Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  “Forgive me for bringing you such a fright, Miss Darcy. I just did not know where else to take her.” “Fear not, Mr Bingley. After all that young lady has endured, I believe she is deserving of compassion and care.”

  “You are so like your brother. Should I send him an express, informing him of my imposing upon your kindness?” Bingley inquired.

  “I will write to him, though it does not need to be an express. He will be quite busy, as his steward informed him of three tenant houses which collapsed under the heavy snow Derbyshire has accumulated in the past week. By the time he returns, hopefully, this young lady will be recovered.”

  “I can only pray you are correct. I plan to return to the house where this happened, collect her belongings and bring them here. I doubt very much that she will ever wish to be in that house again.” Bingley spat his words, furious at what had occurred.

  “Do you know what the young lady’s name is? Perhaps she has family we should contact.” Georgiana was concerned.

  “I will see what I can learn from my former business partner.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 2 Bingley arrived at the Armstrong home, but was denied entrance. The butler stated his master was not receiving anyone. “I wish to collect the belongings of the young lady whom I removed from here. I will deliver them to her.”

  “Mr Armstrong was furious when you removed her, and had all her belongings tossed into the rubbish bin. My wife had no alternative but to do as instructed.” The butler disapproved of his master’s behavior and was appalled by what had happened, but feared for his own position. Leaning carefully, he whispered to Bingley. “My wife placed them in a trunk near the mews. We thought someone would come for them. Please know, there was nothing either of us could do to protect the young lady. If we had, we would have lost our positions here.”

  “I understand, truly I do. I am in business with Mr Armstrong, but, after seeing what he was doing to her, I could not stand by and allow it. Do you know the young lady’s name?”

  “Miss Benson, I believe. She is orphaned and supporting her sisters, though I know not where they are.” Bingley shook his head. “Hopefully, I will learn more when the young lady wakes.”

  “We will pray for her, Sir.” Bingley nodded his head and motioned for his men to collect the trunk which had been deposited behind the townhouse. With the trunk secured on his carriage, Bingley requested his driver to return them to the Darcy townhouse.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mr Gardiner entered his home to find his wife in a worried state. “What is wrong, dearest? Has Jane taken a turn for the worse?”

  “No, Jane is holding her own. It is Lizzy. She was to come today to visit her sisters, and we have neither seen nor heard from her. It is not like Lizzy to not let us know if her plans are changed. She knows Jane looks forward to her visits.”

  “I should never have allowed her to find work. We could have made do, we have done so before.” Mr Gardiner declared.

  “I understand Lizzy’s desire to be of assistance to our family. Mary and Kitty are too young to find work, and Jane is unable to do much of anything.” “What did the physician have to say today?”

  “The paralysis is most likely permanent. The bullet cannot be removed, being so close to the spine. If they were to dig around for the bullet, they could do more damage than is already done.”

  Mr Gardiner shook his head. “I wish we could learn who those men were, bring them to justice. My dear sister, her husband and their youngest child slain in such a manner. I could never feel safe traveling in Hertfordshire again. Jane said there were five or six men, you would think that a group that large would come to the notice of someone.”

  “What disturbs me more is Mr Collins’ behavior. To throw the girls out of their home before the funeral could even be arranged, how truly shocking. Not to mention forcing Jane to travel in her

  condition.”

  “I am pleased that Charlotte Lucas had the decency to intervene on their behalf. She also collected locks of hair, to have rings and lockets made in memory of Fanny, Thomas and Lydia.” Mr Gardiner informed his wife. “Charlotte was disturbed by her betrothed’s behavior towards the girls. She had her father write to me, informing me that she would have the rings and lockets prepared for the girls. It will be expensive, but I will send her the funds to cover the purchase. Lizzy, Jane, Mary and Kitty deserve to have the remembrance pieces.”

  “I will take in some sewing from Mrs Hasting’s shop. She is always in need of an extra pair of hands, and I can work from home.” Mrs Gardiner announced.

  “You have so much to do as it is, Helen. I could not stand to see you do more. I have a meeting next month with Mr Darcy. He is looking to invest in a venture and was directed to contact me. If we can make ends meet for another month or two, perhaps all will be well. We can only hope and pray.”

  “You are a good man, Edward. Though it is a strain on our family, I cannot imagine not having the girls here. Kitty is being helpful with the children, and Mary is so good with tending to Jane’s needs with Lizzy away. They have helped me tremendously, which is why I felt I could take in the sewing for Mrs Hastings. Mary is also becoming quite proficient at her stitch work, so she would be able to assist me while she is sitting with Jane.”

  “Well, I am going to my study and work on my books. I will see you at dinner. And do not fret over Lizzy. I am certain she will send a message later or come by tomorrow.”

  Mrs Gardiner sighed. “I will pray she does.” ~~ ** ~~ Bingley arrived at Darcy House as the physician was preparing to leave. Mr Johnston was an elderly man, and had known the Darcy family for many years. After becoming close friends with Darcy, Bingley began utilizing Mr Johnston’s services as well.

  “Ah, Bingley, I am glad you are here. I was informed that it was you who rescued the young lady upstairs.”

  “I did. How is she?” Bingley asked. “Perhaps we should step into the drawing room.” Mr Johnston’s expression was extremely concerned. Once inside the nearby drawing room, and the door was shut, Mr Johnston described what he found.

  “The young lady was beaten severely. I believe her right cheekbone was fractured, and both of her eyes are swollen to the point she cannot open them. Her jaw appears to be broken as well, so she cannot open her mouth. I have bandaged her head to keep her jaw in place. It will need to be kept so for at least six weeks. She will only be able to partake of broths and liquids. Her right hand was injured as well, so I have it bandaged. Her throat is tender, and she cannot speak. The monster who did this should be hung. To treat a young lady in such a manner is contemptible. Have you notified the authorities of this matter?”

  Bingley shook his head. “I have not, as I went back to confront the man who was responsible. I was only able to recover the young lady’s belongings. The man refused to allow me into his home. Do we know if he…if he…”

  “His intent was clear, but she still has her virtue. The coward. He should be made to pay for his crime. Do you know the young lady’s name?”

  “The butler told me her name is Miss Benson. He knows she has sisters, and she is orphaned. He did not know where her sisters are to be found.” Bingley was distressed. “I can imagine they will be worried, when they do not hear from her. I had hoped that Miss Benson could tell us more, but if she cannot speak and her hand is injured, how is she to tell us where her family is?”

  ~~ ** ~~ All she could hear were the voices of a man and at least two ladies, all mumbling. She could not make out what they were saying. All Elizabeth knew was the severe pain she felt. How could she possibly be alive, for she felt as if her head had been trampled under a stampede of horses?

  Every movement made her wish to cry out in pain, but the act of crying out was far too painful to do. Where was she? What had happened? She

  remembered being in Mr Armstrong’s study, and his attack on her person. Then everything went black. All she wished for was to see her family once again. What would they do with her, for there was no roo
m at the Gardiner house for another invalid? She could feel tears building at the thought of the expense she would bring to her uncle and aunt.

  A glass was held to her lips, and she was encouraged to drink. Painfully, she was able to take the liquid in and swallow. The taste was vile, but she soon felt drowsy. Soon, everything was lost to the relief the laudanum allowed her to find.

  ~~ ** ~~ Two days had gone by, and still the Gardiners had received no word from Elizabeth. Mr Gardiner decided to visit the Armstrong home, wishing to speak with his niece. The butler answered the door, and informed Mr Gardiner that his niece no longer worked for the Armstrongs. When Mr Gardiner asked where she had gone, the butler looked around, frightened to be found speaking to this man.

  “Sir, if Mr Armstrong learns I have spoken to you, I will be terminated without reference. He is a harsh man.”

  “Please, we have had no word from my niece and are concerned. Can you tell me nothing?” The butler shook his head. “All I know is that one of Mr Armstrong’s business associates removed your niece from here. I do not know his name or where he lives. All I know is what I saw.”

  Mr Gardiner was devastated. Handing the butler his card, Mr Gardiner spoke. “If you learn anything of the man or my niece, would you please contact me? I am quite concerned.”

  Nodding, the butler insisted that was all he could do. Many thoughts ran through Mr Gardiner’s mind, so many terrible things which could have befallen his niece. How was he to ever tell his wife the news he had? It would only bring her more anguish. And Jane, poor Jane, would be devastated. She was in such a delicate condition as it was, and felt responsible for her sister finding work. News of Lizzy’s

  disappearance would be damaging to Jane’s frail health.

  ~~ ** ~~ Fitzwilliam Darcy was exhausted. It had been several days of hard work, as he stood side by side with his men, rebuilding the homes which were damaged by the heavy, wet snow. Fortunately there had only been a few minor injuries. After the rebuilding was complete, he had several other issues with which to contend, before he could return to London.

  Having just finished bathing, Darcy was sitting in a chair by the fireplace in his room. The book in his hand was unable to hold his interest, as thoughts of his beautiful vixen from Longbourn continued to plague his thoughts.

  Finally giving up on the words he was trying to read, Darcy set the book on a nearby table. Standing, Darcy found himself drawn to the room which connected to his bedchamber. Opening the door, Darcy stepped inside. The Mistress’ chambers had been unused since his mother died, shortly after Georgiana’s birth. The room was decorated in pastel colors, making the room feel as if it were a meadow on a spring day. Darcy could imagine Elizabeth in the room, as she was fond of spending time outdoors. How he wished he could take her to Pemberley. He dearly wished he could marry her and take her to his beloved estate. But he knew his family would never approve of such a marriage.

  Though she was beautiful and intelligent, Elizabeth Bennet had no dowry or connections to make such a marriage possible. In the upper circle of society, one did not marry someone who was so far beneath themselves. Marriages amongst the ton were mostly business transactions. A merger of land and wealth, and the begetting of heirs to carry on. Love matches were few and far between.

  Darcy could understand marriages of convenience, as his parents had married to form an alliance between Matlock and Pemberley. The Fitzwilliam family held a title, as Darcy’s grandfather was the Earl of Matlock. His mother was thought to have married beneath her station, for the Darcy family was untitled, though an ancient lineage with deep pockets. The Earl of Matlock was in need of financial assistance, so what could he do, but marry his daughters to wealthy men. Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy never approved of her husband, though she tolerated him. When her son was born, she could see the similarity to his father in him and it repulsed Anne. She rarely spent time with him, constantly declaring that he was his father’s child, therefore his father should be the one to spend time with him. Anne did not wish for more children, and she found ways to stay away from him as much as possible. When Gerald Darcy was at Pemberley, Anne was found at her sister’s estate in Kent. When Gerald was in Town, Anne was at her father’s estate in Derbyshire. During the Season, Anne insisted she would be in London, and she made it clear that she did not wish for her husband to be in attendance with her.

  Darcy grew up lonely, as his father was busy with his work and his mistress. The lady who became a mother figure to the young boy was the housekeeper at Pemberley, Mrs Agatha Reynolds. She had become the housekeeper when Fitzwilliam was only four years old. Knowing he was ignored by both of his parents, Mrs Reynolds showed him as much love and comfort as she could. She was proud of the young man into which he had grown, and Mrs Reynolds was not shy about telling everyone what a wonderful man he had become.

  I should have these rooms re-decorated, refreshed and new furnishings, as I did when Father died and I made his rooms my own. It is time to prepare the rooms for the lady I wish to take as a bride. I know it would be best to leave the changes to the decision of the next Mistress, but I cannot stand to be in this room, seeing it as I did as a child. Far too many terrible memories associated with these rooms. Time to start anew.

  If I am to choose a wife from society, I must socialize more. There are so many young ladies from which choose from. I must begin to accept invitations to social events when I return to Town. Perhaps I should send a message to Georgiana and have her make a list of some of the gatherings which will be happening after my return.

  Oh, Elizabeth, why could you not be born of a wealthy family? Why did you have to be the daughter of a matchmaking mamma, and a vulgar one at that? I could even tolerate the mother, if only she had something to bring to the marriage.

  But I have to put her out of my mind. I have to find someone who is appropriate to be my wife. Perhaps it would be wise to speak with Lady Matlock, as she knows all the eligible young ladies to choose from. Yes, when I return to Town, I will take the time to speak with my aunt.

  ~~ ** ~~ The following morning, a letter from Georgiana arrived at Pemberley.

  Dearest Brother, You would not believe what has happened since you left. The day you left, Mr Bingley arrived at the house with a request for assistance. Knowing your kindness in allowing our tenants at Pemberley to stay at the main house while their homes were being rebuilt, I felt sure you would approve of my assisting Mr Bingley.

  His request was to allow him to bring a young lady to the house, as his sisters were away, making it improper for him to take her to his townhouse. He had rescued her from a man who had attacked her. No, it was not someone on the street, it was in the house of one of his business partners. He is severing all business with this man, as he was appalled by what he witnessed.

  Seeing the end result, I can do nothing but agree. The young lady, Miss Benson, was battered severely. She still cannot open her eyes, as they are swollen shut. Her jaw is broken, her throat was nearly strangled. It is horrible, what that man did to her.

  Have no fear, the man who did this will not be able to find her here. And I have made sure that Mr and Mrs Jarvis do not allow anyone they do not know inside the house. I am safe, there is no risk to me. I am pleased I can provide anything for the young lady’s comfort and care. And Mr Bingley calls daily to check on Miss Benson’s condition.

  I pray that all is going well at Pemberley. Please give Mrs Reynolds my love and tell Sarah that I miss her lemon biscuits. We look forward to your return. Cousin Richard is on leave from his duties with the army until the middle of March. He looks forward to your return to Town. He insists I tell you that if you do not return soon, he will be making good use of your study, which leads me to believe you will need to restock your supplies of brandy and cigars. He is currently staying at Matlock House, though is desiring to stay with us soon.

  With love, your devoted sister, Georgiana Though Darcy was pleased to know his sister was coming out of her shell. Georgiana had been shy al
l of her life, but after the previous summer, his young sister had all but withdrawn from life.

  He thought back on the day when he stepped down from his carriage in Ramsgate, in front of the house he had leased for his sister and her companion. Georgiana had been pleased to see him, though her companion, Mrs Younge, was quite nervous. Later it was revealed that Mrs Younge had conspired with George Wickham to trick Georgiana into an

  elopement, for the sole purpose of obtaining the girl’s dowry of thirty thousand pounds. George Wickham was well known to Darcy, but Georgiana had been too young to remember anything beyond Wickham treating her kindly.

  Wickham was the son of Darcy’s father’s steward. Old Wickham had been loyal and dedicated to Pemberley. As a reward, Gerald Darcy paid for Wickham’s education and granted him the sum of one thousand pounds in his will. If Wickham had taken orders, Darcy was to grant him the valuable living of Kympton. Wickham had refused to take orders, claiming he preferred to study law. Darcy decided to give his childhood friend the sum of three thousand pounds in lieu of the living. Papers were signed and Wickham was not heard from again until a month prior to Georgiana traveling to Ramsgate. Wickham wished for more funds, and when he was denied, became hostile.

  It was difficult to think of the boy that had been his friend, realizing the man he turned out to be. When they were both at the university, Wickham became a gambler and expected everything to be handed to him on a silver platter. He seduced ladies and young girls alike, bedding as many as possible. Darcy did not wish to have his father learn of the behaviors, and, many times, paid from his own money to cover debts to merchants and to the young ladies who ended up carrying Wickham’s unwanted offspring.

  Before leaving Netherfield, Darcy had, again, been forced to deal with Wickham. The scoundrel had taken a commission in the militia unit which was encamped at Meryton. As he was fond of doing, Wickham had quickly spread his tale of woe, how he was denied his rightful inheritance and treated ill by Darcy. When Darcy left Netherfield, he had not shared the true nature of his interactions with Wickham, for fear of Wickham making claims which would injure Georgiana’s reputation. Darcy was willing to endure the injury to his own reputation to protect that of his beloved sister.