Who Murdered Mr Wickham Read online

  WHO

  MURDERED

  MR. WICKHAM

  Carol Hutchens

  Name: WHO MURDERED MR. WICKHAM

  Author: Carol Hutchens

  Copyright© Carol Hutchens July 2, 2014

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN: 978-0-9913709-6-2

  Cover Art: www. istockphotos. com

  Kindle Edition

  Kindle Edition

  One copy of this e-book may be purchased for your enjoyment. Any reproduction or copy is not part of your purchase. If you did not purchase the book, please return the copy to the source and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s hard work.

  Dedication:

  For my husband who is always ready with his encouragement…even though he disliked the idea of murdering Mr. Wickham.

  For Stan who enjoys the Jane Austen series as much as we do.

  For Aaron and Brandy for words of encouragement.

  And for Colton and the joy he brings to our lives.

  TableContents

  Chapter1

  Chapter2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  Dear Reader

  Chapter 1

  It is a universally accepted truth that newly wedded couples want to share their good fortune with their single relations, thus Jane Bingley is awaiting her first ball tonight with anticipation and a good deal of apprehension.

  Hopes of having Bingley to herself these first few months of married life have diminished quickly of late, for March was upon them and so was his family. The Hursts, Bingley’s eldest sister and her husband along with his youngest sister, Caroline, arrived within the past fortnight in expectation of Jane's first ball as mistress of Netherfield.

  It is no secret Bingley’s sisters disapprove of his choice of a wife, but Jane hopes to gain their good graces. A task with no small import to Bingley and Jane’s future tranquility, for Caroline, still unwed at seven and twenty, relies on her well-situated brother. Jane is certain she will have more time with dear Bingley if Caroline had a husband to engage her attention. Thus Jane intends to help Caroline, and her own beloved younger sisters, by finding love matches for them at the ball.

  Still, plans for the ball keep Jane occupied and what a conundrum the event is proving to be for it is another universally accepted truth that March can baa as a lamb one day and roar loud as a lion the next. Travel to the ball could be treacherous in the case of the latter. Yet the London season begins at the end of the month, and Jane worries any delay of the ball will mean fewer guests for her first time hosting as Bingley’s wife. Her matchmaking plans depend on as many eligible men as possible be in attendance.

  In truth, this is her first time hosting any event due to their small country society. The shortage of local entertainment will attract more attention to the ball, but more important even than impressing her husband’s sisters, is Jane’s desire to see her beloved family.

  Her dear Lizzy will soon arrive for her first visit to Netherfield since their double wedding. Yet, Jane’s anticipation of Lizzy’s arrival is not without dread for Jane fears Lizzy will not be pleased when she discovers Miss Mary King is to be a guest.

  Jane had little choice in the matter for once Lady Lucas announced she had several guests, including some members of the militia, staying at Lucas Lodge, Jane extended them an invitation to the ball, as well. Thus the red haired young woman who once caused Lizzy such distress would be Jane’s guest at the ball.

  Even though she worried about her sister’s reaction, Jane was convinced Lizzy benefited from learning of Wickham’s fickle nature through his treatment of Mary King to get at her inheritance. Lizzy might even be comfortable with her old rival as they both escaped Wickham’s grasp and Lizzy has Darcy.

  Also, Jane dared not insult such long standing acquaintances of her parents as Sir William and Lady Lucas. Sir William Lucas was kindness itself and Lady Lucas was her mother’s close confidant.

  Thoughts of her dear Mamma brought to mind yet another concern. Mamma held strong opinions and would not approve of other guests arriving with Lady Lucas. Colonel and Mrs. Forester were among the guests staying at Lucas Lodge, and after their involvement in Lydia’s elopement with Wickham, Mamma had nothing good to say of the couple. But Sir William opened his doors to acquaintances in the militia in his attempt to avoid the doldrums of winter, and Jane had no wish to offend a well-meaning neighbor.

  Happily, two other guests at the Lodge were friends of the Bennets from when the militia had been in Meryton. Denny and Captain Carter would help even out the guests available for dancing. Perhaps one of them would seek a deeper acquaintance with Kitty or even Mary.

  Truthfully, dark, hanging clouds trying to obscure the weak rays of sun were the least of Jane’s concerns. Her parents and younger sisters were attending tonight’s ball, and Lizzy and Darcy were due within the hour. However, the question none of them could ignore was whether Lydia and Wickham would attend the ball.

  Jane wanted all her family to share her joy at finding such an agreeable husband, but having Lydia and Wickham present would stir old hostilities Jane wished to avoid. Her only hope was that Lydia had matured in the months since they last saw her, but truthfully, she held little hope.

  She was saddened that a lack of funds and Wickham’s commission in Newcastle forced Lydia to miss their double wedding, yet relieved as well at not having to listen to Lydia’s complaints. Though even with Lydia's absence, not all had gone smoothly at the wedding , for Mary offered dissertations on any topic which came to mind and recitals on the pianoforte. But Aunt Gardiner had graciously taken Mary in hand during the festivities and kept her away from the guests and the pianoforte as much as possible.

  Thoughts of the wedding reminded her how good it would be good to see Lizzy. Jane loved Mr. Bingley with her whole heart, but no one could take Lizzy’s place as her confidant. She missed their late night conversations and long chats over cups of chocolate. Caroline and Louisa would never replace Lizzy as her most trusted advisor no matter how long they remained in the house. Even as much as she loved Bingley, she still needed to confide certain womanly concerns and missed Lizzy’s presence desperately.

  At the sound of footsteps in the great hall, Jane turned expectantly. The new arrival’s identity did not disappoint her. “Oh, Mr. Bingley, have you ever seen Netherfield look so well?”

  Charles Bingley smiled at his wife of four months and took her hands in his. “I cannot see beyond your beauty, my dear Jane. If you are pleased with your efforts, wife, so am I.”

  “Oh, Bingley, do stop distracting me, and mind your words. Your sisters or Mr. Hurst could appear at any moment.” Jane feigned reserve, but in truth, she yearned to be alone with Bingley.

  After kissing her hand, Bingley stepped away a respectable distance. “I think not, my dear wife. When last I last checked, they were resting in preparation for tonight’s festivities.”

  “Even Mr. Hurst?” Laughter bubbled in Jane’s voice. “He can outlast even the most tiresome guests.”

  “Unless he finds a bottle. I noticed him topping up his tea cup not long after our morning repast.” Bingley’s usual smile added a glint to his kind eyes. “I expect that is the reason he needs a rest.”

  “Oh,
my dear Bingley, I do so want this ball to be a success.”

  “How can it not be, my Jane? You thought of everything.”

  “I did not give enough consideration to the season and the chance of bad weather. What if it rains or snows?” Jane peered out the window. “If only I had waited so long to give the ball.”

  “But my dear,” Bingley turned from his perusal of the darkening skies, “you want to help your sisters find a husband before the season begins, and trust me, with two sisters I can assure you the most eligible singles will quit the country and leave for town as soon as the London season begins.”

  “Oh, Bingley, look. A carriage is approaching. They are here. Dear Lizzy and Mr. Darcy have arrived.” Jane turned a flushed face to her husband. “Oh, Bingley, I do so hope they are as happy as we are.”

  ***

  Later that evening Jane’s insides were humming a not-so-pleasant tune by the time Lizzy joined her in the receiving line.

  “Dear Jane, I am convinced I can never plan a ball half as well as you. Everything looks perfect.” Lizzy’s gaze brimmed with happiness as she looked at her older sister. “Did you ever imagine marrying for love could be so unequaled?”

  Jane’s lips tilted in a serene smile as she glanced toward the entrance. “Lizzy, do you think Lydia and Wickham will come?”

  Lizzy made an unladylike sound and clasped Jane’s arm in both hands. “Dear, sweet Jane, surely you do not imagine Wickham would miss the chance to borrow money from his new brothers-in-law.”

  Jane bit her lip to stop a smile in response to her sister’s nonsense. “Lizzy, do not be unkind, though I must confess I dread their arrival almost as much as I look forward to seeing dear Lydia.” Brow wrinkled, Jane turned an inquiring glance on Lizzy. “Do you think Lydia will be much improved now that she is married?”

  “Are you inquiring if I think Lydia has stopped her forward ways and will act sensible at your ball? Then I must confess I do not. Lydia is spoiled and used to having her way, and lest we forget, she is not yet sixteen. Sadly, I fear Wickham cannot make a good impression on her.”

  “Dear Lizzy, you must know I could not avoid inviting Miss King.”

  “It makes no matter to me, Jane. As to the Foresters’ presence, I fear you need be more concerned with what Mamma will say than worry over any feelings I might have on the subject.”

  As if on cue, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their two unmarried daughters entered on a gust of cold air. Jane absorbed the sight of her beloved family as she rushed forward. “Oh, Mamma, Papa, it is so good to see you all.”

  “Dear Jane,” Mrs. Bennet moved out of Jane’s tight hug and lifted a hand to her hair, “you look as beautiful as ever, but take care not to wrinkle our gowns.”

  “Mamma, I have so much to tell you,” Jane turned to her father, “and you, Papa.”

  Mr. Bennet arched a brow and gave his eldest daughter a peck on the cheek. “Now, Jane, I know full well your head is filled with womanly talk. Lizzy, my dear girl, you look well.”

  “Papa, Mamma it is lovely to see you again.” Lizzy kissed both her parents. “Mary and Kitty, you both look nice.”

  “Kitty,” Jane said, “you look lovely in this blue gown, but Mary, is that really a book tucked under your arm at my ball?”

  “Thank you for the gowns, Lizzy.” Mary turned a wise glance on Lizzy, “Kitty an I are most appreciative. It is said that it is better to give than to receive.”

  Jane and Lizzy exchanged smiles as Lizzy responded. “Then it is fortunate for you and Kitty that I know your sizes, isn’t it Mary.” Amid their laughter, a sudden silence filled the room and all eyes turned toward the doors.

  More chilly air rushed in, announcing Lydia and Wickham’s arrival. Lizzy turned rigid as she stood beside Jane, causing Jane to frown. Surely, Lizzy had put to rest any feelings she might have had for Wickham. With a man like Mr. Darcy for a husband, Jane could not imagine her beloved sister still felt slighted by Wickham’s previous, fickle affections.

  “Jane, I see marriage agrees with you,” Lydia greeted loudly in her usual vocal way as she approached. “Lizzy, your grown must have cost as much as my husband’s commission in his new regiment.”

  “Oh, Lydia, my darling girl,” Mrs. Bennet rushed to hug her youngest daughter, “and dear Wickham, it is so good to see you.”

  At that moment, with her mother’s face glowing with happiness and Lydia looking leaner without the usual fullness in her cheeks, Jane could see the resemblance between them. Her father often commented that Lydia’s close resemblance to Mamma kept her out of more trouble than her good sense, which she was sadly lacking. Jane reached out to hug her youngest sibling. “Lydia, I am so glad you came.”

  “Are you, Jane?” Lydia turned to her with a wide eyed gaze. “When you sent no funds for the trip, we almost stayed away. Wickham said we could not manage the funds. Then he found he could not pass up the opportunity to get into Darcy’s pocket.” Seeming not to notice the look Jane and Lizzy exchanged on hearing her words, Lydia focused on Lizzy. “Now that you are married to Darcy, you can stop envying me my husband, Lizzy.”

  Then Lydia turned to Kitty. “You are looking well, Kitty. You must loan me that gown. It matches my eyes and all the men in Wickham’s regiment will admire me in it.”

  “Sisters,” Wickham’s smile was easy and practiced, belying the lines of tension around his eyes, “it is good to see you again.” He spoke to both Jane and Lizzy, but he focused on Lizzy. “I believe you have acquired a husband since we last met. Marriage suits you.”

  His slow drawl seemed to calm the storm left by Lydia’s vexing comments, but he had ample time to practice. Or had he perfected the art before acquiring Lydia as his wife, Jane wondered as she rushed into speech before the glitter in Lizzy’s eyes turned the greeting into a commotion. “Mr. Wickham, it is good of you to come and bring Lydia.”

  Suddenly Lydia’s voice rose to a pitch they remembered from her younger days. “Jane, what is that sad looking woman doing here?”

  Jane turned in time to observe Sir William, Lady Lucas and Miss King as they paused in the doorway. Sir William’s wide smile contained no hint of the superior expression Lady Lucas had perfected since her husband’s knighthood, but Jane’s attention lingered on their guest. Mary King had inherited a fortune that lured Wickham from Lizzy’s side early in their acquaintance, but seeing Miss King again, Jane guessed her worth was not all that attracted Wickham.

  Lydia claimed Mary King’s red hair was repulsive, but Jane noticed how light glinted off Mary’s hair in the well-lit ballroom and decided the color was as attractive as her own, blonde locks, if not more so. Mary’s natural coloring added a bloom to her cheeks that pale-complexioned females worked at achieving.

  The look of determination on Miss King's face reminded Jane of Lizzy's oft seen expression, and she made up her mind to be more congenial to Miss King. After all, she was the hostess of this ball and she admired Lizzy’s strong spirit.

  ***

  Mary King’s glance found her hostess and the entire Bennet family, including her former suitor, waiting in line to greet guests. Mary lifted her chin. Wickham and Lydia’s presence made the evening more of a challenge than she expected. Lydia had shown her dislike the first night they had met and Wickham’s quick attention made the situation worse. That she had inherited a great deal of money attracted Wickham. Why Lydia disliked her on sight she did not know.

  Still, Mary did not give up easily. Inheriting a fortune had not opened all doors and Mary was determined to change the situation. Even before a great-uncle died and named her his heir, people considered her easy on the eyes. But, in truth, her pleasing looks only made her new life more difficult. Since acquiring wealth, Mary had learned some things never changed. Especially in as close a country society as this one.

  The only people willing to accept her were fortune hunters and their hopeful relations. But Mary wanted more than a life based on riches. She wanted to be accepted. Given the chance,
she would prove she was more than just a pretty face.

  She was studying the classics and music, though she had told no one of her efforts. But she read each night before bed and when she was free during the day. She had heard Elizabeth Bennet’s intelligence and beauty commented upon, and Mary wanted recognition as a woman of good sense as well.

  “Miss King, you are most welcome to our home.” Jane Bingley’s smile was warm and friendly as she greeted Mary.

  “Please, call me Mary. I hope we can become better acquainted now that I am moved to the area.”

  Jane concealed her surprise. “Then this is more than a visit for you? I had not heard the news. Welcome to Meryton.”

  “Yes, I am moving to my uncle’s house.” Mary confided.

  “Alone?” Jane blurted. “Oh, do forgive me, Miss King, but I only meant will you not feel lonely?”

  “I hope to become better acquainted with people in the area and make friends. Eventually, I plan to entertain as well.”

  “Oh, you must give a ball.” Kitty edged closer to Jane’s side. “Please say you will. Now that the militia has moved on, we have so few chances to dance and have fun.”

  Kitty’s artless comments caused Jane and Mary to stare at each other in silence. Both were aware that before the militia left for Brighton, Wickham had thrown his attention to Mary and asked for her hand. For her part, Mary was certain word had spread about her great uncle’s legal advisor stepped in and dissuaded Wickham from his pursuit. More than once, she had uttered a prayer of thanks for the timely intervention. Above all else, she had set her mind to marrying for true love. She had heard Jane and Elizabeth Bennet set their minds on marrying for love, and wanted that goal for her own. “I’ll think—”

  “Kitty, you must give Miss King a chance to settle and get to know people.” Jane rushed to admonish her younger sister.

  “That’s what parties are for,” Kitty insisted, showing her lack of maturity even though she was not the youngest daughter in the family.