Rebuilding Pemberley

by Melanie Schertz

  “I am not sure what your uncle has told you of my family, but we had a fire at Pemberley, and I was at my mother’s side as she died. There are nights I still have nightmares, years after the event, as I was only twelve at the time of the fire.”

  He heard Elizabeth gasp. Continuing to speak, Darcy gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “As my mother was dying, she made me promise to marry for love. Then she told me that the moment I met the woman with whom I would fall in love, I would know. It was that way for her when she met my father. When I first met you, there was a spark of life that burst in my heart, waking it to the possibilities. I have been forced to participate in society over the years, yet never have I met anyone who could match you. You have opinions and can carry a conversation that is not centered on the latest fashions and other insipid topics. Not once have I heard a young lady who shared her true opinion, not mimic my words or what they think I would want to hear. You, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are the young lady my mother spoke of with her final words. And I beg you, please know that I will love and respect you every day of our life together.”

  “My father is not wealthy, and I have no dowry to bring to a marriage. We are far from being in the same society as you.”

  “As I told your uncle, I have no need for a dowry. My sister’s dowry was protected from my mother’s, and Pemberley currently earns nine thousand per annum. With the earnings from investments with your uncle, my annual income is nearly fifteen thousand pounds. We would be comfortable in our life, have no fear. And as to being far from me in society, your father is a gentleman, as am I. I hold no title, nor do I wish to have one. My uncle is an earl. My mother was the daughter of an earl. There is nothing in being titled that could entice me to want a title. With your father and I being gentlemen, that puts us on equal grounds.”

  Elizabeth looked at her aunt and uncle, and found they were encouraging her to accept the proposal. Though she was overwhelmed, Elizabeth knew her heart had also been sparked into life, the day that she met Fitzwilliam Darcy. She knew that she could love such a man.

  “Mr Darcy, my answer is yes. I will marry you.”

  ~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~

  Chapter 6

  An express was dispatched to Mr Bennet at Longbourn, and a footman was sent to Lord Matlock, who was staying in Town with his wife and elder son, as they were waiting for Richard to take leave from his unit in the regulars. Darcy wished to introduce his intended to his relations sooner rather than later, as he planned to send an announcement to the paper immediately after meeting with Mr Bennet, which Darcy planned to do the following day. The express was to alert Elizabeth’s father of Darcy’s intentions. If he received her father’s blessing, Darcy planned for the marriage to be conducted on the following Monday. Having received the special license from his godfather, Fitzwilliam Darcy wished to have his betrothed become his wife, putting to rest any damage to Elizabeth’s reputation.

  The afternoon was filled with activity, as Mr Gardiner had written a letter to accompany Darcy’s to Mr Bennet, informing his brother-in-law of the character of the young man who was asking for the elder gentleman’s favorite daughter.

  Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth began a list of things they would need to accomplish in the few days that would come in the following days, if her father agreed to the marriage.

  A message arrived from Lord and Lady Matlock, inviting Darcy to bring Elizabeth and her relations to dine at Matlock House on Saturday. Lady Matlock had heard the rumors regarding her nephew, rumors to which she gave no merit. Lord Matlock had been to his club and heard the men placing odds on whether Darcy had taken a mistress in Cheapside. The Matlock family knew Mr and Mrs Gardiner, having met the couple in the past, and had high opinion of them. Having the support of his aunt and uncle, at least in meeting Elizabeth, was relief to Darcy.

  ~~**~~

  “How difficult was your task? All you had to do was push a girl in front of a team of horses. It was a simple task, even a dimwit could have accomplished. But you were unable to complete the job I gave you. The chit is still alive. She may still be able to identify me. I will not have her ruin all I have set in motion.” The man nearly shouted in his fury. His servant had failed him, and he did not accept failure.

  “She shoulda been crushed. I did as you say, it was the gent who saved her.”

  “No excuses, Frank. You will need to complete your duty. If you do not, I recommend you disappear before I can find you.”

  The servant gulped. He knew his employer’s reputation and the number of people who had disappeared without a word. He had no desire to be the next to vanish.

  ~~**~~

  Friday morning dawned bright and early, allowing Darcy to begin his journey to Longbourn at first light. The trip would take half a day’s journey to Longbourn, time to speak with Mr Bennet, and then the return. He wished he could take Elizabeth with him, but he wished to ride one of his horses, shortening the journey. Elizabeth had written a letter to her father, explaining her decision to accept the offer from Darcy, which she entrusted to her fiancé to deliver to her father.

  Darcy arrived at Longbourn near eleven that morning. He was ushered into Mr Bennet’s study by Mr Hill. “Sir, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy to see you.”

  “Thank you, Hill. Have refreshments sent in, as I am sure Mr Darcy could use some tea to wash down the dust he must have inhaled on his journey.”

  Mr Bennet remained seated and motioned to the seat in front of his desk on which Darcy was to sit.

  “So, Mr Darcy, my brother-in-law gave you a glowing report. Did Gardiner inform you that Lizzy is my dearest daughter, whom I cherish? What should make me believe you worthy of the hand of my daughter? You have compromised my Lizzy, and you believe I will hand her to you?”

  “My compromise of your daughter was a result of my pulling her to safety. Had I not done so, she would likely have been killed. If my behavior was disgraceful, I will gladly accept your disapproval, as Miss Elizabeth would still be blessing the world.”

  The elder gentleman watched his guest carefully. “And what is my daughter’s opinion of the matter?”

  “I have a letter for you to read her opinion. Miss Elizabeth has made me the happiest of men, by accepting my offer. It is my greatest desire to make her life the best possible.”

  Opening the letter from Elizabeth, Mr Bennet began reading.

  Papa,

  I know this is sudden, and I can imagine you saying that I am out of my mind to be accepting such a man. But Papa, he is a good man and I believe his words. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have known Mr Darcy for many years, and they say he is honorable and caring, devoted to those he deems family and friends.

  Though you might not believe me, I have accepted Mr Darcy with an open mind and heart. He is the best of men.

  With love from your devoted daughter,

  Lizzy

  Finished reading, Mr Bennet refolded the letter, placing it in his desk drawer. “It appears my daughter is accepting of the matter. You are aware there no real dowry, only her share of her mother’s dowry of five thousand pound, upon my wife’s death.”

  “I am aware. My estate and investments are more than substantial to support my family. And I have instructed my solicitor to draw up the marriage settlement. Your daughter is to receive forty thousand pounds if I predecease her. She will also have a home, at either my estate or the townhouse in Town. Miss Elizabeth will have generous pin money and clothing allowance. As my wife, she will want for nothing, including all the books she could ever desire reading.” The last statement was added, for he was aware of his intended’s love of the written word. It was obvious that she had inherited the passion from her father.

  “You know my daughter well if you respect her joy of books. Most men would find it to be a detriment, as a knowledgeable wife who is well read in many directions is frowned upon.”

  “Her love of reading and her intelligence are dear to me. Miss Elizabeth is unlike all the other ladies I have met. Most ladies speak of gowns and su
ch, of balls and dinner parties, only saying what they assume a gentleman would want to hear. Your daughter is unlike any other, giving her opinions and debating the reasoning behind her opinions.”

  The father of his betrothed leaned forward, his elbows on the desk and his fingers steepled. “Very well, Mr Darcy. Allow me to pen a message to my brother-in-law of my decision, and giving him my permission to sign the marriage settlement. With the rumors circulating, I assume you wish to wed soon.”

  “We planned to marry at the Gardiner’s church on Monday. We will remain in Town for several weeks, as I wish for Miss Elizabeth to be able to order anything she will requires. I do not socialize much in the ton, though she will wish for some gowns made which would be fitting for someone of her new status. And the weather in Derbyshire is different than here or London. There will be need to begin purchasing clothing that is warmer for winters in the north.”

  “I will give you the funds to purchase my daughter’s trousseau.” Mr Bennet said as he began to open another drawer of his desk.

  Darcy held up his hand. “There is no need, Mr Bennet. I am willing to purchase everything Miss…Elizabeth will require.” The realization that he could now refer to his intended by her given name brought pleasure to the young man.

  Mr Bennet pulled out a sheet of parchment, fixed his pen, and began writing to Mr Gardiner. When he finished with the letter, he sanded it and placed it to the side. Pulling out another sheet, Mr Bennet wrote to his treasured daughter. Darcy stood and walked to the window, looking outside, as he had noticed the elder man had a tear spill over and streamed down the man’s cheek.

  The gentleman finished his letter, and after it was sanded, folded both letters and handed them to his daughter’s soon to be husband. “I presume you are planning to leave right away, to return to London quickly.”

  A nod from Darcy spoke his plan.

  “Perhaps it would be wise to take some nourishment. It would do no good for you to fall off your horse on you return, lacking in strength.” As Mr Bennet spoke, there was a knock on the door of the study. Bidding the person to enter, it was Mrs Hill, bringing a tray of tea, cold meat, bread and cheese.

  “Ah, Mrs Hill, perfect timing. Mr Darcy will be leaving for Town soon, and I had just spoken to him of taking refreshments before making the journey.”

  The housekeeper smiled. “One should be properly fed before exerting themselves in such a task of riding such a distance.”

  Mr Bennet smiled. “You are the first to learn that Mr Darcy is to wed our Lizzy. Is that not perfectly wonderful?”

  “Mr Darcy, you could not find one better than Miss Lizzy. She is a true gem.” The housekeeper made her opinion of Elizabeth known in her expression. Clearly, she was fond of the second daughter of the household. “If you would be so kind, give the Miss my deepest regards and blessings on your union.”

  “I will share your words with Mi…Elizabeth when I see her on my return. And on her behalf, I thank you.”

  Mr Hill arrived at the study as his wife was preparing to exit the room. “Mr Bennet, Lord Ashton has arrived.”

  “Send him in. Mrs Hill, could you bring another cup and some biscuits?”

  The woman nodded her head and left, as her husband escorted the guest to the study.

  “Ashton, you are early. I had not expected you to arrive until this afternoon.” Mr Bennet stated as he stood. Shaking the hand of his longtime friend, Bennet introduced the earl to Darcy. “This is my soon to be son-in-law, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”

  James Ashby was surprised. “Mr Darcy, I am surprised to meet you under these circumstances. I thought you to be a man of great wealth. My friend is a good man, but not of the same society as you. Why would a man such as yourself decide to wed beneath his station?”

  Darcy and Mr Bennet became ruffled by such a remark. To declare a family as unfit in such a manner, in the gentleman’s home, was rude and unkind.

  “As I am a gentleman, and Mr Bennet is the same, I believe we are equal. Elizabeth is a gentlewoman, and therefore, fit to be my wife.”

  “No need to get your hackles up. I was only surprised. Lord Matlock must be furious.” The earl stated.

  “On the contrary, we are to dine at Matlock House tomorrow, to introduce Elizabeth to my family.” Darcy stated, as he sat straight and tall in his chair. “And am certain they will adore her. If you believe the Bennets beneath your status, I am curious as to your purpose of coming here.”

  “I have known Bennet for many years, having attended university together. Of course, I was the lowly second son of an earl in those days. After my father and brother perished, the title came to me, along with the properties and businesses.”

  There was something in the back of Darcy’s mind. Something telling the young man to beware the man before him. He prayed he was incorrect and just reacting to the slight Lord Ashton had given to the Bennet family. Finishing his repast, Darcy stood and bid farewell to Mr Bennet and Lord Ashton.

  “Make sure you give my daughter my warmest blessings for her happiness.” Mr Bennet stated, his voice crackling as he spoke. He reached over the desk to shake the younger man’s hand.

  “Indeed, I will.”

  When Darcy was gone, Lord Ashton commented on the family. “Darcy is young, and was so when he became master of his estate. At one time, I had spoken with his uncle with regards to purchasing the estate. It had fallen on hard times, and his father had died. I was surprised when I was turned down, as I could not believe one so young could be manage such a responsibility.”

  “From what I heard, he has rebuilt his estate and his fortune has increased. Darcy has even invested with my wife’s brother, Mr Gardiner. Gardiner has known the gentleman for many years and speaks highly of him.”

  “Well, I have not kept up on the boy’s current situation. And he is to marry your daughter Elizabeth? Is she not the one who was injured at Netherfield Park?”

  “She was. I believe I wrote to you that she lives in Town, with the Gardiners.”

  “Yes, yes, I believe you did declare such news in your letter. Now, let us journey to Netherfield. I wish to return to Town this day.” Lord Ashton stated. “Let us see how changed the estate is since the fire.”

  Mr Bennet was confused. “I had no notion that you had been in the neighborhood before today.”

  Lord Ashton looked at his friend curiously. Realizing what he had said, he replied. “The viscount knew my brother. When I was younger, before I met you, we stopped at Netherfield on our way to Town. It was a pleasant estate at the time, though I have no expectations of its grandeur presently.”

  “The fire did considerable damage to the manor house, and some of the surrounding buildings. Fortunately, the servant cottages and tenant homes were saved.”

  Lord Ashton nodded his head. “I can start from scratch on the manor house, make it the way I wish. My only concern is the income from the estate.”

  Something in his words chilled Mr Bennet to the bone. His friend had changed immensely.

  ~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~

  Chapter 7

  Entering the modiste shop of one of the finest dressmakers in London, Caroline Bingley was glancing around the shop for anything new that she could not live without. She was always one to adhere to the latest fashions, making the rounds of the shops on a weekly basis to learn of anything new.

  Madame Celeste was the premier modiste to the ton and her creations were worn in all the high society gatherings.

  As Caroline browsed the shop, she heard two ladies speaking in the private room at the back. What she heard made her listen closer.

  “We will be meeting the young lady tomorrow, as she is to accompany my nephew to dine at our home. I know little of the lady, only that she is the daughter of a country gentleman. But my nephew requested I make an appointment next week, for her trousseau to be made. And we will need to plan for the winter, as Derbyshire winters can be harsh.”

  “Of course, Lady Matlock. Would Friday at ten be agr
eeable with you? I assume you will be coming with the lady.” Madame Celeste spoke.

  “Yes, it is my intention. I am certain Darcy would want me to set up accounts at shops for his betrothed.”

  Caroline gasped. Could it be true? Had Mr Darcy been trapped into marrying the harlot who had compromised him? How could she save him from such a fate?

  Making a quick exit from the shop, Caroline hurried to her father’s house, plotting in her mind what she could do to change the outcome of Darcy’s future.

  ~~**~~

  The return trip took a bit longer, as Darcy’s horse threw a shoe when he was only an hour from London. Fortunately, the blacksmith was convinced to return to work, while Darcy took food and drink at the nearby inn. Knowing he would not see his Elizabeth until the following day, Darcy took his time, adding an extra two hours to his journey.

  It was growing dark when Darcy arrived at his townhouse. He was exhausted, though his heart was light and happier than he ever could have believed. Fitzwilliam Darcy was in love. And he was soon to marry the young lady he loved. Nothing could be better, as he was certain they would have a wonderful future. On his journey from Longbourn, Darcy imagined the life they would have. Settled together in front of a roaring fire on a snowy winter day, reading to one another, making love together, the children they would one day have.

  But along with the thoughts of his future, there was something from the past that was pestering him. There was something familiar about Lord Ashton. Darcy was certain that he had met the man before, but he could not place where he knew him from. He would speak with his uncle, as Lord Matlock would know the earl.

  “Mr Darcy, welcome home.” Davies said, as he opened the door for his master. “I pray your journey was pleasant.”

  “More than pleasant, Davies. I will be a married man on Monday.” Darcy declared, a smile on his face so large that his rarely seen dimples were visible. “After I have a chance to freshen up and have a bit of food, I would like to meet with you and Mrs Kingston. You will be quite busy in the days to come."