The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  Bingley was amazed that Elizabeth had survived the first day after the fire, her injuries were severe. Both of her legs were broken, she had burns, cuts, broken ribs and more. The worst of which was the fact that when she finally woke, she could not feel anything below her waist.

  The physician, Mr Freemont, stated that there was a great deal of swelling from the injuries that Elizabeth had suffered. It was his opinion that the swelling and bruising on her back, from striking the tree, was causing spinal difficulties. He hoped that once the swelling and bruising subsided, Elizabeth would be able to feel her legs again. Mr Freemont also told Bingley that perhaps it was fortunate that Elizabeth could not feel her legs as the pain of both of them would be overwhelming.

  In the week since the fire, the remaining members of the Bennet family were found in the ashes of the house. A funeral service was held for them as they were laid to rest in the family cemetery on the estate. The dressmaker in Meryton brought out two gowns that would fit Jane with slight alterations. She promised to have three black gowns made for her by the end of the week. The dressmaker, Mrs Lark, would prepare some gowns for Elizabeth as well. Other items were ordered, especially nightgowns and robes for Elizabeth as she would be bed ridden for many weeks to come. Bingley had his housekeeper, Mrs Cartwright, shop for all other items that would be needed for Jane and Elizabeth; hair brushes and pins, shoes, bonnets, pelisses, and other personal items.

  Bingley also sent a letter to his townhouse in Town, informing his sisters that Longbourn had burned to the ground claiming the lives of Jane’s family, not contradicting the news in the papers by telling them that Jane and Elizabeth had survived. He did not wish for his sisters to come to Netherfield, as he did not trust Caroline to behave towards Jane and her sister. It was better for the time being that Caroline stay away from Netherfield.

  So much had happened in the past week, and Bingley had matured extremely as responsibility had demanded he do. He took charge of having the remains of the Bennet home cleared away and any remnants of belongings be gathered to bring to Netherfield. There had been several likenesses that had been made by Kitty of family members. Mr and Mrs Bennet were captured by the young artist, as was her youngest sister, Lydia. She had even attempted to draw a likeness of herself by looking at her own reflection in the mirror. There were a few pieces of music which had been Mary’s, Mrs Bennet’s hairbrush, and Mr Bennet’s pocket watch were all found in the charred remains. There were several books recovered from Mr Bennet’s library. Elizabeth’s book of sonnets was also found, unmarred by the fire.

  Two of the servants who had worked for the Bennet family had perished in the fire as well. Fortunately, Mrs Hill, the Bennet family housekeeper since before Jane and Elizabeth were born, had been staying at her son’s home in Meryton as his wife was birthing a babe. After spending a few days at her son’s home, Mrs Hill made her way to Netherfield to assist in taking care of Elizabeth. Having the woman who had been like a mother to the eldest Bennet sisters had a soothing effect on both Jane and Elizabeth.

  The days seemed to flow together, with Jane, Mrs Hill, and two maids assisting Mr Freemont in treating Elizabeth. She was delirious at times and in a great deal of pain most of the time. The ladies were able to use an invalid feeder to allow them to feed her broth.

  Elizabeth’s legs had bruising and swelling over the majority of their surface. Mr Freemont had told them that after the breaks healed, they would need to exercise her legs so the muscles would not waste away. The burns had begun to heal on her hands and on her lower back. There was one burn near her hairline which was blistered and angry looking. Mr Freemont was certain that she would have a scar from it. But that was not important. It would be a miracle if the young lady recovered at all, scars would have to be dealt with if she did.

  No, it was more important to attempt to prevent Elizabeth from taking a fever, for that would be deadly for her. If they were fortunate to keep her alive for another week, then he would begin to worry about her future.

  Jane had burns as well, and Mr Freemont tended to them. Most days Jane sat beside her sister’s bed and read to Elizabeth or worked on her stitch work as best as she could. It was rare that she would use her own bed at night, as she could not think of leaving her dearest sister alone in the dark.

  Seeing that Jane’s own health was beginning to dwindle, Bingley knew it was time for Jane to begin taking care of herself. One of the things that needed to be handled first was for Jane to return to her family’s home to see the remains. He thought that it was time for her to see the graves of her family, as she had refused to go to the service that was held for them. Bingley had the staff gather flowers and put them in the carriage that had been brought to Netherfield from Longbourn. Bingley insisted that Jane accompany him on a trip into town. When Jane stated she could not leave Elizabeth’s side, Mrs Hill interjected into the conversation.

  “Miss Jane, I will stay here by your sister’s side until you return. I promise that I will take good care of her.”

  Jane was reluctant, though she finally allowed herself to be escorted out of the house and into the awaiting carriage. When they had traveled nearly a mile, Jane became anxious. “Charles, please, we have to go back to the house. I have to return immediately.”

  “Jane, we cannot go back at the moment. You need to come with me. We will return to the house soon. I have brought flowers with us and we will go to pay our respects to your parents and your sisters.”

  “No, Charles, I must return now. Lizzy needs me and I have to be with her.” Jane’s anxiety grew by the moment. “Please turn the carriage around or I will get out and walk.”

  “You will do no such thing, Jane. Lizzy is sleeping and we will return to Netherfield soon enough. You have not said farewell to your parents and your sisters. Jane, it is tearing at your heart and I cannot bear to watch you in such pain.”

  “If I am not at Lizzy’s side, she will die and it will be my fault. She was injured because she saved me and was trying to help Mary. If it were not for me, she would have been able to save Mary and they would have been safe. Lizzy is fighting for her life and Mary is dead. My parents are dead; Kitty and Lydia are dead as well. I should have died, and I would have if it had not been for Lizzy. I cannot lose her too.” Jane sobbed uncontrollably in Bingley’s embrace. “Charles, I cannot lose Lizzy. She is all that I have left of my family.”

  “Hush, now. Lizzy is alive and we will do everything in our power to help her through this. Once we get past this critical stage, we will deal with her paralysis. It will take time, but I am certain that Elizabeth will survive. Now, let us go to place flowers at the graves of your family. It is time that you said your farewells to them.”

  “I do not know how to say goodbye to them. I feel so guilty for surviving while they did not.”

  “Jane, your family loved you. They would never think it wrong that you survived and they did not. If they could speak to you, I am sure they would be pleased to know that you did survive. My dearest Jane, you have had such a difficult time and it is time that you accept that you survived for a reason. My mother used to tell me that there was a reason for everything that happens, and though we might not be able to see the reason, you were spared for a reason. We will be married as soon as the year of mourning is over, then we will start our family. And your sister is welcome to live with us as long as she wishes.”

  “Very well, Charles. Please stay at my side while we are at the cemetery.”

  “Of course, my love, I plan to be at your side for the rest of our lives.” Bingley said as he placed a light kiss on the back of her hand.

  Arriving at the cemetery, Bingley stepped out and turned to hand Jane down. Seeing the mounds of dirt on the fresh graves, Jane stopped for a moment as she gathered her strength to move forward. She took a deep breath as she stepped closer. Bingley was holding the bundle of flowers for Jane to place on the graves, and he would hand them to her as she laid a hand on each grave. Wiping at the tears that were
free flowing, Jane looked at each mound.

  “Mamma, Papa, I am so very sorry that we could not reach you in time. I wish you were still here, with us, as we begin to pick up the pieces of our lives. Lizzy was seriously injured. She is fighting to stay here. Please, please, watch over her and give her the strength to recover. I will continue to care for her and nurse her back to health.” Jane turned her head towards the other mounds. “Mary, Kitty, Lydia, I wish that you had had long and fulfilling lives. I will miss you all so very much. Mary, your music on the pianoforte always rang out in the house. Kitty, your drawings were always superb. Lydia, I will miss the way you would take an old bonnet and redo it to be new and so pretty. I will miss all of you and will never forget you. Please know that I love you all and I know that Lizzy would say the same. Rest in peace, in heaven, where there is no more pain and you will be surrounded by love.”

  Bingley aided his betrothed to stand as she took two handfuls of dirt to scatter over the graves. Then Bingley wrapped his arms around the woman he loved, allowing her to sob until she had no more tears. They returned to the carriage and began the ride back to Netherfield, each finding comfort in their simple embrace.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 5

  Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived in Scotland on a chilly, rainy day. He had the directions to the home of Rebecca Winthrop’s daughter and it had not taken him long to find it. As he rode up to the house, Richard took a deep breath to steady himself for what was to come. The news that he came to bear Darcy would bring a great deal of pain to his cousin.

  Dismounting his horse, he handed the reins to a stable hand that came running towards him. The front door of the house opened before he was able to knock. He gave the butler his name and that he wished to see Darcy, and the butler assisted by escorting Richard to a sitting room. Darcy was seated at the desk in the room, and was startled to see his cousin.

  “Richard, I did not expect you to come here. What is the news from Matlock? Is the family well?”

  “All of the Fitzwilliam family members are well. I do come bearing some news though.”

  “Would you like a glass of port to help warm you up after riding in the rain?” Darcy motioned his head towards the sideboard where glasses and a bottle of port were placed.

  Richard nodded his head. “I believe you will need a glass as well. The news I bring is not pleasant.”

  Frowning, Darcy poured two glasses of port and handed one to his cousin. The men took seats near each other and Richard gathered himself after taking a long draw from his glass.

  “William, I was in Town last week on leave when I happened to run into Miss Bingley on the street. She told me of a tragedy which took place in Hertfordshire.”

  “Elizabeth…please, tell me that she is well.”

  Richard shook his head. “I wish I could Cousin. I truly wish I could. The entire Bennet family died in a fire. Longbourn burned to the ground.”

  Darcy was inconsolable. He rose from his seat, yelling. “No, you are wrong. This cannot be true. Miss Bingley did not like the Bennet family, she made it up.”

  “William, her brother is at Netherfield. Of all people to know what is happening in the neighborhood, it would be Bingley. Also, after hearing the news, I went to Matlock House. Father had newspapers from the previous week sitting in his office. I looked through them and found this article.” Richard pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket. It was an article from a newspaper, speaking of the tragic fire which destroyed Longbourn, taking the lives of the Bennet family and some of their servants. Darcy became lightheaded and began to collapse when Richard caught him and assisted him to the nearby sofa.

  “No, I cannot believe that she is gone. I cannot believe that Elizabeth is dead. It cannot be true.” Darcy began to cry out as he stood and walked towards the window. “It cannot be. I would know if Elizabeth were dead. I would feel it in my heart if she were gone. SHE CANNOT BE DEAD!” he screamed out as he struck the window with his fists, breaking the glass.

  Richard rushed to his cousin’s side as Darcy continued to strike the window and the wall near it, as blood began to flow from the cuts the glass made. Fortunately, Richard was larger than his cousin and he was able to wrap his arms around Darcy from behind, holding on to the grieving man. The butler and two footmen came running into the room to assist Richard. Rebecca Winthrop came hurrying down the stairs when she heard the commotion.

  “Richard, what are you doing here and what is the meaning of all this commotion?” Mrs Winthrop asked.

  “Forgive me, ma’am, but I came bearing terrible news and my cousin is overcome with grief.”

  “What news, is it your parents or siblings?” Rebecca could not believe that her nephew was being subdued and had obviously broken the window, seeing the glass on the floor and the bleeding cuts on Darcy’s hands.

  “Ma’am, I would ask you to lead us up to the rooms William is using and send for laudanum so that we can sedate him. If we do not, he would most likely do himself further harm. Once he is sedated, I will tell you what happened.”

  Rebecca nodded her head. “Mrs Wilson, bring a bottle of laudanum to Mr Darcy’s room as well as bandages.”

  Once in Darcy’s rooms, the men continued to hold Darcy until a dose of laudanum was poured into his mouth and he was made to swallow. They could feel Darcy relaxing as the medication took effect. Finally, Darcy could struggle no longer and the men placed him gently on the bed. Rebecca and Mrs Wilson began cleaning Darcy’s hands and put salve on them before bandaging them. While the ladies worked, Richard told Darcy’s aunt of Darcy’s plans to court Elizabeth Bennet, of their not speaking of the courtship until Darcy was able to speak with her father, and then, the tragic news of the fire and the family dying.

  Rebecca was amazed by all that she had heard. If it had not been for Georgiana taking ill, Darcy would have been at his friend’s estate, and perhaps everything would have been different. The fire, the deaths, perhaps a slight change of circumstances could have prevented the incident. Her heart broke for her nephew’s loss. After losing his parents while he was still so young, Fitzwilliam Darcy knew plenty of the pain that comes from the death of a loved one. And after all the years of being chased by every woman in society, for him to finally find a lady who loved him for the man he was, not for his wealth and connections, was truly amazing.

  Tears dripped from Rebecca’s cheek and splashed onto her nephew’s bandaged hand. “I cannot believe that fate could serve such a blow to someone who has already lost so much. No wonder he lost his mind downstairs. It will be quite difficult for him to recover. This Miss Elizabeth must have been an incredible young lady to have earned such regard from William.”

  “She was truly a wonderful young lady. Her death leaves a void in the world.”

  “You had met Miss Elizabeth?”

  Richard nodded. “When Darcy and I were at Aunt Catherine’s at Easter. Miss Elizabeth was staying at the parsonage near Rosings, as her father’s cousin is the clergyman and his wife is Miss Elizabeth’s dear friend. I was quite impressed with her. If I were not the second son and had a choice in my future, I might have offered for her myself.”

  Rebecca wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I had best go to Georgiana and inform her of what has happened.”

  “I will stay with William.” Richard replied.

  ~~~ ** ~~~

  Rebecca returned over an hour later to check on her nephew. Her eyes were rimmed with red for the tears that she had shed with Georgiana. “How is he?” She asked Richard.

  “He is still sleeping, for the moment, though he has been tossing and turning a great deal. I wish that I could take the pain away for him, he deserves to have joy in his life.”

  “Georgiana is devastated as well. She is fearful of what will happen to her brother. She told me that her greatest fear is that he will give up on life.” Rebecca’s heart was heavy from the pain she knew her family would feel for some time to come.

  “Perhaps it would be a g
ood time to take a trip, see new places. Perhaps it will help to ease the pain.”

  “Richard, it is clear that you have never been in love. My own Benjamin died ten years ago and not a day goes by that the loss and pain is not there. You just learn to push yourself to keep going. But I do agree, now might be the perfect time for a holiday. As soon as Georgiana and my daughter are better, I will make arrangements. I believe that William has spoken of traveling to Denmark. Or we could go to Italy or even the Americas. So long as we avoid France and Spain for the time being, travel should be fine.”

  “I will not be able to go with you, as I will need to return to my duties within a fortnight. But I will keep in touch with you the best I can.”

  “Richard, you have always been a most devoted cousin and friend to William and Georgiana. I am grateful for the fact that you took leave and came in person to speak with William. You are a good man and I will pray for your safe return from the battlefield.”

  “You are too kind, Mrs Winthrop.”

  “After all these years, I believe it is only fitting for you to call me Rebecca. We are, after all, nearly family, ever since my brother married your father’s sister. Gerald always spoke kindly of you. He claimed that after his beloved Anne, you were the best of the Fitzwilliam family.”

  “I thank you, Mrs…Rebecca. If you would not mind, I would like to wash up and change clothes before William wakes.”

  “Would you like a tray brought up as well. We had some wonderful beef earlier and I am certain that there is some left. And some bread.”

  “That would be wonderful, Rebecca. Thank you.”

  The next week Richard stayed by his cousin’s side. Darcy went into a deep melancholy, so deep that his family was afraid he would do himself harm. As time came when Richard’s leave was nearly over, he prepared to speak to his cousin.

  “William, I must return to duty in two days. What will you do? Will you travel to Netherfield to speak with Bingley?”