Who Murdered Mr Wickham Read online

  Before Mary could respond, a high pitched squeal filled the air.

  Lydia rushed up and grabbed hold of Kitty’s arm. “Look who has arrived.” Then she pulled Kitty, still staring with her mouth open, toward the door to greet Denny and Captain Carter.

  As was the norm for Lydia, she left an array of conflicting reactions in her wake. With his wife’s noisy greeting of her old friends ring loudly in the room, Wickham smiled indulgently and turned his gaze on Mary.

  Mary's brow arched. Wickham’s look appeared to confirm the gossip she had heard. His satisfied smile could only mean he had spotted Mrs. Forester standing in line behind Denny, and was happy to see her, but Mary would keep the knowledge to herself.

  Wickham’s father-in-law was not as reluctant to share his opinion of the Foresters’ presence. Mr. Bennet's brow wrinkled as he studied the new arrivals. “I knew there was a reason I should have stayed home with my books.”

  Mrs. Bennet was more vocal. “Oh, Jane, how could you invite the Foresters? You know they were responsible for my poor Lydia being banished from Brighton and she was so happy there.”

  “Mamma, please.” Jane put a hand on her mother’s arm and tried to distract her. “You are embarrassing poor Wickham.” Jane wanted to include herself, but Mamma's regard for Wickham was her best chance of ending further unwanted comments. Despite the worry and disgrace surrounding Lydia’s elopement with Wickham, her mother was as susceptible to Wickham’s charm as Lydia. Which pointed to one more thing Mamma and Lydia had in common. Neither of them possessed good judgment in men. Though Jane thought her father an exemption, she and Lizzy had narrow escapes in their mother’s attempts to see them married. Lizzy’s near miss with their father’s cousin was only one example.

  Mary excused herself to Jane and moved across the room to join Lady Lucas. “I must thank you again, Lady Lucas, for inviting me to stay at Lucas Lodge while my uncle’s house is prepared.”

  “It is of no consequence, my dear. Sir William and I enjoy the distraction of guests.” Lady Lucas looked about the room. “If you will excuse me, my dear, I must confer with my friend, Mrs. Bennet.”

  Mary's cousin, Maggie, had acted as a companion for Miss Georgiana Darcy for some time, and should be here tonight. As Mary watched Lady Lucas join Mrs. Bennet, she wondered if she would have a chance to speak with Maggie.

  “Did I hear correctly, Miss King, you have moved to the area permanently?” Wickham’s low voice, close to her ear, was Mary's first warning of his approach.

  “Mr. Wickham, how nice to see you again,” Mary tried to hide her discomfort.

  “Nice enough that you might be persuaded to renew our acquaintance, my dear Miss King?” As Wickham looked down from his superior height, his smile filled with confidence at how she would respond.

  “Such a suggestion, sir.” Mary revealed her surprise as her gaze rested on his handsome countenance, and again, she gave thanks for her narrow escape. “And you with a new wife, Mr. Wickham? Speaking of which, did I not hear Mrs. Wickham call you to come greet the Foresters?”

  Mary watched color slash his cheeks and wondered how many of Wickham’s conquests were in this room tonight. She was aware of four, although she was not certain she should include Elizabeth Darcy in that tally. For Mrs. Darcy had not had her wings singed by Wickham’s advances, unlike other women encountering him.

  “Ah, but you must be well versed on the situation, Miss King, as is everyone else in this county. And you must admit I am wise to keep distant from Colonel Forester.”

  “Who are the people entering the ballroom, Mr. Wickham?” Mary studied the elegant appearance of the two women and the man accompanying them. Her keen interest gave Mary witness the shorter woman’s reaction when her gaze settled on Wickham. The woman’s eyes widened in surprise, then the vast amount of creamy skin visible above the low neckline of her stylish gown began to pulse with the rapid beat of her heart. After a startled pause, Mary could not resist turning an innocent look on Wickham as she said, “Do you have another admirer, sir?”

  “Ah, your compliment is much appreciated, Miss King, but alas, those ladies are Mr. Bingley’s sisters. The gentleman is the husband of the elder sister. So, you see, as my wife’s sister is married to Mr. Bingley, we are all family.”

  Mary would consume her elbow-length gloves for dinner if the looks exchanged by Wickham and the elder-Bingley sister had anything to do with innocent family relationships. “As you say, Mr. Wickham. Now if you will excuse me.”

  ***

  Jane noticed the sudden silence and turned toward the entrance to learn why her guests were staring. Then all became clear for Bingley’s sisters stood in the doorway. Caroline and Louisa returned the stares of guests, proving they had had much exposure to such events. Caroline, the tallest by a head, attracted attention first with the drape and style of a gown in the latest London design. Standing beside her, much shorter and two years older, Mrs. Hurst flaunted as much skin as was acceptable in fashionable attire, thus attracting her own share of attention. Mr. Hurst, dressed in the latest London attire, followed the sisters, and looked as bored as if this were the end of the season before it had even started.

  With a sigh, Jane turned back to the guests waiting for her attention. Much as she loved Bingley and wanted to love his sisters, the slight sneer on their faces as they observed the guests made it difficult. But she wanted so much for this evening to be a success. Perhaps she could find Caroline, Kitty and Mary a match and all would be well.

  “Lady Lucas, it is a pleasure to see you. Lizzy is most anxious for news from Charlotte.” Jane noted the vexed expression that flashed through the woman’s eyes and wished she could take the words back. Despite being mamma’s close confidant Lady Lucas and Mamma were competitive about finding suitable matches for their daughters. Even though her eldest daughter, Charlotte married first by accepting Mr. Bennet’s cousin, Mr. Collins, after Lizzy had rejected him—thus giving Lady Lucas bragging rights—she still harbored resentment. That Jane and Lizzy married well probably did not ease the tension. “I am so pleased you and Sir William could come tonight.”

  Looking somewhat soothed by Jane’s greeting, Lady Lucas managed a regal nod. “You are welcome, Jane. Everything looks quite acceptable for the event, I might add.”

  Oh, I wish you had not! Jane hid a wince and turned to the next guest in line. Sometime later Jane was pleased to find Mr. Darcy's sister in front of her. “Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you. Are you late arriving?”

  “I am sorry to say we are, Mrs. Bingley. Travel from town went slower than expected, but now we are warm and ready for the ball.” Georgiana made a slight curtsy causing the skirts of her pastel gown to billow becomingly around her.

  “You are most welcome to Netherfield. But surely, you did not travel alone?”

  “Oh, no, my companion, Miss Brown, is with me. She asked leave to make use of your library. I said she could. I hope that is acceptable.”

  “Of course, and the fire in that room usually feels quite comfortable.” Jane smiled. Mr. Darcy’s young sister, though near in age to Kitty, Mary and Lydia, acted nothing like them. “Your brother and Lizzy have arrived, and Mr. Darcy is conversing with my husband.”

  “It will be nice to see Mr. Bingley again.” Georgiana smiled shyly. “Charles is one of my favorite people. I think he is most fortunate to have found a wife as agreeable as he is.”

  “Oh, Miss Darcy, I think I shall love you much as Lizzy does, and your words have made me a friend for life. I do so admire my husband.”

  “Georgiana, is it you, all grown up, or perhaps my eyes play tricks on me?” A man in uniform declared.

  “Do stop your nonsense, Cousin. Of course I am grown since your last visit. We rarely see you now that duty and the threat of war keep you away, Fitz.” Georgiana turned a smiling face toward Jane. “Mrs. Bingley, do you know my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Jane offered her hand, “you are most welcome to
Netherfield.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Bingley. I was hoping my cousin could tear himself away from his new wife long enough to attend your ball. I have news I am most anxious to share with him.”

  Miss Darcy clasped both hands around the colonel’s forearm and sent him an engaging smile. “Oh, do tell me first, Cousin. My brother always gets the news before I do.”

  “This is nothing of consequence to concern your pretty head about, my dear. Just some words on the current state of events.” Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to survey the room. “I say, is that Wickham over by the door speaking to Mrs. Hurst?”

  “Yes,” Jane murmured as she followed his gaze to the group chatting in the entrance, “Mr. Wickham is married to my sister Lydia.”

  “I beg your pardon, ma’am.” Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed, “I had forgotten. Ah, Bingley and Darcy, so glad you arrived before I started chewing on my other boot. Good to see you.”

  “You are most welcome to our home, Colonel. Have you brought news of recent events?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced around the room. “From the number of uniforms present tonight, I expect you have heard all I know.”

  “There are several militia men here, it is true,” Bingley glanced at the guests, “but I believe most of them are guests of Sir William and we have not yet conversed with them. Come, have some punch, and tell us all. Right, Darcy?”

  Mr. Darcy gave a nod and smiled at the Colonel. “By all means, you have our ear, Cousin.”

  Jane watched the three men walk away and smiled widely as Lizzy approached. “Look who has arrived, Lizzy.” She need not have spoken because Georgiana gave a little squeal and rushed to give Lizzy a hug. Watching the warm exchange of the two new sisters, Jane felt a twinge of sadness. She glanced toward her own new sisters-in-law, still standing just inside the door.

  Caroline Bingley was batting her eyes at a man Jane did not recognize, while a few steps away, her sister, Louisa Hurst, seemed in animated conversation with Wickham. At least her stiff posture and flushed cheeks indicated some aroused emotions, but all must be well because, Mr. Hurst was only a few steps away, casually studying his drink.

  Still it saddened Jane on Lydia's behalf to see Wickham stand so close to another woman, even if it was Louisa. And, once again, she feared she would never enjoy the closeness with Bingley’s sisters that Lizzy and Georgiana enjoyed.

  Chapter 2

  Wickham took advantage of an interruption by Caroline to excuse himself from Louisa Hurst. As usual, he was able to hide any discomfort in his expression with a pleasant grin on his face. He meandered through the crowd, watching the dancers and spied his young wife, loudly conversing in a far corner of the ball room, and was thoroughly entertained by Lydia playing the role of the superior female, in possession of a husband, and jealous wife in turn.

  After a few minutes, the musicians stopped for a break and he left the ballroom for a breath of fresh air. Too many members of his wife’s family were in the room for him to experience the pleasure he usually enjoyed at such events. Of course, the fact that he was now a married man, in attendance with his wife, accounted for some of the missing excitement. Everyone present knew of his new status as Lydia Bennet's husband.

  The darkness in the formal gardens suited his purposes much better, and he paused to take in a deep breath of the crisp night air.

  The chill did not deter him. Soon he expected to find the warmth he needed and did not worry about the cold. With the darkness of the night and hedges grown taller than his head bordering some of the paths, he appreciated the convenience of the space. Not since his youth, when he and Darcy romped through the formal gardens at Pemberley, had he admired the rambling paths and heavy growth of a garden so much. And to confirm his opinion on the joys of the darkness, a breathless feminine voice called his name out of the shadows.

  “Wickham, are you there?”

  “I am here, Madam,” Wickham turned toward the shadowy figure as Mrs. Forester floated toward him, but, even in the dark, her light-colored gown revealed abundant curves he longed to hold again. After the regiment had moved to Brighton, and without the small-town gossips watching every move to feed their need for news, he had enjoyed Mrs. Forester’s company to the fullest.

  Even though she was the wife of his commanding colonel at that time, he visited her, alone, quite freely and often. Of course, Lydia’s arrival as a guest of the Foresters provided an excellent excuse for his continued and frequent visits, but she had become infatuated, and the colonel more watchful. If only he had not miscalculated, and been forced to encourage Lydia to conceal the true target of his affections.

  “How is it that you are outside on this cold night, Mrs. Forester?”

  “For shame, Wickham,” Mrs. Forester said with a breathless giggle as she came nearer. “You know full well why I risk catching a chill to walk in this garden. Oh, my dear, it has been so long since you last held me in your arms. I thought I would die of desperation when we danced earlier.”

  “Ah, Madam, I feared you had forgotten me, and turned your affections to another.”

  “Do not tease me so, dear Wickham. Can we not find a secret place and be alone for a while?” She moved close in the dark as clouds covered the moon, and pressed her body against Wickham so their curves fit as one. “Do say you have missed me, sir.”

  “I can not deny my feelings for you know me too well, my dear, but we must use caution.”

  “Why? You want to be with me, do you not?” She whirled toward a rustle in the bushes and gripped the front of Wickham’s uniform in both hands. “What was that? Did you hear something? I dare not let my husband find me alone in your company again. I must go, dear Wickham.” With a swift turn and a whirl of skirts, Mrs. Forester disappeared into the night.

  Wickham rolled his eyes and stared at the sky as an icy moon peeped past the clouds. Why, had she fled just when her lush feminine curves were almost in his hands? Could she not tell he needed her warmth more than ever? With a shrug of regret he turned back the way he had come, but before he could take a step, another flash of pale gown appeared out of the shadows. Had she returned? Would she dare take the risk to be with him after all? But unless she had grown much taller in the last few moments, it was not her. And then the shadow spoke.

  “Ah, there you are, Mr. Wickham. I saw you leave the ball room.” Caroline Bingley floated to his side. “It is very warm in there with all the dancing do you not agree?”

  “Indeed it is, Miss Bingley, and the cold air is refreshing.”

  “You are describing yourself, I think, sir. After taking a turn with all those stuffed shirts, dancing with you was a pleasure. Though how you stay out of trouble with those wondering hands of yours, I do not know.”

  “Yet here you are, ma’am, all alone with me in the dark. Why is that, I wonder?”

  “Do not let my presence go to your head, my dear Mr. Wickham.” She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Did you hear something? Are we not alone?”

  Wickham rolled his eyes and released a sigh. He had grown weary of dealing with jittery females this evening. The ballroom was populated with women eager to dance, but leery of experiencing the danger of his arms. He longed for a warm and willing woman in his arms, and not his wife's inexperience.

  “Of course we are alone. Though, I am certain there is a rabbit or two about on this chilly night. Are you not cold, my dear?”

  “Always looking for an opportunity, right Wickham? That is the reason I wanted to speak with you, sir.” Caroline Bingley stepped closer and lowered her voice. “I would like your assistance in a little activity you might find amusing.”

  “Indeed, ma’am, I am all that is curious. Pray tell me how I can help.”

  “I ask only because I thought you would enjoy the game, as you were once attracted to Eliza Bennet.”

  “Ah, you refer to Mrs. Darcy, do you not? It is common knowledge that at one time, before I formed an attachment to her sister, I did think Miss Elizabeth Bennet and I mig
ht be more than friends. But alas, she had no fortune, you see, so I turned my attention elsewhere.”

  “Yet you married her youngest sister, who has even less to recommend her as the perfect wife than Eliza.”

  “You speak of my wife, ma’am.” Pride, and his refusal to admit his mistakes or his feelings for Darcy’s wife forced Wickham to speak in a firm tone. In truth, he had no doubt Lydia was much more accommodating as a spouse than Lizzy would ever be. Lizzy had a mind of her own and would not bend easily to a man’s will, but that was all in the past, and circumstances forced him to turn away from those thoughts.

  The bushes along the path rustled again and Miss Bingley rushed into speech. “I am not here to discuss your wife, Mr. Wickham. I am come to ask you to assist me in making Darcy jealous. He is tied to Eliza, but if you, the most handsome man here—after Darcy—seemed taken with my company, I might make a dent in his controlled emotions.”

  “My dear Miss Bingley, are you suggesting...” Wickham paused as sounds came from the other side of the bushes, “I do believe you are correct, Miss Bingley. I believe we are not alone.”

  The rustling grew louder. Miss Bingley glanced around, then rushed into speech. “Please do as I asked. I must go.” She turned back the way she came, and almost slammed into her sister. “Louisa, whatever are you doing out here in the cold?”

  “I expect the same as you, Caroline, getting a breath of fresh air.” Mrs. Hurst glanced over her sister’s shoulder. “Good evening, Mr. Wickham. We are saddened to be deprived of your presence of late. I hope you will remedy the situation while we are all visiting in the area.”

  “If it were my choice, ma'am, you would never suffer from the lack of my presence.” Wickham left unsaid the words they knew as well as he did. He was no longer welcome at Pemberley where they had first met. “Perhaps, I can make amends for that oversight, and sooner than you might imagine.” He stopped speaking because a loud rustling in the bushes to the right drew their attention.