Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  Some half hour later, there was a knock at the door and Mr. Simkins entered with Jessica. The party stood and he bowed to them. Jessica’s eyes were red and her face bore the mottled look of one who had been crying hard for a very long time. Her father’s arm was around her waist and he held her tightly against his side.

  “It seems that the reunion was successful?” Darcy asked softly.

  “Mr. Darcy … All of you …” Mr. Simkins paused. “We had given up hope.” He drew a deep breath. “We had searched for her, not finding a trace anywhere. I hired men to comb London and every place we could. She had vanished. The possibilities that occurred to us were horrible, but … Even knowing precisely where she has been and what she has done, I can only be grateful that she is found.” He looked to his daughter and kissed her cheek. “It strikes my heart cold to know that she stood outside of her home and did not have the courage to return. It breaks me to know that she had taken a position as a servant,” he choked, “at a home within view of hers.”

  “Thank you all for your part in reuniting me with my family.” Jessica whispered. “I am deeply ashamed. Mr. Bennet, I … I wish to beg you to tell Lydia that … I am grateful for her still thinking enough of me to summon help. I know that I treated her terribly and I encouraged her. I am so sorry, sir. Mrs. Darcy, I … I heard every word of your chastisement, and every word of your compassion and care, and I wish so much that I had listened to my sisters when they attempted to do the same. I thought that I was better than they.” She looked at the floor. “Now I know how insignificant I am.” She looked back up to her and smiled a little. “Thank you, madam. Thank you, Mrs. Hurst, for bringing me here.”

  “What will you do?” Elizabeth came forward and embraced her. “My husband and his friends have considered some options, if you have none in mind.”

  Simkins looked to his daughter. “Although we have maintained that she is away at school and all is well, we are aware that the news of her disappearance has made its way about our circle. To protect her sisters from her ruin, we … We know that she must leave us.”

  “Have you relatives she might join?” Darcy offered.

  “Yes.” He sighed. “I have family in the north. There she may live and start again. Hopefully she will marry a good man one day when she is older. Much older.” He kissed her cheek and bowed. “We have intruded on your company long enough. We are grateful. Thank you.”

  “I will see you to the door.” Mrs. Hurst offered and left the room.

  Darcy walked to Elizabeth and slipped his arm around her waist. “She is fortunate.”

  “So are we.” She looked up to him and he kissed her.

  From across the room, Mr. Bennet nodded his head. “Fortunate indeed.”

  “THANK HEAVENS.” Jane sighed and read again Elizabeth’s letter telling every detail of Jessica’s rescue. “I know that Lydia would have run away.”

  “Truly?” Lucas leaned over her shoulder to read. “What held her back, do you think?”

  “I think that it was the general fury that erupted around the school when Jessica disappeared. She thought then that it was a great adventure, but surely seeing the upset of every other person in that school, and listening to the girls discussing her fate, had to give her pause.” She sighed. “I will have to talk to her about it before she returns to school.”

  “She has come to visit you daily since your talk.” He kissed her cheek and took a seat next to her. “I see a bit of hero worship in her eyes.”

  “That will have to stop eventually. She admired Miss Simkins and look what it bought her. She will have to learn to stand on her own.”

  “I hardly see you as one to run off with a soldier, or to be a bad influence.” Lucas glanced out of the parlour door and ducking his head, kissed her lips. “Jane …” He started to draw her into his arms when they were startled by the sound of Mrs. Lucas scolding a servant, then the sound of running feet and Maria screeching. She ran into the room and sat down across from them. Lucas immediately let go of Jane. “Do you know how to knock?” He glared.

  “The door was open.”

  “Well then look before you come in!” Lucas heard his brothers again. “What are they doing?”

  “They were chasing me with a dead mouse.” Maria shuddered. “John had a handful of black beetles that he said he was going to put in my bed.”

  “Mother would have had his hide if he did.” Lucas closed his eyes. “When do you go to visit Charlotte?”

  “In a fortnight.” She tilted her head. “You are invited, too. Then Papa could stay home. Wouldn’t that be wonderful, all of us in the parish house?”

  “How did Elizabeth describe Hunsford?” Lucas asked Jane.

  “Snug.” Jane smiled and he groaned. “Robert, she does invite us to London in her letter.”

  “To Darcy House?” He sat up. “When?”

  “Well, there is the ball at Matlock House, which I remember was wonderful, and Mary will be quietly coming out there. That is this coming Tuesday. We are welcome to attend.” She looked at him hopefully. “We could dance.”

  “We could sleep in peace.” He said under his breath.

  “It is an enormous home.” Jane glanced at Maria. “She said that Papa was invited to stay, but he said that he must speak to Lydia about Jessica and then return her to school. He will regret the library that he is at last allowed to enjoy, but he will return tomorrow.”

  “It would just be Darcy, Elizabeth, Mary … and us?” He swallowed and gripped her hand.

  “Yes.” Jane squeezed back. “Fitzwilliam will send his carriage.”

  “Really?” Lucas glanced at his sister’s curious stare. “Have you accepted?

  “I was waiting for you!” Jane laughed when he jumped up and went to the writing desk. “I think that your answer is clear!”

  “I never thought that London would appeal to me, Jane.” He heard the sound of his brothers’ voices mixed with those of his parents, “But it sounds like heaven to me now!”

  “THERE YOU GO SWEETHEART.” Elizabeth smiled and watched Rosalie toddle away. “She is doing so well, and it was only a week ago that she stood.”

  “Soon she will be climbing trees like you.” Mr. Bennet looked around the small garden and smiled, watching as Rosalie picked up a block and immediately putting it to her mouth and grinning, wobbled over to give to Elizabeth. “Mamamamama!”

  “Thank you!” Elizabeth smiled and gingerly took the wet wood. “What a nice block!” Rosalie beamed and accepted a kiss to her cheek, then toddled away to find a new treasure for her mother.

  “You have quite a collection there.”

  “It is growing.” Elizabeth looked around the blanket and then up to her father seated on a bench in their small garden. “She will not get near a tree if Fitzwilliam has anything to say about it.”

  “Will he?” He chuckled to see his daughter arch her brow then smiled as a toy duck was delivered with a crow of delight.

  “Yes! Duck!” Elizabeth quacked and tickled Rosalie’s belly and she giggled, off to find another gift.

  Mr. Bennet picked up a small rag doll. “Rosalie.” He said softly and held it out. “For Mama.” Rosalie stood stock still and stared at him. He smiled and did not move. She started to whimper and looked at Elizabeth who was smiling at her father. Cautiously the baby took a step and held out her hand, then snatched the doll away and fell on her bottom. Mr. Bennet laughed and Elizabeth joined him. Rosalie looked between them and began giggling then climbed to her feet, and picking up the doll gave it to her grandfather before wandering away.

  “She has accepted you.” Elizabeth smiled up at him.

  “Yes.” He made pretence of rubbing his nose and looked across the garden. Mary and de Bourgh were talking quietly next to the blooming peach tree growing against the brick wall that separated their garden from the neighbours. “Mary is unrecognizable. If I passed her in the street I would not know her.” He watched as de Bourgh smiled and his daughter blushed. “What have
you done with her?”

  “I taught her how to be confident in a home, I praised her success …” Elizabeth shrugged. “Fitzwilliam and I gave her purpose and direction.”

  “You and your husband showed her an example of felicity she never knew could exist.” He noted de Bourgh glancing his way. “That gentleman wishes to speak to me, I think.”

  “He is a wonderful man, Papa. He is perfect for her.” He nodded and she heard him sigh. “She loves him.”

  “That is clear.” Shaking his head, he looked back to her. “My daughters are finding their paths with excellent men; and all with no trouble for me.”

  “We have always needed you, Papa.”

  He patted her shoulder. “Do not placate me, Lizzy.” He looked up at the house looming above them. “Well perhaps I can do some good for Lydia. I think that Kitty will be better off in your sphere. She is doing well?”

  “She is still following, but she is following good examples.” Elizabeth saw him wiping his eyes again and staring away from her. He focussed on a decorative trellis that supported a wisteria vine, and spotted a hole straight through the wood of the post, a hole that had no purpose. Closing his eyes, he imagined Elizabeth standing there, holding Rosalie, then falling to the ground. “Mr. Darcy’s headaches, are they improved?”

  “Yes, but when he experiences stress, they are terrible. He prefers not to take laudanum for them.”

  He turned back to see her worry. “That is why he needed to lie down when we returned from the Hursts’ home.”

  “Yes.”

  “You joined him.”

  “Yes, Papa.”

  Mr. Bennet shook his head and smiled at her. “Can you imagine your mother and I being so close?”

  “Are things improved?” She asked cautiously.

  “Oh … yes. She has taken to visiting the tenants and is excited about her garden. She has focussed her singleminded obsession from marrying off her daughters to instead, occupying herself.” He shrugged and smiled. “I am glad to know that Jane and Lucas will come here. Perhaps a grandchild will result. That will undoubtedly keep her busy, and give her something new to fuss over with Lady Lucas.” Seeing her blush he laughed.

  “Papa!” Rosalie cried and laughed when Darcy appeared and scooped her up into his arms. “bye!”

  “Hello.” He said softly. “Not goodbye!”

  “Papa.” Rosalie snuggled against him and rested her head on his chest.

  Darcy walked over to them and sat down next to Mr. Bennet. “I just received a package with a dozen new pieces for Georgiana to learn.”

  “She will love that!” Elizabeth smiled and looked to her father. “Her birthday is approaching.”

  “Oh, what should I bring back for Lydia? You know that she will ask.” He saw her shaking head.

  “She does not need gifts, Papa. Show her some affection. Write her letters when she returns to school.”

  “I tried to buy Georgiana when my father died. It was a mistake. She just wanted some attention.” Darcy explained and smiled when Rosalie turned in his arms to wrap hers around his neck. He kissed her cheek and she settled her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. “I think it is time for this lady to take a nap.”

  “I will take her, dear.” Elizabeth got to her feet and held out her arms.

  “Are you sure? She is heavy.” He glanced first at Elizabeth’s shoulder, and then her waist. “I will be glad to carry her. We are due for a talk.” Elizabeth laughed and kissed him. “Thank you, love.” Rising to his feet, he walked back into the house, talking to Rosalie as they walked.

  “They talk?”

  “About me.” She smiled and shrugged. “I cause trouble, it seems.”

  “Pardon me, sir, may I have a word?” de Bourgh bowed and looked at Mr. Bennet seriously.

  “Of course.”

  “I will just go and talk with Mary.” Elizabeth walked away to her sister, and hooking her hand over her arm, led her into the house.

  De Bourgh waited for them to disappear, then stood at rest, his hands clasped behind his back. “Sir, I am very fond of Miss Bennet.”

  “It looked to me that you are more than fond, Captain.”

  “I would not disagree, sir. I care very much for her, and while I know that both Darcy and Mr. Gardiner have been given your permission to act as her guardians, I am a man accustomed to honouring rank.” He drew a breath and plunged on. “I do not know when we will again have this opportunity, sir. I intend to propose marriage to your daughter. I cannot say when, but I shall. You know my circumstances, and I believe that I can make her very happy.”

  “You are asking for a … peremptory blessing?” Mr. Bennet smiled.

  “I would like to say that I will have been given my orders and I am free to implement them as I see fit. Darcy will surely act as you adjutant.”

  “I see.”

  “Sir?”

  “I will not leave you hanging, sir. I trust my brother and my son, and my daughters. You have no quarrel with me. Whenever you feel the time has come, do what you must.” He held out his hand. “I will be proud to call you Son, one day.”

  “I will love her, sir.”

  “I have no doubt.” Mr. Bennet smiled and they shook. “And I have no doubt of her feelings for you.” De Bourgh coloured and he laughed softly. “All in good time, sir.”

  23 APRIL 1811

  Papa left for Longbourn yesterday morning. I have never seen such regret on his face as was displayed when he left the library for the last time. I believe that he even slept there one night; he was so loathe walking away from the treasure within. If he ever visits Pemberley, he will likely chain himself to a bookshelf to prevent his removal. He is different from this experience, better for rising to the occasion and trying to come to the aid of a stranger. That he could feel compassion for another rather than make sport of their folly was, I believe, a spectacular achievement for him. It was good to feel pride for my parent. I would wish it to continue. He has made strides, slow, some glaringly ineffective, but he has tried to improve. As has Mama, she at least has developed a few interests and has learned to occupy herself with her home and the estate. He gave no hints as to their relationship, but after being apart for so many years, it is unrealistic to expect a sudden love affair to blossom. That they live companionably as Jane reports is good enough.

  Fitzwilliam asked me as we waved off the carriage if my feelings for him had improved. Without a doubt they have. It will do me no good to dwell on feelings of disappointment that this newly responsible man was not present in my childhood. And I prefer not to hold onto unreasonable grudges against him and Mama. I have hopes that one day should we visit Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, we will be able to visit Longbourn amicably. I take great hope from Rosalie’s response to Papa. That she did not immediately reject him as she did Lady Catherine was a joy to behold. His response to her was nearly heartbreaking in his gratitude. I pray that he can extend this expression of care to Lydia when he speaks to her. They have a long carriage ride ahead of them when he takes her back to school. I hope that they spend the time in honest conversation.

  “Mrs. Darcy?” Millie asked from the doorway. “I have finished with Mrs. Lucas’ hair, are you ready to dress?”

  “Oh, yes.” Elizabeth stood quickly and just as quickly sat down. “Oh my.”

  “Madam?” Millie hurried in to stand nearby. “Are you well?”

  “A little dizzy.” Elizabeth closed her eyes and drew a few deep breaths. “Now, let us try this again.” Slowly she rose to her feet and sighed. “So many little things that I had forgotten are returning to me.”

  “Do you feel well enough to attend tonight?” Millie asked worriedly. “It will not do for you to be faint, madam. You have not eaten at all today. It is good that the master was not at home to witness that, he would be worried sick.”

  “I am afraid that the master will be worried for many months to come, regardless of how I eat.” Elizabeth caressed the ribbons of his lover’s knot, t
hen turned back to her maid. “You know that ladies never eat before a ball.” She laughed lightly and started to walk towards the dressing room. “I will be no dizzier than all the other ones present.” Millie shook her head and followed her mistress. “I can guess the expression on your face, Millie. Mr. Darcy will catch me if I fall.”

  “RELAX.” Darcy smiled and offered de Bourgh a glass of port. He eyed it then sighed and downed the drink with one gulp, and coughed. Lucas and Darcy laughed and he stalked off to put the glass down and stare pensively at Pemberley’s landscape. “Not speaking to us will not help you.”

  “Where is she?” He demanded and stared at the house. “How blasted long can it take to put on a blasted dress?”

  “Much longer than it takes to remove one.” Lucas murmured as he took a measured sip of his port and glanced at Darcy. “May I thank you again for this invitation?”

  “I think that eight times is enough.” Darcy smiled. “Have you thought of building a little hideaway for yourself?”

  “Such as?”

  “A cabin, for hunting purposes.” He suggested.

  De Bourgh snorted but did not look away from the painting. “Nicely equipped.”

  “I imagine that you have such a thing.” Lucas sighed.

  Turning to glance at him, de Bourgh gestured to the painting. “Do you really think that he has trouble finding places of privacy?”

  Lucas saw Darcy blush and smiling, looked at de Bourgh. “So, Jane tells me that Darcy proposed to Elizabeth at this ball, do you intend to repeat that performance?”

  Colouring, de Bourgh stepped to the doorway to look towards the stairs. “No.”

  “I am frankly amazed.” Darcy leaned on the desk and crossed his arms. “You ask for Mr. Bennet’s blessing, Elizabeth and I have given you ample opportunities for moments alone, you are besotted, my sister’s eyes are full of admiration, what stops you?”

  Glancing again at the stairs, he walked back into the room. “Perhaps it is the discipline of my upbringing.”

  “I believe that we all have had disciplined upbringings.” Darcy looked to Lucas, who nodded.