The Ashes of Longbourn (22 page)

             
“The fire was an accident, I heard Mr Collins say so himself.  He stated that one of the servants had fallen asleep with a candle burning and that the candle was knocked over, which caused the fire.  I had nothing to do with the accident; the Bennets were kind to me.”

             
“Your story continues to change, Mr Jolly.  One moment you do not know Wickham, the next, you do. One moment, Collins and Wickham plotted the destruction of Longbourn’s house, the next it was an accident by a servant.  Why are you still aiding Wickham and Collins?” Colonel Forster asked. “And do not deny it; we have had men watching you.  You have taken food to Wickham, as well as some letters.  Since Collins fled the area rather than be called out by Colonel Fitzwilliam, I assume that the letters are from him to Wickham.”

             
“I cannot read Sir, so I do not know what is in the letters, or who they are from.” Jolly stated.  “I was told that if any letters arrived, to take them directly to Wickham.”

             
“We want to know how much gun powder is left and where it is.  If you do not tell us the truth, so we can take Wickham into custody, then you will stand in his place.  You are a part of the conspiracy and therefore, you can hang instead of the others.”

             
“I swear, Colonel, I swear I have nothing to do with the gun powder.  Please, believe me, I am innocent.”

             
Colonel Fitzwilliam had had his fill of this man’s lies.  “Jolly, do not take us for fools.  You are just as guilty as Wickham and Collins. What you can do right now will decide your future.  You do know what the other two did, and are just as involved in their plans, as you came here after a former Longbourn tenant moved rather quickly and has not been heard of since.  I sent out Bow Street Runners to investigate what happened to the man and found that he had been murdered not long after leaving here.  Since you had a letter from the man to aid you to become tenant here, and that man was murdered, I can only assume that you were involved in his murder as well.  When did all of this begin?  If you tell us the truth, here and now, I will personally see that you do not swing with the other two.  I will see you sent to Australia. Now, which would you prefer, death or transportation?”

             
Jolly looked between the two colonels, judging whether he could find a way to deceive them.  Finally, in frustration, he shook his head.  “This began just before Collins married the Lucas daughter.  He was furious that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had refused him and that her father had supported her decision.  He wanted to make sure that he had claim to Longbourn in cause Mr Bennet ever found out the truth.”

             
Frowning, Colonel Fitzwilliam wanted more information. “What truth is that?”

             
“That he was not really the heir to Longbourn.  He knew William Collins years ago when they were children.  The man calling himself Collins was on the run from the law and came across his old friend.  The real Mr Collins had just taken orders and was preparing to take the position at Hunsford.  The man killed Mr Collins, having him buried under his name and taking Collins’ name for himself.  He knew from the papers, which were in the deceased man’s luggage, of the inheritance.  If he were married to one of the Bennet sisters, even if he was discovered to be a fake, he would have rights to Longbourn as it would be inherited by one of the daughters who had married.”

             
“So this was planned nearly a year ago?  Collins was overheard speaking to Wickham about a woman paying for them to eliminate Miss Elizabeth. Who is this woman?”

             
“I do not know.  I know that she must live in Kent, as he has received many letters from there from a lady, and he fled from here to Kent.  He told us that she was furious with Miss Elizabeth’s refusing Mr Collins, and, after Miss Elizabeth visited Hunsford last spring, the woman was furious, as she referred to Miss Elizabeth as a harlot, flaunting her womanly wares to Mr Darcy.  That is when she told Collins to hire Wickham to kill Miss Elizabeth.  Collins was furious when Wickham used two barrels of gun powder in the house to blow it up, destroying the house completely. Wickham told him that it was necessary to eliminate Mr Bennet as well, as a letter had arrived the day before the fire telling him of Collins’ true identity.”

             
“Can you tell us the name of the woman from Kent?” Colonel Fitzwilliam was furious, knowing that the woman would most likely turn out to be none other than his own aunt.

             
“That, I do not know.  All I know for certain is that she is wealthy and has been very intimate with Collins before he moved to this neighborhood.  From what I understand, Collins has refused his wife for the woman.”

             
“You said that they used two barrels of gun powder at the Bennet’s house. Where is the rest of it?” Colonel Forster asked.

             
Jolly looked from one man to the other.  “It is in the cottage where Wickham is staying.  There are a total of four more barrels there.  Wickham has them placed around the inside of the cottage, and keeps matches on his person at all times, as well as a loaded gun.  He has been extremely nervous since he learned of Mr Darcy’s arrival at Netherfield.  Then, when we learned of Mr Darcy’s marriage, Wickham became furious in a way I have never seen him.  He has been plotting a way to sneak into Netherfield, as he wishes to finish what he started and kill Miss Elizabeth…I mean Mrs Darcy.  Wickham is dangerous.”

             
“So he is aware of the marriage. How did he learn of it?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.

             
“Mr Collins wrote of it in a letter.  I am amazed that the entire county did not hear Wickham swearing, he was furious.”

             
“Do you know what Collins’ real name is?” Colonel Forster asked.  “We will need to investigate this information before we can believe your story.”

             
“I do not know the full name, though I believe his first name to be Frederick.  They knew each other from a small village near Bideford, in Devon.  I remember that, as my father was from Devon.”

             
“Colonel Forster, what would you like to have done with this man? Shall we send him to London to be court martialed or send him directly to Australia on the next available transport?”

             
“I suggest that we hold him here at Netherfield in the cellar, under guard, until we can confirm the information he has given us.”

             
Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded his head.  “Very well.” Turning towards the door, he called out.  “Rutheford, Blackwell, take the prisoner to the cellar and keep at least two guards on him at all times.  He is to be kept tied up as well.”

             
“Yes, Colonel.” Blackwell said as he pulled his gun and shoved it into the man’s ribs; persuading Jolly to move in the direction he was shown.

             
Once the men had left the room, Colonel Forster walked to the sideboard and poured two glasses of port, handing one glass to Colonel Fitzwilliam as he walked past him to take the chair nearby.  “Do you believe what he had to tell us?”

             
“At the end, when he finally forgot all the lies and spoke of Collins and Wickham, yes, I believe it.  It makes sense to me that this has been in the works for some time. And it makes sense that the attack was two-fold, that Mr Bennet was the main target due to his learning that the man calling himself Collins was in fact an imposter.”

             
“What do you wish to do to take down Wickham?  You realize, the end will most likely be Wickham blowing up the cottage.”

             
“With that much gun powder, he will make a rather large hole in the ground.  Fitting for a man such as him, after all the pain he has brought to others, especially to my family.” Colonel Fitzwilliam said as he took a sip from his glass.  “I do not wish to see anyone else harmed though, so we will need to be careful.”

             
“To be honest, I wish we were able to start a fire at the cottage and let it blow up with him inside.  He will hang, no matter what.”

             
Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded.  “I wish we could be able to learn the truth of the woman is who paid Wickham, but I know him well enough that he will not tell us.  We know that most likely it is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, but I know my father would like confirmation before he confronts his sister.”

             
“This must be difficult for your family.  I do not know how I would behave if I were in your position.”

             
“I worry for my father, though he has known the sort of woman his sister has been all of her life.  To be honest, I am more surprised it took her this long to become lethal.  My uncle feared her through their entire marriage.  He had a weak heart and died when their daughter was near fifteen years of age.”

             
“She must have a sad existence, her father dead when she was young and her mother behaving so evil.  Poor girl.”

             
“Her health is poor; I believe she has a weak heart like her father.  To be honest, all of us have been surprised that she has lived this long.  Well, let us call for Mr Phillips and Sir William to join us, we have a great deal to discuss today.”

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Messages were sent to Meryton and Lucas Lodge, requesting the men to come as soon as possible.  Sir William arrived first, bringing with him his daughter, Charlotte.  He felt that it was important for her to be involved in the conversation as it pertained to her life.

             
Darcy and Elizabeth had finished with her treatment early that day, and, at Richard’s urging, the two joined the meeting.  Mr Gardiner and Lord Matlock decided that it was time that all the ladies were included in the meetings, and they brought their wives and Jane with them.  Only Mr Phillips came without his wife, as she was not the sort of lady to keep a secret.

             
Richard related what he and Colonel Forster had learned from Jolly, which led to a great deal of conflicting emotions within the group.  Sir William was concerned with the fact that his daughter was married to a criminal, a man whose true identity was unknown.  Fortunately, Lord Matlock spoke his peace. 

             
“As the Earl of Matlock, I promise you this, Mrs Collins, I will see that you are protected as all of the information comes to light.  You are an innocent in all of this, and I will not allow my sister’s evil to harm you.  When this man, who claims to be Collins, dies, you will be provided for.  You will have your own home, at Longbourn if that is your wish.”

             
“As the man I married is not truly Mr Collins, he is not the true heir of Longbourn.  Therefore, it is my belief that the estate belongs to Lizzy and Jane.  I could not live there; it does not belong to me.”

             
Elizabeth spoke her mind. “Charlotte, you have been as much a victim as Jane and I, and our family.  I am married now; my husband has no use for Longbourn.  Jane and Charles will be married soon.  We are not dependent on the estate. And to be honest, I do not believe I could ever come to Longbourn with the same love that I did before.  After this is all over, I believe it is fitting for us to see Longbourn begin anew, but not as the Bennet’s property.  But we will all discuss that later.  Our first priority is to see that those responsible pay for what they have done.”

             
Darcy squeezed his wife’s hand.  “Uncle, after what Richard discovered from this Mr Jolly, is there a question in your mind that Lady Catherine was involved? Do you require Wickham alive to confirm this information?”

             
“No, William, I do not need further confirmation.  I am certain that Catherine is the one who hired Wickham to kill Elizabeth.  If we attempt to take Wickham alive, most likely others will be injured or killed.  No, I believe we allow him to surrender if he wishes, but if he refuses, send him to Hell where he belongs.”

             
“And Lady Catherine, how will you confront her?”

             
“As soon as Wickham is dealt with, we will need to take the soldiers with us to Rosings.  It would be wise to leave the guard here to protect Netherfield, if for no other reason, to sooth my nerves.” Lord Matlock stated. “William, I know you will wish to come with us to Rosings.  I will urge you though to remain here, with your wife.  Richard and I will handle Catherine.”

             
Mr Gardiner looked at his wife before speaking.  “I wish for my nephew and my soon to be nephew to remain here when you confront your sister, Lord Matlock.  I insist on accompanying you, representing my family and loved ones.”

             
“And I will join you, Edwin, as they are my family too.” Mr Phillips said.

             
“I will do no good coming with you, as my health is not the best.” Sir William stated.  “But my eldest son will come with you, as our family’s honor is involved as well.  John is furious already with Collins’ behavior, he will be livid when he learns of this news.”

             
Georgiana had sat quietly at her sister’s side, holding Elizabeth’s other hand.  Looking at her aunt, tears welled up in Georgiana’s eyes.  “What will happen to Anne?  With her frail health, this news will most likely kill her.  What can be done to care for her?”

             
Lady Matlock moved to sit beside her young niece.  “We will be at her side and care for her as needed, Georgiana.  It does my heart good to hear you speak of your concerns for her.  Perhaps we should invite Anne come to London for a stay.  She can be tended to by the best physicians, take in the theater and the arts.  I am sure that having our love and support at this time will mean a great deal to her.”

             
“Have no fear, Georgiana; we will see that Anne is taken care of.” Darcy said.  “So how shall we deal with Wickham? I assume that we will see to him before you head for Rosings.”

             
“If it does not matter how Wickham meets his demise, I believe the best way to catch him off guard would be to have you taunt him from a safe distance.” Richard said to his cousin.  “If we have you on the hillside, calling out to him of what a failure he has been, how you and Elizabeth are happily married and he will not be able to harm her again, I believe Wickham will be unable to control his hatred. When he comes from the cottage, we will be able to take him.  If he does not, then we set the cottage ablaze.”

             
“Richard, you must promise me to keep my husband from harm.” Elizabeth said; her fear prevalent in her voice.  “I do not care what happens to Wickham, but I will not lose my husband to that man’s evil.  He has done enough damage to the ones I love; I will not survive if I lose William.”

             
“Have no fear, Lizzy.” Richard said as he knelt before his cousins.  “This man is like a brother to me. If I thought, for a moment, that he would be in any danger, I would keep him as far from the cottage as possible.  Even with the gun powder, at that distance, William will be plenty safe.”

             
Darcy nodded his head. “Tomorrow morning sounds like the perfect time to put an end to Wickham, once and for all.”

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

Chapter 18

             
Just after breakfast the following morning, Darcy left his wife in the care of Mrs Bogs as he went with Richard and the other men to the hill near the cottage were Wickham had been staying at Longbourn.  Jane decided to stay at her sister’s side while they awaited news.

             
While Mrs Bogs began the treatment, Elizabeth lay on her stomach, her face turned towards where her sister was sitting near her head.  “Jane, have you and Charles set a date for your wedding yet?  I know that you have been taking care of me, but I am doing much better.  I am married now and growing stronger.  It is time for you and Charles to begin your future.”

             
“There is plenty of time for that, Lizzy.  Charles and I have spoken, but the time just has not been right.  We are worried about what will happen with Mr Wickham, and Mr Collins. What will happen when he is confronted?  And then there is Lady Catherine to contend with.  Who knows how long it will take to deal with all of these problems.”

             
“Jane, you have been unselfish through all of this, but I really wish for you to think of your own happiness.  You and Charles need to have your wedding.  Our family is here.  You deserve to have your happiness in being able to sleep in the comfort of your husband’s arms.  Please, Jane, do this for me.  I am so happy to have William with me and that he is my husband.  I want the same for you.  Wickham will be gone by the end of this day.  Of that, I am certain.  Before Lady Catherine and the man claiming to be Collins are dealt with, you and Charles should marry.  Both you and Charles deserve such happiness.”

             
They heard the door from the servant’s hall open and Mrs Hill entered the room.  “Miss Jane, I heard what your sister has said.  I may be only a housekeeper, but you young ladies have been as dear to me as if you were my own.  I have watched you be strong and take care of others all of your life, especially in these past few months.  Your sister is correct; it is time to think of your own happiness, Miss Jane.”

             
Tears began to stream down Jane’s cheeks.  “Mrs Hill, you are anything but only a housekeeper.  You have been the most amazing strength and support to us all of our lives, but especially since the fire.  But I have responsibilities to see to.  I cannot be selfish and think of my needs alone.”

             
“It is time that you did just that, dear sister.” Elizabeth said.  “If you do not, I will be angry with you for the rest of my life.  You deserve to have some happiness in your life.”

             
Jane looked deeply into her sister’s eyes for quite some time before she finally nodded her head.  “I will speak to Charles later today.  To be honest, I pray that we are through with Mr Wickham today.  I have never disliked someone so much in all my life.”

             
“Such words, are you certain that you are my sister, Jane Bennet?” Elizabeth smiled slightly.  “Make sure that you speak with Charles today or I will speak with him for you.”

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Darcy stood on the hillside, about a quarter of a mile from the cottage.  Beside him was his family and friends, all as hopeful that this day would be the end of George Wickham.

             
The soldiers were all in place, prepared to keep Wickham from escaping if he tried.  Colonel Forster gave the signal when all of his men were in place.

             
“Wickham, you low life creature, you lose once again.  I am here to make certain that you know that you have failed.  You have failed so poorly that you shall hang on the gallows while my wife, Elizabeth, and I watch.”

             
A shout came from inside the cottage.  “Your wife is crippled and will never give you children.  She will die, she is so weak, due to me.  You will never have a long marriage, and will always remember that it was me who took her away from you.”

             
“Elizabeth is recovering.  She is growing stronger every day.  And she looks forward to seeing you pay for your crimes against her family.  You failed at destroying my life, as you have failed at everything in your life.  Never good enough, you have never been able to be as good as a Darcy.”

             
The door of the cottage opened slightly.  “You are the coward, Darcy, standing so far away. Afraid to get your hands dirty by coming down here to face me?  You know I am the better man, the one your father desired as a son rather than you.”

             
Richard was worried that this taunt would infuriate Darcy into forgetting the plan.  He was shocked when he looked at his cousin and found a smile on Darcy’s face, as the Master of Pemberley began to laugh.  The laughter grew and grew, and was heard inside the cottage.

             
Finally able to contain his laughter, Darcy shouted out.  “If you believe that lie, you should read my father’s journals.  He found you entertaining, bringing him laughter with your antics.  When he learned of your follies, of all the women you had defiled, he was disgusted with you and wished you far away from our homes.  Did you never wonder why he would not allow you to stay at Pemberley?  He did not wish you to cause harm to any of the girls and women who lived and worked at the estate.”

             
“He never knew.” Came a shout from inside the cottage, and Darcy knew he had made the first strike.  “He kept me away because of your jealousy.”

             
“He knew everything.  The gambling debts, the merchants you swindled, the girls and women you ruined by bedding them.  Father knew of your lies and the cheating to obtain grades.  He even knew about your being expelled from the University for breaking into the dean’s office and stealing papers.  My father knew it all.  He tolerated you because of his appreciation of your father’s hard work.  If not for that, he would have had you sent to debtor’s prison long before he died.”