Rebuilding Pemberley

by Melanie Schertz

  “My coat is of no importance, Miss Elizabeth. It is your wellbeing that I feared for.” Both were now standing, and Darcy’s eyes began searching the area. “There was a man, it appeared that he pushed you.”

  “That would explain the feeling of being struck. But why would someone do such a thing? With the wagon and horses coming up the road, I was certain I would die.”

  Realizing the animals and wagon had also left the area, Darcy was puzzled. “We had best get you to Mr Gardiner’s home. Knowing your uncle and aunt, I am certain they will wish for a physician to ensure that you were not harmed. I can send for my family’s physician.”

  Elizabeth turned red. “Please, do not trouble yourself Mr Darcy. There is no need for you or my uncle to have such an expense.”

  “There is no need to fear, Miss Elizabeth. The cost is but a trifle in comparison to your health. I believe your uncle would say the same.”

  As if conjured by the mere mention of the man, Mr Gardiner came hurrying towards them. “Lizzy, Mr Darcy, are you well? What has happened?”

  Darcy noticed others beginning to pay attention them. “Perhaps it is best we speak of the matter once we arrive at your home, Mr Gardiner.”

  Mr Gardiner looked about and realized they were drawing more attention. “Of course. Lizzy, are you well enough to walk to the house or should I have the carriage prepared?”

  Mortification grew for the young lady. “Please, Uncle Edwin, do not fret over me. I am capable of making my way to the house.”

  And to prove her point, Elizabeth began walking the two streets to her uncle’s town house, while the two men followed her.

  Before she was able to open the door, it flew open and Helen Gardiner was there. “Lizzy, what has happened? Lucy was returning from an errand for Cook and said that you had been injured in the streets.”

  “Your maid is wrong Aunt Helen. I am well, due to the quick actions of Mr Darcy.”

  Mrs Gardiner had not noticed the men, her mind filled with concern for her niece. She had begun to usher Elizabeth inside, wrapping the young lady in a motherly embrace, with her arm surrounding Elizabeth’s shoulders. With Elizabeth’s words, Mrs Gardiner turned her head to see her husband and Mr Darcy coming up the stairs.

  “Mr Darcy, you are a hero this day. From what my maid said, I was certain that my dear girl was lost to us.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I am pleased that your niece is safe. Could I send for my physician, as in my attempts to rescue the damsel, I am afraid I was not gentle.”

  “Please, there is no need to fuss. I am well, Mr Darcy.” The young lady was not enjoying being the center of attention.

  “We can send for our physician, as he is familiar with Lizzy’s health.” Mr Gardiner replied. “And we must be certain that you are unharmed. From the state of your apparel, you did not come from the rescue unscathed.”

  Mrs Gardiner turned her attention to the gentleman. Noticing the tear in his coat, she instantly sent her husband to find something for Darcy to wear. Their housekeeper, Mrs Reed, was a fine seamstress and would see to the mending of the garment. Though Darcy continued to declare no need for the Gardiners to worry over him, he soon found himself wearing one of his friend’s coats while they waited for the physician to arrive.

  The Gardiner’s physician, Mr Abernathy, arrived an hour later. “Gardiner, I am sorry for the delay. I was checking on several patients when the lad tracked me down with your message. What has you niece gotten herself into today?”

  An instant dislike of the man bristled Darcy’s hair. He knew that he would be sending for his physician to pay a call on the young lady.

  “Abernathy, thank you for coming. My niece was nearly trampled by horses and a wagon. Due to Mr Darcy pulling her away from the road, Lizzy was saved from serious harm. She did fall to the ground, cushioned by Mr Darcy. We wish to be certain that she did not suffer serious harm.”

  “Very well, I will see to her care. Is she in her room?”

  When Mr Gardiner nodded his head, the physician made his way from the sitting room and went up the stairs. As soon as the man was out of hearing range, Darcy turned towards his friends. “Are you comfortable with the man attending your niece? He seems too carefree in his attitude.”

  “Mr Abernathy came highly recommended when Lizzy was first brought to our home. He has treated her injuries, even followed our decisions when they did not meet with his opinion.”

  Darcy frowned. “What did he wish to do in his treatment?”

  Mrs Gardiner shook her head. “He wished to amputate both of Lizzy’s legs. I know they were horribly injured, but losing both of her legs would have destroyed her will to live. We could not crush her spirit further than had already been done the night of the fire.”

  “Was the damage so severe? Please forgive me, I know it is impolite of me to ask such questions, but I have known you and your husband for some years now. My only wish is to be of aid to you.”

  Mr Gardiner took his wife’s hand before he spoke. “Lizzy’s legs were badly burned, and there was fear she would take a fever. With the breathing difficulties, she had from the smoke, her body was too weak to fight a fever. For nearly a month, we did not know if we would wake to find her still living. That month is one I never wish to endure again. She is too precious to us.”

  “I can understand the sentiment. And her condition now, her legs have healed from the burns?”

  “There was extensive scarring,” Mr Gardiner replied. “It makes it difficult for her to straighten her leg completely. And her ankles were scarred, making it difficult to move them in a normal manner. Lizzy still suffers from pain, and will likely have difficulty for the rest of her life. We also watch her carefully, for if she were to take a cold, with her lungs being damaged, she could die.”

  The news was painful for Darcy to hear. Having watched his mother die before his eyes, he could not imagine having the young lady he had met that day suffering a same fate. In just a few moments, Elizabeth Bennet had bewitched him. Her eyes, with golden flecks amongst the chocolate orbs, sparkled with life. Darcy would do anything he could to keep her alive.

  Mr Abernathy returned to the sitting room, with his evaluation. “I believe she is unharmed. Miss Lizzy was fortunate to have had such a hero, Mr Darcy.”

  A blush blossomed on Darcy’s cheeks. “My actions were of no great doing, though I am grateful to have been able to assist the young lady.”

  “And you were unharmed in the fall?” Mr Abernathy inquired.

  “Only a tear in my coat. No injuries to my person.”

  “Good, good. Well, I must be on my way. More patients to see today. Gardiner, would you see me to the door?” Mr Abernathy turned and walked from the room, with Mr Gardiner close behind him.

  Mrs Gardiner decided to change the subject. “William, is your sister in Town with you?”

  “She stayed at Pemberley, as we have a master working with her on the pianoforte.”

  “I enjoyed hearing her play when we were at Darcy House last fall. Such talent for one so young.”

  “Indeed. The master we hired was shocked at her abilities. When he learned her age, he stated that some of his students have practiced for years and have never come to be as talented as Georgiana.” Darcy bragged.

  “You should join us for supper tonight, if you have no previous engagements.” Mrs Gardiner offered. “I would be pleased to hear more of the work you have done at the estate.”

  ~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~

  Chapter 4

  Thomas Bennet was seated in his favorite chair in his study, book in one hand, a glass of port in the other. He was nearly halfway through reading the book, and did not wish to be disturbed until he had finished it entirely. He heard his wife’s voice as she called after Lydia and Kitty to join her in the sitting room she used as her personal room. Oh, how he wished for the earlier days of their marriage. Then, his wife was a sensible woman, kind and thoughtful of others. Her desperation since having no sons had changed her dra
matically.

  He also missed his second daughter. She was all that he could have wanted in a child, though she was a daughter, not the needed son to break the entail. How he wished that he could leave the estate to his beloved Lizzy. But that was not to be.

  A knock was heard on the door of his study. He bade the person to enter and found his butler, Mr Hill.

  “Pardon me, Mr Bennet, but the mail has just arrived.” The man held out a silver salver on which were several letters.

  Mr Bennet nodded his head. “Bring them to me. I have no desire to sit at my desk now.”

  Mr Hill stepped to his master and held the salver for the gentleman to gather. “Will there be anything else you require?”

  “No, Hill, I am fine. Are you to go to Meryton for supplies?”

  “I planned to leave in an hour. The list is short this week, so I should not be gone long.”

  Mr Bennet was grateful for his staff. Mr and Mrs Hill, who had been the butler and housekeeper for many years, had kept the house well ordered, even with his wife’s antics. How Mrs Hill managed to do her job and calm the nerves of her mistress, Mr Bennet did not know.

  There was a letter from an old friend with whom he had attended university with. Lord Ashton, he was now known, for his father had died. Mr Bennet had not heard from the man in many years. James Ashby was the second son of an earl, and uncertain what he wished to do with his life when they were close friends. The unfortunate accident which caused the deaths of Ashby’s father and elder brother had raised him into a higher society than Bennet, as Bennet did not have a title.

  Opening the letter, Mr Bennet read the contents.

  Thomas,

  I have thought of you lately, as I have been thinking of purchasing some new property and discovered the estate near yours is available. My solicitor informed me of the fire which destroyed the house, and the family was killed. Ghastly, I am sure. It was odd to learn that your daughter was visiting Netherfield the night of the fire and that she was the only survivor of those on the upper floors. Has she recovered fully from the ordeal?

  As I wish to see the estate before I purchase it, my solicitor has planned for me to visit on Monday next. If you are available, I would be grateful for you to join me, as you know the area and can advise me better than a servant can. With many of the higher ranked staff killed in the fire, there are none available that would have the proper knowledge of the estate.

  The journey from my town house in London to Hertfordshire should have my arrival near one o’clock. If this time agrees with your schedule, please send word to my townhouse.

  I look forward to chatting with you.

  Your friend, Lord Ashton

  Mr Bennet was surprised at the behavior of the man he once knew. Why would such a man wish to own Netherfield Park? The estate’s earnings had been low since the fire. Many of the tenants joined with staff who lived in the village of Sweetwater to battle the flames of the manor house of their employer. Viscount Dimpsy had been a kind master of the estate, and his family had long been a welcome part of the neighborhood.

  Thinking of his late neighbor brought a tear to Mr Bennet’s eyes. Not only the viscount was lost that night. His wife, two sons and a daughter also perished in the flames. The only reason Elizabeth had survived was that the room she was utilizing was the closest to the stairwell leading to the servant’s area. The others were cut off by debris and no one could reach them.

  Mr Bennet remembered that night vividly. The knocking at the door woke the entire house. Mrs Bennet was shrieking about being murdered in their sleep, while their daughters came into the hall of the second floor, peering down the staircase as their father made his way downstairs. The news, when he opened the door, was the most horrible Mr Bennet had ever received. Mr Jones, the apothecary in Meryton, came quickly, but declared Elizabeth needed a physician.

  Another vivid memory that the gentleman would never forget was the journey from Longbourn to the Gardiner’s home, with Elizabeth in severe pain and having difficulty in breathing. The longest week of his life was spent at his daughter’s side, as she fought for her life. Each day the wounds required tending. Mr Bennet could not bear to be in the room, as seeing the wounds was too much for the man. He was not strong enough to endure, and was grateful for his sister-in-law for her strength. Helen Gardiner had been able to do more for Elizabeth than Mrs Bennet, which was one of the reasons the Mistress of Longbourn had not been allowed to accompany her husband. Between Mrs Bennet’s nerves and hysterics, she would only add to the burden rather than aid in her daughter’s care.

  When Elizabeth was recovering, very few were allowed to visit her. Mrs Gardiner was adamant that the room be as clean as possible, including the bedding and those being in Elizabeth’s room. She made sure that a wash bowl and soap were kept outside the guest room which was used for Elizabeth’s sick room for all who planned to enter the room to wash their hands. All bedding was changed multiple times a day, as the wounds wept fluids on the sheets, and the treatments were messy.

  The use of honey on the burns had helped to keep the threat of fever down and was soothing. Through Mr Gardiner’s trade, he was able to acquire the herb turmeric, and it was combined with the honey in an effort to reduce the swelling and relief of pain. And there was an endless need of bandaging. And treatment for her breathing, using a tea brewed with honey, ginger, and licorice root, and steam treatments to reduce the swelling in her throat and lungs.

  Mr Bennet knew that it was a time he would never forget. And he prayed he would never have to repeat such an event.

  ~~**~~

  The number of ladies at the tea shop was unusually large when Caroline Bingley entered. And it was clear that something tantalizingly scandalous had happened, as they were busy gossiping amongst themselves.

  As Caroline made her way to the counter, she overheard bits and pieces of conversation.

  “It was shocking…she was seen lying across him, on the ground.”

  “Shameful…and to think, everyone had high hopes for him.”

  “His family must be embarrassed. Why, his uncle is an earl.”

  “Her family is in ruins, as there is no possibility that he would offer for someone like her.”

  “Low born chit…most likely she threw herself at him.”

  Unable to control her curiosity any further, Caroline looked for someone she knew. Finding Miss Bessie Landers, Caroline carefully approached the young lady. “Miss Landers, such a pleasure to see you. It has been an age since we were last in company. How are you today?”

  “Miss Bingley, it has been quite some time since we were last in each other’s company. I am well, as is my mother.” The young lady motioned towards her mother.

  “Of course, Mrs Landers, a pleasure to see you again.”

  The elder woman gave Caroline a nod of the head.

  Caroline leaned in to whisper to Miss Landers. “What has happened? Everyone seems to be discussing some sort of scandal.”

  “You have not heard? Your brother and father are close friends with the gentleman, so I am surprised you know nothing about the event. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy was seen, on the side of the road in Cheapside, with a young lady sprawled across him. We were told that he was lying on the ground, with the lady, if you can call her such, draped over him.”

  “Mr Darcy? This cannot be true. Mr Darcy is the most proper man I have ever known. He would never be involved with such a trollop. She must have been attempting to seduce and compromise the poor man.”

  “It is all of which everyone is speaking. Mary Cooper’s maid witnessed the scene, and she said that Mr Darcy had his hands on the young lady. I am surprise the news was not in the paper this morning. From what I have heard, one of Lord Covington’s footmen was also there. My father said that by last night, it was on the lips of all the men at White’s.”

  “Goodness, I must inform my brother and father. We must aid Mr Darcy in clearing his name. It would be horrible to have his reputation destroyed because o
f some Cheapside chit.” Caroline Bingley turned and fled from the shop, forgetting the order she was planning to place. This cannot be true. I am to marry Mr Darcy. He cannot be ruined by some nobody from Cheapside. If he was to marry me, I can save him from all the rumors and gossip. Father would be willing to assist me, he knows how dearly I have desired being Mistress of Pemberley. And Charles is Mr Darcy’s closest friend. We must make haste in assisting Mr Darcy.”

  ~~**~~

  Mr Gardiner was not pleased when he entered his home, after being at the warehouse for only a few hours. He had heard enough from all who came by his business to know his niece was compromised. Her reputation had been ruined, as had his friend’s. What was he to say to Elizabeth? And how was he to approach the subject with Darcy?

  “Edwin, what are you doing here now? I had not expected you for several more hours.”

  “I have had my fill of my office for the day. It seems our niece is all that everyone is speaking of today. A message must be sent to Mr Darcy immediately.”

  “Of what is everyone speaking? I do not understand.”

  Mr Gardiner looked at his wife, his eyes were those of someone deeply troubled. “My dear, there is gossip of our niece being compromised by Mr Darcy. Though we know that he saved Lizzy’s life, others only saw him on the ground with Elizabeth lying on top of him, his hands upon her body from when she was pulled towards him. I had prayed it would have gone unnoticed, but it did not.”

  Helen Gardiner gasped. “Oh, how terrible. Our poor girl. As if she did not have enough to endure, now there is gossip over her being rescued. What was William to do, allow her to be crushed by the horses and wagon?”

  “It is a difficult predicament to be sure. I must speak with William. We should prepare ourselves to find a different living situation for Lizzy. She will be unable to return to Longbourn, not only due to her condition, but also so as not to taint the reputations of her sisters.”