Saving Elizabeth Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  “Mr Bingley? What does he have to do with all of this?” “He was the one who interfered with Mr Armstrong’s beating Lizzy, and he took her to Mr Darcy’s house. Mr Darcy’s sister was in residence, so it was proper for her to have a young lady in the house. Mr Bingley’s sisters were away, and it would have been improper for him to take Lizzy to his home.”

  “Mr Bingley saved Lizzy.” Jane’s eyes welled up with tears. “I will always hold him dear in my heart for such bravery.”

  “Jane, I must tell you, when Mr Bingley first rescued Lizzy, her injuries were such that he did not recognize her. When he learned who she was, his heart was heavy with despair. He has called here, and it was he who sent Mr Johnston to tend you. I believe he wishes to renew his acquaintance with you. He asks after you each time we see him, and he inquires if you are in need of anything or if there is anything that would bring you pleasure.”

  Jane turned her head to look away from her aunt. “You must tell him the truth, Aunt Helen. I will never be whole again. I will be crippled for the rest of my life. I cannot even be a proper wife. He needs someone who can bear him an heir and a spare, not a broken shell of a woman.”

  “You are not a broken shell of a woman, Jane Bennet. And it is time you realize how much life you still have. You are still weak, which is something Mr Johnston insists on correcting. You will be getting out of bed each day, and even take in some fresh air when the weather is nice. You will be dining with the rest of the family. I do not wish to be harsh on you, but it is for your own good. If you cannot do this for yourself, then do it for Lizzy. Lizzy would be heartbroken if you were to give up and die. So be strong for your beloved sister.”

  “I cannot, Aunt Helen. I should have died in the carriage with the others. It is far too much to ask of me.”

  “As I said, Lizzy would be devastated to lose you. Be strong, Jane. Show your sister that you are strong. With all she has endured of late, it would be a terrible blow for her to lose you. You have tonight to your room, but tomorrow, we will begin your new routine. Our footman will carry you downstairs in the morning. There are some exercises Mr Johnston wishes you to do each day, as they will assist your body in becoming stronger. I love you very much, Jane. I am not prepared to lose you either.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Lord Matlock to see you, Sir.” The butler announced at the door of Mr Armstrong’s study. “Ah, yes, show him in.” The butler stepped back, motioning for Lord Matlock to enter. “Matlock, a pleasure to see you. I was planning to send my card to you to set an appointment. You must have read my mind.”

  “I…well…I thought I should come in person to speak with you. I am afraid I will be having no further business with you.” Lord Matlock stated nervously.

  “No further dealings? Why ever not? You came to me, in dire need of funds. I gave you assistance and now you wish no further dealings? What has happened?”

  “This mess with the girl, your daughter’s companion. It is quite a scandal, and I do not wish to have it spill over to my family. The talk about Town is dreadful, some of the scandalous things that are being said are, I pray, far from the truth.”

  “What, that the harlot threw herself at me? That she came on to me, and we were mutually enjoying the other’s favors, when that whelp, Bingley, forced his way in?”

  “The rumors claim that you beat her terribly.” Lord Matlock was finding the conversation difficult. “I did not harm her, though, in the heat of passion I did grasp her roughly. I might have left some bruising, though she was not complaining. Bingley must have been the one to beat her. I dare say he was jealous. He must have known her and was half in love with her. Finding her giving herself to another man must have pushed him over the edge and he retaliated against her.” Mr Armstrong had been a consummate liar, for he had to cover his many indiscretions over the years. “When the young lady was forced from my office, by Mr Bingley, he was quite rough with her. But she was unharmed while she was in my presence.”

  “I have known Bingley for some years now, and I find it difficult to believe him capable of behaving in such a manner. He is close friends with my nephew and my younger son. I believe it is best if we severed our business with each other, and I will be on my way.”

  “No, Lord Matlock, our business is not over. Were you aware that your first born son is in debt to me for the sum of twenty thousand pounds? I hold a promissory note with his signature. He is a terrible gambler. Of course, at my tables the house always wins. Do you have the funds to pay off his debts? If you do not, then we will do even more business. As your younger son and nephew are such close friends with Bingley, you will learn where they are hiding the little whore. She needs to disappear before she causes me any further problems. If you learn where she is, and assist me in gaining access to her, I will cancel your eldest son’s debt to me.”

  “I can be no party to the girl’s death. I will find a way to get the money, but I cannot betray Richard and Darcy in such a manner. Please do not ask it of me.” Lord Matlock pleaded.

  “If you do not do as I ask, I will have your heir thrown into debtor’s prison. How would you like that? Or I could have him killed. The location of my establishment is not in the friendliest neighborhood. An accident could easily be arranged for him.” A sneer graced Armstrong’s expression.

  Lord Matlock knew he had no other option. He would be forced to aid Armstrong in locating the young lady.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 6 Elizabeth peered out the upstairs window, keeping the sheer curtain between her and the glass. Colonel Fitzwilliam had requested she not be seen through any of the windows, as the men searching for her might realize who she was. Having to hide was difficult, and it was driving her to distraction. It had been a week since she had arrived at the townhouse and she had no visitors. Her nurse was pleased with her improvement, as the bruises were finally disappearing. Her right cheek was still tender, and her jaw still required another month to fully heal, but her throat was improving and she could whisper slightly.

  With nothing to read, no stitching with which to bide her time, and no conversation, Elizabeth became melancholy. How she wished she could escape the dreariness which threatened to consume her completely. She missed her family, especially Jane, and wished to hear news of her.

  And Elizabeth thought often of Mr Darcy. Colonel Fitzwilliam had made her ponder what she knew of Mr Darcy. Could she have misjudged his behavior? She thought back on the first time she met Mr Darcy. They were at the Meryton Assembly. Mr Bingley had arrived at Netherfield Park earlier in the week, and was pleased to attend the assembly. His friend was most definitely not in good humor. Mr Darcy had lurked about the outer edges of the room, never once dancing with any of the young ladies of the

  neighborhood.

  At one point that night, Mr Bingley approached his friend. “Darcy, come man, I must have you dance. You cannot stand around all night, when there are so many pretty young ladies with which to dance.”

  “Bingley, I am not in any mood to dance. Besides, I know no one here. You had best return to your partner and enjoy her smiles.”

  Turning towards Jane, Mr Bingley smiled. “She is an angel, is she not? I could have her introduce you to one of her sisters. Then you could dance with one. Why, there is one of her sisters sitting down. She is rather pretty.”

  Darcy did not turn his head to even glance at whom Bingley referred. “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. You are dancing with the only young lady whom I could declare pretty. As to her sister, I am not of a mood to pay consequence to a young lady whom other men have slighted. Now leave me be.”

  Was this the moment when Elizabeth had formed her opinion of Mr Darcy? Had she held his words against him, holding a grudge for his stating that she was not handsome enough to tempt him? Thinking back on her first impression, as her eyes took in the appearance of Mr Darcy as he entered the room at the assembly, she had found him to be an attractive young man. His dark, curly hair and his smo
ldering eyes drew her attention immediately. He was tall and seemed to be well built, not too thin or too heavy. But after hearing his words, her opinion had soured.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam had known Mr Darcy all his life. He had asked if Mr Darcy had tried to blend in with the furnishings, and, as she thought about it, he had. Had his cousin been correct in his interpretation of Mr Darcy? Was the proud and uncivil man she thought him to be only a protective mask he donned due to his extreme shyness?

  And what of Mr Wickham? His tale of woe at the hands of Mr Darcy made the Master of Pemberley to be a villain. But Colonel Fitzwilliam stated he had no good words for Wickham. Thinking back, Elizabeth did find it odd that Wickham had told her his story when they first met. It was improper to be so familiar after only a few hours of acquaintance, but Elizabeth had not thought so at the time. Was I looking for fault in Mr Darcy? Was my vanity so injured by his words at the assembly that I wished to find a reason to dislike him?

  All of her life, Elizabeth had heard her mother’s words of Jane being the most beautiful girl in the neighborhood. No matter how hard Elizabeth tried to please her mother, Fanny Bennet had always found fault with her second daughter’s appearance. Had her mother’s words planted a seed of doubt in Elizabeth’s mind, making Elizabeth feel as if no one would ever find her beautiful?

  There was a knock on the door to the sitting room, and one of the guards stepped to the doorway. “Miss, there are visitors to see you. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy wish a moment of your time.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head, motioning for them to come to the sitting room. Georgiana made her way across the room to embrace her friend. “Lizzy, you are looking so much better. I am pleased to see you. Richard and I have come to visit and to bring you some gifts.”

  Looking surprised, Elizabeth stepped over to Richard and curtsied. She then went to a nearby desk and retrieved writing supplies. “Pleasure to have you here. Have been so lonely.”

  “I was certain you would be.” Georgiana said, placing a hand gently on her friend’s arm. “Now, we were certain that, if there was a library, it was not well stocked. Mr Bingley is not as devoted a reader as you and my brother, so we decided to bring you some books to read. We will bring more to you later. I have, also, put together some cloth, silks, and needles for you to do some stitching. Your uncle said you enjoy doing stitch work.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head, so grateful for her treasures. Georgiana continued, thrilled with the sparkle which had grown in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Here is a letter from your aunt, and she says there is one from your sister, Jane, included. And Richard suggested something special for you, as you have not been able to eat. He spoke with our cook, and she sent along a bottle of apricot nectar and some applesauce, which you will be able to enjoy without too much trouble. She made it for me when I was a baby and had no teeth.”

  “I am so grateful to you both for your gifts.” Elizabeth wrote. “They will be treasured.” “My brother suggested the books, as he was familiar with your tastes. He stated he noticed your preference to poetry, and Shakespeare.”

  “Mr Darcy suggested these books?” Elizabeth was surprised. “He is in Town?” “He arrived the day after you were moved here.” Richard replied to her written questions. “And he was quite distressed upon learning of your situation. He has spoken with Bingley and your uncle on the matter. If need be, Darcy has suggested we move you to Pemberley, to keep you safe.”

  “His estate? Why would Mr Darcy wish to aid me?” “Miss Elizabeth, you must know, my cousin thinks highly of you. As I told you, the night I brought you here, William does not share his feelings with many. He is extremely shy and awkward with people he does not know.”

  “Lizzy, Richard is telling you the truth. My brother has a difficult time expressing his true feelings except when he is with those whom he is familiar. I am certain he has caused many people to think him proud and uncaring, but William is a kind and

  compassionate person. And I agree with Richard, my brother thinks very highly of you. I have never had my brother write to me of any other young lady of his acquaintance, as he did when he stayed at Netherfield. You are very important to William.”

  “I am surprised. He always looked at me as if disapproving.” Georgiana laughed. “He was wearing his mask. Richard and I have teased him for years, telling him people would believe he is always ill humored and disapproving.”

  The conversation went on for another half hour, and then, her guests departed. They had used the modiste’s shop as their way of losing the man who was following them, making the man believe they were in one of private rooms in the back of the shop.

  Once they had left, Elizabeth took out the letters from her aunt and sister. From the letters, she learned of the new routine which had been instituted for Jane, and her reluctance in participating in it. Jane was still suffering from the melancholy which had followed the fateful evening she was injured, and it did not take much for her to sink into a dark mood. Elizabeth was pleased to see her aunt and uncle were doing all they could to make Jane’s life better. It also pleased her to learn of Mr Bingley’s interest in his angel. Though Jane had refused to see him, Mr Bingley continued to persist in his quest to spend time with her.

  Saying a silent prayer, Elizabeth hoped that her dearest sister could find happiness after all she had suffered. Though she tried desperately to hide the truth from their aunt and uncle, Elizabeth knew Jane had nightmares from the night the carriage was attacked. One night, she woke up in a cold sweat, gasping for air. She described the highwaymen, and the details of the shooting. “Why did I survive, Lizzy? Why was I saved and the others were not? Lydia was so young, so full of life. Why did she have to die? Our parents, why were they killed? I cannot find any good in anything now. Everything causes me pain. I see our young cousins and think of Lydia when she was that young. I hear Kitty’s cough and remember Mamma telling her to stop as it was vexing on her nerves. I hear Uncle in the hallway, and think of Papa going to his study. They are gone, Lizzy, and I remain. But I am not really here. Can you not see? I am only a shell of what was Jane Bennet. I cannot feel my legs, I have wounds from the shooting and the carriage overturning. I will never be able to marry, have children. All I will ever be is a bother to those who loved Jane Bennet. It would have been better for everyone if I had died with the others. I do not wish to be such a burden.”

  “Jane, you are here, with us, for a reason. We are all given trials, it is from these trials that make us what we are. Jane, you have always been the positive one, looking for the good in others. Do not give up hope on life. You should never have had to endure the torment you did, but you survived for a reason. Do not give up, my dear sister. I would be lost without you.”

  Elizabeth was pleased to know her aunt and uncle were not allowing Jane to give up on life. And she also was pleased with Bingley. Though Jane was adamant that she could never marry, Elizabeth wished for someone who would love her beloved sister, even with her disability.

  Picking up the book of poetry from the table, something fell from the inside cover of the book. It was a letter in an unfamiliar handwriting. She broke the seal and opened the letter.

  Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Be not alarmed, no one knows I have placed this letter in the book I gave my sister to bring to you. Though it is highly improper for me to write to you, I felt it important to do so.

  When I learned what had happened, I was distraught. Learning of the tragedy your family suffered, I grieve for you and your loved ones. I know Mr Bingley was shocked, and he plans to do whatever he can for your family,

  especially Miss Bennet. I also learned of your having been sent from Longbourn before the services for your parents and youngest sister were even conducted. Mr Gardiner received word from Miss Charlotte Lucas that she was able to gather locks of hair from your parents and Miss Lydia. It is my intention to contact Miss Lucas, and have mourning rings made for you and your remaining sisters in remembrance of Miss Lydia, and lockets made in memor
y of your parents. Though these cannot replace your family members, I pray these will bring you and your sisters some comfort.

  Your uncle told me of a letter he received from Sir William, regarding his eldest daughter’s engagement. It appears that many of your former neighbors were quite disgusted with Mr Collins’ treatment of you and your sisters, none more so than Sir William, who gave his daughter his blessing to bid Mr Collins farewell. She is to travel soon to Bath, to visit her aunt.

  I would also like to take this chance to tell you how truly pained I was to learn what had befallen you. Miss Elizabeth, I must admit that my first thoughts were to call Armstrong out for what he did. Do not fret, my sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam showed me the lack of logic in such behavior. But I am determined to do whatever I can to protect you and your family. The scoundrel will never lay another finger on you, not while I draw breath.

  It is my hope that you are recovering, and will soon be yourself again. My respect for my dear friend, Bingley, has increased since learning of his bravery in rescuing you and his efforts in continuing to protect you and your family. I have added my own resources to this cause. And if the blackguard should find where you are hidden, we will remove you from Town, to my estate. You will be safe there.

  You are the bravest young lady I have ever known. You have my deepest respect and regard. If there is anything you need for your comfort or your safety, you need only ask. Do not fear for your loved ones, for we have guards watching over your family. There are men

  stationed at your uncle’s warehouse and home, and someone is with Mr Gardiner wherever he goes.

  Take care of yourself, and we will soon have you returned to your family.

  Sincerely,

  F.Darcy Tears welled in Elizabeth’s eyes as she read the letter once, and then again. So many thoughts ran through her mind. Can this be the same man I knew when he visited Netherfield? Could Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam be correct in their views of Mr Darcy? Why is he doing all of this, protecting me and my family? Why would he even consider challenging Mr Armstrong to a duel? Mr Darcy was not related to the Bennet family, why would he risk himself to avenge her?