The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  He also made plans to indulge in his ultimate pleasure. To that end, he ordered several items be made and delivered to Darcy House. If he liked the items, he would make a similar order for Pemberley. Georgiana laughed as she watched Elizabeth’s futile attempts at halting Darcy’s endless gifts. She knew, from experience that her brother would never change in this regard; as he dearly loved to give gifts to those he loved.

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  Chapter 25

  Caroline Bingley had been trapped, unable to leave her aunt’s home without an escort. How she longed to escape Scarborough and return to Town. But her sister’s confinement meant that she would not be able to escort her to balls and dinners, and her brother’s new family had given him the courage to stand his ground with Caroline’s behavior. She wished that she had never heard the name Bennet. When Charles had taken the lease on the property in Hertfordshire, he had begun to change. And Caroline did not approve.

  Jane Bennet had taken hold of Charles’ heart and turned him against his sister. It was obvious, in Caroline’s mind, that Jane Bennet was a manipulative woman, not the sweet innocent that everyone believed her to be. And her sister, Caroline could not believe that Fitzwilliam Darcy had been trapped into marriage to that chit. She had to do whatever she could to come to Darcy’s aid, to assist him in freeing himself from being bound to the country nobody. Caroline was sure that he would be so grateful that he would wish to marry her as soon as possible. Pemberley needed a proper Mistress, and, from what Caroline knew, Elizabeth Bennet was crippled and would never be able to be a proper wife. And Darcy would need an heir, how could he have one with Elizabeth as his wife?

  She knew that her aunt sent letters each week to Netherfield, keeping Charles informed as to her behavior. This caused a great deal of resentment between Caroline and her aunt.

  Each day, Caroline spent a great deal of her day contemplating what would happen when she could be free of her aunt. One day, not far in the future, Caroline knew that she would have her chance to become Mrs Caroline Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The New Year was welcomed with the joyous news that Louisa gave birth the day before, a healthy baby boy. From the letter that Hurst had sent, all decided that, due to his word, he was either in his cups or deliriously happy with his son. The letter confirmed Louisa’s good health as well.

  Bingley was thrilled, the first Bingley of the next generation. He prayed that he and Jane would not be long coming until they were parents. One of his wishes was to have a large family. Jane teased him that he did not have to grow up with lots of siblings and no peace and quiet. Bingley’s answer was simple. They would simply add more room on to the house so there would be plenty of space for all to have a quiet spot.

  Darcy, too, was praying that one day soon, he would hear that his wife was carrying their child. He had pushed his desire to be a father to the back of his mind while dealing with the real possibility that Elizabeth would never be able to walk again. Now, with her recovering, slowly becoming stronger, able to take a few more steps each day, Darcy’s mind wandered constantly to a babe nestled in Elizabeth’s arms. A daughter, with her mother’s chocolate curls and sparkling eyes, this was the child he wished for first. Most men wished for a son, an heir to take over their estate. But there was no entail upon Pemberley and a daughter could inherit as easily as a son.

  He watched each morning as Mrs Bogs assisted in wrapping Elizabeth’s legs, giving support to her legs as she strengthened the muscles with exercise. Between the sturdy cloth wrappings and the use of canes, Elizabeth was able to stand and walk a little further each day. At the end of each day, Darcy did his part in tending to his wife by massaging her muscles.

  As preparations were being made to move to London, Mrs Bogs announced that her services would no longer be needed for Mrs Darcy. At first, Elizabeth was nervous. “I am not nearly recovered. What if there is a problem?”

  “Mrs Darcy, I have faith that you will continue to grow stronger and stronger. One day, not long from now, you will be dancing and taking long walks again. Betsy is very knowledgeable on the wrappings and the different oils for massaging and your baths, if you should need them. And your husband is also well versed in the oils and massaging your muscles. I see no need to have me continue. Besides, I received a letter from my sister and there is another family in need of my assistance. You would not wish to leave another person suffering, as you were, without my assistance.”

  “I am being foolish, I know. It is all so frightening.”

  Mrs Bogs took hold of Elizabeth’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “My dear girl, you will continue to flourish, I am certain of it. It is just a matter of time until you have built up the strength. And if you have any difficulties, you are welcome to write to me. My sister will always know where I am, so she can forward any letters.”

  “I cannot thank you enough, Mrs Bogs. Your treatments have made this all possible.” Elizabeth said. “And I will always be grateful for your work.”

  “It was a pleasure to be able to help you, my dear girl. Now, let us finish wrapping your legs before your husband arrives to take you downstairs.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Elizabeth was in awe of the sight of her home in Town. It was far grander than she could have ever imagined. “William, this is our home? How can I ever be the Mistress of such a fine house?”

  “Lizzy, my love, our staff is very able. Our housekeepers at both of our homes have been taking care of the houses since my mother’s death. You need only take on the tasks you wish, and they will continue with the rest. There is nothing for you to fear. Now, my dearest wife, let us enter our home. After our journey, I wish to take you to our rooms so that you might rest.”

  Seeing the look in his eyes, Elizabeth blushed. She could not believe his boldness in front of his sister. Georgiana was oblivious to the comments, as she looked forward to seeing Mrs Lane. After Mrs Reynolds at Pemberley, Mrs Lane was one of the mother figures for the orphaned Miss Darcy. Her brother could only do so much for a young girl, for she will always need the gentle hand of a lady to guide her.

  Elizabeth could see the newness of the Mistress’s Chambers. It was then that she remembered that he had requested her chambers at Pemberley and here to be prepared for her, long ago, before the fire. That was the reason he could not return to his townhouse or Pemberley, he could not stand the thought of seeing the improvements that had been made for her, thinking that she would never be in these rooms.

  “My love, these rooms are exquisite. You know me so well, the way you had the room decorated. It is as if we were taking a walk, on a spring day, in the country. It is so peaceful. However did you think of it?”

  “I wished to make everything peaceful and pleasant for you, my dearest Lizzy. I know how dearly you loved to walk out of doors, how nature seems to call to you to join it. When I make love to you in here, I will feel as if I have taken you to a hidden meadow, ravaging you in our own private world.”

  “You have made our own little island, where we can escape whenever we wish. It is perfect.” Elizabeth said as she reached up with her lips and kissed the Master of Darcy House on the lips. Soon, the rest of the world vanished as the Darcys discovered their “little island”.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Bingley was pleased when the son of her late husband’s business partner paid her a visit. “Mr Jamison, it is always a pleasure to see you. And how is your father?”

  “He sends his best regards, Mrs Bingley. He has been ill of late and Mother is not pleased with his recovery. She has been fussing over him and refusing to even allow him to discuss business with me.”

  This brought a laugh to the widowed lady. “Oh, yes, Aggie was always very strong willed and able to set her foot down when need be. What sort of illness plagues him?”

  “His heart is weak. It is doubtful that he will recover, but Mother refuses to accept that. I have taken over running the business completely, relieving him of his burden.”
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  “That must be a blessing to him. I can well understand your mother’s sentiments. It is difficult to think that the man that you love and have spent a lifetime with will be taken from you. It has been well over ten years and I still miss my Virgil every day.”

  Mr Jamison smiled as he patted his friend’s hand. “He was a fine man, Mrs Bingley. And we miss him as well. Why, just the other day, one of our suppliers commented to me that Mr Bingley and my father would be pleased with knowing that I have modeled my business practices after theirs.”

  “Indeed, Virgil always spoke highly of you. He knew that you would do well and were a fair business man. It will do you good to continue, as your reputation is already set in the minds of your clients and suppliers. That will aid you tremendously.”

  Hearing someone coming into the room, Mrs Bingley stood and turned towards the door. Caroline walked into the room, coming to a complete halt when she became aware that she and her aunt had company.

  “Ah, Caroline, please come in and say hello to Mr Paul Jamison. His father and your uncle were business partners, and now Mr Jamison is in charge of the company. He is quite a success, your Uncle Virgil would have been proud.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Jamison.” Caroline said as she curtsied before him. “I remember my uncle speaking of your father. Uncle Virgil had the highest respect for him.”

  “That is high praise, indeed, Miss Bingley…or is it Mrs something now? I had not heard of a wedding, so I only assumed.”

  “No, I am still quite single, Mr Jamison. And yourself, have you married and started a family of your own?” Caroline said as she blushed. What was she doing, asking such questions of this man that she knew only by name? But there was something about him that begged for information.

  “I have not found the young lady who has captured my heart.” Mr Jamison said, thinking that perhaps, he had. “I pray that I find her soon, as I wish to move forward in my life, building a family.”

  “Then I wish you luck in finding the lady of your desire. It is my wish to find someone to spend my life with, as well.”

  Mrs Bingley was shocked as she watched her niece. Could this be Caroline behaving so in front of her? It was so different from how her niece had been acting. Caroline was showing no signs of superiority, as she normally did, especially when it came to someone of trade. What was going on with Caroline?

  “Mr Jamison, would you care to join us for dinner? My cook is fixing a wonderful roasted duck and braised beef. I am sure that there is more than enough, as Caroline eats little more than a sparrow.”

  Caroline blushed as her aunt spoke. “Aunt, it is improper for a young lady to indulge in gluttony. Mamma always said that eating too much can be bad for one’s digestion and figure.”

  “Mrs Bingley, I would enjoy dining with you ladies. And Miss Bingley, I must say that you have nothing to fear when it comes to your figure. Of course, I have always found that ladies of the ton were too fond of being skin and bones. Personally, I think a lady needs to have some curves to her body.” Mr Jamison blushed. “Forgive me, Miss Bingley, Mrs Bingley. I did not mean to offend.”

  Mrs Bingley laughed at his words and his blush. “Mr Jamison, I find no offense. And I agree, the ladies in Town hold far too much stock in being thin that they do not take the time to learn what a man truly desires. My Virgil was fond of curves as well.”

  At this turn in the conversation, Caroline was turning scarlet. “Aunt, you must not speak so of such a subject. Whatever will Mr Jamison think of us?”

  “Have no fear, Miss Bingley.” Mr Jamison stated, attempting to calm her fears. “I am used to your aunt’s bluntness, as your uncle was similar. My own father speaks so as well. I am not embarrassed.”

  With a laugh, Mrs Bingley rang for her housekeeper to have another place set for dinner that evening.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Charlotte was timid as the carriage stopped before Matlock House. She knew that Lord and Lady Matlock were kind, and that they seemed to have accepted her engagement to their son. Her parents were shocked when they looked at the impressive townhouse which belonged to the Earl of Matlock. They were far from the society to which they were accustomed.

  Richard reached over and squeezed his fiancé’s hand. “Have no fear, my dear. My parents think the world of you and will treat you with kindness. Mother will be pleased to be able to take you shopping, as she has been lamenting for years that she is rarely able to shop with a family member. Georgiana is the one who has spent the most time in the thick of looking for the latest fashion.”

  “We will not be able to afford to keep to London fashions, Richard. Our estate is not so well off as your father’s.”

  “And Mother will wish to purchase items for both of us. It is her nature. Mother has an inheritance from her mother, so between her interest from it and her pin money, Mother is never lacking in funds. And Father is always kind to give Mother what she needs when she has asked for extra. It is rare that she needs more, but when she does, Father always indulges her.”

  “What will your brother and his wife think of me?”

  “Matthew and Francine will have no difficulties with accepting you. Frannie has changed her attitude since marrying into the Fitzwilliam family. She was a snob before, and I could not decide what my brother saw in her. Her father is an earl, and she had been brought up in the most fashionable ways. But now, after three years of marriage, living closely to my parents, and having a daughter, Frannie has decided that being a snob is utter foolishness.”

  “You are close to your brother?” Charlotte asked as they stepped from the carriage, Richard handing her out.

  “Not as close as I am to Darcy, but yes, Matthew and I are close.” Richard began to lead his fiancé and her parents up the stairs to Matlock House when the doors suddenly opened and Lady Matlock could no longer contain herself.

  “Richard Albert Fitzwilliam, are you trying to drive me to distraction by taking your sweet time coming inside? You know how eager I am to welcome my soon to be daughter into our home.” Lady Matlock swatted her son on the arm. “Miss Lucas, I am so pleased to have you stay with us, and even more pleased to be gaining you as a daughter. Now, you and your parents must come inside. I have refreshments in the drawing room for you.” Scooting between her son and his fiancé, Lady Matlock took hold of Charlotte’s arm and escorted her inside, with Richard left to gawk on the steps.

  Lord Matlock laughed at his son as he welcomed Sir William and Lady Lucas into his home. “Sir William, it is a pleasure to know that you will be Richard’s father in law. He is gaining a family of honor and kindness. Lady Lucas, a pleasure to see you again. I hear that you dined at Netherfield Christmas Day. How are my nephew and his ladies? How is Lizzy fairing?”

  “It was a very pleasant surprise to see her on her feet again. Such an amazing gift that she gave her husband, and to all of her family at that. Seeing her doing so well has been a blessing to us. Mr and Mrs Bennet were such dear friends; this tragedy has been difficult to our family.” Sir William stated.

  “You and Mr Bennet were close friends, were you not?”

  “Indeed. Thomas Bennet was one of the best men I have ever known. He was very intelligent and always learning from his reading. Just last year he was suggesting to me a new method of planting that he had read about and implanted in his own estate. The yield was nearly a quarter more than the year before.”

  “I would like to learn more of this method, if you do not mind. I believe in constantly learning ways to improve the estate.”

  Sir William smiled. “When my son, John, is next with us, I will have him explain it to you. I have a difficult time explaining it completely, though I understand it.”

  “Very good. Your son and younger daughter are staying with the Darcys?”

  Lady Lucas was nearby and answered. “Yes, Lizzy and Mr Darcy were kind in allowing Charlotte the time to become accustomed to your family. It was kind of you to invite John and Maria, but it was thoug
ht to be simpler this way. We will have a great deal to discuss with the wedding and our other children would be bored with such discussions.”

  The sparkle in Lady Matlock’s eyes danced. “I cannot wait to tell you my ideas for the wedding. Oh, Charlotte, I have made an appointment for the day after tomorrow with my favorite modiste. She is amazing with her styles and stitching. I adore her work and thought she would be the perfect one to make your wedding trousseau.”

  Charlotte glanced at her parents before looking at Lady Matlock. “I believe that your modiste would be far grander than my parents could ever afford. And, with Richard and I living at Longbourn, fashions of Town would be wasted in the country.”

  “My dear girl, I do not expect your parents to pay for the clothing. It is my gift to you, as my soon to be daughter in law. Cannot a mother purchase gifts for her daughter? I am sure that Richard has told you that I have always been heartbroken with never having been blessed with a daughter. Now I have been given a second chance, with you and Frannie. And as for the fashions, my modiste has many different types to choose from. I have a different wardrobe for the country than I do for when we are in Town. You may wish to have a few gowns made for when you are visiting us here, but I assumed that your choices would be for your home life as Mrs Richard Fitzwilliam, Mistress of Longbourn. My, that sounds nice. I must remember to tell Elizabeth and Jane how grateful I am for their gift to you.”

  Richard smiled as he listened to his parents and their warm welcome of Charlotte and her parents. “Elizabeth extended an invitation for all of us to dine at Darcy House tomorrow.”

  “I will send our acceptance straight away.” Lady Matlock said, reaching up to place a kiss on her son’s cheek. “Richard, I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am for you. A comfortable estate for you, being able to resign your commission, and best of all, marrying a wonderful woman; it is all that I could ever have wished for you.”

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