Chapter 18

Another week passed, and Darcy spent as much time with Elizabeth as he could. He was very busy with the affairs of the estate, but he made a point to spend time in her company and get to know her better. He learned that she was an avid reader, and that they enjoyed many of the same books. He learned that she had a facility with languages that she was attempting to pass on to her young daughter and her youngest sister. He learned finally about her stables at Newmarket, and her plans for breeding Palomino horses, as well as other fine carriage and riding horses. He took his own advice and sent an express to his sister, pouring out his heart and confessing his ardent admiration for Lady Astley. Then detailing his rude insults to her, both at the assembly where they first met, and the details of his dreadful proposal. He begged his sister to advise him.

The last of the burn victims who were unexpected to recover finally passed, and another funeral was held. The patients with mild burns and mild to moderate smoke inhalation were pronounced healthy by the doctor. These servants were each given ￡200 by Darcy as a settlement from Rosings Park for their injuries and inconvenience, as well as good references from himself and Lord Matlock. They were provided fare to return to their homes and families, or to Astley House in London, where the housekeeper, Mrs Hayes, would assist them in finding new employment.

There were still a half dozen patients with moderate burns which would take another month or so to heal completely. Mr Roberts returned to London, taking two of the sisters back with him and leaving the other two with instructions for the care of the remaining patients. Most of the extra staff were released from service with a parting bonus, for the understanding with the housekeeper had been for temporary employment. Elizabeth kept on four of the new maids and two of the new footmen, to continue to assist the sisters with the remaining patients and the original staff with the additional burden of the guests who were staying in the house. The understanding that the arrangement would continue to be temporary remained. Proper meal times in the dining room were reinstated, and Windmere began running normally.

There was an incident with Miss de Bourgh just before Mr Roberts left. Elizabeth had been attending to her correspondence when a maid came running into her study. "Your ladyship, please come quick! Miss de Bourgh demands to be bled, and Mr Roberts has refused to do it, and now she is angry and throwing things about her room!"

Elizabeth went upstairs quickly, calling for Lord Matlock to join her. She entered Miss de Bourgh's rooms. "Miss de Bourgh, what is the meaning of this behaviour? I have heard rumours regarding the behaviour of Lady Catherine when she is at Rosings, but I never dreamed it extended to you as well, or that you might damage my home in such a way. What do you have to say for this conduct?"

Anne stood breathing heavily in the midst of what looked like devastation from a hurricane. The vanity mirror along with nearly every other glass item in the room were all broken and shards of glass were everywhere. Lord Matlock entered behind Elizabeth, panting and clearly confused. "Anne, what is this?"

Anne stomped her slippered foot among the broken glass. "I am unwell! I have told the doctor that I am unwell and that I must be bled and he will not listen!"

Mr Roberts responded, "Lord Matlock, you are aware that I do not hold with bleeding. No matter how much a patient insists that they be bled, or how badly they behave, I will not bleed any person, nor permit any person to be bled within my presence."

"Whoever heard of a patient who WANTS to be bled!" shouted Matlock. "Anne, are you mad? No one likes being bled. If the doctor says it is unnecessary, why would you insist?"

"Because I am ill! I must be bled!" Anne cried hysterically and then fell to a swoon.

"I do not believe she is unwell at all, sir. I believe she is starting to regain her strength, and since she has not been strong in so many years, she is distressed by the new sensation. She has no need to sit alone in this room each day. I have suggested many times that she would benefit from coming downstairs to join the family at dinner or in the drawing room. She continues to refuse, as does her mother. Her maids report that they often find her purging herself after meals. She is keeping herself ill and weak, although I cannot say to what end. If you are firm in not allowing her to be bled, and find a way to encourage her to take nourishment without purging after, I believe there is no reason Miss de Bourgh could not regain her health completely," stated Mr Roberts.

The maids assisted Elizabeth in raising Anne from the floor where she had fainted, and moved her to the daybed in the sitting room. She had a number of small cuts to her arms, hands and feet. Elizabeth cleaned and bandaged her wounds while the maids cleaned the broken glass from the bedroom. Elizabeth inspected the room carefully when they finished. She instructed that the mirror was not to be replaced until Anne left the house, and that Anne was again to have two maids and not to be left alone with anything sharp or breakable.

Lady Catherine, by contrast, had become docile as a lamb since the fire. She still spoke very little, although the doctor did not think her throat pained her very much any longer. Lord Matlock thought that her mind had possibly broken, from the loss of her fine house and rich furnishings. It was made clear to her that she would never rule Rosings or any other house again, and that while she would be made quite comfortable while being looked after by her brother, she would no longer be in a position to cause trouble to anyone. The shock of this information seemed to make the great lady listless and disinterested in the happenings around her. Mary visited the woman daily in her room and saw to her comfort diligently. The lady still refused to leave her rooms, which her family saw as a blessing.

Elizabeth asked Madame Clarisse to send an assistant out to Windmere with catalogues and fabric samples to fit Lady Catherine and Anne for new gowns. Usually she would have given the local modiste her custom for a few country gowns, but she rather thought Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh would likely rather not be on display for any of the locals in such an intimate way so soon after losing their home in such a fashion. Lord Matlock insisted upon paying the bill, which Elizabeth did not object to. The assistant returned to London to put the order together, and the gowns were delivered over the following two weeks.

Darcy received a response from Georgiana by express.

Pemberley,

Derbyshire

Brother, how could you behave in such a fashion? I am sorely grieved to hear of your conduct. Lady Astley was quite right to set you down.

I am touched that you would ask my advice on such a subject, though I feel sadly inexperienced in such matters. It is very important that you have taken the effort to truly know her. No lady who was not a fortune hunter would wish to marry a gentleman who did not think it was worth the time to get to know her before proposing.

From your letter, it seems as though you were frightfully full of yourself. I would not like it if a gentleman acted as if there was no doubt that I would accept him. I should think that if you loved the lady, you would be unsure of yourself and nervous. Perhaps you were and expressed it badly?

I can only advise that you follow the standards you would wish me to observe in a gentleman I wished to be courted by. If you consider her worthy of your hand, you must show that she is worth the time it takes to court her openly and in the respectful manner she deserves. Do not use my illness as an excuse to spirit a bride back to Pemberley without a proper courtship. I am well enough here.

I would recommend that after an appropriate duration of time spent together, you should have an idea of whether she welcomes your company. At that point, you can decide if it is acceptable to relate to her IN THE MOST COMPLIMENTARY AND AFFECTIONATE MANNER POSSIBLE of your admiration and esteem, and then respectfully inquire as to whether she believes you might be able to earn her regard . If the lady declines, you must immediately desist and disturb her no further! If she invites your attentions, then I hope you can be trusted to know how to proceed from there. If not, Dearest Brother, I shall have to give up on you entirely! I forbid you to share any more of your anxieties or internal struggles to Lady Astley during your courtship! Some things are better left unsaid! Talk those worries out with Richard if you must!

It grieves me to add any more anxiety to your worries, but I must inform you now, that I find all accounts of this Lady Astley to be fascinating. If all you claim of her is true, then I am quite determined to have her as my sister, and shall be extremely vexed with you if you do not bring it about! You must write to me often and tell me how you progress! We must keep our messengers quite busy. You say you share many of the same interests. I know you are busy with the affairs of Rosings Park, but you must take this opportunity to share some time doing something you enjoy in common each day. And flowers! What is the lady's favourite flower? Learn it and make use of the knowledge!

I want to say I am getting better, and I am sure I am, but it feels very slow. I feel better since the bleedings have stopped, but every time I feel I am gaining some strength, I will get sick after eating something and then sometimes cannot tolerate food for days. I am not getting weaker as I was before, and that is encouraging. I am sure that I will get well if we can only determine what is the matter with my digestion. It never seems to be the same foods that disagree with me, so it is difficult to understand. Mrs Bower has become very protective. She does everything for me, and does not even let my maid assist me any longer, but I will not allow Hopkins to be dismissed. I plan to recover, and I will want her services again. I am grateful for all Mrs Bower's care, but I worry she takes too much upon herself. I should not like her to become ill from tending me.

Let me know how matters transpire with you, Brother. I wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Your Most Affectionate Sister,

Georgiana

Darcy took up his pen and replied:

Windmere,

Kent

Dear Sister,

For all that you declare that your experience is insufficient, I find your advice sensible and sound. If only I had asked for it earlier, you might have persuaded me to wait and court the lady properly.

It seems so obvious to me now, that I should never have addressed a lady so worthy of being pleased in a manner below that of which I would approve for my own sister. I shall let this principle be my guide through my subsequent interactions, and can only hope I can improve her opinion of me.

I have sent a note to Mrs Reynolds, requesting that she takes a more diligent role in ensuring that Mrs Bower does not overwork herself. I believe you should keep a diary of all of your meals, what you ate, the time, the details of your illness each time you experience sickness, and I have asked Mrs Reynolds to have Mrs Pottinger do so as well. She is going to keep a diligent journal of everything you eat, and every ingredient that goes into your meals. Perhaps we can use the information to determine what is causing these bouts of illness.

I thank you for your letter, and all of your good advice, I shall keep you informed of my progress here and remain,

Your Most Affectionate Brother

D

Darcy was most impressed with Georgiana's letter. Since he began confiding in her and speaking to her of more mature matters, she had grown more sure of herself and now teased him openly, just as Elizabeth did. He was impressed by her sensible advice, and planned to follow it accordingly. Lady Astley had confided in him that it might be cliché, but that she adored roses, and also lilacs. He could not very well give the lady her own flowers, but he had access to the gardens and hothouse at Rosings Park. He began visiting the garden each morning on his ride, and with the assistance of a gardener, returned to Windmere each morning with a bouquet which he had Mrs George arrange in a vase and put somewhere for Elizabeth to find, with a small card from him and a line or two of poetry.

Elizabeth was pleased indeed by these attentions. She was unsure where they would tend, but she could not deny that regardless of his awkward behaviour, she understood him better, and that she held the gentleman in high regard. He already had her admiration. After watching him manage his cousin's affairs and interact with his family, with whom he was comfortable, she understood his disposition better. She was interested to see if he could learn to mind his manners long enough to earn her affection as well. After a week of flowers and long talks in the library about books, a few chess matches, both with him and one evening they began a small tournament with all of the guests, one morning at the end of July, he entered the ballroom to find her not playing with her daughter or her dog, as he expected, but instead, she was wearing breeches, and fencing with her Mistress of Arms. Darcy stood open mouthed as the ladies danced back and forth, fighting not gentleman-like, but ferociously, and with great force and skill. This was no light exercise. This was combat training.

He never imagined that she would be so physically strong or skilled with a sword, but Elizabeth was astonishing. As the ladies finished their match and each took a drink of water, Elizabeth nodded to Darcy. "I thought to see if one of the colonels wished for a match, Mr Darcy, but you should do nearly as well. Are you interested, sir?"

She wished to fight him with swords. In breeches. He still could not look away. He tried to speak around the rather large lump in his throat. "Y-you-you wish to fight with a gentleman?"

She smirked, "Miss Carmichael is a worthy opponent, but I find that I also benefit from practice with larger and stronger persons. If I am attacked, it is more likely to be by a man than a woman."

"My lady, it is hardly fair to challenge the gentleman. It could hardly be a fair fight when he is so distracted by your attire," observed Miss Carmichael, who was clearly trying very hard not to laugh.

"I would be happy to accept your challenge, Lady Astley," Darcy croaked, unable to think of anything other than the shape of her legs in her breeches.

Elizabeth laughed, "You heard him, Miss Carmichael; he feels he is equal to the task. You may leave us and return to the nursery when you have changed."

Darcy walked over to the side of the room and removed his jacket and waistcoat, the entire time his mind screaming about the shape of her legs. He picked up a sword, and the two began to circle each other. Darcy hesitated, unsure how to engage with her when Elizabeth attacked viciously, forcing him backward. He parried and defended himself but the lady was everywhere.

Elizabeth backed off for a moment. "Come, Mr Darcy," she called. "If I am ever to be attacked, it will not be gentle. Even Mary fights with more force."

She engaged him again, and soon he forgot her attire as they danced about the room. Her speed was astounding and he was hard pressed to push her back. They continued for several rounds, Darcy finally fighting back with force, and her response was glorious. He could have beaten her, but there was no way to do so without becoming extremely vicious. Eventually, he allowed her to push him back to the edge of the room, and when she flicked his sword from his hand, he grasped her upper arms and turned with her, pinning her to the wall. A reasonable voice in the back of his mind shouted that he should not, but he gave into his madness, and kissed her soundly for several moments.

She responded passionately, causing his ability to think to leave him entirely. Eventually they heard a noise by the door and as they turned abruptly, there was a flash of red as whichever colonel had observed them retreated quickly and discreetly.

Darcy attempted to restore his senses to normal as he looked at her carefully to see if he had insulted her. "Lady Astley, please accept my apology. There is no excuse for my behaviour."

"Mr Darcy, if I objected to your behaviour, I assure you there would be a colonel helping you up from the floor and finding you some ice. Of course, you are aware that I am a respectable widow, but I cannot deny that we have been moving in this direction for some time, and I did not find your attentions insulting. Perhaps in the future however, we ought to avoid such encounters for propriety's sake."

They turned to the door as Mary entered. "Have you been fighting? Lizzy, have you no shame? How is poor Mr Darcy to concentrate upon a fencing match with you dressed in such a fashion? Go upstairs and change, before you give any of the other gentlemen in the house a shock!" Elizabeth smiled and went upstairs.

*****

The next day the bouquet of roses that she found on her desk was enormous and beautiful, with thirty-six stunning scarlet roses and assorted greenery. Mr Darcy was quiet and appeared exhausted at breakfast. Colonel Fitzwilliam cunningly and innocently asked him if he had not slept well, knowing exactly what kept his cousin awake. If anything, he subsequently lost sleep as well, wondering if Miss Bennet ever fenced in breeches. Darcy kicked him under the table, and the colonel choked on his coffee.

There was a message from the grooms, indicating that a cabin on Rosings land had been broken into, someone had evidently slept there, and taken all of the dry goods and supplies stocked in the cabin when they left. Grooms spent the rest of the day checking cabins, hunting the woods, and searching trees to no avail.

The very next day, something truly dreadful happened. Darcy rode out at dawn each morning, and being in the same habit, Colonel Brandon often accompanied him. Richard preferred to sleep in, never having been a morning person and having seen more combat than Brandon, liked to stock up on sleep whenever possible, coming down at breakfast time and taking his ride after.

Darcy and Brandon had a bracing gallop across the well kept fields of Windmere. As they returned, walking their horses, and engaged in quiet conversation, Darcy saw a grey bundle in the lane. He dismounted and moved toward the bundle, quickly followed by Brandon. As he turned the woman over, he immediately recognized Sister Mary Cecelia. A diminutive and extremely gentle and kind woman, she and the other nun were known well throughout the house. Elizabeth regarded the sisters very highly, he had observed immediately. She spoke to them with respect and treated them as trusted experts. She took tea with them each in turn every other day, and they communicated regularly with the order in Derbyshire, and with Elizabeth's aunt and sister, who were preparing the convent and school for opening.

The young nun had been beaten severely. Colonel Brandon felt her throat. "She still lives," he said abruptly. "We must get her to the house right away."

Brandon scooped the young woman up and waited for Darcy to mount his horse. Then Brandon handed her up to Darcy and mounted his own. They returned to Windmere as quickly as was safe with Darcy carrying the young woman while riding. Most of the household was coming down to breakfast when Darcy and Brandon entered the hall. Elizabeth cried out as she saw the condition of the nun. Sister Mary Cecelia loved the dawn, and was known to walk out each morning to be at one with God and nature. Elizabeth told her many times not to go out alone, especially with Wickham about, but the sister believed that her habit would protect her, for who would attack a bride of God?

Elizabeth knew of at least one man who apparently had no respect for the habit. She prayed the sister had not been violated. She would never forgive herself as it was. "There is no curse in English, Latin, nor indeed any of the tongues of men for this treachery! How could the wicked man do such a thing?" she cried. Sister Mary Cecelia had been out for her morning walk at dawn before retiring for the day, having been up all night tending the patients upstairs.

The men carried Sister Mary Cecelia up to her room, and Sister Augustine cried out in anguish to see her beloved sister in such a state. The men left, and Elizabeth assisted Sister Augustine to undress the young woman and bathe her wounds. She did not seem to have any broken bones other than her ribs. Once they had her cleaned and dressed in a fresh nightgown, Elizabeth sat with the woman and waited for her to regain consciousness, while Sister Augustine saw to the burn patients.

Elizabeth called for Mr Banks and bid him send an express and a carriage to the order in London, requesting they send another nurse to help Sister Augustine, and also for the presence of an elderly nun, Sister Mary Justine, who resided with the order, mostly retired due to her age, but who had a most loving and comforting touch that was convenient when assisting patients who had experienced severe traumas. She believed Sister Mary Cecelia would benefit from the elder nun's companionship during her recovery.

Sister Mary Cecelia woke twice during the day for brief moments. She denied tea and broth, and cried when anyone touched her or came too close. Elizabeth prayed the carriage with the Sisters would arrive soon. Sister Mary Cecelia needed Sister Mary Justine's comfort desperately. Eventually, late in the evening, the carriage arrived, bearing Sister Bethany and Sister Mary Justine. Elizabeth withdrew from the sister's room for a short time to allow the nuns to attend her and spend time alone together.

Darcy was waiting in the hall when she emerged. "How is she?"

"She has been much the same all day. She sleeps mostly, only having woken twice briefly, at which point she cried and begged us not to touch her. I am grateful we were able to bathe and dress her while she was unconscious. I pray that Sister Mary Justine's presence will calm and comfort her," Elizabeth responded wearily.

"Will you come downstairs and have a meal?" Darcy asked. "We have all been concerned for you."

"Mr Darcy, I apologise, but I am not good company just now. I am sure you gentlemen have searched high and low for the evil Wickham, and that everything that can be done has been done. I plan to sit up with Sister Cecelia tonight, and would prefer to take a tray in my sitting room and visit the nursery for a short time before I return to her."

"Of course, Lady Astley, I apologise. You must be weary. Allow me to escort you to your rooms." As they made their way to the family wing he related the news of the day which was not relevant to the attack.

"My Cousin Anne had another episode today. Apparently she found a shard of glass the maids missed when cleaning her apartments, and has been hiding it. This afternoon she became desperate, and while being left alone to use the chamber pot, she attempted to bleed herself. Her wounds were not severe; she has been tended by Mrs George. My uncle has decided that now Lady Catherine and Anne are much improved and no longer in danger, that it is inappropriate to make Windmere continue the burden of their care while you have so many other worries. We only kept them here so long because I hoped to interest Anne in the rebuilding of the house, but she will not do so. She insists she does not care about rebuilding since she never intends to live there again. She has agreed to spend some time in London with my Aunt Matlock and says that eventually she wishes to reside alone with a companion of her choice in the de Bourgh house in Bath.

"My uncle is concerned for her health, but he is not going to dissuade her now. He is only relieved that she is willing to make any plan for her future at all. She says that I may use the funds from the insurance policy to rebuild the house and recompense the victims of the fire and their families in any way that I see fit. She states that she never intends to marry, and wishes to see her solicitor while she is in town to make her will. She plans to leave Rosings to Richard. She will turn over management now, and she wishes him to confer with me regarding rebuilding the house to his own specifications. He has planned to go to London soon to give up his commission. My uncle will take Anne to London as soon as my aunt informs him that she has arrived there. Then he will return once he has her settled to begin Aunt Catherine's journey to Matlock."

"That seems sensible. Of course, I wish that it wasn't necessary, but since I cannot even offer a safe haven to my guests without anyone being harmed, it is perhaps better that they should go. Soon I shall send my sisters back to Longbourn until these matters have ended. I cannot allow innocent members of my household to continue to be harmed in my stead," Elizabeth observed quietly.

"Do not blame yourself, Lady Astley. The fiend Wickham is very cunning. It is not your fault that he has fixed his depraved intentions upon you," Darcy attempted to calm her guilt.

They arrived at the mistress's suite and parted ways. Sarah was in her dressing room and Elizabeth bid her to send a tray to her sitting room, and then set out a loose, comfortable gown. She also gave her instructions to set out a man's shirt and pair of breeches for the next morning. She entered the refreshing chamber and filled her tub, and sat in it until the water went cold. Then she stepped out and dried off, dressing in the gown Sarah laid out, then sat to consume her meal. When she finished, she went to the nursery. Miss Carmichael and Lydia had retired for the night. She sat next to her daughter's bed and stroked the child's hair and the dog who slept with her. After a short while, she rose and returned to Sister Mary Cecelia.

Sister Mary Justine was with the young nun when she entered. Elizabeth had asked the footmen to bring a very comfortable chaise into the room, so that any sisters staying the night in Sister Mary Cecelia's room would be able to rest comfortably. Elizabeth encouraged the elderly nun to rest while she was able, and took up her place next to the bed. She spent the night quietly, not reading or amusing herself in any way, but rather thinking of the dangerous and unpleasant step she knew she must take in the morning.

Around five in the morning, Sister Mary Cecelia awoke crying and again begging not to be touched. She was comforted by the elderly sister's presence and Elizabeth left them alone and sent a footman to deliver a small meal to the room for both of them. The assistant cook would be in the kitchens by now, and would have simple sickroom foods ready to prepare easily.

She returned to her rooms and dressed in the shirt and breeches and a pair of men's boots, her usual attire for fencing. Then she opened a drawer in her dressing room and selected three small knives which she concealed in her boots and upon her belt, as well as a small pistol, which she also stuck into her belt. She then twisted up her hair and hid it under a man's hat, then hastened downstairs and slipped out of the back of the house.

The manor was well protected, but the soldiers changed their shifts thrice a day at six in the morning, again at two in the afternoon, and finally at ten at night. If she was going to be able to slip out unnoticed, the time was now, while the light was still dim and they were changing guards.

There were soldiers talking near the stables but they did not notice her slip past them as they spoke amongst each other before taking up their posts. Elizabeth said a prayer of thanks, since due to the attack upon Sister Mary Cecelia, the soldiers were unlikely to allow her out at dawn unescorted. She slipped into the woods, discarding her hat and pulling her hair down to make herself more visible to her target. She could only hope he was in the woods nearby as he was at an early hour yesterday, watching, as he always seemed to be doing. She had not gone more than a quarter mile before her intentions were realised.

"I must say, Lady Astley, that I am most concerned regarding your attire. When we wed, I must insist upon you wearing a dress — or nothing," quipped Wickham, swinging down from a tree and dropping in front of her.

"You sir, are a vile, vicious man, and I will see you in hell before I leave this earth. I swear it upon everything I hold dear!" answered Elizabeth in a rage. "How dare you attack my guest! A gentle nun, a bride of Christ, and a fine and wonderful woman!"

Wickham leaned against a tree, smirking as he drew away and began to circle her.

Back at the manor, Darcy and Colonel Brandon were just stepping out to go to the stables when Elizabeth's maid followed them outside, calling for their help. "What is it Sarah?" asked Darcy, immediately concerned.

"Mr Darcy, last night Lady Astley bid me to leave out her men's clothing that she wears when fencing with Miss Carmichael. I thought perhaps she planned to practise after breakfast, but I have just been to her dressing room and the clothes are gone, along with some knives and a small pistol that she carries regularly for her protection. I have questioned Miss Carmichael, and she has not seen Lady Astley this morning, nor has she made any plans to practise her fencing today. She is not upstairs with Sister Cecelia, nor in the nursery, and no one knows where she is. I have not had time to search the whole house, but I suspect she is not here sir, and I am afraid for her. Her frame of mind was not well after the sister's attack."

After instructing Sarah to have the entire house searched and Colonel Fitzwilliam awakened, Darcy and Brandon rushed to the stables; thankfully their horses were ready and they mounted, giving instructions for every available groom and soldier to join the search. A soldier called for Colonel Brandon, halting them and saying, "Sir! Earlier I observed someone whom I thought to be one of the young grooms from here slipping into the woods. From behind I believed it to be one of the younger lads that I have come to know well here, perhaps just going to relieve himself, but upon my asking the head groom a moment ago if he had returned, I have just learned that the lad has been visiting his mother for the last two days so it could not have been him. I am not sure if it is possible for it to have been Lady Astley dressed in men's clothes, but if it was, she went that way, sir."

Darcy and Brandon thanked the officer, rushing into the woods on their horses. Darcy's blood pounded in his ears as he rode desperately through the woods searching. He felt nearly out of his mind with fear. What was she thinking? If he found her unharmed he would put her over his knee!

*****

In the clearing, Wickham was taunting Elizabeth about his attack on the nun and his plans for her future torment. "I shall dare much more than what has happened so far until you submit. I shall take everyone you hold dear, one by one, until you relent and agree to be my wife." Wickham pressed closer. "I look forward to sampling your sisters. And what about sweet little Miss Astley? You cannot keep them all locked in your manor forever."

Elizabeth nearly blacked out with rage. Her vision was framed by red as she imagined seeing him dead at her feet after his words threatening her child. "Let's see it then. If you are man enough to take me as yours, then let us see you do so, sir. For my own part I doubt very much that you are even man enough to know what to do with me once you have me. You strike me as a silly, effeminate worm. Let us see if you are man enough to take me!"

He roared and launched himself at her in a rage at her taunts. She kept her hands empty, sidestepping him easily as he rushed back and forth at her like an enraged bear. Several times he came very close, grabbing her by the hair and whipping her across the clearing and striking her twice in the face. She managed several strikes to his face and body, engaging him even more until he was clearly out of his mind in rage.

With a roar he rushed her again, and she pulled a small but incredibly sharp knife from her belt. She did not sidestep this time, but allowed the man to come close to her, and let his hands close around her throat. She then grasped the top of his left bicep with her right hand and with her left, sliced deeply into the soft flesh on the underside of the same arm. Within seconds the man's grip upon her slackened. She stepped back as he stumbled towards her, his left arm and side of his shirt rapidly spreading with blood.

"What have you done?" Wickham gasped, falling to his knees at her feet and collapsing upon the ground.

"I've killed you, Mr Wickham, and rather easily too. Now be a lamb, and do not cause me any more grief. You should be dead in just a few short moments," Elizabeth responded as she stepped back and crouched back against a tree trunk to watch his end. It did not take long. Less than two minutes after she sliced through the artery under his arm, the villain gasped his last and finally met his reward.

Elizabeth sat, mostly in shock, but not for long before Colonel Brandon and Mr Darcy thundered into the clearing, having heard Wickham's bellows which led them hence. She was weary, in shock, and unable to speak as Darcy leapt from his horse and gathered her into his arms. He jabbered anxiously as he carried her back to the manor with his horse following behind, only half intelligible threats to spank her for her foolishness, and prayers thanking God for her safe deliverance. He entered the manor as Fitzwilliam was preparing to exit to the stables.

"Is she well?" cried Mary as Darcy entered the hall.

"She appears unharmed, but she has not spoken yet. I have not determined if she has any injuries. The threat is over. She seems to have killed Wickham. We found them in the woods," Darcy responded agitatedly.

"I shall thrash her myself! No! I shall call our Uncles Gardiner and Hexham and I shall hold her down whilst they take turns and then I shall thrash her! How could she put herself in such danger! What would happen to poor Diane if she were harmed! Oh, how could she!" Mary burst out, and promptly dissolved into tears, hiding her face in Colonel Fitzwilliam's coat.

Lydia took over with fresh and inventive threats on how Elizabeth would be made to pay for such reckless actions while she led Darcy to the mistress's apartments. He laid Elizabeth gently upon the bed, and Lydia and Sarah took over and shooed him out. Mary entered the room as he left, her face stained with tears.

Darcy returned to the clearing with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lord Matlock after sending for the magistrate. Brandon was still there, having investigated the scene thoroughly. "It appears that in their struggle, Lady Astley lashed out with her knife in self defence and accidentally severed the man's artery. His death would have been swift. She is very lucky. Has she been harmed?"

Darcy and Fitzwilliam made him aware of Lady Astley's condition as they assigned three soldiers to guard the scene until Sir Jasper arrived. The rest of the day was very busy as they managed the situation with the magistrate, who declared the death a result of trespassing and self defence. The body was moved and they planned with the curate for Wickham to be buried in an unconsecrated grave the next day.