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“What is the name of this villain?”

“George Wickham.”

Well at least they were talking about the same person. She sighed, this conversation had to take place, if only to allow her to move on with her life.

“My guards apprehended two men trying to break into Napier Hall last night.”

She had his undivided attention.

“When questioned one of the men told a very interesting tale.”

She got the whole show. A grimace, closing of the eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose, together with a sad but resolute expression. Elizabeth saw the visual equivalent of many chickens coming home to roost. After a moment that seemed longer than it was, he addressed her.

“May I go and talk to the man?”

She was always going to protect Mr. Jones and her men.

“Both of them shot at my guards, who returned fire. Although able to be questioned, both men died from their wounds.”

The Colonel tried to hide his happiness and was not close to being successful.

“Will you permit me to see the body of Wickham, confirm that he is dead.”

There was no need to be petty. It would also draw a line under the matter. She raised her voice.

“Mr. Jones!”

Jones was there in seconds, clearly having been waiting outside the door.

“Mr. Jones, please take the Colonel to confirm the identity of our prisoner.”

Jones did not say anything but merely stood there waiting for the Colonel to stand.

“The Colonel has had previous dealings with the man. He will confirm the identity.”

Recognition dawned on Jones’ face and he escorted the Colonel from the room.

“What can you tell me about last night?”

The tone of command. But Thomas Jones was a changed man, and no longer an Army man.

“Nothing sir. It is not my place to discuss matters here on the Napier Estate. Any questions will need to be addressed to her Ladyship.”

Richard heard the underlying message. It was an impatient Richard Fitzwilliam that was led to a guarded door at the end of the stable block.

“Leave the door open so that we have the light, do not let anyone approach.”

The one-armed guard nodded and unbolted the door. Richard saw the body lying in the straw, the first faint whiff of corruption in the air. But that was ignored when he saw the body of George Wickham, a man that should have been hanged a decade previously. How many lives had been ruined by the lack of moral fibre, by the softness of the Darcy family, including the daughter of the family. He stared at the face, noting the mark on the left ear given to Wickham by Richard himself all those years ago. This was without doubt George Wickham. He also noted that the body had been carefully covered with sacking. Only the face was visible.

“Thank you.”

They left the stall and the door was immediately bolted. They walked back to the Mistress’ study in silence.

“Please stay Mr. Jones. I suspect the good Colonel will have questions.”

“I have many questions but first of all I would like to thank you. That man has been a menace to society for too many years. At first it was only the ruination of young women and defrauding of merchants but in the last year I suspect his crimes are even worse. I will say nothing about this to anyone, you have my word. The only question is whether I can tell my cousin and my ward. But it will not be without your permission.”

Elizabeth gave no indication of assent or not.