On the Road to Ramsgate

by Melanie Schertz

  Both of the men agreed.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “There are my sweet girls.” Elizabeth cried out as Darcy entered the room with their nieces. “I have missed both of you so much.”

  “And we have missed you as well, Cousin.” Richard said with a smile. “Bingley, I believe, from the welcome we received from Darcy, and now his charming wife, we are not as important as these two little blonde imps.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, Richard, you are important. It is just that you are not as cute as our fairy princesses. You do not have the little blonde ringlets or chubby little cheeks which cry out to be kissed.”

  “I beg to differ, Elizabeth.” Bingley said as he placed an arm around Richard’s shoulder. His hand went up to take hold of Richard’s chin. “Look at this adorable face. He is a war hero, and now a landed gentleman. What lady would not wish to kiss this face?”

  “So you have resigned your commission and purchased an estate?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes sparkled with joy.

  “Yes, I did. I am now Mr Richard Fitzwilliam of Willow Hollow, Derbyshire.”

  “And I am the proud owner of Cutherford Hall.” Bingley stated.

  “We need to celebrate.” Elizabeth declared. “William, ring for Mrs Reynolds to have something brought up. And have her bring some of the biscuits the cook made this morning. The girls will enjoy them.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  The twins were becoming sleepy, after the journey, the excitement of being home, and their tummies full, so after their loved ones gave each a kiss, the girls were taken to their cribs.

  Once the girls were gone, there was much to be discussed amongst the adults.

  “So you took the girls inside Matlock House?” Darcy asked. “I am surprised you were able to remove them without a battle on your hands.”

  “That is why I had the girls removed to the carriage before I had the papers signed and the funds in my hand. With Charles in the carriage, and armed, I felt they were well protected.”

  “I may not be as good with a blade as the two of you, but my marksmanship was always top notch.” Charles was proud of his ability. “No one was getting their hands on Emmy and Edith.”

  “The driver was instructed to drive off if anyone other than myself came out the door, after the girls were returned to the carriage.”

  “I knew you would protect them, or I never would have allowed you to take them without me.” Darcy stated.

  “Our plan worked. Aunt Catherine and my parents had no notion of what we were plotting. The papers were signed, Hobbs handed over the funds, and then I lowered the boom on our family members. It was such a pleasure to inform them of the loophole they had left, believing that I could be bought so easily.” Richard was chuckling. “I shall never forget the look on their faces when I broke the news to them. Anne was livid, yelling at her mother.”

  “How was Anne, before you left Town?” Elizabeth asked. Richard had sent word from Town of Anne’s fall.

  Richard shook his head. “She is alive, but only existing. The surgeon says that she will never regain the use of her limbs, and with her melancholy, he does not give her long to live. Lady Catherine is said to be a shell of her former self, as if she has lost her mind completely. The servant I spoke with says that Lady Catherine walks about the house at all hours of the day and night, crying for Anne, saying that her daughter is lost and she needs help to find her little girl. Only when one of the servants handed Lady Catherine a doll, did our aunt calm down. Now she carries the doll everywhere, calling it Anne and acting as if it is her daughter.”

  “It is a devastating turn of events, but they brought it on themselves. Lady Catherine always indulged Anne, giving her everything, and making promises to our cousin that she would have all she wanted. When it is a gown or ribbons or even a pony, it is not such a big deal. But when it is the life of another human, promising to marry and spend the rest of their days with Anne, there is no excuse for such behavior.” Darcy said as he held on to his wife’s hand, squeezing it lightly.

  Bingley nodded his head. “I agree, Darcy. My sister was spoiled by our parents, and my mother told Caroline over and over again that whatever Caroline wanted, she would have. Though my parents never promised her you would be her husband, as your aunt did with your cousin, they are just as responsible as your aunt for all that has happened.”

  Richard poured himself another glass of port. “Mrs Reynolds gave you a letter when we first arrived. Was it about Miss Bingley?”

  “It was from our sister, Louisa. She and her husband went to Derby just before…” Bingley wiped a tear before it could roll down his cheek. “Louisa had prayed our sister would be repentant for her crimes, and that Caroline would have been sorrowful for her behavior. Instead, Louisa says that Caroline blamed me and her for not assisting her in marrying Darcy. She claimed that if we had helped her, everything would have been perfect and she would not have found it necessary to behave as she did. The solicitor who defended Caroline told Louisa that it was the same throughout the trial. Poor Louisa, she was devastated by our sister’s attitude. Louisa stayed at the inn while Hurst was on hand when Caroline was led to the gallows. Though he never cared for Caroline, he told Louisa that witnessing the sentence being carried out was the most difficult moment of his life.”

  “What became of Caroline’s remains?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Hurst paid to have them taken to Scarborough, to be buried next to our parents.” Bingley accepted a refilled glass from Richard. “Louisa wishes to return to Hurst’s family estate. She needs to find some peace. I can understand such a need, as I do as well. I look forward to the future, with my new home that has no memories of the past two years connected to it.”

  Darcy was still holding on to his wife’s hand. “Lizzy, when your mother learned of Jane’s death, she had an attack of apoplexy. It was a severe attack. They sent for Mr Jones, but she died before he could arrive.”

  Elizabeth was shocked at the news. She sat, silent and still, for several moments before she spoke again.

  “As you have each stated about your family members who have brought sorrows upon themselves, we should include my mother in that category. Mamma never could accept what she was given and learn to appreciate what she had. She hated me for being a girl, was furious with my father for not giving her a son and for not saving more money for her and my sisters on which to survive after his death. She even blamed my uncle and me for Papa’s death. Because of her anger and hatred, Jane believed she had only one way to make our mother happy, and that was marrying for convenience and wealth. Mamma had no one to blame but herself for how Jane ended up, as her actions caused the change in Jane. The only question I have now is for my younger sisters. What will happen to them now?”

  “I have spoken with both of your uncles, Elizabeth.” Bingley answered her. “I have invested five thousand pounds with Mr Gardiner on behalf of your sisters. Mary is married now, just a few days before your mother’s death. She married your Uncle Phillips’ clerk. From what we were told, he is a good man, and will protect the younger girls. Perhaps he will be able to correct the silliness of Lydia, though I would not place a wager on anyone being able to tame her. The house I purchased for your mother, in Meryton, will be given to Mary and her husband, and Kitty and Lydia will live there as well.”

  “Thank you, Charles. You have been generous, even after all you went through with my family. William, would you object to our investing some funds for my younger sisters? Uncle Edward would be able to say the interest from the investment was greater than expected, so they have no way of knowing the funds are from us.”

  Darcy nodded his head. “Of course, my dear. I will send an express to Mr Gardiner tomorrow.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  For the following fortnight, the Darcys enjoyed the companionship of the two gentlemen. Then the men prepared to move into their new homes. Though they would be missed at Pemberley, the estates of Willow Hollow and Cutherford Hall were less than half a days journe
y from each other.

  The twins continued to grow and learn new achievements. Edith learned to walk first, though, when Emmy learned to walk, it was more of a run. She rarely ever slowed down.

  Elizabeth healed completely, and spent many hours each day with the two little sprites who had given her back her life. In the months since she had first met the girls, Elizabeth slowly came to a point that she no longer needed any assistance walking, as the pain she had felt constantly after the carriage accident had eventually disappeared. It was her belief that all the negative feelings she held inside her, from losing her beloved father, to her mother’s hatred and anger, losing the ability to be with her dearest sister, had combined to make her turn against her own body. Though she knew that she was not responsible for her father’s death, and had endured years of her mother’s behavior, in her heart and soul, Elizabeth was punishing herself.

  Each morning, when the weather allowed, Elizabeth and Darcy would take Emmy and Edith on walks about the estate. The girls were as fond of the outdoors as were the couple they had begun to call Mamma and Papa.

  At least once each fortnight, Richard and Bingley would join the Darcy family. Depending on the weather, the family would take picnics or take the children for horse rides. For the first time in a long time, all four adults felt they were feeling whole and loved. Society may condemn them for the life they chose, but none of them regretted their lives for a moment.

  Richard had begun a courtship with the Widow Jackson. Millie Jackson had been married to one of the lieutenants who had served under Richard while they were fighting in France. Lieutenant Jackson had died from his wounds, and Richard had been tasked to deliver the news to Millie, along with several other women.

  Since Mrs Bronson’s death, Millie had begun a dress shop out of her father’s dry goods store, allowing her to assist her aging father and sew. She had been out of her mourning for her late husband for over a year, and wishing to move forward in her life.

  Coming from a family who were comfortable, though not wealthy, Millie had no difficulties in working hard to care for her family. Three months after moving to his new estate, Richard Fitzwilliam proposed to Millie Jackson, and was joyfully accepted. Elizabeth was thrilled to welcome another lady into their family, and the two became dear friends.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Just days before Richard and Millie’s wedding, Elizabeth began feeling exhausted. She required more sleep each day, and was having difficulties keeping her food down, as her stomach was queasy every morning. Not wishing to disturb her husband, and thinking she had some sort of illness that would pass, Elizabeth attempted to make light of the situation.

  As she was assisting Millie with the final fitting of Millie’s wedding gown, Elizabeth became light headed.

  “Elizabeth, you must take care. You are quite pale today, and you appear to be sleepy.”

  “Oh, Millie, it is nothing. Just a trifling cold or something. It will pass, soon enough.” Elizabeth replied, feeling her stomach beginning to churn.

  “You must take care Lizzy. I cannot have you ill at my wedding. I would have to ask Hazel Morton to stand in your place if you were ill, and I do not wish to do so. She is my second cousin and has spent her life telling me how fortunate she has always been.” The two ladies giggled.

  “There is no reason for you to entertain having to have your cousin fill in for me. I am fine, truly I am.” Elizabeth stood, preparing to pin a piece of lace to the gown. The room suddenly began to move around her, and Elizabeth swayed. Without any chance of declaring the situation to her friend, Elizabeth collapsed to the floor.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Mr York, please tell me my wife will be well. I cannot think of living my life without her.”

  The physician smiled. “Calm yourself, Darcy. Mrs Darcy will be well. She needs to eat more, as she informed me that she has had problems taking nourishment of late. The smell of certain foods makes her stomach ill. I suggested she speak with the cook and have some bland foods that are to your wife’s preference be served.”

  “And my wife will be well? All she requires is some bland food? Why would she have collapsed as she did?”

  “Darcy, your wife has a condition. It is a temporary condition, and if she takes the precautions I have told her, she will be fine.”

  Darcy paled. “A condition? What sort of condition? What is needed to ensure she survives?”

  “My friend, the condition is one that happens frequently with married ladies. She is increasing. With proper rest, eating more food, your wife should have no difficulties.”

  The pale complexion of Darcy’s face became ghost like. “No, I cannot lose Elizabeth. I lost my sister after giving birth, I cannot lose my wife as well.”

  Mr York suddenly realized what the younger man was feeling. “My friend, your sister’s confinement, the entire term of her being with child, Miss Darcy was emotionally devastated with what had happened to her. Her mind did nothing to keep her body strong. People can give up on living, and that is what your sister did. Your wife, on the other hand, is healthy and strong, and has a vibrant thirst for life. She will be fine, I am certain. Her family has a long history of no problems bearing children. Mrs Darcy is one of five children birthed by Mrs Bennet, with no difficulties.”

  “But she collapsed. That is not a good sign.”

  “As I said, she collapsed due to lack of food, due to her queasy stomach. It is not uncommon for ladies to be ill, especially in the morning, early in the process. This is the body’s way of adjusting to the changes taking place. There is a new life, a new person, growing inside your wife. A new life formed from your love. Do not fret over her, your wife is a remarkable lady, and she is very pleased with the news.”

  “Elizabeth is pleased with her condition?” Darcy asked, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that his wife was with child.

  “Very much so.” Mr York placed a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Cheer up, my friend. Your wife is carrying your future. Now, I suggest you calm yourself before you enter your wife’s room. I will not have you quash her excitement with your needless worries.”

  Darcy nodded his head. “Thank you, York. I appreciate your guidance and care.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  At first, when Darcy entered the room, he thought Elizabeth to be asleep. She turned her head towards her husband. Lifting her hand, she reached out to take his hand.

  “Did Mr York tell you the news?” She asked, smiling like he had never seen her do before.

  “He did. Are you well? I am so worried for you.”

  “William, you have nothing to fear. I am not Georgiana.”

  Darcy was shocked at her words. “How did you…?”

  “It is not a great leap to know you would be worried over my being with child, not after your sister’s death after giving birth to Emmy and Edith. But Georgiana was dying from the day that Wickham stole her virtue. From what I have been told, Georgiana was only a shell of the girl she had been before. In my opinion, it was as if her body held on long enough to give you a piece of her, so you would not be alone. The Lord knew you loved your sister, and what happened to her was horrible. But out of the terrible situation came the beauty of those two beautiful baby girls. Others may wonder why you decided to keep the girls with you, rather than follow what Society dictates which would have you send them away, but I know you well enough. You needed someone in your life to love. We had not met, your parents and sister were gone, and you needed so much to have someone to hold in your arms and love. And through them, we became a family. Now we will have another child to love. Hopefully, over the years, we will have more. You have the largest heart I have ever known, and it was empty for so long. We will fill your heart with so much love, you will never be alone again.”

  Darcy wrapped his arms around his wife, pulling her to his chest. “I love you so much, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.”

  “And I do you, my handsome, loving husband.”

  ~~ ** ~~
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  Richard Fitzwilliam and Millie Jackson were wed in a small ceremony in the chapel of Pemberley. The couple was pleased that Mr and Mrs Darcy were able to stand as their witnesses.

  Richard’s eyes twinkled with delight as he took his vows, as his life had changed drastically in the few months since he resigned his commission. Though he had very little contact with his parents and elder brother, Richard was pleased at how his life was turning out. He was marrying a lady with whom he had fallen in love, and who loved him in return. He had a home of his own, and would never have to go to war again. And he hoped that one day, he would have children to love and fill his days.

  Millie was beautiful in the gown of cream, with pink and red satin roses sewn on the neckline. Her blonde hair was piled high on her head, with satin roses pinned in amongst the curls. She was the picture of happiness, a woman in love with the man she was marrying. Her father walked her down the aisle of the chapel, and placed her hand in that of Richard Fitzwilliam. “Love her always.” The elder man charged his soon to be new son.

  “I will, Sir. You may count on me.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 19

  Emmy Darcy made her way into her father’s study. “Papa, Mamma asked for you to come to the drawing room. Uncle Charles and Aunt Clarice will arrive any moment.”

  “Yes, my dear girl. Tell your mother I will be there in a moment.”

  “Papa, we are all well aware of your moments turning into hours. Come now, with me.”

  Darcy smiled. “Very well, dearest.”

  He took hold of his daughter’s hand and placed it gently on his arm. “How is Mr Armitage today? Did he not pay a call on you earlier?”

  Emmy turned her eyes up at her father’s face, a look of surprise written on her expression. “How did you know?”

  “There is very little that happens here at Pemberley of which I do not know. Besides, he has called on you five times in the last fortnight.”