Action Lizzy and the Four Thieves Chapters 26-28

Chapter 26

Darcy spent the afternoon addressing his mountain of correspondence. It was becoming clear that he could put off returning to Pemberley no longer. This hunt for the highwaymen was more complicated than they had originally thought.

In the afternoon Richard returned, but he waved Darcy off. “Let me change and refresh myself for tonight. We'll update everyone at once with what we've found out.”

That evening, Darcy was one of the first to arrive in the parlour, soon followed by the Colonel, with the Bennets. The Colonel came down the stairs with Kitty on his arm, amusing her with Army stories. Lizzy followed on her father’s arm. The Earl and Countess soon followed and not long after that the arrival of the Riley party was announced.

Darcy had met the Riley’s numerous times over the years. The eldest daughter, Ava, nineteen years of age was very typical of a lady of the Ton. Fine clothes, fine manners and vapid conversation. She had done her best to gain his interest with no success. The younger, Julia, at seventeen was Ava’s shy shadow, though Darcy considered her to probably be the kinder of the two.

Ava and Julia were introduced to Lizzy. Darcy had his back turned to the group whilst he spoke with the men, however, he was, as always attuned to what Lizzy was doing and listening to every word.

“It is such a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth! We’re so happy to see you well enough to join us for dinner and to be up and about, and we were so sorry to hear all that has happened to you,” said Miss Riley.

“Thank you for your kind thoughts, “ replied Lizzy politely.

“It must have been terrifying, lost in the woods and all alone, injured. I can't imagine what it must have been like,” said Miss Julia.

“When you don't seem to have any other choice, you just do what you have to and are grateful for every minute where you are alive.”

In a lower voice, and with a slightly conspiratorial tone, Miss Riley continued. “And you were lucky to be saved, and by Mr Darcy no less! You could not ask for a more handsome rescuer!” Miss Riley tittered at the end.

Mr Darcy stiffened. It was clearly intended to only be heard by the young ladies, but as Darcy had his back to Miss Elizabeth’s back, he heard it all.

“Lucky, I suppose one could think the fact that I am alive rather than dead as lucky. But I don't count myself as lucky at all. Our carriage driver died- he was expecting his third child in only a few months. My Aunt lies dead, my uncle had lost his soul-mate and is devastated. My cousins have lost an exceptional mother.”

Darcy could hear Lizzy’s voice cracking and knew she was close to tears. He started to turn, but Mr Bennet stopped him with a discreet hand on the wrist. Mr Bennet shook his head.

They could both hear Lizzy continue. “I don't consider myself remotely lucky. We would have been lucky had the pistol not fired a shot, or had the thieves left us alone, or if we had not come on holidays at all.”

“Oh, I'm sorry, that was so thoughtless of me,” replied Miss Riley quickly, clearly horrified by what her words had implied and at having made the Earl’s guest get close to tears. “Please forgive me. Forget what I said.”

There was an awkward pause, before Kitty chirped up. “Miss Julia, I absolutely love the colour of that dress. And I can't help but admire the embroidery on your sleeve. Did you do it yourself?” asked Kitty. Miss Julia admitted to doing it herself. “It is absolutely exquisite. Come, let's go closer to the light so I can see it properly.”

“Is your sister coming out this year?” asked Mr Bennet, startling Darcy.

“Yes,” replied Darcy.

“Here is some advice. Make sure she establishes friends amongst her peers. Not those who are older or married women... it must be amongst the single women coming out. Having friends amongst her peers will give her more confidence than any clothes, jewels, dowry or friendly Countesses can provide. Jane and Lizzy have always been there to help their sister’s whenever they make a societal faux pax. It's good to see Kitty able to return the favour.”

“How did you know not to interrupt?”

“That would draw even more attention to the situation, when what they want is to not be seen at all. We’re trying to establish that there is no prior relationship between you and my daughter – your going over would have further fed the gossip. You don't try and interrupt without a valid excuse. Also, Lizzy does not appreciate others fighting her battles.”

“Lizzy,” called Mr Bennet. “I forgot to tell you a letter arrived from your mother. Would you like to read it.” Lizzy wandered over, her eyes still red and blood-shot. Mr Bennet made a show of feeling in his pockets. “I think I left it next door. Excuse us, Mr Darcy.”

Darcy watched as father and daughter left the room, and suspected that Mr Bennet was handing over a handkerchief.

They returned to the room several minutes later, and Lizzy looked composed. Lizzy joined her sister, who had also been joined by Andrew Riley and the Colonel.

Darcy longed to go over, but Mr Bennet's face clearly told him to stay away. Mr Bennet started a conversation with the Sheriff. “I appreciated your coroner releasing the carriage driver’s body back. I organised the transport of him back to London for his family to bury. His body is on the way now.”

Dinner was announced. The Earl escorted in Lady Riley, whilst the Sheriff escorted in the Countess, as was their custom. Darcy was obliged to escort in Miss Riley, followed by Mr Bennet with Miss Julia, the Colonel with Lizzy and Andrew and Kitty at the end.

Darcy was seated across from Elizabeth and next to Miss Riley. He spoke politely with Miss Riley, mostly to show Elizabeth that he was trying to improve his manners. However, it became clear that Miss Riley's earlier questions to Lizzy about himself were to determine if there was an attachment, and if not, to swoop in. She attempted to flirt, and at one point laughed at something he said, even though it hadn't meant to be funny. He glanced frequently across the table at Lizzy and was certain he saw her rolling her eyes. Clearly she was watching his interactions with Miss Riley closely.

Lizzy was seated next to the Sheriff, and after a little polite conversation as the first course was served, Lizzy cut to the question everyone wanted to know. “Sir Riley, what have you learnt about the men who killed my Aunt?”

“It was most fortuitous, your being in the inn and recognising their leader’s voice. From that we've gotten some strong leads. We've interviewed many people in Derby about their history with Robert Blackwell. His cousin, at first, denied he'd stayed there, but his cousin's wife made his cousin confess that they had stayed a couple of days. His friend was introduced as ‘Mr John’. They had said they had finished up at a mine site and were going to work at the slate mines in the Peaks. Neither spoke about what they had been up to, and ‘Mr John’ only said what was polite. From Blackwell's cousins we got an idea of Blackwell’s movements over the last two decades.”

Here the Sheriff paused to sip his drink. “We spoke with all his old employers, and a pattern emerged. General poor performance, not being able to follow instructions and bouts of temper which sometimes resulted in fights and injuries to others. He left Derby after breaking the arm of another employee. At that point, his reputation in Derby was so bad no one else would hire him.”

“To our knowledge, he then spent the years in Mansfield, and then seven or so in Nottingham. I sent men to both places yesterday to see what information we could gather. I've yet to receive information from Mansfield, however we have received some interesting information from Nottingham this afternoon.”

He took a drink and a bite of his neglected dinner. The Countess reprimanded all to give him a break to finish his first course. So for some moments, everyone watched him eat.

It was Kitty who showed good breeding and asked Andrew Riley, whom she was seated next to again, how his trip to Mansfield was and if it had gained any useful results. “Unfortunately, we were on a wild goose chase. Without a good description of the other two men, we lost them. We asked around, but there were too many other men there that fit the description, that it became unfeasible to question them all. We think we lost them before they came to Mansfield, but we aren't certain where.” He looked at his father. “I hope you don't intend on sending me back to Mansfield.”

The Sheriff shook his head as he used the napkin to clean his mouth. “No son. I already sent someone from Derby who knows the history of Robert Blackwell and what he looks like. Plus, I need you to manage estate business whilst I'm investigating this.”

The Sheriff continued. “We found out what establishments Blackwell and John frequented whilst in Derby. They had both visited the tailor for new suits. They also visited a less affluent area of Derby known for crime. However, no one will admit to having seen either of them in the neighbourhood. We suspect their fence lives there, so we have men there watching for suspicious activity. If we can catch the fence, we may be able to recover some of the jewels that were stolen.”

“Our most interesting information arrived from Nottingham just before I departed to come here. Even the Colonel has not heard this yet. My officers in Nottingham have interviewed all bar one of Blackwell’s former employers. The same pattern emerged, he had a job usually less than a year, sometimes only a few weeks, before he would lose his temper and physically attack someone. His last employer seemed to put that tendency to good use. His last job, he worked as a doorman at a less than reputable inn. This inn had a history of gambling, cock and dog fighting, plus other things I cannot mention whilst ladies are present. The proprietor of this establishment was a Mr Samual John.”

“Our Mr John Smith?” said Mr Bennet.

The Sheriff nodded. “We believe so.”

“Why were your officers not able to interview the proprietor?” asked Lizzy, already suspecting the answer.

“They went to the inn, which is now managed by someone else. He told us that the previous proprietor fled over a year ago, along with Robert and some others of the staff after being accused of theft.”

“Interesting. He has a history and an inn full of less than upstanding clientele,” said Richard thoughtfully. “What is the plan now?”

“Tomorrow we leave for Nottingham to continue interviewing people and gathering evidence. I suspect all the thieves are associated with this inn.”

“Do you require my assistance?” asked Darcy.

“Ah,” said the Sheriff with hesitation. “Your offer is appreciated, Mr Darcy, however, your manner isn't one that encourages witnesses to speak, not like your cousin.”

Richard gave a gloating smile at Darcy. “It’s good to know I'm better than you at some things.”

“If I'm not needed, I will depart on the morrow for Pemberley. I've delayed my return long enough and there is much for me to do. You can call me back when you need me.”

Elizabeth’s eyes grew round in surprise, and then she looked down at her lap. Darcy watched her. Was that a look of disappointment because he was leaving? He had misread her so many times that he could not be sure. But it gave him hope that he might have a chance in gaining her affection.

“How long are you going to keep Georgiana in London? Surely now that the thieves are spooked and have moved away from Matlock, it would be safe for her to travel here?” asked the Countess.

“Yes, Richard, surely it's safe for her to travel now?” asked Darcy. “We may not know where the thieves currently are but we know for a fact that they aren't here, and if they have sense, they'll keep their heads down.”

Richard considered then nodded. “You are right. She should be safe to travel here.”

“I’ll send a letter tomorrow and we'll see her before the week is out.”

“She must come and stay here!” offered the Countess. “I've missed seeing her, and it would be good for her to stay here whilst we have other young women here of a similar age,” said the Countess with a nod to Kitty. “There's no point taking her to Pemberley if she will be there alone as you run around the countryside with the Sheriff and Richard.”

“How is Mr Gardiner recovering?” asked the Sheriff.

“He’s improving. The doctor is happy with his progress. Tomorrow he wants Mr Gardiner to start walking the upstairs halls slowly and to come downstairs within the week. The doctor is fairly confident that he'll be able to attend the funeral in ten days time, so that is the date I will set. I think I can now advise the family to start making their travel plans,” replied Mr Bennet.

“How goes your recovery, Miss Elizabeth?” asked Richard. “Was the good doctor very vexed by your trip to Derby?”

“He was exceptionally vexed but is otherwise happy with how my wounds are healing. There is no sign of infection in my leg. He believes I could return home directly after the funeral, but of course, I will travel home when my uncle is well enough to do so.”

It was now Darcy’s turn to look disappointed at the mention of her return home. The Sheriff exchanged a look with Richard. “I'm not certain we can allow your departure, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Why ever not?” she asked quickly, with surprise.

“You are the only witness to your carriage driver’s murder and your aunt’s death. Only you can provide the evidence that will secure the conviction. We cannot afford for something to happen to you. We need you here to support the trial.”

“At this stage you have not captured the thieves, and there is no guarantee you will capture them in a timely manner, especially if they split up,” pointed out Mr Bennet. “You cannot keep Lizzy here indefinitely.”

“Let us see how we progress with our investigations over the coming days, and we can talk about this again after the funeral,” said the Sheriff.

The topic of conversation moved to funeral planning. “My family will arrive the day before the funeral, and they may depart the day after it is over.”

Everyone remonstrated at this, Lizzy in particular. “You cannot have so many people spend two days travelling, to stay two days and then return. Plus, Uncle needs to spend time with his children, and they need him. Two days is not enough.”

Everyone agreed with Lizzy, and both the Sheriff and the Earl offered that the family stay for longer. At last, after much discussion, the plans were made. Those coming from Hertfordshire would arrive two days before the funeral to help with funeral preparations. Mr Bennet, the Philips, Lydia, Mary and the eldest Gardiner boy, Henry, would escort the coffin back to Longbourn, with Mr Bennet and Henry traveling onto London to see to the burial. Mr Darcy, who would have returned to Matlock, would leave with Georgiana for Pemberley the day after the arrival of the Hertfordshire party and would lend their carriage to transport Mrs Gardiner’s relatives from Lambton to Matlock for the funeral, returning some days after most people had left.

With the plans made, Mr Bennet, his daughters, and the rest of the men except Andrew, went to inform Mr Gardiner of the plans. Mr Gardiner was clearly touched and expressed his gratitude for everyone's generosity.

With the plans made, Mr Bennet stayed with Mr Gardiner to write instructions to Longbourn. Lizzy retired for the night, and Kitty returned downstairs to continue advancing her acquaintance with the Miss Riley’s...and their brother.


Chapter 27

After breaking their fast, Lizzy had returned to her room to refresh and collect her bonnet for the longed- for tour of the gardens. On coming downstairs, Mr Darcy waylaid her. “Are you about to leave for Pemberley, Sir?”

“I was,“ he answered, “however, we've both been summoned to my Uncle’s study.”

“What could this be about?” asked Lizzy, as Mr Darcy offered her an arm.

“I can only guess,” replied Mr Darcy.

On entering the Earl’s study, they found the Earl seated at his desk, with the Countess standing behind him. Mr Bennet was in the seat in front of the desk, with two empty chairs next to him. “What's this about?” asked Darcy.

The Earl pushed a paper across the desk to him. It was open at the society pages, with an article circled. “We thought you should both know what is being printed about you and we will discuss what we will do about it.”

Lizzy took a seat and read the article. “This is not unexpected,” said Lizzy. Darcy pursed his lips into a thin line and walked to stare out the window.

“Is there any truth to the matter? What is the source of this story?” asked the Earl.

“There’s certainly no truth. There was...is no agreement between Miss Elizabeth and myself,” said Darcy stiffly. “I believe the rumour stems from when I discovered Miss Elizabeth and called out to her without regard to proprietary. I think some who were there supposed there was more between us than there really was. I take it on myself, and if Mr Bennet demands it and if Miss Elizabeth agrees, I'm happy to marry her.”

“And as I have told Mr Darcy here,” broke in Mr Bennet, “I see no reason to rush into any arrangements, especially whilst we are in mourning. There is no evidence or witnesses to say they have seen any compromise occur.”

“They would be lying if they had,” said Lizzy. “Nothing improper has occurred.”

“To announce an engagement now implies a secret arrangement did exist. Even announcing an engagement directly after the mourning period is over would imply something more existed before. To rush an engagement or marriage would imply a serious concern, and even after marriage, may reflect badly on my other daughters. It is better to let the rumours die, and to announce a courtship after the mourning period is over, if necessary, and if that is what Lizzy wants.” He looked at Lizzy. “At this stage I see no reason to force you into anything you don't want to do on a rumour that will probably run its course in a couple of weeks and then be forgot when a better scandal comes along.”

Lizzy tried to smile at this, but for some reason she felt disappointed. She knew it was right, and she felt safe in the knowledge of Darcy’s affections, yet still disappointment gnawed at her inside.

“What will be the official line if any of us are asked?” asked the Countess.

“That I knew Miss Elizabeth and spent some time furthering our acquaintance in spring at Rosings. However, once I left Rosings I had not expected to meet her again, and I was merely shocked and worried by her appearance when I found her, as I thought we were too late and that she had died,” said Darcy.

The Earl and Countess nodded. “That sounds reasonable and it is the line we will use. I'm certain this will die away.”

“Are you leaving for Pemberley now, William?” asked the Countess.

“Yes,” said he.

“I'll walk you out,” said the Countess. She walked Darcy and Lizzy out, but was immediately held up by the housekeeper. “William, I'll catch up with you. Don't leave before I've said goodbye.”

This left Lizzy alone to escort Darcy out. Darcy did not waste the opportunity. “Did I detect last night that you were not pleased that I was departing?”

Lizzy hesitated as she gathered her thoughts. “I think I have taken it for granted that you would be here. It took me by surprise, even though it should not have done so.”

“Do I have reason to hope?” asked Darcy pensively.

Lizzy smiled. “Mr Darcy, I am in mourning. You know I cannot answer this question at this point.”

This caused Darcy to smile, showing his dimple. “That most definitely gives me hope. If you were set against me, you would not have hesitated to tell me so.”

Lizzy could not help but smile. “I do not understand what I feel at this point, Sir. But I can safely say you are no longer the last man that I would marry.”

They had reached the front door. They walked outside and Darcy turned around, taking her right hand in his. He bowed over it and brought her hand to his lips. “Then I live in hope. Take care of yourself Miss,” and here he paused as he kissed her hand, “Elizabeth.”

Lizzy felt her pulse quicken as his eyes met hers. She very much liked the way he said her name. He let go and moved towards his horse as the Countess came out and went to farewell her nephew.

Lizzy stood on the steps as he mounted his horse, gave a nod of his head then rode away. The feelings she was feeling confused her greatly. Why did she feel this sense of loss even though she knew he would only be away for five days? He was not permitted to court her and yet she did not want to lose his attention. Was she in love? She would need time to examine her feelings. She very much wished she could speak of it with her Aunt, but that could not occur. She wiped away a tear as she went inside and started thinking of the funeral.

Meanwhile, Mr Bennet remained in the study with the Earl. “I presume it is well known when the article states she's staying with the Earl whom is Darcy’s uncle that everyone knows who it is and where you are located?”

“Are you worried for your daughter’s safety?” asked the Earl.

“It has crossed my mind. If she is the only witness who could condemn then to their deaths...well, it would be worth their while to see that she cannot take the stand to provide her evidence.”

“True, but it would be very risky. They would have to take her out, alone, and with no witnesses. If they are caught, the outcome would be worse than if they had left her alone. It would be a desperate action. And we know these thieves are not here, but to the east.”

“Is there anywhere else she can go, if the need came?” asked Mr Bennet pensively.

“She could always reside with the Sheriff, but his estate is smaller and has less men. Our estate is large; it is very difficult for a stranger to approach undetected, much less to get into the house, or to know where to find her.”

“They just need to find the lady in mourning clothes with a cast on her arm,” said Mr Bennet wryly.

“That might be so, but it would be difficult for them to do so undetected. They would be caught beforehand. It is much too risky,” said the Earl, leaning back on his chair. “The only other place she could go to remain undetected would be Pemberley.”

“And you know that is currently out of the question, at least not before she is married.”

“A proposition that does not appear to upset either of them greatly,” said the Earl.

Mr Bennet scowled.

“We can talk to Richard when he returns; he's the expert in security. But I have already advised the staff to keep an eye out for strangers and to raise an alert immediately. I can have an armed guard watching the house and to accompany your daughter whenever she walks out.”

Mr Bennet nodded. “That would ease my mind. Thank you, my Lord.”


Chapter 28

Bingley had waited two days after calling on the Bennet’s. He was trying hard to respect that they were in mourning and that he could not call to court Jane. So he had now called upon the Lucas’, Gouldings and Longs. He had attended to his correspondence, written to some of his other university friends to come to Netherfield for a shooting party and invited his cousins and widowed Aunt to stay. Without the prospect of paying Jane attention, he was finding the days very long. Blast it, Darcy had been right.

He took himself to see the Netherfield steward. He had taken Netherfield to learn how to manage an estate, and though management was the responsibility of the steward whilst the property was leased from the owner, he could go and find out what he could learn. So now he was touring the estate and visiting the tenants with the man.

Their tour took them to the tenants that bordered the Longbourn property. One tenant, right on the border of the two properties was quite blunt. “Our home nearly flooded. The ditch between us and Longbourn is blocked... the water backed up and it came up to the back fence. Lucky the downpour was light, but I dread a heavy fall.”

The steward said he'd go to Longbourn to organise, but Bingley quickly volunteered to do it himself. He realised that though he could not visit Jane as a suitor during her mourning period, he could visit her as much as he liked regarding estate business whilst her father had handed over responsibility of the estate to her.

So to Longbourn Bingley went. He sat with Mrs Bennet a polite twenty minutes, checking how the family was doing and if they had any news from Matlock. They passed on information on the discovery of the name of the man who murdered the carriage driver but at that stage had no firm update on the funeral arrangements. He then requested Miss Bennet’s time regarding estate business.

Jane was surprised, but acquiesced and started to lead him towards the study. “Yes, Mr Bingley. How can I help?”

“One of my tenants alerted the Steward to the fact they had nearly flooded with the last lot of rain. It seems like one of the Longbourn’s ditches may be blocked.”

Jane frowned. She had, deep down, hoped this had been an excuse to make time to talk with her alone, but it seemed like he really had only come to resolve a tenant problem. “Of course, do you know where the blocked ditch is?”

“Near the Tucker’s.”

Jane nodded. “I know of where you speak.” Instead of going into the study, she grabbed her bonnet and walked outside, calling to one of the workmen. “Mr Robertson, do you have time to come with me please? There's an issue with our ditches near the Tuckers.”

Robertson nodded and joined them walking to the ditch. Mr Bingley made pleasant small talk until they reached the ditch in question and started walking along it's length to find where the blockage was. Presently they came to a section where a side had collapsed as a tree had fallen into the ditch and other debris had collected around it to block the water flow, causing a foul smelling stench to come from the standing water.

“Mr Robertson, how much effort will it be to unblock?”

He considered it. “It will take more than two people to unblock this, probably five of us with an ox to move this tree out.”

“Will we need some of Adamson’s crew to help us?”

“Probably, it will make it quicker. With his men we can get it cleared in less than half a day.”

“I’ll send him a note to see when he can spare some men.”

Robertson nodded and left to return to his other duties, whilst Bingley and Jane walked back slowly to Longbourn. “What is Adamson’s crew?”

“We only have two general workmen on the estate used to repair fences or perform maintenance. The simple fact is you cannot keep many men on all the time if there is no work for them. So when we or any of the other landowner’s have bigger projects that need more men, we call upon Adamson who has some twelve men at his disposal to help.”

“Of course, that makes sense. I've never thought about that. I still have so much to learn about estate management. How do you know so much? I did not think that learning about ditches was a normal part of a young ladies education.”

“I suppose it wasn't part of our formal education. I suppose if we'd had a brother, we may not have had much exposure to this side of estate business at all. When we were young and our Mama was having issues raising the younger babies, Lizzy was running amok around the house, causing a racket and getting on her nerves. She demanded Papa remove us from the house, so he took us on his visits to tenants, so we learnt about fences, and lambs, and ditches. And then it became part of our routine that we'd attend our Papa as he did rounds of the estate. As Mary got older, she occasionally joined us, but she had trouble trying to keep up with Lizzy. She just did not have an interest in it, and I think she disliked walking through the fields. Lizzy loved it. She would even grab a shovel and start digging to help, which amused the workmen to no end. Papa gave her her own small shovel.”

Bingley smiled at the image. They continued to talk until Jane was back at the front door of Longbourn, where they split up.

Bingley was thoughtful on his way to Netherfield. He thought about all the qualities his sister thought were required in his wife, which he dismissed as being completely irrelevant to him.

No, he wished to be a country gentleman of a medium sized estate and he needed a wife who knew the responsibilities of being a country gentlewoman. Jane had been bred to be the partner to a country gentleman. She got on well with tenants and neighbours, would be a perfect and gracious hostess and knew all of the responsibilities of running a household. He knew she would make an excellent mother by the way she looked after her young cousins.

To top it all of, by the virtue of not having a brother, she had learnt how to manage an estate. If something happened to him where he became incapacitated, he knew he could trust her to look after things. And as he had no experience in running an estate, he knew he could seek her council. He knew none of his sister’s friends would be able to do that, all having spent the better part of their time in London. The more he looked at it, the more perfect Jane seemed.

And so the next day he returned to Longbourn to discover the date the ditch would be cleared, and to make arrangement for the lending of the carriage for conveying the Bennet’s and Gardiner’s to the funeral. The day after that he went to watch the ditch being cleared with Jane. The day after that there was an issue with a fence.

Unfortunately after that he could think of no more excuses.