The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  Mr Bennet smiled at the young man’s use of his daughter’s Christian name. He then schooled his expression as he spoke. “I wish to know the amount that was settled from Mr Bentley. I wish to know how much my daughter’s life was worth.”

  Mr Gardiner stammered as he tried to gather his thoughts. “Mr Bentley placed twenty thousand pounds in the bank account for Fanny and her other daughters. My name is on the account as the executor. There is interest that has accrued as well. Every last coin is in the account; I have touched none of it.”

  “So Elizabeth was worth twenty thousand pounds.” Mr Bennet said. “My precious, wonderful daughter’s life was worth a mere twenty thousand pounds. My poor girl was put through hell for such a paltry amount.”

  “Bentley was a good man; it was a good match for Elizabeth.” Mr Gardiner stated. “And what is all of this about? Are you telling me that Elizabeth has left her husband? Bentley will be furious.”

  “Yes, Elizabeth left Bentley; she fled for her life from cruelty that had been inflicted on her for nearly three years. You should see the scars that she bears from his brutality. That blackguard nearly killed her. She escaped, and that was when Mr Darcy found her. He took her into his home to protect her and allow her to regain her health. And it was due to him that Elizabeth has been returned to her family.”

  Fear was now apparent in Mr Gardiner’s expression. “Bentley will come to Longbourn to retrieve his wife. She is his wife; you cannot stop him from taking her home with him.”

  “I beg to differ, Gardiner.” Mr Phillips interjected. “Elizabeth was visiting Mr Darcy’s aunt, when Bentley and his men attacked Lady Catherine’s estate. Bentley began to beat Elizabeth, and Lady Catherine came to my niece’s defense. Bentley did not succeed in his abuse, nor will he ever harm Elizabeth again.”

  “Bentley is dead?” Gardiner gasped. “He is truly dead?” “He is dead and rotting in a grave.” Darcy said. “My aunt is not the sort to allow such abuse to happen, especially in her own home by uninvited guests.”

  It was clear to all those in the office that Mr Gardiner was relieved to hear the news. Darcy decided to pressure the man further. “As it is clear you were intimidated by the man, why would you put your own niece in such a marriage? Why would you place your niece in harm’s way, knowing the danger she would be in?”

  “I only knew that he could be brutal in business. I had no way of knowing what he was like in private. Many men are ruthless in how they handle financial situations, yet are devoted family men. I had hoped that it would be so for Elizabeth. How could I ever know that he would be so cruel?”

  “You knew what he was, Gardiner” Mr Phillips was as angry as the men he had come with. “Mr Darcy has uncovered a great deal of information with regards to the sort of man Bentley was. And it is clear that the man was brutal in all that he did. Good God, Gardiner, the man is rumored to have killed people. Elizabeth witnessed him kill his own valet. And you did not think that Elizabeth was in danger? I do not believe you. If you did business with that man, you knew what he was like.”

  Mr Bennet knew from the tone of his wife’s brother’s voice, the man knew more than he was letting on. “Gardiner, Fanny trusted you to find a husband for Elizabeth. I also know that you were afraid that you would be required to house your sister and my daughters when I died, as you all expected me to do at that time. Never once did you or Fanny consult the one man who knew all of my arrangements for my wife and daughters. You never spoke to Phillips. Why did you not think of finding out the truth of what would happen to them rather than fearing the worst?”

  “I knew what Fanny told me. She said that there was no money saved for her and the girls, and with no heir, she would be tossed from her home when you died. When you became so ill, and were not expected to live, Fanny’s fear grew. My wife and I had no room to take them into our home, nor could I afford to feed so many people. I had had some difficulties with investments when Bentley came into my office. When he met Elizabeth, he decided that she would be perfect for his wife, as she was the daughter of a gentleman and would improve his social standing.”

  “You had to know more of the man, he was involved in many investments and business dealings with you.” Darcy said in a heated voice. “If I learned of the man’s dealings by just investigating him, then someone who was as close as the two of you were would know that he was a cutthroat scoundrel.”

  After several moments, Mr Gardiner finally broke down in tears. “We had an investment go bad, and Bentley could have ruined me. He threatened to do so. But he had seen Elizabeth walking in the park with my wife, and Bentley wanted her. By allowing Elizabeth to marry him, it protected my sister and her other daughters, as well as saved my own family. I could not allow him to take everything I had from me, I had to provide for my own children.”

  “ SO YOU SACRIFICED MY DAUGHTER INSTEAD!” Mr Bennet was furious. “From this moment on, you will have no further contact with my family. We will not acknowledge you, your wife or your children. The bank account will have your name stricken from it, and Fanny will have complete control, under the watchful eye of Phillips. And if you make any attempt to communicate with Elizabeth, I will call you out. I may have lost a great deal of my eyesight, but I am able to make out your outline and know how to shoot a gun quite well.”

  Mr Gardiner shuddered. “May I have the truth of Elizabeth’s condition? Is she well?” “So far as you are concerned, my daughter is very well. Fortunately, her last beating has left her no memory of being married, let alone the abuse she sustained. I pray that the memories do not return from that particular time.”

  Darcy was in agreement. He preferred Elizabeth’s lack of remembrance of their relationship, as it took away the pain. She was now able to begin again, and seemed to enjoy the courtship that they had begun. “I agree with Mr Bennet, and pledge my support in ensuring Miss Elizabeth’s safety. You will not be able to cause her further harm.”

  “And I am in agreement with Bennet and Mr Darcy. I will take care of the bank account later today. If we are in need of your signature to release you from further burden, I will notify you.” Mr Phillips stated. “My wife is in agreement with me, you were underhanded in how you behaved and Elizabeth paid a hefty price for that. I am also assisting my niece in liquidating all of Bentley’s holdings and property, so do not count on any further funds being invested by them. Mr Darcy has been kind enough to have his own solicitor begin putting together all the information.”

  With all they wished accomplished for this visit, the men turned and left Mr Gardiner, who quickly pulled out a glass and a bottle from his bottom drawer. His footman was sent from his house late that night to bring the wretched man home.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 15 Elizabeth was slowly becoming used to her surroundings. Jane had barely changed from what she knew before her life was upended. The difference in Mary, Kitty and Lydia was quite different. And with their mother removed from the estate and their father in London with Mr Phillips and Mr Darcy, the house was quiet for the first time in Elizabeth’s memories. Mrs Hill was pleased to have Elizabeth returned home, as the housekeeper had always been fondest of Jane and Lizzy.

  At first, Lydia was confused at seeing Elizabeth returned home and all of the changes that had come from it. She had been her mother’s favorite, and was quite spoiled by Mrs Bennet. When she last saw her sister, Lydia was two and ten. Now she was five and ten, and had the body of a young lady. Jane had a difficult time keeping their youngest sister in check. In the past, whatever Lydia did, Kitty followed along. It was only after seeing the injuries that Elizabeth had sustained that Kitty had her eyes opened wide as to what could happen in the world. Never before had she thought that there was such evil in the world, much less that it would touch their lives.

  Mary was reserved, keeping her opinions to herself for the first few days of their sister’s return. Being the middle child, she was often forgotten in the family. Jane and Elizabeth had been close all of thei
r lives. When Elizabeth was gone for so long, Jane had come to rely on Mary as her confidante. But things had started to change many weeks ago. Now Mary was aware that Jane had received word of Lizzy, and their bond had been renewed. She was pleased to learn that Elizabeth had been returned to the family, but she missed not having Jane’s friendship. It was difficult enough for Mary to accept Mr Bingley’s becoming Jane’s betrothed, but now she had to accept that Elizabeth would return as Jane’s closest friend.

  Visitors began to arrive at Longbourn. Though some were anxious to see Elizabeth and welcome her home, many came out of extreme curiosity. Elizabeth felt as if she were a caged animal, on display to be poked at by the on lookers.

  Amongst their visitors was their mother’s sister, Mrs Phillips. Though she was upset with her sister being sent to Scotland, she was furious with the events that had happened to her niece. Elizabeth had not been Mrs Bennet’s favorite child, but the Phillips had dearly loved the young girl. Having no children of their own, the Phillips adored the Bennet girls, especially the eldest two. Many times the girls would spend the night at their aunt and uncle’s house. Mrs Bennet had a particularly difficult time delivering Mary, so the eldest sisters stayed with Mrs Phillips so the rest of the staff at Longbourn’s main house could concentrate on caring for Mrs Bennet and the babe. It was nearly a month before the girls returned to their home.

  When Mr Bennet had taken so deathly ill, Mrs Phillips was disappointed when she learned that her sister had sent Elizabeth to their brother. Mrs Phillips had dearly wished to take her niece, and was leery when she learned that Mr Gardiner had found a husband for Elizabeth. Being the youngest of the Gardiner siblings, Mrs Phillips was accustomed to her siblings ignoring her, but she pleaded with her sister to allow her to go to London and be with Elizabeth as she prepared to marry. All she was told by Fanny was that it was done, Elizabeth was married, and that her new husband was taking Elizabeth on a long wedding trip. She found out later, from Jane, that they were not told of the newlyweds traveling and the address that had been given was not where they were. This led Mrs Phillips many nights of restless sleep as she prayed for Elizabeth’s safe return to the family.

  The moment she saw Elizabeth, Mrs Phillips burst into tears and she gathered her niece into her embrace. “Lizzy, my dear, dear girl; I have hoped for your return to us. I am so pleased to see you here with us. Are you well? My husband told me of all that you have been through, and of the loss of your memories.”

  “I am well, Aunt. I am relieved to return home, though so much has changed. It is difficult for me to realize that more than three years have passed since I was last living here. Now, everyone is grown older, even my own reflection seems strange to me.”

  “I tried everything I could to find you, Lizzy. Your mother and my brother would not answer my questions as to where you were and how to reach you. I was furious when I learned the truth. My good husband had already made preparations for your family for the time your father was no longer with us, and my siblings did not bother to learn the truth and acted in such a foolish manner. You have suffered for that. I will not allow anyone to do such a thing again.”

  “It was not your fault; there was nothing you could have done. Even Mamma is repentant of her behavior. She listened to Uncle Gardiner; believed what he told her. Before she left, she came to my room. We had a long talk, and she wished to see the scars for herself. Once she did, she realized the lies that Uncle Gardiner had told her and she was distraught at her part of the situation. I cannot hold her to blame. Mamma has promised to write weekly from Scotland, and I will write to her as well. It will be pleasant to know Mamma better.”

  “I am bewildered at this turn of events. If you believe things will be better, than I pray it will be. It is time that Fanny learns to think before she acts.”

  “It is strange to be at home and it is so quiet. Adjusting will take time.” Elizabeth laughed, trying to turn the conversation from the past. “Papa, Uncle Phillips and Mr Darcy will be back in a week. I miss them so much.”

  “And what can you tell me with regards to Mr Darcy? I have heard of his family, as my sister in law grew up in Lambton, which is only a few miles from Pemberley. His family is quite prominent, and is from the first circles of society. Have you formed an attachment to him?”

  “It is difficult to understand. When I woke at his aunt’s home, I could not remember him or the past few years. I had returned to my first year of being out in society. But there was something familiar about Mr Darcy. I know that he cares deeply for me, as he has told me. And he is willing to give me the time to know him better, when he returns with Papa and Uncle; he will begin to court me. I wish that I could remember being with him at his home. But I look forward to knowing him better, for I am sure that he is the man with whom I am to spend the rest of my life. And knowing that he is a dear friend of Jane’s intended is even sweeter.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Mr Bennet and Mr Phillips were impressed with Darcy’s townhouse. Though it was obviously upper class, and the furnishings were quality, they were also comfortable. Rather than having chairs that were ornate, though uncomfortable, Darcy preferred comfort.

  It was the library that captured Mr Bennet’s attention. The size alone would have put most people in awe of the room. But Mr Bennet was able to appreciate the smell of fine leather bindings and parchment. Though he would not be able to take advantage of the books with his eyesight being as poor as it was, Mr Bennet knew he could find comfort in the room, being surrounded by so many volumes of information.

  Darcy’s solicitor came daily with more information of Bentley’s holdings. Fortunately, Bentley’s solicitor was agreeable to work with Darcy’s. They prepared all the paperwork that would need to be signed by Elizabeth, and put the property, that the widow now owned, up for sale. Before leaving Longbourn, Mr Bennet spoke with his daughter with regards to the property. Elizabeth made her opinion clear; she knew nothing of these places and given what she had been told, she wanted no connection with them.

  Between the business holdings and investments, and his bank account, Bentley left his wife over fifty thousand pounds. The townhouse in Town, the house that had been his mother’s, and a large piece of property he had purchased in Somerset; once sold, should bring another thirty thousand pounds. Elizabeth would never have to worry for money again, not that she ever had.

  While waiting for the solicitors to do their work, Darcy decided to do some shopping. He wished to purchase gifts for both of the ladies in his life. Buying gifts for Georgiana was simple; he had been purchasing gifts for her all of her life. Elizabeth was a challenge. He knew that she did not require expensive gifts, and that she was not the sort of lady that Darcy had met amongst the ton.

  The first stop in his shopping excursions was the book shop he frequented when in Town. Having spent a great deal of time, at Pemberley, speaking with Elizabeth of books, he knew her preferences very well. He chose several volumes that she would not have read during her marriage. There were a few new books that he thought Georgiana would enjoy as well. After making his purchases, he asked that the books be sent to his townhouse.

  Quite pleased with his ability to shop for his ladies, Darcy then walked to a nearby shop to purchase some sheet music for both Elizabeth and Georgiana. As he left the shop, a cold breeze surrounded him as he heard a lady’s voice calling out his name.

  “Mr Darcy, I had no idea of your being in Town. Charles never said a word of it in his last letter.” Miss Bingley fawned over her prey. “Will you be in Town long?”

  “I am afraid that my plans are to leave at the end of the week. Charles did not know what my plans were, and as I am here on business, I have no plan to participate in society. Therefore, it would be of no concern to anyone but my staff as to how long I am in Town.” Darcy was furious at the woman who had, unknowingly, aided Bentley in locating Elizabeth.

  “Forgive me, Mr Darcy, I was just curious as to the lack of information from my brother, especially after the number o
f letters sent between you and Charles while I visited him.”

  Darcy’s fury was beginning to boil over. “Miss Bingley, your brother and I were communicating privately, and it was none of your business. If we had wished your opinion on the matter, we would have asked for it. And furthermore, you had no business spreading information of our personal matters to anyone else.”

  As Darcy spoke, his voice became harsher and louder. Caroline was alarmed at the number of people who were stopping to listen to the Master of Pemberley. “Please, Mr Darcy, perhaps it would be wiser if we were to go to your townhouse to finish this discussion.” She placed a hand gently but possessively, upon Darcy’s arm.

  Moving his arm, as if he were burnt by her touch, disgust was clearly etched upon his brow. “You, Miss Bingley, are not welcome in any of my homes. Your gossiping nearly caused the death of a young lady of my acquaintance. It could have caused your own brother harm as well. His betrothed was endangered by your carelessness. Do you care for anyone besides yourself?”

  Caroline was not prepared to deal with an angry Darcy. “Sir, the only person I spoke with in regards to your correspondence with my brother was a friend of mine, who, I am certain, will be courting me upon his return to Town. He is away on business at the moment.”

  “If the man’s name is Albert Bentley, you will never be courted by him or see him again. The business with which he was dealing was to kidnap the sister of your brother’s betrothed. He was unsuccessful and was killed in his attempt. The lady was staying at my aunt’s home, and because of your foolishness, my aunt, my sister, and my cousin were also placed in jeopardy. I cannot forgive you for what you have done. As of this very moment, Miss Caroline Bingley, I publically denounce any connection to you. Do not contact me, my sister, or any other member of my family. And I will make certain that all of my friends know that any requests for invitations to gatherings extended to you due to a supposed connection to myself, be denied.”