Chapter 13

When she woke with a piercing headache, Elizabeth was alone in a tiny room upon a small, but surprisingly clean bed, considering the quality of the room she was in. She felt in her pocket for the tiny pistol she carried there. She must not have been searched, for the pistol was still there, as was the knife she kept strapped to her walking boot. The fool had not even taken her reticule from her pocket, and Elizabeth was not a typical lady who carried no money. The amount she had seemed small to her in light of her situation, but would be a miraculous fortune to many, and may yet be extremely helpful. The room had only a slit of a window at the top of the wall to allow some light into the room, the door was locked, and she heard nothing beyond the door, so there was nothing left to do but wait until Mr Wickham made another appearance.

After an hour, a sad looking and emaciated young girl entered, watching Elizabeth warily, and closing the door behind her. The girl set a pitcher of water on the table, and a loaf of decent looking bread. "I'll make sure yer food is decent, and ye don' suffer fer clean water if'n ye don' gimme any trouble, Lady," the girl ventured, sidling back toward the door.

"Indeed I would not like to make trouble for you, child, but are you sure you have decent food as well? I fear you look hungry. Are your parents about?" Elizabeth asked the girl, who appeared to be no older than twelve.

"I ain't ever 'ad any parents, 'ave I?" answered the girl warily.

"I am sorry to hear that. A mother and father might have made sure you were well fed. Who looks after you?"

The girl did not answer, staring at Elizabeth grudgingly.

Elizabeth sighed and pulled the bread in half. "Thank you for making sure my food and water are acceptable… What is your name, child?"

"Evie," mumbled the girl.

"Thank you, Evie. Please take a share of this bread. I cannot have you go hungry while ensuring I am fed," said Elizabeth kindly.

Evie gaped at Elizabeth, unbelieving, then took the bread, set it on the corner of the table and said, "Back in a mo'." The girl took the chamber pot which Elizabeth was obliged to use after she awoke out of the room, and locked the door behind her.

She returned ten minutes later, with the freshly washed pot, a clean basin, and some worn but clean towelling. "In case ye'd want to wash. I kin bring ye more water later. Ta' fer the bread," she said, as she took the bread from the table.

"Evie, one moment, please," begged Elizabeth. She handed the girl a small coin that she had removed from her reticule while the girl was out of the room. "Get us each a whole loaf of bread and perhaps a pie when you come back. We must keep up our strength."

The girl looked at the coin. It wasn't much, but she looked at Elizabeth in wonder. She turned, saying nothing and left the room, locking the door behind her.

Elizabeth ate the bread while she thought about the girl. She was clearly an orphan, although who was taking care of her, or taking advantage of her more likely, Elizabeth could not guess. There were many in the East End who preyed upon orphans, and that was her likely location, if the girl's accent was any indication.

It was full dark through the tiny window by the time Evie returned. Elizabeth sat quietly in the dark, another small coin at the ready, but hoping to get lucky by being more bold if the opportunity presented itself.

Evie entered the room with a candle and a basket upon her arm. "Ye'll be happy with 'ow well I did, Lady. I got us each a pie an' a whole loaf an even coffee, although we 'aven't any milk or sugar. I 'id 'em all day, so's they wouldn't find out. Now sit there a mo' an don' make no trouble." The girl threaded her arm through the handle of the empty pitcher, then picked up the basin and chamber pot and left the room.

Elizabeth laid the items from the basket on the table. There were two napkins, two pies, two mugs, and two small loaves of bread as well as more clean towelling. Elizabeth laid the meals out on the napkins, hoping she could get the girl to eat and talk with her. Evie returned to the room with the clean basin and chamberpot and left again.

The girl returned once more with a battered coffee pot and pitcher of clean water. She looked at the table, and Elizabeth said, "I thank you for your care. I hope you will share the meal."

The girl sat and the two ate quietly, Elizabeth not wanting to push the girl too soon. When they were nearly finished Elizabeth said quietly, "Evie, are you happy here?"

The girl stopped eating for a moment and looked at Elizabeth in amazement. "Whatever do ye mean, Lady?"

"I mean precisely what I asked, dear. You have no parents. You do not appear to be well cared for. Indeed, you appear to be starving. What keeps you here? Do you have someone who needs your help that you stay for? Is there someone who forces you to stay, somehow? Or do you have nowhere else to go?"

The girl stared at her doubtfully. "It cannot do any harm to tell me about yourself, child. I am clearly no danger to you," Elizabeth encouraged.

"Me aunt is friends with 'im. 'E brought ye 'ere an' says e's to marry ye fer yer fortune. 'Is was me parents boardin' house til I was a baby, an' they died of the fever. Now it's me aunt's an' I 'elp," the girl stated.

"By him , I assume you mean Mr Wickham," Elizabeth surmised. "And what does your aunt know about my being here?"

Evie glared at her mutinously.

"Evie, I must say that I believe that you may be taken advantage of here. Why should the house be your aunt's? Should it not have become yours when your parents died?" The girl stared at her as if she had just sprouted extra heads. "Even if your aunt does own the house somehow, whatever help you give here ought to be worth at least enough food to keep you from starving," Elizabeth said.

"This does not appear to be a happy or prosperous place for you," Elizabeth continued. "And I fear for your safety in proximity to Mr Wickham. He is known to harm young girls. And did you know he is a deserter from the militia? He attempted to kidnap and sell my sister, and when they find him he will hang. My servants saw and identified him when he abducted me, and I have powerful friends. He will be caught, there is no doubt about it, I just fear it may not be before one of us gets hurt."

Evie looked rather sick. Whether it was from the suggestion that Wickham may harm her or the idea of him being hanged, Elizabeth could not determine. She hoped that Wickham had not already harmed the girl.

"I am a very powerful and wealthy lady. I am even friends with the Queen. I do not want you to get into trouble and be hanged with him when he is caught, which is what will happen if they can prove you have been helping him. I also would like to see you in a place where you are safe and have enough to eat. I have many resources, Evie. I can send you to a school where you can learn to be a lady's maid. Or another kind of training perhaps, if there is work you are interested in. Or I can buy you a small cottage in the country, and set you up with a small income. I can help you find any kind of job or life you like. I am very wealthy, and can help you in any way you choose. Mr Wickham has no money, and is likely to hurt you or get you hanged. I can save you from this place, and help you change your life and be safe forever, if you know of a way to get me out of here."

"Me aunt is like to throw me out anyway when she learns of the babe. I am like to 'ave nowhere to go soon," the girl hedged and Elizabeth's heart fell.

"The babe? Child, has Wickham or someone else hurt you already?" she gasped.

"Once. Just the once. two weeks back. 'E had the maid nex' door las' year, an' she 'ad to leave when they found out about 'er babe," said Evie innocently.

Elizabeth realised the child had no idea if she was expecting. She only suspected that whatever had happened to her caused babies.

"Evie, do you know a way to get us out? I will take you with me, and see you and whoever helps us is rewarded handsomely indeed," Elizabeth asked.

"I'll come in a bit 'an let you know if'n I kin," Evie said as she got up and left the room.

*****

Elizabeth had given it her best shot. She sat and waited in the darkness. About two hours later, Evie returned. "'Ad to wait til they was good and soused, Lady. They ain't like to wake now."

Elizabeth was up in an instant, ready to be away from this place. "How are we leaving? I assume I will be noticed leaving the house, even at night."

"We'll go out through the mews, Lady. Me friend's Da has a cab an 'is older bruvver 'elps. Told 'im to meet us at the end 'o the mews. I promised you'd pay 'im a good sum 'o money, enough to cover 'is whole night, though I know not how much that be."

Elizabeth was grateful she would not have to make her way through the streets of the east end dressed as a fine lady. There would be little chance of her making it out alive or unmolested, even with Evie's help. She followed the girl through the darkened house as her heart pounded in her ears, and out into the mews behind the house. They kept to the shadows until a carriage appeared at the end of the mews.

A young man jumped down and opened the door for her. "Evening, your ladyship, I be Jacob Clayton, at yer service. Where we be 'eaded, ma'am?"

"Astley House on Bruton Street in Mayfair, and you shall have fifty pounds now, and another two hundred pounds the moment we arrive there," Elizabeth said, handing the man all of her money.

The young man's jaw dropped in astonishment. His father barely made as much in a year. "I kin find Mayfair, ma'am, but we don't go up there much," the lad explained.

"When we arrive in Mayfair, I will direct you. Please, let us make all haste,'' Elizabeth begged, desperate to get away from the place of her imprisonment as quickly as possible.

The journey was made as quickly as could be expected, and with a minimum of fuss. Elizabeth was jumpy and would not feel safe until she was inside her own house. Evie, realising what it meant to have thrown herself into Elizabeth's power, looked more and more frightened and small, the further they travelled.

"Be easy, child. My promises stand. I am a lady of my word. My house is likely to be in an uproar when we arrive, but be not afraid. You are under my protection, and will remain a guest in my home until you decide upon your future. I only ask that you do nothing to break my trust, or to harm me or mine. I will do all in my power to see you to a safe and comfortable life, but my vengeance will be swift if you cross me. After tonight, I will be your friend for life, but do not doubt that I can and will not hesitate to ruin you if you put me or my household in the slightest hint of danger," Elizabeth said kindly, but sternly.

Evie gulped and nodded, looking out the window. As they entered Mayfair, Elizabeth began calling directions out the window. Eventually they pulled up in front of Astley House, which was milling with soldiers. The doors flew open as Elizabeth stepped down, followed by Evie. Mr Banks and Mrs Hayes came flying out, followed by Colonel Fitzwilliam and her Uncles Hexham and Gardiner.

Elizabeth held up a hand to calm the pandemonium and said, "Thank you all for your concern, I am very sorry to have caused you all a fright. This is my friend Evie, and my other friend Mr Jacob Clayton. Mrs Hayes, Evie will remain in our home as a guest under my protection. Please inform Meg that she is responsible for keeping her company at all times, and making sure she has all she needs to be comfortable." The housekeeper nodded, understanding Elizabeth's unspoken command that though Evie was a guest, she was also new and unknown, and she was not to be left unaccompanied at any time, until they were sure of her. "Evie, please just inform my friend Colonel Fitzwilliam of your aunt's name and address before you go with Mrs Hayes. I am sure you would like a meal and a hot bath and to get some sleep."

"Hello Evie. If you have been of assistance to my friend Lady Astley, you have all of our gratitude. Come inside with me and we shall take down the address," Colonel Fitzwilliam said kindly as he and Mrs Hayes led the wide eyed girl into the house.

"Mr Banks, this is my friend Jacob Clayton. Please see that his horses are tended and watered by our grooms, that he is given a meal from the kitchens, a generous basket of food for his family, and that he leaves with two hundred pounds in small notes." said Elizabeth. If they gave the boy anything larger than five pound notes no one would change them for him, and he may even be accused of stealing the money. "Mr Clayton, if you would remain for a few moments, I would be grateful. You are in no trouble, I assure you, but my uncles and friend the colonel will have a few questions before you go. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your assistance this evening. You have certainly saved my life, sir."

"Certain as anything, your ladyship." replied Jacob cheerfully. "Was glad to 'elp an be glad to tell em anything I knows about that Wickham, not that I knows much. Smooth talker 'e is, but e's been nuffink but trouble fer the girls near Mrs Younge's. Four lasses belly full since last summer."

She entered the house with the wish of appearing cheerful as usual, and with the resolution of repressing such reflections as must make her unfit for conversation. "Where is my sister?" Elizabeth asked Sarah who threw her arms about Elizabeth's neck as she flew across the hall.

"Miss Mary was that distraught, your ladyship, when we heard what happened to you. She knew just who to send for, and did not need Mr Banks' guidance. She sent fast riders immediately to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and both of your uncles, and then she feared that Miss Astley may also be at risk, and nothing would do but for her to watch Miss Astley herself. She didn't want her to be downstairs where something upsetting may occur or be said in front of the child, but she would not leave her, nor take her eyes from her for even a moment, so Miss Mary has been in the nursery with armed footmen outside the door and under the window, and at every entrance into the house. Your Aunt Gardiner has been sitting with her and relaying information from the gentlemen as they have it," explained Sarah. "Would you like me to inform them that you are returned?"

"No thank you, Sarah; I will go there now," Elizabeth said as she began to climb the stairs. "Please have a bath prepared in my suite in an hour and a small meal in my sitting room in two hours. Please also send tea to the private family sitting room across from the nursery, and ask my uncles, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr Banks, and Miss Carmichael to join me there in twenty minutes." Elizabeth knew that her senior servants who supervised her security would need to be present when she accounted for her experiences. They could not protect her if they did not know everything. Sarah curtsied and went to ensure all was done, and Elizabeth wearily climbed the stairs to the nursery.

Elizabeth's aunt and sister cried out as she entered the nursery and sank to her knees at her daughter's bed. They came to her as she drew the sleeping child into her arms, folding her and the child into their own arms. Elizabeth allowed herself to finally shed a few tears of relief as Beau crept up the bed and covered her face with canine kisses and attempted to smother her rather than allow her to cry, and she finally allowed herself to believe she was safe again. Clearly Mr Wickham was an inept abductor, but he still managed to take her , which after a number of previous attempts by more conniving men, had never actually happened to her before, and she was shaken to her core.

Even with all her skill of self defence and two armed and highly trained servants with her, she had still been taken. She herself had even been armed. She inwardly shouted, what would it take to ensure her safety?

She knew what it would take. She had always said that she would never marry for convenience, but she could not chance that something terrible would happen to her during some dreadful man's attempt to force her, and that Diane would be left alone. She was going to have to give the matter more careful consideration.

Elizabeth went into the bathing chamber attached to the nursery, then washed her face and tidied her hair. Once she regained her composure, she came out, and they left Diane with her nurse, although the armed footmen would remain outside the door and windows and Elizabeth was only going across the hall.

Elizabeth sat for a few moments with her aunt and sister before the men and Miss Carmichael arrived. She was grateful to sit and have a cup of tea to compose herself. When everyone was assembled, Elizabeth asked if young Jacob had received his reward. Mr Banks assured her that he counted the funds out to the young man himself, and Lord Hexham gave him the name of his man of business and informed him that he would open a banking account in his name and start it with an additional two hundred and fifty pounds, doubling the amount of the reward, The young man planned to keep back a small amount to improve his family's lot, and deposit the rest into the account for safekeeping. Uncle Gardiner planned to send the young man his own cab and horse, so that he could work alongside his father, doubling his family's income, and permitting him to propose to his sweetheart.

Elizabeth gave everyone an account of her experience, and Colonel Fitzwilliam said "You are remarkably fortunate, Lady Astley, that Wickham is such a drunkard. We managed to get from Evie that the man planned to hide you in the boarding house for a few weeks until the hunt died down, and then abscond with you to Scotland. I am beyond grateful that when he returned with you to the boarding house that he went straight to drinking and allowed the girl to take charge of you."

"Elizabeth, I am extremely concerned about all this," Lord Hexham stated. "We have spoken of this matter before, and I have humoured you with all of your security, but you know you will not be safe again unless you marry. I am aware that you do not wish a marriage of convenience, but you must do something, before you or your young child end up seriously hurt, or worse."

"This has been made painfully clear to me, Uncle," Elizabeth replied evenly. "I will be giving careful consideration to the matter, but you must agree that I cannot simply run out and marry just anybody. It would take a supremely strong and confident man of integrity to sign the same marriage settlement that my late husband signed, and allow me to continue as I have done with my business."

Fitzwilliam stood. This was turning into a family discussion, and he needed to apprehend Wickham. "Lady Astley, I will contact you as soon as I have some information. I have seen to the security of the house by designing a guard schedule with Miss Carmichael, and will leave you with a number of officers around the perimeter."

Elizabeth rose. "Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your assistance. Thank you for coming to our aid."

"It is a privilege, Lady Astley, and nothing less than the general would expect, of course, particularly since our villain is a deserter of the militia. I am honoured that Miss Bennet thought to send for me," He said, bowing as he left the room, followed by Mr Banks and Miss Carmichael.

Elizabeth threw a glance at her pink cheeked sister, who was very interested in the pattern of the embroidered handkerchief that Lydia had recently sent her. She could not think of a better suitor for Mary, but she did not believe her sister was quite ready to be courted just yet. She was glad that Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to be aware of this, but it could not hurt to see that they were thrown together for a dinner or two when they happened to be in town. Perhaps he would pursue her next year. Mrs Bennet would be thrilled at the prospect of the second son of an earl as a son-in-law.

Elizabeth and her family spoke for a few more moments, before her Uncle Hexham excused himself to return to his home. Elizabeth bade him bring her greetings to her aunt and cousins and then turned her attention to the Gardiners, who intended to head north with the nuns to Derbyshire in a few days.

Elizabeth confirmed that the Gardiners would leave on schedule, picking up Kitty on the way north, then rang for Sarah and had her bring Kitty's new bonnet to send with Aunt Madeleine, so that Kitty could take it on her trip to Derbyshire. Elizabeth would remain in London with Mary until early June, then visit Hertfordshire for two weeks before heading north to Derbyshire. Uncle Gardiner would remain in Derbyshire for two weeks, then return to his business in London, returning for Mrs Gardiner and Kitty near the end of the summer. The children and their nurse would go with them, for it was a wonderful opportunity for them to enjoy a country summer. Elizabeth and Mary would visit for a few weeks at least, but the bulk of the organisational work would be supervised by her aunt and the sisters.

By the end of the summer the renovations on The Saint Camillus de Lellis Nursing Academy should be complete, and the school should be operational in September. She and the Gardiners would stay in the comfortable dower house that was part of the property. Elizabeth had arranged that the dower house be properly fitted with refreshing chambers and proper drainage before she arrived. Indeed, the work started as soon as the purchase was complete, and should be done in only a few weeks. Later, the dower house would be reserved for visiting physicians, patrons, clergymen, and other male visitors to the school.

*****

Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived the next day, to bring Elizabeth information regarding her abductors. She descended the stairs to find he and Mary speaking quietly close together, alone in the hall, the Colonel's head bowed and Mary gazing up at him in awe. They sprang apart when Elizabeth reached the bottom step and she raised an eyebrow at them and gave them both a stern look as she preceded them into the drawing room.

"Well Colonel, what news do you have?" asked Elizabeth, ignoring her sister's blushes.

"Not good news unfortunately, Lady Astley," responded Fitzwilliam, back in his militant demeanour. "We surrounded and entered the house easily enough. It appears that Mr Wickham must have awoken and gone in search of you before we arrived, and upon finding you and the girl missing, must have fled the house. Mrs Younge was still asleep when we arrived, and was apprehended. I am arranging for her to be transported."

Elizabeth shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if she had still been in the room when Wickham stumbled into it drunk. "This is grave news indeed regarding Mr Wickham, sir. Now I feel that he could spring out from anywhere. I think perhaps I should leave London for now. I feel safer in the country. Before I leave, I would like to contact my man of business and investigate the ownership of that house, Colonel," said Elizabeth. "I wonder if Mrs Younge has somehow stolen it from the child, whose parents used to own it before their death."

"I would agree that you should leave the city for now, Lady Astley," the Colonel agreed. If you still plan to go to Derbyshire, I am heading there to visit my cousins in two weeks, and would be glad to add my protection to your security on your journey."

"That could work rather well, I believe," reflected Elizabeth. "We planned to stay in Hertfordshire for two weeks before we made our way north. I believe that Mary and I should leave the city in a few days, and we will join you when you leave to journey northward, as you will travel close to Netherfield on your way."

The Colonel agreed to the plan and left them to go and discuss events with Mr Banks and Miss Carmichael. Security would need to be even more enforced, and he would ensure Elizabeth would have more men at her service. He never ran out of good veterans to recommend for employment. He would also alert the general to the situation, since the man would expect to be kept informed.

Four days later, after leaving instructions for Mr Montague to conduct her business and investigate Mrs Younge's house, the household bid goodbye to their friends in London, and returned to Hertfordshire. Colonel Fitzwilliam was waiting outside Astley House with another officer, with the intention of escorting the ladies to Netherfield.

"Lady Astley, Miss Bennet, may I present Colonel Christopher Brandon, who lives in Derbyshire, and will accompany us on our journey north. He and I would like to offer you our escort to Netherfield today. He has also planned to leave London, and has offered to stay in Meryton until my return, so that you may have one of us close by if needed."

Colonel Brandon was a quiet, solemn gentleman with dark, brooding looks, yet an earnest look in his eyes. Elizabeth trusted him instantly but of course still planned to write to Montague to investigate him. They all greeted one another amicably and Elizabeth said, "I thank you for your kindness, Colonel Brandon. Are you sure it will not inconvenience you to delay your journey?"

"I assure you, madam, it is no inconvenience at all. I am glad to travel north with my good friend Fitzwilliam here, and am privileged to offer your family my escort," replied the brooding gentleman, who appeared to be a number of years older than Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom Elizabeth knew to be thirty.

The party set out for Netherfield, and the journey took less than four hours. Elizabeth had Evie travel with them, and entrusted her and the housemaid Meg, who was her companion in London, to Mrs Nichols upon their arrival. The girl and the maid had become used to each other, so Elizabeth thought it was best to bring Meg with them. She had asked Evie to rest for several days, and recover her strength after being underfed for so long, while Elizabeth investigated the matter of the boarding house. Meg was happy to set aside her duties and spend time with Evie for a short time, because as a result of Elizabeth sponsoring her staff's education, Meg had found a subject that interested her, and this would enable her to study. She and several of the other maids had joined together to begin teaching Evie to read. The time waiting for information was well spent. Elizabeth was sure Montague would respond with information quickly.

Diane and Beau were sent up to the nursery, and Elizabeth invited the gentlemen to take tea in the drawing room and to dine with them for luncheon, and this evening for dinner. As they made themselves comfortable in the newly decorated drawing room, Colonel Fitzwilliam thanked her for the invitation to dinner, and accepted, but stated that he and Colonel Brandon would ride into town for a short while to take luncheon at the inn, and bespeak rooms.

"Would you be more comfortable if we offered you the use of our dower house for your stay, Colonel Brandon?" Elizabeth inquired.

"Thank you Lady Astley, but after hearing some of the details of the situation from Fitzwilliam, I believe it would be best to stay at the inn. I am unknown here in Hertfordshire. All I need to say is that I am waiting a short time to meet with a party that I am soon to be travelling with. It is not a lie, and will ensure that I am in a position to hear if anyone is at the inn asking questions about you or your family. I will be glad to visit here each day to talk with you about anything you may have concerns about at Netherfield, and to see what suggestions I may make to your security," answered Colonel Brandon.

"That sounds eminently sensible. Most of the residents hereabouts would take note and let Mrs Nichols or Mr Banks know if any strangers were asking questions about my household, but it is also a good idea to have someone unknown keeping an ear to the ground as well. I will not deny I am feeling rather exposed, knowing that man is familiar with the area, and could be anywhere." Elizabeth shivered. "Please take luncheon with us each day you are here, Colonel. We shall be glad of your company."

"I thank you, Lady Astley, I shall look forward to it," stated Colonel Brandon.

The gentlemen rode into Meryton as planned, and arranged for rooms at the inn. Fitzwilliam would stay the night, join Brandon for lunch at Netherfield, and leave immediately after to return to London. The men sat in the public room at the inn, and listened to the conversations about them as they ate, and then rode about town, learning the lay of the land and meeting the shopkeepers and locals.

When they returned to Netherfield for dinner, the gentlemen spoke of their afternoon as they dined. "Brandon here is a quiet sort, much like my Cousin Darcy, Lady Astley. We listened about us as we ate our lunch at the inn, then went about the village, chatted with the shopkeepers and such, and so far, we've heard no mention of you or your family or your estate. Brandon here knows your sisters' given names, so if he heard them being spoken of, he would know, just in case your sisters were to be targeted again," stated Fitzwilliam.

"That is good to know, Colonel. I appreciate all the care and effort you are taking for our protection," replied Elizabeth. The rest of the meal consisted of Elizabeth making polite conversation with Colonel Brandon while Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary blushed at each other. At length, Brandon sighed and raised an eyebrow at Fitzwilliam, causing him to blush even more. After dinner the party adjourned to the drawing room where Mary entertained them for an hour on the pianoforte before the gentlemen took their leave.