The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  It was that house where he had installed his wife, placing her in the same room that had been his mother’s, bound to the headboard of his mother’s bed. Just like his mother, Elizabeth had disappointed him. He was displeased with her from their wedding night on, for she cried as he took her that first time, claiming he was being cruel and hurtful. That was the first night he showed her just how cruel he could be. It was a month before he could tolerate seeing her, by then her injuries had mostly healed. He did not trust her when he had to leave the house, he was sure that she would betray him. So he kept her bound and gagged in her room. Bentley threatened his staff that he would punish them severely if they ever assisted his wife, and, after seeing the brutality written in the blood and bruising on her face, his staff had no doubts to it.

  When he moved her to the house in Guildford, he could contain his rage no further. Being in that house brought out the worst in him, and he could not rein in his desire to strike out. One night, he began drinking. It was rare, as he did not like to lose control of his faculties. But he had been angered over yet another failed business investment, this time with a gentleman from Spain. By the time he had imbibed in half the bottle of port, his rage was finding a release. And Elizabeth was on the receiving end of the release. Because of his inebriated state, it was one of the rare times he had not secured his wife before leaving her room. When he made his way into his own room, he found his valet had placed the wrong clothing out for Bentley. In this state of mind, the valet had purposely disrespected him. The servant paid the ultimate price for such betrayal. Bentley then stumbled from the house, making his way to the nearest whorehouse, where he spent the rest of the night, though he remembered very little of being there. The next day, he returned to the house to discover his wife had escaped and his valet dead on the floor. The remaining staff had also fled the house, fearing for their own lives. Bentley hired two men to dispose of his valet’s body, and then made his way to Town. Once there, he would begin the search to find his wayward bride. He had plans of how he would repay her disrespecting him in such a way.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy was pleased to see the improvement that Elizabeth had made in the week that she had been in his home. It was obvious that she was feeling safe; she had stopped flinching at all sounds of people moving about the house. Georgiana noticed their friend’s nervousness whenever she heard footsteps coming near her bedchambers or the sounds of doors opening down the hall. When they saw her flinch, Darcy and Georgiana would reassure Elizabeth that she was safe, and that it was the staff of the house. With Hannah, Rosie, Mrs Reynolds and Richard, the small band worked to bolster Elizabeth’s sense of comfort and feeling secure. It was beginning to heal in the same way that her body was healing. Only today, they were able to assist Elizabeth to stand for a short period of time. Mrs Reynolds had promised the young lady that they would assist her in bathing the following day if all went well.

  Sitting at his desk, Darcy began to sort through the stack of post that had arrived. He had sent out inquiries throughout the week, wishing to learn more information on Albert Bentley, and trying to learn a way to garner more of Elizabeth’s family. Knowing the comfort she would derive from learning of their whereabouts and wellbeing, Darcy waited to hear from a contact to which Richard had written.

  Seeing nothing of importance in the stack, he pulled out the letter from his friend Bingley. Darcy had planned to travel to the estate that his friend had leased, but had changed his mind immediately after meeting Elizabeth. He hoped that his friend was coping with all that comes with running an estate.

  When he reached the words concerning Miss Jane Bennet, her missing sister who was said to be married to Albert Bentley, Darcy’s heart nearly skipped a beat. Had fate dropped this information into his lap? Could it really be so easy to learn the information of Elizabeth’s family?

  Now, his concern was whether to tell Elizabeth of this revelation. Would it frighten her or would it be exciting to her? He decided to see her first, determine her attitude, before deciding whether or not to reveal what he had learned. Placing the letter in his coat pocket, Darcy stood and made his way from his study.

  Nearing the door to her rooms, Darcy prepared to knock on it. The most beautiful sound of laughter came from inside the rooms. Since their father’s death, Darcy had not heard his sister laugh in such a manner, and the other sweet, nearly musical voice was intoxicating. He knocked lightly and heard Elizabeth call out for him to enter.

  “Ladies, you must have been enjoying yourselves, for I could hear the pleasant sounds of laughter coming from this room.” “Oh, Brother, Julia was telling me a story from when she was a little girl. She was so determined to try riding a horse, and the horse was determined that the little girl was not going to be on his back.”

  “It was a battle of wills, and I have to admit, I lost. I was very disappointed. He never did like my riding him, even when I was older.” “Well, cousin, I received an interesting letter today. It is from a friend of mine, Charles Bingley, who has just leased an estate. He is learning how to run an estate before he purchases one.”

  “How is Mr Bingley?” Georgiana asked. “Are you thinking of traveling to see his estate?” “At the moment, I am not planning to do so, but I may do so later. Especially if the information I received proves to be what I think it is. Miss Julia, the estate Bingley leased is Netherfield Park.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes grew round like saucers. “Netherfield? He is in Hertfordshire?” “It is the area where you are from, is it not?” Darcy asked. “And there is more. I am not certain about the rest of your family, but Bingley wrote of Miss Jane Bennet. Evidently, the Bennets live nearby.”

  Now, tears began to flow. “Jane is still there? How can that be? My family is still in the neighborhood, could this mean that Papa is still living? Netherfield Park is the next estate from our family’s Longbourn. What does he say of Jane? She is my eldest sister, and was my dearest friend.”

  “My friend has taken quite a liking to her. Do not fear for her, Bingley is one of the nicest and most caring young men in all of England. He spoke of her sadness one day, and her speaking of you. Your family knows the name of your husband, and she told Bingley. Bingley had heard of him and wrote to me for any information I might know of the man. From the sounds of it, Bingley is attempting to find you for your sister.”

  “NO!” Elizabeth cried out. “He must stop immediately. If Mr Bentley were to discover it, Mr Bingley and my family could be in grave danger. Please, Cousin, please write to your friend and beg him to put an end to this quest.”

  “I will do so. I also thought you might like to write a letter to your sister, telling her as much of your story as you wish. I can place it in my letter to Bingley and he can deliver it to her. That way, there is little chance of the letter being intercepted.”

  Finally, a look of peace came over Elizabeth’s eyes. Could this be the way to get word to her dear sister, let her know what had happened and why she had disappeared from her family? She so dearly wished to be able to tell them to be on guard for her husband as well. After several moments of pondering the possibilities, Elizabeth nodded her head. “Can you bring me writing supplies?”

  Smiling, Darcy left the room and returned with a portable writing desk that could be placed over the lap of someone lying in bed. “My father was ill for several months before he died, but he refused to not be able to attend to his correspondence. So he had this portable desk made. The drawers pull out for you to retrieve your supplies.”

  “It is wonderful. I am so thankful, Cousin William.” “We will give you some time with your thoughts. When tea is ready for you later, we will bring it to you.” Darcy said as he took hold of his sister’s hand and the two walked from the room.

  My dearest Jane, I must beg of you to destroy this letter after you read it, and use extreme caution in discussing its contents. I say this for I fear for your safety if it is learned that you have heard from me.

  Oh, Jane, I cannot begin to tell you all
that has happened since the last time we saw each other. It has been a terrible trial to have to bear, as I have missed you so very much. I do not know if Papa is alive, or the rest of our family. I only today learned that you are still in the neighborhood of our childhood home.

  What I have to tell you will be difficult for you to hear. You have always been so kind hearted; I cannot imagine what you will think at this letter. First, I must tell you of the man that our uncle insisted that I marry.

  His name is Albert Bentley. He is a terrible man, brutal and cruel. I will not give you the details of how he has treated me, suffice it to say, he nearly broke my spirit. Not only did he cause me harm to my body, but his control over everything in my life battered me emotionally. He refused to allow me any contact with you, stating that he would make me pay if I did. Of course it would have been difficult to do such, as I was locked in a room, bound and gagged, most of the time. Please do not cry, my dearest sister. I have survived, that is all that is important. Do not think of the past that does not bring you pleasure.

  My tale now takes a turn for the better. I escaped from Mr Bentley. I knew that I could not come to you or to any of our family, for he would find me. He would kill anyone who stood between us, I am sure. You are too precious to me to ever put you in such danger.

  Fortunately, the post carriage I was in, traveling towards Scotland, overturned. I say fortunately, because of the young man who was traveling by and found the wreck. That man is Fitzwilliam Darcy. He brought me to his estate and has seen to my care.

  Jane, Mr Darcy has disguised my being here by telling all that I am a long lost, distant cousin who is staying with him while becoming acquainted with his sister and him. I am afraid for their safety as well, but they have taken such precautions to protect me.

  As it turns out, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy are very good friends. Mr Bingley wrote to his friend, telling him about your sadness and the tale of your long missing sister. Jane, though I am pleased that it turned out the way it did, for I now have a way to send this letter to you, you must guard everything you say about me and my marriage. Mr Bingley was attempting to find out more information about Mr Bentley. Jane, you must insist that he never do that again. Mr Bentley is a ruthless man. If he believed that Mr Bingley was hiding me, or that you were, he would not hesitate harming you. Promise me that you will not continue this, and that Mr Bingley will cease in his search for

  information.

  How I wish I knew of our family. Uncle told me, the morning that he handed me to Mr Bentley, that my life as a member of the Bennet family was over, especially since Papa would most likely die by the end of the week. Every night I prayed for Papa to look down on me from heaven and protect me the best he could. I firmly believe that he has done so, or I would most likely have died by now. If you can, the next time that you are at Papa’s grave, place some flowers on it for me.

  Jane, I pray that you will always know how deeply I love you and miss you. I pray that you will find happiness and joy, and that you marry a man who loves and cherishes you for the wonderful woman you are.

  If we are to have any future contact, we must use the name that I am using where I am staying. The name is Miss Julia Moreland. Any communication you receive from me needs to be destroyed immediately after you read it, for it cannot fall into the wrong hands.

  And may I add, God Bless you,

  Your loving sister, Lizzy

  While Elizabeth was writing to her sister, Darcy wrote to his friend.

  Bingley, I must insist that you immediately stop your quest for information with regards to Albert Bentley. The man is extremely dangerous, and he must not know of your inquiries, for it will place not only you, but Miss Bennet in grave danger.

  Now, I will tell you that there is good news. Included with this letter is one for Miss Bennet, from her sister. It is a long story, and I will wait until we are together to tell it to you. For the sake of both the young ladies, they cannot have direct contact.

  Miss Elizabeth Bennet is staying with Georgiana and me at Pemberley. We are referring to her as Miss Julia Moreland. If you speak of her in the future, especially in anything traveling by regular post, please use this name for her. And any correspondence you receive from me, please ensure it is destroyed after it is read. It is important for all of us.

  Albert Bentley is a dangerous man, and he has used deadly force in the past. Do not underestimate him or trust him. Can you tell me more of the Bennet family and their living conditions? Miss Julia was surprised that her family was still living in the area after her father’s death. Did another relative or friend take them in? Miss Julia has lived with the pain of not having had the chance to bid farewell to her father, and she misses her family tremendously. It is my hope that one day, after Mr Bentley has been dealt with, that Miss Julia can be restored to her family. My cousin, Richard, is looking into ways to deal with the blackguard. I pray he is successful.

  Keep safe, my friend, and watch over Miss Bennet for her sister. We will remain here, at Pemberley, for the foreseeable future. You may forward any letters with regard to Miss Julia in your own letters to me.

  Your friend,

  F.Darcy

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~ Chapter 7 Bingley was standing in his dressing chamber, with his valet dressing him for the day. A knock was heard on the door, with the sound of the butler, Mr Bellows, announcing an express had arrived.

  Bingley called for the man to enter the room, and gladly accepted the rather thick letter from him. Looking at the writing, he knew that it was from Darcy, and he prayed that Darcy had news of the sort of man Albert Bentley was and that it would be of assistance to him.

  He dismissed his servant and strolled down to his study before opening it. What he read there sent chills down his spine. To know that the man who had married Miss Bennet’s sister was deadly was devastating. But knowing that the young lady was now at Pemberley and under the protection of not only Fitzwilliam Darcy, but also Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, gave Bingley a ray of hope. If he were in Miss Bennet’s position, there was no one he would trust more with guarding the welfare of a beloved sister.

  Bingley called to have his horse readied for him immediately. He knew that he had to take Jane the letter, and then they could burn both letters after Jane had read them. And Bingley would encourage her to write a letter to her sister that he would send by express.

  This was looking to be a very good day.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Hill went to the Master’s study to announce to Jane that Mr Bingley had arrived and was in need of speaking with her. Jane asked that he be shown to the study and she stood to greet him. “Mr Bingley, I pray that all is well, Sir. You stated yesterday that you would be spending the day with your steward.”

  “I received an express that made me realize that I must come here immediately. It concerns…what we spoke of the other day.” “You may speak plainly, Mr Bingley.” Mr Bennet said. “My daughter and I have no secrets and she told me of her speaking with you of our Lizzy. Is this not the subject of your discussion the other day?”

  “You are correct, Mr Bennet. I wrote to a friend of mine who is quite well connected and the response I received this morning is amazing.” Bingley reached into his pocket and retrieved the letters. He read the first letter aloud to Mr Bennet and Jane, then handed her the other letter. Seeing her beloved Lizzy’s handwriting, tears flowed freely.

  “Lizzy’s alive… she is alive and has written to me. Oh, Papa, our Lizzy is alive.” “And she knows not that I survived. My poor girl, she has been grieving for a death that did not happen, while she was forced to live with such a scoundrel for a husband. What does your letter say, Jane?”

  Jane was wiping tears from her eyes as she broke the seal. As she read the letter, small sobs escaped her. “Oh, my dear sister, what you have had dealt to you. Papa, her tale is quite awful.”

  “I beg you to read it aloud for Mr Bingley and me. We need to learn all there is to tell.” Taking a deep breath, Jane
proceeded to read the letter. Bingley held on to her hand, giving her support as she read her sister’s words of her ordeal. Looking up at Jane’s father, he would have believed that the man had aged twenty years before his eyes. And tears were now flowing down his cheeks.

  “I cannot begin to imagine through what she has been.” Mr Bennet said. “Mr Bingley, with my eyes being what they are, would you be willing to write a letter for me? Jane, I suggest that you go to your rooms and write your own letter to Miss Julia. If Mr Bingley would continue to assist us, I wish to send these letters by express. I cannot stand the thought of my daughter believing I am dead. And I must thank Mr Darcy for his generosity as well as pledge my support in whatever is needed for the future.”

  Jane nodded her head, and after she squeezed Bingley’s hand, and placed a gentle kiss on her father’s cheek, Jane left the room. Bingley then walked to the chair behind the desk, the chair that Mr Bennet had just relinquished for the younger man.

  In one and one half hours, Jane returned with her letter. It was quite thick, as was the letter from Mr Bennet. In all honesty, Mr Bennet wrote two letters, one to Mr Darcy and one to Miss Julia Moreland.

  Bingley collected the letters and wrapped them inside the letter he wrote. He was pleased that, before he left Netherfield, he had ensured that Darcy’s express rider was still at the estate. The young man was instructed to remain at Netherfield, rest and have something to eat, until Bingley returned. As soon as Bingley had everything prepared, he and Jane took the letters from Elizabeth to the fire in the hearth, watching them remove all evidence of communication with Elizabeth. Bingley bid the others a good day and made his way back to his home. Not long afterwards, a young express rider departed for Derbyshire and Pemberley.

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth was pleased that she was finally able to leave her bedchambers. She had never been one to stay indoors for any length of time, so being able to look outside was making her anxious to enjoy it. In her mind, she had nearly three years for which to make up.