The Prosecution Of Mr. Darcy's Cousin by Regina Jeffers

Author:Regina Jeffers
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Mystery, Not in Amazon Library, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, To Transfer, Smashwords, Sequel - Canon Compliant, Purchased
ISBN: 9781311900739
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2015-06-03T05:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Georgiana found her husband’s pistol among the major general’s belongings retrieved by Darcy’s servants when they tended Edward after his removal from The Sephora, but she left the weapon at the bottom of the bag the major general carried to London.

“How can I participate in my husband’s death?” Georgiana asked multiple times over the three nights and two days since she saw Edward.

“The major general demanded your promise,” Georgiana argued with her reflection in the dressing room mirror. “And you made the pledge rather than to disappoint your husband.”

“I could not deny Fitzwilliam’s plea,” she countered. “Aunt Nora’s lamentations played heavy upon Edward’s conscience. I never witnessed him so distraught. Yet, even with my husband’s pain, I am not brave enough to permit him to claim his life. Such an act is against God’s teachings.

“But to think of Edward hanging at the end of a rope—of witnessing the life being ripped from his body—suffering so.”

Georgiana shivered with dread.

“I cannot permit such degradation to claim him. My husband was a war hero—a great leader of men. The major general merits his dignity, and Edward did promise not to use his weapon unless he possessed no other alternatives.”

A soft knock accompanied her brother’s entreaty.

“Georgiana? Are you within? It is William.”

“Yes,” she called as she dabbed at her eyes with a damp handkerchief and pinched the skin at her cheekbone for a bit of color. “Come in, William.”

The door opened to display the familiar worried countenance of her brother.

“Are you well? Elizabeth says you missed your midday meal. Mrs. Darcy feared your visit with the major general left you distraught.”

Georgiana stood, but she did not meet his eyes. William often had that effect on her. Self-consciously, she smoothed the wrinkles from her gown.

“I forgot the time, but Sarrie brought me some bread and butter and fresh tea upon a tray. I apologize if I worried Elizabeth.”

“Your sister wishes only what is best for you, as do I,” William assured.

Georgiana glanced up to note the look in her dear brother’s eyes—the unspoken questions of honest concern.

“You and Elizabeth are very patient with me. No one could ask for a better brother and sister.”

William did not speak for several minutes; they stood in silence, each deep in his personal misery. At length, William sighed.

“I thought you should know, Mr. Cowan brings the news the major general will be brought before a grand jury on Monday. I mean to call upon our cousin to determine what he knows of the proceedings. If you insist upon attending the magistrates’ call, Elizabeth and I will escort you. In truth, I would prefer you would permit me to act upon the family’s behalf in this matter.”

“Would you remain at Darcy House if Elizabeth were the accused?” Georgiana challenged.

William shook off the suggestion.

“You know I would not.”

“I love Edward equal to your affections for Elizabeth. I shall see this through to its bitter end.”

Her bottom lip trembled, and William reached for her; yet, Georgiana took a step backwards.

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