The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  “No, my love, I did not. I am here, beside you, and will remain so from this day forward.”

  He gathered her into his arms and carried her to the chair by the fire. Sitting in the chair, Darcy kept her in his arms, holding her to his chest. The maid came to him, bringing a blanket to cover the two. “It has been a few weeks since she has had a nightmare so bad. Most nights she only weeps.” It did not take long before Elizabeth returned to sleep.

  “She has had nightmares since the fire?” He asked. The maid nodded her head. “It is time she felt secure enough to be able to sleep through the night. I must admit that I have had nightmares for some time myself. I will speak with her family in the morning. If you would not mind, perhaps you could bring the foot stool. We believe we will rest more comfortably here, holding onto each other.”

  “Very well, Mr Darcy.” The girl said as she brought the stool to place under his feet. “Is there anything else you will need?”

  “No, that will do. My thanks for your assistance, though. It is truly appreciated.” Darcy watched the girl return to her chair in the corner of the room. “I have not even thought to ask your name.”

  “Betsy, Sir. And if it is not too bold, I am pleased to know that you care for Miss Elizabeth so dearly. She has always been a sweet lady, and after all that happened at Longbourn, it is a welcome sight to see you holding her and bringing comfort to her. I cannot but think highly of you for that.”

  “I thank you, Betsy, for all that you have done for my fiancé.” Seeing her surprise, Darcy smiled. “I asked her this afternoon and she has accepted my hand. You and the staff here have all taken such care of her and I cannot begin to tell you how I appreciate you for it.”

  The rest of the night was spent peacefully, the couple securely in each other’s arms, drawing strength and comfort from one another.

  When Jane entered the room in the morning, her eyes were drawn to the bed first. Seeing it surprisingly empty, a confused Jane turned to the maid. Betsy nodded with her head towards the couple in the chair.

  Jane whispered to Betsy. “Did my sister have a nightmare last night?”

  Betsy nodded her head. “As soon as Mr Darcy reassured her that he was here and scooped her into his arms, Miss Elizabeth calmed and went back to sleep.”

  A smile graced Jane’s face. Darcy began to stir and his eyes took in his beloved’s sister watching him in this most improper manner. Anyone would easily claim that Elizabeth was compromised, and that did not matter to Darcy. He had decided to speak with her loved ones this morning about their marrying immediately. As soon as they had landed in England, Darcy had sent his valet to London with a letter to his solicitors. He wished papers drawn up for a marriage contract and his mother’s jewels to be brought to Netherfield. Darcy had also taken a letter to apply for a special license to marry Elizabeth. After learning of Elizabeth’s difficulties in sleeping and her comfort in his arms, Darcy decided to petition her uncle and sister for an immediate wedding so that he would legally have the right to sleep in her bed, holding Elizabeth to him to bring her comfort and security.

  Elizabeth began to stir, and the first view as she opened her eyes was of Darcy smiling at her. “Good morning, Mr Darcy.” She said with a smile.

  “And good morning to you, my future Mrs Darcy, did you sleep well after the nightmare?”

  “Being in your arms was so very warm and comforting. I cannot remember the last time I felt so.”

  Darcy nodded. “I cannot remember the last time I felt comfortable as I did holding you all night. You fit perfectly in my arms.”

  Noticing they were not alone, Elizabeth blushed. “Jane, forgive me. I know that you do not approve of such conduct.”

  “Lizzy, to see you so comfortable and knowing that you were able to rest after the nightmare, is more important to me than propriety. I must admit that you are compromised and I believe it would be prudent that Mr Darcy marry you immediately.”

  Shocked by her words, Darcy could not believe his good fortune. “I accept your demands, Miss Bennet, as I was attempting to determine the best way to approach you with my own demand that I be allowed to marry Elizabeth today.”

  Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to be shocked. “William, I am not able to be a wife to you. It would not be fair to you.”

  “You promised me yesterday that you would marry me. I am holding you to that promise. I must admit to you that I have been unable to sleep since I heard of the fire. Last night, holding you in my arms and in my heart, I slept well. I want the right to hold you all night, every night, and sleep in the comfort of your embrace. Please do not deny me such joy as to be able to hold you in my arms.”

  “But William, I cannot…”

  “I do not require you to perform wifely duties at this time, my love. We both require the strength of the other’s embrace and touch to allow us to heal. I wish to have that right with no one telling me it is improper. Later in our marriage we will discuss wifely duties. You may regain the use of your legs and the feeling in your body.”

  “It has been so long, if it were a result of the bruising or injuries, it would be better by now. I believe it is time to admit that my paralysis is permanent and accept the truth.”

  “We can accept the truth for the time being, as the truth is in a constant state of change. As to your wifely duties, this is what I expect of you. First, that you love me. Second, that you consent to my being able to kiss you, hold you, assist you, and care for you. Thirdly, that you allow me to be a part of your recovery, keep no secrets from me as to your health, and allow me to see each and every scar and injury that you have sustained. And finally, that you be at my side until the end of my days. No one is guaranteed to have children; I know several wealthy families who have no children at all. Your being able to walk is not mandatory. Whether you are able to perform as other wives do is not mandatory. We will speak in private with regards to that issue, as there are…ways…that we can still be man and wife. I do not wish to discuss them until after we have spoken to Mr Jones today though. Now, Elizabeth, do you find you can fill your duties as I have listed them?”

  Elizabeth took hold of Darcy’s hand and brought it to her lips. “I believe I am more than able to fulfill these requirements. I will ask that you be patient with me when it comes to seeing my scars. To be honest, I have not looked in a peer glass since the fire and fear how dreadful I look.”

  “You are, and always will be, the most handsome woman of my acquaintance, with the most beautiful, fine eyes that I have ever seen. When I walked in here for the first time yesterday, those eyes looked lifeless and cold. Now, I see them beginning to sparkle again. The woman I love is week, but is coming back to me. I do not wish for there to be anything hidden between us.”

  Jane had edged back towards the door to give the couple some privacy when they realized she was no longer standing beside them. “Jane, perhaps it would be best to have Mr Bingley and our aunt and uncle join us so we can further this discussion.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.” Jane said with a smile. “I shall return momentarily.”

  Before Jane returned, Betsy had returned to the bedchamber with a tray for the couple. “Mrs Hill suggested that the cakes that you did not have room for last night would taste good this morning until breakfast is ready, along with a pot of tea.”

  “Mrs Hill has always been very intelligent on her care of my family, and I see that, even after I behaved so abominably, she still takes such good care of me.” Elizabeth said as Darcy reached for the cakes, handing one to her. “William, you cannot eat with me sitting on your lap. You can sit me down on the bed.”

  “I am enjoying having you in my arms and do not wish to release my hold on you at the moment, Miss Elizabeth. Besides, this is for you, I am having some tea, and then we can go to the breakfast room to join the others.”

  Seeing some trepidation in Elizabeth’s eyes, Darcy kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose. “You are beautiful, my love. Do not fret over what yo
u perceive others will think. If you show confidence, no one will see you as anything less.”

  “Very well, though I wish to have Mrs Hill and Betsy assist me in my toilet today. It has been months since I was in the company of so many others, and outside this room. Perhaps, due to my convalescence here, people have grown accustomed to seeing me as weak. And I have allowed it as I did not care.”

  “Well, then, you had best eat your cakes and then the ladies may assist you while I make myself presentable.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  When Mr Jones was directed into the breakfast rooms that morning, he had expected that Jane and Bingley had wished to speak with him before his seeing Elizabeth in her bedchambers. What he witnessed as he entered the room was nothing short of a miracle.

  Elizabeth was seated at the table in her wheeled chair, a pleasant morning gown of dove grey for half mourning, her hair done in a simple style. More than that, there was life renewed in her. Her eyes sparkled ever so slightly, and her cheeks had a bit of color to them rather than the pasty death pallor she had taken the past few weeks. The melancholia appeared to be lifting from her as well.

  Sitting next to Elizabeth was a young man who Mr Jones had briefly known from nearly a year past. Fitzwilliam Darcy had returned to Netherfield, and it appeared that he had resurrected Elizabeth’s spirit from the pit of despair. “Good morning to you all.” He said as he entered the room. “Mr Darcy, a pleasure to see you at Netherfield again. Ah, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, it has been a few years since I last saw you. I believe you were visiting Longbourn when one of your children took a lesson from Miss Elizabeth’s childhood and climbed a tree, only to take a tumble.”

  Mr Gardiner stood, shaking the apothecary’s hand. “Yes, our eldest thought it was impossible for a girl to climb the tree, so Lizzy challenged him in a race to climb it. Of course, Lizzy won.”

  Darcy had also taken to his feet, bowing to the man he had met when Jane Bennet had taken a cold while visiting Netherfield the year before. “I am pleased to see you as well, Mr Jones.”

  “And who can this young lady be?” Mr Jones asked.

  At first, Darcy thought he meant Georgiana, but quickly realized that the man was looking at Elizabeth. The change in her that had come about in the past day was remarkable. “Why, allow me to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet, my fiancé.”

  “Did you say fiancé? What remarkable news. Miss Elizabeth, you cannot begin to know how pleased I am to see you doing so well and such wonderful news of your betrothal. I do hope you will indulge me a few moments to examine you.”

  “We have been expecting you, Mr Jones. And I do pray that you will indulge me in allowing me to be with Elizabeth during the examination. I wish to know all we can do to improve her strength and make life as pleasant as can be.”

  Mr Jones looked first to Elizabeth and then to Jane. Seeing that the ladies approved of Darcy’s request, Mr Jones then turned to Mr Gardiner. With a nod of the uncle’s head, it was agreed upon.

  Darcy assisted Elizabeth by pushing the wheeled chair down the hall, into the sitting room nearby. Once the doors were closed, Mr Jones opened his bag and took out his instruments. He gave Elizabeth a thorough examination and announced how pleased he was with her improvement. “My dear girl, you are finally returning to us. I cannot be more pleased.”

  With a blush growing on her cheeks, Elizabeth took hold of Darcy’s hand. “It is due to this gentleman, Mr Jones. He returned to me just as I had given up all hope.”

  “Now, Mr Darcy, do you have any questions to ask of me?”

  “Would you explain to me each of my fiancé’s injuries from the fire? I wish for no secrets, especially when it comes to her health.”

  “There were significant breaks to both of her legs, though the left leg was far worse in the breaks then the right.”

  “May I be so bold as to see your legs, my love?” Seeing her nod her head, Darcy returned his attentions to the apothecary. “I was told that there were scares from the different injuries.”

  “If you look here, you will see the scar where the break was jagged and the bone pierced through the skin and was jutting out. I believe that there will most likely be problems with this leg, though we set it the best we could. As jagged as the break was, it most likely did not mend as a clean break would. On her right leg, you can see that the bones did not protrude when they broke, so their healing would be much better. Here, you can see where one of the burning beams came down on her legs and burned them. And we removed pieces of glass from the left leg, which are these scars here.”

  Elizabeth was holding Darcy’s hand, squeezing as she listened, not realizing her reaction. Darcy took his other hand, placing it lightly over hers. When she had looked into his eyes, she knew that he was not repulsed by the scars. She nodded her head and he nodded in return.

  “Mr Jones, we planned to marry as soon as possible.” Elizabeth declared, her eyes never moving from looking in his. “Do you see any difficulties that we need to be aware of?”

  “Do you wish me to speak of the delicacies of relations between a husband and wife?” Mr Jones asked the couple.

  Darcy refused to break eye contact with his wife. “Yes, Mr Jones, we wish you to speak honestly and openly. Elizabeth is frightened that she will be unable to be a wife to me. I have told her that she needs not worry.”

  “To be honest, Miss Elizabeth, if the paralysis persists, you are quite fortunate in the fact that the lack of feeling is in your upper thighs. You are able to feel sensations when you need to relieve yourself, and your…womanly…your… the area which would be affected by wifely duties with your husband. And, if I may be so bold, there are books which may be of aid in finding different manners of …performing.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes lowered as her cheeks flamed from embarrassment. Darcy smiled, taking a hand and placing it beside her cheek, caressing it lightly. “And, if we were to be fortunate to become with child, would this be dangerous to Elizabeth’s health?”

  “If she were to continue to improve as she has in just the short time since I last saw her, I cannot imagine there would be any danger. As I said, she has all the sensations in the region of her body which would allow her to know if any pain or problem arises. If you were to take proper care and, if I know Mr Darcy well enough, proper physicians overseeing such a confinement, you should be able to carry fine. But there is no reason to believe that you will not regain the use of your legs.”

  “As long as it has been since the fire, I believe it is time to accept that I will never be able to walk again.” Elizabeth said, attempting to be strong as tears fought to race down her cheeks.

  “Miss Elizabeth, if you had recovered as you should have after all the trauma, I might agree with you. But I will be honest. You have not allowed your body to begin to heal until Mr Darcy arrived. By not eating properly, not allowing the nurse I sent for to exercise your legs to keep the muscles strong, and in your determination to give up on life, your body was on the edge of the downward spiral that would have ended in your death, most likely within a month. Your body had been ravaged to the point that it would have eventually given up. That did not allow you to recover from the injuries of such a drastic nature. I highly recommend that you begin the exercises I prescribed. One of the surgeons from Town referred a nurse who is knowledgeable in such exercises and we can send for her.”

  “I would like to know more of this nurse so that I can send for her or another nurse who has had experience with such trauma.” Darcy said. “And whatever we need to help my fiancé build up her muscles, I will make certain is purchased. She and I have already discussed her eating, and have begun by her eating often, though smaller portions. Her stomach has not been used for quite some time, so it would be wrong to expect it to be overwhelmed so quickly.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, had I known what an intelligent young man Mr Darcy is, and the love that he shares with you, I would have moved heaven and earth to have brought him here immediately after the fire. I am pleased th
at he is here with you now.” As Mr Jones stood to leave, he shook Darcy’s outstretched hand. “Thank you, Mr Darcy. You have saved the life of this very dear girl, and I, for one, am grateful. Miss Elizabeth has always been a dear friend to my family.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 11

  By noon, another carriage arrived at Netherfield. Lord and Lady Matlock, and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, had responded to the express that Bingley had sent when he had received word of Darcy’s imminent arrival. Darcy’s aunt and uncle were determined to see not only Darcy and Georgiana, but to finally meet the young woman who meant so much to Darcy. Colonel Fitzwilliam had been concerned for his cousins, and, when he received word that Darcy had been found and was on his way to Netherfield, was granted leave for his family emergency. He was one of the General’s favorites, and had proven himself time and again in battle, so the General was lenient.

  They were shocked to learn of the rapidity of the couple’s plans to marry quickly, though the Fitzwilliam family held no issue with the wedding happening rapidly.

  Though Elizabeth was still frail and thin, her zest for life had returned and it was clear to see that she was on the road to recovery. The solicitor sent all the paperwork that Darcy had requested, as well as the jewelry from their safe, and Darcy’s valet delivered them as well as the special license. It was decided that the wedding would be held in the drawing room of Netherfield that very evening. It was uncommon, but the couple had no desire for fanfare, and only wished to be married. Mr Gardiner sent word to Mr Phillips that he and his wife were invited to Netherfield for a family dinner, wishing to keep the news of the wedding as quiet as possible until the last moment.

  Mr Gardiner had sent a runner to London to retrieve something for his niece. The runner returned as the ladies were assisting Elizabeth in her preparations.

  Mr Gardiner knocked on the door of Elizabeth’s dressing room. Betsy opened the door and allowed Mr Gardiner to enter. For all she had been through and as ravaged as her body was, Elizabeth was radiant. “Lizzy, I have a gift for you. Jane, I wish for you to remain, for there is a gift for you as well.”