“It is I who should be asking for forgiveness. I have made a fool of myself all these years, treating Lord Covington so abominably. Will he ever forgive me for my behavior?”
“You should spend some time with Albert, talk to him openly. I believe he is more than willing to have you be a part of our family. And I think that your father would approve as well.” Lady Anne leaned forward and placed a kiss on her son’s forehead. “Now, I will have a tray brought up for the two of us to share, and then you will sleep some more. Doctor Josephson will be here in the morning to check on you and Elizabeth.”
~~ ** ~~ Doctor Josephson was pleased with the progress that both Darcy and Elizabeth had made. The stitches on the side of Elizabeth’s head were removed, as it had been nearly a fortnight since the attack. Hair had started to regrow, though Elizabeth was selfconscious of anyone seeing her head without bandages. When the surgeon was examining her, Elizabeth insisted on everyone leaving the room, except the maid, Hannah, who was to tend her while Elizabeth recovered and be her lady’s maid after the wedding. Not even Jane was allowed to see her sister’s head.
After the stitches were removed, Doctor Josephson did not return the bandages. “Miss Elizabeth, there is no need for bandages any further. The incisions are healed, and there is no need to worry about bleeding from them.”
“Doctor, I cannot be seen with half my head nearly bald. I would be mortified for anyone, other than you and Hannah, to see me so.”
“You realize it will take quite some time before your hair is grown out?” Seeing Elizabeth nod and look down at her hands, Doctor Josephson took pity on her. “Miss Elizabeth, I must tell you that the young man waiting on the other side of that door cares not a bit for your hair. The fact that you are alive and love him is all he needs.”
Tears began to overflow from Elizabeth’s eyes. “I know he loves me, but will he wish to have me seen on his arm, in public? People will know by looking at me that something happened. He will come to be ashamed to be betrothed to me and will wish to call off the wedding.”
“Miss Elizabeth, Master William would never do such a thing. He loves you so much, nothing would change his mind with regards to marrying you.” Hannah attempted to soothe her lady. “And Mr Bingley had some special scarves made for you, to cover your head.”
“Mr Bingley did?” Elizabeth was amazed. “He said that you will be his sister when he marries Miss Bennet, and he wished to do something to ease your mind. Granted, you will wish to only wear it while in the house.” Hannah went to the dressing room and returned with several pieces of cloth. “They are somewhat like a gypsy head covering, only not as colorful. Mr Bingley thought soft pastel colors would be preferred for this.”
Hannah assisted Elizabeth placing the covering on her head. Elizabeth looked into the peer glass and was frustrated with the view. Half of her head was covered with long curls, even when pulled back and pinned, curls escaped and hung down. And under the cloth the curls could be seen. The other side of her head was obvious in showing no curls or hair at all.
“Hannah, would you bring the shears please?” Confused, Hannah did as she was asked. Doctor Josephson watched, praying his patient would find a way to cope with the change in her appearance.
Elizabeth took the cloth off her head and unpinned her hair. Taking the shears in hand, she took hold of her hair and cut it short. “Miss Elizabeth, what are you doing?” Hannah shrieked. There was pounding on the door, as Darcy was concerned after hearing the maid cry out. Fortunately, Elizabeth had insisted on the door being locked, or her betrothed would have entered the room.
“I will not have my hair long on one side and stubble on the other side. This way, as the hair grows in, it will not be in such contrast with the other side.” Elizabeth stated with slightly more confidence than she truly felt. The hair was now cut to the bottom of her ear. “Hannah, would you assist me in tying the cloth on my head again?”
“Of course, Miss Elizabeth.” Hannah said, taking the cloth and tying it carefully about her lady’s head. After the initial shock, Hannah was proud of the courage it had taken for Elizabeth to cut her hair as she did. Hannah collected the remnants of hair and removed it from the room.
Once Elizabeth was prepared to face her family, she allowed the door to be opened. Darcy nearly fell into the room, and rushed to Elizabeth’s side. “Dearest, are you well? I heard Hannah cry out, is something wrong?”
“No, William, everything is fine.” Elizabeth said, though she could not look him in the eyes. She was nervous as to how Darcy would react to her appearance.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth, and then turned his attention to Doctor Josephson. The surgeon smiled slightly as he motioned with his eyes towards Elizabeth’s head. Darcy noticed the cloth his fiancé donned. He then looked at Hannah who was standing several steps behind Elizabeth. Hannah held up a single, long curl and the shears. This enlightened Darcy as to what had happened. His beloved Elizabeth was concerned with how she appeared to him and others. She had cut her curls off, making her lack of curls on the other side more consistent. Darcy was proud of his courageous love. To him, she had never been more beautiful than at that moment.
“My dear Elizabeth, I must commend Bingley on his suggestion of wraps for your head. That color brings out the sparkle in your beautiful eyes. Are you ready to come to the drawing room? Everyone is waiting to see you.”
“Remember, Mr Darcy, I only allowed you to take her to the drawing room for one half hour. Then she is to return to her bed and rest. And you are to rest as well. I do not want you doing too much either.”
“Of course, Doctor.” Darcy stated. “Are you ready, Elizabeth?” Elizabeth looked up and into Darcy’s eyes. Seeing the love and devotion which was clearly written in his eyes convinced her to stand and leave her room, holding on to his arm for support.
There were cheers of delight and praises when Elizabeth and Darcy entered the drawing room. Mr Bennet gave his daughter a kiss on her cheek. “Lizzy, you look wonderful. And Doctor Josephson is pleased with your improvement?”
“He is, Papa. The stitches were removed and he said that other than rest and being careful not to reinjure my head, I should be fine.” Elizabeth smiled.
Jane was next to her sister. “Oh, Charles, you were correct. The cloth is perfect. And the color, it is so flattering to her complexion and eyes. Lizzy, you are beautiful. Your eyes are shining again.”
“Your sister is worried that we will think less of her because of her lack of hair. I think she is quite beautiful, no matter how much hair she has on her head.” Darcy said as he lifted her hand to his lips.
“They say that love is blind, William. But I cannot be seen outside the house. It is difficult enough to be seen by all of you.” Elizabeth’s concern was obvious.
Lady Anne stepped up to her future daughter. “Elizabeth, you have no reason to be shy around us. We love you, no matter what has happened. In fact, I believe I love you more because of what happened, and what you have done to recover. As I have never seen what you looked like before the attack, I find no difference in your looks. And I agree with Jane, the color of the cloth wrap is quite flattering on you.”
Moving behind his wife, Lord Covington smiled. “Anne is correct, you are a beautiful young lady who has a strength I have rarely seen before. William, you are a fortunate man. When are the two of you going to set the date for the wedding?”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide with fear. “We must wait, I cannot be seen looking like this at my wedding.”
“My love, you need not worry over your appearance. We can purchase a special license and marry here in the house. No one, outside of our loved ones, needs to be invited. And I think a wreath of flowers for you to wear upon your head would be quite fetching. What say you, Mother?”
“I agree, William. The gown I wore would only need a few alterations to fit you, Elizabeth. And we have a seamstress on staff that can fit it to you.” Lady Anne said, encouragingly.
Mr Bennet joined
in the fray. “I will add my opinion. Elizabeth, you will be a beautiful bride, no matter what you wear or having hair pulled back in a bun. Your mother would insist on your wearing a wedding bonnet or a beautiful piece of lace over your hair anyway. Mr Darcy’s suggestion of a wreath is a wonderful suggestion.”
Elizabeth was overwhelmed. “Can we discuss the wedding date later? I am still coming to terms with my appearance, I need to think.”
“Of course, Dearest.” Darcy smiled as he spoke. “Now, we should discuss our plans for Christmas. As it is only a fortnight away, we should decide what we would like to do for the holiday.”
“My brother, Gardiner, suggested he and his wife bring Fanny and the younger girls to Town, to their home. I will move to the Gardiner home, leaving Jane here with Lizzy. We can come visit the girls sometime during the day on Christmas. This would allow all of you to enjoy the holiday in your own fashion as well.”
“Thomas Bennet, we will be family when my son and your daughter are wed. I will not tolerate a separation of the two families. Our Christmas celebration will include your family from this year forward.” Lady Anne insisted.
“Mr Bennet, I suggest you not argue. My wife is quite tenacious when she wishes to be.” Lord Covington said with a laugh.
“I will insist we stay at the Gardiner home though. We can easily join all of you here. I would like to provide Lizzy with some peace and quiet to continue to heal.” Mr Bennet was adamant.
“Very well, Papa, you may stay with Aunt Helen and Uncle Edwin. I must say I am surprised, as I would not have thought we could pry you from the library here at Darcy House.”
“Your betrothed has given me leave to borrow any of his books, so I will still be able to enjoy the books, if not the room.” Mr Bennet smiled. “Though I am looking forward to the journey to your future home in Derbyshire, for I am told that it is three times the size of this library.”
Darcy smiled. “We will have a bed moved to the Pemberley library, so that you will not have to leave it. Your meals can all be sent there as well.”
“Do not encourage him, or we will never see him again.” Elizabeth laughed. It was clear to everyone Elizabeth was becoming fatigued. “Elizabeth, I promised Doctor Josephson you would only be in here for a half an hour. I believe it is time to return you to your room. You promised to rest.”
“I did promise, and I find I am quite sleepy. I do not understand why.” Mr Bennet embraced his daughter. “You have been through a major event, my dear girl. Your injury caused you to lose a tremendous quantity of blood. It will take time to build your strength.”
“Thank you, everyone, for your kindness to me. And Mr Bingley, I am truly appreciative of your gift of the cloths. It was very thoughtful.”
“You are my future sister, Miss Elizabeth. It is only fitting that I would wish to be of service to you. I am pleased to know you like them.”
Darcy led his fiancé back to her bedchamber. She decided to lay down in the morning gown she was wearing, and Darcy draped a coverlet over top of her. Before taking his leave, Darcy stoked the fire and placed another log on it. “Now, Dearest, sleep. I love you, Elizabeth.” He said as he kneeled beside her bed, one hand caressing her cheek.
“I love you, William. Off with you, to your bed, as you also promised to rest.” Darcy leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Elizabeth’s lips. “Yes, my love, and I will keep my promise.”
~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet was pleased when she received an express asking her to bring her younger daughters to Town for the holidays. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were overjoyed with being able to return to their home, as their children were with their nanny, and they missed the children tremendously. All were grateful Elizabeth was on the mend as well.
Mr Bennet had also written to his wife to counsel her discretion when she saw Elizabeth for the first time. It would be shocking to see Elizabeth with the cloth wrapped about her head rather than her unruly dark curls. He also explained his daughter’s nervousness for the way others would react to her. Determined to be a comfort to her daughter, Mrs Bennet thought of ways she could soothe her daughter’s worries.
Lydia was being her natural self, wild and foolish, when her mother tried to speak on the matter. “La, Lizzy with no hair. What a good joke. It is best she is engaged, otherwise no man would have her.”
Mrs Bennet walked to her youngest daughter and firmly shook the girl’s shoulders. “Lydia, you are cruel. You sister was nearly killed, and her hair had to be shaved to save her life. We are fortunate Lizzy is still alive, as those men nearly took her from us forever. I will not tolerate your saying such cruel things about your sister, and you will be kind to her when you are in her presence. If you cannot control your silly ways, you will remain at the Gardiner home with the children, in the nursery.”
“Mamma, Lizzy’s hair will grow back, and we will all look back on this and laugh. It is funny to think of her with no hair on half her head. She will be lopsided.”
Walking to the nearby cupboard, Mrs Bennet picked up a few items and returned to her youngest daughter. Reaching behind Lydia, Mrs Bennet took hold of the girl’s bun and cut the hair with a pair of shears.
“MAMMA! What have you done?” Lydia cried out. “I thought it would be funny to see you with your hair cut short. You seemed to think you would be laughing to see your sister, now you can see how she feels. Be grateful I do not shave part of your head as well. Your foolishness has now guaranteed your remaining in the nursery, as you cannot act as a proper young lady. Perhaps, when you finally learn to behave, your hair will have grown back.”
Mrs Gardiner sat in her chair, watching the entire scene before her, attempting to keep from laughing. Lydia had always been carefree, no matter what anyone said or did to correct her. To see Fanny behave in such a manner was commendable.
Lydia ran from the room, tears streaming down her cheeks. Kitty looked on, shocked at her mother’s behavior. Yet Kitty was also relieved. Though Lydia was her closest friend, Kitty was also offended by her younger sister’s behavior. Hearing Lydia speak so carelessly towards Elizabeth had made their sister wish to strike the youngest.
“Now, let us plan for our trip. We should be able to leave tomorrow.” Mrs Bennet said as she picked up the hair she had cut from her daughter. “Bravo, Fanny, bravo. I am proud of you for putting Lydia in her place and making her see her foolishness.” Mrs Gardiner said as she embraced her sister in law. “Mary, Kitty, let us begin to pack.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 13 Mr Goodman was at his desk in his study when his wife came to the door. “Caroline, is something wrong?”
“No, I was just wondering if we were going to remain in Town for the holidays or if we would be traveling to your estate?”
“I thought we would remain in Town until after Twelfth Night. We have invitations to dinners and I thought it would be pleasant to take an evening at the theater. Does this meet with your approval?”
“Yes, though I hope that your friends are not friends of my brother or sister. I would hate for any uncomfortable situations.”
“I have never run in the same circles as your siblings, so I doubt they will be invited to the gatherings we are. If, for some reason they are, we will leave immediately. You must know I will protect you from their maliciousness.”
“Of course, my dear husband, and I cannot express to you how grateful I am to you.” Caroline sidled up to her husband, though she had no affection for the man. He had been a means to an end.
“After the holidays, we will be able to enjoy staying at the estate until the summer. In the summer, I wish to do some traveling to check on a piece of property in Scotland I wish to purchase. It will be pleasant to spend the summer in the north, where it will not be miserably hot.”
“That sounds delightful. Well, I am planning to do some more shopping. I wish to have some new gowns made.” Caroline simpered, knowing her husband would deny her nothing.
“Enjoy yourself, my love. I will see you at din
ner this evening.” Mr Goodman smiled and returned to his work.
~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet was nervous when she arrived at Darcy House. She did not wish to upset her daughter, yet she was frightened of the reaction she might have when she saw the cloth covering her head to hide the lack of hair. The footman escorted her to the drawing room to meet with her husband and eldest daughters.
Mr Bennet walked to his wife to welcome her, after the footman announced her arrival. “Fanny, I have missed you. Are you well?”
“I am, Thomas. How is Lizzy? Is she truly healing?” Mrs Bennet asked, her eyes seeking the truth in her husband’s face.
“She is doing much better, my dear. She is in her rooms at the moment. I am afraid that she is nervous of your reaction to seeing her.”
“I thought she would be. I left our other daughters at my brother’s home, as I did not wish for Lizzy to be overwhelmed. May I see her?”
Mr Bennet took hold of his wife’s hand and placed it on his arm. “I will show you to her rooms.” When they reached the Mistress’ suite, Mr Bennet knocked on the door. Hannah opened the door and Mrs Bennet halted her husband’s steps to enter. “Allow me some time with Elizabeth.” she asked.
Nodding, Mr Bennet stepped back and returned to the drawing room. Mrs Bennet entered the room, finding her daughter sitting in a chair near the fireplace. “Lizzy, may I join you?”
“Certainly, Mamma.” Elizabeth responded, though she kept her face turned from her mother. Mrs Bennet could see her daughter was being timid, something Elizabeth had never been. Before stepping to her daughter’s side, Mrs Bennet asked Hannah something in a whisper.
“Lizzy, dear girl, may I look at you?” Mrs Bennet asked her daughter, wishing to ease her discomfort. “There is no need, Mamma. I can tell you I am ugly. I am mortified to have anyone see me, and if they saw me without the cloth covering, I know I would die from the humiliation.”
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