On the Road to Ramsgate

by Melanie Schertz

  “Forgive me, I was told to come up here to wait for Mr Gardiner.” Darcy said nervously. “Perhaps I should return downstairs.”

  Elizabeth had barely looked up from her ledgers. “You may have a seat. My uncle will be only a few moments, as he needed to speak to the foreman. He had special instructions for the delivery of some items due to arrive today.”

  “Thank you. I am grateful for your kindness.”

  “No need to thank me. It is common curtesy. There is no reason you cannot remain here until my uncle returns. Elizabeth said, continuing her work.

  “Might I be so bold as to ask your name?” Darcy asked.

  “I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet. My uncle is Mr Edward Gardiner.” Just then, Elizabeth’s eyes grew round as she looked at the gentleman before her. “You…you…why are you here?”

  Darcy frowned. “Do I know you?”

  Hearing a noise from behind him, Darcy turned to see an older man entering the room. “Ah, Mr Darcy, I presume.”

  “Indeed. You are Mr Gardiner?”

  “I am. And I see you have already met my niece.”

  Darcy glanced back at Elizabeth. “We have just met, though it seems your niece is familiar with me.”

  “Lizzy, are you well?” Mr Gardiner asked, seeing the look of dismay she wore.

  “He…he…he was the one.”

  Darcy’s brow furrowed. “I am the one? The one, what?”

  Suddenly, Mr Gardiner realized what his niece was speaking of. “Mr Darcy, forgive me, but were you in a carriage accident a little over a year ago? It was during a severe storm and happened outside Ramsgate.”

  This surprised Darcy. He had kept most of the story from society, as the entire incident and what happened afterwards was part of the darkest time in Darcy’s life.

  “How…how would you know of that?”

  Mr Gardiner stepped to his niece’s side. “My niece survived the other carriage that was involved. She spent the first days after the accident tending you, despite her own injuries.”

  “I do not remember anyone, other than my cousin who was with me when I woke. I was told that I had been unconscious for nearly a week.”

  “Your head injury was grievous, but you also had a fever building.” Elizabeth said. “And you had lost a vast amount of blood from the cut on your forehead. I can see the scar from here.”

  “Why is it I have never heard of you before this moment? You were not at the inn when I woke, nor have I heard either of your names before.” Darcy was attempting to persuade himself that this was a mistake.

  “My niece was injured, and her father perished in the accident. And there was an… incident at the inn, my niece was embarrassed and wished to leave immediately after we arrived.”

  “What sort of incident? I know nothing of an incident involving you.”

  Elizabeth looked down at her hands. “I had injured my leg in the accident. Due to the injury, for me to tend you, I had to sit on the bed beside you. There was only the innkeeper, his wife and son to manage everything. I felt it was my duty to assist in some way. While Mrs Carridan fixed meals and cleaned, her husband and son had to care for the animals and see that their property was kept functioning. Where I could not walk, it was easier for me to sit with you, tending your needs. Thus, when your cousin arrived, he mistook me for a fortune hunter, and he let me know his feelings clearly.”

  “What did he say?” Darcy was confused. He had no memory of anyone other than his cousin and a nurse that had been hired to see to his care.

  Elizabeth’s cheeks turned a vivid shade of red. “I cannot say, Sir, for it was nothing a proper young lady would do.”

  A knot in his throat made it difficult for Darcy to swallow. He knew his cousin could be harsh, but to speak rudely to a young lady would be quite unusual.

  Mr Gardiner could sense the discomfort in the room and wished to calm the situation. “Well, it is a blessing that both of you survived the accident. Only one other survived, the Bennets’ driver. So the three of you still alive is a miracle.”

  “Your father lost his life in the accident?” Darcy asked.

  Tears were welling in her eyes as the memory of the accident and the days after flashed before her eyes. “Yes, my father, Mr Thomas Bennet of Longbourn, in Hertfordshire.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes continued to look down, so she was unable to witness the pain which was etched in Darcy’s eyes.

  “I lost my father several years ago, so I can imagine the pain you must have suffered. And to be injured as well, with no aid to care for you, it must have been a difficult time for you. Please accept my apologies on behalf of my cousin. I am certain that his emotions overcame his rational thoughts. He is a colonel in the regulars, and is prone to jump feet first into a situation and apologize later. With your departure, he did not have a chance to apologize to you.”

  Elizabeth nodded slightly. “Uncle, perhaps it would be best if I were to return to the house. You and Mr Darcy have business to discuss and I would not wish to interrupt.”

  “Lizzy, you do not need to leave. I am sure that Mr Darcy is a sensible man. He is, after all, the best friend of your new brother.” Mr Gardiner replied.

  “Yes, Miss Elizabeth, I would like it very much if you were to remain. From what Bingley has said, you are as well versed as Mr Gardiner.”

  Elizabeth finally looked up, taking in the measure of the man before her. After several moments, she decided to stay for the meeting.

  For nearly an hour, Mr Gardiner described the workings of the investment of which Bingley had spoken to his friend. Though Darcy tried hard to concentrate, his eyes continued to stray back to the young lady before him.

  “Mr Darcy, might I offer you some refreshments? I have some brandy which I just received, and it is one of the finest I have ever sampled. Or Lizzy has some tea brewing, I am sure.”

  “As it is still early in the day, tea would be welcome. If it is not too much trouble.” Darcy added.

  “No trouble at all, Sir.” Elizabeth said as she stood from her chair. It was only then that Darcy notice her difficulty. Elizabeth took hold of a cane in each hand. Darcy’s eyes went round as he witnessed Elizabeth making her way across the room.

  “Please, Miss Elizabeth, there is no need to put yourself out for me. It is not necessary.”

  Elizabeth looked at Mr Darcy, then noticed he was staring at her canes. Embarrassed, Elizabeth looked down. “It is no trouble, Mr Darcy. I do so every day for my uncle.”

  She closed the door behind her as she made her way to the area which was used as a makeshift kitchen inside the warehouse. If he only knew how I came to need these canes to aid me in walking.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Mr Gardiner, forgive me for asking, but was your niece born lame?”

  “No, she received the injury during the accident.” Mr Gardiner stated. “She should have remained in bed until the bone knit, but she did not.”

  Darcy frowned. “Why would she not do as was best for her health?”

  “My niece put the needs of the others at the inn above her own. She was in severe pain, both from her leg being broken and from the loss of her beloved father. If she had remained in bed, I believe the melancholy would have overwhelmed her. Instead of staying in her bed, Elizabeth tended you.”

  “Her leg was broken in the accident? She stated it was only injured.”

  Mr Gardiner took his glasses from his face and placed them on the desk. “Mr Darcy, my niece has endured much since that day. Not only did she lose her father, her leg was broken. Because of her moving about, especially the journey in our carriage to return here, the bone was unable to mend properly. Instead, she is in pain daily. But Lizzy will not take any medication to ease the pain. And she is adamant that we not coddle her. She walks here from our house, and walks home each night. Lizzy even refused to take the room we were planning to use for her on the main floor of our house. It was a sitting room, and my wife thought it would be better for Lizzy. But Lizzy would not have it.
She climbs the stairs to sleep in the room we had used for guests.”

  “Good God, is there no way to convince her to be practical? It is not a sin to acknowledge pain.” Darcy was shocked.

  “Lizzy will not hear of it. You see, after I left her at our home, with my wife, I took Thomas Bennet’s body to Longbourn. My sister, Lizzy’s mother, began spouting nonsense, claiming it was Lizzy’s and my fault for the accident, for she declared that we forced Thomas to make the journey. Since the day that Lizzy left her home with her father, she has not been allowed to return to her family home. And her mother has refused to allow contact between Lizzy and her sisters. Fortunately, the eldest, Jane, has been able to see Lizzy when the Bingleys are in Town.”

  Darcy shook his head. He had had a difficult time during the past year, but to be refused the love and comfort of one’s own mother and siblings must have been unbearable. “Mr Gardiner, if there is anything I can do to be of assistance to your niece, you need only ask.”

  “If you know of anyone who requires a nanny or governess, who would treat Lizzy properly, we would appreciate a recommendation. I do not like having to subject Lizzy to this environment, day in and day out. It is not fitting for a young lady who was gently bred.”

  “I might have a situation that would be perfect. Allow me to make some inquiries and get back to you.” Darcy stated, just as Elizabeth returned. He was amazed to see her carrying a tray which had been especially made to attach to her canes, allowing her to combine the two tasks.

  “Please, allow me to assist you, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy said as he stood.

  “I need no assistance, Mr Darcy. As you can see, I am perfectly capable of handling the tray on my own.”

  “Very well, though I wish for you to know that you do not have to prove yourself to me. I believe there is no sin in asking for help when needed.”

  Elizabeth flushed red. “It is my responsibility to take care of myself. My father is gone, and my uncle has enough burden with his own family. I insist on doing what I can to lessen the load from my uncle’s shoulders.”

  Darcy looked towards Mr Gardiner and could tell by the man’s expression that he did not see his niece as a burden. “Miss Elizabeth, I would appreciate your allowing me to assist you.” He said as he took hold of the tray, lifting it from her canes and placing it on the desk where Mr Gardiner motioned.

  ~~ ** ~~

  On the way to his townhouse, Darcy reflected on his day. Learning all that Elizabeth Bennet had lost due to the events surrounding the carriage accident, Darcy could relate from the pain he suffered.

  Darcy was told that he had been unconscious for nearly a week, and had suffered from a fever the entire time. His cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, was at his side when Darcy finally returned to the land of the living. Two days after he woke, Darcy and Richard made the journey to Town, to Darcy House.

  During the journey was when Darcy learned of his sister’s fate. He openly wept upon learning his sister’s condition. “William, I do not know how she will be when we arrive. When I left, she was lying on the bed, curled up like a babe, and unresponsive. She has not uttered a word since I found her.”

  “I wish Wickham were found, for I would dearly love to run him through with my blade.” Darcy said, as he stared out the window. “To think my father thought so highly of his godson. I wonder what my father would think of him now.”

  “All we can do now is to care for Georgiana. She needs us more than ever. If you were to kill Wickham, you would most likely end up in prison or hang for it. What good would that do her?”

  Darcy angrily wiped the tears from his cheeks. “At least that blackguard would never be able to harm another lady.”

  “I have it on good authority that he has left England. He and Mrs Younge were said to have boarded a ship to the continent.” Richard said. “If he ever returns to England, we will deal with him.”

  Seeing his sister in such a state was heartbreaking to Darcy. He had always been close to Georgiana, being more of a father figure to her than her big brother.

  For months, Georgiana remained in this state. Her brother and cousin hired the best nurses and staff to tend to Georgiana’s needs, but there was no change in her behavior.

  It was soon discovered that George Wickham had left behind another surprise for Darcy. Georgiana’s body began changing, making it clear that she was increasing. Her body began wasting away from her mind shutting down. Nearly eight and a half months after the carriage accident, Fitzwilliam Darcy became the guardian of a set of twin girls. Holding them in his arms, tears of joy and pain flowed from the corners of his eyes. The girls were perfect copies of their mother, blonde ringlets and piercing blue eyes, the shape of their features, all reminded Darcy of his beloved sister.

  Two days after the twins were born, Georgiana Darcy passed away in her sleep. Her body had been weak, but it lasted long enough for the babies to be given to her brother. Darcy had his sister’s body taken to his estate, burying her next to their parents in the Darcy family cemetery. As the remains of his sister were lowered into the ground, Darcy made her a promise. Her daughters would be loved and cared for all of their lives. He would see that they were always tended and cherished as he had done for Georgiana.

  Darcy knew the girls would not be accepted in society, as his sister had been ruined by Wickham. But he could not bring himself to part from them. With his parents and Georgiana gone, the twins were all that was left of his family.

  Entering the nursery, Darcy walked over to the crib where the girls slept together. He had named them Emelia Anne and Edith Rose, each of the girls given names of their great grandmothers. They were sweet natured children, never giving their nursemaids any problems.

  One of the nursemaids had recently tendered her resignation, as she planned to move in with her parents who were elderly and in poor health. All the way to Darcy House, the great man pondered a decision.

  Mrs Duncan, the housekeeper, entered the room. “Master William, I received word that you wished to speak with me.”

  “Yes, Mrs Duncan. Have you found a new nursemaid to replace Bettina?”

  “No, Sir, I was planning to hold interviews later this week. Between the time Bettina leaves and we hire someone new, Sally will be able to care for the girls. They are so small at the moment they are not as difficult to handle. In a few months, though, they will be keeping their nursemaids plenty busy.”

  “I may have someone to take the position. She is the niece of the man I met today. She has a bad leg, but that should not prevent her from her duties.”

  “A crippled girl, Master William? Is that wise? There are so many young ladies who are fit and sound.”

  “This young lady was injured during the carriage accident last year.” Darcy said as he continued to watch his nieces. “She lost her father, and needs a situation which will be kind to her. I believe she will give proper care to the girls.”

  Mrs Duncan was surprised, as her master rarely spoke of the carriage accident. “Forgive me, I did not mean to cause you pain. I know that time was difficult for you and your sister.” She had been the housekeeper for many years, so she well knew what had happened. Mrs Duncan had seen to Georgiana Darcy’s care personally, along with two other maids and two nurses. The sweet girl was so thin and her body ravaged by Georgiana’s malady and then carrying the twins. Many long hours she witnessed Darcy sitting beside his sister’s bed, reading to her as he held her hand. It had been the prayer of all the Darcy House and Pemberley servants that Georgiana would recover, but very few held out hope.

  “I believe there was a reason for my meeting Miss Elizabeth. We both have healing to do. I am certain that she will be a diligent worker and take care of the girls, along with Sally.”

  Mrs Duncan nodded her head. “When should we expect her?”

  “I will send a message to her uncle, inviting him and Miss Elizabeth to come here tomorrow.” Darcy noticed little Emily squirming, her little eyes opening slightly. “I will make the o
ffer to Miss Elizabeth then, and she can meet the girls.”

  “Very good, Master William. Will there be anything else?”

  “Has Richard come by today?”

  “Your cousin is in his rooms. He returned from visiting his mother an hour ago.”

  Darcy nodded. “I will speak with him later. For now, Miss Emmy is requiring my attention.” He picked up his niece, carrying her over to the rocking chair he frequently used. Once situated in the chair, he lifted the book from the nearby table. “Shall we continue the story we were reading, Emmy?”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 6

  “Lizzy, we received an invitation to meet with Mr Darcy at his townhouse tomorrow at eleven. I sent a reply accepting the invitation.”

  “Uncle, there is no reason Mr Darcy would wish for me to be present. He will only wish to speak with you on the investments.” Elizabeth said as she hobbled along beside her uncle on their way home.

  Mr Gardiner shook his head. “No, Lizzy, the invitation specifically invited both of us. Mr Darcy wishes for you to attend with me.”

  “I do not know why he would wish to have me there.” A frown developed on her brow.

  “I am not sure, but he is a good man. Charles would never have directed him to do business with me if he were not. So you had best be prepared to join me tomorrow. Wear your nice gown, the green one.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Richard, there you are.” Darcy said as he found his cousin in the game room.

  “I did not know you were looking for me.” Richard Fitzwilliam said as he struck the pool ball with the stick.

  “Well, I wish to have a conversation with you, for I learned some information today that you neglected to share with me.”

  Richard frowned. “I do not know of what you are speaking.”

  “Would you join me in my study? I believe it would be easier to have a discussion there, over a glass of brandy.”