The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  Her mind wandered to a conversation that she had shortly after arriving at Rosings. Lady Catherine called for her to join the Mistress of Rosings in her private sitting room. Upon her arrival, Lady Catherine motioned for her to take a nearby seat.

  “Miss Bennet, for I will not saddle you with the name of that creature who has treated you abominably, you cannot be at a loss as to why I wish to speak with you.”

  “I am afraid that I am at a loss Lady Catherine.”

  “It has come to my attention that you have formed an attachment with my nephew. I wish to hear this from your own lips.”

  “Though Mr Darcy and I are fond of each other, the fact is, I am legally married to another man and cannot give Mr Darcy what he deserves.” “Miss Bennet, in my house I refuse to allow any pretense. There is no need to hide who you are while you stay here. And there is no need to pretend that you do not have strong feelings for my nephew. He is a good sort of man. At one time, I insisted that he marry my Anne. But her health is too fragile and she could not be a proper wife for him. Such a shame, we could have united the two great estates. Oh, well, no since crying over spilt milk. Darcy requires an heir, and Anne would not be able to do so. You, Miss Bennet, you could give him the heir that he needs. And it would be a love match.”

  “Lady Catherine, I am flattered at the faith you have in me, but I have to remind you that I am married. Though it is not a good marriage, I legally belong to him. I wish I were not, believe me, I wish that the past three years were different from what they were. I wish I were free to marry William. But I could not bring the shame upon him that would come from being involved with a married woman. Not to mention what would happen if my husband were to find him. I do not wish to see William’s kindness destroyed by my husband’s cruelty.”

  “If I know Darcy and Richard, I would not be concerned for the future of your marriage. There are ways that the marriage can be dissolved, ways of which money can take care. My family tried everything to have me accept their assistance when I was married to Sir Louis, but I was a foolish young lady. Now, I am a strong woman who will not allow anyone to rule my life again. And I pray that you will see that you can be the same. Do not allow that arrogant creature who married you any further power over your life. Once you make that decision, the rest of your life will fall into place. And I hope you will be intelligent enough to realize that having Darcy in your life will be good.”

  Her attention returned to the book in her hands. Nearly an hour into reading her book, Elizabeth heard what sounded like glass breaking. She stood and walked towards the back of the conservatory. She was not prepared to find what was there. The window that was broken had allowed access for several men to enter the building. The man in the lead was none other than Albert Bentley.

  “Ah, my dear wife, you have put me through a great deal to recover you.” “Where are my sisters?” Elizabeth said as tears were building. “Why are you doing all of this? You never really wanted me as a wife.” “Oh, but you are wrong. I chose you to be my wife and I will not allow you to leave me. You will return with me to our home. Only then will I say where your sisters are, so that they might be restored to your family.”

  “I will come with you, but you must release my sisters first. When I know that they are safe, I will come with you wherever you wish.” “You, Elizabeth, are not in charge.” Bentley made his point with the back of his hand. “You took it into your head to be in control and ran away from our home. Now look where it has gotten you. Your sisters are in danger because of you. Two men here are injured because they blocked our way to get to you. And the young man, who you tricked with your allurements, who has fallen in love with you, will have to pay for his hiding you from me. And for any violations he did while you were living in his home with no chaperone. The thought of any man touching you is repulsive to me and I must make sure he knows of my displeasure.”

  “Mr Darcy did nothing that you are implying. He is an honorable man and we had his sister with us, not to mention his cousin. There is no reason to harm Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth cried desperately. “Please, I will come with you; there is no need to harm Mr Darcy or anyone else. I beg of you, please take me with you and let it be done. You may do whatever you wish to me.”

  “As if I need you to tell me what I can or cannot do to you. You are mine, I own you completely. I bought you, with the money I gave your uncle for your mother and sisters’ protection when your father died. So you belong to me, and I will do whatever…I…wish…to…do.” Each of his final words was punctuated with his fist striking Elizabeth’s body.

  Elizabeth gasped as she attempted to stand up straight. “Let us leave now; before anyone knows that you are here.” “Have no fear of our being discovered, my beloved. My men are already inside the house. They will deal with the other occupants in the house. There is no need to hurry. Perhaps there is someone else here who needs to be dealt with for keeping you from me.”

  “NO!” Elizabeth screamed. “There is no need to harm anyone else. I am the one who ran away from your home. It was my fault, you only have to punish me for what has happened.”

  “Ah, my dear wife, I will punish you. You will never run away from me again. I promise you that.” Bentley again began to strike Elizabeth again, his blows forcing her to the floor. “You will not be able to ever leave me again. When I am through with you, you will never be able to even walk again, for I will not tolerate your being able to escape me.”

  Words could not come from Elizabeth’s throat, as she had no control of moving the word from her mind to her mouth due to the pain being so severe. Please, God, take me from this world. Let me die instead of anyone else. I beg you, let me die.

  Suddenly, she felt his foot kicking her body. The pain was overwhelming her. Through the fog in her mind, she could hear a commotion coming from elsewhere in the house. There were sounds of shouting and gun fire, and then there was a sudden weight of something smothering her body. After what seemed to be an eternity, the world became black and Elizabeth knew nothing more.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy and Richard arrived at Longbourn late in the evening on New Year’s Eve. The exchange was to take place on New Year’s Day, but they hoped that they would find the Bennet sisters and bring them safely to their home before it was necessary. And Darcy prayed that they would be able to end the life of Albert Bentley, and his reign of terror over Elizabeth’s life would be over.

  Bingley and Mr Bennet had sent servants about and discovered one of Bingley’s tenants to be missing from his home. Also missing were the tenant’s family. Fortunately, one of the tenants from Longbourn had seen Jane and Kitty climb on the man’s wagon. The apothecary from Meryton, Mr Jones, had seen the wagon from a distance, though he swore it was Mr Morgan and the sisters were on the wagon. When Mr Jones saw the wagon, it caught his attention as it was heading for Purvis Lodge where no one lived. He came by for his weekly check of Mr Bennet’s health, and informed the Master of Longbourn of seeing his daughters.

  Preparations were made for recovering the Bennet sisters from Purvis Lodge. They were only waiting for Darcy, Richard and the men that they would bring.

  Darcy was ready to storm Purvis Lodge upon his arrival to the area. Only his cousin was able to stall him for a few moments, so that a plan could be devised.

  With twenty men from the neighborhood who had volunteered to assist, and the ten men that Darcy and Richard brought with them, Purvis Lodge was surrounded. Richard crept up to one of the windows, looking in to see what he could of the room. There were only two rooms lit, both of which were located towards the back of the house. In the middle of what appeared to be the dining room, were the two young ladies, securely bond to chairs and gagged.

  No one else appeared to be in sight. This concerned Richard, as he attempted to discover where men may be hidden. Everywhere he looked, still no sign of Bentley or his men. Finally, he decided it was safe to make entry to the house and into the dining room.

  Jane had tears streaming down her ch
eeks as she saw her betrothed coming towards her. When he removed the gag from her mouth, she all but screamed to the men. “You have to protect Lizzy. He is going to where Lizzy is, to get her. Please, no one else is here, they all left with him!”

  An icy hand reached inside Darcy’s chest and grabbed hold of his heart. “The young man bringing the message was followed. We have to make for Rosings immediately.”

  “It is too far to travel this late at night. We should take Miss Bennet and her sister to their home and wait for sunrise.” Richard said. “We also need to have something to eat and the horses need some rest. If we attempt to make it there tonight, we will have a disaster, as well as being unable to assist Miss Julia. Forgive me, Elizabeth. I am used to referring to her as Miss Julia. With our aunt’s guards, we should find the scoundrel and his men trying to find a way in.”

  “I cannot believe we were fooled. I should have remained at Rosings. What if he has Elizabeth?” “Darcy, you will do no good in riding off to the rescue after racing here.” Bingley tried to assist Richard in convincing Darcy to recover some before returning to Rosings. “It will be a couple more hours to sunrise, so it would be best to rest the horses and ourselves. Let us make for Longbourn to return the ladies.”

  The men rode in silence, Jane riding with Bingley on his horse and Kitty riding with Richard. They soon arrived at Longbourn, and the young ladies were taken inside. Both of the sisters wished for a bath and said that other than some soreness from the rope that bound them, they had no injuries. As they were escorted up to their room by Mrs Hill, Mr Bennet was standing in his study’s doorway.

  “Mr Darcy, an express arrived for you just a little while ago.” Mr Bennet said, holding the letter in his hand.

  Darcy ran down the hall to snatch the letter and devour the words.

  Nephew, Shortly after you left, we were attacked. Have no fear, the attackers have been dealt with completely, and none survived. We have suffered only three of my men injured, thankfully nothing life-threatening, I have a few bruises from the scrape with one of the attackers, and one other of our family party was injured.

  I have sent to London for a surgeon, for Elizabeth was harmed in the attack. She took a beating before we could get to her, and then, when her tormentor was killed, he fell on top of her, smothering her for a few moments before we could move his enormous frame. She has not wakened since, and we are concerned for her well-being. The physician from Hunsford is at Rosings, but he feels that it is beyond his knowledge.

  I pray that Miss Bennet and her younger sister are well and have been recovered safely. Georgiana and Anne were asleep in their rooms during the attack and knew nothing of what happened until we went to check on them. The men did not make it past the first floor of the house. We will expect you as soon as you are able to come.

  And nephew, the tormentor who died was Mr Albert Bentley himself. Elizabeth will never have to fear him again.

  Your aunt, Lady Catherine Darcy’s knees buckled. Elizabeth was injured; she had taken a beating and then was smothered. Elizabeth required a surgeon; the physician could not handle her injuries. What did I do, leaving her alone? I should have stayed with her, protected her. What if the surgeon cannot help her, what if it is too late? Please, God, give me the chance to tell her how much I love her and what she means to me.

  “Darcy, what is wrong?” Richard said as he entered the house and witnessed his cousin collapsing. He hurried forward and helped Darcy into a chair inside Mr Bennet’s study.

  Mr Bennet was waiting for word of his daughters, both those who had been abducted and the one who was at Rosings. Finally, Bingley realized that his future father in law would not know that his daughters had been returned home. “Jane and Miss Katherine have been taken upstairs to their rooms, Mr Bennet. They are well, other than exhausted and in need of nourishment.”

  “I am grateful for that. Now, what is the word from Rosings? I assume that is where the express is from.”

  Richard took the letter from Darcy’s hand and read it out loud. “We will leave at first light. Mr Bennet, I assume you will wish to join us at Rosings.” “Yes, I wish to see my Lizzy. It was three years ago this very day that she was given to that beast. Now, my daughter is returned to me. I am sure that Jane will wish to come as well.”

  “I will see that the carriage is prepared for you to leave near the same time as we leave on horseback.” Bingley said as he left the room. Darcy was still trying desperately to come to grips with his aunt’s words. Elizabeth was in severe condition if the physician could not care for her efficiently. The fear of her husband taking her away was still real, even though the scoundrel was dead. Would he pull her to the grave behind him?

  “William, snap out of it.” Richard said as he shook his cousin’s shoulders. “We need to have a bite to eat before we prepare to travel to Rosings. Come, you need to pull yourself together or you will not be fit to travel. Do you want to be able to return to Elizabeth? Or would you prefer to remain here, wallowing in your pity?”

  Fury grew in Darcy’s eyes as he looked at his cousin. “How dare you, Richard? I wish to return to Elizabeth and I pray that she will regain her health. Now that she is a widow, she is free to begin a new life. And it is my deepest wish that she will accept me as her future husband.”

  “Then act like you should. You need to have something to eat and drink so that you will be strong enough to make the trip. Elizabeth will need someone strong to be at her side, not someone who has made themselves ill from worry.”

  The truth finally sunk in. Elizabeth needed him, and that meant that he had to be strong for her. His Elizabeth…he could actually call her Elizabeth, no more pretense of Miss Julia Moreland. She was Elizabeth Bennet once more. And one day, hopefully soon, she would be Elizabeth Darcy.

  Darcy ate a full meal, surprised at how hungry he found he was. Richard consumed a great deal of food that the Longbourn cook had prepared for the men. Bingley sent to Netherfield to have a bag packed, and his valet be sent, with the bag, in his carriage, to Rosings. All was set for everyone to set out at first light. Mrs Bennet was far too emotional to think of leaving her bedchambers, and it was decided that Mary and Lydia would look after their mother, while Kitty and Jane traveled with their father to Elizabeth.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 12 Arriving at Rosings, Darcy did not wait downstairs to learn any information of Elizabeth’s condition, he immediately ran up the stairs to the bedchambers that Elizabeth was given when she had first arrived at Rosings. As he prepared to open the door, the handle turned and the door swung inward. Hannah was stepping from the room in a hurry.

  “Mr Darcy, you have arrived.” She said. “Just a moment ago; is the surgeon with your mistress?”

  “Yes, let me introduce you to him.” Hannah said, and then turned red from the thought of her making an introduction of her employer to the surgeon.

  Darcy took pity on the girl who had taken such diligent care of Elizabeth. “I would be grateful, Hannah.” The young maid led Darcy to the side of Elizabeth’s bed. When the surgeon looked up, Hannah spoke. “Mr Freemont, this is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire. Mr Darcy, this is Mr Robert Freemont, renowned surgeon from London.”

  The surgeon chuckled at the maid’s description of himself. “Mr Darcy, I have heard of you. Your uncle, the Earl of Matlock, has been my patient for a year or so. He spoke highly of you.”

  “How is Miss J…Elizabeth? What is your diagnosis?” “The young lady suffered several blows to the head as well as to the body. We needed to do surgery just after my arrival, for she was bleeding into her belly. I was able to repair the damage there easily enough. It is the blows to the head, and then being smothered, that has me concerned. She has made no response to pain or sound. That is not a good sign.”

  Darcy’s eyes were fixed on the young lady lying so still on the bed. “She will recover, I have faith in that. After all that she has endured and survived, she has to recover now, for the th
reat against her is gone.”

  “The threat you speak of is responsible for the scars I found on the young lady?” Mr Freemont asked. Darcy nodded his head. “We have been hiding her for a few months now. Had she not run away, he would have killed her. Do you know who it was that ended his life?”

  “I did it.” Darcy turned to see who had entered the room, only to find his aunt. “I shot him in both regions of his body that caused him to think. As men like him think with a lower region more so than the lump on top of their shoulder, my first shot was below the waist. I will never forget the look on his face when he felt that strike. It makes me sorry I never did it to Sir Louis.”

  Shocked at his aunt’s words, Darcy sat there staring. “Aunt Catherine, you shot Bentley?” “I did, and I have no difficulties in doing so again. He deserves far worse. Too bad it happened so quickly, castration would have been far more satisfying. But I guess that the round from the gun did the same damage.”

  The grand Mistress of Rosings stepped closer to the bed. “No change in your young lady?”

  “I just arrived, so I have not had a chance to discuss the situation with the surgeon.” Darcy said as his gaze returned to the lady on the bed. Mr Freemont cleared his throat. “Yes, well, as I told you, we were able to stop the internal bleeding. She is in a comatose state, and I cannot predict when she will come out of it, if she is able to come out of it. And if she does, it is not certain that she will be the same person; there may be brain damage from the lack of air. At this moment in time, all we can do is pray for the best.”

  Darcy nodded his head, not sure exactly why he was agreeing with the man. Holding tightly to Elizabeth’s hand, Darcy leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Dearest, do not leave me. Not now, not when we can be together. He is gone, and he cannot harm you ever again. You must come back to me, share my life with me. I love you, Elizabeth.”