Mr. Darcy's Daughter

by Rebecca Ann Collins

  Once again he reiterated his words to Lizzie,"How could I not come, Cassy? Not after all you and Richard and, above all, young Lizzie did for us. I had to come."

  "Have you seen Anthony?" she asked, and when he said he had not,"You will be surprised at how much he has grown these last few months. I shall take you to see him, but you must go to Papa and Mama first."

  "Will you go with me, Cassy? I fear my sudden appearance may upset Mama." He was plainly nervous and concerned.

  But Cassy took his arm, reassuring him,"Have no fear on that score; I shall certainly go with you, but they are expecting you. Like you, I feared the surprise may have been too much for Mama and I did not wish her to weep on Lizzie's big day, so I brought your letter over to them; Julian, you should have seen their happiness."

  As her husband waited for her at the top of the stairs, Cassy took her brother to her parents' apartments.

  Richard knew how eagerly she had anticipated this moment. It had almost overshadowed the joy of Lizzie's wedding.

  "Of course Lizzie's wedding is important, but I have no fears for her today; however, had Julian not arrived, as has happened on some occasions, his absence would have meant bitter disappointment for all of us, including Lizzie and especially for Papa and Mama," she had explained, reasonably."Now he is here, it will serve to double the joy of her wedding day. Do you not agree, my love?"

  And of course, he did.

  Enhancing his happiness, as he watched her, was the memory of their own wedding day at Pemberley several years ago. Having had to wait, through force of circumstances, an inordinately long time for each other, their marriage had brought them such deep and abiding joy as neither had believed possible. So many years later, the sight of her could lift his spirits and make his heart race with love for her. They shared a very special intimacy.

  When Cassy returned, having left Julian with their parents, she smiled as she approached; he held out his hand to her and drew her to his side as they waited for the bride.

  No one present could have failed to perceive the happiness that welled up and spilled over the gathered family and their friends, as they entered the church, led by Mr and Mrs Darcy, with Julian and Cassy beside them.

  William Courtney was there to play the organ and the choir of Pemberley children rose to sing, as Lizzie Gardiner arrived with her father at the church door.

  As heads turned to see the bride, Cassandra could not bear to look, for fear that she would weep; yet she wished with all her heart that this wedding would be, as her own had been those many years ago, the beginning of a good marriage, conceived in love, nurtured with trust, and sustained with strength.

  If little Lizzie's marriage could only be half as felicitous as her mother's had been all these years, Cassy knew her daughter would be a very happy woman indeed.

  END OF PART THREE

  An Epilogue…

  THE WEDDING WAS OVER and, though there weren't many rose petals available this late in the year, there was no dearth of affection and goodwill for the couple who left Pemberley on their wedding journey.

  It was generally thought that they were bound for the South coast. Some who claimed to know said Bourne mouth and others whispered that it was Paris; however, unbeknownst to any but their closest confidantes, Mr Carr and his bride had planned to spend their wedding night, not at some hostelry en route to the South coast, but at Rushmore Farm.

  The plan had come about simply and without fuss, when the couple had been walking in the woods around the farm. As they remembered her first visit to his home, when she had been enchanted by the woods and water meadows and had begged him never to fell the trees or drain the meadows, Mr Carr had asked with some trepidation,"Seeing how much we love this place, my dearest, how would it be if we were to spend the night of our wedding here, in our own home?"

  Aware of her youth and gentle upbringing, he had expected some reluctance, a little shyness perhaps, and was concerned that she might think he was being too bold. To his delight, her response surprised him with its warmth and candour. After taking very little time to consider the implications of his suggestion, Lizzie had said quietly,"I must confess that I cannot think of any place I would like better to spend our wedding night," and added quickly,"It would surely be a much happier choice than some hotel, would it not?"

  He could not agree more and they confirmed their compliance on this intimate matter with a kiss that expressed unreservedly the depth of their love. In the course of a year, their relationship had deepened from an amiable friendship to the realization that life apart from one another would be insupportable. Their wedding was only the beginning; they looked forward to their life together with hope of the deepest felicity.

  And there, we need not trespass; for it is neither necessary nor seemly for prying eyes to follow them. Such tender expressions of love as they would surely indulge in are too intimate and personal to warrant intrusion; it would be considered so grave a breach of decorum and good manners, as to be very vulgar indeed.

  Imagination, on the other hand, is free and unfettered; discreet and sensitive readers may use their own as they wish. Suffice it to say, there was no lack of ardent love between this happy pair, nor was there any reluctance to express it.

  * * *

  After the wedding, Cassandra and Richard Gardiner stayed over at Pemberley, as did Julian Darcy. There was no mistaking the satisfaction this brought Mr and Mrs Darcy, whose distress at losing their daughter-in-law had been exacerbated by their son's decision to renounce his inheritance and continue his work in France.

  Their ability to understand Julian's anguish and assuage their own had been greatly assisted by their daughter's love, as well as the sensibility and support of their son-in-law, Dr Gardiner. On this, the happiest day the family had known in many months, to have them all together at Pemberley was a very particular pleasure and each of the members of the company gathered there knew it well.

  For the first time since his wife's tragic involvement with Messrs Barrett and Jones, leading to her untimely death, Julian Darcy appeared to be at peace with himself. Clearly happy at being able to participate in the celebration of his niece's wedding, and with much satisfaction in his work in bacteriological research, he seemed less haunted by his past inadequacies.

  He had, for some years, been secretive and uncommunicative, using the confidentiality of his work as an excuse for saying very little about his own plans to even the closest members of his family. This time, however, both Richard and Mr Darcy found Julian more than willing to talk at length about his research and even, on occasion, to disclose some of his hopes for the future.

  "I have been invited by two of my French colleagues to travel with them to the French colonies in Africa and the Pacific, where there is much work yet to be done in the field of bacterial infections. Large numbers of children die of respiratory or intestinal diseases and research into their prevention could help save many lives. I believe the French government is prepared to fund our work in the colonies, and it would be an excellent opportunity for me to do what I can to help these unfortunate people," he explained.

  His mother, hearing some of the conversation, appeared perturbed at the prospect of her son journeying in parts of the world where he was bound to be at greater risk than if he had remained in England or even in France. But with Cassy at her side to blunt the edge of her concerns, Elizabeth was wise enough to make no protest, content to wait until she could learn more from Mr Darcy or Julian himself.

  She had been delighted to discover, earlier in the day, that he planned to remain at Pemberley a fortnight, during which time he hoped to spend time with his parents and his young son."I think Richard and Cassy have done wonders for Anthony," he had said, and as they talked together, there was much to console his mother in his gentle and amiable manner. Elizabeth was pleased by his expressions of concern for her and his father. Perhaps, she thought, Julian has found a way to overcome his guilt through his work.

  When she spoke of this t
o her husband later that night, Mr Darcy agreed, but added that it was even more probable that their son had finally discovered his true vocation.

  "It is possible, my dear Lizzie, that Julian does not see the management of a family estate as his role in life. I do not mean by this to suggest that he belittles it or that he thinks it is an unworthy occupation, but Julian has always looked beyond Pemberley for his place in the world and, perhaps, he has found it, at last," said Mr Darcy.

  "Like Richard, he is dedicated to the prevention of disease and the reduction of human suffering; the difference—and in this we and Cassy are particularly fortunate—is that Richard is concerned with the application of his research to hospitals and patients in England, whereas Julian looks further a field and, seeing much suffering elsewhere, feels he must go where he is needed."

  "You speak almost in terms that would describe a missionary," said Elizabeth, her anxious eyes searching her husband's face for reassurance that her son would be safe.

  But Mr Darcy could give her no such comfort. He knew only too well the risks that attend those who would travel to distant lands.

  Tales told of men who had ventured to places like Africa and South America were legion and yet, knowing her fears, he said gently,"Indeed I do, my love, and how well you have understood my meaning. In time, Julian will be blessed with far greater contentment than any English landlord can hope to achieve. For while we may care for those who live and work upon our estates, we take few risks, other than those of a commercial nature, and none of us are called upon to imperil our lives in doing so. Men like Julian do just that, not for the money or the glory, but for the much greater satisfaction of easing the burden of human suffering. It is a noble enterprise, Lizzie, we must be proud of him and give him every encouragement."

  Elizabeth was a little astonished at the passion with which her husband spoke, until he revealed that Julian had explained to him the extent of the misery that afflicted vast populations in the colonies, who had no access at all to any kind of medical treatment, relying for the most part on primitive remedies with often fatal consequences.

  "So you see, my dear, Julian knows he must go," he said, and Elizabeth could not but agree, even though in her heart she was still fearful.

  She could only hope and pray her son would be safe.

  * * *

  A similar conversation was taking place between Cassandra and her husband, as they prepared for bed, on a day filled with many delights. There was, however, but one difference. Cassy had already spoken with her brother and was well prepared for the news that he was about to undertake a research project in Equatorial Africa. Not only was she aware of his plans, she had encouraged him.

  Richard had been surprised; even though he knew her strong commitment to his own work, he had half expected her to express some reservations, particularly with regard to the boy Julian was leaving in her care; he had confessed that he'd had doubts himself.

  He knew well that Cassy was already hard pressed with the duties she was committed to at Pemberley and, after Lizzie's wedding, doubtless Laura Ann, bereft of her older sister, would depend upon her mother to a far greater degree. Richard could not help but wonder at the wisdom of Julian's decision to leave for Africa, placing all the responsibility for his son upon Cassy.

  But it seemed her belief in the value of her brother's work and his new sense of vocation had overwhelmed any reservations she may have had."I can see how much it means to him, and while it would have been good for Anthony to have his father here, there will be much greater satisfaction for him, when he is grown up, to learn that his father is a man with an unselfish concern for humanity," she said, brushing her hair.

  Richard understood but was a little surprised by her reasoning.

  "Do you not mind, my love, that during all of the difficult years ahead, it will be you who must care for the boy, teach him, encourage and commend him, be an example to him and comfort him when he is distressed, whilst his father is half a world away?"

  Cassandra smiled as she braided and tied her hair with a ribbon.

  "Why should I mind, Richard? It may well be hard work, but we have brought up five of our own and Anthony is no different. Indeed, he is already proving to be a salutary influence on James, who might otherwise have been spoilt by too much attention. If, by my efforts, he can grow up as well as our children have, it will be reward enough. Besides," she added, with a definite twinkle in her eye and a note of laughter in her voice,"there will be the added joy of knowing, when my brother is honoured for his services to mankind, that I helped him attain that distinction, as in another instance somewhat closer to home!"

  Her husband, in whose estimation Cassy could rise no higher, was certainly not about to deny her this satisfaction, even though he had his doubts about the selflessness of his young brother-in-law. There was no need to spoil what had been a particularly delightful day with argument.

  Remaining discreetly silent on the matter, he waited for her to come to bed. When she did, it was to reaffirm the love that had been the bedrock of all they had achieved in their deeply happy marriage.

  * * *

  On the morrow, Richard, Cassandra, and their younger children returned home to Matlock, there to begin the arduous task of moving their household to Camden Park in the New Year. It was in the midst of organising the vast array of tasks that this complex enterprise demanded that Cassy, sitting with Laura Ann in the nursery trying to decide which, of a plethora of items, they would take with them and which they would leave behind, was interrupted by her son James, who raced into the room.

  "Mama, Mama," he called excitedly,"it's Margaret, Margaret is here!"

  James was so excited he kept jumping up and down in front of his mother.

  She knew that both boys had been very fond of Margaret Baines, but since the girl had returned to her mother, following the end of the inquest into the death of Mr Jones, they'd had no word from her.

  Cassy had been too busy to make enquiries and, having heard from one of the maids who had met Margaret in the village that she had seemed very well, it had been generally assumed that the girl had sought employment elsewhere.

  Cassy went to the window and, looking out, saw Margaret Baines playing with Anthony on the front lawn.

  "Laura dear, do go down and take Margaret into the kitchen and ask Cook to give her some tea. She must have walked up from the village and is probably tired. When she has finished, you can bring her upstairs to me. I must get on with this work or I shall never have it done in time." Laura went, followed by James, and no more was heard for a while.

  Some time later, there was a hesitant knock on the door and Margaret Baines came into the room. She looked fresher and healthier than she had been before and was neatly and demurely dressed as always. In her hand, she had a pot of lavender, which she placed on the windowsill.

  "It's from my mother's garden, ma'am," she said and stood a little nervously by a table beside the window, while Cassy thanked her and continued to fold and put away items of linen and clothing to be sent to the church for distribution to the poor.

  After a few minutes, during which time, Cassy asked after her health and that of her mother, it became quite plain that Margaret wished to speak of something particular. It was equally obvious that she was either fearful or embarrassed about it and was finding it very difficult to open the conversation on the subject.

  Seeking, therefore, to ease the girl's discomfort, Cassandra asked,"I cannot believe you are here only to bring me that pot of lavender, Margaret, pretty though it is; so why do you not tell me what it is you have come for? Did you want your old job back?"

  Before Cassy could begin to explain that since they were moving to Camden Park, they were not hiring any servants at this time, Margaret spoke, quickly and a little breathlessly,"Oh no, ma'am, that is not it at all, but I do have something to tell you, ma'am, and my mother says it is only right I should tell you myself."

  Cassy looked up from her task and saw that the
girl was pink with embarrassment; she could not think why."Margaret, what is it? Surely, you cannot have got yourself into more trouble?"

  For one dreadful moment, she feared the worst, yet Margaret did not appear at all guilty or concerned, except she had gone quite red in the face."Oh no, ma'am," she cried again,"indeed, I have not, but I do have something to tell you."

  "Well, so you keep saying; now come on, Margaret, do tell me, or I shall begin to wonder what on earth you have done."

  This time, Margaret swallowed hard, as if steeling herself to come to the point. When she spoke, her voice was low but firm."Yes ma'am, I am to marry Mr John Archer, ma'am."

  "What? Mr Archer?" Cassy was astounded."Margaret have you thought clearly about what you are doing? I thought you hated the man."

  "Oh no, ma'am," said the girl for the third time,"I never hated him though I was afraid of him. I did not know how he felt about me, but during the last month, he has called on my mother and spoken with me and he has asked me to marry him, ma'am."

  "And does he love you?" Cassy asked, knowing Margaret was young and, like most girls of her age, inclined to be something of a romantic.

  "Oh yes, ma'am," she said, for a change, her eyes shining and her face wreathed in smiles,"he says he does, he has always loved me, like he told the coroner. Oh ma'am, no other man has looked at me as he does, with so much feeling, and no man has said out loud in front of everyone that he has loved me for years and years and wants to marry me."

  "Do you trust him?" Cassy asked, determined to discover the source of this sudden attachment. Margaret was adamant."I do, ma'am. No other man has put his life at risk to save me as he did; I must believe he loves me, as he says."

  Cassandra did not know quite how to respond to this passionate recital.

  Quite clearly, Mr Archer had converted Margaret's youthful fears into love, for it now appeared that she was convinced she would be both secure and happy with him.

  As she listened, increasingly amazed, Margaret revealed that they intended to marry, soon after Christmas, and leave Derbyshire for Manchester, where Archer had obtained work. There, he apparently believed, he could avoid the stigma of his involvement, however unwittingly, in the death of Mr Jones.