The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “Well, I believe you have a few cracked ribs and some muscles that have been stretched and bruised. They will take some time to heal. I believe that the cut on your forehead could use a couple of stitches, so that it will heal better. We will also need to make certain that you do not take a chill, as you were exposed to the cool weather of the day. How long were you there after the accident?”

  “I am not certain, perhaps a few hours.” “We had best make sure that you take some nourishment and plenty of rest. Mrs Reynolds, would you get some bandaging ready so that we can wrap Miss Moreland’s ribs, give her some support? I will step out to speak with Mr Darcy and be back in a moment.”

  Mrs Reynolds nodded her head and began her task. Elizabeth tried to keep her eyes open, but the warmth and comfort of the bed enveloped her and begged her to sleep.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 2 Mr Blaine found Darcy pacing in the hallway outside the bedchamber door. “Mr Darcy, can we step into the sitting room? What I need to say should be done in private.”

  “Of course.” Darcy said as he led the way to the next door. After they stepped inside, he pulled the door closed. “Mr Darcy, what do you know of this young lady? You said that you found her in the carriage wreckage, yet you seem to have some feelings towards her.”

  “I have never met her before today, though there is something about her that touched my heart and cried out to be protected. It is as if something else has happened to her and she is near the edge of giving up on life.”

  “I can understand that, after what I witnessed in that room. That young lady has been abused, Mr Darcy. And over a period of time, for some of the injuries I found were older. Your housekeeper and maid saw the same things I did. There are scars on her lower body, cuts and burn marks. From the feel of her arms and legs, I would swear there were healed breaks. Same with her ribs, and there is a dent in her skull which tells me she was struck hard in the head. That injury did not happen in the carriage, for Miss Moreland would be in severe pain if it were fresh. There was a scar over top of that area of her head. Whoever did this to her, I would wish the same done to him, for he is a cruel scoundrel of the most disgusting sort. And, from the looks of her wrists, she has been restrained frequently. I have seen it before, the way it damages the bones and muscles. She will never have the strength in her hands that she should have, as the damage is permanent.”

  Darcy was becoming ill at the news of such treatment of someone so young and who had all the appearance of a kind soul. “I will tell you that I do not know her true name, other than her first name is Elizabeth. We decided that she will use the name Julia Moreland and claim she is from Plymouth, though I know not from where she is truly came. From the fear in her eyes when she spoke in the carriage on our way here, I knew that something had happened. I did not know what it was, but I knew something was wrong. How can anyone be so cruel?”

  “Unfortunately, there are men in this world who see women as their property and take their anger and frustration out on the ladies. I have seen it before, though I can say that this young lady has suffered far worse than I have witness. I swear to you that I will not repeat what you have spoken of to me, and if anyone asks any questions, I will tell them what you have said. But, perhaps it would be wise for you to claim a family relationship. Your father’s aunt lived in Cornwall, did she not? I remember your father speaking of her having had a daughter near his age. I know that she died many years ago, with no children, but could you not claim that she died in childbirth, and the babe was placed in an orphanage. You could state that she was recently recovered to the family and that you had sent her a letter, inviting her to visit Pemberley. That would explain her traveling this direction, and give reason for her being here without bringing a chaperone.”

  “That is a splendid suggestion. Perhaps I could speak with her, ask if she approves of the plan.” Darcy said with a slight smile. Yes, I can make this claim and protect her from the person who has been harming her.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Darcy knocked on the door to Elizabeth’s bedchamber. Mrs Reynolds opened the door and allowed him to enter.

  Walking directly to the side of the bed, Darcy pulled a chair close so that he could sit beside her as he talked. “Miss Moreland, how are you fairing?” A sleepy voice responded to him. “The medicine that your housekeeper has given me has assisted with the pain. I thank you for your kindness.” “Miss Moreland, I have spoken with Mr Blaine of your injuries. It appears that you had injuries prior to the accident.” Suddenly, her eyes opened wide with fear. “I will leave Sir. I would not wish for you to be placed in danger. He cannot find me; he will kill me this time. And he would harm anyone who hid me from him. Please, help me to the next post carriage and I will move on.”

  Darcy reached out and placed a hand gently on her upper arm, trying to hold her to the bed. Mrs Reynolds reached the other arm and between the two, they calmed Elizabeth. “There is no need to leave or to fear being here. Mrs Reynolds, Hannah, Rosie, Mr Blaine and I are the only ones who know the truth. And none of us will tell who you really are. On that note, Mr Blaine and I have come up with a tale that will protect you further. We will claim that you are a distant cousin on my father’s side. His aunt lived in Cornwall, and she had a daughter. We can claim that you were orphaned as a babe and it is only now that we have found you. I will tell people that I invited you to visit Pemberley, as it would be the home of your ancestors as well. That would be natural. My sister will go along with the tale, when I send word to her. Perhaps I will ask her if she would like to return to Pemberley to meet you.”

  “Why would you do this for me?” Elizabeth asked, searching his face for an answer. “I am nobody, I matter not. Why would you do all of this to care for me and protect me?”

  “Madam, you are a person, not a punching bag upon which to practice for a pugilist. You appear to be a kind person, as you have thought to protect all of us from harm rather than taking care of yourself. It is my belief that you deserve much more than what you have been given. No man should treat a lady in such a manner as you have been treated.”

  “He is dangerous, Mr Darcy. Please, I would not be able to live with myself if you or your staff were to come to harm because of me.” “What of your family? Can they not help you?” “I do not know if my father even lives. My mother lives in fear of what would become of the family if my father dies, so she sent me to London, to my uncle’s home. She told my uncle not to send me home, that I had best find a husband and soon. My uncle is in trade, he knows a great many men who are looking for wives. I did not know at the time, but the man I married offered a great sum of money to care for my mother and sisters when my father dies. Of course, this was acceptable to my uncle, as he did not wish to have my mother and sisters living with his family. Mamma had assisted my father in signing papers, and there was a letter giving my uncle permission to act in my behalf. It was as if I were just another piece of inventory in my uncle’s warehouse, being sold for the highest amount.”

  Darcy was growing more and more disgusted with each new statement. Who was this young lady’s family to sell their child off to an abusive thug and not care of her well-being? “We are now your family.” Darcy then turned to his staff. “Mrs Reynolds, Hannah, Rosie, you are the only ones who know the truth of this and I am putting my faith in your silence on this matter. The young lady here is to be known as Miss Julia Moreland, from Plymouth. She is my distant cousin, recently recovered to the family. On her way here, she was in an accident and will be recuperating at Pemberley. Do you understand?”

  All three of the ladies nodded their heads. Darcy knew these ladies would protect and tend to Elizabeth as if she were truly a member of the Darcy family.

  “Very well, from now on, these are the rooms of Miss Julia.” Darcy looked at Elizabeth apologetically. “I should have asked your permission to refer to you as Miss Julia.”

  “Mr Darcy, after all your kindness and generosity, you deserve far more than the permiss
ion to simply call me Miss Julia. But, as I am not use to being called Julia, as of yet, perhaps you could simply refer to me as Cousin.”

  “An even better suggestion, Cousin. Now, Mr Blaine said that he needs to wrap your ribs and stitch your head wound. Then I insist that you rest. One of the ladies will be with you until you recover, so if you need anything, you only need to ask them.”

  Tears were freely flowing down Elizabeth’s cheeks. “I do not know what I did to deserve such kindness, Mr Darcy, but I do thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You are a very generous gentleman to treat me in such a manner.”

  “I look forward to knowing you better, Cousin. And, might I be bold enough to ask you to refer to me as Cousin William? I would find that pleasing.”

  “I thank you, Cousin William. Sleep well yourself.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mr Blaine wrapped the bandages tightly around Elizabeth’s ribs, and then stitched her head wound. After which, she was given a dose of laudanum. It was not long before she was sound asleep. Hanna would stay with her for the first half of the night, and Rosie would relieve her near three in the morning. Mrs Reynolds would come with a tray of food and drink for their new guest around seven and stay with her for several hours. Once all of the arrangements had been made, Darcy made his way to his own rooms and to the hot bath that was awaiting him.

  Relaxing in the tub, Darcy thought about what Elizabeth had told him. How awful it was to not know if her father was living, to know she could not learn of his condition or that of any other member of her family, least her abuser find her. Tomorrow he would ask her the name of the man; he needed to know who he was so that he could protect her. What if the man came there, they needed to know who he was so that she could be protected. He prayed that she would give him the information. He would even promise not to seek out the man to call him out.

  He would not call out the abuser, even though everything inside him said that it was what a cruel animal such as this deserved. Darcy had witnessed the results of an abusive husband. His mother’s sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was tortured throughout her marriage. Her late husband, Louis de Bourgh, beat her savagely. Though she had been with child several times, it was only the one time that Lady Catherine had stayed at Pemberley for her confinement, which the child survived to be born.

  It was not unusual for her child, Anne, who was named for Darcy’s beloved mother, to visit for long periods. Darcy learned later in his life that when Anne came to Pemberley or to visit the Darcys when they were in Town, were the times when Louis de Bourgh was at his most violent. It was when his aunt joined her daughter in Town that young Darcy learned the truth. After seeing his aunt covered in bruises, a broken arm and a gash on her cheek, something inside him told him that it was not from a fall, as he had been told. It was Anne, who was two years younger than Darcy, who told her cousin that she had watched her father smacking her mother, breaking down into tears as she told him of the years of beatings that her mother had endured. Not many mourned the death of Louis de Bourgh when he was stabbed to death in a fight at a tavern in one of the shadier locations in London.

  Anne was born with health issues, as the physician stated the beatings while Lady Catherine carried her left the babe with a heart murmur. Lady Catherine did everything in her power to protect her daughter, and was even overprotective of the girl. The older Anne got, the weaker she became. Now, at five and twenty years of age, Anne was nearly bedridden.

  Lady Catherine had desired her daughter marry Darcy, and she schemed for many years to encourage her nephew to ask for Anne’s hand, even telling Darcy, after his own mother died, that Lady Anne had desired the union as well. It was only when her daughter finally spoke her mind, that Lady Catherine gave up the hopes for her daughter to have a husband, especially one as wonderful as Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  It was only when Darcy realized that the water in his tub was quite cold that he returned his thoughts to the current situation. He would write to Georgiana, ask if she would participate with his story and if she would like to return home. He could easily hire masters to come to Pemberley for her lessons.

  There was one other person who he would write. Fortunately, Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, was recently returned from the battlefields of France. Richard could be trusted, and he would do whatever was needed to help Darcy. The cousins had grown up more like brothers, close in age and likes. Where Darcy was quiet and shy, Richard was friendly and outgoing, but it was a good blend. They were able to find strength in being together.

  Stepping out of the bathing tub, Darcy accepted the towel that his valet, Robbins, handed him. After he dried off, he donned a robe and entered his private sitting room. He went to the writing desk in the corner of the room, taking out a sheet of parchment.

  My Dearest Georgiana,

  My beloved sister, I have quite a tale to tell you. My return home from Town was anything but normal, as you will soon discover, though I must first ask for your promise to keep parts of this story secret. Not for me, but if this story is known by the wrong people, an innocent woman will most likely be terribly harmed.

  Forgive me if I have frightened you, it was not my intent. I only need to ensure that you understand the seriousness of the situation.

  We were nearly to Pemberley when Joseph called out that there appeared to have been a carriage accident ahead of us. We located the shattered carriage at the bottom of the slope, three miles south of the estate. The driver of the post carriage was dead, the horses had run off, and the passenger, who was still inside the carriage, was injured.

  Joseph and Leonard assisted me in moving the young lady from the debris and into our carriage, bringing her to Pemberley to be attended.

  Mr Blaine came and, when he examined the young lady, discovered the truth of the situation. The young lady was running away from a dreadful situation. She had been forced into a marriage with a man who is cruel, and he has tortured and beaten her ruthlessly for some time. Mr Blaine spoke of scars and healed broken bones. Even her wrists are permanently damaged from being bound for long periods. The young lady admitted that her husband committed the unspeakable acts of cruelty upon her, and through it all, she could only think of leaving Pemberley’s safety and comforts, as she feared her husband finding her and harming us for helping her. She cared not for herself, but for all of us.

  Mr Blaine and I have come up with a plan to keep her safe. Aunt Penelope, our father’s aunt, had a daughter who died many years ago. She was a widow when she died, with no children. Mr Blaine suggested that we claim this young lady as the daughter of Cousin Susan and her late husband. We can tell others that we only learned that she had given birth, and the child had been put in the orphanage. The plan is that we claim this young lady as our long lost cousin, who was injured when the hired carriage bringing her to visit us was wrecked.

  The young lady will be known as Julia Moreland, and she has given me permission to call her Cousin or Miss Julia. I pray that you will accept my decision to assist this young lady; she has shown a considerable amount of strength and courage in the short time I have known her. Mr Blaine and Mrs Reynolds have come to feel the same towards her. There is something special about her, something that makes us all wish to do what we can to help her.

  Hannah and Rosie are assigned to tend to Miss Julia, and their reaction to the young lady was similar to that of the rest of us. I believe that you will find her just as remarkable as we do.

  I know that you have just arrived at school, but I also know that you were not looking forward to being away from Pemberley. So I now offer you this. If you wish, you may return home and I will hire masters to continue your lessons. But I must ask that you assist me in keeping the truth of this lady’s origins a secret. Can I count on you to protect Miss Julia?

  I will leave you now to ponder your decision. If you choose to return to Pemberley, send word to Richard, as he is at Matlock House while he recovers from his wounds in battle. Richard would be able to bring you
home safely, and I will send him an express to inform him of the situation.

  You are so very dear to me, Georgie, and I pray that you will join me in helping Miss Julia.

  With love from your brother,

  William

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 3 Georgiana Darcy was frightened when she received news that an express had arrived for her. Only when she broke the seal and began to read,

  did she begin to calm. The thoughts that coursed through her mind were of sympathy, horror, compassion, and finally, determination. Of course she would assist her brother in this quest to protect Miss Julia. For her brother to be filled with so much emotion, the young lady must be something special. She quickly wrote a message to her cousin before returning to her rooms to have her maid pack her belongings. Georgiana was going home.

  Knowing that her brother had never asked for her aid before, Georgiana was certain that this was one of the most important decisions she would make at this stage of her life. It gave her a sense of responsibility and that her brother trusted her, making her feel mature in a way.

  Two hours later, Richard Fitzwilliam had arrived at the school for girls and retrieved his young cousin. Richard happened to be co-guardian of Georgiana, along with her brother. They would begin the journey to Pemberley the following morning. Both Richard and Georgiana were amazed at the news from Darcy; they had never known him to be so rash in his decisions. And to show such devotion to someone who he had only just met was shocking.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy woke in the middle of the night to the screams from down the hall. This was the second night in a row that his new ‘cousin’ had awakened from nightmares, scared and screaming. He grabbed his robe as he ran from his bedchamber.

  Quickly, he made his way to ‘Miss Julia’s rooms’ and found Rosie already holding the door open for him while Hannah was sitting on the side of the bed, attempting to comfort Elizabeth. Terror from her nightmare, both from her sleep and from her life, were vivid in her mind.