The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “Well, it is in Hertfordshire, Netherfield Park.” Caroline tried to contain her dislike of that neighborhood. I am hoping that he will not remain in that area for long, I am certain that it is quite beneath us with rustics.”

  “I remember the area, as I have passed through there a few times. I remember doing business with a family there, Bennet was the name. Fine family, I should stop by to see them the next time I am there.”

  This changed Caroline’s tune. “My brother is courting the eldest Miss Bennet, and from what I have heard, she is the jewel of the neighborhood.” A slight flare in anger crossed Bentley’s face. “It was her sister, Elizabeth, who was the true jewel. But no one has seen her for years. Most likely some sort of scandal made her abandon her home.”

  Caroline was concerned. Ignoring the fact that this man knew the names of the Bennet daughters, she spoke. “If the family carries a taint of scandal, perhaps my brother should abandon his courtship.”

  Bentley shook his head. “No, I am certain that it was nothing too severe. You should watch over your brother, though, and make sure that he has no contact with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  “Perhaps I should plan to travel to this estate and convince him to give up his quest. I must thank you, Mr Bentley, for your information is vital to my family.”

  Taking Caroline’s hand, Bentley bowed over it and bid Miss Bingley a fond farewell.

  ~~ ** ~~ Over the next fortnight, a courier was sent to Netherfield from Pemberley twice a week. And twice a week, the courier returned to Pemberley with return messages. As each new letter arrived, Elizabeth was overjoyed. She found a great strength in the words of her father and sister, reminding her of what it was like to have their love and support. Jane sent gifts to her sister, a sachet of her favorite rose and lavender fragrance, a doll that had been Elizabeth’s as a child, a handkerchief that had been stitched by her grandmother, who adored Elizabeth and spent many hours with her. All of these items gave Elizabeth a piece of her life back, allowing her, for the first time in nearly three years, to remember good times.

  One of the greatest joys was when Mr Bennet sent his beloved daughter a most treasured gift; books. A copy of Shakespeare’s works, and Elizabeth’s favorite book of sonnets, these were parts of Elizabeth’s past that gave her hope and love. She had spent many hours in her father’s study, reading and debating with her father. It gave her such peace of mind to now sit in the library of Pemberley, holding her favorite books from her father, books that he had held in his own hands.

  As Elizabeth grew stronger in spirit, her body, too, grew stronger. She even felt strong enough to take short walks in the gardens as the weather permitted. It was almost as if the past years were simply a nightmare, and that they had not truly happened. Almost, for it was still plain to see when she looked at herself in the mirror to see the scars left behind.

  ~~ ** ~~

  While Elizabeth was growing stronger, Darcy and Richard were investigating the man who had caused her so much harm. They had learned that the house Elizabeth had escaped from had been his mother’s home. And they learned that Albert Bentley had purchased a townhouse in Town. The investigation would continue until they found a way to free Elizabeth from this man permanently.

  Darcy had written a letter to his aunt, Lady Catherine, explaining the situation to her. He knew that if they had to move Elizabeth somewhere safe. Of all the places he knew would be secure enough to protect the young lady from the man who was her nightmare, it would be at Lady Catherine’s Rosings Park. The letter he received from her gave Darcy some peace of mind.

  Nephew Darcy,

  Your letter was received with a divided heart. Please understand, I have had a difficult time even writing this to you. The fact that you and Richard know of my past with my late husband is not to be borne. It is painful enough to have to accept it for myself, but knowing that everyone else is aware of the cruelty I lived with is mortifying.

  When I read your words describing the conditions that Miss Julia has lived in, I was transported back to my own history. It was not a place I wish to remember. Though you might sympathize with her, you and Richard cannot truly manage to understand the fear and pain, the self-loathing and the desire to just end the struggle and allow him to take your life.

  I am sure that your Miss Julia has struggled with all of these aspects, and that she will continue having these struggles for the rest of her life. If her husband finds her, she will most likely give up on life. You cannot allow this to happen.

  If the need arises, Miss Julia is welcome to visit me here at Rosings. My staff are loyal and protective, something I saw to after the death of Sir Louis. There are several places on the estate that Miss Julia can be hidden in plain sight and never be noticed.

  Please keep me aware of what is happening, for I insist on having my share of the decisions that you make for her future.

  Your aunt,

  Lady Catherine de Bourgh Darcy knew that it might become quite necessary to take Elizabeth to Rosings, to hide her there, if for some reason Mr Bentley were to locate her at Pemberley. Though Darcy had great confidence in his staff, he also planned for all possible contingencies.

  Richard had a friend who was retired from the army and ran his own investigative services. He was put to work learning more information of Bentley; the properties he owned, the business investments he had, even those with whom he did business. They learned of mysterious disappearances from Bentley’s staff, as well as his own mother. It was believed, but never confirmed, that he had killed his mother, then disposed of her body. When his mother had come up missing, Bentley had claimed that she was visiting a friend in Town. No letters ever came to her young son, who was alone in her home. But the neighbors never wished to know more, for as long as they left young Bentley alone, he would leave them alone.

  It was discovered that Richard’s father had a close friend who had done business with Bentley five years prior. Darcy decided to have his cousin travel to Town to speak with the family friend. What Richard learned gave the men even greater concern. At the time, Bentley was involved in several shady deals, trying to amass as great a fortune as possible. One of the business dealings was extremely shady, and involved a great many crimes from which to profit. When the three main leaders of the deal turned up dead in the same room of a whorehouse, all fingers pointed to Bentley, though no evidence could ever be found to prove it. The man was famous for covering his trail, and not afraid to spill blood to do so.

  ~~ ** ~~ The holidays were soon approaching, and a melancholy was creeping over Elizabeth. Darcy knew that he needed to be more guarded with his own feelings that were growing for this vivacious young woman who had entered his life, for no matter what else came, she must first recover from the years of abuse and torture that had been inflicted upon her. It had also been a very long time since she was able to spend her Christmas with her family. To have even an hour with her father and sister would be the greatest gift to her. When Georgiana or Darcy asked her of her family’s traditions, she would claim that she could not recall, though they could see in her eyes that it was not the truth. They would often find her in the conservatory, simply holding one of the books that her father had sent to her.

  Darcy wrote a letter for Bingley to deliver to Mr Bennet. The letter asked of the Bennet family traditions from Elizabeth’s youth, her favorite foods, and other tidbits that could be used to bring the young lady joy. The letter that arrived in response was included in a box of items that her sister had packed. Jane had written out recipes for her sister’s favorite foods, and she had made some new handkerchiefs, with JM stitched in the corners, surrounded by flowers. There was a new shawl, a bottle of rose water, and a new silver handled hair brush with JM engraved in the handle. And of course, there were several new books and even a chess board. It turned out that the chess board was Mr Bennet’s and he had shared many games with his daughter using this board. The letter to Darcy explained that there were other items that they would have lik
ed to send, but they had used caution not to have anything that would be easily recognized and identify her. Darcy was pleased to see this personal gift that would bring delight to Elizabeth. The letter also told of their ritual on Christmas Eve, reading from the bible, before everyone was allowed to open a gift. Elizabeth always chose the gift she determined her father had given her, expecting a new book. The last year that his beloved daughter had celebrated with the family, she had been surprised when he gifted her with the precious gift of a set of hair combs that had belonged to his mother.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mr Bentley was pleased to learn how gullible and pliable Caroline Bingley was. It was not difficult to persuade her to give information about her brother’s dealings with the Bennet family. He had no doubt that his wife would make her way back to her family, but he grew tired of waiting for some sign of her. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were properly motivated to contact him, should they suddenly learn of her whereabouts.

  Knowing that there were others who were aiding his wife in hiding from him, he vowed that he would see to it they would pay when he found them. He was aware of Elizabeth’s father still being alive, and the draw that the old man would have for his most cherished daughter. But his patience was growing thin. He wanted what was his and he wanted her in his house, where she belonged, immediately. Bentley thought it would be appropriate for him to pay a visit to Miss Bingley, as she had recently returned from visiting her brother’s estate.

  Being shown into the drawing room of the townhouse of Miss Bingley’s brother in law, Mr Gilbert Hurst, Bentley found the simpering Caroline rise from her seat to greet him. “Mr Bentley, it is a pleasure to see you. Had you learned of my return from my brother’s estate?”

  “I must confess, Miss Bingley, I have been rather impatient in awaiting your arrival back in Town. I pray your trip was pleasant and that your brother is in good health.”

  Caroline was flattered by this man’s words. “My brother is well, I thank you. His estate is nice enough, though located in an area that is barely tolerable. The neighborhood is appalling. And his courtship of Miss Jane Bennet is not to be borne, as her family is quite wanting. Her mother is vulgar; her younger sisters are wild and untamed. The father, I never met as his health is frail.”

  “Was there anything about the young lady for which you found a liking? Is Miss Bennet like her mother and younger sisters?”

  “No, Jane Bennet is a sweet and good natured sort, pretty as well. If it were just her, my brother would be fortunate.”

  “And what did you do while you were at your brother’s estate?” Bentley wished to learn more about his wife’s family. “Not very much, as I did not wish to call on the neighbors in that area, so I spent most of my time practicing on the pianoforte and making my list of items for which I need to shop, what with the holidays fast approaching. I was surprised to see my brother had received quite a bit of mail coming from his dearest friend, Mr Darcy. I tried to take a peek at some of it, but he always took the letters with him. What was really surprising was a package that arrived for my brother from Mr Darcy, and he took it to Miss Bennet. Why would he share his package with Miss Bennet?”

  “Well, they are courting; perhaps it was a gift that your brother asked his friend to find for him.” Bentley wished to be away from this simpleton as quickly as possible so that he could think what this meant. He pulled out his pocket watch and began an act. “My goodness, I was to meet my solicitor one half hour ago. Please, Miss Bingley, excuse my need to leave you. I will call on you again, perhaps tomorrow.”

  “Of course, Mr Bentley, you are always welcome.” Miss Bingley coo’d as she saw the man out.

  ~~ ** ~~ As soon as he could, Bentley sent some of his people to Meryton. They would find out more of the suspicious package and mail coming to and from Netherfield. He would also begin to investigate this Mr Darcy who was friends with Mr Bingley.

  For the first time in weeks, Bentley was pleased with the news that he had unearthed and the chance of his finding his wife. He would begin to imagine the sort of punishments he would dole out to these two men, as well as to the Bennet family, for their hiding Elizabeth from him.

  What he had in store for his beloved wife would be far more permanent. She had disappointed him, time and again, and her escape was a betrayal that Bentley would not permit. But he would take his time, as long as it took for her to realize that she was a foolish person for running from him. Did she not remember the promise he made her the night of their wedding? Did she not believe that she could never escape him, that if she ran, he would find her?

  He would make sure that she finally knew this fact before he finally released her from their marriage vows, released her to join the other woman who had disappointed him; his mother.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 9 Darcy and Georgiana had planned for a quiet Christmas at Pemberley, rather than traveling to London as they had since their father died, five years previously. It was the first time in many years that there was decorating, as Georgiana talked Elizabeth into aiding her in draping holly and ivy throughout the areas where they frequented. Darcy and Richard were enjoying watching the activity, especially the smiles it brought to the faces of the two young ladies. But when they had a kissing bough made, Darcy did not know how to contain his emotions. It had become common knowledge that he was fond of Miss Julia Moreland, and there was a great deal of chitter chatter about the possibility of the young lady becoming the next Mistress of the estate.

  Mrs Reynolds, Hannah, Rosie, and even Robbins attempted to curb the gossip, but there were far too many people who were excited over the way Mr Darcy treated this long lost cousin. And Miss Julia was thought of very highly by all who met her.

  The plans for Christmas were going to be similar to those that Elizabeth had experienced at Longbourn. Darcy and Georgiana decided to follow the Bennet tradition of reading from the bible on Christmas Eve followed by opening of one gift. Darcy decided to place the gift of books from her father, amongst a few packages from Georgiana, for Elizabeth to choose from.

  ~~ ** ~~ Christmas Eve day, Mr Wilmington arrived at the Bentley townhouse. He was shown directly into the Master’s study, where Mr Bentley was working at his desk.

  “What do you have to report, Wilmington?” Bentley finally said, not raising his eyes to look at his employee. “We have not been able to find any of the mail that has been coming or going to Mr Bingley’s friend, though we have come up with a method to do just that. From what we have been able to tell, any letters received by Mr Bingley from his friend are taken with him when he visits the Bennets. When he returns home, there is no sign of any letters. Mr Bingley’s friend is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, from Pemberley, in Derbyshire. He will be trouble, as he is highly protective of his young sister and has had high security for years. He is also the cousin of a Colonel Fitzwilliam, a regular in His Majesty’s army. I believe the Colonel is staying at Pemberley at the moment.”

  “And what was your plan to obtain the correspondence between Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy?” Bentley asked, continuing to search through his paperwork.

  “We know that Mr Darcy’s letters arrive on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mr Bingley sends letters back on Thursday and Monday. There are two young men who are the couriers. There is also a chance we can get someone on staff at Longbourn.”

  Bentley brought his hands together, forming a steeple with his fingers. Leaning forward, with his elbows on the desk, he spoke. “Very well, I wish for someone to be able to search Longbourn for any letters or packages from Mr Darcy. And we should also plan to rob the courier. We should be able to appropriate some letters from him that would give us further information.”

  “That was our plan. We will have someone in place for the next delivery. And I have set an accident that will leave the need for a new maid at Longbourn.”

  “My thanks, Wilmington; I believe that you have given me a most delightful Christmas gift. Hopefully, by New Years, I will have my wife returned to me.”

  ~~ *
* ~~ Christmas Eve at Longbourn was happier for two of its inhabitants than it had been in some time. There were two reasons for their joy. First, their beloved Elizabeth had been located and was safe. The second, on Christmas Eve, Mr Bingley arrived early, wishing to speak with Mr Bennet on an important matter. As the two men were often locked away in her husband’s study, Mrs Bennet thought nothing of the request. But this was the day that she had been waiting for, the day that her eldest daughter would have a wealthy young man ask for her hand.

  Mr Bennet agreed immediately, as he had grown fond of the young man. And he did not need his eyesight to know his eldest daughter was in love with Mr Bingley. Jane joined her father and Bingley, and tearfully accepted the proposal. They decided to give the couple the evening to enjoy their new understanding, waiting until the following morning to announce to Mrs Bennet.

  The only sad note of the evening was the missing member of the family. This year, though, Mr Bennet and Jane could privately rejoice in the knowledge that their beloved Lizzy was alive and well, safely tucked away and enjoying her gifts from them.

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth was amazed when Darcy pulled out his family bible and began reading to the quartet. What amazed her was that it was the same verses that her father read every year on Christmas Eve. They had delighted in a sumptuous meal, oddly enough; there were most of Elizabeth’s favorite foods served. It was when Darcy placed several packages wrapped and names written upon them, stating that they could each open one gift that night and the rest after church the following day, Elizabeth knew that her new friends had gone to extra effort to make the holiday one like she remembered from her youth.

  “You have all been far too kind to me, seeing to my family’s traditions. And the food, I cannot remember the last time I felt so full. I fear that all the gowns that you had made for me will not fit after such a meal.”