15. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Lizzy leaned forward into Bessie's charge as best she could, cursing the awkwardness of the sidesaddle under her breath. "Leave my sister alone!" she shouted again.

Carter dropped Lydia, who crumpled on the ground, her head bouncing as it struck a rock. She lay eerily still, blood seeping from the gash on the side of her face. Wickham whirled on Elizabeth. "So the hoyden who is too good for an introduction has now come to speak to me," he scoffed. "But as we have not been properly introduced, I do not believe I can hear a word you say."

"Leave my sister alone!" She pressed Bessie in closer.

Wickham glanced at Carter, and they laughed. "I see only you and that old horse, not exactly a formidable regiment." Carter stepped forward menacingly.

"Have you forgotten that gentlewomen have a reputation to maintain? You cannot speak out against us, lest it damage you and all your sisters." Wickham's lips lifted in a twisted smile as he advanced on her. "I know this game too well, you see. Despite what you think, I can do exactly as I please." He licked his lips. "We shall have a bit of tupping, Carter and me, and you shall never tell."

Lizzy's face burned. She raised her right hand and brought the whip whistling down, catching Wickham across the face. He shouted and dropped to one knee, clutching his cheek. Bessie shied nervously as Carter closed in. Wickham slowly rose. "You are going to regret that for the rest of your life, miserable wench," he snarled and rushed toward her.

Bessie tried to back up, her head whipping from side to side. Lizzy screamed as her balance faltered. She struck with the whip again. Carter cried out and lunged at the horse, causing the mare to panic and rear. Lizzy tried to throw herself forward on to her neck, but shrieked as she lost her seat and tumbled to the ground, striking her head on the cobblestone. Searing pain overtook her, then darkness.

The men pounded down the stairs and out onto the street. Philips waved them into the narrow lane beside his office. They could hear the whinnies and snorts of a distressed horse and the scuffling of men's boots. A moment later, they burst into the alley to see the two Bennet sisters unconscious on the ground as Wickham and Carter struggled with the terrified animal.

Darcy's heart stopped when he recognized Elizabeth's still form on the ground. As much as he wanted to rush to her, he knew he had to get the horse under control, lest the mare hurt either one of the wounded girls further. So he dashed to Bessie while Forster and Long subdued the officers. By the time Darcy had the mare calmed and tied up, Philips and Bingley were carrying the girls to the house. Darcy rushed after them. "What can I do? How can I help?" He fought not to wrestle Elizabeth from her uncle's arms.

"Get the doctor. Get Mr. Bennet," Philips whispered, his face ashen.

Darcy dashed off, pausing only briefly to get directions from the housekeeper. Setting off at a gallop, he made good time to the physician, and sent the man on his way. Then he pushed his tired horse into a trot. He wondered whether Mr. Bennet would be at Longbourn or Netherfield. As he approached the turn for the Bennet estate, he silently prayed for guidance, then turned toward Longbourn and urged his mount even faster. Arriving at the house, he jumped from his horse, and bounded up the stairs two at a time. He pounded at the door, until Hill answered it.

"Mr. Bennet," Darcy panted, "is he here? I must see him. I have not a moment to lose."

Hill ushered him into the foyer. A moment later, Mr. Bennet appeared. "You have come to see me, Darcy? I cannot imagine whatever for. Did you not ask enough of me this morning?" he teased gently.

"Sir," Darcy rushed to him.

Immediately Bennet's smile disappeared, as a cold fear gripped him. "What happened?" He reached out for Darcy's arm.

Darcy caught his hand. "Elizabeth and Lydia, they are hurt, unconscious when I left them. They are at Philips's house. I summoned the doctor, then came straight away for you."

Bennet staggered against Darcy. "What happened?" he gasped, his face losing all color.

"I will explain on the way," Darcy insisted, leading him toward the door.

"No, wait. Jane!"

A moment later, they heard anxious footsteps. "Papa, what is wrong?" Her eyes grew wide at the sight of Darcy's distress. Mary appeared over her shoulder.

"Your sisters are hurt; I must take you to them," Darcy repeated impatiently.

"Where are they?" Jane gasped, clutching at Mary's arm.

"Come with us, Jane," Mr. Bennet said weakly. "Mary, you and Kitty see to things here. We will send word as soon as possible."

The coach was summoned, and the three began the anxious journey back into town. As they traveled, Darcy shared with them all he knew regarding Elizabeth and Lydia. Bennet said very little, only grunting as Darcy spoke. Jane was pale, glancing anxiously between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy as she tentatively related what Mary had told her of Lizzy's whereabouts and their suspicions about Lydia.

When they finally arrived, they recognized the doctor's carriage parked before the Philipses' house. No one met them at the door, nor answered when they knocked, so Darcy led them in. Within Mr. Philip's office, they found Wickham and Carter bound securely to their chairs, Col. Forster and Mr. Long watching them intently. Mr. Long opened his mouth to speak, but Darcy held his hand up and silenced the question.

"First, we must see to Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia, then there will be time to deal with them ," Darcy declared. Mr. Bennet nodded firmly.

Wickham began muttering, but Forster silenced him. Darcy guided Bennet upstairs, Jane following hurriedly behind them. "Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet have arrived!" Darcy called loudly.

At the top of the stairs, the housekeeper met them and took them to Mrs. Philips in the drawing room. She rushed to greet them. "Oh, Brother!" she cried, trying to take his hands.

"Madam," he said coldly, drawing back from her. "You are no friend to me, nor my daughters. You have gone against my express wishes, madam, and look what has come of it."

"But I was only doing it for their good," Mrs. Philips protested tearfully.

"You have a very peculiar idea of what is good," Bennet snapped. "I am their father – I decide what is best for them!"

"But with your limitations…"

"My limitations are of the body, not," his voice turned very cold, "of the mind, madam, as yours appear to be."

Mrs. Philips's mouth dropped open, and she began to fan herself. Heavy footsteps rang in the stairwell, and Bennet turned toward them.

"Dr. Rogers?" Bennet asked.

"Yes, sir, I have good news. Miss Elizabeth is already awake and quite coherent. She has a severe headache, and her stomach is quite unsettled, but I have summoned Mr. Palmer to provide his potions to resolve those issues. I have every reason to believe she will be well soon."

Both Darcy and Bennet sagged in relief. Mrs. Philips wrapped her arm around Jane, who choked back a small sob. "May I go to her?" Jane whispered.

"Indeed you may." Dr. Rodgers nodded, and Jane hurried upstairs.

Bennet held Darcy's elbow hard. "What of Lydia?"

Rogers huffed a deep breath. "Her recovery is not as clear. She has suffered several serious blows to the head. Beyond that, it appears that when the horse panicked, she was stepped on or kicked several times. I fear she has several broken ribs, and her left arm may be broken as well. I have bandaged them for now and will splint the arm properly as the swelling subsides."

"So she has not regained consciousness?" Darcy asked cautiously.

"That is correct, but it is not unusual in cases such as this. The next few days will tell."

Bennet swayed on his feet. Rogers and Darcy rushed him into a chair and called for wine. Bennet accepted a glass with trembling hands, sipping slowly at the deep red liquid. After several minutes, his hands stopped shaking. "Take me to her," he pleaded, turning toward Darcy.

Darcy glanced at Rogers, who nodded, then explained, "I have done all I can for now. I shall return in the evening. I would recommend neither of them be moved for several days at least. Miss Elizabeth must rest if she is to make a full recovery." Rogers bowed and backed away.

With Darcy's help, Bennet climbed the stairs, his steps labored as he clutched the banister for support. They followed the voices and soon found the room that Lizzy and Lydia shared.

"Papa!" Jane cried and rushed to him. She led him to a chair at Lizzy's side.

Darcy watched from the doorway, staring openly at Elizabeth. Her hair and clothes were disheveled, and the left side of her face was bruised and swollen. But her voice was clear and her thoughts coherent as she softly answered her father's questions. Relief washed over him as he listened to her clear responses.

He stepped into the hallway and feelings of remorse flooded over him. How could I have let this happen? Bingley was right. I who knew what he was; I should have made that known. What a fool I have been to think that the army could curb a cur like Wickham. A rake like him never changes. But why should he, when he has always gotten away with taking what he wanted at will? He suddenly felt nauseous. Will you ever forgive me, Elizabeth? I have failed to protect you, too. He sagged against the wall, head in his hands.

A quarter of an hour later, Bingley found him, still keeping vigil in the hallway. "Come," he insisted, taking Darcy's arm and leading him to a small parlor. "Philips told me I could wait here." He pressed Darcy to sit, then turned to the small table and poured from a decanter of wine. "Here, you need this."

Darcy said nothing, but drank the dark liquid down in three long sips. Bingley refilled it. This time, he sipped more slowly. Bingley poured himself a glass and sat across from him. He took a sip. "Not exactly your vintage, eh, Darce?" he asked softly.

Darcy sighed wearily. "Just say it, Bingley. It is most well deserved."

"Say what?"

Darcy glared over his wine glass. "I told you so. Is that not what you are thinking?" He threw his head back and exhaled hard.

"No, no such thing." He took a gulp then set his glass aside. "Far from it, if truth be told."

Darcy laid his arm over his eyes. "How exactly can that be? I recall your telling me…"

"It would have made no difference. Mr. Bennet already warned his daughters away from him. No warning from you would have made him do more. He had every expectation that all his daughters would obey him." He leaned forward, elbows perched on his knees.

"But the colonel…"

Bingley rolled his eyes. "What could he have done? Unless Forster had evidence against him, there was no action to be taken against Wickham. Besides, Wickham is so persuasive; I fear even if you had warned Forster, he would have dismissed you the way the professors at Cambridge did." Bingley rose and walked to gaze out the window. "You recall that, I am sure."

"How could I forget?" He leaned forward and pressed his temples. "Meh!"

"You could not have prevented this; no more than you could have…"

Darcy held up his hand, "Do not speak of it." He pushed himself to his feet. "What are we to do now?"

"What indeed?" Mr. Bennet's voice came from the doorway.

"Sir!" Both men jumped and turned toward him. They stared at the transformation that had taken place. The strength and confidence that were his trademark bearing were gone, leaving him broken and weak.

Darcy was at his side, ready to guide him into the room. But as they were about to turn, Philips came up behind him. "If you are ready, Brother, Mr. Long and Col. Forster would like to speak to you downstairs."

"Would you care to join us, gentlemen?" Bennet asked hesitantly. "Since both of you witnessed what occurred, I would appreciate your input."

"Of course," Bingley hurried over.

Philips led the way to his office. Bennet noticed the faint smells of sweat and stale cologne but did not hear Wickham or Carter.

"Where are they? You have not released them, have you?" Darcy demanded, stiffening.

"No," Mr. Long assured.

"I have them in my custody," Forester assured, rising to meet them. "Do not fear; I take their transgressions very seriously."

"Please, sit." Long beckoned them all in. "I have asked you here so that we may discuss the fate of these miscreants."

Mr. Bennet grunted, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "I imagine you are going to further elucidate that fate."

"Indeed, sir. I am aware of the very delicate nature of this situation." Long glanced at Philips.

"We are all aware that my nieces' reputations are at stake," Philips said quietly.

"Now you consider their reputation!" Bennet exclaimed angrily. "Somehow that was of no concern to you when you were attempting to introduce those curs to my daughters after I had expressly forbidden it." He leaned toward Philips. "I am amazed that you should be so attentive to it now."

"This is not the time…" Philips stammered, blushing uneasily.

"Is it not? Tell me exactly when will it be the appropriate time?" He rose halfway in his seat.

Darcy laid a hand on Bennet's shoulder as he cast a warning look Philips's way. Bingley attempted to glare as well.

Philips deflated slightly. "I apologize, Brother. It was high handed and wrong of me to suppose I knew better." Bennet grunted with dissatisfaction. Philips hung his head. "Truly, I am sorry. I feel responsible for what has happened, and I want to help protect them now as best I can."

The room was silent for several breaths. Finally Bennet said, "What do you propose? I want to see them punished for what they have done. But I cannot allow the reputations of my daughters to be put in jeopardy." He turned toward Bingley and Darcy. "I cannot see their futures put at risk, even for those curs to receive their just desserts."

"No man worth his salt would hold this against them," Bingley quickly assured. He tapped his foot rapidly in agitation.

"I am afraid there are many that would," Darcy began, immediately noticing the deep frown on Bennet's face. "The world is vastly unfair to young gentlewomen when, through no fault of their own, they can be branded as fallen. I think it a grievous injustice to the ladies and their families. But it is a reality we must consider."

Bennet's frown faded, and he leaned back in his chair. Philips blinked several times, wondering at the exchange. He scratched behind his ear rapidly, then smoothed his hair back into place. "Mr. Long and Col. Forster have a plan that I think is well suited to satisfy both your desires, Brother."

"Go on," Bennet laced his fingers and wrapped his hands over his knee.

"Typically under these circumstances, charges would be brought against these men and a trial would be held. Given the number of witnesses, clearly they would be found guilty. Assuming Miss Lydia recovers," Long paused and cringed waiting for an outburst, but none came, so he continued, "the penalty would be a substantial fine for the damage they have caused."

"I cannot speak for the other, but I know Wickham has nothing with which to pay a fine," Darcy remarked coldly.

"How exactly would you know that?" Forster demanded.

"I am acquainted with him." Darcy looked out the window, steeling himself before he continued. "He is the son of my father's steward. My father was his godfather, and he put Wickham through school. He attended Cambridge with Bingley and me."

"So you both know him?" Long asked, rubbing his knuckles along his jaw.

"Yes, sir," Bingley answered for them both. "In school, he was quite dissolute, and I do not believe he ever completed his course of study."

"He was fond of gaming, and constantly applied to me for money. I cannot imagine his habits have changed," Darcy finished, aware that Bennet was intently listening.

"I see." Long stuck out his lower jaw and caught his lip in his teeth. "So then, assuming Carter is of the same bent, they would both go to debtor's prison."

Darcy barked a bitter laugh. "Little good that would do. Wickham has a glib nature and would somehow talk himself out faster than you would consider possible."

"Not to mention that a trial would ruin the Miss Bennets in the eyes of society," Bingley added, pursing his lips hard.

"Indeed," Philips agreed. "So clearly this is not an acceptable solution. But Col. Forster has an alternative." He gestured toward the officer.

Forster cleared his throat. "First, allow me to say, Mr. Bennet, how deeply troubled I am that they could have imposed upon your daughters. You have my deepest regrets."

"I thank you, sir, but your regrets are of little use to me now." Bennet turned his face away angrily. "Do not patronize me; I am not an imbecile."

"No one here suggests that," Philips soothed, casting a pointed glance at Long.

"Indeed not, Mr. Bennet.," Forster agreed. "I do not wish to see these men go unpunished. I cannot permit such behavior under my command. The army is often unwelcome in towns such as this, and permitting them to continue in such activities will only worsen our situation. We have received several very cold welcomes recently, and I fear it is only going to get worse. But I do not wish the young ladies to be further injured by their actions. So I have proposed to Mr. Long that Carter and Wickham be remanded to my custody, and I will make it a matter of military discipline: drunken and disorderly conduct, dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming an officer, and a few others possibly."

"That still does nothing to protect my girls," Bennet snapped.

"We will say that your girls were visiting their aunt, coming in through the backdoor as a surprise. They came upon the two men fighting; the horse spooked, and the girls were injured. Their uncle heard the commotion and came upon the scene," Forster quickly explained. "The story is close enough to the truth to be believed, and it protects their reputations." He cocked his head, waiting.

Bingley's brows rose as he looked at Darcy. A half smile lifted Darcy's lips. "The approach has merit."

"But what will you do with them? Restrict them to camp? Assign them extra duties? I hardly find that a fitting punishment," Bennet harrumphed.

"Certainly not." Forster looked clearly offended. "I will have them flogged."

"Officers are generally not punished in such a way," Darcy noted warily.

"That is true." Forster nodded. "But I believe there will an exception in this case. I know for a fact that they ran up considerable debt in the last town where we were encamped, not to mention the rumor of several young ladies meddled with. If I knew for certain that these were not isolated incidents, then I would be fully justified in my choice of disciplinary action." He looked pointedly at Darcy. "Since you have some history with Wickham, perhaps you would be able to speak to these issues."

Bingley glanced nervously at Darcy who frowned angrily. "I have purchased over a thousand pounds of debt owed by Wickham to merchants in Derbyshire."

Forster stroked his chin. "That is helpful, it does establish his character. But have you anything more against him?"

Bingley stared at Darcy for a long time. Darcy looked away and focused out the window.

"He has a reputation of being a rake in Derbyshire. I have heard tell of several young women that he has meddled with, including at least one gentlewoman. I believe he was once accused of rape, but it was never brought to trial." Darcy avoided Bingley's eyes.

Bennet's head came up sharply as he cocked his head to listen.

"Can you give me specifics? They would allow me to …" Forster demanded.

"No, I cannot," Darcy replied with firm finality.

"Very well, I suppose, that will have to do. It is not as strong a case as I had hoped for…" he glanced once more at Darcy who glowered in return. "but since neither of them has high connections I see little reason not to proceed."

Darcy grunted in satisfaction.

"However," Mr. Long broke in, "all of this will have to wait upon Miss Lydia's recovery. While we all hope for the best…"

"Understood, sir," Mr. Bennet interrupted, pushing himself up wearily. "If there is nothing else, I will go back to my daughters." He bowed and Philips took his arm.