The Conservatory of Hope

by Melanie Schertz

  Pulling letters from her pocket, Elizabeth began to read some of them to her father. “Papa, I know that Mamma has done many wrongs, but it is time to see the good she is doing now. We do not expect you to allow her to remain here after the wedding, and Mr Bingley is willing to allow her to stay at Netherfield if you do not wish to have her here.”

  “Your mother is sewing, that is quite a shock. She never liked doing so when she was younger.”

  “I believe that she wished to find some way to help and this was the best idea that she could come up with. Her cousin is having a good effect on her.” “Well, I am pleased to know that she is finally becoming useful to others.”

  A thought crossed Elizabeth’s mind. “Papa, did you love Mamma when you married?”

  “No, it was arranged by her mother and my father. Her father was ill.” “The night before she left for Scotland, Mamma and I had a long talk. She told me that she felt she had to marry you to save her family; much like she felt forced to do with me. Her father was ill, and they would have lost everything if she had not married you. Then, when you became ill, she thought that you would die and leave the family with nothing. Can you see why she placed the faith she did in her brother in obtaining a husband for me? She felt that she could trust Uncle Gardiner; she had no reason to not trust him. But she was tricked by him, as we all were. Though she wished for me to marry well so that she and my sisters would be protected when you died, she never wished me to be harmed like I was. When she saw the scars that I have on my body, Mamma was truly repulsed and horrified. The scars told her the truth of what we told her, and made her realize just how foolish she was to believe her brother when he told her that my husband was a good man.”

  “I never knew that your Mamma thought she had no alternative but to marry me. I wish she had told me, I would not have treated her so poorly. Perhaps we could have even had a friendship rather than what we had. We were both fools, and you children paid the price for our behavior.”

  “Is it too late to begin again? Are you willing to learn just who Mamma really is?” Mr Bennet sat back in his chair, his hands folded in his lap. “I wish to speak with all of my daughters before I make a decision. Would you gather your sisters and ask them to come here?”

  In less than a quarter of an hour, Elizabeth had all of her sisters seated in the study. Mr Bennet began to speak, relating the information that he had learned from Elizabeth. When he finished, he asked their opinion. “I cannot promise that your mother and I can ever have a loving relationship, as I am learning that I did not know her as I should have. Admittedly, I am as responsible for the situation as she, for I laughed at her behavior rather than try to understand why she acted the way she did. I wish to garner your opinion as to whether I should send for your mother to return or should we continue as we have these past two months.”

  Jane’s response was expected. “I wish to see Mamma return home. I believe that you and she can work through all the problems.” “I do not know that Mamma is being true, as she has always treated Lizzy poorly.” Kitty said. Her bold statement caught everyone off guard. “I understand what you have said, and I wish that she has changed, but it is difficult for me to believe she has. Perhaps if I can see the change for myself, I will believe it.”

  “Kitty, you are jealous because Mamma always liked me better than you.” Lydia said. “I, for one, miss Mamma and wish for her to return as soon as possible. She is the only one who appreciates my thinking.”

  Elizabeth noted that Mary had yet to make a comment. “Mary, have you an opinion to share with us?” A tear trickled down one of the middle sister’s cheeks. “When Mamma was here, no one listened to my opinions. Now, I feel as if you all give merit to what I have to say. If Mamma returns, I am afraid that I will be ignored and treated as if I do not exist again.”

  “Oh, Mary, dear sister, we have all been guilty of not paying as much attention as you deserve.” Elizabeth said as she gathered her sister into her embrace. “You have always fallen through the cracks. Jane and I were together, and Kitty and Lydia were off in their world.”

  “While you were away, Jane turned to me for friendship. But when you returned, Jane resumed her bond with you. No one ever wished for me unless there was no one else to fill the void.” Mary’s cheeks were covered with streaks from the tears she shed.

  Jane and Kitty joined Elizabeth in embracing Mary. Surprisingly, it was Kitty who spoke. “Mary, you are often forgotten, and I beg your forgiveness for my part in never giving you credit when credit was due. I wish to try again, to be a better sister to you. Will you allow me?”

  Elizabeth pulled back far enough to wipe the tears from her own cheeks before tenderly using her handkerchief to wipe Mary’s cheeks. “I believe that it is time that we all got to know each other. It seems that Mamma was not the only one needing to change her behavior. We all took each other for granted or ignored the needs of those we love. What do all of you think, shall we try to repair the damage in our family?”

  Only Lydia did not care for knowing her siblings better. Mr Bennet agreed to invite his estranged wife to come for the weddings and he would allow her to stay at Longbourn. They would ask her to come early, so that they could have time for the family to decide changes that needed to be made.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 18 A letter arrived at Longbourn in reply to Mr Bennet’s to his wife. Mrs Bennet would return to Longbourn in a week’s time. She looked forward to seeing all of her daughters and her husband as well. She also agreed that their family needed to make changes. There was a letter included for Elizabeth, congratulating her on her upcoming marriage. Elizabeth smiled as she read her mother’s words, realizing that Fanny Bennet was finally the mother she had always wished for.

  Mrs Hill prepared Mrs Bennet’s bedchambers for the Mistress of Longbourn’s return. Mrs Phillips had mixed feelings with regards to her sister’s return. The letters that had arrived from their cousin in Scotland confirmed Mrs Bennet’s changed attitude and her repenting of her behavior that led to Mr Gardiner’s plans for Elizabeth’s first marriage.

  The surprising letter that arrived the following day was from London, addressed to Elizabeth.

  Dear Elizabeth,

  I am still trying to unravel all that has happened in the past few years. Your uncle refused to ever speak with me of anything with regards to you or your family. Yesterday morning, your uncle’s apprentice entered the warehouse to find my husband had killed himself. He hung himself from the rafters. On his desk was a stack of papers which finally opened my eyes to what had happened starting several years ago. To say that I am shocked is an understatement.

  I learned of his failed business dealings with a Mr Albert Bentley, and the threats of violence that the man made against Edward as well as our family. After seeing you with me one day when we took the children to the park, Mr Bentley decided that he would accept the financial loss, as well as paying a sum towards your mother’s widowhood when your father died, if he could marry you. From the journal and other papers I have sorted through, it appears that your uncle thought he had no choice. He knew that the man had been rumored to be violent, so he knew that if he did not agree to Mr Bentley’s terms, the man would harm us. It does not justify his marrying you off to such a man, but your uncle felt he had no alternative.

  Not being allowed to be at your wedding, and never being allowed to contact you afterwards was difficult, as I felt we had shared a close relationship. But your uncle insisted that it was Mr Bentley’s demand and that it was to be abided by. I thought of you often and wondered where you were and how you were doing. I wondered if you had had children, if you were happy, if you traveled to all the places you had wished to visit. My heart was torn from not knowing the truth, but I was not allowed to even ask your uncle or your family.

  When I read the letter that Edward left for me before he took his own life, I was devastated. My dear girl, I wish I had known the truth, even back then. I would have insisted that you b
e returned to Longbourn before that man could have forced the consent to marry you. The potential danger to our family was nothing in comparison to what you endured. Edward was weak, and you paid the price for that weakness. Dear, Lizzy, I am heartbroken for what you were forced into, and pleased that that man is gone forever. It pleased me to know that you have been restored to your family and that the evil of Mr Bentley will never harm you again. May he rot in his grave for all the evil he brought to you. I pray that you find a good man to love you and care for you. Perhaps one day, you will be able to travel and become a mother. You deserve such happiness.

  My plans are to sell our property and Edward’s business here, and return to Lambton. I still have friends who live there, as well as one of my sisters, Mrs Martha Wilson, whose husband runs the general store in Lambton. They will assist me in purchasing a home there, and I can take in some sewing to support my children and myself.

  I know that these are only words, but I am deeply sorrowed by all that has happened to you. I pray for your happiness and for your future. Perhaps, in the future, you might find it in your heart to forgive me for not setting my foot down and demanding Edward to tell me all.

  Mr Phillips has been asked to come to Town to assist me in settling all of the business and sale of the property. Hopefully he will find it in his heart to do so.

  In closing, God bless you and keep you safe. Know that I do love you, and wish that this had all been different.

  Your Aunt,

  Helen Gardiner Elizabeth could not believe that her uncle would take his own life. She knew from her father and Darcy that the man was a shell of the man they had once known, when Jane and Elizabeth were young girls. Elizabeth had found it difficult to realize the truth of the uncle she had loved during her childhood, was the same man who had as much as sold her to Bentley. And now her uncle was dead, taken his own life and left his wife and children to make their own way in the world.

  Thinking of how difficult it was for her aunt, now a widow with four young children to tend to on her own, Elizabeth decided to attempt to keep in touch with the remaining members of the Gardiner family. She would speak with her Uncle Phillips when he returned from Town. Her heart went out to the children, for they were far too young to have any guilt in the situation.

  ~~ ** ~~ The final preparations were completed and the children were to arrive in two days to the orphanage. Three teachers had been hired, as well as a housekeeper, a grounds keeper, four maids, and two footmen. The supplies had all arrived, and there were a dozen children due to arrive to live at the former Purvis Lodge. There were at least another dozen children from the neighborhood that would be attending the school. The housekeeper was the sister of Mrs Hill, and she was pleased to be taking the position, as she had never been blessed with children of her own. She had moved from her home in the north to take the position.

  Everyone had been suggesting that Elizabeth should give the project a name, but Elizabeth was unsure as to what it should be called. Unknown to her, Darcy resolved the situation. When they arrived the day before the children were to arrive, Elizabeth was confused as to the covered sign that was affixed to the front of the building.

  The family, friends, and people from the neighborhood gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Darcy surprised his betrothed when he pulled the rope which released the cover over a sign on the front of the house.

  ELIZABETH BENNET SCHOOL AND HOME FOR CHILDREN “William, when did you have the sign made?” Elizabeth asked. “We had not even determined the name to have a sign prepared.” “Your father and I discussed it, and then we consulted your sisters. It seemed only fitting to name it for you. Without you, this project would never have come to be.”

  Darcy smiled and lifted Elizabeth’s hand to his lips. After placing a chaste kiss on the back of it, she accepted his offer of his arm to escort her inside. There were refreshments for all who had come for the ceremony, as well as tours through the home. It was one of the most satisfying days that Elizabeth could remember in her life.

  The following morning, the entire Bennet family, including the Darcys and Mr Bingley, were on hand when the children began to arrive. The orphans that would be the first at the home consisted of five girls and seven boys, all coming from different communities in the county. The children ranged from ages five to two and ten.

  It had been determined that the children would be taught basic reading, writing, and doing their sums. The girls would be taught sewing and needle work, as well as music. The boys would be taught farming techniques as well as preparing them to apprentice in different fields or to join the military.

  The children would also be expected to assist with chores around the home and the surrounding park. They would need to make their beds each morning, assist in setting the table for meals, as well as cleaning up after the meals, and other chores to help the maids. And for doing as they were asked, they would be rewarded each week with a treat. The treats ranged from going to Meryton with the adults to do the shopping, and receiving some sweets from the general store to being allowed to learn to ride a horse properly.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet arrived the second week of March, a week before the wedding of her two eldest daughters. She received a warm welcome from her daughters, more so than she had expected. The most shocking was her husband’s behavior. After allowing his daughters to embrace their mother, Mr Bennet stepped forward, with Bingley’s guiding hand, and took hold of Mrs Bennet’s hand. He then placed a kiss on his wife’s hand, welcoming her home.

  “Th…th…thank you, Mr Bennet.” “Fanny, I would be honored if you would return to calling me Thomas.” Mr Bennet then wrapped her hand around his arm and escorted her inside the house. Lydia giggled at her father’s behavior, while the other four sisters were unsure what to make of what had occurred. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, as Bingley offered his to Jane. The younger sisters followed the couples inside the house and directly into the drawing room.

  Mrs Hill quickly brought the refreshments that Mr Bennet had requested earlier in the day. Mrs Bennet was surprised to see that her husband had asked for her favorite biscuits and berry tarts to be served. Perhaps he wished for the treats for his own taste, or Mrs Hill remembered and added them to the tray.

  “Fanny, how was your journey? Are you well?” Mr Bennet asked. “I am very well, Th…Thomas, thank you for inquiring. And you, are you well?” Mr Bennet smiled. “I, too, am very well. I know that you are most likely weary from the journey, and would like to refresh, but I wished to inform you of a family decision we made recently.”

  A look of fear came over Mrs Bennet’s expression. “Would you prefer me to stay at the inn in Meryton?” “No, Fanny. We had a family discussion before we extended the invitation to you to come for the weddings. In the discussion, we discovered that we have all been guilty of ignoring the needs and concerns of the rest of our family. Take our dear Mary for an example. Did you know she felt as if she did not belong in our family? She has wished for many years to have someone care about her, speak with her of her likes and dislikes, and she wishes someone would ask her to spend time with them.”

  Tears came to Mrs Bennet’s eyes. “Dear Mary, I spoke with my cousin on this very matter just a fortnight ago. I was hoping that while I was here, we would have a chance to speak. I wish to know you better.”

  “All of our daughters have been left to find their own way all of their lives.” Mr Bennet continued. “But I am not blaming you, Fanny. I hid away in my study for far too long, keeping myself entertained with my books. I have been a poor example of a father and a husband, for I never took the time to know any of you. Instead, I watched in amusement at your follies. We have discussed what changes we need to make in our family. And the main change we all, with the exception of Lydia, have agreed on is we wish to know each other better. So, each night, one of our family members will be the king or queen of the house. Today, Mary is our queen. She chooses the menu for our meals, as will she decides what entertainment we will ha
ve after dinner. If she so choses, she may decide that we should just chat in the evening.”

  “This is a wonderful idea, Thomas. I find it to be a splendid way for you all to know each other better.” Mrs Bennet smiled. “You mistake me, Fanny. This is a family decision, and that includes the entire family. Monday is Jane’s day, Tuesday is Elizabeth’s, Wednesday is Mary’s, Thursday is Kitty’s, and Friday is Lydia’s; which leaves Saturday as your day and Sunday as mine. Once Elizabeth leaves the neighborhood, we will have to make some changes, but Jane and Bingley will be nearby and will enjoy dining with us on Monday each week.”

  Mrs Bennet grew confused. “What are you saying, Thomas? While I am visiting, I will have Saturday as my special day of the week?” “I am saying that Saturday will be your day of the week, if you choose to stay at Longbourn, with your family. In my clumsy way, I am asking you, Fanny Bennet, to remain in our home, as you should. It is high time that we get to know each other, for I do not believe we ever really did. Will you give me a chance to know the real you, Fanny? The silly woman who has made a fool of herself in the years of our marriage is not truly who you are. I realize my blame in not setting your fears aside long ago. I should not have kept Phillips from informing you of the will while I was near death, for you deserved to know what your future held. Can you accept this? Will you allow me to know who you really are?”

  The tears were free flowing down the cheeks of Mrs Bennet, her daughters, and even Mr Bennet. “I wish to know all of you better as well. When I saw the scars on Elizabeth, the night before I left for Scotland, I realized what a foolish woman I have been all these years. If you are certain, then yes, I would very much like to remain at Longbourn and know my family better.”

  “Then it is settled. I had Mrs Hill air out your rooms and make them ready for you. I am sure that you would like to refresh from the trip and I would bet that a bath could be prepared in short order if you would like to relax in the warm, fragranced water. At least I believe that was what our daughters were doing; the scent of rose water was intoxicating when I came downstairs this morning.”