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Chapter Fourteen--A Surprise In Need of Returning

Posted on Thursday, 13-Aug-98

nd so Christmas rapidly approached, and neither Alexander nor Kelsey had the heart to touch on the subject both knew they couldn't avoid forever. Alexander wanted to enjoy these final days with his family and didn't bother to notice how Kelsey went out of her way to blend in with the family, agreeing with things Mr. Darcy would say even when she didn't agree at all, being extremely attentive to the gossip his sister Victoria Knightley had from town, absorbing information she felt would be essential to her as she made her way in his world. She talked for several hours with Jane Hampton and Victoria Darcy about the intricacies of running a large country house. She learned about what was fashionable and what was considered scandalous, how to greet people, how long she would be allowed in polite society before she would be forced to enter her confinement before the baby was born.

Alexander merely looked upon seeing Kelsey deep in conversation with his family as her way of enjoying her limited time with them as well.

Despite all the ease with which they talked together and enjoyed each other's company, there was an underlying tension between them, and they both knew it. Since her father had come to tell them the news that John was under investigation, they had not slept together. Kelsey had at first attributed this to the fact that Alexander was wanting to be cautious with the new baby coming, and wanted to reassure him that nothing really had to change because she was pregnant. But when she had brought up the subject, he turned red and brushed her off. Now she wondered if there was something more to it.

Kelsey knew he wasn't happy. She knew he wanted to stay, but she was so afraid that he wouldn't agree--because he knew how important it was that she get the best medical attention possible. She supposed that if she told him she would be willing to stay that things would go back to normal. But that was another subject on which he didn't want to speak.

So Kelsey was miserable.

Added to this problem was the fact that Emma, who up until then had been adjusting with what they thought was uncommonly good speed, was beginning to miss everything from home. It had started with not being able to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on television, along with Frosty and Charlie Brown and all the things which Emma considered her favorites. Television itself was something Emma had been suffering without in silence since they'd arrived, but she wanted the wonderful Christmas specials she'd grown to love in her short six years.

When Kelsey tried to explain why she wouldn't be able to watch all her favorite shows, Emma had wriggled away from her and cried, "Why, Mommy? Why don't they work?" At six, she was too young to understand the simple yet complicated subject of electricity. Kelsey had tried to divert her from this by suggesting that she tell the stories to her new friends, and further suggested that better than telling the stories would be to act them out.

Emma thought this to be a fine idea, one which her Darcy cousins agreed to, Emma having become a natural leader amongst them. And so the adults were treated nightly to a new story, and although there were many gaps that Kelsey later had to explain everything to them, they always applauded and cheered the small cast.

While this held Emma at bay for a while, she soon grew bored of this too and wanted to know why she couldn't go to Tommy Wallace's house to play, or go to school. Emma had talked to several of the girls and had been surprised to hear that they had governesses who taught them rather than go to school. Kelsey, who had already talked to Mrs. Knightley about how to go about contacting a governess for her daughter, explained to Emma that things were different here.

"But I wanna go to school!" Emma shouted. "I don't wanna wear these stupid dresses no more! I wanna see Tommy and Gramma and Grampa and Aunt Maddie and Daddy!"

Kelsey had turned pale when Emma had said she wanted to see "Daddy." She thought Emma had hated John as much as she and Alexander did. The little girl had always been sensible enough to see through the man before, and John's recent antics hadn't endeared him to her any more.

"Emma," she said softly, "Daddy's here. Remember?"

Emma bit her lip, realizing what she'd called John. Very slowly, she said, "I mean my other daddy. I mean John."

"Why do you want to see John?" Kelsey's eyes began to tear.

"Because...because there's real stuff at his house. There's TV and games and books and he'll let me go to Tommy's and school and--"

"Honey, John--your father--is in trouble. Very soon, he's not going to be in a position to let you do anything. And then..." Kelsey blinked back the tears. "Maybe after he's gone we can go home. You can have everything back again. But if you can't..."

"I wanna go home!" Emma shouted. "I wanna go home NOW!" Wrenching out of her mother's grasp, Emma disappeared.

Kelsey allowed the tears to fall. Standing up and brushing off her skirt, she wiped away the tears and slipped away to her room to calm down before joining everyone again.

"Are you all right?" Elizabeth asked, noticing the drawn look on her daughter-in-law's face as she joined the ladies for tea that afternoon.

"I'm fine," Kelsey replied.

"Perhaps you should rest. We wouldn't like you to endanger your child simply for the sake of afternoon tea."

"Thank you, Elizabeth, but I'll be just fine. I...I just got up from a nap," Kelsey lied.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed a bit, but Kelsey was looking down at her tea cup and didn't take note. Elizabeth knew all too well that Kelsey wasn't getting much sleep at all, and wished desperately that the young woman had been telling the truth about having just had a nap. She'd told her son to tell Kelsey that they would be going home after the holiday, but it was clear he hadn't done so.

Oh, Alexander, what are you doing to this poor woman? Why haven't you told her? Why are you being so selfish? If she knew you were going home, she would be so happy.

Yet the silence continued between the two of them. Kelsey didn't have the heart to tell Alexander that Emma was calling John her father again. Alexander didn't want to tell Kelsey about going home because he knew the moment he did she'd be counting the days and it would hurt him too much. Perhaps his mother was right, he thought one afternoon. Perhaps he was being selfish.

Alexander wished he could tell her. He'd tried to on several occasions, but when he got to the moment he felt like she was putting him off. It seemed as though she didn't want to talk about it, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. He thought, in his most private mind, that maybe she was wanting to stay. He dearly wished that she would, but he knew that she wasn't happy here and he knew, from the servants' talk, that Emma wasn't as happy now as she'd been at first. He knew about the tantrum she'd thrown, and how she'd called John her father. It had hurt, but he accepted it because he knew she was only six and didn't know any better. She was just a little girl, and a confused one at that. Alexander tried to place himself in her mind, as a six-year-old who had just been taken away from everything familiar.

It wasn't as hard to imagine as he thought, having gone through it once. But it was her age that made it worse, because she couldn't quite understand why it was necessary anymore. Maybe she had at first, but it was fading away.

But Emma's slow rejection of his world hurt, and it only confirmed for him that they needed to return to her time. Which led back to needing to tell Kelsey this, which led back to the hurt. It was a tangle.

About a week before Christmas, when the first snow was beginning to fall and Emma was beginning to get excited for hopes that the following day she'd be allowed to make a snowman and snow angels and have snowball fights, Alexander decided to tell Kelsey what he had planned.

There was a magnificent view of the maze and what would be the gardens in the north drawing room. Alexander asked Kelsey to meet him there. When she walked into the room, looking so tired and wan but so beautiful that he wanted to kiss her right there, he realized how much damage he'd done to her by his silence.

Mamma was right. I should've told her long ago. You were selfish, Alexander Darcy, and you should be ashamed of yourself.

"Kelsey, we need to talk about what's going to happen after...after..."

"After John is indicted," she said.

"Yes. We have to talk about this."

Kelsey nodded. "You're right," she said. "We've both been avoiding this for too long."

"All right." Alexander was relieved--they were finally going to talk! "I've given this a great deal of thought. I know that you haven't been happy here--"

"Alexander--" Kelsey walked over to the window and looked out. She saw the maze. The snow had turned the branches white. In the morning light it would be almost blinding, but absolutely beautiful.

"Please let me continue. I have heard that Emma has been displeased."

"She's too young to understand. We were both fooled by how easily she accepted this in the beginning."

"I suspected it when she started putting on those little performances with her cousins."

"Your family didn't disapprove, did they? I mean, I realize that perhaps it's not the done thing, but--"

"My family, as I have always maintained, is not ordinary. And they understand about Emma. But..." he sighed. "There will be some who will not. Not in my family, of course, but strangers, people we meet in the future. I have only recently come to realize that."

Kelsey thought she saw a figure in the waning light emerge from the maze. She squinted to see who it was, because the figure looked familiar and out of place at the same time.

"Alexander," she murmured.

"Please let me finish, Kelsey. We have to go back to the future." He stumbled over the words, thinking that he'd heard them before...wasn't there a movie called that? It seemed odd to hear them. "We have to go home. For your sake, for the baby's, for Emma's."

Kelsey suddenly recognized the figure who had appeared, and she turned pale. "Alexander," she whispered, her throat tightening.

"I know what you must think--if he's decided this, why did he not tell me? Well, you see--"

"Alexander, John is here."

"What?" Alexander realized that his wife hadn't been listening to a word he'd said.

Kelsey turned away from the window. "I just saw John. He's here. He came through the maze and he's here and--"

"That can't be right." Alexander walked to the window and saw, to his horror, that she was right. He recognized the man almost instantly. Fear gripped his heart, and he said, "Where's Emma?"

"I think she's in the nursery playing with the other kids." Kelsey looked like she was about to faint.

"You go and make sure she's well hidden. I don't know why the maze opened for him--"

"I do. Emma said...she said she wanted her father. She said she wanted him."

"Make sure she never sees him, or else we could have a mess on our hands."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. Shoot him for trespassing."

"Alexander!"

"It's what he's done. The law would not object."

"But you and I both know better. Don't you do a thing except get him out of here."

Alexander nodded curtly then said, "Go get Emma."

Kelsey disappeared swiftly, looking first for Mr. or Mrs. Darcy. She instead found Lady Hampton with her son and daughter-in-law.

"Has something happened to Alexander?" Jane asked, rising.

"No...my...my...ex-husband is here."

"But I thought..." Sir Christopher rose as well, frowning.

"I have to make sure Alexander doesn't do something foolish, and...and I need someone to make sure Emma doesn't see him. Or that he doesn't try to take her away."

"I know where she is," Caroline said. "I'll get her. You go to Alexander, dear. We'll take care of Emma."

"Thank you," Kelsey replied, disappearing. Lady Hampton disappeared in the other direction, heading for the nursery to keep an eye on Emma.

Alexander had stopped just long enough to grab his father's favorite hunting rifle and load it. He walked out onto the front porch just as John was slowly circling in that direction.

"So this is where you holed up," John said calmly.

"How did you get here?"

"It was an odd thing. I had my former father-in-law followed. My investigator saw him go to your house, disappear rather oddly, then return a couple of hours later. So I had him continue to watch your house. This morning, he called and mentioned that there was something odd coming from your back yard. I had to investigate, thinking that maybe you were holed up in some underground foundation. What I found was this little contraption--" He motioned to the maze. "And I found you. Where's Kelsey?"

"None of your business. She is no longer your wife."

"Where are we?"

"You are at my family estate."

"How did you get here from my wife's back yard?"

"I do not believe that to be your business. I think what is important is that you return."

John laughed. "Not without my daughter. It took me long enough to find you. Now I want what is mine."

"Emma is not, nor has she ever been, yours."

"Biologically and legally she's my daughter. You have absolutely no claim on her at all."

"It takes more than a few minutes in a bed to make someone a father." Alexander could not believe he had said something so crude, but since no one was around to hear him but this cretin, he figured it did not matter. "Emma does not consider you in such a way."

"I'm sure you've done nothing to discourage her in that, either."

"I don't believe I have. In fact, anything that would hasten her to forget you ever existed has been beneficial."

John shook his head. "Well, now that I found you, I can do what I came to do." John reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "Here. It's a summons. Kelsey must appear in court to determine custody of Emma."

"The last time I checked, I was not Kelsey. You must give these to her personally. That much, I know, has not changed over time."

"Then bring her out and I'll give them to her."

"I will do no such thing. And besides, these papers are worthless here. Even if you gave them to her, she would not have to obey them."

"This may be England, but I can have the both of you brought up on charges of contempt."

"Feel free. You will look like a fool when you try to find us again." Alexander smiled. "Coincidentally, how is the investigation going?"

"What investigation?" John was trying to maintain his composure, but he'd gotten a little white and Alexander knew that he was lying.

"Do not try to fool us. We know that your shady dealings have finally caught up to you. Mr. Madison told us."

John's lips tightened. "A minor oversight, one which will soon clear up."

"He said you were to be indicted soon after the new year."

"He lied."

Alexander's laugh was harsh, mocking. "I somehow doubt that. You're the one who lies."

"I don't give a damn what you think. I'm giving these to Kelsey and then I'm taking Emma and returning home." John walked to the foot of the steps.

Alexander finally raised the weapon he'd been carrying at his side. "You come any closer to my home and my wife and I'll shoot you."

"You wouldn't do something like that. You know why? Because you'd be arrested, tried for my murder, and most likely sentenced to death."

"Were this Missouri in your time, I likely would be. But this is my time, my country, my home. And you, sir, are a trespasser I was forced to shoot when he became hostile and dangerous."

"What do you mean, your time?"

"The year is 18--."

John laughed. "You're crazy. Just one more thing in my favor when we get to family court."

"Did you never wonder why you could find nothing on my past, sir? Because my past was over one hundred and fifty years old. I came from the past to your future...and found Kelsey."

"This sounds like the ridiculous plot to one of those stupid romance novels my wife is fond of reading."

"I assure you, sir, there is nothing ridiculous about the position you now find yourself in. Leave now or I will shoot you."

Kelsey, who had been standing just inside the doorway unseen, had been listening to their conversation and almost gasped when she heard Alexander mention that he was willing to shoot John.

"You wouldn't. You know why?"

"Your opinion means little to me." Alexander put his finger on the trigger and took aim.

"Because you're an honorable man." There was fear in John's voice now.

Alexander hesitated.

"You come from honorable men."

"Flattery will not allow you to escape. Leave or--"

John suddenly laughed. "She's not worth it, you know. I mean, I was married to the woman for nearly six years and I don't see why you're willing to commit murder to protect her. She's a lousy housekeeper, a mediocre mother--she lets Emma run positively wild and allows the girl to say whatever she wants--and absolutely rotten in bed. She used to just lay there like a cold fish and then became upset when I found other women."

Alexander lowered the gun. He had been thinking that John was right, that he was an honorable man and that he couldn't shoot him simply for showing up. But he could shoot him for insulting his wife. Walking down the steps to where John stood with a smirk on his face, he drew back his hand and slapped him in the face.

John staggered back momentarily, then laughed again. "That's the best you could do? I suppose this time sissifies their men to do nothing more than slap."

"You have insulted my wife and my child. And that slap was not the invitation to the fight, it was a demand for satisfaction. Consider yourself challenged, sir."

"Challenged to what?"

"A duel. Sunrise tomorrow, in the south corner of the Pemberley grounds."

"A...a duel?"

"You were right, John. It would be murder to shoot you now. At the very least, I could give you the chance to fight back. And when I kill you, no one will have any cause to call it murder." Which was a lie--he would be questioned, although since no one knew John it was unlikely that anyone would care.

"You mean guns and ten paces and all that?"

"Precisely--unless you would prefer swords."

"Guns will be fine with me. Tomorrow morning."

"You are eager to meet your death."

"I think it's much more likely that you'll meet yours. I'll walk over your dead body to take Kelsey and Emma home with me where they belong."

"Do you recall that you are married to another woman?" Alexander asked coldly.

"Emma will be with me, and Kelsey...well, I'll figure out what to do with her. Perhaps I'll leave her here to live with your family." John bowed mockingly. "Until tomorrow, then."

As he walked back to the maze, which was apparently open because he didn't come back, Kelsey walked outside on shaking legs. "You can't go through with that duel," she said.

Alexander turned back with a start. "I have to. Don't you see? He'll never let you go. He'll always be in our lives, threatening our happiness. This way, he will no longer be trouble and we can return home."

"We can't return home if you kill him! You don't think that Sharisse will call the police if he disappears, and that we'll be arrested? They can convict people without a body, you know. John will likely tell her where he's going tomorrow, and make sure she calls the police if something happens to him."

"It will only be her word."

"No. No, Alexander, you can't do this."

"Do you wish for him to be a menace in our lives forever?"

"No, I don't want that! But this would be murder, Alexander. John never learned to fire a gun, because he was arrogant enough to assume that his strength would be enough to take out any opponent."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "It doesn't matter. He accepted the challenge, and the weapon. If he is incompetent, he has no one to blame but himself." He looked at her. "I don't see why you object. You hate the man as much as I do."

"You're right. I hate him. But murder is still murder, Alexander, and if you kill him tomorrow, you'll be worse than him." Kelsey whirled around and went back into the house.

Chapter 15: The Duel.

Posted on Tuesday, 18-Aug-98

The news spread quickly throughout the household that Alexander had challenged Kelsey's former husband to a duel. Those servants (few and far between though they were) who had not known that the newest Mrs. Darcy was a divorcee knew by the end of the evening. Although they were thoroughly scandalised by the knowledge that dear, sweet-natured Alexander's wife was divorced, they took it in stride. Alexander was secretly considered the favourite of the household, for he had never given the servants trouble, as Edward had tended to do, nor was he at times presumptuous and assuming, as William was at times. He had always been the sunny, cheerful child.

And now he was challenging a man to a duel. It was most unlike Mr. Alexander, they all agreed, and they all blamed Kelsey for it. Despite the fact that Kelsey had thought she was managing quite well in her husband's world, she had no knowledge that the servants were gossiping and ridiculing her pitiful efforts in private. Although her own maid said nothing, other servants were able to see the things Kelsey did wrong.

"The poor boy's likely to get himself killed," one of the kitchen cooks muttered to a manservant. "And all over that girl who isn't worth it. She's a foolish simpleton. I overheard her the other day asking Miss Victoria what it took to run a house such as Sandoval. Imagine! A lady not knowing how to run a house, or how to address nobility..."

"Well," the manservant replied, "she is an American."

"Even American women know things she does not. I tell you, Mr. Alexander was taken in by a...a loose woman, and she'll likely wind up killing him. Imagine! Her former husband showing up. I could have told you that woman was hiding something."

Kelsey, wrapped up in her own problems, was ignorant of the gossip and talk, and ignorant of the glares of the servants. The family, however, she could not avoid noticing. They were not pleased with Alexander or her. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy barely spoke two words to her at dinner, even though Elizabeth had been most pleasant to Kelsey beforehand. William glared at her for most of the meal. Edward took his meal in his room, claiming his wife had taken a chill from the journey and needed her rest. Jane and Victoria, like their eldest brother, sent moist-eyed, baleful glances Kelsey's way. Alexander did his best to ignore his family and her alike, still upset at her lack of support when it was her honor he was going to protect. Kelsey had become a pariah, and she wasn't certain she could blame them.

After a strained meal of which she ate nothing, she excused herself from having to sit through after-dinner activities, citing exhaustion from the baby (which sent several of the servants into blushes--how could any real lady speak of such a delicate and embarrassing condition?). After spending a little bit of time with Emma, who seemed to understand that something was wrong with her mother and didn't trouble her with her usual desire for home, television, and friends, she went to find a private place to be alone.

She found herself in what appeared to be a tiny paradise, full of exotic plants and a warmth which did little to relieve the chill inside of her.

"Interesting experiment of Darcy's, isn't it?" a voice said from behind her.

Kelsey turned to see Sir James Hampton standing there.

"He's had these plants brought from all around the world, wanting to recreate a place he and Elizabeth visited once. I cannot say it has been all that effective, but it is still quite nice." He held up a cigar. "Would it offend you if I smoked this?"

"Not at all," she replied, somewhat surprised to be speaking to a member of the family who did not seem to hate her.

Striking a match, Sir James puffed on the cigar. Once it was lit, he waved the match until the flame disappeared. "A most admirable trait in a lady, not to mind a man's cigar smoke. Caroline says that the smell is one of her favourites, but I suspect that anything I did would be fine with her."

"I think I like this habit men have of asking if they can smoke," Kelsey said. "John never smoked, but his friends did and they...they had a habit of putting ashes everywhere. And they would smoke...they would smoke when Emma was around, and I hated that. She was just a baby."

"Should I not smoke now?" He was, of course, alluding to her pregnancy.

"I don't care. You enjoy it, and it won't hurt too much."

Taking a puff on his cigar and looking at the forlorn young woman speculatively, Sir James thought for a moment. He knew what the servants were saying, what everyone was thinking. He knew that she was almost on the verge of collapsing, and as Caroline had privately pointed out, who knew what suffering that could cause the baby.

"You know, this is not your fault. You could not have predicted that your...first husband would show up here."

"I know."

"I cannot imagine what the man must have said to Alexander that would have made him challenge the man to a duel." Kelsey started to open her mouth, but he continued before she could say anything. "I presume it had something to do with you. Nothing else would have provoked Alexander quite so much."

"I should never have married him," she said. "But...things were so wonderful in my time between us. At least, I thought so. I knew he missed everyone here, but he was adjusting so wonderfully. And then John had to marry Sharisse and sue for custody of Emma."

"Is that why you are here?" he asked.

"Yes. Alexander had no real identity, and John discovered what my father had done to get him one. We would've been destroyed in court. And there was no way I was ever going to let that man take my daughter away from me." Kelsey's voice began to weaken as she added, "Now he's threatening to take away my husband. I've tried to reason with Alexander, but he refuses to listen. He doesn't...he...he won't listen to me, and everyone else is upset with me, and...I'm so scared that he's going to die or he'll kill John and be branded a murderer and..."

Kelsey turned away before Sir James could see her crying. She barely registered anything when he took her in his arms and began to try to soothe her.

"They are as upset with him as they are with you, my dear," he said softly.

"They are upset with him because they don't think I'm worth getting killed over," Kelsey sobbed.

"No. If this man had insulted their wives or husbands as you were undoubtedly insulted, they would act in the same way. You must understand that they are as frightened about what is to happen in the morning as you are."

"They could try to be a bit supportive. They don't think I'm suffering just as they are?" Kelsey pulled away.

Sir James took another puff off his cigar and said, "I have an example which might help. It is a bit of a boring story and, at some point when it made the rounds of gossip in London, was something of a scandal. But perhaps it would help you through this difficult time."

"You know someone who fault a duel over a fallen woman?"

"You are far from a fallen woman merely because you were married to a cad, Kelsey, but no, that is not my story. It is of a young man, a man I know well who, during a quite difficult time in his life, raged at everyone for something he could not control."

Kelsey said nothing.

"You see, the young man and his wife had been trying for several years to have children. They had been unsuccessful and it was frustrating them both, for they loved each other very much and wished to have children together. The woman had not even conceived to miscarry." He paused.

"I won't be offended by your talk of such a 'delicate topic,'" Kelsey reminded him.

"It is not that. It is simply a rather difficult tale to have to retell. Well, after the couple had given up almost all hope of having children, the woman discovered that she was at last with child. The moment it was confirmed, she and her husband agreed that the best thing for her would be to remove themselves from Society and so retired to their country estate to await the birth of their baby. It was quite possibly the most exciting yet terrifying time of their lives. After so long a time, they were thrilled to finally be having a child, but feared that something would go dreadfully wrong. They were overly cautious. The wife did not do anything overly strenuous, and her husband was more than willing to do anything she desired.

"One day, a month before the child was to come, the young man went to a small village nearby to buy a gift for his wife to give her when their child was born. While he was gone, his wife decided to take a small walk in the park, thinking that the fresh air would do her good. She was not looking where she was going and tripped over a tree root that was raised but hidden in the grass. She shortly after went into labor with no one around to help her. None of the servants were aware that she had left the house.

"The husband came riding home and, unable to find his wife, immediately led a search party. They found her weakened and in so much pain it nearly tore his heart apart. The doctor was sent for, even though the wife insisted that it was too soon. As it turned out, she was correct. The labor was difficult and long. It nearly lasted two days."

Kelsey had listened with fascination at his story but failed to see what it had to do with her present situation or why it was considered a scandal.

"The husband insisted on staying with his wife through the delivery of his child. It is customary for the man to be absent, downstairs smoking cigars, pacing floors, drinking large amounts of brandy and the like. But not him. He would be there for his wife and child because his guilt over not being there when she went into labor had eaten away at him. He was most vicious to the doctor and midwife and anyone else who insisted that he could not stay. Indeed, he even said that as he had been present at the child's conception he had every right to be present at its birth."

"I imagine that was a bit scandalous," Kelsey said, trying to hide her grin.

Sir James smiled as well. "You see? Most scandalous. But his demeanor did not improve the longer his wife was in pain. By the time the child finally did arrive, his wife was exhausted and weakened. The doctor was concerned, saying that she could die at any time. The man was so furious that he hit the doctor and ordered him sent away forever."

"Did she die?"

Lost in his thoughts, Sir James did not hear the question. "Perhaps it would not have happened had the child not come early, or if she had been discovered earlier, but she became feverish soon after the birth. Her fever became dangerously high. The doctor was called back only to receive more abuse when he could do nothing for her. The man, of course, stayed at her side even though everyone insisted he had to leave for fear he would catch her illness and leave the child an orphan. When he would leave her, for mere moments, he lashed out at everyone even though he knew it was not their fault."

He sighed. "It was because of the fear. He was so afraid that she would die, and losing her meant losing everything. He loved her that much."

Kelsey murmured, "But did she die?"

"Hmm?" Sir James looked at her. "Oh. No, Caroline survived, and so did Christopher. And although it would pain her to hear this, because she always wanted more children, I was secretly relieved when she never became pregnant again. I was always so terrified that if it happened again it would kill her."

Kelsey had suspected since the beginning of his tale that he had been speaking of himself, so the revelation did not come as such a surprise.

"I always tell her that Christopher was enough for the two of us. And now, of course, he is married to Jane and has children of his own, and Caroline is thrilled to be a grandmother. Not, of course, that you shall ever hear her admit it," he added with a chuckle. "Vanity and all that. She only wishes we could see them more often, and I suspect that in another couple years we shall settle down and be in a position to do so."

Clearing his throat, Sir James looked at her. "But now you see, there are times when we do things that we would not normally do. I apologized profusely for my behaviour during the ordeal, and I hoped everyone would understand that it was merely the situation and not myself. That is what is happening now. Everyone is upset because of fear for Alexander, and they are unfortunately taking it out on you."

"But they have reason to."

"No, Kelsey, for it is not your fault. Alexander is the one who issued the challenge and ultimately he is the one who should bear responsibility for his actions."

"That's not what everyone thinks."

"I know, and it is not fair. But there is something you should consider. There is a fair chance that tomorrow, something might happen to Alexander. And...and you should not let your anger at him for what he has done be the last thing he ever has of you in his life."

Kelsey sighed.

"Just try to understand, Kelsey, and even if you do not agree with it, let him know that you still love him."

Sir James took one final puff on his cigar before putting it out. "Well, it is getting late and Caroline shall undoubtedly wonder where I am."

"Thank you for...for the story," Kelsey said quietly.

"You're quite welcome," he replied. "Just remember what I said, all right?"

She nodded.

Kelsey waited a few minutes after Sir James left, thinking over what he'd said and thinking about her current situation. Finally, she left the small greenhouse and went upstairs to her room. Alexander was already there, and although it looked like he was asleep Kelsey could tell from his breathing that he wasn't.

"Alexander?" she said softly.

No answer.

"Alexander, I know you're awake."

He shifted to face her and slowly opened his eyes. "Yes, Kelsey?"

"I...I just wanted you to know..." Kelsey's throat clogged with tears and she threw herself onto the bed and into his arms, kissing him with all the passion that had been stored up in her the past couple of weeks.

Alexander kissed her with as much fervor, knowing what she had been coming to tell him. "I love you," he whispered.

Soon, no further words were necessary between them.

The morning dawned cold and grey. Alexander, doing his best not to wake Kelsey, got out of bed and faced the day with grim determination. He knew that when the day was finished he would never be able to return to her world, which might upset Emma but would have to be accepted. It might even become dangerous for Mr. Madison to visit them.

The thought of dying had also crossed his mind several times. Kelsey had said John was not good with pistols, but any idiot who could point a gun could kill a man. But he had done his best to keep positive and believe that he would emerge the victor.

Sir James was awaiting him downstairs. The night before, Alexander had asked him in private to be his second, guessing correctly that his father or brothers would scold him too greatly should he ask them. Sir James, although clearly disapproving of the duel and reminding him that they were still outlawed, had agreed to perform the duty.

"Who shall perform the same duty for John is a mystery," Sir James added as he and Alexander headed for the stables. "I doubt he knows to bring anyone."

"All the better," Alexander said.

"It would not be considered a proper duel should he not have a second."

"It is not likely that anyone should ever find out about the duel should he die. No one knows who he is. No one knows he is here, saving perhaps people in his time who have no access here. I do not think anything should come of it."

"Alexander..." Sir James said. "Do you honestly think you could kill a man?"

Alexander stopped short.

"Kelsey is worth anything," Alexander said coldly. "I know what the servants have been saying, as do you. I know what the family thinks. Kelsey, I do not believe, knows what they are saying and I pray she never finds out or she may agree with them. He insulted her. This is a matter of honor. I am not doing this just to have a semi-legal way of killing the man."

"Aren't you?" Sir James asked. "I think you should consider that thought as we make our way to the clearing."

Although Alexander had thought he escaped without anyone in the house taking notice, nearly everyone had seen him leave with Sir James. Mr. Darcy waited five minutes before leaving the house and following them. He was joined by his eldest two sons and his two sons-in-law.

The last figure to leave the house was Kelsey, who had not been able to sleep in spite of Alexander's attempt to wear her out with the strength of his passion. She ignored the look the stableboy gave her when she requested a horse, which he reluctantly got for her. She had no idea where she was headed, but figured she wasn't too far behind Alexander and the others.

Alexander arrived at the clearing just as another figure stepped from the shadows. It was John.

"I see you decided not to be a coward," Alexander said.

"To you? Not a chance in hell," John replied. "However, you might want to keep in mind that my lovely wife knows everything about this. If I die, the police will be here soon."

"I somehow doubt that."

"Do you have a second?" Sir James asked.

"I do," John said. "I came back early this morning and ran into a rather pleasant man who was more than willing to help me with the honors." He motioned to the trees, and another figure emerged.

Although Alexander did not recognize him, apparently Sir James did for he took a quick breath. "George Wickham," he said.

"You are not Darcy himself, which leads me to suspect you are that cousin of his, Sir James Hampton."

"You would be correct, sir. I thought you were dead."

"Ah, a dreadful tale I myself have heard. I suppose Lydia has put that about again in the hopes that either your relatives or the Bingleys would take her and the children in."

"I would rather have vipers in my house," a voice said from behind them. Mr. Darcy stepped from the shadows.

John smiled at the apparent animosity between the factions.

"Shall we get on with this?" Alexander snapped. "If you do not know the way duels are conducted, here is what Kelsey would call a 'simple overview.' We go ten paces, turn and fire. We each get one shot, and that is all."

Sir James pulled the pistols from the small carrying case he had brought, then handed Wickham one. As the two seconds loaded the pistols, Alexander and John glared at each other and the Darcys fumed at John's choice of a second.

"Trust that man to show up at the worst possible time," Mr. Darcy said.

None noticed when Kelsey approached the clearing, having found her way to the right place by sheer luck. She struggled to get off the horse and tie him to a tree, then walk closer to the gentlemen without being heard.

When the pistols were ready and handed to each man, they were turned to stand back to back. Sir James, with great reluctance and one final look at his cousin, began the count.

"One...two...three..."

Alexander tried to steady his quickly rising nerves, thinking now more than he had before about Sir James' words. Could he truly kill the man? Could he do that, knowing what Kelsey had said the day before about his becoming a murderer?

"Four...five...six..."

Kelsey put her fist to her mouth to keep from crying out for them to stop this nonsense.

"Seven..."

All of the sudden, John turned. Before anyone could react, he pointed the gun at the center of Alexander's still retreating back.

Kelsey tried to scream, but the only sound in the air was that of a gunshot.

Chapter 16--The Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Posted on Tuesday, 25-Aug-98

Alexander never saw it coming. The bullet pierced through his back, sending searing pain coursing throughout his body, and then he felt nothing. He never felt himself hitting the ground at an awkward angle. He didn't see what happened next.

The Darcys, who had been helpless by their paralysis and disbelief as John had turned around, found themselves aghast at the sight of Alexander lying on the ground. As they ran toward him, no one bothered to take note of the second shot which fired, or of John abruptly collapsing to the ground himself.

Kelsey screamed, "No!" as she ran to her husband. Nearly tripping over her skirts, she pushed Mr. Darcy and his sons aside and knelt by Alexander. She turned him over and felt in her heart that it was too late to save him. The bullet had gone right through him, and the hole in his chest which seemed to spurt blood onto her gown appeared to have no plans to stopping soon. Kelsey shouted, "Get a doctor!"

"Kelsey, please..." Mr. Darcy said, his voice heavy.

"No! He can't die! I won't let him die!" she sobbed. "He can't leave me now."

"There is no way a doctor would arrive in time..." Mr. Darcy's voice cracked. He had almost lost his wife. Now he would certainly lose his son. His wonderful, beautiful son, who had saved Elizabeth's life. He'd--

He'd brought her to the future. And for the first time in what seemed like ages but was only minutes, Fitzwilliam Darcy felt hope.

"Kelsey," he said, trying to quell his own fear, "you must go back."

"No, no...I won't leave him."

"He has to return to your time. Listen to me, Kelsey. He must go back. It may be the only thing which can save him."

Kelsey, however, was beyond reason, trying to stop the bleeding unsuccessfully.

"Kelsey!" Mr. Darcy shouted, gripping her arms tightly and forcing her to look at him. Kelsey's tear-stained face whipped around and in her gray eyes he could see the pain and anguish, and the guilt.

"He has to return to St. Louis...to your time and your doctors. They might be able to save him if we hurry." But he knew he still wasn't getting through to her.

"Kelsey, listen to him," a soft voice said above them. Kelsey looked up and saw a young woman she never thought she would want to see again.

She hadn't seen Sharisse Connor, now Sharisse Chandler, since her former nanny had given a deposition for Kelsey's divorce. But she stood above her now, a small gun in her hand that she occasionally glanced at as though in wonder that she held it.

"Shari," Kelsey hissed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I shot John. I...I'm so sorry, Kelsey, that I didn't get here in time to stop him."

Kelsey finally noticed her ex-husband, lying motionless on the ground.

"You may explain yourself later, madam, but we must get Alexander help before it is too late," Sir James said. "Kelsey, please. We must go now."

"You'll kill him if you don't go," Sharisse said simply. "And John will win."

A soft moan from Alexander caused Kelsey to turn back to him. His eyes did not flicker open, and a moment later he was again unconscious.

"Yes," Kelsey murmured. "We must get him help. He must...but how would we ever explain it to the cops?"

"Leave it to me," Sharisse said. "Now go."

A carriage rattled into view, being driven haphazardly by Mrs. Darcy and carrying three screeching, terrified passengers--Lady Hampton, Jane, and Victoria Knightley.

"He's dead!" someone in the carriage screamed as the ladies stumbled out to the scene before them.

"Thank heavens for Elizabeth," Sir James said. "We can get Alexander to safety much faster and easier with that carriage. Darcy, you and Elizabeth take him and Kelsey to the maze--Edward, you go with them to help move your brother's body. We'll stay here and--"

"You try and get away and I'll shoot!" Sharisse suddenly yelled, pointing her gun in the direction of John's body.

Kelsey, too concerned about Alexander's rapidly fading chances, paid no attention. She and Edward placed Alexander gently in the carriage, which Elizabeth swiftly started back the way she had come.

Everyone else, however, looked at where Sharisse pointed her gun.

George Wickham had been about to scamper to safety from the scene, but the gun in Sharisse's hand never wavered and he knew she was serious about shooting him.

"Who are you?" William Darcy asked her.

"I'm Sharisse Chandler. John's second wife."

"But why..." Sir James walked over to John and turned him over. Sharisse's aim had been good--and deadly. "Why did you kill him?"

"Because I couldn't let him murder Alexander, and that's what he intended to do."

By this time, William had gotten suspicious enough to take his own weapon out of his pocket. He too aimed at Wickham.

Sharisse sighed. "Last night, John brought him home," she said with a motion of her head at Wickham. "He said he was an old friend who was going to help him get Alexander and Kelsey. John told me about the duel, and that if he was killed I was to go to the police and turn the two of them in as his killers. And maybe I would've done that, but..." She sighed. "But I doubt it. I always felt guilty about sleeping with John while he was still married to Kelsey. Anyway, I knew John would have a fighting chance to kill Alexander and that if he died it would be his own stupid fault."

The ladies were still practically swooning at the scandalous revelation of Sharisse's affair with John.

"I know why the son of a bitch married me. It was just an effort to get Emma from Kelsey and Alexander. And I let him do it. He flattered me and showered me with gifts and I was so...I'd cared for him before, but when he proposed, I thought I loved him. I thought he loved me. I convinced myself of it. He spun quite a tale, and I fell for it. He swore he'd never cheat on me like he did her because I was so completely different and better than she ever was. I was everything she wasn't."

"I do not think that is something of which to be proud," Lady Hampton mumbled to her daughter-in-law.

"After Thanksgiving, when Alexander and Kelsey disappeared with Emma, John was livid. He threatened her father with legal action if he didn't reveal where they had gone, but Mr. Madison maintained that he didn't know and if he did, he was under no obligation to say as Kelsey was his client. Then there was that investigation about embezzlement, and that tied up most of his time, so he hired a private detective to find them. He had another one tracking Mr. Madison, because John never believed that Kelsey's father didn't know where she was."

Wickham had tried to sneak away as Sharisse became more involved in telling her tale, but she saw his movement and fired a shot that went just past his right ear.

"The next time, buddy, I won't miss," Sharisse said. "Stay put."

Wickham turned pale and didn't move again.

"One day, the investigator got lucky. He told John that Mr. Madison had been going to Kelsey's house on a regular basis for no apparent reason, and that day had disappeared altogether from the back yard. So John searched and he found whatever it was that brought us here. And I guess you know what happened when he and Alexander met again." Glaring at Wickham, she said, "John met him last night, and told me the lies. John told me to go to sleep early, because I'd need my rest for today, when he brought Emma home. He was so confident that he was going to kill Alexander that I knew something was wrong. John had limited experience with guns, because Kelsey never wanted one in the house with Emma and everything. So I pretended to be asleep, and then I listened in on his conversation with this piece of filth."

"She is lying," Wickham said.

"She has yet to accuse you of anything," Sir James said coldly. "Yet you call her a liar. One of the classic signs of someone who is guilty of something."

"Wickham was telling John about the 'indignities' Alexander's family had put him through. They sounded familiar, as though I'd heard them before. And I had. They were in a book I'd read years ago as a kid, called..." Sharisse didn't quite understand the world in which she now found herself, but she decided that perhaps it was best not to tell them about the book. "That's not important. But I knew he was lying. His words sparked John. John vowed that he would get revenge for the both of them. Wickham suggested that the best way to do this would be to kill Alexander in front of his own father. So they agreed that John would turn on the count of seven and fire. Wickham assured John that he would be safe, because Darcy's skill was in fencing, not shooting."

"That is untrue," Victoria said suddenly. "Papa is one of the best shots in all of Derbyshire. Everyone knows that."

Sharisse turned pale. "And you counted on that, didn't you? You knew that when John shot Alexander in the back, he'd more than likely be killed by Darcy, so no one would know your role in the whole plot."

"Because no one would suspect he'd had time to meet John and plan the whole thing," William concluded.

"Wickham asked about what would happen if John was killed. John said that I was going to tell the cops that Alexander and Kelsey had done it, so Kelsey would go to prison and his family would get custody of Emma. He laughed about it, about how naive and gullible I was, how I believed everything he said. He said...he said...some truly insulting things about me. And later, after they'd had a few drinks, John talked about the affair he was having with his boss, who was going to fix things so the investigation would be closed without him being indicted or fired.

"I was so furious. First with myself for being so stupid as to believe him. Then at him. He figured that I'd do what he said, and why shouldn't he? I had before. But I knew that I wouldn't this time."

"Was it John's idea to turn on the count of seven?" Sir James asked.

"No. I heard Wickham say distinctly that if John were to have the best chance at killing Alexander, he would have to turn before ten."

William, who had only a lazy aim at Wickham before, now pointed his gun right at Wickham's heart. "Tell me why I should not kill you right now."

"William!" Sir James motioned for him not to do anything rash.

"I was too late," she murmured. "I didn't want John to know I was following him so I waited a few minutes after he was gone. I thought I'd get here in time to shoot his gun out of his hand before he could fire at Alexander. I didn't intend to kill him. But I got a bit lost coming out of that maze and until I heard the beginning count I wasn't sure if I'd ever find you. By the time I was where I could see everything, John had turned and shot Alexander. So...so I killed him." Tears trickled down her cheeks. "God forgive me for not getting here sooner."

"She can prove nothing, Wickham said. "And she is a murderess."

"I believe her," Sir James said in a calm voice. His dark eyes, however, belied the calm for they were raging. "And she shot a murderer."

"How shall you explain this?" Wickham laughed. "How shall you explain your husband's death and Alexander's shooting?"

"John shot Alexander before disappearing. He was leaving the country to escape prosecution--and as proof, I'll show the police our empty bank accounts. He took the money and put it in his safe day before yesterday. I think he was planning to kidnap Emma and run away with her. But my explanation will cover everything--including why John is nowhere to be found. If you'll...take care of the body, that is."

"Are you certain you shall be in no trouble? We could offer you sanctuary," William said.

"Thank you, sir, but I have to return. Otherwise, they might suspect Kelsey."

"And in her condition, that would be tragic," Lady Hampton reminded William.

"Condition?" Sharisse asked. "You mean she's--"

"Yes," Sir James cut her off quickly, shaking his head at the outspokenness of modern women. "And in all likelihood, you saved them both. John would likely have tried to kill her next, to insure that she never returned to claim Emma."

Sharisse nodded. "Can you handle Wickham?"

"Quite handily."

"Good. Then I'll go now, before things get complicated."

"Wait!" Jane cried out. "Take one of the horses. You'll get back quicker. I'll show you where to go."

"Thank you."

But before Sharisse could leave, both of Alexander's sisters and the Hamptons hugged her. They thanked her for trying her best, and although no one said it, they thanked her for killing John.

When Sir James helped her onto Darcy's horse, he murmured, "Do not reflect on what you could not accomplish today, but rather on what you likely saved. You shall likely feel a great deal of remorse later--"

"I do already," Sharisse said, biting her lip. "I loved him. I loved the man I thought I was marrying. It's the man I married that I hated, but I still loved him." With a final tear slipping out of her eye, she added, "But I had to do it."

As Jane and Sharisse galloped quickly back to the maze, Sir James turned to Wickham, who was visibly shaking.

"And what are we to do with you?" he asked in that deadly calm voice as he bent down to pull a small knife out of his boot.

Kelsey had thought that losing Alexander the previous summer was the worst time of her life. But now she knew that that was nothing compared to watching him as he lay bleeding to death in her arms. At least the last time she'd known he was alive and in reasonably good health.

She called the paramedics as soon as they were able to drag Alexander onto the back porch of the house. As she waited, she continued to keep as much pressure as she could on the hole in Alexander's chest, trying to stem the bleeding. He was still breathing and he had a pulse, but his breathing was shallow and his pulse weak.

The ambulance came roaring three minutes after her call. As they loaded Alexander's body onto the stretcher and checked his vital signs, they asked questions.

"Ma'am, is this your husband?"

"Is he allergic to anything?"

"How long ago was he shot?"

"Has he regained consciousness at all?"

Kelsey stammered answers as best she could. Kelsey noticed Sharisse appearing from the maze. The young woman held back, unnoticed by anyone else except perhaps as a gawker to the proceedings, along with everyone else on the street who had turned out even in the cold to see what commotion was going on at the Darcys' house.

Kelsey was whisked into the ambulance, which made its way to the hospital.

The moment they reached the hospital, Alexander was wheeled into an emergency room. One of the nurses told Kelsey she would have to remain outside, waiting to see what would happen. Kelsey dropped into a chair and immediately began to pray.

"Ma'am?"

Kelsey looked up. A man in an ordinary suit stood before her.

"I'm Detective Logan. I'm with the St. Louis P.D. The nurses told me that your husband was the man who was shot."

"Yes. I'm Kelsey Darcy."

"I know this is a difficult time for you, Mrs. Darcy, but I have to ask you a few questions."

Kelsey would rather be shot herself than answer any questions, as she hadn't spoken to Sharisse and didn't know what to say.

"Would it be possible to wait? I'm not feeling well at the moment."

"I'm afraid it can't wait. What is the vic--your husband's name?"

"Alexander...Alexander George Darcy."

"Date of birth?"

Oh, Lord...Alexander's birthday had been just a couple weeks ago, and she remembered that they'd celebrated it, and he was twenty-eight, but what year was on the birth certificate they'd find?

"Um...uh, December 9, 19--," She finally remembered. "He's twenty-eight."

"Could you tell me what happened?"

"I...I don't..."

"Did the two of you own a gun?"

Kelsey turned pale. Dear God, of all the things she thought might happen, she never considered that they'd suspect her.

"I...we...no. I wouldn't keep a gun in the house. I was afraid that Emma would get a hold of it."

"And Emma is?"

"My daughter. She's six."

"Where was she when the shooting took place?"

"She's spending the holiday with her grandparents in England." Technically.

"Your parents?"

"No. Alexander's."

"Have you ever owned a gun?"

"No. I'm...I didn't do this."

"I'm not saying you did."

"I love my husband!"

"I'm sure you do, ma'am. Can you tell me what time he was shot?"

"I don't...perhaps it was around seven. It was early."

"Where were you at the time?"

Watching him get shot. "Sleeping."

"Did the shot wake you up?"

"I...I..."

"My daughter refuses to answer any more questions." Kelsey looked up to see her father.

The cop looked vaguely annoyed. "Who are you, sir?"

"Joshua Madison. I'm Kelsey's father and also her attorney. Right now, my daughter is under a great deal of stress. Her husband could die. She doesn't need you asking questions when anyone who knows her could tell you she didn't do it. In fact, if you want to point a finger at someone, why don't you dig up John Chandler and question him?"

"The guy who's been on the news about major embezzlement?"

"That's the one. He's Kelsey's ex-husband."

"Thanks. We'll continue this interview at another time." The detective left.

Mr. Madison hugged his daughter. "Sharisse called and told me everything," he said softly. "I called Maddie. She'll be here soon."

"And Mama?"

"Knows nothing about it. Let's hope our luck holds for a while. Have you heard anything?"

Kelsey shook her head. "He's dying and it's all my fault."

"No, sweetheart, it's John's fault."

"But I was married to him--"

"Honey, you had every right to divorce him and marry someone else."

Kelsey was about to protest when she heard voices from the ER, where someone had just opened the door.

"Come on! We're losing him!"

Kelsey walked to the door, listening as she opened the door and walked in unnoticed. Her gaze never left the table where they were working on Alexander, where the voice that had just spoken was speaking again.

"We've got to get this bleeding stopped!"

"Heartrate is up to--"

"BP is at--"

And then she heard the heart monitor line accelerating much to fast, right before it flatlined.

"He's crashing! We need to defib now! Come on, Alex, you can make it!" They were placing electrodes on Alexander's chest.

"Clear!"

Silence as Kelsey watched electricity flow through Alexander's body. Then nothing but the sound of the heart monitor registering no heartbeat.

"Again! Clear!"

Silence, then nothing.

"No!" Kelsey screamed. "Alexander, no!"

"Someone get her out of here!" one of the doctors working over Alexander's inert body shouted.

Someone grabbed her shoulders and tried to force her out, but Kelsey resisted with more strength than she thought she had.

"Get something to calm her down!"

"CLEAR!"

"Don't give her anything!" She heard her father shout. "She's pregnant!"

"Alexander!" Kelsey sobbed as the monitor stayed flat.

"CLEAR!"

Kelsey didn't feel the prick of the hypodermic needle sliding into her arm. The last thing she remembered before losing consciousness was the sound of the heart monitor--showing no response.

Continued In Next Section