The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  This was remarkable news to Mr Gardiner. He had been quite worried about his sister’s future, especially since her husband was quite ill. And Fanny Bennet had instructed him that her daughter was not to come home until she had secured a husband. This should be pleasing to his sister, fulfilling her dictate and securing her own future. “I find your terms to be agreeable. When would you wish to wed?”

  “I wish for the wedding to be held two days from now. I will secure a special license and have the marriage contracts written. Once they are signed, we can have a simple wedding and leave for Brighton, where we will have our honeymoon. Then we will return to my home in Sussex.”

  “But she will have no time to prepare for the wedding, no time to have a gown made or for her family to attend.” “I have already made my sentiments clear with regards to her family. That includes their attendance to our wedding. I do not want them there. So far as they are concerned, they no longer have a daughter named Elizabeth Bennet.”

  The agreement was made and the men shook hands. Two days later, Mr and Mrs Gardiner kissed their niece on her cheek as her new husband led her away from their church. Two years later, they still had no word from her.

  Edward Gardiner looked at the letter that was in his hands. Mr Bentley was displeased to inform him of Elizabeth’s disappearance. What would this man do, what would happen to his own family at the hands of this man? And most importantly, just where did his niece disappear to?

  ~~ ** ~~ Charles Bingley was pleased to finally be making the steps towards becoming a member of the landed gentry, as his parents had always wished to happen. His wealth coming from trade, he was still looked down upon by most of the upper rings of society.

  He had wished for his closest friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, to accompany him to the estate he had leased, for he would have greatly appreciated his friend’s advice. But Darcy declined the invitation, as he stated that he had relatives visiting Pemberley and it was unknown when they would be leaving.

  So Bingley was making his first foray into this new world, attending an assembly in the nearby village of Meryton. Upon his arrival, Sir William Lucas approached him. “Mr Bingley, a pleasure to see you here. But you have come alone. I pray that nothing has happened to your guests.”

  “My sisters decided to remain in Town for the time being, as my elder sister is preparing for her confinement. My younger sister prefers the delights of Town, as she has never been fond of the country.”

  “I have a sister with much the same sentiment. I have never been able to entice her from Town. But, we are pleased to have you in attendance tonight. I believe you will find some of the prettiest young ladies in the county here tonight. Ah and here is one of those young ladies now. Miss Jane Bennet, might I have the honor of introducing you to your new neighbor, Mr Charles Bingley. Mr Bingley, Miss Bennet’s father owns the estate of Longbourn, which is along the north side of Netherfield’s property.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet. And might I inquire if you are promised for the next set of dances?” Jane Bennet shook her head. Mr Bingley then gave a bow as he took hold of her hand. “Then I would ask for the honor of securing the next two dances.” The two began to walk towards the edge of the dance floor, preparing to take their places as the musicians warmed up their instruments.

  Mrs Bennet sat in her chair to the side of the dance floor where she could watch the couples. Her eyes sparkled when she saw the first young lady that Mr Bingley led to the dance floor was none other than her own dear Jane.

  ~~ ** ~~ Georgiana could understand her brother’s reaction to the young lady they called Julia Moreland. The moment she met the young lady, she instantly found herself fond of Miss Julia and wishing that she truly was a member of her family. Miss Julia had a pleasing personality, and a kindness that was obvious from the first moments of speaking with her. Her main concern was for the safety of those who were protecting her that they would not come to harm for aiding her.

  “Miss Darcy, I have heard from Mrs Reynolds and your brother that you are quite talented on the pianoforte. I hope to hear you play sometime.” “My brother and Mrs Reynolds are extremely prejudiced in their praises. I am still learning and have a long way to go before I am proficient enough to exhibit outside the family, but, you are my cousin and I look forward to playing for you. Do you play?”

  “I did, long ago. And I never have been extremely talented on the instrument, for I had no masters to teach me.”

  “Well, William is having a master come to work with me, so we could both take lessons.” Elizabeth looked away for a moment. She then smiled as she looked at the young girl. “We will see what comes about once I am recovered. I may need to move as soon as possible. If anyone finds out that you and your family has given me aid, my husband will do whatever he can to punish you all.”

  Richard was not one to take a threat of danger lying down. “Miss Julia, I must ask more about this man. I believe it would be imperative that we know his name so that we can watch out for him. We might even be able to find a way to bring about a divorce to free you from this man. My father is an Earl and we have a great many connections.”

  “Colonel, I am grateful for your kindness, but it would cause your family hardship to be connected to my problems. He is a heartless man. I watched him kill his own valet, which is when I decided that I could stay no longer. The first time he did not bind my wrists and legs, I made my escape. I sold what items I had of value, and walked for three days before I took the post.”

  “Do you have a way of contacting your family to let them know you are alive and safe?” Georgiana asked. “It would not be safe for them. My husband would kill them; there is no doubt in my mind. I do not even know where they live now, for my father was quite ill when I was sent from my home. Most likely, my father has died. I pray for my sisters, for their safety and their health. And my mother as well, even though she sent me away which led to this predicament, I do not wish her harm.”

  “Where was your father’s estate?” Richard asked. “I could not tell you this, Colonel; for fear that you would attempt to learn more information of my family’s situation. It would place you in danger and I could not live with your being harmed on my account.”

  “Miss Julia, I have been wounded five times in battle with Napoleon’s armies; a man such as this is nothing in comparison. The sort of man, who would abuse his wife as your… husband… has, is a coward. And I know how to deal with cowards.”

  “You are brave, I am sure, Colonel, but I will not take a chance at your being harmed on my account. He may be a coward, but he is a sneaky, vindictive coward. If he finds me, I know I will be killed. But, after the kindness that has been shown to me here, I no longer fear him. I will no longer cower in the corner waiting for him to inflict his pain upon me. If it comes to be, I will look him in the eye and force him to do the same as he takes my life.”

  “NO!” shouted Darcy, unexpectedly. Everyone turned their attention towards him. “You cannot expect me to stand by and allow this man to harm you. I have come to think of you as a member of our family already, and I will not tolerate any talk of your dying at the hands of this villain, who forced you to be his wife. Please, Miss Julia, you must not think of leaving here, or sacrificing yourself to protect everyone else. Allow us to help you, and help your family so that they know that you are alive. I am sure that they must miss you terribly.”

  Tears had welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes as she listened to this man. Though he spoke forcefully, his intent was so very different from what she had to endure at the hands of her forceful husband. This man was forceful only in his desire to protect her, to care for her. He did not wish to own her or possess her, she was not an object of abuse to take advantage. Fitzwilliam Darcy saw her as a person. So did his sister, his cousin, and his staff. It had been a very long time since she felt that she was worth anyone’s care.

  “Would you allow me to think on your request, Cousin William? This has been extremely emotional and I
am afraid I am quite worn out.” She stated with tears threatening to overflow at any moment. When she finally raised her view to meet his, each could see the pleading in the other’s eyes.

  “Cousin Julia, I will do so, though I ask you not to force us to wait too long. We wish to begin to aid you as soon as possible.”

  “And I agree with my cousin, Miss Julia. Rest well, and we will speak again tomorrow.” Richard said as he gave a polite bow before he left the room. Georgiana was the last of the family to leave. “My family has suffered a member being treated as you have, Miss Julia. We could not aid her, but we will do all that we can to aid you. And would you please call me Georgiana? I would appreciate it if you would.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “And you shall call me Julia. Thank you Georgiana, for being so kind to me, at a time when I thought there would never be anyone kind in my life again.”

  “You deserve to be treated with kindness and caring. Sleep well, and if you need anything, please send Hannah or Rosie.” Georgiana leaned over and placed a quick kiss on Elizabeth’s cheek.

  After everyone else had left, Hannah stepped closer to the bed. “Miss Julia, if I may, you can trust the Darcys and Colonel Fitzwilliam. They are the best of people and will do all they can to aid you.”

  “My thanks, Hannah; I will think on your words as well. Goodnight.” ~~ ** ~~ Bingley had visited the Bennets nearly every day, calling on the young lady who had become his angel. He could not say enough good about Jane Bennet, for she was the ideal young lady. And being a gentleman’s daughter would go a long ways towards improving Bingley’s status in life.

  One day, the weather was quite nice and, seeing that Jane appeared to be sad, Bingley asked her to take a walk in the gardens.

  “Forgive me, Miss Bennet, but it seems that you have something on your mind today. Would you prefer me to leave?”

  A slight smile attempted to grace Jane’s lips. “No, Mr Bingley, I appreciate the opportunity to be outside the house.”

  “Has something happened to make you sad?” Bingley was confused at her behavior. “Just some memories of days long gone that have made me nostalgic, Mr Bingley, nothing that you have done. Forgive me for not being at my best today.”

  They walked a little further and Bingley decided to press further. He wanted to know more of this young lady.

  “What are these memories? Something pleasant, I hope.” “Today is my sister’s birthday. I was remembering how we used to celebrate it with her.”

  “Is this the sister I have not met? Miss…was it, Elizabeth?” “Yes, Lizzy was second born, and my dearest friend. I miss her terribly, but no more than today. She loved her birthday and we would make such a merry day of it for her.”

  “I have never asked as to what happened to Miss Elizabeth, but if you wish to speak of her, I am willing to listen. How long ago did she die?” Jane was shocked as she turned her gaze towards Bingley. “Elizabeth did not die, Mr Bingley. At least, we have not been told that she did. No, it has been nearly three years ago, my father was quite ill. We thought he would die, he was so ill. Mamma sent Lizzy to Town, to our Uncle Gardiner’s home. Even though Lizzy had just turned seven and ten a month prior, Mamma insisted that Uncle find her a husband. I was nearly nine and ten at the time, though Mamma did not wish for me to leave her side. She was never fond of Lizzy, as my sister was Papa’s favorite. Anyway, Lizzy was in Town for two months when we suddenly received a letter from Uncle stating that a wealthy businessman that he had done business with had taken a liking to Elizabeth and that they were married by special license. That was the last we have heard of her. Uncle stated that Lizzy’s husband did not want her to continue contact with her family, and he has seen to it that we have been cut out of her life. Today, Lizzy would be twenty. I miss her terribly.”

  “That is a sad tale indeed. Do you know the man’s name, at least? If he is in trade, perhaps I know who he is.”

  “We were told that his name is Albert Bentley. Mamma laughed and said that at least Lizzy would not have to change her initials.”

  Suddenly, a dark mood came over Bingley. “You said Albert Bentley? From Sussex?” “That was the address we were given after they wed, though they seem to have moved, as our letters have returned stating that they no longer live there. Do you know him?” Jane’s eyes lit with joy at the thought of learning more of her sister’s husband.

  “I can only tell you that I pray you were given the wrong name. The man I know by that name is a ruthless man who is violent. It was believed that he killed his own mother when he was of school age. His father is unknown, his mother was said to have been compromised when she worked as a maid in a grand house.” Seeing the terror that now filled Jane’s expression, Bingley patted her hand as it held on to his arm. “Fear not, Miss Bennet. I still have many connections in trade. I will send out some inquiries to those I can trust and see if I can learn more. Perhaps I can find your sister for you.”

  Tears began to flow down Jane’s cheeks. “If you can, Mr Bingley, it would be of great comfort to my family. Papa prays every day for her safe return to us. And each day, when no word comes from her, his heart breaks a little more. I know how much it would mean to him to see her again.”

  “And it would mean a great deal to you, I can tell. Have no fear, Miss Bennet; I will do my best to aid you.”

  “Until we know more, I shall keep this information secret, for I would not wish to add to Papa’s sadness.”

  “Then I will keep my news for you only, and you can choose when to tell the rest of your family.”

  The two continued their walk, though they remained silent the rest of the way. Each was contemplating what would happen in the future. ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 5 Bingley decided to write some letters upon his return to his study. He wished to begin to discover as much information as he could about Miss Bennet’s sister and her husband, as he wished to bring his angel some peace of mind.

  The first letter he wrote was to his father’s former business partner. As the man remained in Scarborough and was quite active in trade, he knew more people in different social settings. Bingley prayed that he was mistaken and had given Miss Bennet incorrect information, that the man who married her sister was a different man than the Albert Bentley of which he had heard.

  He then wrote a letter to a school friend who lived in London and knew anyone of importance in trade.

  A third letter he wrote to his good friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  Darcy, I wish you had been able to join me at the estate that I leased, and before you ask, my sisters are still in Town. Caroline has no intentions of stepping foot in the country, unless it is to visit Pemberley. But I will not allow her near your fine estate, so do not fret.

  The estate seems nice, the neighbors are pleasant, and even the weather is mellow. The house and outer buildings appear to be sound, and I took your advice, checking things over on my own before speaking with the steward so I knew if things he said were true. He has turned out to be an honest man, and has taken very good care of the estate. I would still like your advice before I even think of purchasing, but my lease is for a year, so there will be plenty of time.

  At an Assembly held in the nearby village of Meryton, I met the most amazing young lady. Yes, I know what you are thinking. I fall in love all the time. This time is different. This time, I believe it is the real thing. Her name is Jane Bennet, and her father owns the estate next to Netherfield. She is the eldest of five sisters, and the estate, Longbourn, is entailed away from the females. I never could understand such a practice, are we telling ladies that they are not important enough to inherit? Very sad, indeed.

  I learned some news today that has me concerned. Miss Bennet was very sad today, and when we spoke, she explained that it was her next eldest sister’s birthday. From the way the family speaks of the sister, I thought that she had perhaps died young. Instead, Miss Bennet told me that the young lady had been arranged to marry a man who was in trade, and since their marriage
, no one in the family had heard from the sister.

  When I heard the name of the man who married Miss Bennet’s sister, I became concerned. Have you ever had dealings with Mr Albert Bentley? If I am not mistaken, Albert Bentley is ruthless, in business and his private life. I know that I have heard tales of him, but I cannot remember exactly what I heard. Do you know anything about the man? I believe he was blessed financially by the import business he owned.

  If you find time to come here and visit, I would be grateful. You are welcome to bring Georgiana and your visiting family as well, I have plenty of room here, and if you bring guests with you, there will not be room if Caroline suddenly decides to come to the country.

  Your friend,

  Charles Bingley

  ~~ ** ~~ When Elizabeth woke, she thought back as to the night before. She knew that what Darcy had asked was reasonable, in fact, it was necessary for him to know who the man was if he was to ensure her safety from her husband. If he did not know who her husband was, how could he protect not only her, but himself and his family as well? It was at that moment that she realized that she was placing them all in further danger by not telling them everything.

  Trust was something that had been hard to do these past years. And, when she realize the date, and realized that her wedding anniversary would be soon upon her, Elizabeth decided to take a step into an unknown world. She would place her faith in a tall, dark, and handsome young man from Pemberley who had eyes that spoke from his soul. If she could not trust him, there would never be anyone who could be trusted.

  Light was beginning to stream through the window as the world began a new day. Rosie had just returned to the room to bring a tray for her. “Good morning, Miss Julia. I hope you slept well last night. You did not seem to be as restless as other nights.”