Chapter Text
The arrival of Mr. Hurst on foot at Lucas Lodge late one afternoon did not give anyone cause for alarm. For by this time, everyone in the neighborhood knew of his obsession.
Charlotte watched the mighty hunter approach, in the company of his favorite pointer, carrying his fowling piece, and figured that he was going to make the offer of the brace of birds he had shot, and then ask her father for permission to hunt on their land.
She figured wrong.
***
I must speak to your father at once, Miss Lucas. He announces gruffly.
Please wait here sir, she answers, shutting the door so his dog could not follow her inside the house.
Her father emerges a minute later.
How may I help you, Hurst? He asks.
In your capacity as mayor of Meryton, are you also the magistrate?
I am. Do you have a complaint you wish to file?
I found human remains in the woods. A clothed skeleton, Hurst adds.
A skeleton? Lucas questions. The remains have been there for some time then?
Covered in leaf litter. Been there for many years, I expect. Hurst notes.
Have you or your dog disturbed the remains in any way?
We have not, Hurst declares - looking at his dog as if for confirmation - before they both look back at the magistrate.
Did you observe any evidence of foul play? Lucas asks.
None that I could see, Hurst responds.
Any means of identification? Lucas asks.
I could see the tattered remnants of a suit – so I reckon it was a man. Hurst notes. Lying on his side, he adds.
Charlotte, send for the doctor. Lucas orders. I will need him to ascertain the probable cause of death.
Sir, the man is on call over at Netherfield. Miss Bennett has a fever. I fear it is serious. Her sister Elizabeth arrived not long before I left, Hurst declares.
Never mind then, Charlotte. Her father countermands his order.
I’ll take you to the spot, Lucas. Hurst volunteers.
The magistrate looks up at the low position of the sun over the horizon. It grew dark so early now, and after sunset the temperatures plummeted precipitously. Even though he would never admit to it another, Sir William Lucas had never gotten over his fear of the dark. And the very thought of walking back home alone after seeing a skeleton was most unpalatable. Perhaps if he stalled...
Would you like to come inside for a drink, sir? Lucas offers.
No thank you. I don’t drink while I’m on the hunt. Hurst remarks. Only afterwards.
Charlotte covers her smile with a hand upon hearing this disclaimer. Only yesterday she had heard Caroline Bingley complaining about Hurst's deleterious effect on the wine cellar at Netherfield.
I’ll go with you, father, and take down notes for the official report. Charlotte volunteers - noticing his hesitation to embark.
Lucas pretends to consider this, knowing that he is going to accept.
There is no flesh left on the remains, correct? He asks Hurst.
Just the head of a skeleton sticking out of the leaves, Hurst assures him. Nothing fearful, he adds.
Very well, Charlotte. Grab my official ledger and come along, her father orders. Let's get going while there is still daylight.
***
The party of three, plus an enthusiastic dog, journey some distance into the woods, and the shadows begin to darken.
It's just over yonder - Hurst points.
On second thought, you'd better wait here, Charlotte. Her father inveighs.
She obediently complies, and watches as the men walk some distance further over to the remains.
She sees her father take off his hat and scratch his head as he walks around the area.
I’ll summon the doctor and the minister on the morrow, along with a burial party. Sir Lucas finally says.
Thank you, Hurst, for bringing this to my attention.