Free A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J Dawn King Page A

of brandy pilfered from Darcy’s London house. It was hard to
get good brandy with the blockades keeping smugglers from the English coast.
Darcy had put aside a large supply when tensions were relaxed between France
and England and Colonel Fitzwilliam was known to smuggle his needs from Darcy’s
cellar when his cousin was out of town. Darcy was not yet aware that his
legally obtained goods were involved in his cousin’s breaking and entering.
Until he discovered the crime, Colonel Fitzwilliam savored each bottle with a
wicked chuckle. “By the way, one of my new lieutenants is from the area around
Matlock. He claims he’s the heir to Pemberley. Name’s George Wickham. Is he
known to you?”
     
    Colonel
Fitzwilliam’s reaction was instantaneous and fierce. He knew that both of his
cousins were in the Meryton area of Hertfordshire. That Wickham was in the vicinity
posed a serious threat to Georgiana. “Please be reassured, Colonel Forster,
that you will not have to deal with scum like Wickham any longer. If you would
please excuse me, I need to ride immediately to Meryton to warn my cousins of
his presence. Wickham will run with his tail between his legs when he sees me and
I do not expect him to stop until he’s in America.”
     
    After
a quick word to his commanding officer, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam jumped on
his horse and raced as quickly as possible out of London.
     
    Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
     
    Miss
Bingley was horrified that the Darcys were leaving and that they were taking
Elizabeth Bennet with them. She had been certain that she would be able to
finally demonstrate to Mr. Darcy that she was his best choice for Mistress of
Pemberley. Without doubt, he had to have observed her skill in managing a
household and staff as well as her efficient care of Miss Bennet while she had
been ill. In addition, she had endeavored to provide Mr. Darcy all his favorite
foods, drinks, and entertainments as well as pay particular attention to his
sister.
     
    After
extending their regrets at leaving so abruptly, they boarded the carriage and
left Netherfield Park. No explanations had been given other than urgent
business in London and Miss Caroline Bingley had to accept that this was all
she would be given to understand. Her own brother was silent on the matter.
     
    Tension
filled the carriage until they stopped in the village of Meryton. Elizabeth’s
luggage was quickly loaded. Mr. Darcy had elected to lower the shades so that
Wickham would not be seen by the two female occupants; thus it was gloomy and
quiet inside. Elizabeth reached beside her and took Georgiana’s hand in hers,
squeezing it in gentle comfort. Georgiana grasped her hand with both of hers
and whispered her thanks. Once they passed the noise of the village, Mr. Darcy
raised the blinds and all three expelled the breaths they had been unaware they
were holding.
     
    “Miss
Elizabeth!” started Georgiana when they heard the sound of gunfire and the
carriage jerked to a halt. Georgiana never finished her thought as a man’s
strong voice yelled to the coachman.
     
    “Stand
and deliver!”
     
     A
lone horseman rode to the side of the carriage and rapped on the door with the
butt of his pistol. “Get outside the carriage, all of you!” When they failed to
move as quickly as he wanted, he hit the side of the coach again. “Now!” Then
he pointed his pistol inside, not at Mr. Darcy nor to Elizabeth. The
highwayman’s pistol was pointed directly at the side of Georgiana’s head. As
his horse moved closer, his face came into view. It was the older Darcy
brother; George Wickham. Georgiana screamed and fainted.

CHAPTER SIX
     
    On the road to London, outside of Meryton,
Hertfordshire
     
    Wickham
had no tolerance for the weakness of his little sister. He had no tolerance for
anything or anyone who came between him and his goal. Kidnapping Georgiana and
turning her over to the cur who was willing to marry her for a large cash
payment would allow