The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  Elizabeth and Jane both giggled at their father’s words, though they were certain that he was correct. It would not be long before Bingley and Darcy would lose patience and come looking for their brides.

  So the two eldest Bennet sisters, escorted by their loving father, made their way up the aisle of the chapel. Jane was handed to Charles Bingley first, and then Mr Bennet turned and handed Elizabeth to Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  The vows were recited, the clergyman read the prayers and, in the end, not one member of the two couples could remember anything that was said with the exception of when the clergy pronounced each couple as husband and wife. There was no need for the clergyman to instruct Darcy to kiss his bride; he did so with great passion. Only when the couple had needed to breathe, did they break from the kiss. Bingley was not nearly as daring in public, so he gave his bride a quick peck on the lips.

  The Bingleys were the first down the aisle, and signed the registry. Bingley’s cousin had arrived from Scarborough the night before and stood as witness for Bingley. Mary had been Jane’s witness.

  The Darcys then made their way down the aisle. Richard Fitzwilliam and Kitty Bennet were the witnesses for the couple, and signed the register happily.

  Everyone made their way to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Lady Catherine was pleased with how the servants at Longbourn had served the dishes in the manner she had insisted. She chatted openly with all in attendance, of her talent to plan such events, for she knew all the proper etiquette in such matters. It was important that social gatherings with such important guests be handled properly. After all, Fitzwilliam Darcy was the grandson of the late Earl of Matlock, nephew of the current Earl. With Lord and Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine in attendance, this was far from being the ordinary country wedding breakfast. Mrs Bennet stood aside, allowing her exalted guest take credit for the breakfast. Mr Bennet stepped up to his wife’s side, surprising her when he whispered in her ear.

  “My dear Fanny, I must say that I am quite impressed with your behavior. A year ago, you would have been waving your handkerchief and calling for your smelling salts if anything had not gone as you planned. Now, you are standing here, as calm and beautiful as can be.”

  “Thomas, I am far from calm, though I am enjoying seeing our daughters so very happy. But I am confused. How can you say that I am as beautiful as can be, when you cannot see me? I may have grown a wart on the end of my nose since you last saw me.”

  “I last saw you an hour ago at the chapel, so I doubt you have grown a wart since then.” Mr Bennet smiled as his wife turned to look him in the eye. She could see he was looking at her face.

  “Thomas, is your sight returning?” She asked with hope clearly voiced. “Not completely, but it has become better the past month. I will still require assistance reading, but I can see you well enough to know you have not grown a wart.”

  Mrs Bennet took hold of her husband’s hand and brought it to her cheek. “I am so pleased to see you are improving, Thomas. I know it has been a struggle for you to not be able to read for yourself.” She placed a kiss on his palm before releasing her grip. But Mr Bennet was not to let the moment slip away.

  Holding on to her hand, Mr Bennet brought it to his lips. “Fanny, this week has been the happiest in my life. I thank you for your kindness and caring.”

  “It has been a pleasure to come to know you better, Thomas. And it is such a joy to know our daughters better. We were truly blessed with each and every one of them.”

  Mr Bennet nodded his head. “I would not trade any of them for a son.” Smiling, Mrs Bennet agreed. “A son would have been nice, but in addition to our daughters, not replacing any of them. They are truly a blessing.”

  “Fanny, am I too bold if I ask to spend some time with you, just the two of us, after our guests have left?” Mr Bennet looked at his wife’s face, praying for her answer.

  A blush grew over Mrs Bennet’s cheeks. “I believe that you will require someone to read to you. Would you mind if I took the position? It would allow me to broaden my mind as well.”

  “I would be thoroughly pleased by such a plan, my dear.” Mrs Bennet brought her eyes back to look into her husband’s. “Thomas, I was thinking of the funds that you placed for me when I left for Scotland. Would you approve if I used the funds to enhance the dowries of our younger daughters? Lizzy and Jane have no need of it, but I believe it would be appropriate to add to the dowries of our younger three.”

  “That is a generous suggestion, Fanny. Are you certain? It is the funds to take care of you when I am gone.” Mr Bennet was flabbergasted at the difference in his wife.

  “Yes, Thomas. I have thought of it since I was in Scotland. I thought that each of them could have five thousand for their dowry, and it still leaves me with five thousand for my widowhood. Does that meet with your approval?”

  Mr Bennet nodded his head. “I approve, dear wife. And, with your aid, perhaps we will be able to set aside more funds to use towards your care when I am gone.”

  “I need no more than what I have, as my sister has informed me that I will always have a home with her and I can also return to Scotland any time I wish. But I would rather not think of a time without you. And, if I am fortunate, I will have many years before you leave me, and the interest on the funds will be more than enough to live in comfort.”

  “I have no intent of leaving anytime soon. Now, let us return our attention to our two eldest daughters and our new sons.” Mr Bennet said with a smile. “I think our girls have made love matches with two very extraordinary young men.”

  “It is my prayer that our other daughters are as fortunate. Perhaps, after Lizzy and William have celebrated their honeymoon, they can have Mary or Kitty come to stay with them, so they may introduce them to other young men. Lydia is too young; I should never have put her out in society.”

  Mr Bennet laughed. “Now, that is the Fanny Bennet that I have come to know; already planning on marrying off our other daughters.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 20 As the wedding breakfast came to an end, the Fitzwilliam family prepared to journey to Rosings with Lady Catherine’s party and Bingley’s relations from Scarborough left for their journey home.

  Charles and Jane would remain at Netherfield for a fortnight, before taking a journey to Brighton. While they were at Netherfield, they would receive no guests unless they invited them, allowing them privacy.

  Darcy and Elizabeth were planning to stay in London for a short time, allowing Elizabeth’s wardrobe to be expanded. Each day of the fortnight leading to their wedding, Elizabeth would find her betrothed had left a gift for her. He would either have Hannah place the gift on the table next to Elizabeth’s bed, or on top the chest of drawers, or in the pocket of the dress that had been chosen for the day. Though Elizabeth would tell her intended that there was no need for gifts, secretly, she treasured his thoughtfulness. When she spoke of this generous and giving nature of Darcy, with his sister, Georgiana giggled. The young lady smiled and informed Elizabeth to become accustomed to receiving gifts, for Darcy had always been so with those he loved.

  So when Elizabeth learned of Darcy’s plans to take her shopping before they journeyed to Pemberley, all she could do was laugh. After giving her sisters a kiss on the cheek and promising to write when she could, Elizabeth went to her parents to say her farewells. Seeing the couple together was soothing to Elizabeth, it was something that she had longed for all of her life.

  “Mamma, the breakfast was wonderful, though I have always been amazed how well you set a table.” Elizabeth said as she embraced her mother. “It is inspiring to see you and Papa so settled with each other. I pray that you are happy.”

  “I am, Lizzy. Very happy indeed, seeing my eldest two daughters so happily settled in love matches. And your father and I are planning to spend more time together. I have volunteered to read to him until his eyes recover further.”

  “Well, I will be honest with you that I hope that it takes him s
ome time to recover to the point he can read for himself. You will find reading to him and debating what you read to be quite enjoyable.”

  Mrs Bennet smiled. “I hope to learn a great deal more about the man. We have much to learn.” Elizabeth then embraced her father. “Thank you Papa, for allowing the changes to come about. You could have easily refused to allow Mamma to return, and you would have been justified in your actions. May you find that your efforts were worthy.”

  “Had you not spoken as you did, I might have held on to my prejudices and never allowed the changes that you see before us. It is thanks to you, Lizzy, that we are able to start anew.”

  “I love you, Papa. I will send word of when we will be passing through on our way to Pemberley.” “Be happy, my dear girl. You have a good man as your husband. If he does not cherish you for the jewel you are, he will have to answer to me.” Mr Bennet smiled as he spoke.

  “Have no fear, Mr Bennet.” Darcy said. “I plan to cherish her every day for the rest of my life. I thank you for allowing me to have such a treasure.” ~~ ** ~~ As the carriage transporting the newlyweds to their townhouse in London came to a stop in front of Darcy House. Elizabeth was in awe of the impressive structure. It showed the wealth of her husband, but also his preference for comfort over ornate. The couple entered the townhouse, finding Mr and Mrs Tillman, the butler and housekeeper, ready to greet them.

  “Mr Darcy, may we wish you great joy in your marriage.” Mr Tillman said as he shook the Master’s hand. “My thanks, Tillman, and I would like to introduce you to my wife, Mrs Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth, this is Mr Tillman, our butler, and his lovely wife, Mrs Tillman, our housekeeper. I am sure that you will find them to be. not only of great assistance, but extremely kind. Mrs Tillman and Mrs Reynolds, our housekeeper at Pemberley, have been running the houses since my mother died. If you have any questions of either of the houses, they will be able to assist you.”

  “Master William, you are too kind.” Mrs Tillman exclaimed as she stepped closer to his bride. “Mrs Darcy, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Mrs Reynolds has told me of you, and I will do everything possible to aid you.”

  “Well, Mrs Tillman, the first thing we need to do is change the way you address me. As you refer to my husband as Master William, would you be willing to address me as Mrs Elizabeth or Mistress Elizabeth? Mrs Darcy is far too formal for my tastes.”

  Mrs Tillman smiled. “Only if Master William approves, for I have known him his entire life. He has been Master William since he was a small lad.” Darcy blushed slightly. “Mrs Tillman, if my wife prefers to be called by a less formal name, I find no difficulty in such. She is not one to think herself above others.”

  “I am a simple country gentleman’s daughter.” Elizabeth said, pretending to swat her husband’s arm. “I do not pretend to know the ways of those in upper society, nor do I allow propriety to dictate my behavior in my own home. I know that you are dear to my husband and Georgiana, so you are dear to me as well.”

  Mr Tillman looked at his wife and smiled. This was the way Mrs Reynolds had described the young lady, more concerned with kindness than propriety. And this was truly a love match, as the look in the eyes of the newlyweds made that clear.

  “I will have a bath drawn for you within half of an hour, Mrs Elizabeth. Would you like to have some tea sent to your private sitting room while you wait?”

  Looking at Darcy for his opinion, Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, please, would you have enough tea for both of us sent up?” Mrs Tillman nodded and left to carry out the requests. Mr Tillman turned to Darcy. “Will you be escorting your wife to her rooms, Sir, or would you require me to do so?”

  “No, I will show Elizabeth to her rooms and enjoy tea with her in our sitting room. I plan to ignore all business for the week, unless something urgent comes up. Do not put the knocker on the door, we do not wish to accept callers.”

  “Very good, Sir. I will inform the staff of your instructions.” Darcy led his bride up the stairs and down the corridor to the north section of the townhouse. “This is the family wing. Our suite of rooms is here.” Darcy opened a door on the right side of the hall. “This is our private sitting room. Over here is the door leading to your private chambers.” Opening the door, he led her inside. Elizabeth was amazed at the size and appearance of the room.

  “William, this room is very beautiful. I feel as if I am in a field of wildflowers on a spring day.” Elizabeth commented, as she saw the wall coverings and the furniture.

  “I have always enjoyed entering here, especially when I am forced to be in Town during the winter. My father had it decorated to remind my mother of her favorite grove at Pemberley.”

  “Your parents were very much in love, from the looks of this room.” Elizabeth said as she ran her fingers over the deep cherry wood furniture. “After the conservatory, this room will be one of my favorites here at Darcy House.”

  “Over here, is the door into your dressing chambers, and the other door leads into the room used for birthing and the nursery.” Darcy then led her back towards the sitting room, opening the door next to the sitting room door, and pulling her gently into the very masculine room. “This is my bedchamber. That door, over there, is my dressing chambers.”

  “William, I should have realized the sort of home you would have. Just like you, everything is quality, though not showy or ostentatious. You do not flaunt your wealth with baubles or glitz, your preference is comfort and stability.”

  “As you saw at Rosings, my Aunt has furniture that is elegant and expensive, but highly uncomfortable to sit upon. I have threatened my aunt time and again that I will start bringing my own furniture if she doesn’t replace some of her chairs for something a man of my stature can sit on comfortably.” Darcy laughed as he spoke.

  “This is more like you. Oh, Will, I feel so at ease in this room.” She looked around the room, from the dark wood furniture to the forest green coverings. “Your love for the outdoors is obvious, even in here. The colors, it is like being in the woods.”

  Darcy came behind his bride and wrapped his arms around her. “Dearest, we have not discussed our plans for sleeping. I know it is common practice that husbands and wives sleep in separate rooms.”

  “My parents have always had their separate rooms.” Elizabeth nodded. “I chose to marry for love, though. It has been my firm belief that if you love your spouse, you would share the same bed.”

  “I believe the same, my love. Will you be comfortable sharing my room with me? Or would you prefer our sharing yours?”

  “I could be happy in either of them. I will leave it up to you to decide.” “Lizzy, what did I do to deserve a wonderful wife such as you?” he placed a kiss on the back of her neck. “I will leave you to your maid, so that you might refresh yourself after our journey. Shall I come to collect you in, say, half of an hour?”

  “Yes, dearest, that would be perfect.” Elizabeth said, desperately attempting to keep her voice from expressing her nervousness. ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth sat on the bench before the peer glass of her vanity table. Nervously, she fidgeted with her hair, trying to decide whether to plait it down the back or leave it loose and flowing. She began to plait it, then undid it, and was starting again when she heard a soft male voice behind her. “Leave it down, my love.”

  Looking into the reflection, she saw her husband as he stepped closer to her. “I have always loved your hair and wish to see it unencumbered.” Elizabeth let go of the locks of hair she had in her fingers and reached for her brush on the vanity. Darcy took the brush from her hand, and he began to run the bristles of the brush through her curls, remembering how many times he had wished to do the very same thing with his fingers. As he brushed her hair, the faint scent of lilac arose for her lustrous locks. Darcy breathed in the fragrance and smiled.

  Placing the brush back on the vanity, Darcy reached down and took hold of Elizabeth’s hand, tugging slightly to encourage her to follow him into the next room. In the Mistress’ bedchamber, a fire
was burning in the fireplace, as well as candles placed about the room. Fresh rose petals were on the floor as well as on top of the bedding. On the floor, before the fireplace, was a picnic blanket, laid out for them to take a seat. There was also a bottle of champagne and two glasses nearby.

  Knowing that his bride was nervous, he wished to make her as comfortable as possible as they moved into this new aspect of their relationship.

  “Here, my love, let us take some time together. We have not been alone but for a few moments at a time since we became engaged.” Elizabeth nodded her head, grateful for her husband’s kindness. The newlyweds took their seat on the floor, sitting on the blanket. Darcy handed his wife a glass of the champagne, before taking one for himself.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you are?” Darcy asked after taking a sip from his glass. Placing the glass on the floor, he reached forward, caressing her hair with his hand. ‘It is as silky as I thought it would be’ he thought.

  The feel of his fingers gliding over the strands of her hair relaxed Elizabeth, and she closed her eyes as she leaned into his hand. She heard her husband’s gentle voice encouraging her to lay her head on his lap, and she did so without any further need to encourage her.

  As the two found comfort in the simple ministration, Darcy smiled. “My dear Lizzy, you have made me the happiest of men this day. My love for you continues to grow.”

  “As does my love for you, William, for no one else has touched my heart as you have.” Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked into his. “I pray that you can forgive me. My virtue was taken by another, though I do not remember any of it. What I experience with you will be new to me, as if I were still a maiden.”

  “Hush, my love, there is no reason to fret over such. You had no control of your life at that time. There is nothing to forgive you for. To be honest, I am grateful you cannot remember your past experiences, for I wish to discover all that will bring you pleasure. I wish to be the one to teach you to love and be loved by your husband, to show you all that can be experienced in a marriage.”