Abduction & Acrimony Read online

  Abduction & Acrimony

  A Pride & Prejudice Variation Mystery Romance Series

  Abbey North

  Contents

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  About the Author

  Blurb

  Everyone in Meryton is excited about the upcoming Netherfield ball, but Lizzy is preoccupied, for the thief, though his identity is known, is still at-large. When Mr. Darcy’s sister arrives, she and Lizzy become fast friends, but Lizzy’s acrimony with Darcy threatens everything, especially when she overhears him condemning Jane as a grasping social climber without true regard for Bingley. They are at odds, but when an abduction occurs the very night of the ball, it brings the two of them together to find the kidnapper and rescue his victim. Will they find a tenuous accord, or will their continued animosity keep them separated?

  This is part two of the “Crime & Courtship” series, which will be five books, intended to be read in order, and follow roughly the same timeline and location as J.A.’s masterpiece. The first mystery takes place in Meryton. The next will be at Netherfield, followed by Hunsford, then London, and finally Pemberley. The story arc will continue throughout all five parts, compromising one long read broken into five sections. A mystery is central to each installment, so you could call this a cozy mystery sweet Regency romance.

  While Abbey sometimes writes sensual JAFF, this series is strictly SWEET.

  1

  It is strongly recommended you read the first part of this series before beginning book #2. You can find “Rapacity & Rancor” at Amazon.

  Lizzy’s stomach curled with dread as she followed Jane into Netherfield a few days later. They had been invited for tea, and since the invitation came from Caroline Bingley, she would’ve been surprised to see her name on it if she hadn’t expected this to be little more than an interrogation session.

  No doubt, Miss Caroline wanted to know all the details of how she and Darcy had uncovered Wickham’s thefts in Meryton. Too bad they hadn’t yet captured him. That was likely to come up in discussion too, and she recognized that was another reason for dread as she entered the drawing room behind Mr. Fellows while three women stood to meet them.

  Of course, she instantly recognized Louisa Hurst and Caroline Bingley, but the third young lady’s identity was a mystery to her. Perhaps not too much mystery though, because she strongly resembled Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  Lizzy managed to find a pleasant smile as Caroline introduced them to Georgiana Darcy, who appeared to be a shy, quiet girl. She was doubly determined to steer the conversation away from the events in the village over the last few days if she could, knowing what George Wickham had tried to do to poor Georgiana Darcy.

  The cad had nearly succeeded in seducing and getting her to elope with him, all so he could get her thirty-thousand-pound dowry. Only after learning from Mr. Darcy that would never happen under any circumstances had Wickham immediately absconded. She was overcome with sympathy for the girl, but she tried to hide it.

  “You simply must tell us all about what happened the other day,” said Miss Caroline as she looked at Lizzy a few minutes after their arrival, when all banal pleasantries were exhausted, and everyone had a cup of tea in hand. “The men have been dreadfully tightlipped about it, as though we need to be protected. I tried to argue with Mr. Darcy. After all, if you are permitted to go out hunting down robbers, surely Louisa and I can handle a bit of unladylike information.” Her charming laugh was anything but.

  Lizzy gritted her teeth, recognizing the insult in Caroline’s words. “It was all an accidental discovery.” There was certainly no way she was admitting to Caroline Bingley that she had deliberately engaged in investigating the matter, knowing the village constable would fall far short of competence to do so. Mr. Darcy had ended up her companion via a strange series of events, but that was unlikely to ever be repeated.

  “What are you talking about?” asked Georgiana in her dulcet tones. She barely spoke loudly enough to be heard over the ticking of the grandfather clock.

  “Nothing important,” said Lizzy quickly.

  “Hardly,” said Louisa. “Our dear friend Miss Eliza is being far too modest, Georgiana. She almost singlehandedly stopped a militia officer who was stealing from the village and his own people. Can you imagine?” She sounded scandalized, but there was a flush in her face that revealed her excitement over the drama.

  Georgiana gasped. “How dreadful. However did you manage to do that, Miss Bennet?”

  “Quite by accident, I assure you, Miss Darcy.” Lizzy realized they weren’t going to be put off completely, so she tried to come up with an abbreviated version. “I was coming home from Meryton when I ran into Mr. Darcy. He offered to see me home, since it was getting late. I had stayed longer than I’d planned at my aunt’s house.”

  She almost crossed her fingers in the superstitious hope her aunt would support that version of the truth if it were ever revealed to her. “As we were walking, we saw someone moving about furtively, and there had been a series of thefts in the village. We simply approached to see who it was, and Mr. Darcy pinned the man in the shed while I ran for help. Unfortunately, the thief broke through the shed and injured Mr. Darcy, and he managed to escape, but at least we revealed the source of the danger.”

  Georgiana’s mouth formed an O. “My brother was hurt? Now he is off to London on an errand?” She shook her head. “He needs to take better care of himself. I suppose that must be why he took the carriage instead of riding.”

  Lizzy shrugged, not sharing with Georgiana that Darcy had been injured in an unmanly fashion, mainly because she still had no idea what that meant either. No one had bothered to enlighten her or Jane, so they were left to speculation. If it were in the area she suspected, no wonder he would not want to ride a horse just yet.

  “It must have been important business for him to leave you so shortly after your arrival.” She struggled to keep any hint of criticism from her tone, wondering if Darcy had any idea what nest of vipers he’d left his vulnerable sister in by leaving her under the care of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst.

  “It was an urgent matter that could not be dealt with without my brother.” Georgiana seemed unconcerned.

  “I cannot believe the village constable has yet to find the thief,” said Louisa.

  “I can,” said Jane. “The man is barely competent.”

  Coming from her dear, sweet sister, that was practically the worst insult one could direct toward Constable Walters, but it was naught but the truth. Lizzy smiled as she nodded her agreement.

  “Honestly, shouldn’t the colonel have rounded up Wickham by now? He does have all the soldiers at his disposal, does he not?” asked Caroline with a sniff.

  Georgiana’s teacup crashed onto her saucer with a clank, and she suddenly looked paler than she had. Her hand was shaking as she put down her teacup, and Lizzy wanted to reach out a hand to her. She knew hearing Wickham’s name had been what upset her, but she wasn’t about to draw attention to that in front of Mr. Bingley’s sisters, because she doubted they had any knowledge of just how Wickham had tried to disgrace the young woman before her. She sent the girl a sympathetic look, but there was little she could do or say.

  “Whatever is the matter? You have gone quite pale, Georgiana.” There seemed to be genuine concern in Caroline’s eyes. “How may we assist you?”

  Georgiana managed a ghost of a smile. “I do believe I am simply more tired from the journey than I realized. I
did not sleep well at the inn the last few nights when we stopped, and I have a difficult time adjusting to a bed that is not my own. I will excuse myself for a nap if no one objects?”

  “Of course, we do not object. If you decide that everyone should have a nap in the middle of the afternoon, it will be the newest trend ladies embrace.” Caroline’s obsequiousness was nauseating.

  Louisa was more restrained. “Certainly, you must rest, Miss Georgiana. It is a frightfully long journey to undertake on your own.”

  “I did have my companion, Mrs. Annesley,” said Georgiana. She sounded defensive when she said, “I assure you the trip was mundane and the height of propriety.”

  Louisa’s eyes widened. “I did not think otherwise.”

  Lizzy could imagine why Georgiana’s thoughts had jumped to assuming she was being accused of something. After the incident with Wickham, she was probably incredibly careful to guard her reputation, even more so than some women. As Mary liked to say, a woman’s reputation was only as beautiful as it was brittle.

  Georgiana excused herself moments later with Charles’s sisters clicking their tongues in concern. “The poor thing, and then to have Mr. Darcy go so quickly after she arrived.” Louisa was clearly disapproving.

  Caroline frowned. “It could hardly be helped. I am certain you know Mr. Darcy is most protective of Georgiana, and he would not have left her so soon after her arrival if it could be avoided. Besides, he knew she was safe with us…and Charles.”

  Lizzy didn’t miss the way Caroline’s gaze darted to Jane, and her sister stiffened slightly. Before Caroline could continue to sow seeds of discontent, she managed to change the conversation to a more benign topic, and the rest of tea was mostly endurable, other than the usual barbs from Caroline Bingley.

  Mr. Bingley arrived shortly before they finished their tea, and he joined them for a cup. He smiled at Jane in a becoming fashion and said, “I propose a walk. Would you be interested in joining me, Miss Jane?”

  “I would be delighted, Mr. Bingley.”

  Lizzy knew that was her cue to act as chaperone, especially since neither Louisa nor Caroline offered. She wouldn’t want to leave her vulnerable sister alone with them to any further extent than she had to anyway. She finished her last sip of tea and returned the cup to the tray. “I shall walk with you.”

  The three of them set off across the grounds, and after Jane had spent several moments with Mr. Bingley, he seemed ready to allow them to depart, though it was with clear reluctance. Jane seemed almost despondent as they fell into step on the way back to Longbourn, so Lizzy put her arm through her sister’s. “I do believe he likes you quite well, dear.”

  Jane smiled, but she still seemed uncertain. “I do not know. My heart says yes, but it seems too soon to feel this way about someone, does it not?”

  It most certainly did to Lizzy, but she wasn’t about to dampen Jane’s enthusiasm. Her sister was more uncomplicated than she was, and Mr. Bingley shared similar traits to her. She imagined they would both be the type who could instantly recognize someone with whom they could be happy and find a way to make it work.

  She couldn’t say that was love, but she had no doubt it would become a deep and abiding love for Jane and Charles. “I do not believe it is too hasty at all for the two of you. You seem well-suited for each other.”

  Jane was still apprehensive. She murmured something and looked away.

  “Whatever is the matter, Jane? Surely, you are not letting Miss Caroline’s implications get to you?”

  Jane looked back, not bothering to feign confusion. “The way she spoke of Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley—it made me wonder.”

  Lizzy’s lips tightened. “That was exactly what it was meant to do, Jane. That woman is not your friend. She likes to stir up trouble.”

  Jane shook her head. “No, I cannot believe that. Miss Bingley has been nothing but kindness to me, and I believe you are judging her unfairly.”

  Lizzy wanted to continue to argue, but she knew there wasn’t much point. Jane insisted on seeing the best in everyone, and while it was an admirable trait, it was counterintuitive to noticing reality at times. Rather than expect Jane to suspect the woman, Lizzy would just have to run interference as much as possible and keep Caroline’s innuendos and insults from piercing her sister’s heart.

  “I did not see them interact, but I do confess I cannot envision Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy being a good match. He is so lively and vivacious, while she seems quiet and withdrawn.” Lizzy couldn’t help wondering if she’d always been that way, or if it was a result of her experience with George Wickham, and she decided to confide in Jane. She spent the next few minutes explaining what Mr. Darcy had told her about the events at Ramsgate, and Jane’s shock was followed by subsequent anger at Wickham’s actions.

  “He is no gentleman,” she said resoundingly.

  “He certainly is not, even if he were not a thief.” Lizzy squeezed Jane’s hand. “I told you this to illustrate I do not believe Miss Georgiana is ready for romance, and I further believe Mr. Bingley would not be expressing interest in you if he were interested in Miss Darcy. If they are betrothed, I find it completely unlikely Mr. Bingley would behave in such a way that would dishonor him and her, especially with Mr. Darcy around to witness it.”

  Jane’s lips trembled. “That is a fair point. Mr. Darcy would likely object to any hint of impropriety if he is as protective of his sister as Miss Caroline stated.”

  “Indeed. You must ignore Caroline’s words. Perhaps she is verbalizing a wish she has. I have no doubt she would like to be part of the Darcy family.” She left unspoken exactly what role Caroline would like, and that was the position of Mrs. Darcy. Why that thought filled her with annoyance, Lizzy refused to contemplate.

  “I do believe you are correct. Of course, I shall say nothing about the incident to Miss Darcy or others, but do you suppose we should warn our sisters?”

  Lizzy hesitated for a moment, torn. “I have considered it, but in the end, I do not think it is necessary. We all know Lydia cannot keep a secret to save her life, and Kitty is currently too young to practice discretion. She will take her lead from Lydia, who will surely gossip about it. In Mary’s case, she is far too sensible to be engaging with officers anyway, so I feel no need to warn her about Wickham’s shady character, particularly now that the village knows what kind of man he is. I think we can protect our sisters if we simply keep an eye on them. They are unlikely to be near Mr. Wickham now that he is in disgrace.”

  Jane nodded her agreement. “I think your assessment is correct. I cannot believe he was such a dastardly man, and he took tea in our very parlor.” Jane seemed affronted by that most of all, and Lizzy was slightly amused, but she understood as well. After having learned what kind of character the man had, it did seem like a violation that he had been inside Longbourn and was treated like a welcome guest. Lizzy regretted that herself, especially since she had been the one to invite him for tea.

  2

  Fitzwilliam was happy to be returning to Netherfield, though he had never expected to have that sort of reaction to the area. He had no objection to country living, for he enjoyed spending a good part of his life at Pemberley, and there was nothing particularly objectionable about the outdoor area of Netherfield, but the society left much to be to desired.

  However, there were bright spots, and he was thinking of one of them now as he rode back from having to deal with business in London. The matter had turned out to be far more inconsequential than his steward had implied, and Darcy had been irritated to be called into town just as Georgiana had arrived at Netherfield, but at least the issue was settled now. His steward had puffed up with pride at realizing Mr. Darcy would’ve been happy to allow him to handle the situation in his stead. That was the trouble with breaking in new servants. The man’s father had recently retired, but young Wainwright was finding his way.

  Darcy rode faster than usual, eager to be home. He’d left the carriage in London, deciding to tak
e Goliath instead. He had ensured the horse was part of the team drawing the carriage to start with, anticipating he might feel up to riding home several days post-injury. There was still a little ache upon occasion as the saddle jolted him, but he was mostly recovered, though his pride remained dented from Wickham being able to get such an opening.

  Fitzwilliam shouldn’t have expected the man to fight fairly, but his defense lessons as a younger lad had not prepared him for a dishonorable opponent. He intended to remedy that once he was back at Pemberley by reengaging the master of his youth to show him how to block certain dirty tricks.

  Darcy suddenly jerked on the reins, causing the horse to whicker in protest and stomp the ground as he drew to a halt. Darcy patted his neck. “Sorry, chap.” For a moment, he wasn’t even certain why he had stopped the horse, but then he turned his head back, gaze alighting on a scrap of red.

  He dismounted Goliath and walked toward the thicket of blackberries. There was no fruit this late in the fall, but there were brambles, and they had served to tear a piece of red fabric from someone’s garment. Fitzwilliam retrieved it from the branches carefully, confirming it was part of the militia uniform. It could belong to any of the soldiers, he supposed, but it was most likely to belong to Wickham.

  Despite having stolen so many items, which he either had intended to return to his victims via ransom, or perhaps sell to someone else in London when he had a chance, Fitzwilliam and Miss Bennet had kept him from having the opportunity. He had not made the proceeds from his thefts that he would’ve anticipated, and since it had come out in the village that Mr. Wickham owed just about everyone for something, the man likely had little to no funds with which to flee.