The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “I have spoken with my mother. She told me to have trust in you, that you would treat me with kindness and love.” Elizabeth said as she found her gaze fixed on the depths of her husband’s eyes. “I know that she is correct, and I do trust you. I look forward to learning all that you have to teach me.”

  Darcy leaned forward, closing the distance between the two. His lips took possession of his wife’s, as they began to discover the joy that their future held. True to his plan, Darcy was gentle in teaching his wife the ecstasy that could be found between a husband and his wife. His own needs and desires came second to her finding her pleasure and Darcy was thrilled to witness the smoldering looks she gave him. Yes, he thought, I am surely the most fortunate man in the world.

  The couple was not seen by anyone, other than a handful of servants at Darcy House, for nearly six days. When they finally made their way from their townhouse, both were seen wearing the most incredible smiles imaginable.

  ~~ ** ~~ The Bingleys were enjoying their time at Netherfield for the first three days, and then they decided to spend some time with the Bennets before leaving on their honeymoon. Arriving at Longbourn, unannounced, the newlyweds were shocked to see the Master and Mistress of Longbourn walking in the gardens, hand in hand. Fortunately, Jane and Bingley had arrived quietly, so her parents were not aware of their arrival. Keeping out of view, they watched for some time as the elder couple appeared to be courting.

  A soft voice was heard from behind them. “It is pleasant to see them attempting to know one another better, is it not?” Mary asked her eldest sister. “It gives me hope that I may find someone to love me as well.”

  “Mary, you will find a man to love you one day. Do not be in a rush or settle for anything less than love. You are protected from being homeless or penniless. You will always have us to watch over you, so take your time.”

  “Your sister is correct, Mary.” Bingley said as he brought Jane’s hand to his lips. “We wish for you the same chance at a love match that both of your elder sisters have found. Now, shall we step inside and allow your parents some time together?”

  Once inside, the trio stepped into the drawing room. “Mary, how is the school shaping up?” “Mr Timmons is quite the teacher for music and arts. He is not only talented; he has a great deal of patience with the children. He has even given me some advice on my own music practice. John and Adam have taken to helping in the barn as well as their studies. They know that they cannot work with the animals, which they love, unless they do their studies. Mrs Duncan is working with the older children on their sums while I have been assisting with the younger ones learning their letters. Seeing them become excited when they remember correctly is such a joy. I become nearly as pleased as they do.”

  “I knew that you would be a great assistant to Mrs Duncan.” Jane stated with pride. “You have always had more patience with children learning than any of us.”

  Mary blushed at the compliment. “I believe I am learning much from the children. They are such a blessing in my life.”

  Bingley listened to the middle Bennet sister with a smile. He was sure that it would not be long before some worthy man learned what a treasure Mary Bennet was. If only his own sister was such a kind and compassionate lady.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 21 The Darcys made their stop at Longbourn on their way north to Pemberley. Mr and Mrs Bennet could tell their daughter was quite pleased with life and that their fears of her memory invading in her happiness with her husband were for not.

  The Bingleys had left for their honeymoon, and had plans to travel to Pemberley later in the year. Though Elizabeth would have preferred seeing her beloved sister, she enjoyed visiting with the rest of her family. It was a surprise to her as well to see her parents’ behavior towards each other. To see them in a courtship, being kind and caring towards one another; Elizabeth wondered if she were dreaming.

  Elizabeth and her mother took a stroll in the gardens near the house of Longbourn. Arm and arm, the mother and daughter enjoyed the sunshine and the scent of the flowers blooming. Finally they took a seat on the bench near Elizabeth’s favorite rose bush.

  “Mamma, it appeared to me that you and Papa are getting along quite well.” A slight blush grew on Mrs Bennet’s cheeks. “We decided to begin anew. We may already be husband and wife, and have five daughters, but we are treating each other as if we were courting. He refers to me as Miss Gardiner, and I call him Mr Bennet. We take walks each day, speaking of our likes and dislikes. All these years, I thought he liked fish. Now I learn that he only ate it because he knew that I liked it. Had I known, I would have ensured that there was something else served for him. And he now knows that I detest the scent of the lilies that are outside my private study. He has asked that they be removed from their location and planted elsewhere on the estate. Your father has sent away for something special to plant under my window, though he will not tell me what it is. All he would say was that he hopes that he is correct in my preference for this flower.”

  “We all spent too many years keeping to our own world and not appreciating the others who lived with us. I am pleased to know that you and Papa are speaking openly and learning about the person you married.”

  Mrs Bennet smiled. “Now, from the look about you, I would guess that there were no flashes of memories from your previous marriage. All is well with you and your husband?”

  “Oh, Mamma, you were correct in your words before the wedding. I can honestly say that my husband is the most generous and kind man, and he has taken such measures to ensure my happiness. Though it is strange to know that I have missing years in my memories, I am pleased to know the joy of the marriage bed without fears from the past. William and I spoke in the carriage, on our way here. He asked if I wished to consult another physician with regards to the memories not returning. But I believe that there is a reason for the memories to be gone. God saw fit to take away the horror and make the future brighter for, not only me, but my entire family. How could I wish that to be different?”

  “I agree with you, my dear girl. And what was William’s opinion?” Mrs Bennet asked. Elizabeth squeezed her mother’s hand. “My beloved husband informed me that he wishes only for my happiness, so whatever my decision is, he will abide by it.”

  “How wonderful it would be to find three more such wonderful men, so that your sisters will marry as well as you and Jane. Though, I believe that we have some romance building between Mary and Mr Timmons. He is quite attentive to her and they spend many hours together working with the children. She is also growing into quite an impressive young lady. I am so grateful that she has abandoned Fordyce Sermons for more interesting aspects of life.”

  Both of the ladies began to laugh. “Well, Mamma, we had best return to the house before our husbands come in search of us.”

  ~~ ** ~~ After staying overnight at Longbourn, the Darcys took their leave to continue their journey to Pemberley. Elizabeth was excited to see her new home, yet nervous of what the servants would think of her, as she did not remember her time there just a few months prior. Darcy had written to Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper, and informed her of the situation, asking her to prepare the staff to the situation.

  The closer they traveled to their home, the more Elizabeth’s nerves were on end. Chuckling to herself, she could almost hear her mother crying out for her smelling salt for her poor nerves.

  As they came around a bend, at the top of a rise, Darcy tapped on the roof of the carriage. The driver pulled the horses to a stop as the Master of Pemberley motioned his bride to look out the carriage window.

  Before her was the most beautiful piece of heaven she had ever seen. Amongst the woods and the gardens appeared a house which could have sprung from the earth as the plants had, it was such a perfect fit with the surrounding nature.

  “This is your home?” Elizabeth asked with a gasp.

  “Our home, my love, and yes, this is Pemberley. What do you think of what you see?” “Oh,
William, I think that I have died and this is heaven. This is the most incredible estate I have ever seen. Look at how it is situated, so perfect with nature and the structures of man. I could spend the rest of my days here and never tire of it.”

  Smiling, Darcy tapped on the roof of the carriage to continue. He then pulled his wife into his embrace. “I am pleased to know you will be happy here, Lizzy. When I am here, I am at home. You will enjoy taking your walks each day, and, if you like, we have a vast assortment of horses for you to choose from to ride. Some of the areas of the estate can best be accessed by horseback.”

  “I have never been a horse rider, but I never had anyone to instruct me properly. If you are willing, I will be pleased to learn to ride. We can ride together from time to time.”

  “My dearest, loveliest Lizzy, I would be pleased and honored to be your instructor. Perhaps tonight, in our rooms, I will teach you the proper way to mount your steed.”

  “WILLIAM!” Elizabeth swatted her husband on the arm for his insinuation. What if the driver or the servants were to hear you speaking so?” “They are already aware that I love my wife dearly; if they were to hear me speak so, they would most likely think me the most fortunate man in all of England.” Darcy held a roguish expression as he laid claim to his wife’s lips with his own. Once they broke apart from the need to breathe, the desire was clearly etched in Elizabeth’s expression. “As soon as we arrive, I have a surprise for you, a wedding gift of sorts. I will introduce you to Mrs Reynolds, and then we will make our way to our rooms. We will not need our servants to assist us, as I will act as your lady’s maid.”

  “And the finest maid I have ever had, Mr Darcy. Your ability to assist me from my gowns is far superior to any other maid I have had.” Elizabeth said as she began to use her tongue teasingly over his lips.

  ~~ ** ~~ The carriage came to a halt outside the main house, though no one made to open the door, as the movement inside informed those nearby that the couple were gathering themselves to be presentable. No one commented when the carriage door opened and the couple exited, looking slightly disheveled.

  Mrs Reynolds stepped forward. “Mrs Darcy, it is a pleasure to welcome you home to Pemberley. Your belongings from when you were here last have been moved to your new chambers. And the new items that Mr Darcy ordered for you have been arriving. We have placed them in the room off your dressing chambers until you decide where you wish them.”

  Elizabeth was confused. “What items have you ordered, William, which would require me to determine where they should be placed?” “New furnishings for your rooms and for the Mistress’s study, as the furniture in the rooms are in need of updating. I found some wonderful pieces when you were at the modiste while we were in London.”

  “You were not gone from my side for more than half of an hour.” Darcy smiled. “The shop was next door and I had a notion of some of the pieces I thought you would prefer. Shopping for you has become a great pleasure for me. Now, let us make our way upstairs so that we might rest. Mrs Reynolds, if you would inform Cook that we will only need a cold dinner later, perhaps placed in the sitting room for our convenience, we shall need nothing more until tomorrow. We will only need a bath drawn for us.”

  “The water is on its way upstairs as we speak. I will speak to Cook and bid you both a good day.” A knowing smile graced Mrs Reynolds’ lips as she turned away from the newlyweds and made her way to the kitchen.

  Darcy escorted his wife upstairs and into her bedchambers. “William, you stated to Mrs Reynolds that you wished for a bath drawn for us. Why did you only ask for one bath drawn?”

  “Because, my love, there is no need for more than one bath drawn.” Darcy opened the door into the birthing rooms. There, in the middle of the room, was the largest bathing tub that Elizabeth had ever seen. It was large enough for the couple to bathe together comfortably.

  “Oh, my, I have never seen the likes of this. Where did you find such a tub?”

  “I had heard of them from a friend of mine over a year ago. When I secured your hand as my betrothed, I sent an order for one to be made.” A blush grew over Elizabeth’s cheeks. “How did you know that I would welcome such an adventure, Mr Darcy? How could you be certain that I would not be prudish?”

  Leaning over, Darcy nibbled lightly on his wife’s earlobe. “I knew that you would be a passionate woman, Elizabeth Darcy. And you have proven me correct; you are, indeed, the most passionate woman I know.”

  He continued his tasting, as his hands moved to unbutton the back of his wife’s gown. Though she was mesmerized by his ministrations, Elizabeth soon found her fingers working on the buttons of her husband’s coat, waist coat, and shirt. It was not long before the couple was enjoying the new bathing tub, and each other. The staff all gave knowing smiles as they moved about the big house. It was quickly bet upon how soon the next generation of Darcys would be arriving.

  ~~ ** ~~ Life at Pemberley took on a new routine. The couple spent the first month of their married life in Derbyshire becoming more acquainted with each other as well as teaching Elizabeth about the estate.

  From the horses that were available for Elizabeth to choose from, she fell in love with a beautiful mare who was a two year old black with white stockings and a white star on her chest. Darcy had introduced his wife to Aphrodite, as she was the sweetest and gentlest horse in the Darcy stables. Elizabeth spent time getting to know the horse, talking softly to Aphrodite and giving her slices of apples she had brought with her. For the first few lessons, Darcy would ride on Aphrodite, behind his wife, assisting her in becoming accustomed to the horse and the side saddle that he had specially made, due to Elizabeth’s petite frame. This also made it difficult for Elizabeth to concentrate on her lessons, as she found the closeness of her husband distracting to her.

  In time, Elizabeth became accustomed to riding on her own, though she was not comfortable with the speed and recklessness that Darcy enjoyed. She did notice that, with time, Darcy had become more circumspect in his formerly reckless habit.

  Mrs Reynolds had also taken to teaching Elizabeth the books of Pemberley, and the running of the great house. At first, Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the enormity of the duties of the Mistress of Pemberly, though Mrs Reynolds assured her that Darcy wished only for his wife to take on the duties she wished, for the trusted housekeeper had been running the household affairs since the previous Mistress’s death.

  The routine soon was set. The Darcys would enjoy a bit of riding each morning before breaking their fast. Then, after the morning meal, would go to each of their studies. Darcy would meet with his steward or deal with his correspondence, while Elizabeth trained in her new position. They would meet again midday, to partake in a light meal, before taking a stroll in the gardens. After their evening meal, the couple would usually spend time in private sitting room, reading or playing chess. Darcy could not be happier, as it was the sort of life he had desired, no society worries, the comfortable life of the estate with his wife beside him was his preference.

  ~~ ** ~~ One afternoon, nearly a month after the Darcy’s had arrived home at Pemberley, Elizabeth and Darcy made their way into Lambton. She had been invited to take tea with her aunt, whom she had not seen in quite some time. Elizabeth was nervous, knowing that her uncle had been responsible for her marrying Bentley, and yet, Elizabeth could not remember her first marriage. She was also nervous to see her young cousins, for they had lost their father when he committed suicide.

  Arriving at Mrs Gardiner’s sister’s home, the couple was warmly welcomed into the parlor. Introductions were made, and everyone took their seats to enjoy the tea and biscuits that were served. The Gardiner children were not present, as Mrs Gardiner felt it would be too difficult for them at the time.

  The Darcys had been with Mrs Gardiner for nearly half of an hour when Mrs Gardiner reached over and took her niece’s hand in her own. “Lizzy, had I known what Edward had done, I would have moved heaven and earth to return you to your parents.”


  “You were not responsible for what Uncle did. I do not hold animosity towards you or my cousins; in fact, I hold none towards Uncle either. I cannot remember the events, so holding on to anger for what happened would be foolishness. From what I have been told, Uncle was suffering financially, and Mr Bentley was not a man to cross in any matters. If Uncle owed him money, I am sure that he feared what Mr Bentley would do to him or even to you and the children. It pleases me that you and my cousins were safe.”

  “But to know that you were put in such a horrible situation, treated so poorly, to protect our finances, it is horrible to even think of.” Tears were running down Mrs Gardiner’s cheeks.

  “I believe that there is a reason for everything that happens, good things and bad. I do not remember the past, and I believe that the reason is so that I can move forward with joy. If I had not escaped from Mr Bentley’s home, and been in the carriage wreck, I would never have met my dear William. My life is now moving in the way it should, and there has been so much good come out of this. Mamma and Papa are courting and learning who they are. Kitty has grown up tremendously, Jane is happily married. And Mary, she is working at the school and has taken an interest in a young man who is one of the teachers. I was able to use the funds from Mr Bentley’s inheritance to me for good purposes, and Mamma even used the funds that were held for her and my sisters to give the girls proper dowries. I only wish that Uncle could have found the peace that I have, for the Lord has protected us from the worst that could have happened. We are stronger now.”

  “Edward was devastated when he learned all that had happened to you. His guilt could not be quelled. It is difficult, when the children ask questions with regards to their father; how do I tell them what he did and the price you had to pay for the life that we enjoyed?”