“It was when your nephew returned to London that he discovered it was me who had been rescued. William did all he could to protect me and my family. I realized what a wonderful man he truly is, and fell in love with him. But his life was also endangered, as was Georgiana’s, Richard’s, Mary’s, and everyone else who were at Darcy House. Your sister died because she protected me from being shot. She was willing to place her own life in danger to protect me. She gave me the greatest gift, which I will treasure always.”
Elizabeth brought her husband’s hand to her lips, kissing it gently. “I did not know your eldest son, but, from what I have been told, I do not think I would have liked him. Richard, on the other hand, is a treasure. He will soon be my brother, and cherish my sister as she deserves to be. William and Georgiana are my family, and I am grateful to Anne for accepting me as well. I can forgive you for your behavior towards me and towards my family, including William. In forgiving you, it releases any anger I hold towards you, bringing me peace rather than holding on to anger. Forgetting what you did is different, and that will take time to do. Forgetting would mean trusting you, and I am not certain I could do that at this point. But I am willing to try trusting you. I wish for you to be a part of our lives, and I pray that William and I can assist you in rebuilding Matlock to what it was. My husband and sister are Fitzwilliam by blood. My sister Mary will be Fitzwilliam by marriage. Their children will be of Fitzwilliam blood. So, can you see, why it would be important to me to work with you in rebuilding a part of my family’s heritage? My children will be the great grandchildren of the late Earl of Matlock. My sister’s children will be the future heirs of the estate and title.”
“I agree with my wife, Uncle. My Fitzwilliam heritage is just as important as the Darcy side. And I pledge to you my support in rebuilding Matlock to what it was before. Perhaps, next month, we could all travel to Matlock and discuss what needs to be done to improve the estate.”
Lord Matlock had lost control of the tears, now overflowing and streaming down his cheeks. “I do not deserve your kindness, though I am grateful and pleased to accept it. You are all welcome to come to Matlock. In fact, have you planned where to have your wedding, Richard? Your mother would love to host the wedding, I am sure. You should be married in the chapel at Matlock.”
“Mary and I will discuss it, Father. We will inform you of our decision later.” Richard smiled as he looked at his betrothed.
“That is all I can ask, Son. Anne, I now wish to thank you. You have allowed my disgraceful behavior and self-wallowing, but when I needed it, you gave me a swift kick to wake me from my stupor. Your mother would be proud of you.” Lord Matlock declared. “I wish I had had a chance to speak with Catherine one last time. I am ashamed that the last time she saw me, I was inebriated and behaving in such a foul manner.”
“Mother knew you well enough, Uncle.” Anne spoke soothingly to her uncle. “I have no doubt that she is watching over us now. And I am also sure that Mother will make her opinions well known, especially if we act in a manner which would vex her.”
Laughter filled the room as memories of Lady Catherine were spoken.
~~ ** ~~ The service for Lady Catherine de Bourgh was held, with all of the prominent families of Kent represented. A luncheon was prepared for the men as they returned from the service. Lord Matlock stood beside Anne, as condolences were given over and over again. Elizabeth and Mary kept themselves busy, ensuring everyone had enough to eat and their cups of tea and coffee were replenished as needed. Many of the men had come to meet the new Mrs Darcy and to determine if the rift in the family, which had been rumored to be of gigantic proportions, was true. All were impressed with Elizabeth and her sister, congratulating Darcy and Richard for their choices. Seeing Lord Matlock with the rest of the family quelled the rumors, leaving many who attended disappointed.
The following day, Darcy’s carriage carried the two couples back to London. There was much to accomplish before they left for Pemberley. Arriving at Lord Bentley’s home, they were greeted by their loved ones.
“Lizzy, Mary, it is so good to have you return, safe and sound.” Jane embraced her sisters. “Did all go well?”
“Much better than expected.” Elizabeth responded. “We will tell you all about it later. First, I wish to wash off the dust from the road and rest for a bit. I did not sleep much while we were away.” She gave her husband a mischievous look which spoke of what had kept her from properly resting.
Darcy wrapped his arms around his wife from behind her. “I believe we both could use some rest, Elizabeth. Though, I would not mind a hot bath first.”
“You must have read my mind, William.” Elizabeth leaned back into his chest, enjoying the contented feeling of security and love.
Lord Bentley entered the drawing room just then. “Ah, welcome back. Elizabeth, you have a letter which arrived yesterday. I believe it is from Lucy
Armstrong.” He walked over to the sideboard, retrieving the letter from the silver salver, and handing it to his cousin.
Opening the letter, Elizabeth began to read. “It is from Lucy. She received word of her father’s death, just as she was preparing to leave her aunt’s home. They were planning to journey to the continent, but now, she is returning to London to deal with her father’s affairs. She asks if I would allow her to visit while she is in Town.”
“Do you wish to see Miss Armstrong?” Darcy asked his wife. “Lucy is not to blame for her father’s behavior. I have no anger or resentment towards her.” Elizabeth replied. “She was a pleasant young lady when I lived with her. I cannot imagine her being horribly changed by now, as she wished to escape her father’s behavior.”
Lord Bentley nodded his head. “An invitation will be sent to her, inviting her to tea tomorrow, if you have no objections?”
“Thank you Cousin.” Elizabeth smiled. “Darcy, the work crew has been diligently working on the townhouse. Anything of value was brought here, and is being stored in one of the vacant apartments on the third floor.” Bingley announced. “The damage is extensive, though not as severe as originally thought. The townhouse will not have to be completely torn down and rebuilt. The plans you requested drawn up should be here tomorrow, so you will be able to inspect them and give your opinion.”
“Thank you, Charles. I am grateful for your assistance. Have you moved to your townhouse, or are you staying here?”
“I…I…Lord Bentley asked if I could remain here, to keep watch over everything while you were away. I felt it was important for me to do so. Now that you have returned, I will move back to my townhouse.”
Darcy chuckled. “Charles, there is no problem with your remaining here. If Lord Bentley offered you rooms here, you are more than welcome.”
Bingley smiled. “I am loathed to leave Jane just yet. I miss her terribly if I am away from her for even an hour.”
“Then it is settled. Are the Gardiners here?” Richard inquired. “They returned to Gracechurch Street, though they are preparing to move from their home.” Kitty announced. “We are planning to move to our… my estate, so we can enjoy being away from the city. It will be good for the children to be moved to the estate. The boys are already asking if they can build a house in one of the trees. They claim to have gotten the notion from you, Richard.”
Blushing brilliantly, Richard turned his gaze to Mary. “I told them about the tree which William and I played in when we were boys. We built a floor in the branches, so we could have somewhere to escape.”
“Uncle Gardiner has declared that you have put the idea into the minds of his sons, so it is up to you to assist them in building it.” Kitty giggled.
“William, I may require your assistance.” Richard declared.
~~ ** ~~ Lucy Armstrong arrived at the front steps leading into Lord Bentley’s townhouse. Taking a deep breath, she climbed the steps and reached out her hand, grasping the knocker. The butler answered the door, accepting her card as he asked her to wait in the foyer. Looking around her, Luc
y was worried at how she would be received.
Elizabeth came out of a room on the main level, down a long hallway. “Miss Armstrong, it is a pleasure to see you. Are you well?”
Shocked at the congenial welcome, Lucy stuttered as she thought how to respond. “Th…th…thank you, Miss Eliz…forgive me…Mrs Darcy. I am well.”
“Come, join me in the drawing room. My sister, Jane, is there. I believe you will like her.” Elizabeth reached out a hand to grasp Lucy’s.
“I remember your telling me of her. She is recovering?” Smiling, Elizabeth nodded her head. “She will most likely spend the rest of her life in a wheeled chair, but she is growing stronger and regaining some of her former sparkle. And she is engaged to marry Mr Bingley. We are thrilled.”
“I am pleased. I remember you were worried for her. She was dear to you, I could see it in your eyes, as you spoke of her.”
“Jane and I have always been close. Seeing her so improved warms my heart.” Elizabeth led her former charge into the drawing room, making the
introductions.
“Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your sister spoke often of you, and she was fretful of your health. She must be pleased to have you near her, recovering your strength.” Lucy stated, looking closely at the eldest Bennet sister.
“Miss Armstrong, my sister has told me much of you. If I remember correctly, you were taken with her scent. The rose water mixed with lavender. I am sure she would have told you that I mixed it for her.”
“She did tell me. I wish I were talented enough to concoct fragrances. You are quite talented.” Jane chuckled. “All that is required is a good nose. Come, sit with Lizzy and me. Would you care for some refreshments?”
Lucy looked nervously from Elizabeth to Jane, and back again. “I do not mean to take much of your time.”
“Miss Armstrong, do not fret. We are pleased to have a chance to speak with you. I beg you to stay for some tea and biscuits. The cook here is wonderful, and she makes some of the most delicious delicacies.”
Lucy nodded her head in agreement to stay. Once the tea and tasty morsels were brought to the drawing room, she began to speak.
“Miss…Mrs Darcy, I wish, firstly, to apologize for all that happened to you. My father was wrong in his behavior towards you, and how he harmed you. It is unforgiveable, and I am still quite upset over the situation. I am pleased you are safe and sound, and now happily married.”
“As am I, Miss Armstrong. I must insist on your referring to me as Lizzy, though. It is still quite difficult to fathom being Mrs Darcy.” Elizabeth chuckled lightly.
“Only if you return to calling me Lucy. It is my greatest hope that you will be able to forgive me, and we can return to being friends.” Lucy’s eyes pleaded for kindness.
“Of course we can be friends. I have never held your father’s behavior against you. It is an honor to be your friend.”
Tears began to stream down the younger lady’s cheeks. “You have no notion how lightened I feel, having that weight off my shoulders.”
Gathering the young lady into her arms, Elizabeth spoke softly. “My dear Lucy, you have suffered as much as the rest of us. Only you had no one to turn to, where I had my family and friends. I am pleased your aunt is understanding and supportive of your desires.”
“She is wonderful. After I finish going through my father’s business and ridding myself of his properties and such, my aunt and I will be leaving for the continent. I wish to see Italy, which is where we will begin our journeys.”
“I know you will find enjoyment in your travels. We spoke often of your wish to see the world.” “One of the first things I need to do of is to rid myself of my f…father’s property. I have decided that you should have his house. Yours was destroyed, leaving you without a townhouse. Though it is not as grand as Darcy House was, I wish you to have it.”
“Lucy, that is unnecessary. My cousin, Lord Bentley, has been gracious enough to open his home to us. The plans for Darcy House are already underway.”
“Please, Lizzy, I wish for you to have the house. I cannot imagine ever returning there.” Jane looked from Lucy to Elizabeth. “Lizzy, I have an idea. We were just speaking of building a home for young ladies who have had their reputations ruined by no fault of their own. Why not use the house Miss Armstrong is offering, turn it into a home for such young ladies?”
Lucy’s eyes grew large with excitement. “Please, Lizzy, accept the house for such a project. And there is a warehouse nearby which is part of my father’s property. It could be used to provide some sort of employment, to allow the young ladies to find honest work and a safe place to live.”
A smile grew larger on Elizabeth’s lips. “What a perfect solution. It would be wonderful. I accept the donation towards aiding young ladies. Now, let us enjoy the refreshments and discuss your proposed journey.”
Chapter 19
After seeing to the repairs which would be needed for Darcy House, Fitzwilliam Darcy was finally able to take his wife to their estate, Pemberley. Having heard so many wonderful things of the estate, Elizabeth could not wait to see it for herself. Being away from country life for far too long, she was quite ready to take leisurely strolls in nature.
Pulling to a stop on the crest of a hill, Elizabeth looked curiously at her husband. “Is there a problem with the carriage?”
“No, my love, I asked the driver to stop here. It has one of the greatest views of Pemberley that can be found. Every time I return to Pemberley, it has been a custom of mine to stop here and take in the view. It reminds me of the beauty and wonders of my home. And now, it is our home. Please, step out from the carriage with me.” Darcy said with such enthusiasm, Elizabeth could not help but to giggle.
“Seeing you nearly giddy at the sight makes me wonder how you will be at Christmas, when you receive gifts.” She laughed.
“Dearest, I have received the greatest gift in the world, for you agreed to marry me. I love you, my sweet girl. And if I am giddy, it is because I am finally able to share all of this with you.”
“William, you amaze me each and every day. To think that I once thought you to be a proud and disagreeable man.” Elizabeth said as her husband handed her down. Once on the ground, Elizabeth stood on the tips of her toes so she could favor her husband with a kiss.
Darcy smiled, enjoying her spontaneity. Taking hold of her hand, he led Elizabeth to his favorite place to take in the natural beauty of Pemberley. Hearing the gasp emitted by his wife, Darcy could not help but be pleased.
“Of all this, I am to be the Mistress?” She exclaimed.
“Yes, my love. This is your home.” “It is far more than I could ever truly imagine. William, it is a piece of heaven, here for us to cherish. Nothing could have prepared me for such wonders, for there are no words to give proper due to such a place.”
Darcy’s heart warmed with her words. “I have often felt the same way.”
~~ ** ~~
A fortnight had passed quickly when a letter arrived from Lord Bentley.
Elizabeth and William, We have received news of great importance with regards to the deaths of Mr and Mrs Bennet, and Miss Lydia, and the attempted murder of Miss Jane. We have learned the identities of three of the men involved in the horrid act, and we were hoping you would wish to be with us as we apprehend them. All of the men are in Hertfordshire, and there are guards keeping watch over them. But we must move swiftly to bring their evilness to an end.
I know you were planning to remain at Pemberley until you journeyed to Matlock for the wedding, but Richard and Mary have decided this matter takes precedence over the wedding. It should not delay the wedding, though we must hurry. Please send word immediately if you are to come.
Your cousin,
Bentley Darcy was excited to share the information with his wife. The two immediately agreed to set out for Town. After sending off an express to Lord Bentley, the Darcys prepared to leave within the hour.
During their journey, both El
izabeth and Darcy discussed how the information would affect their family. Both were agreed there was concern in how Jane would react if she were forced to testify in court against the culprits. They also prayed there would be no delay caused for Richard and Mary’s wedding. Elizabeth inquired about details as to what would happen if the case went to court.
Hearing the details of how the court system worked, Elizabeth was even more distressed for her elder sister. Though Jane had improved
tremendously, Elizabeth knew how the remembrance of that terrible night still caused panic deep within her dearest sister.
“Do not fret, dearest. There may not be a need for her to testify. If the evidence is strong enough, the barrister might be kind enough to have mercy on her delicacy. It is done often, and now, with the family relations to Lord Bentley being common knowledge, it will be highly desirable to not bring her distress. The men will not wish to find disfavor by offending his lordship.”
~~ ** ~~ Upon their arrival at Lord Bentley’s townhouse, Darcy and Elizabeth were escorted to the Master’s study. Finding Bingley and Richard already in the room with Lord Bentley, greetings were quickly exchanged and the matter at hand was soon discussed.
“Sheridan has discovered who three of the individuals are involved in this matter. The one who appears to be the ring leader is none other than William Collins. He wished to eliminate your father, I am quite sure. And with you, Lizzy, refusing his hand, and your mother stating Jane had another
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