her husband had
moved to the townhouse in Town, and Miss Bingley had been taken to a
sanitarium on the outskirts of London.

After dinner was over, the men moved to Mr Bennet’s study to discuss
the possible problem with Mr Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

“I do not believe there is anything they can do to break the contract, as it
was signed by both parties and has been officiated legally, with special license
which was provided by Mr Littleton. And, I assume, the marriage has
been…well…you and Lizzy have…”

Darcy turned red with the suggestion. “Yes, we have consummated our
marriage.”

“I also took the liberty to send our brother, Gardiner, the announcement
to have posted in the papers.” Mr Phillips stated. “I knew that there were
many other issues of importance when all of this came about, so I hope I am
forgiven for taking such a step.”

“I appreciate your wise move, Mr Phillips.” Darcy said with a breath of
relief. “With the announcement to all of London, they will see that I have no
reason to hide the wedding, and that I have no problem in declaring Elizabeth
as my wife.”

“It will be difficult for your family to hide the fact, since the
announcement was posted. Would your aunt attempt to have you declared
mentally unable to decide for yourself? Perhaps claim you were ill with the
fever even then?” Mr Bennet asked.

“You are all my witnesses as to my health and state of mind at the time I
agreed to marry Elizabeth. Will all of you stand as my witnesses if need be?”
Darcy asked the other men.

Bingley nodded his head. “You have my support, Darce. If you had not
accepted the agreement to marry Mrs Darcy, I would have declared you
insane. You are a very fortunate man.”

“Of course you have my support, Mr Darcy. You are married to my
niece, and I will not allow anyone to cause you any problems, if it is within my
power.”

“And you know how I feel, William.” Mr Bennet stated.

“Then we will battle whatever Lady Catherine and Mr Collins try to
throw at us.” Picking up his glass of port, Darcy held it out towards the other
men. “Cheers, gentlemen.”

~~ ** ~~

The day was pleasant and sunny, so Georgiana Darcy had talked her
companion, Mrs Younge, into taking a walk in Hyde Park. Little did the young
lady know, a plot was in the making and her companion was not to be trusted.

As they rounded one of the curves in the path, Georgiana bumped into a
gentleman walking towards her. “Forgive me, Sir. I did not see you.”

“There is no offense, Miss. Are you well? Were you harmed?” The man
stopped for a moment before speaking again. “No, it cannot be. You would
not happen to be Miss Darcy of Pemberley?”

“Why, y-y-yes. I am Georgiana Darcy. Do I know you?” She was curious.

“It has been several years since we have last seen each other, but I had
not thought I had changed so drastically as to not be recognized.” The man
bowed slightly. “Mr George Wickham, at your service, Miss Darcy.”

“Mr Wickham, it has been some time since I saw you at Pemberley.
Forgive me for not recognizing you. I feel quite silly now. This is my
companion, Mrs Younge. Mrs Younge, this is a friend of my family from many
years back, Mr George Wickham. His father was the steward of Pemberley
when I was a little girl. Mr Wickham was a kind man, he always had a smile
and a pleasant greeting when he saw me. Oh, I meant Mr Wickham’s father, as
George is now Mr Wickham. Oh, forgive me for calling you by your Christian
name.”

Wickham chuckled. “Have no fear, Miss Darcy, for we are good friends.
And I could not abide by my good friend referring to me as Mr Wickham, not
after all the years we have been acquainted. You must refer to me as George,
as you did when you were a young girl. I have always enjoyed the way my
name flowed from your lips.”

“That is very kind of you, Mr…George. I believe it is time to return
home. It has been a great pleasure to see you again.”

Mrs Younge smiled sweetly. “It is still early, Miss Darcy. I am sure that
we could walk a little further, perhaps you could walk with Mr Wickham over
by the pond where the ducks are. I will take a seat on the bench, so I will be
able to see you as you walk.”

Georgiana was nervous, and was about to decline the offer, when
Wickham smiled brightly. “Yes, Miss Darcy, for I would dearly love to learn of
your brother. It has been far too long since I last saw my childhood friend, and
it would bring me comfort to hear what he has been doing these past years.”

Finally, Georgiana gave into the request and placed her hand lightly
upon his proffered arm. As the two began to walk, Georgiana did not witness
the sneer of delight which was passed between Wickham and Mrs Younge.

As Mrs Younge looked on, Wickham led Georgiana Darcy towards some
nearby trees, and, after glancing around him to see if anyone was paying
attention, reached into his pocket and brought out a cloth and a bottle of
liquid. Pretending to wipe something off his coat with the cloth, he spilled
some of the liquid onto the cloth and quickly brought it up to Georgiana’s face,
pulling the girl to his body as she fought, momentarily, before collapsing in
Wickham’s arms. Mrs Younge walked over to the two, and made the
appearance of a couple out for a walk with their young daughter, who had
become fatigued. Wickham carried the unconscious Georgiana to a nearby
carriage which was awaiting him. Once the three were inside, Wickham
tapped on the roof of the carriage for them to leave the area. At the same
time, a message was being delivered by an unknown boy at Darcy House. The
message was of urgent importance and was immediately sent off by private
courier to Netherfield Park. Darcy House was in an uproar. Miss Georgiana
had been abducted.

~~ ** ~~

Richard arrived at Netherfield as the Darcys and Mr Bingley returned
from Longbourn. He was shown into the drawing room, where the trio had
just entered.

“Richard, what brings you here?” Darcy said as he walked towards his
cousin. “Is something wrong with Georgiana?”

“No, William, my mother sent me to assist you. It appears our Aunt
Catherine has joined forces with Father to have you declared incompetent, so
they can have your marriage annulled. Mother is sure that Aunt Catherine has
plans to wed you to Anne immediately after the annulment is accomplished.
They have already contacted a solicitor. And some man, named Collins, was
with them. He claims he was to marry your wife, and that her father was not
of sound mind when he gave you permission to wed.”

Elizabeth gasped. Darcy turned his attention to his wife, wrapping his
arm about her shoulder. “We knew we had not seen the last of them.” Darcy
said softly. “We are prepared for all that they throw at us. Mr Hale has
already signed documents confirming both of us were of sound mind at the
time of our wedding. Mr Phillips has all the documentation in his safe, and Mr
Littleton has sent copies of our special license to his friend who is a bishop.
We have taken precautions, do not fear their actions, my love.”

“To know what they are willing to do to destroy our happiness is
overwhelming. To know the sort of lies and falsehoods they would concoct to
gain their plan is unbelievable.” Elizabeth said as tears were building up in her
eyes. “They are tearing your family apart. Your cousin and his mother
obviously care enough to see our side, while your aunt and your uncle are
working with my cousin to tear us apart.”