Tears were openly flowing down Mrs Gardiner’s cheeks. “I will make a list of those who could possibly take her into their home and prepare letters to send.”
Mr Gardiner embraced his wife, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Have strength, my dear. All will be well.”
~~**~~
“But Father, you do not understand. Mr Darcy will need our support to remove the taint of this hussy throwing herself at him. I am willing to wed him, to give him a proper wife who he can serve his home as Mistress of Pemberley and Darcy House. As I have been taught how to be a hostess and take care of a household, Mr Darcy would be pleased to have me as his wife. Charles would be able to call his dearest friend Brother.”
“Caroline, I will not suggest such a notion to Darcy. He has had many struggles in his life, and I will not add to his burden.” The elder Mr Bingley was not enjoying his afternoon tea as his daughter pleaded her case.
“I would not be a burden, Father. My being his wife would be a balm to his suffering. Can you imagine how he must be suffering? Some nobody throws herself on him, knocking him to the ground, and he is punished by all the gossip? It is not to be borne. We can relieve his suffering by my marrying him.”
“No, I will not make such a suggestion to Darcy. Caroline, I do not wish to cause you pain, but several years ago, when you and Louisa were making your desire to marry Darcy known, I had a discussion with William and Charles. Under no circumstances would Darcy ever wish to marry you. He made his opinion clear. You have nothing in common with him, and he wishes to marry for love, not as a convenience. If you were to compromise him, in front of the Prince Regent himself, Darcy would not offer for you. And I will not force him to marry you.”
Caroline was furious. “You would allow my reputation to be ruined and not lift a finger to aid me? This is too cruel. Far too cruel for a father to treat his daughter. How could you not wish for me to have a marriage as I could have with Mr Darcy? Do you know want me to have the best in life?”
“The man deserves to have happiness in his life, Caroline. He would not be happy if forced to marry where there is no love. With all that has happened in his life, I refuse to bring him pain.”
Furious, Caroline marched from the room and to her suite. The sound of her tantrum could be heard throughout the townhouse, as she ranted and threw knick-knacks about.
Mr Bingley shook his head. He knew his wife had indulged his daughters, giving them everything they had wanted. And after his wife’s death, he had continued, wishing to ease their pain from losing their mother. But now, he had to stand his ground. Nothing could move him to bring Fitzwilliam Darcy further grief.
~~**~~
“Excuse me, sir, but there is someone to see you.” Davies, the butler of Darcy House announced to his master. Darcy was in his study, attending to business matters.
“Who is it, Davies?”
“Mr Gardiner, sir. He stated it was of utmost urgency he speaks with you.”
“Show him in.” Darcy was anxious. Had something happened to Miss Elizabeth? Had the physician been wrong and she was injured the previous day? She had appeared to be fine when he dined with the family the night before.
As soon as Mr Gardiner entered the study, Darcy was at his side. “Has something befallen your niece? I will never forgive myself if my actions yesterday caused her harm.”
“No, no, Lizzy is fine. Fortunately, she decided to spend time with my children today. I would not have liked her to hear the things I did at the warehouse.”
Confused, Darcy’s brows pulled closer together. “And what did you hear at the warehouse?”
“It appears that rumors have already begun circulating of my niece being seen in a most unladylike position, when you fell to the ground after saving her. The rumors have Lizzy throwing herself on you, which knocked you down. The news will likely make the papers tomorrow. Surprisingly, there was nothing in today’s papers.”
“Dear God, how can they believe so ill of your niece? Did they not see her being pushed towards the road, where the horses and wagon were speeding towards her? She is the innocent one, for it was I who placed my hands on her, pulling her towards me. I am to blame for this, not Miss Elizabeth.”
“Helen is making a list of potential people who would be willing to take Lizzy into their home. She would not be welcomed back to her family, as the taint to her reputation would transfer to her sisters. If she were to remain in my home, Lizzy would suffer from the cruelty which would be bestowed on her.”
Confusion once again showed on the younger man’s expression. “Mr Gardiner, it is I who should be blamed, not your niece. And as a gentleman, I insist on making matters right. If you approve, I ask for your blessing to ask your niece to marry me?”
“William, we are friends, and I do not hold what happened against you. Without your intervention, my niece would likely have been killed. But I did not come here today to force you to do something against your wishes.” Mr Gardiner was somewhat surprised by the gentleman.
“Gardiner, do you mind if I speak openly?”
“You are always welcome to speak your mind, William. I have valued our friendship and partnership for many years.”
Darcy motioned to the set of chairs next to the fireplace. Once seated, the Master of Pemberley began. “I wish tell you about the night of the fire at Pemberley. When I knew, there was danger, I began dressing. As I did, my mother came to fetch me. I insisted on her going to the nursery for Georgiana. Outside the nursery, part of the ceiling gave way, trapping my mother under a beam. Her last words to me were to find a lady I loved to marry. When asked how I would know if it was love, my mother said to follow my heart. She knew, the moment she first saw my father, that he was the one she would marry. Though I have met many ladies, I have never felt even the slightest inclination towards wishing to wed. That was, until yesterday. The moment I met your niece, a feeling so unique came over me. Never have I known such a feeling of contentment and joy. All I wished for was to know Miss Elizabeth better. And when I saw the horses coming towards her, my heart nearly stopped. Can you see, my heart already belongs to your niece. It would be no hardship for me to make an offer for the hand of the most wonderful lady I have ever known.”
Gardiner was shocked. “But what of your relations? Will they not frown on such a match? Lizzy’s father is untitled and his estate is small. There is no real dowry, only her share of the five thousand pounds my sister brought to the marriage as her dowry. And that is after my sister’s death.”
“Gardiner, you know the struggle I had in rebuilding my family fortune. Thanks to you and Mr Bingley, I was able to do so, and the estate has come close to the income we have had in the years before the fire. There is no need on my part for a dowry, no matter what the size. My mother’s dowry was placed in the bank for Georgiana’s dowry, the house at Pemberley is comfortable.”
“Are you certain you would not regret a union with my niece? I do not wish to see her in a marriage that grew cold after a few years. My sister’s marriage is such, and she is unhappy. Lizzy has endured her mother’s misery and witnessed her father become indifferent towards his wife.”
Darcy was sure of his feelings. He had never experienced anything like he did when he met Elizabeth Bennet. And he knew his feelings would never change. “I am certain, Mr Gardiner, and have no doubt that I will never regret having such a lady as my wife.”
“Well, it is best if I send word to my brother-in-law. He has the final say on Lizzy’s future. But I see no difficulties in his acceptance.”
“Do you give me permission to speak with Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, you may come to the house. I will speak with Lizzy, to prepare her of what has happened with the gossip. She cannot be subjected to the scorn of people who cannot be bothered to learn the truth, as she would be horrified.”
“Allow me to send a message to my solicitor to begin paperwork. We can most likely obtain a special license, as my godfather is the archbishop
. He has wished for me to find a lady to love for quite some time.” Darcy chuckled. “Does an hour allow you enough time to speak with Miss Elizabeth before my arrival?”
“I am certain it shall be long enough. And you should expect my wife to invite you to dine with us again tonight.”
“And I will accept her kindness.”
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 5
Edwin Gardiner entered his home to discover it to be in chaos. His housekeeper was waiting to accept his hat and coat. Hearing crying coming from the sitting room, Mr Gardiner inquired after the cause.
“The young miss decided to make her way to the warehouse. Your wife was in her rooms, writing a letter, and knew not that your niece had left the house. It appears that some cruel words were hurled at the poor girl. She was devastated when she returned home.”
Mr Gardiner shook his head. How foolish could he have been to believe his niece would remain home? He should have spoken with Elizabeth, at the very least he should have insisted she remain home.
Entering the sitting room, he found Elizabeth in his wife’s arms, while the younger was sobbing. The emotional pain was obvious, and he could hear her breathing becoming difficult. Turning back to his housekeeper, Mr Gardiner requested the medicine bottle be brought to the sitting room.
“Lizzy, my dear girl. What has happened?” Mr Gardiner knew the answer, but wished to learn the extent of what was said.
Her voice was raspy, and difficult, so her aunt took up the telling of the tale. “Lizzy went to the warehouse, but before she was able to arrive at your office, she was accosted by two young men. They made unseemly suggestions, stating that if she was willing to throw herself on a man, they would be willing to allow her lay on top of them.”
A frown grew on Mr Gardiner’s face. “And who were these men?”
“From what I have learned, they were delivery men, bringing a shipment from the docks. Your foreman witnessed the situation and sent the young men from the building. When Lizzy inquired what they were speaking of, Mr Campbell stated it would be best she discussed the matter with us.”
“I will speak with Campbell learn who the men were, as I will be speaking to their employer. If they will behave as animals, I will do no further business with that company.”
“I…I will…will…have to…leave…my family.” Elizabeth gasped out her words, pain obvious as she tried to push the words from her throat.
Just then, the housekeeper entered the room with the bottle of herbal remedy that would ease Elizabeth’s breathing. The housekeeper handed the bottle and a spoon to her employer before asking if there was anything else she could bring for the young lady’s discomfort. Mrs Gardiner requested the licorice and ginger tea, along with honey, be made. The lady was certain that the remedy would not be strong enough to calm the difficulty in her niece’s breathing.
“You will not have to leave your family, my dear girl.” Mr Gardiner replied. “I just came from speaking with Mr Darcy. He will be arriving shortly, as he needed to pen a few missives before coming.”
“Why…why would…he…”
“He is coming to ask you for your hand in marriage.”
Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth were shocked. It was the elder who could speak first. “Mr Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, is coming here to propose to our niece?”
“Indeed, our niece will be Mrs Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley.”
Elizabeth looked up at her uncle. “Uncle…how could…could I… accept? I…am…am…ruined…” She broke into sobs once again.
“Oh, my dear girl, I cannot speak for the gentleman except to say he is coming here, today, to ask for your hand in marriage. And as I have known William for many years, I cannot imagine a better match for you. He is intelligent and well read, much as you. I remember last night you seemed to enjoy speaking with him at supper. He is also shares your love for the outdoors, and has spent many hours working side by side with his tenants and staff in rebuilding his estate. William survived the fire which took his mother’s life, as well as the lives of many others on the estate. Of all people, he would be able to understand the nightmares you still have.”
Again, Elizabeth raised her eyes to look at her uncle. There was some ease in her words, as the remedy had begun working. “His estate…burned?”
A maid entered the room, bringing the special tea blend for the young lady, and stated that the cook was preparing regular tea for the master and mistress of the house. Mr Gardiner requested an extra cup, as he knew Darcy would soon arrive. As his niece sipped the soothing brew, Mr Gardiner spoke.
“William was just a boy when Pemberley burned. The manor house, many of the cottages on the estate, stables, barns, and the crops. It was during a drought, so they were unable to find enough water to halt the flames. Lady Anne Darcy died, trapped under a beam, with William at her side. His father never recovered from the loss of his wife, and died a few years later. William and his sister, Georgiana, were orphaned young.”
“I did not…know.” Elizabeth was finding her breathing easier from the tea she sipped.
“It is my belief that you would have a difficult time finding a man who could understand you better than Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Mr Gardiner patted his hand on his niece’s knee. “Perhaps you should go to your room and wash your face. You would not wish to appear distraught when William arrives.”
Elizabeth nodded her head, and with the aid of her aunt, stood and made her way down the hall, to the room that had been transformed from Mrs Gardiner’s office to Elizabeth’s bedchambers.
As the ladies returned to the sitting room, Darcy was being welcomed by Mr Gardiner. “Ah, here are the ladies now.” He motioned to his wife and niece.
Darcy turned and looked at the ladies. It was clear that Elizabeth had been crying. The cool water she had applied to her face did not eliminate the redness of her eyes. “Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner, I pray you are both well.”
Mrs Gardiner was a grand hostess. “William, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our house once again. We were preparing to enjoy some tea, if you would like to join us.”
Looking first at Mr Gardiner, then at Elizabeth, Darcy was certain there was a matter which needed to be discussed before he spoke privately to the young lady. “Of course, Mrs Gardiner.”
Elizabeth sat down on the sofa, with her aunt sitting in a nearby chair. Darcy decided to sit on the sofa, next to Elizabeth, and was grateful for the cup of tea, as his throat was unusually dry from his nervousness.
“William, when I returned home, after visiting you, I found my niece distraught. In my absence, and without my wife being aware, Lizzy left the house to walk to the warehouse. Upon arriving at the building, she was verbally assaulted by young delivery men who were vulgar, referring to her having thrown herself on your person and their desire of having her do the same to them. You can imagine the devastation Lizzy suffered, and she returned home to learn of the gossip being spread from my wife.”
“Sir, I wish the names of the men who behaved in such a manner to a gentlewoman. They shall be hearing from me.”
Mr Gardiner shook his head. “I will handle speaking with their employer, as I do a good deal of business with the docks. Most of the shipping lines know who I am and will not wish to lose my business.”
Darcy turned his attention to the young lady beside him. Instinctively, he took hold of her hand. “Miss Elizabeth, I wish you to know that I am horrified at the gossip that is being spread of you. You did not deserve to be the target of vicious tittle tattle of people who have nothing better to do with their lives than to bring harm to others. If there is any shameful behavior from the incident, it is of my placing my hands upon you. Though I know that it was improper, at the time, I could not see an alternative means of saving you from almost certain death if the horses had been allowed to trample you. And truth be told, I cared not for what anyone would say, my only thought was saving the life of a young lady I wished to know better. As I explained to your uncle,
the moment I met you, I could not imagine not having you in my life. You, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are enchanting, and you have bewitched me, body and soul. Never have I encounter another who has touched my heart as you have. It is due to this that I have no difficulty in declaring myself to you, and asking you to do me the great honor of marrying me.”
Though she knew his plans, as her uncle had been clear on what he stated, Elizabeth found it difficult to believe such a man would wish to be married to her. With her injuries and scars, she feared being found appalling to a man to whom she might open her heart. How could she believe anyone to be accepting of her, as she was no longer a whole person? In her mind, any man would find her disgusting and ruined in body.
“Mr Darcy, I must question your decision. You are not to blame for what happened, you only meant to protect me. To marry, you would be forever bound to me. You do not know all of me, and I fear that you would come to regret your decision in years to come.”
“Then tell me all you believe I need to know. Tell me everything, for I have no fear of what you might say.” Darcy said, as his eyes pleaded with hers.
“The injuries I sustained were due to a fire while I was staying at a neighboring estate of my father’s. The family did not survive, including my friend.”
“I am aware of that, Miss Elizabeth.”
“My legs were badly burned and the smoke damaged my lungs and throat.”
“Your uncle and aunt informed me of your medical condition after I pulled you from danger. I plan to have the best care possible. A missive was sent to my family’s physician, asking for him to examine you next week. If there are any recommendations he might have that could improve your health, we will see them fulfilled.”
“Besides my physical injures, I wake most nights with terrible dreams. Nightmares of the fire, of begging for someone to help me, of the pain and fear I felt that night. Some nights, I require a draught to be able to find any rest.”
Rebuilding Pemberley Page 4
