The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you looking so well. May I inquire as to your health today?” Elizabeth smiled. “I thank you, Mr Darcy, and as to your inquiry, I am quite well. Mr Freemont has said that in a few more days, I will be able to have the stitches removed and then I can travel home with my family.”

  This was a stab in Darcy’s heart. He had enjoyed having the close living quarters, so that he could spend as much time as possible with her. “I am pleased to hear you are recovering. Are you sure that you wish to return to your family’s home so soon? Perhaps you should give yourself more time to adjust to the changes you will be experiencing.”

  “I cannot impose upon your aunt’s generosity any longer. She has been so kind to my family as well as me.” “You are not imposing upon her. My aunt is pleased that she can be of service to you and your family. It has been a long time since she has been able to assist anyone, and it has done Aunt Catherine a world of good. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. Your father has even met his cousin, the one who will inherit his estate. The man is my aunt’s parson.”

  “Yes, Papa told me of Mr Collins. He found the man to be…entertaining.” Darcy laughed. “My aunt as well, as she told me that she has a difficult time not bursting into laughter the way he rambles on with his enthusiasm.” “Never the less, it is time for me to return home. I wish to see my mother and my other sisters, and long to take walks in the park surrounding our home. My favorite place is Oakham Mount. From there, I can see for miles. It is especially nice to watch the sunrise each morning.”

  “When you return to your father’s home, would you be accepting of my calling on you? Mr Bingley has invited my family to be his guests at Netherfield. My sister, Georgiana, and I will be going there when you return home. My cousin, Richard, plans to go to London first, and then will meet us at Netherfield. You will meet him later. He is a colonel in the regulars, though he will be resigning his commission. Our aunt has informed him that she will be leaving Rosings to him, as her daughter’s health is too fragile to ever have children. Lady Catherine has decided that she would prefer for him to resign his commission and take over the reign of the estate while she can assist him.”

  “Mr Darcy, you are rambling. As to your question, I will accept your calling on me when I return to Longbourn. From what I have been told, we have grown fond of each other. I would like to know you better, or, I should say, know you again. And your sister, as I have been told that she is a sweet natured young lady.”

  The smile on Darcy’s face showed the dimples that few knew he had. Elizabeth gasped at the sight; she felt a familiar warmth from the vision before her. It made her feel comfortable in Darcy’s presence. Darcy could sense the slight change in Elizabeth, an ease at being with him, even in such an improper situation. “If you feel up to it, perhaps my sister and I could come this afternoon and bring a chess set with us. You enjoyed playing when you stayed with us at Pemberley.”

  A slight frown left a wrinkle above her brow. “That is your estate, Pemberley? It is in the north, if I am not mistaken.” “Yes, to both. My parents are both gone, and it is only Georgiana and myself. We prefer to spend our time at our estate. It is in Derbyshire. You stayed there with us for a little over two months.”

  “And how did I find your estate, Mr Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. Another smile eased Elizabeth. “I must say, Miss Elizabeth, that even being winter and you were not able to see the estate at its full beauty, you did find it to be very charming. Your favorite place was the conservatory. Even in the middle of a snow storm, you could enjoy the blossoms and lushness of the plants.”

  A slight giggle escaped her. “That does sound like me. And you said that we played chess?”

  “Many times, and we spent hours reading and discussing books. I found these times to be my favorite. You are quite the debater.” “My father says the same, as we began debating when I was a child. He knew that he was in trouble when I could out debate him by the time I was five and ten. I do enjoy it, even when I debate opinions that are not my own.”

  “Perhaps, one day, you will come to Pemberley again. We have one of the largest libraries in England. We had a hard time keeping you from living in it when you were there.”

  “If Papa were to visit, you would never get him out of such a place. Where is my father? I have yet to see him this morning.”

  Darcy gave a slight chuckle. “I will give you three guesses, though I am sure you only require one.”

  “Your aunt has an impressive library?” Elizabeth asked with a smile. “You are correct. It is nothing in comparison to Pemberley, but it is impressive. He might argue that you will need to remain at Rosings for at least a month or two.”

  This brought Elizabeth to a full laugh. “That would be just like Papa. You know him so well, already. There is also the added bonus of not having to hear my mother’s wails when she is displeased. I wonder if Mamma has calmed since I last saw her, especially since she would be taken care of after Papa dies.”

  “From what I understand, your uncle never told anyone of the funds. Your father recovered and so the money was not needed to purchase a home for your mother and sisters.”

  “Did Mamma know that her brother had the money for her?” “We do not know for sure, as no one has discussed it with her. And she is not aware that you have been recovered. Your father wishes to see her reaction when you return home, for he says that he will be able to tell from her behavior just how complicit she was in the situation.”

  “Forgive me, Mr Darcy. I should not be discussing such matters with someone outside my family.” Darcy was somewhat wounded by these words, but he reminded himself that it was all new to her. In a way, he was grateful that she did not remember the years of abuse that she had endured. “Miss Elizabeth, though it is a matter to be discussed in your family, these past few months I have become quite close to you and, through you, your family. If I had not come to care for you as I have, your father would not allow me to enter this room.”

  Elizabeth blushed. “It is all confusing, Mr Darcy. I wish that I could remember you, though some of your actions have given me a great deal of comfort. Such as your smile, seeing your dimples makes me feel as if I am wrapped in a warm comfortable blanket. I wish to remain in that feeling forever.” She turned her head, not able to look into his eyes.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I pray that you know you will always be safe with me. I am pleased you find me enjoyable. It is my hope that you will always feel that way.”

  Finally, she brought her face back towards his, though she found it difficult to bring her eyes up to the deep pools that would meet her. “I do look forward to knowing you better. How long will you be able to stay at your friend’s home?”

  “As long as I need, for my steward is quite capable of keeping the estate running smoothly. If there is an emergency, he will contact me and I can go to Pemberley. But know this, if I have to leave for any reason, I will return as soon as I can. I wish to court you, Miss Elizabeth, with the intent of making you love me as I already do you. My intention is to one day have the privilege of asking for your hand and have you accept me.”

  Elizabeth’s cheeks felt as if they had burst into flames. “I cannot promise you anything, Mr Darcy. I do find you to be a kind man; someone with whom I can be comfortable. But I am confused right now. I do not even know who I am. I am no longer the nearly seven and ten year old girl, but a twenty year old lady, nearly of age. Even my body is different than I remember. There is so much I need to learn, to grow accustomed to. If you are willing to stand beside me, be honest with me, as I learn how to be this Elizabeth Bennet, then I pray we will be able to one day grow past a courtship.”

  She was rewarded with yet another dazzling smile, complete with dimples. “I will stand beside you, until you tell me to leave. And if you need anything, even as simple as someone to loan you a shoulder to cry upon, you need only ask.”

  ~~ ** ~~ The day that the stitches were removed from Elizabeth’s wound wa
s a day of mixed emotions. Elizabeth was excited to go home, though she was also quite nervous about what she would face. Her mother had not been informed of Elizabeth being recovered, all she was told was that Mr Bennet had urgent business and it required Jane, Kitty and Mr Bingley to be with him. Mr Bennet wrote to Mr Phillips requesting his presence at Longbourn the following afternoon, as the Bennet party would be arriving there shortly after midday.

  Mr Bennet’s plan was to have Darcy bring Elizabeth in through the back door of Longbourn and into the Master’s study. Then, Mrs Bennet and Mr Phillips could be brought in to meet with Elizabeth without knowledge beforehand. In this way, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, Jane, Kitty and Mr Bennet could judge the reaction of the two. After they determined the culpability of the two in Elizabeth’s marriage being arranged, they would learn more about Mr Gardiner’s financial gain. Darcy had already sent a Bow Street Runner to investigate the business holdings of the Gardiner family.

  Darcy also contacted his solicitors to have them begin liquidating Bentley’s holdings as well as selling off his property. The property would mean nothing to Elizabeth, as she did not even remember him, and what memories she would have had of the house where she was kept, were memories that she was better off not having. He had spoken with Mr Bennet and decided that this was the best way to deal with the matter. They would place the funds in the bank until Elizabeth was able to decide what she wished for the future.

  As preparations were made for the move to Longbourn and Netherfield, Lady Catherine requested an audience with Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, though the weather is cold, there is a pretty piece of wilderness over by the pond that would be nice for a short walk.”

  Agreeing with the Mistress of Rosings, each was aided with a coat and bonnet. As they walked, Lady Catherine began to speak. “Miss Elizabeth, I wish to inform you that you will always be welcome in my home. And I have high hopes for your uniting our families by marrying my nephew. I know, I know, it is far too early for such decisions. But in the future, know that he is an honorable man of good breeding. He comes from good, noble stock. And that is all that I have to say on the matter.”

  “I thank you, Lady Catherine, for your generosity in allowing us to stay here, the care that I received, and especially, your words with regards to you nephew. I have already come to know that he is an honorable and caring man. I only wish to know him better before I make any commitments towards marriage. I have a great deal to learn since my memory loss. I have asked him to have patience with me.”

  “He will, I am certain. William loves you, as much as his father loved his mother. Now, let us return to the house. You will be leaving me soon and I insist that you have a hearty meal before you travel. It is good for your digestion to eat a proper meal and drink a cup of peppermint tea, as that is what I do before I travel anywhere.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I will do as you say, Lady Catherine. And I thank you for your sage advice.”

  “Any time you require advice, write to me. For, though I am not in Town much, I am quite knowledgeable of all a young lady should be and do.” ~~ ** ~~ The trip to Longbourn was a quiet one, as everyone in the carriages and on horseback were thinking of the upcoming confrontation. Elizabeth kept staring out the window, excited when she began to recognize places.

  Darcy’s carriage conveyed himself, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Richard; and they did not stop at the front of the main house, as Bingley’s carriage did. While Mr Bennet, two of his daughters and Bingley left the confines of Bingley’s carriage to be greeted by Mrs Bennet, Mary, Lydia and Mr Phillips, Darcy’s driver had been instructed to pull around to the back, as if to unload servants.

  Once all the greetings at the front of the house were finished, Mr Bennet spoke. “Mrs Bennet, Mr Phillips would you join us in my study, for there is a great deal we need to discuss. Our trip was important and will reflect on everything in our future.”

  Mrs Bennet was confused, though she was more than willing to learn the news. Mr Phillips showed no concerns at the request. As they entered the room, Mrs Bennet wondered who the two strangers were and how they had entered her husband’s study. Darcy and Richard stood in front of Elizabeth and Georgiana, blocking the view of her until everyone was in the room and ready to bear witness. Finally, Jane closed the door behind her mother before walking to her fiancé.

  Mr Bennet addressed his wife and brother in law. “Mrs Bennet, Mr Phillips, we have learned some very disturbing news these past months and it concerns all of us. Before you are Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and I owe them a debt of gratitude which I will never be able to repay. Gentlemen, if you would do the honors.”

  The men stepped apart, allowing Elizabeth to step forward. At the same time, though with much different tones, Mrs Bennet and Mr Phillips exclaimed “Elizabeth.”

  Mr Phillips stepped forward to his niece. “Lizzy, you have returned to the family. It is wonderful to see you again. Your aunt will be pleased to see you, as she was just saying to me last week how she missed hearing your voice singing Christmas carols.”

  Mrs Bennet made no step towards her daughter. She scrutinized the young lady before her with a critical eye. “Why have you returned, Lizzy? Your husband made it clear to my brother that you would never be allowed to contact the family again. Have you angered him so much that he threw you to the streets? Did he take back the funds he gave my brother for the care of me and your sisters when your father dies?”

  “Mamma!” Jane screeched. “You knew that Uncle Gardiner as much as sold Lizzy into a marriage?” “My brother wrote to me to inform me that Lizzy’s husband gave a generous donation to protect me and you girls. Your father was quite ill, and was not expected to live. We were fortunate that Lizzy’s husband was so kind as to protect us. It was worth knowing we would never see Elizabeth again. She made a sacrifice for all of us.”

  Kitty broke down in tears as she listened to her mother’s words. “Lizzy, my poor, dear sister, forgive me. If I had been older, it could have been me who was sent to London. You deserve so much more than you were given. I cannot believe our mother to be so cold hearted. Please forgive me, Lizzy.”

  Elizabeth knelt before her sobbing sister, who had taken a seat due to her legs becoming wobbly as she allowed her emotions to flow from her body. “Kitty, my dear, there is nothing that you did wrong and therefore you do not require any forgiveness. Remember always that I love you.”

  While his daughters were consoling each other, Mr Bennet turned to Mr Phillips. “Tell me the truth, did you have anything to do with my daughter being placed into a marriage for the financial benefit of my wife? Did you assist our brother in law, Mr Gardiner, in selling my daughter to the beast who she was forced to marry?”

  The look on Mr Phillips’ face told the truth. “Brother, I would never have done such a deed. When you became so very ill, and we believed you would die, I told my wife that we should prepare to take Fanny and the girls into our home. I had actually purchased the building next to our house, and had plans to remodel the inside to make it a home for them. And, as your solicitor, I knew the new provisions you had added to your will. The girls would be protected, I would have seen to that.”

  Mr Bennet turned to Bingley, Darcy, and Richard. “Men, as my sight is diminished, what say you to his honesty? What did you see in his expression?”

  Darcy had closely watched Mr Phillips, as had Richard. With Richard’s military training, he had learned to read people carefully. The cousins looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Richard then spoke. “Mr Bennet, I will say that it is my opinion and that of my cousin, that Mr Phillips is honest in his words. We could not detect any insincerity in his words or actions.”

  “So, it is only my wife for whom I need to decide a fate.” Mr Bennet said as he sat down in his chair, with assistance from Bingley. “My fate?” Mrs Bennet asked. “What do you mean, you must decide my fate? I was only doing what I was told to do by my brother. If I had not gone along with him, and
you had died, we would have been tossed out to live in the hedgerow. My brother told me that he would not take me and my daughters in upon your death. The only way I could find a home for us was to sacrifice Lizzy to the man she married. I was not trying to be hurtful, I was being practical. Lizzy’s marriage saved us.”

  Mr Phillips was angered by this information. “Your sister, my wife, and I would never have allowed you to be homeless, Fanny. Surely you knew that. I do not care what your brother thought was best, as your husband’s solicitor and his friend; you should have spoken with me before following Edward’s decision. He always spoke of not wishing to have either you or my wife come to live with his family.”

  “But, I did not know. And when Thomas is gone, my brother is the head of my family since I have no sons. I felt I had to listen to him.” Mr Bennet sat silent for a few more minutes. “Mrs Bennet, I will speak with your brother with regards to his sending the funds that he received for selling my daughter. Once we have those funds in hand, you will be moved to the game keeper’s cottage on the estate. We will have the cottage cleaned and made ready for you. Then, I will give Phillips the funds from your brother and set up your accounts separate from the regular Longbourn accounts. You will need to learn to live on the allotment that Phillips sets for you. All of the shops will be notified that any purchases for you will be paid for by that account, not Longbourn’s. You will not be welcomed in this house again. Our daughters may visit you at the cottage. Hill will remain here at the house, as will the maid and footman. You will have to hire your own staff from your account. I will no longer live in the same house as someone who would care more for her own needs than she does her own child. If you only knew what sort of monster to which you sold my daughter, you would understand that I am letting you off easy. It is due to that brute that Lizzy was injured the same day as Jane and Kitty were abducted. It was that monster who had our other daughters kidnapped to divert our attention from Lizzy. He nearly killed her. Fortunately, rather than kill her, she has lost the past three and one half years of her memories. In a way, it was a blessing, so she does not have constant reminders of that beast.”