Page 114 of Shields and Roses

Chapter 52: Escape

After the first chess games on the miniature boards, lost by Kitty and won by Lydia, the party split apart even further. Bennet invited the men to join him in his study. Then, realizing the number of men compared to the size of the room, he rephrased that to an invitation to gather around the dining room table.

However, once they heard that Anne and Lizzy wanted to spend some time together with Georgiana, Darcy, Martin, Sir Phillip and Bingley decided to walk out to the bridge on the boundary between Longbourn and Lucas Lodge instead of staying inside. They left the older men to talk in the study, which would now fit the reduced group size.

Darcy led the way out the side door and into the formal garden, following the route he and Richard had taken the day they arrived at Longbourn. As they walked, he described the change from eagerly anticipating seeing the young ladies to fear and worry as they heard their cries for help.

The most graphic description of the day was provided by the huge rosebush as they stepped through the gap in the wall near the "hermitage." A large portion of the bush was still strong and vigorous. It was a mound of canes growing up and over the wall behind it and extending for several feet along it as well. It was just now beginning to open out with a scattering of soft pink blossoms. A spot near the center of the mound and spreading out from it along a partially trampled path told the story of its use as a temporary prison for Wickham. Broken and browning canes stuck out at all angles from the original impact point. Scraps of fabric still fluttered here and there from the sharp thorns.

"You know, after being thrown into that, I think Wickham is lucky to still be alive," Martin said after getting a good look at the plant.

"He is lucky to be alive even without being thrown in there. In fact, being thrown in there may have just saved him," Darcy said flatly. "I was ready to kill him with my bare hands, and I expect Richard felt the same. You can still see the shadow of the bruises on Miss Elizabeth's throat. I will not forget that easily."

"What were the ladies doing out here?" Sir Phillip asked. "Had Miss Elizabeth been visiting Lucas Lodge?"

"No," replied Darcy. "They keep one another company on walks down those paths on either side of the river. I understand there is another bridge downstream that they can use to cross over." He gestured down the pathway where it disappeared into the trees on the river's edge. "Apparently, a dozen years ago or so, the previous wooden bridge there collapsed, and Richard came along just in time to help Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lucas from being badly injured by the debris."

"Ah, so he had some experience rescuing the fair ladies," Bingley said with a laugh.

"That he did!" said another voice. The men turned to see Sir William Lucas coming across the bridge on horseback.

"Good day, Sir William," Darcy said as the man approached. "May I introduce you to my companions?"

"I have already met Sir Phillip," he said, "but I do not recognize the other two."

Darcy introduced Bingley and Martin. Sir William pronounced himself delighted to meet any friend or relative of his new son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the men all talked for a few minutes about Richard and his penchant for rescuing damsels in distress.

"Were you on your way to Longbourn?" Darcy asked as the older man seemed inclined to turn to Darcy's own exploits as the next bit of conversational fodder.

"Ah, yes!" answered Sir William. "I just wanted to check on my friend and see how he is holding up with all the guests who are arriving."

"Well, my uncle arrived yesterday, and we left him with Bennet, Mr. Damask and Lord Sheldon for company not very long ago. I am certain they will be happy to accept a visit from you," Darcy told him.

"In that case, I think I will continue my trip. What about you gentlemen? Just out for a walk?"

"More or less," Darcy said. "Would you have any objection if we take the river trail and come back by the path along your side?"

"No objection at all," Sir William said, grinning at them. "It is about time someone other than my daughter and Miss Lizzy enjoyed the use of that bridge. Bennet and I shared the cost of building it, but neither of us use it."

The way that he said 'Miss Lizzy' reminded Darcy of his good news, which he delivered with a grin. "Oh, Sir William, I have some news you should hear before Bennet decides to teasingly withhold it from you. Miss Elizabeth and I are now officially betrothed."

"Betrothed, are you? Capital! I wish you both great joy!" Sir William boomed, speaking loudly enough that he startled his horse and had to bring it back under control when it bucked slightly. "Capital!"

"And I am in a courtship with Miss Mary," Bingley added quickly, happy to share his news as well.

"Very wise of you, although a betrothal would be wiser," Sir William teased. "Congratulations to you as well! Ha! I think I shall have to find a way to tease Bennet instead, now that I have the news he would indeed try to withhold. Capital! Well, enjoy your walk, gentlemen. I shall see you at Friday's dinner party if I do not see you before. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hanson."

He rode off chuckling to himself as he considered ways to tease his friend. Martin rolled his eyes at Darcy and Bingley.

"You two," he said. "First you keep it a deep, dark secret, and now you tell everyone."

"Did you not do the same as soon as you could without endangering Anne?" Sir Phillip asked.

Martin looked at him in surprise, then smirked. "Yes, I suppose I did."

With a laugh, Darcy pointed to the trail. They began their riverside walk.

~o~