To Catch a Poisoner: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Mystery by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford

Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford [McMann, Renata & Hanford, Summer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Mystery
Goodreads: 216904409
Published: 2024-07-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

From Darcy’s last missive to reach him in his travels, Richard knew his cousin and Wickham had taken up residence at a place called Longbourn, located near both the village of Meryton and Netherfield Park. Because that knowledge did not suit Richard’s plans, he ignored it as he and Boyle made their way to speak with Mr. Bingley as December ushered in even cooler weather than November had held. Richard wanted to see firsthand where each of the poisonings took place, and to give himself and Boyle the opportunity to ask questions and nose about.

Richard was shown into a large drawing room, Boyle disappearing, undoubtedly already subtly quizzing the staff. Mr. Bingley, whom Richard had met at his father’s, rose to greet him.

“I am afraid Mr. Darcy is no longer in residence,” Mr. Bingley said a touch stiffly.

Richard feigned surprise. “Did he return to London?”

Mr. Bingley shook his head, crossing to stand before a large window. “He went to Longbourn with Wickham.”

The sour note in Mr. Bingley’s voice spoke volumes.

He glanced over his shoulder at Richard. “I assume you are a part of this conspiracy to use me as an excuse for Mr. Darcy to be near Meryton?”

Richard winced. “I am afraid, in fact, that it was all my idea. Darcy did not care for it, or for involving Mr. Wickham, but I insisted.” Richard did not elaborate on his other traps. Knowing he was not the only man to be duped would be no salve to Mr. Bingley.

“I assume, under normal circumstances, I would not have been invited to the earl’s home. Nor would your brother, you, or your cousin have deigned to interact with me.”

“Then you assume wrong,” Richard said firmly. “We all find you a genuinely affable fellow and an asset to social occasions.”

Mr. Bingley continued to stare out the window at the gray December landscape.

Richard cleared his throat. “As you know my purpose in being here, may I interview you and your relations? It would help me uncover the culprit behind these poisonings.”

“You cannot interview Mr. Hurst. He died.”

“I am sorry to hear that. My brother will be as well.”

“And my sister Caroline is abed, though she has been feeling somewhat improved,” Mr. Bingley continued without turning from the window. “Mrs. Hurst is with her, but I will summon her if you like.”

“If I may, I will begin with you.”

Mr. Bingley shrugged.

With a grimace for the other man’s misery, Richard said, “My report stated that four officers went into the kitchen. Did anyone else, aside from the staff, visit there?”

Mr. Bingley cast him an incredulous look. “How would I possibly know that?”

“True. Do you have a list of your staff, then? I would, if I may, like to interview them as well.”

Mr. Bingley returned his gaze to the garden. “Very few are left.”

“That many died?” Richard asked, stunned. The reports Richard had received from Darcy, Wickham, and Forster hadn’t made things sound as bad as that.

But Mr. Bingley was shaking his head. “They were dismissed. Some were local but many had been brought in from London, and so were sent back.

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