Rebuilding Pemberley

by Melanie Schertz

  Caroline Bingley was particularly taken with the notion of marrying Fitzwilliam Darcy. He was a fine specimen of a man, and she was certain he would be grateful to have her as is wife. To her way of thinking, how could such a shy, taciturn man not wish for a wife who was as beautiful and well trained to be the proper hostess as she was? It infuriated her when the younger male Darcy appeared to be ignoring her hints.

  When Gerald Darcy died, Caroline felt certain that Fitzwilliam would turn to her to be his wife. She was so certain, she began ordering the staff at Darcy House as if she were the Mistress. Only when her father demanded she quit or be forbidden to visit their friends, did she refrain.

  Another difficulty William was forced to endure was his mother’s sister. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was an overbearing, self-righteous woman who demanded her way in everything. And one of the things she was adamant about was having her daughter married to her nephew immediately. “It was a favorite dream of your dear mother’s, to see you married to my Anne. After all, Anne is your mother’s namesake. How can you deny your mother’s wish?”

  “I will not marry Anne, Aunt Catherine. You have been told of my decision for many years, and I will not be forced into a union with my cousin. I care for Anne as my cousin, nothing more. My parents married for love, and I will not settle for less.”

  “This is not to be born. Marriage is not for love, it is a business transaction. Think of what can be done with two of the largest estates coming under your control.”

  “I am well aware of your decision to have me marry due to your desire to retain control over Rosings Park. You do not wish to lose your throne of power, and having me as Anne’s husband would allow you to rule over Rosings, for my main concern would be Pemberley.”

  “How dare you speak to me in such a manner? I am nearly your closest relations, and am due your respect.” Lady Catherine glared at the young man. She was furious that he knew the truth. “My brother is incorrect in his view of my motives.”

  “You mean that your late husband’s will did not state that if Anne was not married by the time she was twenty five, the estate would be turned over to Sir Louis’ cousin?”

  Lady Catherine glared. If it had been possible, William was certain steam would have poured from her ears and she would have breathed flames at him. “You had best know your place, young man. Do not underestimate me, for you will lose.”

  “Aunt, I would suggest you return to Rosings and forget any match between your daughter and myself. And know, I will never visit Rosings again, as I am certain there would be an attempt at a compromise of Anne that would be orchestrated by you. Now, off from you. I have other issues with which to deal.”

  The grand woman marched out the door of Darcy House, ranting each step of the way of making her nephew pay for his disrespect of her.

  ~~**~~

  When William turned twenty one, he was pleased with all he had accomplished. The manor house at Pemberley was finally built, and though it was considerably smaller than the one of his childhood, he felt it was perfect. There were ten bed chambers, including the Mistress and Master suites, a breakfast room and formal dining room, sitting rooms and a drawing room, a study for him, and a classroom for his sister. A nursery was included, though on a much smaller version than had been in the previous house. Georgiana was now using one of the bed chambers in the family wing of the house. But his pride and joy was the library. Over the years, since the fire had destroyed his family home, William had made it his goal in life to locate many of the same books that had been destroyed. He was pleased with himself when the books had been uncrated and placed on the shelves of the large room. For reading was one of the greatest passions the young Master of Pemberley held dear through all the ups and downs in his life.

  When times were difficult, William found a book to be a means of escape. No matter the situation, he could step into an adventure and forget any pain or struggles.

  One of his other passions was horses. It had been difficult to lose the horses after the fire. Pemberley was known for some of the finest horse flesh in England. Fitzwilliam Darcy was determined to rebuild the stock and resume where they had left off with breeding horses.

  ~~**~~

  Darcy arrived at the warehouse of Mr Gardiner. He had not visited there in several months, and he wished to speak with the man on the latest investment. Not waiting to be announced, Darcy entered Mr Gardiner’s office, only it was not Mr Gardiner sitting in the chair, behind the desk. Instead, there was a handsome young lady. Darcy noticed her chocolate colored hair which was pulled back in a harsh bun at the base of her head. She did not appear to have noticed him, as she continued to pour her attention to a ledger before her.

  Giving a soft cough, Darcy noticed that the lady seemed startled. “Forgive me Miss, I did not mean to frighten you.”

  “I was not frightened, Sir. Just too involved in my work to notice you had entered the room,” the lady smiled. “How might I be of service?”

  “Is Mr Gardiner here? I had wished to speak with him on an investment.”

  “He has gone to his home, as his son took a fall and was injured. As the injury was minor, I expect him to return at any moment. You are welcome to wait for him, if you would like.”

  Darcy nodded his head, and moved towards the chair which was directly in front of the desk. As he prepared to sit, he heard the sound of someone coming toward the office.

  “Lizzy, your aunt says she would like for you to come to the house. With Joseph needing his mother at the moment, the other children require their favorite cousin to keep them entertained.” Mr Gardiner stated as he entered the room. Noticing he had a guest, the man smiled. “Darcy, I had not expected you. How are you today?”

  “I am well. How is your son? I believe he had a mishap that led to an injury?” Darcy looked at his friend.

  “Yes, well, I am certain he will not climb into barns that he is not supposed to in the future. He stepped in the wrong spot and fell from the loft. Fortunately, he fell into a pile of hay, which cushioned him for the most part. Other than a few bumps, he will be fine.”

  “You must give him my best, and I will send a treat for him to speed his recovery along.” The young man stated. He glanced at the young lady, who had returned her attention on the ledger, before she scooped it and the stack of paper from the top of the desk.

  Placing a kiss on her uncle’s cheek, Elizabeth Bennet left the men to their discussion. As she walked from the room, Darcy noticed that her walk was labored, as if she was in pain. A frown appeared on his face, as he pondered what could be wrong with her.

  Gardiner could see his young friend was puzzled. “Might I offer you something?” He motioned towards the selection of bottles on the sideboard.

  “The selection of spirits you have at your fingertips is always the best to be found. I believe I will take a glass of port.”

  Pouring two glasses, the man carried them towards his desk, handing one to the gentleman. “That was my niece, Elizabeth. She is the second eldest of my sister, Fanny, and her husband. Lizzy has recently come to live with us.”

  “Has she suffered an injury? I noticed she was walking as if it were painful.”

  Mr Gardiner nodded his head. “There was a fire at the estate that was nearest my brother-in-law’s in Hertfordshire. My brother, Mr Thomas Bennet, is the owner of Longbourn estate, near the merchant village of Meryton. The neighboring estate of Netherfield Park had a terrible fire. My niece was visiting with the daughter of owner, and she was trapped in one of the guest rooms. The flames took the house quickly, along with the family and many of the servants.”

  Darcy was well aware of such devastation which could happen due to fire’s lust to devour. He could not bear to think of the young lady who had just left the office being trapped in such a situation. “Your niece was injured in the fire?”

  “When she was found, she was unconscious and part of the ceiling had collapsed on her. Lizzy is the only one who was staying in the family wi
ng to have survived. Thomas was beside himself, as Lizzy is his favorite daughter. She was rushed here, to London, to be cared for by a physician. Meryton only has an apothecary, and the man believed my niece required more treatment than he could give her.”

  “Might I inquire as to her injuries?” Darcy felt he was prying, but he found he needed to know. Something about the young woman demanded he know all he could about her.

  “Elizabeth suffered from burns to both of her legs. It was a miracle that she did not end up losing them, as the physician declared it to be an option. The severity of the burns damaged the legs, making it difficult to straighten them completely. But the worst of her injuries was her lungs. She had inhaled a considerable amount of smoke, and it left her with breathing difficulties. Usually she has a persistent cough. There are days I swear she will cough herself to death.”

  Darcy was pained at the thought of the young lady suffering so dearly. “When did this occur?”

  “Nearly six months back. The dear girl is like a daughter to me and my wife. It has been only a month now that she has been able to leave the house. Even though I beg her to remain home with Helen, Lizzy insists on coming here and assisting with my books. No matter what we do, my niece is determined to be of assistance.”

  “Living in Town must be difficult for her lungs. The air in London, especially in Cheapside, is not the best.”

  “We have been trying to determine what would be the best solution for Lizzy. If she returns to her father’s home, she will be unable to climb the stairs to her room. And the medical care she can receive here is superior than if she were to return to Longbourn. But the air in London is dirty, making breathing difficult for her.”

  “If there is anything I can do to be of assistance, you need only ask. After all you have done for me, I will do whatever I can to aid you.” Darcy’s mind raced as he attempted to determine what he could provide for the young lady.

  “You have many of your own struggles due to a fire. How is Pemberley fairing?”

  “The manor house has been finished for over a year. When you and your family visit the area, you must stay with us. Your wife would be able to spend time with those of her friends who still live in Lambton.”

  “We have discussed visiting the Peaks this summer. I am looking forward to spending some time with a fishing rod in my hand.” Mr Gardiner smiled at the pleasant thought.

  “There is good fishing at Pemberley. I would be pleased to show you the best spots.”

  “You know how to tempt me, sir,” Gardiner chuckled. “Now, shall we discuss a new investment opportunity? I recently had the pleasure of meeting a Mr William Hedley and Mr Timothy Hackworth. What they are working on is called a locomotive and it will change the world.”

  The two men settled down to business, and Darcy was pleased with what he was told.

  ~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~

  Chapter 3

  Elizabeth made her way to the home of her aunt and uncle. Though it was painful to walk, as the scars limited the movement of her knees and ankles. Stretching and pulling at the tissue was difficult at times, but the young lady refused to all such to stop her.

  Memories of the night of the fire still plagued her mind. The nightmares had lessened over the previous months, but they never completely left her. Elizabeth could hear the screams and the roaring sound the fire made as it devoured the house. She would never forget the sound of the ceiling falling down upon her body. Pain from the burning wood, the difficulty of catching her breath, the sensation of her mind pleading for death; all were constant companions of Elizabeth Bennet’s.

  Her family loved her dearly, and they did all that they could for her. The medical care was expensive, and Elizabeth intended to do what she was able, to repay them. Though her aunt and uncle insisted it was not necessary, the second eldest Bennet sister was adamant that she be able to earn her keep.

  Thinking of her family brought joy and made the young lady miss them all the more. Her father was the master of his estate, Longbourn, which was near the merchant village of Meryton. The Bennet family had owned the estate for over two hundred years, and though it was not a grand estate, the Bennets found it perfectly suitable.

  Thomas Bennet was an intelligent man. His preference for solitude and reading were well known by his family and friends. And Mr Bennet was willing to allow his wife and younger daughters to behave frivolously, with few words of sense uttered by them. The two eldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, were his most cherished family members. Jane was fair haired, with green eyes and a most serene temperament. She never thought ill of others, and was often the peace keeper when her younger sisters were bickering over nonsense. And Jane was known to all their neighbors as one of the most beautiful young ladies of which they knew.

  Though Mrs Bennet often chastised her second daughter and claimed her to be not nearly as beautiful as Jane, Elizabeth was as far from being plain. Where her sister was a classical version of beauty, Elizabeth was the one who sparkled. Her figure was fuller than her sister’s, with womanly attributes that men found appealing. And Elizabeth’s features were enhanced with features such as sparkling eyes and a smile that could turn heads her direction. Jane and Elizabeth were close, owning a bond that was strong and unbreakable.

  One of her mother’s main complaints was that Elizabeth was addicted to the written word, and was indulged by her father, who allowed her to read nearly any book in his study. Father and daughter spent many hours in debate over current affairs of their nation, poetry, crop rotations, and more.

  Another issue her mother held firmly was Elizabeth’s joy of being in nature. Most who lived on the estate were familiar with Miss Lizzy’s ramblings in the park surrounding her father’s house. Every morning possible found the young lady walking along the paths which led hither and yon. Her favorite path was the one which led to Oakham Mount. From the top of the hill, she could see far and wide across the land. When Elizabeth was young, she could imagine her father being the king of their land, and she was a princess. From the view of Oakham Mount, she could pretend that she was looking out over their kingdom.

  After Elizabeth’s birth, a year later came Mary. She was pious girl, reading only scriptures and related writings. Mary’s favorite reading material was Fordyce’s Sermons. The girl also believed herself to be proficient at playing the pianoforte and singing, though those who had been…shall we say blessed…with hearing Mary perform were not generous in their praise. Elizabeth, who had a natural talent for music and a beautiful voice, tried in vain to assist her sister, but Mary ignored all offers of suggestions.

  Two years after Mary’s birth, Katherine was born. Known to her family and friends as Kitty, she was sweet natured and easily manipulated. That was the reason, after her younger sister, Lydia, was born, Kitty followed the example of her brazen sister.

  Knowing there would be no more children after Lydia’s birth, Mrs Bennet grew into a silly woman. The estate was entailed to the male line, and as the Bennet family had no sons, the heir was a distant cousin. The cousin had argued when he and Mr Bennet were in their teens, and they had not spoken in over twenty years. The fact that her future was in the hands of a disagreeable man only added to Fanny Bennet’s desperate emotions. And in her desperation, Mrs Bennet was determined to find husbands for her daughters. Without her girls being suitably situated, when Mr Bennet died, they would all be homeless. Mrs Bennet’s brother, Mr Gardiner and her sister, Mrs Philips, did not possess homes large enough to accommodate a widow and her five daughters. In her determination to marry off her daughters, Mrs Bennet became a silly woman, encouraging her two youngest, silly daughters.

  ~~**~~

  Being in London had been difficult for Elizabeth. Besides missing her favorite paths at Longbourn, she missed her elder sister. Due to Jane’s tenderness, she found tending her sister’s injuries to be more than she could face. Elizabeth held no disappointment in her sister’s inability to aid her, as even the slightest sight of blood had made Jane queasy.
And the injuries sustained in the fire were far beyond a slight cut or scrape.

  The first months at the Gardiner’s home were agony. Between the pain, missing her home and family, and being forced to remain in bed, her temper was tested. When she was finally able to leave her room, Elizabeth was able to apologize for ill treatment of her relations.

  With the children settled for a rest, Elizabeth decided to return to Gardiner imports, to gather the rest of the papers she would require for updating the ledgers for her uncle.

  As with most days, Elizabeth’s mind was concentrating on taking each step and willing her body to ignore the pain, so she was oblivious to someone walking nearby. Suddenly, she felt something slam into her back, pushing her forward towards the street. Elizabeth felt herself falling, preparing herself for the pain she was certain would come from landing on the road. She could hear horses and a wagon speeding towards where she was, and fear grew in her mind. Certain of her impending death, a prayer came to her mind.

  Just as sudden as the push had been, something which felt like an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her away from the oncoming hooves. The force of the maneuver forced her to land in an awkward position, sprawled across another person.

  “Forgive me, I do not know what happened.” Elizabeth said as she glanced at the person who had obviously saved her from a painful death. “I must thank you…Mr Darcy?”

  Darcy moved to pick them both up from the ground. “There is no need of forgiveness, Miss Elizabeth. I saw you in danger, and wished to protect you. Are you harmed in any manner?”

  “There was no harm done. I cannot understand what happened. Something struck me from behind.” Elizabeth began dusting off the front of her gown. “Dear me, it appears that your coat has been damaged from your rescue efforts.”