Season 1 | Episode 2

ELIZABETH: There's nothing I can do about what's happening to you.

JANE: Poor things.

The baby's hers?

Get him!

You're on your own, Wickham.

I killed him!

We both have reasons to keep quiet, don't we, Colonel?

COLONEL FITZWILLIAM: So his attempted seduction of Georgiana has remained secret.

Our one suspect is yourself I didn't do it, you know.

CUMMING: "Death (thunder) (woman wailing) National MR. DARCY: I have struggled long and hard.

I've tried in vain to quieten the feelings I have for you, knowing that such a match would in so many ways be a dereliction of duty to my rank.

Not to speak of the connection to your family, whose status is so decidedly beneath my own.

Nevertheless... You come here to tell me you like me against your will, your reason and even your character?

Can you not see the insult in that?

Lizzy.

Lizzy?

I'm so afraid, Jane!

Of what?

That Darcy regrets his match with me.

You're both under great stress.

He's been so distant.

I keep remembering the things he said the first time he proposed: about our family and his duty to his rank...

But he changed, Lizzy.

You changed him.

Our marriage has brought George Wickham back into his life, and as a brother too!

He knew that before you were wed.

He chose you with his eyes wide open!

I've always comforted myself with that thought, but don't you see this is different, Jane?

Wickham is accused of murder.

That grave in the woods today belonged to a man who brought shame and scandal to Pemberley generations ago.

The same could happen again, and this time it would be my fault.

Lizzy, no.

No!

It's the shock of the last few days speaking.

When two people love each other as you do, they face the challenges of life together.

You know your husband, Lizzy, as I do mine.

He could never think a bad thought about you if he tried.

(birds squawking) (sobbing) Time and some proper sleep will put it all back into perspective.

Thank you for being here.

Lizzy...

I know, I know, I know, I know you have to leave in the morning.

I will be fine.

I will.

Madame.

Mrs. Reynolds.

Oh, Madame?

Louisa Bidwell, have you noticed anything unusual about her of late?

Only that we haven't seen much of her since she's been looking after her sister's baby.

Would you have a quiet word with her, see if there's anything she'd like to confide?

Of course.

I think she may be in trouble.

Press her a little, would you?

About young men, anything of that nature.

I see.

Sir Selwyn!

If I'm not mistaken, that's blood, sir.

Better fetch Dr. McFee.

Yes, sir.

JANE: There'll be no visitors at Highmarten, Lydia.

You need absolute peace and quiet.

LYDIA: But I can't let people down.

I have to set an example of dignity and wifely courage.

MRS. BENNET: You're right, we will organize a diary as soon as we get there.

(Lydia laughing) Thank you, Mama.

DARCY: Elizabeth.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is returning to his regiment this afternoon.

However, he has asked my permission to seek Georgiana's hand on his return.

I've told him it will be her decision, of course.

However, we would both be delighted if she were to say yes.

(clears throat) Forgive me, I'm confused.

We, all three of us, know Georgiana's inclination lies elsewhere.

Her fondness for young Alveston.

I'm aware of it, it's endearing, but no more than a passing fancy, I'm sure.

He is from a good family, but we hardly know him, and nor does Georgiana.

I don't think he can guarantee the same security... Security?

What of happiness?

Elizabeth.

Sorry, excuse me.

DARCY: I'm so sorry.

Elizabeth.

Georgiana loves Alveston.

She's young!

No younger than I was when I met you.

Are you implying Colonel Fitzwilliam is incapable of making her happy?

I think that's true.

We know him.

He is a kind, decent and honorable...

Arrogant, secretive man.

Tell me, Darcy, is it the stability of his fortune that attracts you most?

There is no shame in that.

My sister's well-being and safety are of paramount importance to me now.

Love can grow with time.

That's not how you chose.

You did not defer to duty and rank, and yet you impose those burdens on Georgiana.

There's a word for that, I think.

Oh, "hypocrite"?

I'm sorry that's your view of me.

We discussed this, Darcy!

We agreed!

Yes, and things have changed, Elizabeth.

Who knows what misfortunes lie ahead?

If we're dragged deeper into this scandal, she may never find a husband!

Better that than a loveless marriage.

Or one made in a wave of sentimental haste?

What's that supposed to mean?

Exactly what it says.

I demand that you retract your consent.

I will do nothing of the kind.

I will thank you to apologize to the colonel for being so rude.

I'll do nothing of the kind.

If you have a moment.

I've never seen it before.

Your first name is Fitzwilliam, I believe.

The other possibility is Denny, but then, his first name was Martin.

I take it you and Mrs. Darcy no longer indulge in amorous frivolities of this kind.

Once one has children...

There's no evidence this was carved in love.

It looks more like mischief-making to me.

LOUISA: His name is Freddie Delancey.

He's my sweetheart.

He went to London for a few days and he hasn't come back.

I've waited and waited.

Louisa... Is he also the father of your baby?

(sobbing) Please don't tell my father.

It would kill him.

Of course not, of course not.

You have my word.

I assume your mother knows.

When we found out, she sent me to Birmingham to my sister's.

She has three children already, so it was easy to pass Georgie off as hers.

I'm not one of those silly girls, Madame, who gets her head turned by a soldier only to find out that he's run off when she's with child.

I mean, Freddie is a soldier with the local regiment, but he's different.

He's sweet and kind, and he loves me, I know he does.

I'm sure you're right.

He went to London to borrow some money so that me, him and Georgie could go away together.

Start a new life.

Something terrible must have happened.

Would you like me to inquire with his regiment?

Madame, would you?

Freddie Delancey's his name.

ELIZABETH: Yes, of course.

Run along.

You've taken up quite enough of Mrs. Darcy's time.

Thank you.

Oh, I hope I've done the right thing, Madame.

ELIZABETH: Of course.

Although I fear that our Mr. Delancey may prove to be long since gone.

"I perceived it to be a human creature, not six inches high, with a bow and arrow in its hands and a quiver at his..." (sheep bleating) "A quiver at his back."

Mr. Alveston, Madame.

Is something wrong?

I'm sorry, Henry.

But I cannot receive you anymore or communicate with you in any way.

May I ask... No.

Forgive me.

Have I misunderstood you, Georgiana?

I'm sorry.

Is it to do with Colonel Fitzwilliam?

I know the situation places great pressure on you all...

Please, Henry.

My mind is made up.

Then it only remains for me to wish you every happiness.

(sobbing) Thank you.

Elizabeth.

Are you aware that Alveston's been here?

Yes, I just saw him go.

I'm leaving for the inquest.

Georgiana, I'm so sorry.

I saw Alveston.

I'd like to be alone.

You don't have to do this, we will find a way.

Stop, I'm fine!

This isn't what you want!

I am a Darcy, Elizabeth!

This place, this family was not sustained or built by people doing what they want.

But you...

It is bigger than you or I, or any of us.

We play our part so it may continue after we are gone.

I'm choosing to do this, Elizabeth.

Stable him.

Sir.

I'd like to offer what help or support I'm able.

Thank you, Alveston.

I have some seats, sir.

DARCY: Sir Selwyn.

Who's presiding today?

I am.

There's a shortage of coroners, as you know.

Needs must.

Excuse me.

Just here.

Gentlemen.

Sir Selwyn.

(crowd becoming boisterous) (crowd quiets) You may remove the fetters from the prisoner.

Gentlemen of the jury, your numbers look depleted.

Begging your pardon, sir.

I had a burial.

I had a calving.

I had a birth.

A human, that is.

Oh, the myriad colors of local life represented by our jury fine and fair.

(laughter) Life, however, is not our primary concern today, but death, the death of Captain Martin Denny on the night of June 14.

Your duty is to pronounce on the cause of this regrettable demise, decide whether or not this case should proceed to trial.

First witness, please.

DR. McFEE: On you go, George.

(cheering and applause) Madame, a letter from the regiment.

Thank you, Stoughton.

Oh, dear.

Is that lunch for Mr. Darcy?

Yes, Madame, everything he wanted is there.

And I've arranged for a couple of girls to deliver it now.

I'll take it myself.

Would you like me to organize somebody to accompany... No, no, no... Actually, I'll take Louisa Bidwell.

Very good.

So, when we did reach the woods...

Finally!

I had a terrible time getting Betty and Millie into... Betty and...?

Oh, them's me horses, sir, Betty and Millie.

(laughing) They always feel when Mrs. Reilly's ghost is at large, sir.

This is ridiculous.

Those creatures were bucking and rearing like nobody's business.

(horse neighs) I reckon they knew a death was about to take place.

They can smell it on the wind, it's a sixth sense!

The facts, Mr. Pratt, the facts.

Well, when we was about halfway through the woods, it was then that Mr. Denny got out.

He said something about being finished.

Wickham, I'm finished with it.

And then Mr. Wickham followed.

Don't be a bloody fool!

"Denny, don't be a fool," he said.

Those were the exact words as you remember them?

They are.

Mr. Wickham disappeared after him.

And I didn't know what to do, sir, as you can imagine.

I don't wish to imagine, I wish to be informed.

Well, we waited, it seemed, an age.

Probably no more than a few minutes, and then we heard them.

Gunshots.

(crowd murmurs) The first one, boom!

(gunshot, horse neighs) GEORGE PRATT: Come on, come on, shh.

It seemed to bounce off the trees.

And then a minute later, another.

(gunshot) The horses bolted, and what with the lady screaming murder, it was all I could do to get Betty and...

Thank you, thank you!

(crowd laughter) Mr. Pratt, you may step down.

But sir, could I just add... No, you could not, thank you!

(applause) Thank goodness for that.

HARDCASTLE: Mr. Wickham.

(men in crowd booing) Mr. Wickham, you resolutely maintain you played no part in Captain Denny's demise.

Yet I have written testimony from three witnesses that when they found you at the scene of the crime, you clearly said you killed him and that it was all your fault.

(crowd jeering) WICKHAM: Captain Denny was disgusted that I would take my wife to a ball that she had not been invited to.

HECKLER: Liar!

MAN: Quiet!

Let the man speak.

Thank you.

I felt that if I hadn't been drinking, I could have prevented him from jumping from the carriage into the woods to meet his aggressor.

So, why, in your opinion, did he run into the thick of the woods with no lamp at dusk instead of staying on the path?

I don't know.

He was angry.

Was he frightened of you?

Of course not.

That is absurd.

Oh, Frank Stirling, no inquest would be complete without a question from you.

What is it?

(crowd laughter) We're to understand, sir, that unlike his wife, Mr. Wickham would never have been admitted to Pemberley Ball or no ball?

What relevance are social invitations to the matter?

This could turn to you, sir.

STIRLING: Only this.

It's a powerful strange thing for a man to forbid his house to a brother unless that brother be prone to violence of some kind.

Perhaps Mr. Darcy can throw some light upon the question.

I have never known Mr. Wickham to be a violent man.

He has always been a peaceable and sociably affable man and such is his reputation.

(crowd jeering) Thank you, Mr. Darcy.

Thank you, Mr. Wickham.

You may sit.

Dr. McFee.

(applause) Dr. McFee, you examined the large stone that was found covered in blood... What stone?

HARDCASTLE: ...not 50 yards from the site Mr. Wickham was discovered with Captain Denny's body.

Could it, in your opinion, have been used as a murder weapon?

Well, the weight and shape of it are consistent with the victim's injuries, sir, so it could have been, yes.

I dragged Denny's body through the woods to get him to safety.

There's probably blood everywhere!

But then, you've never been on a battlefield, have you, Doctor?

Mr. Wickham.

Please.

Sir.

Dr. McFee, thank you.

(applause) HARDCASTLE: I suggest the jury retire, preferably not to the bar, and consider their verdict.

(chatter) (dog barking) Louisa.

I had a reply from the local regiment.

They've never heard of a Freddie Delancey.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

I'll take this to Mr. Darcy.

Tell him I'm waiting outside.

Louisa.

We will keep looking for him.

What do you think?

Well, we must hold on to the fact that no hard evidence has been presented.

Though it would have helped if he had been a little more contrite.

True-- here they come.

The Bidwell girl.

Louisa?

Louisa, Louisa!

What is it?

Freddie.

What Freddie, where?

It's him.

Louisa, Louisa, come with me.

I don't want to go in.

Please.

HARDCASTLE: Mr. Stirling, has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?

We have.

We find that Captain Denny died from a blow to the back of the skull, and that said blow was delivered by George Wickham.

What?!

He was my best friend!

STIRLING: Our verdict, therefore, is that Captain Denny was murdered by George Wickham!

Mr. Wickham, it is my duty to inform you... ELIZABETH: Where is he?

HARDCASTLE: ...that you will be committed for trial at the next Derby assize.

Tell me, Louisa!

This is madness!

I didn't do it!

I will not accept the authority of this court.

Freddie!

ELIZABETH: Wickham?

(wailing) (footsteps approaching, keys jingling) ♫♫ (birds chirping) (baby crying) (baby crying) ELIZABETH: Darcy!

Darcy!

Sir Selwyn asked you a question.

Forgive me.

I was asking about the Bidwell girl, Louisa.

She's in some distress.

It is a personal matter that has nothing to do with the case.

Come now, you can give me more credit than that.

It was Wickham she was looking at, wasn't it?

Or should I say, "Freddie"?

Were they lovers?

She bore his child.

He called himself Freddie Delancey.

He told her he was a soldier.

How did they become acquainted?

It seems when his wife was staying with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley at Highmarten, Wickham would ride over here and spend his days roaming Pemberley woods.

I see.

In search of fruit ripe enough to pluck.

Yet again, Wickham proves his superior character.

(sighs) It won't look good for him if this comes up in court.

It's the kind of conduct that can prejudice a jury quite, quite severely.

Open the gate.

(gate opens) America, the New World.

I've decided to go there when this nightmare is over.

It's a long voyage.

With little prospect of return.

But then, my alternative offers me a strictly one-way journey, too.

You should at least move the desk over to the light.

Clearly you haven't noticed the view.

How is Louisa?

Do you honestly expect me to believe you care?

What about my son?

Georgie?

He'll be fine.

I loved her, you know.

After a fashion.

You wanted to see me.

Yes.

Yes, to ask that you don't mention this... situation at the trial.

I'll be under oath.

Dammit, Darcy, I could hang.

Don't you think I am aware of that?!

I am doing everything I can to preserve your life, but I will not perjure myself for you!

It wasn't enough that you are unwelcome at Highmarten, you had to ride over to Pemberley and deliberately ruin an innocent girl?

I did nothing of the sort.

I came to Pemberley because it's the place I've been happiest in my life!

Damn you!

Please, Fitzwilliam, at least keep my wife away from the trial.

Is there any connection between your affair with Louisa Bidwell and Captain Denny's death?

None.

MRS. BIDWELL: She didn't know it was George Wickham.

Madame, I swear on the baby's life!

Please don't worry, we hold Wickham entirely responsible.

If Mr. Bidwell ever finds out, this'll kill him!

Mr. Darcy will keep him busy up at the house for a few days to give you all some time.

Louisa, when we last spoke, you mentioned there was a lady with Wickham.

Do you know her name?

Eleanor.

That's all I know.

When did you last see her?

Louisa?

It's very important that you tell me the whole truth now.

The morning of the murder.

I was to meet her in the cellars of the old abbey to hand over Georgie.

I was worried about Freddie.

I'd not seen or heard from him.

I hoped he'd be there too.

Instead, there was another man.

Who?

Captain Denny.

You're sure it was him?

Please, madame, I know nothing about his death.

Can you remember anything about this lady?

Anything at all-- what she was wearing?

She had on a long, dark colored coat and a bonnet with green ribbons.

Miss Bidwell.

When I got there...

I didn't trust her.

Where's Freddie?

This is Captain Denny.

He's a friend of Freddie's.

She was going to look after the baby until we got ourselves back on our feet.

ELIZABETH: And?

LOUISA: I agreed at first.

But there was something about her.

She loved Georgie far too much.

You beautiful little thing.

Miss Bidwell, here is the £30.

I trust it will be satisfactory.

Miss Bidwell... Miss Bidwell!

She was furious.

Miss Bidwell!

She thought that it was money I was after for my own child.

We can't keep him, madame.

Not George Wickham's bastard son.

(door opens) Will.

You mustn't get up, William.

The doctor forbade it.

My mother wishes to protect me from all things, Mrs. Darcy.

She thinks just because my body is failing, then my mind must be too.

Mrs. Darcy wants to know the truth, Louisa.

You should tell her there was a third person in the abbey that morning.

Who?

A gentleman.

Louisa?

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

(laughing) You asked to see me, madame?

Yes.

Mrs. Reynolds.

There have been developments with Louisa Bidwell.

Her baby is going to need a new home.

(gasps) Could you make some discreet inquiries?

My brother's widow runs a boarding school near Highbury.

She may be able to help.

Good.

(laughing) Why is it children must always pay for the sins of their fathers?

MRS. PIGGOTT: And then they got into the coach and left.

And you're quite sure that's what you heard?

I'm not a woman to misremember things, especially when it comes to disputes.

You can ask Mr. Piggott.

Would Mr. Piggott be good enough to spare you for a trip to Derby?

Derby!

You'll probably be called to give evidence at the trial.

(gasps) I'll be needing a new hat!

Did you hear that, Mr. Piggott?

Derby!

Thank you, Mrs. Piggott.

Not at all.

ELIZABETH: Wickham must have given the £30 to Denny as an inducement for Louisa to give up her baby.

DARCY: So Denny was acting as Wickham's messenger boy.

Too much of a coward to face Louisa himself.

It appears so.

What a mess.

Wickham asked that we keep Lydia away from the trial.

Well, I'll write and invite her here.

Jane will be grateful for the respite and I can keep an eye on her.

Darcy...

There was someone else at the abbey that morning.

Colonel Fitzwilliam.

That's impossible.

Louisa saw him there.

I'm not listening to this.

Don't!

Don't blind yourself to this!

Why was he there, and what was that loan of £30 to Wickham really about?

Why must you persist in blackening his name?

What next, that he's the killer?

Do you have so little faith in me you think I would deliver my sister to such a man?

FITZWILLIAM: If Wickham is condemned, Pemberley will be engulfed in scandal.

Darcy will be unlikely to be received in London and his credit might be lost.

Bad, indeed.

I mention this only to reassure you, cousin, of my full and constant support.

Yes, thank you.

I shall speak to Darcy about it.

If help of any kind is needed, including financial... No, please don't mention it to him.

We're grateful of your kindness, but he'd be most upset.

You know him.

At times of trouble, family must stick together.

Yes, of course.

Georgiana... Cousin, don't.

Please get up.

Is this not the correct form?

It's not necessary!

Forgive me, Georgiana.

I am...

I am a soldier.

My words fall unpolished.

But please believe, the feelings behind them are most sincere.

My pride and brotherly feelings changing to true affection and love.

Would you do me the very great honor of joining your life to mine?

Yes.

What is it?

Nothing, I'm fine.

Really, I'm fine.

Excuse me.

(birds chirping) Stop here, please!

Sir Selwyn.

Darcy, forgive the intrusion.

I rarely sleep the night before a trial.

You were right about one thing.

These initials are the work of mischief.

Frederick Delancey, Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Wickham chose his false name with deliberate intent.

Other than the Bidwells, does anyone else live in this part of the woods?

No.

I've long believed Denny jumped out of the carriage and ran into these trees out of fear of George Wickham.

But now I wonder, was he going to see the Bidwells?

Wickham's affair with Louisa Bidwell has nothing to do with this trial.

You're a man of conscience, Darcy.

Are you absolutely sure of what you say?

"The Wicked Mr. Wickham," read it here, only a penny!

Only a penny, read it here!

FITZWILLIAM: Darcy.

Morning, cousin.

Alveston.

Good news.

The stone found in the wood won't be admissible evidence in court.

It's too inconclusive.

So we begin with no murder weapon and no motive.

Good.

Good.

It's Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Cartwright, counsel for the prosecution.

One of the best.

Darcy.

Sir Selwyn.

Colonel.

Sir Selwyn.

Why you had to hire that radical to defend Wickham, I don't know.

It's high risk if you ask me.

(crowd booing and jeering) George Wickham, hold up your hand.

You stand indicted for the murder of Captain Martin Denny.

How say you, George Wickham?

Not guilty, Your Honor.

(crowd shouting) Mr. Cartwright, if you'd like to begin.

Gentlemen of the jury, the evidence going to be presented to you today will leave you with little doubt in your minds that the death of Captain Denny was indeed murder most malicious and foul.

(crowd jeering) This was a particularly vicious and cowardly crime.

The first blow to the victim's forehead... You wish to know the whereabouts of a certain couple.

George Wickham and my sister Georgiana.

Where are they?

How much are you prepared to pay?

Your maximum price, if you'd be so kind.

CARTWRIGHT: I'm confident that you, members of the jury, will deliver the right, the only possible verdict in this case: guilty!

(crowd cheers and applauds) Lady Catherine.

I thought it would be a quick detour.

Getting here took much longer than I expected.

You really shouldn't have troubled yourself.

I must go where I'm needed.

I have long been a martyr to that fact.

It has been said my presence can act as the most extraordinary tonic, especially to the poor and needy.

How intriguing.

The term "miraculous" has been used, but it's not for me to judge.

Indeed.

I come straight from a cousin's bedside.

The poor wretch has been ill for over a year.

Far too much fuss and bother.

I told him he needed to decide whether to live or die, and then get on with it with as little possible inconvenience to others.

I'm sure he appreciated the clarification.

Where's Darcy?

He's in Derby, at the trial.

Then we need to talk.

ALVESTON: Mr. Wickham, did Captain Denny serve alongside you in the Irish campaign of 1798?

He did.

You became something of a national hero in the aftermath, I understand, for your courageous role in fighting the French.

I did my duty for King and Country, and nothing more.

To the night in question, June the 14th.

You, Mrs. Wickham and Captain Denny journeyed together through Pemberley woods?

Yes, about halfway through, Captain Denny shouted for the carriage to stop.

Driver!

WICKHAM: He jumped out.

You're on your own Wickham, I'm finished.

He was angry with my plan to deliver my wife uninvited to the ball.

Denny always put a premium on honorable behavior, and to him, this was dishonorable.

WICKHAM: Denny!

Don't be a bloody fool!

LYDIA: Wickham!

Wickham, come back here this instant!

WICKHAM I pursued him.

By the time that I found him, he had been attacked and was close to death.

Denny!

Denny...

I saw someone fleeing through the trees, so I grabbed Denny's pistol and fired.

(branch rustling) (gunshot) But they were gone.

I fired again for help.

Help!

(gunshot) And then I realized I had to get Denny to safety as fast as I could, (voice breaking): and I tried...

But it was... it was to no avail.

ALVESTON: Mr. Wickham, is there any reason at all for you to have been filled with such hatred for your dearest friend that you would have pursued him into those woods and battered him to death?

No, no, the very idea is insanity!

I loved Captain Denny as a brother!

And I would defend him with my life.

(crowd murmuring) LADY CATHERINE: You must know, Elizabeth, that the whole of society is asking about this case?

We've been positively under siege on my tour.

I trust you answered all questions with the appropriate blend of fiction and fact.

You seem very calm about this.

I do not like gossip any more than you do.

But I'm afraid we make sport for our neighbors, and they in turn entertain us.

It was ever thus.

Darcy must publicly disown George Wickham and have nothing further to do with this sordid trial.

I trust he will not be giving evidence in court?

Oh, yes, he will.

A Darcy cannot be seen in the dock.

It's disgraceful.

He's been called as a witness, Lady Catherine.

He has no choice.

What nonsense!

Think of your good name.

If a good name depends on turning one's back on duty and justice, then I hardly think it worth preserving at all.

What would your mother have to say about this?

I fear a great deal.

LYDIA: Lizzy!

Lizzy, where are you?

Lizzy?

You'll never guess what just happened in town!

I bumped into some ladies-- I stopped off at that lovely milliners we have in Lambton-- and we were having the most civil conversation until I mentioned I was Mrs. Darcy's sister, at which point they turned their backs on me and walked away!

I marched straight up to them and I said I wasn't in the slightest bit ashamed of you.

I truly defended you, Lizzy, you see?!

(sighing) Lady Catherine, I don't believe you've had the pleasure.

Mrs. George Wickham.

I will not be staying after all.

You will think about what I said, Elizabeth.

You'll decide I'm right!

ELIZABETH: Come now, Lady Catherine, surely you know me better than that?

Well!

Mr. Wickham, I have here a list of unpaid debts from your army days.

(crowd murmuring) Eight pounds to one Colonel Forster, unpaid.

Five pounds to the Innkeeper of the Cross and Scepter in Bath, unpaid.

I mean, the list goes on.

(crowd murmuring) Do you acknowledge these debts?

What if I do?

It doesn't explain why I would kill my best friend.

Only the perpetrator of a crime can truly understand his reasons.

And they seldom make sense to the truth-telling, peace-loving man.

And therefore I put it to you, Mr. Wickham, that you are neither truth-telling nor peace-loving!

(crowd cheers in agreement) Mr. Wickham, am I correct that the precise location where you first came across Captain Denny in the woods has never been discovered?

One patch of woods looks very much like another in the dark.

(thunder roiling) And I dragged Denny quite some distance before we stopped.

Yes, quite, a man who is clearly severely wounded and close to death.

It could hardly have been a soothing experience for him.

I was trying to get him to help.

And yet, as events subsequently proved, help was on its way.

DARCY: Wickham?

WICKHAM: I killed him.

My only friend and I killed him.

I put it to you, Mr. Wickham, that it was less Captain Denny's well-being that was on your mind than saving yourself.

You wanted to get him as far as possible from the scene of the crime to make sure it was never found again.

Your Honor, I must object!

JUDGE: I beg your pardon?

The prosecution is indulging in hypothesis, nothing more.

Mr. Alveston, await your turn to speak.

Sit down!

Please show some restraint.

Mr. Wickham.

I'd like to bring your attention to the argument between Captain Denny and yourself at the King's Arms before you left for the ball.

What exactly happened between you?

As I have said, he didn't like my plan regarding my wife.

And that's the full extent of your discussion at that point?

Yes!

No further questions, Your Honor.

What's he playing at?

I don't know.

Call your next witness.

Mrs. Piggott of Lambton, please!

(crowd murmuring) DARCY: She wasn't at the inquest.

Is this something new?

Yes, and I am afraid it could be dangerous.

Mrs. Piggott, you were at work in the King's Arms the evening Mr. and Mrs. Wickham and Captain Denny set off in a coach for Pemberley, is that correct?

It is.

CARTWRIGHT: And would you say they were a happy party?

PIGGOTT: I would not, sir, no.

Did you hear a quarrel between them?

Your Honor, the prosecution is assuming a quarrel.

He's blatantly leading the witness!

Will you sit back down?

Did you hear what they were saying?

I did.

They were no more than a few feet below me, and I saw Captain Denny hand a large sum of money to Mr. Wickham.

I want no part in this.

Denny, please, this one last thing and I promise I'll be done with it.

I'm not playing this game.

He said he no longer wanted anything to do with it or with him.

(crowd murmuring) He told him it had been deceit from start to finish.

You're selfish, utterly selfish.

You know nothing, do you, of... ...women and what they truly feel.

(crowd grumbling) CARTWRIGHT: Mrs. Piggott, you're sure these are the exact words you heard?

As sure as night turns to day.

"Deceit from start to finish."

A damning description from his dearest friend.

Thank you, Mrs. Piggott.

No further questions, Your Honor.

Mrs. Piggott, did you see either of the men lay a hand on one another during this conversation you overheard?

No, sir.

Mr. Wickham would be foolish to challenge Captain Denny, as he was armed and all.

So the fact that they were to travel together was no occasion for anxiety?

They had Mrs. Wickham with them; they wouldn't be starting a fight in front of a lady, now would they?

(crowd murmuring) Indeed.

Mrs. Piggott, why did you not give this evidence at the inquest?

(quietly): I didn't want the whole town laughing behind my back.

Sorry, I don't quite follow.

MAN: Speak up!

Mrs. Piggott, please, will you speak up for the sake of the jury?

I was visiting the privy when I heard them.

(laughter) It's a proper disgrace if a lady can't go about her business without having to talk in public about it.

Quite.

(laughter continues) Well, that's quite enough for one day.

Court is adjourned until tomorrow morning.

FITZWILLIAM: Darcy.

Darcy!

Mrs. Younge!

(louder): Mrs. Younge!

I had hoped never to see you again.

Then allow me to oblige by leaving your presence.

This time I want the truth.

What's the connection between Wickham and yourself?

George Wickham is my brother, Mr. Darcy.

I grew up ignorant of Wickham's existence, but when he came to find me, we discovered a connection purer and stronger than anything else in our lives.

When I found out he had a son, I had to meet him.

May I?

And he was beautiful.

I'll take good care of him, Louisa, I promise.

He'll want for nothing.

Wickham wanted me to have him.

You beautiful little thing!

If it wasn't for that idiot mother and Denny getting in the way.

The £30, I trust it will be satisfactory... Miss Bidwell!

Miss Bidwell!

You idiot!

I could still be a good mother to him, Mr. Darcy.

Please?

"Please"?

You're asking for my help?

To trust you with the well-being of an innocent child after what you did to Georgiana?

You posed as a respectable governess so that I would place her in your care, then you took her to Ramsgate and you threw her to Wickham!

He'd make a fine husband to any woman!

Oh, your sister's no victim, Mr. Darcy.

Not with men such as you to guard her, and women such as me who sacrifice their lives to protect the sanctity of high rank!

I suppose it was you extorting money from Colonel Fitzwilliam?

(chuckles) Extorting?

He came to me of his own free will.

He's a reasonable man.

(whispering): Adequate compensation... Would you count it in a place like this?

Wake up.

I spoke to Mrs. Younge today in court.

It seems you two have been seeing quite a bit of one another.

I saw no point in troubling you with it.

Really?

You're in this up to your neck.

I had no idea events would take the course they have.

Every decision I have made, Darcy, was to protect you.

You'll just have to take my word for it.

Oh, I'll take your word on nothing until you explain yourself.

When Wickham first told me of the mess he was in, I saw the danger immediately.

A bastard child of his growing up at Pemberley?

You'd never be rid of the man!

I thought it best to deal with it quickly and simply.

I don't have some of your qualms.

You refer to putting yourself at the mercy of a blackmailer?

She is a woman one can do business with.

She wanted to take the child.

I was prepared to pay her to do so.

It seemed simple enough.

You acted on my behalf without consulting me, yet you dare suggest you were motivated by concern.

I think your reasons were a little more self-interested.

If you mean Georgiana, then yes, of course she was on my mind.

If she is to be my wife, I must protect her from further taint.

"Further taint"?

I'm not quite sure I follow.

I refer to her history with Wickham, of course.

Darcy!

I must ask you not to see or speak to Georgiana again on any account!

Don't be a bloody fool!

Things are bad for Wickham.

This could be her only chance of a good match!

Look, I will take her even if he hangs.

How dare you!

Stoughton!

Darcy...

Colonel Fitzwilliam is leaving immediately.

Please prepare his horse.

Georgiana... What is it?

What's wrong?

I have done you a terrible wrong.

No, you've only ever done what's right for me, brother, always!

I encouraged you to accept the hand of a man that you didn't love, and perhaps never would.

I accepted his offer of my own free will.

Yes, but I didn't stop you.

I didn't stop you.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is not the man that I thought he was.

Elizabeth tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen.

I would not listen.

I was stubborn and blind to the truth.

Can you please... Can you please forgive me?

There's nothing to forgive.

Marry for love, Georgiana.

Marry... Marry the person your heart cries out for.

And when you have that person, do not doubt them, not for a single moment.

I'm so sorry.

(sighs) Darcy...

I believe George Wickham to be guilty of this crime.

Why?

Captain Denny knew of his affair with Louisa Bidwell.

He was trying to help.

Their argument wasn't about bringing Lydia to the ball.

It was about Louisa and the baby.

And when Denny jumped from that carriage, he plunged into those woods to warn her that she'd been abandoned by her lover and that he would try and take her baby.

Possibly even reveal Wickham's true identity-- who knows.

But Wickham had to stop him, and he did.

Once and for all.

(gunshot) And Hardcastle guessed.

He understood long before I did.

And in a few hours, we'll both give our testimony in court.

And if this is revealed... Poor Lydia.

I think it's time she learned of the affair.

And probably best it came from you first.

Darcy.

(door closes) DARCY: But that's the motive that's always been missing.

But there is still no proof!

It all adds up.

All we know for sure is that Wickham fathered a child out of wedlock.

That's still not yet a reason for a man to hang.

Supposition or not, you know how it'll look when it comes out.

The jury would be prejudiced against him beyond repair, yes, but Darcy, we must believe in justice.

Wickham has to be judged on the evidence alone.

Your duty is to answer the questions put to you as simply and directly as you can.

Mine is to do everything to ensure a fair trial.

Beyond that, it is out of our control.

What about Hardcastle?

I don't know him as well as you do.

Is he a man to let prejudice cloud his judgment?

(door opens) DARCY: "My best friend is dead, I killed him, it's my fault."

That might not be the precise order, but those were the words.

ALVESTON: And what did you take those words to mean?

I was looking at a man in the greatest distress, kneeling over the body of his friend.

I took him to mean that if there hadn't been a disagreement that had caused his friend to run into the woods, then he wouldn't have met his death.

(crowd grumbles) No further questions, your honor.

I must congratulate you, Mr. Darcy, on your remarkable presence of mind.

Here before you was a man leaning over the body of his murdered friend.

Sobbing that he killed him, it was his fault, yet somehow you deduced that this was not a confession, but regret for an earlier argument that led to the victim's flight towards an aggressor whose existence to this day remains pure hypothesis, and who for some reason took it into his head to murder a complete stranger.

Poaching is a serious crime.

If he had stumbled across a poacher red-handed, the man may have panicked and lashed out.

If you believed so strongly in the existence of this poacher, why didn't you send out a search party the night of the crime?

(murmuring in agreement) The woods were vast and dark and my first duty was to inform a magistrate.

You didn't order a search, Mr. Darcy, because you knew full well that you already had the guilty man under guard and in your house!

(crowd murmuring) No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Darcy.

Sir Selwyn Hardcastle, please.

CARTWRIGHT: We know two shots were fired in the woods that night.

Sir Selwyn, could you give us your view on who fired them and why?

As the pistol in question belonged to Captain Denny, it seems to me entirely plausible he fired in self-defense.

At George Wickham?

That's correct.

Because he felt under threat?

That's pure conjecture, Your Honor!

Mr. Alveston, I am tired of these unconventional objections of yours!

I'm merely trying to establish an alternative explanation for the gunshots.

Sir Selwyn, do you believe Captain Denny fired the gun at Mr. Wickham in self-defense?

I do.

At which point, Mr. Wickham dealt him the blow that killed him.

ALVESTON: Your Honor, please!

Facts, Mr. Cartwright.

For all our sakes, stick to the facts.

I believe it to be the case.

It's the only logical explanation.

Sir Selwyn, throughout the course of your investigation, have you come across any reason why Mr. Wickham might want Captain Denny dead?

I must defend my client, Your Honor, and ask Mr. Cartwright to desist from his constant attempts to prejudice the jury's minds!

MAN: Well said, that man.

Enough!

Have you come across any possible motive for this crime?

JUDGE: Answer the question, Sir Selwyn.

CARTWRIGHT: Sir Selwyn.

I have not.

(crowd murmuring) No further questions, Your Honor.

Mr. Alveston?

I have no questions, Your Honor.

(footsteps approaching) Lizzy!

(giggles) Could you leave us?

Do you want for anything, Lydia?

No.

You slept well, I trust?

Goodness, now I'm nervous.

(chuckles) There's something I feel I must tell you concerning the case.

Did I tell you Wickham and I are going to America?

It's going to be the most wonderful fun.

We've had our fill of England and we'll need a fresh start once this beastly business is done.

Lydia, Wickham has done something rather foolish which I fear may come out in court.

Oh, he's always been a rascal.

Involving a girl.

No, don't!

(sighing): Lizzy... Lizzy, I know you mean well, but I'm not like you.

Surely better to hear it first from someone who cares, Lydia?

No.

I'd far rather hear it from the gossips.

Then I can bat them away with the contempt they deserve.

Wickham and I, we find our way through, you know?

We always have.

Alveston.

Colonel.

You should know the engagement between Georgiana and myself is over.

I believe she's waiting for you.

She was always yours, really.

She knew it, and... so did I. Alveston!

Alveston.

The jury are returning.

It's far too soon.

Have you arrived at a verdict?

We have.

Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?

Guilty!

(crowd cheering and applauding) Silence!

Silence!

Is this the verdict of you all?

It is.

I swear before God almighty, I am not guilty!

(crowd angrily shouting) Prisoner at the bar, you have been convicted of one of the most atrocious crimes it is in the power of human nature to commit.

It remains only for me to pass the dreadful sentence of the law: that you be taken at the appointed time to a place of execution, where you shall be hanged by the neck until you be dead.

No!

(horses neighing) (screaming) (sighs) DARCY: My dearest love, George Wickham will hang at dawn the day after tomorrow.

I can find no words to embroider that single, desolating fact.

I had to break the news about his sister.

George, I'm so sorry.

She has cast a dark shadow over our lives throughout this sorry affair.

But there's no denying Wickham's love for her.

There's much to be arranged.

I will stay close to the prison to provide what succor I can.

I'll be home to you soon.

Darcy.

Mrs. Darcy.

I heard the news about George Wickham.

I shall pray for him when the time comes.

Thank you, Reverend.

Have you heard Will Bidwell is near the end?

No.

According to Dr. McFee, it's a matter of a day or two.

I did so want to see him one last time.

We were once close.

He's kept you away too, has he?

I haven't gained admittance to his room since the murder.

You're right, it did start then.

Perhaps it affected him.

He's surely too young to have a conscience much burdened, but still... (loud pounding) Madame.

I need to see Will.

Not today, he's not very well.

You mustn't.

I'm so sorry.

No, you mustn't.

It's important, we must speak to Will.

Please, he's extremely ill!

Will.

Mrs. Darcy, madame, he needs to rest.

It's all right, Mother.

Will, we've had bad news from the trial.

Wickham has been found guilty and is to hang.

I'm sorry, madame, but you'd better go now.

Will, please, I'd do anything to save you!

But do you have it in your power to save another man's life?

Spare him, Mrs. Darcy.

Please, spare my child.

Mother!

I think I do.

A man came here the night of the murder.

It was Captain Denny.

But I didn't know that at the time.

I thought it was the soldier who'd assaulted Louisa's virtue.

I thought he'd come back for more.

Open up, I need to speak to Miss Bidwell!

I felt such rage.

It was an insult to me, as though I couldn't protect my womenfolk.

And I wanted to teach him a lesson.

I need to speak... (groans) I hit him with my stick and he fell back and staggered off.

I tried to follow him.

He was heading towards the gully where Old Darcy's grave was.

And I tried to call out a warning, but I couldn't.

(cries out) (cracking) By the time I caught up, there was another man with him.

WICKHAM: Denny?

Oh God, no!

He had a gun and he shot at me.

Stop!

(gunshot) And I fled.

When Mr. Wickham got arrested, I didn't think it would come to this.

I'm going to write this down.

I need you to sign it for me.

Father.

I'm sorry.

I should have been here.

Forgive me.

(voice breaking): William, forgive me!

(sobbing) I've led you a merry dance, haven't I?

I've loved every minute of it.

And I've done you wrong, Lydia.

None of that.

It was the best day of my life when I met you, Wickham.

Look at all the fun we've had.

(chuckles) I didn't do it.

I didn't kill Denny.

I know.

No one can say we didn't live it to the full.

Choose the brightest, best memory of me, will you?

Hold on to that.

(sobs) It's all right.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul... (footsteps) Will is at peace.

Wickham hangs at dawn.

I must get this to Derby.

It's night, Elizabeth.

The journey is too treacherous!

Even if you try, you'll never make it on time.

I will take you.

I know the roads, madame, every twist, turn.

(gate opens) (sighs) My condolences, Darcy.

It gives me no pleasure to see this sad day dawn.

May I ask why you didn't reveal Wickham's affair with Louisa Bidwell at the trial?

I knew by that point he'd almost certainly hang.

What good would it do to drag your name further through the mud?

Whatever others may say, I'm not my father.

MAN: Shoulder... Arms!

(pounding loudly) Madame?

I need to see the Judge.

Can I help you, madame?

What's going on down here?

Judge Moberley.

What's all this noise?

MAN: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me... ELIZABETH: Wait!

JUDGE MOBERLEY: Stop!

Wait!

Stop the hanging!

ELIZABETH: George Wickham is innocent!

By order of the court, stop the hanging!

I have a signed confession!

JUDGE: Take the noose from his neck!

Well, hurry, take the noose.

MAN: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen.

Mrs. Reynolds has found a new home for Louisa Bidwell's baby.

Why does she have to give up her child?

It's time Pemberley began to look after its own.

ELIZABETH: Dearest Jane, I am pleased to report that both Lydia and Wickham made remarkable recoveries.

(applause) Thank you.

Thank you, thank you very much.

I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my wife.

ELIZABETH: Within a matter of hours, Lydia's spirits were restored and her energies consumed with flaunting her dear Wickham all over town.

Bye!

ELIZABETH: I do wonder what America will make of them.

Louisa christened her son George William Bidwell, in memory of her brother.

Darcy says he will make a fine head coachman to Master Fitzwilliam.

As for Georgiana, well, it couldn't be better news.

(panting): Georgiana, I can wait no longer.

Will you be my wife?

Yes, Henry, yes!

Yes!

Oh, those early momentsof love.

We had so little time for ours.

Yes.

Thanks to my best efforts to kill my feelings for you.

I very nearly destroyed the most precious thing in the world to me.

Let's look to the past only as it gives us pleasure.

And to the future only as it gives us hope.

Truly?

I can't promise it'll be a girl.

(giggles) I must be careful.

Oh, Darcy...

I'm so happy!

I know a million others have said it before, but none with such justice.

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