The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “But, how can you toss me out of my own house?” Mrs Bennet asked. “I was only protecting our other daughters, and I thought I was giving Elizabeth a chance with a wealthy man. My brother did not speak of the man’s cruel nature, so how can I be held responsible for what happened?”

  Darcy stepped forward. “Madame, I have never met you before today, but I can already tell that you are a selfish woman. You sold your daughter for your own security. I agree with your husband, only I would send you further away than a cottage on the estate. You do not deserve to claim Miss Elizabeth as your daughter. After what she has been through these past three years, you do not deserve to have any part of her life.”

  “And who do you think you are, coming here and acting all high and mighty?” “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. I rescued Miss Elizabeth when she escaped from living with the monster she was forced to marry. I took her into my home and protected her from further harm. Fortunately, God was watching over us, for Mr Bingley is a close friend of mine and he wrote to me of Miss Bennet’s sadness over her missing sister. That is when we were able to get word to Mr Bennet and his eldest daughter, and Miss Elizabeth learned that her father was still alive.”

  “It is not my fault that she was kept from our family, not even allowed to write to us. I thought that, after a bit of time, Lizzy would be allowed to write once in a while.” Mrs Bennet was attempting to convince everyone that she should not be exiled from her home. “Please, Lizzy, you can understand why things happened the way they did, can you not? You would have gladly made the sacrifice on your own if you could have, to save your sisters and me from being homeless with nothing to eat. I know you would.”

  Mr Phillips turned towards his brother in law. “Thomas, I believe our wives have a widowed cousin who lives in Scotland. Perhaps it would be better to have Mrs Bennet remove to her cousin’s home. The cousin, Mrs McLangley, wrote a letter to my wife, stating how lonesome she was. She has a home nearly the size of Longbourn, and no children to share it.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 14 “Scotland!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed. “You cannot possibly expect me to move to Scotland.” Thomas Bennet had finished with his wife. “You have your choice, Fanny. You may move to the game keeper’s cottage here at Longbourn, never to set foot in the main house again, nor will I cover your expenses. Or, you could move to Scotland to Mrs McLangley’s home and live out your days in a slightly more comfortable manner. But I expect your answer immediately and it will be final. Either way, you will not bring further harm upon my children.”

  “They are my children as well, Thomas. I gave birth to each and every one of them. And now you are going to take them away from me. What mother could tolerate such cruelty?” Mrs Bennet had her lace trimmed handkerchief fluttering from her hand. “This is not to be borne, thrown from my home and from my children for trying to protect them.”

  “If you do not make up your mind, and do so quickly, I will send you packing to Scotland immediately. Jane, would you ask Mrs Hill to have your mother’s belongings packed?”

  “Yes, Papa.” Jane said as she stepped to the door to leave the study. Mrs Bennet was furious. “Is this the thanks that I am to receive for saving you? I did not send you to London, for I knew you were too pretty to settle for a common husband. And look at you, engaged to Mr Bingley, a man of five thousand per annum. Now you betray me, and strike at me with vengeance? I should have sent both you and Lizzy to your uncle.” She finished speaking as she reached out and yanked a silver hair comb from Jane’s hair. “This was mine when I was young. I gave it to you, my first born, on your eight and ten birthday. If you are to betray me, then I will reclaim what I gave you.”

  Jane Bennet had always been a sweet natured young lady, even when she was a child. She tried to find the good in everyone she met and she had even tried to find something good in her sister’s marriage. But that was at the beginning of the marriage. The eldest Bennet sister had seen the cruelty which was etched upon her sister’s very skin, had nearly lost her most beloved sister, and for what? Securing a home for their mother and younger sisters? And learning that her father and Uncle Phillips had already taken measures to protect them, it was not necessary for Elizabeth to have been sacrificed. No, it was her mother’s greed that had caused so much pain to them all. Looking at her mother holding the comb from her hair, the mild mannered Jane Bennet had had enough.

  “Mamma, you can keep your ridiculous comb. To be honest, I do not wish to have anything you gave me. Things, items, they are nothing in comparison to having my sister home with me. Now, excuse me so that I may speak to Hill.” With that, Jane held her head high and walked from the room.

  Elizabeth had tears rolling down her cheeks. How had her family come to this? She could remember her mother fretting over all of the Bennet sisters, wishing for them to marry well. She could remember her mother speaking of how to behave, how to wear their hair, what colors suited each of their coloring so that they would be dressed properly. And she could remember many times visiting her aunt and uncle in London. How could all these memories now be so far from the truth? What had happened?

  “Mamma, I wish to know; did you ever, even in the slightest way, love me?” Mrs Bennet stood up straight and gave her second eldest child a sneer. “How is one to love a thorn in their side?” With that, Mrs Bennet turned and left the room.

  Elizabeth broke down into sobs. Darcy had been beside her through the entire encounter and he instantly sat beside her, scooping her into his arms and bringing her to his lap. His arms wrapped themselves around her small body, holding her to his chest as he began to rock gently and whisper words of love and admiration to her. Though this was highly inappropriate, no one had the heart to put an end to Elizabeth’s comfort.

  “Papa” she finally was able to speak. “Perhaps it would be best if I went somewhere else to live. Mamma could remain here. I should not be the reason she is sent from her home and away from her other daughters.”

  Mr Bennet made his way, with the assistance of Kitty, to kneel before his most cherished daughter. “Lizzy, had your mother bothered to learn the truth of the situation before I took ill, or even spoken with your Uncle Phillips, who knew the truth of all my business and finances, things would be different. You would not have had to go to London, and you most definitely would not have had to marry that man. Had she even bothered to speak to me after I recovered, explained what had happened and why you were married in such a fashion, I might be able to forgive her. All she has done since she walked into this room is to justify her actions. I will not tolerate it any longer. She needs to reap what she has sown.”

  “In a year or so, would you consider allowing her to make amends?” Elizabeth asked. In her mind, she was still the girl who was barely out in society, and in need of a mother figure in her life.

  “There would need to be a considerable change in her behavior, Lizzy. Your mother has a great deal with which to contend. But I will keep in touch with her cousin to see her progress. I cannot promise to give her a second chance, but I will not cut all ties with her either. Nor will I seek a divorce from her.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. “I am grateful, Papa. It is understandable that she was afraid. I remember hearing, all of my life, how we would end up in the hedgerow without an heir for the estate. That fear must be overwhelming.”

  Seeing the compassion in his daughter’s eyes, Mr Bennet’s heart softened somewhat. “We will pray for the best, my dear girl. Now, let us get you up to your room so you might rest.”

  “Can I see Mary and Lydia first?” The young girl in her pleaded with her father. “Very well, but only a few minutes. You have had much to deal with, and the travel was taxing on you as well. Ah, Jane, I am pleased you returned. Would you please take Lizzy to meet the older Mary and Lydia?”

  Jane smiled. “Of course I will. Mary has already asked when she would be able to see Lizzy.”

  The men watched as the young ladies left the room. It warmed Mr B
ennet’s heart to know his daughters were all returned to Longbourn. ~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet prepared to leave her home forever. She was displeased with what her husband had dictated for her future, but she also knew that she would not go against him. If she did, she faced the possibility of her husband divorcing her. The shame of that would be more than she could bear. No, she would go to Scotland, to her cousin’s home. At least she was not cast out on her own, forced to live the life she had feared for so many years.

  But there was one thing that she needed to do before she could leave. She had to see Elizabeth. After everyone had gone to bed, Mrs Bennet crept from her rooms. When she arrived at Elizabeth’s bedchamber, which had been the guest rooms before the young lady’s return, Mrs Bennet attempted to open the door. Though she found the door to be locked, Mrs Bennet had a key to each room in the house.

  She opened the door and entered the darkened rooms. The only light that could be found was the glow from the fireplace. Mrs Bennet walked over to the bed, sitting down carefully beside the sleeping form of her second born. “Lizzy, please, would you turn over here and look at me?” she asked as she lightly shook her daughter.

  A groggy Elizabeth turned towards her mother. “Mamma, is that you? What are you doing here?”

  “I need to speak with you before I leave tomorrow. Would you allow me that kindness?”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. Sitting up, she moved over on the bed to allow her mother to sit comfortably. “What did you wish to discuss, Mamma?” “I need to know, Lizzy, I need to know the truth. What was your husband like? Did he harm you?” “I cannot remember, as the last time I was with him, I sustained injuries that affected my mind. But I have seen scars on my body, and have been told that they came from him. Papa and Jane said they have letters which I wrote before I lost my memory, and the letters describe the abuse that occurred. I do not wish to know more, as I feel it is best to remember the past as it brings you pleasure. I do not think that I will find pleasure in remembering that man.”

  “Lizzy, would it be asking too much, would you allow me to see the scars?” At first, Elizabeth was unsure why her mother would make such a request. Seeing Elizabeth’s puzzled expression, Mrs Bennet continued. “I would like to see the damage that was done, what that man truly did to you.”

  Reluctantly, Elizabeth nodded her head. She pulled her arms from her night gown, and finally removed the gown over her head. With her back to her mother, as she disrobed, Elizabeth could hear her mother gasp. “Dear Lord, what did he do to you?”

  “As I said, I do not know what he did, but I am sure that, from your expression, you will understand that it is best that I not remember.” “I do not mean your husband, Lizzy. I refer to my brother. What possessed him to behave in such a manner, to give you to that man to provide a home and care for me and your sisters? I thought you were exaggerating with regards to the behavior of that man. My brother never told me the type of man he was.”

  “Why would you sacrifice me? You knew that I wished to marry for love.” “I married to protect my mother. My father’s business was thriving, but if he died, she would have had nothing. My brother was just a boy at the time, and my sister had not yet met Mr Phillips. No one knew at the time, not even my mother, but my father had a weak heart. I was his confidante; I knew how poor his health was.”

  “And you saw the same happening in our family. But, why me, Mamma?” Elizabeth asked, trying desperately to understand. Mrs Bennet turned her head, unable to look at her daughter any longer. “Perhaps I was jealous of your being your father’s favorite. Or I blamed you for not being a son. I am not sure. But I do know, if my brother had told me the sort of man Mr Bentley was, I would never have agreed to the marriage.”

  “Mamma, I cannot allow Papa to send you away. It is not right. I will speak with him in the morning.” Elizabeth cried out as she embraced her mother.

  “No, Lizzy, the more I think of it, the more I realize that I need some time to gather myself.” Mrs Bennet pulled back from her daughter, lifting a hand to brush back a wayward curl. “I will think of this as an extended holiday. Perhaps you and your sisters will come visit me some time. Will you write to me?”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. “Of course, Mamma, I will write every week.” “That makes me happy. I would like to get to know you better. And it is my prayer that you will find a young man who will make you happy. Mr Darcy seems to care for you.”

  A laugh came from her daughter. “Yes, he does. And he plans on courting me.” Mrs Bennet smiled. “That is wonderful, Lizzy. Take your time and get to know him before accepting him. You can do that now, there is no need to rush.”

  “I love you, Mamma.” Elizabeth said as she gazed into her mother’s eyes. “I…I love you, Lizzy. I truly do. I have not shown it often enough, but I love you. Now, you go back to sleep. I will see you in the morning to say my farewells.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head and lay down upon her pillow. Mrs Bennet placed her hand gently upon her daughter’s cheek. “Sweet dreams, my dear Lizzy. And may they come true.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth woke early the next morning, excited to be in a familiar setting. Jane and Kitty had brought some of their sister’s childhood treasures and placed them in the guest room, to make Elizabeth feel at home. She stretched out, allowing the first rays of the morning sun to warm her skin.

  Realizing that her mother would soon be leaving for Scotland, Elizabeth quickly dressed, with Hannah’s assistance. Elizabeth was surprised when Mr Darcy suggested that the maid he had hired for her remain tending to Elizabeth. She was not sure that her father could afford it, though Mr Bennet had told her it was no burden.

  Once she was dressed, she made her way quickly down the stairs to the front door. She could hear voices from outside, so she was sure that her mother was preparing to leave. Opening the door, Elizabeth stepped outside. “Mamma.” She said as she wrapped her arms around her mother. “I will miss you, Mamma. Please make sure that you write to me every week.”

  Mrs Bennet gently caressed her daughter’s hair with her hand. “And you make sure that you write to me each week. I am counting on your descriptions of everything that happens here. Through your words, I know that I will feel as if I were here.” She moved gently until she was able to place a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “I do love you, Lizzy. And I look forward to getting to know you better.”

  Elizabeth wiped tears from her cheeks as she reached up to kiss her mother’s cheek. “I love you, Mamma. Have a safe journey.” Mrs Bennet nodded her head and then stepped back from her daughter. Taking a final look around her, of the home that had been hers for over twenty years, and then stepped up in the carriage. Turning back towards her daughter, she wiped the tears from her own eyes as she waved her farewell to Elizabeth.

  As Elizabeth stood, watching her mother leave, Mr Bennet had silently moved until he was just outside the front door. When his daughter turned around, she ran into his arms. “Papa, you should not send Mamma away. She spoke with me last night. I believe she did not mean for things to have happened like they did. She was afraid and did what she thought was best for all of us.”

  “I know that you may believe her, but I ask you to use caution when it comes to your mother. She is not going of her own choice. I am sure that she will try anything to make us feel sorry for her and ask her to return.”

  Pulling back from her father, Elizabeth shook her head. “No, Papa, you are wrong. After speaking with Mamma last night, I begged her to stay and allow me to plead her case to you. Mamma refused my request. She said that she needed the time to put her thoughts to right. And she said she would look at the trip as an extended holiday. I promised Mamma I would write to her every week. And I plan to do just that.”

  Mr Bennet was shocked at what he was told. “Lizzy, for your sake, as well as your sisters, I pray that what you have told me is true. I do not enjoy having to send your Mamma away; I did so to protect you girls.”

  ~~ ** ~~ After Mrs Bennet had left, there was
a quietness that had never been before. Having dealt with his wife, Mr Bennet decided to take a trip to London. With Mr Phillips and Mr Darcy, the men took the journey to confront the man that had sold Elizabeth into hell.

  Arriving near midday, the men went directly to Mr Gardiner’s office in his warehouse. Mr Gardiner was surprised to see his two brothers in law. And it was clear he was not prepared for the battle he was soon to have.

  “Bennet, Phillips, I was unaware of your being in Town. What brings you here?” “Gardiner, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley. Mr Darcy is with us due to his concern for my daughter, whom he rescued.”

  Mr Gardiner frowned. “One of your girls was in trouble? I had not heard. And what does that have to do with me?” Darcy leaned his large frame over Mr Gardiner’s desk, placing his hands on the desk top. “It has everything to do with you, as it involves Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the niece you sold into a marriage to a brute.”

  Taking a deep gulp, Mr Gardiner viewed the young man as a threat to his safety. “I do not understand your meaning, young man. I aided my sister in finding a husband for her daughter. I found a wealthy suitor for Elizabeth, and he wished to marry her. There is a bank account set up for my sister and my other nieces for the future, when Bennet is deceased. It was a perfect situation for the family.”

  “And just how much is in that bank account?” Mr Phillips asked. “I find it amazing that you never once informed me, Bennet’s solicitor and financial advisor to our brother that said account even existed. Nor did you inform Bennet of the account. Why was there a need to hide this information from us?”

  “I never thought it was necessary, due to Fanny knowing. Might I ask how you came to know of the account?” Gardiner asked. “That is not important, as you are skirting around the issue.” Darcy stated. “I have my solicitor looking into all of Mr Albert Bentley’s business and financial affairs, and it will only be a matter of time before we know the exact amount that was given to you after Elizabeth’s marriage.”