On the Road to Ramsgate

by Melanie Schertz

  Lydia raked her eyes eagerly over the man before her. It was clear from the cut of his clothes that he was well formed, tall and thin, just the sort to which Lydia found herself attracted. His sandy brown hair and green eyes accented his handsome face.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Wickham. I would like to hear more about you.” Lydia spoke, as her eyes stated her desire to know more than what could be learned in a drawing room.

  “Lydia, it is nearly time for us to eat.” Jane said as she neared her sister. “We should all make our way to the dining room.” Jane was appalled with her sister’s behavior. She was certain that a talk with her mother would be necessary after the dinner. If something was not done to check Lydia’s behavior, it would not be long before her youngest sister caused some sort of scandal.

  “La, Jane, allow me to introduce you to Lieutenant Wickham. Mr Wickham, this is my eldest sister, Mrs Jane Bingley.” Lydia had grabbed hold of Wickham’s arm possessively.

  “Mr Wickham, it is a pleasure to welcome you to my home. Might I inquire from where you came?”

  Wickham smiled. He was certain he was safe from anyone discovering the truth about him. “I hail from Derbyshire, Mrs Bingley. I lived there most of my life, until I was forced to find employment elsewhere.”

  Jane looked at the young man curiously. “And why would you be forced to find employment elsewhere, Mr Wickham?”

  “Ah, Mrs Bingley, mine is but a sad tale, at the hands of a wealthy tyrant who denied my future as a clergyman. I was promised a very valuable living by the tyrant’s father, but bitter jealousy over the kindness the father had for me led the tyrant to ruin my future.” Wickham gave a sad smile which he had used for many years. “So now, I must find a new path for my life.”

  “It is a shame, Mr Wickham. I have come to discover that many of the wealthy do as they wish, with no care for how it will affect others.” Jane said, her mind on her husband’s friend.

  “You speak as if you have experienced harm at the hands of one such person.” Wickham was certain that he had found a new target. He had set his sights on the youngest sister, as she was a silly girl and would be easily manipulated into believing him. But the eldest sister was stunningly beautiful. He would have no qualms with having a dalliance with her, and perhaps, he could profit financially from it.

  “Unfortunately, I am experiencing such a matter with my husband’s best friend. But that is not a matter for you to worry over. Now, shall we all move to the dining room?” Jane placed a false smile on her lips as she addressed her mother’s guests.

  Upon entering the dining room, Jane’s night went from bad to worse, as she discovered her mother had taken possession of the seat which was normally for the Mistress of Netherfield. Jane was sure that it was her mother’s way of paying her back for not standing up for the elder lady with Bingley. If she was to be punished by being moved from Netherfield, she would make her daughter well aware of her displeasure.

  Rather than make a fuss, Jane took a seat between Wickham and Lieutenant Denny. Lydia was seated on the other side of Wickham, while Kitty was on the other side of Denny. While Denny was satisfied with the chatter of Kitty Bennet, Wickham was quickly attempting to discourage the youngest Bennet sister, as he wished to cultivate a closer relationship with her eldest sister.

  “So, Mrs Bingley, have you ever been to Derbyshire?”

  “No, I have not. I rarely traveled before my father’s death, and since my wedding, I have only gone to Town a few times. My husband has been to Derbyshire, as his closest friend is from there. But I have no desire to visit that man’s estate, so I do not see myself visiting Derbyshire.”

  “You sound as if you dislike your husband’s friend. What could possibly be the reason?” Wickham asked.

  “The man is a disgrace to all good and decent people. But I do not wish to discuss the matter at a dinner party. It is not a fit topic for discussion.”

  Wickham smiled inwardly. “Well, as I know many of the grand families in Derbyshire, if there is ever anything I can do to be of assistance to you, you need only ask.”

  “Thank you, Mr Wickham. You are quite the gentleman.” Jane said, giving him a smile.

  ~~ ** ~~

  A month had passed since the first night Darcy shared dinner with Elizabeth in the nursery’s dining area. And each night since, they had dined together.

  Darcy discovered his enjoyment of discussing topics of which most women would have no notion, and was thrilled that he could ask Elizabeth’s opinion, only to have her give an honest opinion rather than respond as she thought he would approve. It was refreshing.

  All of his life, everyone of society had attempted to appease him. All the young ladies who had been introduced to him were simpering fools who only wished to marry him for his wealth and status. None saw him for the young man he was, a young man with opinions which could be wrong, but no one willing to stand up to him. That was, until now. Now there was Elizabeth Bennet. And her fire brought Darcy to life.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I noticed that you are walking easier these days. I noticed that you had refrained from using your canes in the nursery, as there was furniture you could use to assist you, but you seem to be in less pain when you walk.” Darcy said at dinner one night.

  “You are correct, Sir. I had not realized until Mrs Duncan made a comment to me. She was amazed at how well I was moving about. It came to me that perhaps I only needed to have purpose in my life to overcome my pain. I am busy with the girls most of my day, so there is little time for me to feel sorry for myself. Perhaps that was the root of the pain. I was feeling pity for all that I had lost, not looking at how much I still had to give. Emmy and Edith have reminded me that I am very much alive and had much to give.”

  “Indeed, you do. I do not know how we survived without you. The change in the entire house is clearly felt. It is as if a sadness has been lifted.” Darcy smiled. He offered Elizabeth some more bread, as he was aware she was fond of the sweet bread his cook made.

  “Mr Darcy, if you keep plying me with all this delicious food, I will not be able to walk due to my becoming far too round. You will only need to roll me about.” Elizabeth laughed.

  Seeing the twinkle of life in her eyes, dancing about, made Darcy smile. Just like his dimples, the twinkle in her eyes had rarely been seen in the past year. It thrilled him to know he had part of bringing it back into her life.

  “I received a letter from Pemberley this morning. There is need for me to return there, to see to the planting. As I remained here last year, it is important for me to be on hand this year. There are changes that we wish to make to the rotation of crops, as was described in Havershed’s book. So I was thinking that we should plan to leave Town next Monday. It is a three day journey to Pemberley, though only a half day on the last. Do you think the twins will be able to withstand such an arduous journey?”

  “I am certain they will become restless at some point, but they will survive. Between Sally and myself, we should be able to manage keeping them occupied.”

  “And you must not forget that Uncle William will desire spending time with them. I will make certain that we have some books for me to read to them.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Very well, Sir, we will be off to Pemberley on Monday.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 11

  “Mrs Bingley, what a pleasure to see you in Meryton today. How is everyone at Netherfield?” Wickham asked, giving her a sweet smile.

  “It has been quiet since my mother and sisters moved into their new home. I was purchasing a gift for my mother, as tomorrow is her birthday.”

  “You are a very kind and caring daughter, doting on your mother as you do. What sort of gift do you propose to choose?”

  “I had not decided. She loves the shawls that Mrs Wallace makes, as they are some of the finest in the county. But I had also thought of purchasing a new bonnet for her. And she so admired the dressing table at Mr Graham’s shop, as the wood is carved so
masterfully.” Jane said as she glanced about the mercantile. “There are so many items to choose from.”

  “Might I be of assistance? Having spent much time of late with your family, I might have a different perspective.”

  “That would be wonderful, Mr Wickham, though I am sure you have more important matters of which to attend.” Jane said, all the while hoping that he would not leave her.

  “There is nothing more important than honoring one’s parents, especially their mother. You obviously love your mother dearly.” Wickham said. “You allowed her and your sisters to live with you and your husband since your wedding, and have now assisted your husband in purchasing a new home for your mother’s comfort.”

  “Mamma would not see it that way, as she is certain that we have cast her off.” Jane replied, remembering her mother’s words on the day she was forced to move to her new home. “She would rather have stayed at Netherfield.”

  “But there can only be one Mistress of the estate, and you have earned the title through your marriage. Your mother had her own home, she should understand how you must feel.”

  “My grandmother died before my mother and father married, so there was never a problem when Mamma took over as Mistress. And being forced from her home after my father’s death took a toll on her.”

  Wickham nodded his head. “How is your husband adjusting to your family moving to Meryton? Has he found any new friends?”

  Jane was startled at this question. “Why would you ask such?”

  “I remembered that at the dinner party you commented on your husband’s friend being unsuitable. I was curious as to how he has dealt with the friend, and if he was settling in to the neighborhood. If he is settling in, then he will soon have new friends and it will be easier for you to keep him away from the unsuitable man.”

  “Yes, well, I wish we could sever the connection. Just yesterday my husband received a letter from the man, announcing that he was returning to his country home. It is in Derbyshire. Is that not from where you said you were reared?”

  “I am indeed. One of the most wonderful places in all of England, if you ask me. Which estate is this man from?”

  “Pemberley, I think that is the name of the estate.”

  Wickham paled at the name. “The Darcy estate. Your husband is friends with Fitzwilliam Darcy?”

  Jane nodded her head.

  “What could Mr Darcy have done to become such a plague on society? If I remember correctly, all of society had wished to capture him. He was one of the most sought after bachelors in the land.”

  “Not any longer.” Jane gave a slight chuckle. “If he had married before the scandal, his wife would have forbidden him to behave as he has, I am sure.”

  “I cannot imagine Darcy being involved in a scandal. I have known him all my life. What is he supposed to have done?”

  Jane looked about to see if anyone was near enough to hear what she said. “Mr Darcy’s sister was violated by a man, well over a year ago. Rather than casting her off, sending her to Scotland or somewhere, he kept her at his townhouse in London. My husband says that the man who violated her caused her mind to become addled, for she was never the same again. But Mr Darcy continued to keep her at his house. Even after they learned that she was with child, she remained in her brother’s home.”

  “She had a child then? What has become of Miss Darcy and the babe?” Wickham was certain that it was his child.

  “She had twin girls. Then, just a day or so afterwards, Miss Darcy died. Mr Darcy now keeps the babes in his home, rather than send them to an orphanage or paying someone to adopt them. All polite society has abandoned him, saying that he is not fit to be near the ladies, as the taint of his sister’s ruination is upon him. And now…oh, Mr Wickham, now my sister, Elizabeth, is working for Mr Darcy. She is a nursemaid for those children. It will be the ruination of my family if anyone were to learn of the situation. My husband refuses to acknowledge a problem, and will not speak with my sister. Neither will my Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. I do not know what to do.”

  Wickham’s mind was contemplating all the possibilities. “Well, Mrs Bingley, I can understand why you are concerned. If you wish, I would be willing to do what I can to assist you in making your sister see the truth of the matter. On my next day off, I would be willing to make the journey to Town for you, take a message to her. I know where the Darcy townhouse is located.”

  “No, that would do no good. The message my husband received stated they were traveling to Pemberley. They should have arrived, from what Charles told me.” Jane sighed. “I am grateful for your kindness and understanding. It is a blessing to have someone with whom to speak, someone who realizes the truth of the situation. Being able to speak with you has lifted my spirits.”

  “I am forever at your service, Mrs Bingley. We must protect your family at all costs. Please, if you determine a manner in which I might be of use, send word to me immediately. I do know the Darcy estate well, and perhaps I would be able to come to your aid.” Wickham said as he prepared to take his leave.

  Jane blushed. “I thank you, Mr Wickham. You are truly a gentleman.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Darcy was pleased to see Elizabeth’s reaction to her first view of Pemberley. She had gasped, staring out at the perfect blend of nature and manmade. “This is your home?” Elizabeth asked.

  “It is.”

  “Mr Darcy, I cannot imagine a reason to ever leave this piece of heaven. If I were you, it would have been difficult to convince me to go anywhere else.”

  Darcy laughed. “It was difficult, especially when I was a child. My parents would plan trips to many places, but I never wished to go. I could not imagine anywhere being nearly as beautiful as Pemberley.”

  “And your cousin said that he spent much of his childhood here with you. The two of you must have been extremely close.”

  “We always have been. He was the older brother I never had. Most of the scrapes I got into during my youth were due to Richard. But he was also there to get me out of trouble.”

  “You miss him already, do you not?” Elizabeth noticed Darcy’s eyes beginning to pool.

  “Since I lost my sister, I fear losing Richard. Though he is my cousin, I do not think of him as such. He has been a part of my life since I can remember. He is the only one left of my family. The only one who can share memories of my parents and Georgiana, as family can. He shared guardianship of Georgiana with me.”

  “And now he shares the guardianship of the twins. He is a good man. Will he join you here?”

  Darcy nodded his head. “When he is on leave, he will come to Pemberley. It will be a few months, but he stated he would be here before the summer was over. I believe he will miss seeing the girls as much as when they were at Darcy House.”

  “It is a joy to see men who are not afraid to go against the norm. From what I have seen, most men of society do not spend much time with their infants.” Elizabeth said.

  “Richard and I have always been thought of as strange by those in society. But neither of us have cared what others think.”

  The carriage came to a stop in front of the grand house. There were several members of the staff waiting for the Master to arrive. The first to approach Darcy was Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper. She had been with the Darcy family since Fitzwilliam was a small boy of four years.

  “Master William, let me see those little angels.” She announced, looking from Darcy to Elizabeth, as each was carrying one of the twins. “Oh, they are the spitting image of their dear mother. They are so beautiful, so precious.”

  Mrs Reynolds took Emmy from Darcy’s arms, as Elizabeth chuckled. It was plain that this woman was one who was not intimidated by the Master. “They are just as dear as Mrs Duncan described.” Mrs Reynolds said as she placed a kiss on Emmy’s hair. “It will be a pleasure to have little ones in the house again.”

  The housekeeper stepped over to Elizabeth, taking in the view of the other babe. “They are identical. Which one is w
hich?”

  “You are holding Emmy, and this is Edith.” Elizabeth replied.

  “Mrs Reynolds, you are familiar with Sally from her work as my sister’s maid. This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and together with Sally, they are the nursemaids for the twins. Miss Elizabeth, this is Mrs Reynolds, who has been like a second mother to myself, Georgiana, and Richard. She has ruled Pemberley house with a firm hand, keeping it running smoothly since my mother passed.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs Reynolds. I have heard many wonderful things about you from Mrs Duncan.”

  “Mrs Duncan speaks highly of you, Miss Elizabeth. It is a pleasure to meet you. Now, let me show you to the nursery, and then you can refresh before I show you about the house.” Mrs Reynolds said as she began to walk towards the main staircase. Suddenly, the housekeeper stopped and turned about. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, do you require assistance with the stairs? Should Sally or I carry the babe for you?”

  “I am fine, Mrs Reynolds. I can manage the stairs, even while carrying one of the girls.” Elizabeth said, showing no signs of offense.

  Darcy walked up behind her, scooping his niece in his arms. “She is very capable, Mrs Reynolds, though my arms are feeling empty since you stole my niece.”

  The group made their way up the stairs and down the hall, until they came to the nursery. Darcy began explaining the wing which made up what was called the nursery. “My grandparents had the entire wing devoted to the care of their children. My father was one of six children, and only one sister is still alive. She lives in Canada. The wing includes the sleeping quarters for the children, rooms for their attendants, and even a room in which the wet nurse will reside. There is also a playroom and a classroom, and finally, a dining area. There are three private chambers for dressing and bathing, and a small library with children’s books. Sally and Miss Elizabeth, you will each have your own bedchamber. If there are any changes you wish made to the rooms, please speak with Mrs Reynolds.”