The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  “Rosie, would you please ask Mr Darcy, his cousin and his sister to join me, as I wish to speak with them.” “Certainly, Miss Julia, and I will return as soon as possible to assist you.” ~~ ** ~~

  Darcy nervously awaited hearing what Elizabeth wished to impart. He prayed that she would tell them the identity of this man, if he could be called such. He looked around the room at the other people who had been asked to be there. It was obvious that she had some sort of announcement to make. Please, dear God, do not allow her to leave us.

  Georgiana was nervous, as she wished to be treated as a young lady rather than a child, yet all that she had already heard was overwhelming for one so young. In her desire to draw strength to allow her to be a part of the discussion, Georgiana had instinctively sat on the edge of the bed and took hold of her ‘cousin’s’ hand.

  Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth began, looking down at her hand joined with Georgiana’s. “It is difficult to trust anyone. It is not that I do not wish to do so, but, these past years have taught me a very harsh lesson. But I realize now that I am being unfair to you by keeping certain parts of my past secret.” She reached a hand up to wipe at the tear that had begun to break free from her eyes. “This will be difficult, and I pray that you will have patience with me.”

  Darcy leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth’s other hand. “Take whatever time you need to formulate the words you need to tell us your tale.”

  Elizabeth glanced up, and when their eyes met, she found the strength to open her heart further than it had been in years. “My true name is Elizabeth Kate Bennet. I was born twenty years ago today, to Thomas and Fanny Gardiner Bennet, the second daughter of five. My father had an estate in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, with no son’s and an entailment away from the female line, our plight was dire. When my father became deathly ill, my mother was beside herself with fear of what would become of us when the new Master came to take the estate. So she sent me to Town, to her brother and his wife, in hopes of finding me a husband before my father died. I believe she was hoping I would find someone who would be able to take care of her and my other sisters as well.

  My uncle is Edward Gardiner. He owns a warehouse near his home in Cheapside. Though he has a lucrative business importing coffee and teas, it was not enough to be able to support his family and ours. One day, a month after my seven and tenth birthday, my uncle announced that I was to be wed two days after the announcement, to a man he had done business with. The man, whom I had only met once before, was a businessman from Sussex. His name…his name…(deep breath) his name is Albert Bentley.”

  She paused as she heard a gasp from Darcy. It was obvious that he had heard of the man and that he knew of his reputation. After a moment, she continued. “Mr Bentley informed me that I would not be allowed to contact my family ever again, that I was to think of them as if they had all died. This broke my heart, for my eldest sister was my dearest friend and my father and I had always been close. To this day, I still do not know exactly when he passed away, for I was denied being able to contact my sister even once. This was the cause of our first disagreement. It was the reason for the first time that he beat me.

  I could not go outside the house, for people would see my injuries. Neither would Mr Bentley allow anyone into the house. And that included the physician when his beatings were at their worst. He did not wish for anyone to know what he did to me. Many days I was tied up, for he feared I would try to escape. My wrists were bound together and then bound to the headboard of my bed. My feet were also bound together, and a gag was placed to silence me. His housekeeper was not allowed into the room where I was kept, so I was not allowed food or drink, not even the opportunity to attend to my body’s needs. And there I would remain, until he returned to the house.”

  The tears were free flowing down not only Elizabeth’s cheeks, but everyone else’s as well. A sob escaped from Elizabeth’s throat, which nearly broke Darcy’s heart in two. Finally, she was able to go on.

  “There were times that he would be gone for as much as a week. But the worst was when he was gone a fortnight, leaving me in such a condition. I cannot remember the second week, for I had become delusional from the lack of food and drink. I learned later on that it was nearly a month before I was able to return to the world, and, only due to the diligence of the housekeeper. As you will have already guessed, he did as he pleased with my body. It was his property, as he was so kind in reminding me, therefore he could do what he wished. I became with child twice, but my body was not strong enough to carry a babe and they were lost. The last one was just a month before I was able to escape. Fortunately, he was disgusted with what had become of my body that he no longer forced himself upon me. I guess there was a blessing to be found in all of the abuse.

  One night, he went on a rampage over an investment that had gone bad. After he beat me, he thought I was unconscious when he stormed from the room, leaving me unbound. He was also unaware that his slamming and banging the door about caused the lock to break and I could open it. He went down the hall to his own rooms, shouting at his valet. When the man did not do as Mr Bentley had asked, he was beaten savagely before Mr Bentley took hold of his throat and choked the life from him. That was when I knew I had to leave or end up like the valet. Mr Bentley threw the body of his valet into the hall and shut the door, and I assume that he drank himself into a stupor. I was able to get out of my prison cell and, I am ashamed to admit this, I stole some of the items from the house. I knew that I would need funds, and I took items I knew I could sell to afford a post ride to Scotland. I sold the items at a village several miles from his home, and then continued to walk further before boarding the post carriage. And you know the rest of the tale. As you can see, I am justified in fearing for your safety. If this man could kill his own valet for not setting out his clothes the way he liked, what would he do to those who aided me to hide from him? I cannot stand the thought of his harming any of you.”

  Darcy stood quickly and walked to the window, looking out at the storm that was brewing outside. It matched the storm that was brewing inside his mind at that moment. How could such a blackguard exist? Why had no one ever put an end to his cruelty? And no one ever lifted a finger to aid this young woman, even when she was near death. No wonder her injuries were so obvious when Mr Blaine had examined her, they were never treated and allowed to heal properly. His fury grew by the moment. He wished to see this man treated in the same manner, beaten and left bound and gagged for weeks with no food or drink. Let him have broken bones that did not get set properly. Let him feel the fear of not knowing which beating would be the one to take his life.

  Turning around, Darcy began to pace about the room. He had heard of Albert Bentley before, and what he had heard was not pleasant. The man was known as a ruthless businessman, one you would not wish to cross. But this was far worse than he had ever expected. And to see the young lady whom he was pledged to love and respect, knowing that the man did neither of these sacred vows he had made when he married Elizabeth; Darcy was sickened from the knowledge. She deserved far better than the life that she had been dealt.

  The first thing that went through his mind was to find a way to learn of her family’s fate. He would learn more, and be careful doing so, for he did not wish to draw attention. The last thing he wished was for Mr Bentley to suspect why Fitzwilliam Darcy was seeking information on the Bennets.

  A cough from Richard brought Darcy’s attention back to the present. “William, Miss Julia asked if you were well.” Darcy turned his gaze back to the young lady, still forced to remain in bed from her injuries. She looked like a frightened deer, waiting for the hunter to find her and take her life. “Cousin Julia, fear not for me. I am well. What you have told us is far worse than I expected, and I was attempting to digest the information. I am pleased that you have entrusted the truth to us, that you have placed your faith in our hands. I make you this promise; Albert Bentley will never harm you again. I will see to that. Elizab
eth Bentley does not exist from this day forward. I only know Miss Julia Moreland, my distant cousin, who has come to live with Georgiana and me.”

  “I cannot remain here after I have recovered, Mr Darcy. As grateful as I am, it would be a poor way of thanking you by further risking your safety. When Mr Blaine tells me it is safe to continue my journey, I will take the next post to Scotland. I have enough money to get me there, and I can find work as a school teacher or governess, perhaps a lady’s companion.”

  “If you wish to have a task, then you shall be Georgiana’s companion. There is no need to travel to Scotland. My sister detests traveling away from Pemberley, so you would be able to remain here. This estate is highly guarded normally, and I am more than happy to hire more guards if need be. You could not be safer, Cousin. Please, consider my offer to you. Allow us to protect you.”

  Georgiana nodded her head. “Please, Julia, I would be so pleased to have you as my companion. We have many wonderful paths to roam about the estate, as well as a new pianoforte in the music room, and a library which is unlike any you have seen before. You do like to read, do you not?”

  “It is one of my greatest passions, though, again, one I have not had a chance to indulge in for some time.” Elizabeth smiled.

  “Well, I guarantee that once you see our library, you will never wish to leave Pemberley. It is nearly as big as the ballroom.” Richard laughed. “A slight exaggeration, Georgiana, but only slight, as it truly is one of the largest libraries in all of England. William has taken a great deal of pleasure adding to what has been collected over the generations.” He then turned to Elizabeth. “I will add my promise to my cousin’s. I will do whatever I can to protect you. And of all of the places in Britain you could have ended up, this is one of the safest. So long as you remain at Pemberley, I am certain of your safety.”

  Elizabeth was tired and did not wish to continue to argue her point. “We will take this one day at a time. Once I am recovered, then we will be able to make a better decision.”

  Darcy nodded his head. “You rest, Cousin Julia. I will see that a tray is brought to you after you wake. And do not fret, we will keep you safe.” ~~ ** ~~ Thomas Bennet sat in his chair behind his desk. Though his eyesight was nearly gone, he could see light and make out large pieces of furniture. When he was not being read to by either Mary or Jane, Mr Bennet preferred to sit in his study, feeling the sunshine warming his face. At those times, he could not help but think of how wrong everything had gone in his life.

  If it had not been for the illness he contracted, he would never have allowed his wife to send his beloved Elizabeth to Town to be married off. He cursed himself for being tricked into signing the papers for his wife’s brother to make arrangements for Elizabeth to be wed, and Edward Gardiner wasted no time in doing just that. Mr Bennet knew that there was more to the situation; he knew that Mr Gardiner had not told them the entire story. Why had no one heard from Lizzy since the wedding? Why have we never met her husband? And most importantly, why was Mr Gardiner more comfortable about discussing what would happen to Mrs Bennet and her daughters? Before he was ill, Mr Bennet felt as if Gardiner was an upstanding man who could be trusted. Now, there was something not quite right in his behavior.

  Jane entered the study. “Good afternoon, Papa. Would you care for some refreshments? Cook has some fresh tarts if you would like.” “That sounds delicious, Jane. And can you fix some of your special tea, I feel a headache building.”

  “Of course, Papa, do you require one of your headache powders?” “Not yet, hopefully I will be able to keep it from becoming so bad.” He listened as his eldest daughter stepped into the hall and requested peppermint and chamomile tea and some tarts to be sent to her father’s study. When she returned, Mr Bennet felt a sense of relief. “Now, how was the dinner at Lucas Lodge last evening? Was your Mr Bingley there?”

  Blushing, Jane could not stop herself from smiling. “Papa, he is not my Mr Bingley. And to answer your question, yes, Mr Bingley was there. We had a pleasant evening and even danced together twice. Mary was kind enough to play a few tunes after Lydia begged to be able to dance.”

  “I am pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable time. The young man seems to be very much like yourself, kind and agreeable, with never a cross word to anyone. Though I do not know if I could ever agree to a marriage between the two of you, for all of your servants would take advantage of you and leave you penniless.”

  Jane laughed. “Papa, you are such a tease. Now, after we enjoy the fresh tarts, what would you prefer to have me read?” “Perhaps, if the weather is as pleasant as the sunshine feels on my cheek, I could persuade you to take a turn in the garden. It has been an age since I have been out of the house and I would find the fresh air invigorating.”

  This brought a sense of joy to his eldest daughter. She begged him, for the first year after Elizabeth’s wedding, to walk outdoors with her. It was rare, and only with the most desperate of measures that she was able to coerce him outside the house. Between his weakened state, his limited eyesight, and the loss of his most beloved daughter, Thomas Bennet had little desire to be outside his study. In this room, he felt the familiarity in the possessions that had been the same for over twenty years. And it was also the place he could remember his Lizzy the best, as they had spent hour after hour in the study, reading, debating, playing chess, and even having Elizabeth go over the books with him. He could feel her spirit in the room, and even imagined he could smell her favorite rose water on the chair she claimed as her own.

  “It is cool, but not too cold outside. And, as you have noticed, the sun is bright and warming. I would enjoy taking a turn in the garden with my favorite gentleman.” Jane said as she placed a kiss on her father’s cheek.

  A knock on the door announced the housekeeper, Hill, had arrived with the tray of refreshments. “Mrs Hill, would you bring Papa’s great coat and my shawl and bonnet down for us? We will be taking a stroll in the gardens after we enjoy the repast you have brought us.”

  Mrs Hill had been with the family since before the current Master took his position. She was fond of Mr Bennet, and adored his eldest two daughters far above the others. It broke her heart when Elizabeth was sent away and never returned after being married in London. And watching Thomas Bennet struggling through life brought a tear to her eye. She prayed nightly for Elizabeth’s good health and that one day, the delightful young lady would be returned to them all.

  As Mr Bennet and Jane walked about in the garden, Mr Bennet asked to sit on a nearby bench. “Jane, I must ask you a question that might sound strange, but I have been doing a great deal of thinking lately. Do you believe what your Uncle told us of Lizzy’s marriage? Do you trust that she went into the marriage of her own choice?”

  This took Jane by surprise. “Why would Uncle lie to us? Do you have some reason to question his honesty?” “I do not know, but there is something that has been nagging me. Since Elizabeth’s wedding, your Uncle has been quite different in his dealings with us. He has become distant, keeping us at arm’s length. And they never invite you to visit London any more. When you were younger, Edward and Helen loved having you girls visit. Now, it is never a good time for them to have you there. Helen rarely writes to you, and she used to write every week. And Edward only writes if there is a matter of business to be discussed. There is something about Elizabeth’s marriage that has broken the two families apart and I do not understand it. Is there more that happened while I was so sick, something that no one has told me?”

  “The only thing that was happening was Mamma’s fits of nerves over your imminent death and our being left to live in the hedgerow. She insisted that Uncle find a husband for Lizzy, that Lizzy could not return home unless she found a husband. I believe Uncle was feeling pressure from Mamma that he would end up taking us all in upon your death. At the time, I remember Aunt telling of some investment that was not turning out to be as good as they had hoped and that it caused them to have to be even more frugal tha
n usual.”

  Mr Bennet thought about this for some time. He could not voice his opinion that his brother in law profited from Lizzy’s marriage. But he had a sinking feeling that his dearest daughter had paid a high price for the security of others in her family.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 6 Albert Bentley was sitting in the study of his London townhouse. He sold his house in Sussex more than a year prior, taking his wife to another house he owned in Surrey. But he hated living in that house. It was the house that reminded him of his childhood, of his mother. The thought of his mother made his blood boil inside him.

  He was only ten years old when he learned the truth of his birth. Until then, he believed his parents had been happily married, and his father died at sea when the ship on which he worked was lost to a violent storm. Bentley’s mother worked as a seamstress at a dressmaker’s shop in Guildford. She scrimped and saved, finally saving enough to purchase the small house. Bentley had been proud of his mother’s hard work until one night, when he was supposed to be asleep; he overheard his mother telling her employer of being disgraced by a young gentleman guest at the estate where she had worked as a maid. The man forced himself upon her, and when it was discovered that she was with child, her employer sacked her. That was when she moved to Guildford and began a new life.

  From that day on, Bentley could barely tolerate his mother. When he turned five and ten, he took an apprenticeship with a tradesman in a nearby warehouse. He worked there for almost two years when he discovered his mother and his employer carrying on a secret relationship. Feeling betrayed by his mother, he could tolerate no more. That night, when his mother slept in her bed, Bentley entered her room and strangled her, after striking her on the head with a silver candle stick. Bentley then made it appear that someone had broken into the house to rob them. When everyone paid their respects to the young man, his cold demeanor was misinterpreted as numbness over the brutal death of his mother. No one suspected his being the culprit.