The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  Darcy knew nothing of a letter from Miss Bingley to Miss Bennet. “What did Miss Bingley write in the letter?”

  “She stated that her brother could not wait to return to Town as he was looking forward to spending time with your sister, whom Miss Bingley hoped to welcome as a sister one day soon.”

  Fury began to rise. “My sister is not even out and I know that Bingley looks upon her as if she were a younger sister to him. That hag has always wished for an attachment to me and my wealth.”

  “I am certain that Mr Bingley has no notion of the letter or that Jane has been in London since Christmas. Miss Bingley knows of both, as Jane paid a visit to Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst.”

  Darcy paced at a brisk pace. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I believe I have done your sister an injustice. Miss Bingley asked me if I witnessed any particular attachment on your sister’s side for my friend. I said I could not see any. What a fool I am to have thought her question innocent.” He stopped pacing for a moment and turned to Elizabeth. “You have my word, Miss Elizabeth, that I will send a letter express to Bingley this very day to inform him of his sister’s betrayal and that your sister is in London. Where is she staying in Town?”

  “She is staying at my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s home. It is on Gracechurch Street in Cheapside.” Elizabeth felt a sense of thrill travel through her. Could it be possible that Jane could be reunited with Mr Bingley? Could Mr Darcy truly make it possible?

  Taking hold of Elizabeth’s hand, Darcy placed a kiss on the back of it. “I will see that Bingley knows this information. Perhaps it is not too late to bring them back together.”

  The touch of his lips on her skin sent shivers down her spine; such an intimate sensation that coursed through her, as she had never experienced before.

  “Miss Elizabeth, might I be bold in asking your permission to court you?”

  Still feeling lightheaded from the kiss on her hand, it took her several moments before she realized what he had said. “You must think of how society would look upon such a choice on your part. I would not wish you or your family any harm.”

  “I do not care what anyone else thinks of my choice. I care deeply for you, dare I say that I find myself in love with you. You are the one woman who can make me complete. Please, Elizabeth, allow me to court you properly.”

  “I believe that I would like very much to get to know you better, Mr Darcy. You are not the man I have thought you to be. After knowing that Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam both find you to be such a devoted friend that they both respect and trust you, my opinion is indeed changing for the better.”

  Darcy sat down beside her and took her hand in his. “So you accept my courtship?”

  “Yes, Mr Darcy, I accept your courtship. We will need to keep the news private, until you have a chance to meet with my father.”

  “You have made me very happy, Elizabeth.” Darcy said as his lips sent shivers of delight coursing through her as he kissed her hand again.

  Chapter 2

  Darcy was attempting to determine his schedule for the following fortnight. He had to return to Pemberley to speak with his steward and oversee the spring planting. They were preparing a new planting technique or he would have left it to his steward. How he wished he did not have to be away from Elizabeth for even a day, and the thought of a fortnight at the very least was overwhelming him.

  The first thing he needed to do was to send a letter to Bingley. He would send it express to Bingley at his house in Town. He would also inform the express rider to ensure that it was delivered to Bingley’s hands and no one else’s.

  Darcy had been planning to speak with his solicitor in Town after he was finished at Pemberley, as he was purchasing some new property. Unknown to anyone else, Darcy had purchased a small estate in Hertfordshire, so that he would be close to Elizabeth. He had planned to court her even before learning she was staying at the parsonage. Now Darcy had something else for the solicitor to take care of for him.

  One of the most difficult issues he would face is not being able to contact Elizabeth. He would not be able to go to Longbourn for nearly three weeks after he left Rosings, and it would be improper for him to write to her. Darcy also knew that Bingley would be a poor correspondent if he were to return to Netherfield to attempt to court Miss Bennet. Charles Bingley seldom wrote letters, and, when he did, they were difficult to read. It was surprising to Darcy as to how Bingley had made it through the university with his poor penmanship.

  Taking a small package from the drawer of his nightstand, Darcy smiled as he fingered the wrapping. He had purchased this gift with Elizabeth in mind, though at that time he had no way of knowing if he would ever see her again. For some reason, he did not understand, he had the gift with him wherever he went. Now he knew why; fate had made it possible for him to meet Elizabeth again.

  Darcy also needed to write a letter to Georgiana. She was in Scotland with their father’s sister and her family. Their Aunt Rebecca’s daughter was to have a baby in a month and Georgiana wished to join Rebecca Winthrop in visiting her daughter. He imagined the look on Georgiana’s face when she learned of his courting Elizabeth. He had told her about Elizabeth and told her how dearly he loved Elizabeth. The long winter had been difficult for him to bear without seeing the woman who held his heart.

  Pulling out several sheets of parchment, Darcy prepared his pen.

  Bingley,

  I have some news that might be of importance to you. I am at Rosings Park on my annual visit and, to my surprise; Miss Elizabeth Bennet is visiting the parsonage at Hunsford. You may remember that Mr Collins, my aunt’s clergyman, is Miss Elizabeth’s cousin. He married Charlotte Lucas just after the holidays and as the new Mrs Collins and Miss Elizabeth have been the best of friends, Miss Elizabeth came to visit her friend.

  The news that I have for you is that Miss Elizabeth and I spoke of her sister, Miss Jane Bennet. I was not aware that your sister wrote a letter to Miss Bennet shortly after our leaving Netherfield for Town last year. According to Miss Elizabeth, who has read the letter, Miss Bingley wrote that you were looking forward to seeing my sister again and that it was hoped that you would one day marry Georgiana. I had no notion of your wishing to marry my sister, and even if you did, Georgiana is far too young to think of marriage at this time.

  Another bit of news that I was surprised to hear was that Miss Bennet has been staying at her uncle’s home in Town since the holidays. She even paid a call on your sister and was treated quite poorly.

  In speaking with Miss Elizabeth, it is clear that her sister is truly very fond of you and still is quite melancholy. It is my opinion that if you are still fond of Miss Bennet, you should avoid listening to your sister and make your way to Gracechurch Street in Cheapside. Her uncle’s name is Gardiner.

  I wish you good luck in your quest.

  Darcy

  He then began writing to his sister.

  My dear little sister,

  I have the very best news. I believe in my last letter I told you of my surprise to find Miss Elizabeth Bennet visiting her friend at the Hunsford parsonage. We have had several chats in the last few days. Today, I asked her to allow me to court her, and she has agreed. Dear Georgiana, I cannot express the joy this news has brought me. To think just a month ago I thought that I would never see her again, and now, now I will have the pleasure of courting her. I pray that one day she will accept my hand in marriage.

  As I have not yet been able to speak with her father, this news must be kept between us. Only you and Richard will be aware of the courtship until after I speak with Mr Bennet. I do not wish for Aunt Catherine to learn of the news and for she would try to cause problems. I will not be able to speak with Miss Elizabeth’s father until I finish at Pemberley and London.

  I cannot wait for you to meet her. Perhaps after you return from Scotland you and I can stay in Meryton so that you can meet Miss Elizabeth. I am certain that you will love her.

  Keep safe and give Aunt Rebecca m
y love. I pray that Cousin Audrey has a safe confinement.

  With all my love,

  William

  Darcy sealed the letters and called for his valet, Jordan, to have him send the letters off as directed. With any luck, Bingley would be in London and, after reading the express, would head immediately for Netherfield and begin courting Miss Bennet. And Darcy also prayed that Miss Bingley would not wish to return to the country estate.

  With the letters finished and being sent off, the next on his list of things to do was to speak with his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The men were as close as brothers even though their personalities were quite different from each other. Where Richard was friendly and outgoing, Darcy was shy and withdrawn. Richard was easy to carry conversations with others while Darcy tended to avoid speaking with new acquaintances and large groups.

  But in spite of the differences between them, Darcy knew that Richard would lay down his life in defense of both Darcy and Georgiana. And Richard knew that Darcy would do the same for him.

  Fortunately, Richard was preparing to take his horse out for a ride. “Richard, would you mind if I came along? I could use the workout and I wish to speak with you with regards to a private matter.”

  “Of course, William, you are always welcome to join me. What is the issue you would like to speak of?”

  “I would prefer to speak with you away from here. Give me a moment to saddle Zeus and I will meet you here in a few moments.”

  “I will wait. I need to look at Apollo’s hooves. I noticed he was walking differently.”

  It did not take Darcy long to saddle his horse and return to Richard, waiting in front of the main house. “Is Apollo ready to ride?”

  “Indeed. There was a stone stuck in the one shoe, but I took care of that. I was thinking to ride towards the bridge to the south. Is that a good location for our chat?”

  Darcy smiled. “That would do quite nicely. Thank you Richard.”

  The men rode off as they raced towards their destination. It had been several months since Darcy had last had a ride such as this, allowing the horse to run as fast as he could. By the time they reached their destination, the horses were in need of a rest. As the horses drank from the stream, the men dismounted and tied the reins to the bridge. Then the men walked towards an old tree which had fallen over when they were just boys. The tree became a bench for the cousins to sit and talk in private, as well as fishing from time to time.

  “So, William, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”

  “I have the privilege to inform you that I have been given the honor to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We spoke earlier today.”

  Richard had come to enjoy being in company with Elizabeth, but he knew that his cousin held Elizabeth in a tender regard. “I am pleased to hear this news. Why are you not on the rooftop calling out your joy?”

  “First, due to Miss Elizabeth’s being here, not at her family’s home where I can speak with her father. Second, when Aunt Catherine learns the news, I plan to have Elizabeth far from Rosings so that our aunt cannot find a way to harm her. And I have to travel to Pemberley, then to London, so it will be at least three weeks to a month before I am able to travel to Longbourn. I have told you and written to Georgiana, and I insist that no other know of the news until after I have spoken with Mr Bennet.”

  “No one will hear the news from me, Cousin. I do not wish to be in your shoes, in love and given permission to court the woman but have to be apart from her for weeks. I would not wish to be you or, in fact, be near you. I can imagine how frustrated you will become not being able to see your Miss Elizabeth.”

  “I am already suffering from the thought, I do not know how I will be able to tolerate even a day apart.” Darcy grumbled. “I wish we could go to Scotland and marry immediately and then she could come to Pemberley with me.”

  Richard shook his head as he chuckled. “My dear cousin, you have truly been struck by love. I never thought I would see the day that you would be smitten.”

  With a love struck look on his face, Darcy nodded his head. “And I tell you, Richard, it is the most wonderful feeling in the world.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Darcy made his way to Pemberley. The entire journey found him thinking of all the changes that he would have made to the house, especially to the Mistress’s chambers. He knew that his mother had decorated the rooms after she had married his father, but Darcy felt that it was time to decorate more in fashion with Elizabeth’s taste. An idea struck him and he decided to decorate the rooms to look as if she were living in a spring meadow. With her love of the outdoors, what better way of bringing her beloved trails from Hertfordshire with her to Derbyshire? He planned to hire an artist to spend some time in Hertfordshire, exploring the area surrounding Longbourn, and have the artist then transform the Mistress’s bedchamber and the sitting room that was shared by both the Master and Mistress chambers.

  Upon his arrival, Darcy found a mound of paperwork and correspondence on his desk. He knew that the sooner he made himself busy, the sooner he would have time to explore the rooms in which he wished to have changes made. Darcy took his meals in his study for two days, working tirelessly to complete his tasks. His steward came and went, bringing new information, as well as performing tasks that were assigned to him.

  Darcy also spoke with Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper of Pemberley, of the changes he wished made while he was away. Mrs Reynolds was also to order furnishings for the suite of rooms to match the work of the local artist who had been hired.

  It was not long into the third week at Pemberley that Darcy received an express from Scotland. He saw his aunt’s handwriting and became alarmed.

  Dearest William,

  Our dear Georgiana took a trifling cold a little over a week ago and was put in her bed by the physician. Yesterday evening, the physician informed me that he believes that she has now developed a very dangerous fever. He is not certain that she will survive if the fever is not brought down soon.

  I am fearful for our beloved Georgiana. I pray that you can come immediately to be with her. Perhaps it will give her the strength to pull through. Please, William, come immediately.

  Your loving aunt,

  Rebecca Winthrop

  Immediately, Darcy began sending for staff to make preparations for his departure to Scotland. He prayed that his sister would still be alive and would survive this illness. Darcy did not wish to lose the only family that he had left. Before leaving, he wrote a letter to Bingley informing him that he would not be arriving at Netherfield as planned due to the emergency with Georgiana. If only he could speak of the situation to Elizabeth, so that she was aware of his dire situation. How he wished that she were with him and that they could marry in Scotland. He wished that she would be with him, giving him the strength to withstand this uncertain time with his sister. Most of all, he prayed that Georgiana survived so that the two most important ladies in his life would meet. He knew that they would each love the other.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 3

  Elizabeth returned to Longbourn from Rosings to find her sister had returned from London just two days before. And Jane was not alone. Mr Charles Bingley had returned to Netherfield Park. Jane could not contain her joy, as Jane traveled home in Bingley’s carriage, with a maid acting as chaperone. After Bingley called on her at their uncle’s home and made the arrangements to bring her home, there was little doubt in anyone’s mind that the couple would soon be engaged to marry.

  Mrs Bennet was thrilled to see Bingley’s return and his daily calls which he paid to see Jane. While she spoke freely of the great fortune of having such a fine young man besotted with her beautiful daughter, her youngest two daughters found more excitement in visiting Meryton and spending time in the company of the militia. After learning of Wickham’s true nature, Elizabeth had no desire to be in the company of the man or his friends.

  There were constant gatherings to attend, and the Bennets were normally in attenda
nce. The more time she spent in the company of others, the more she longed for Darcy’s arrival. Elizabeth began to daydream of taking walks with Darcy on her favorite paths surrounding her home. She could imagine the two of them sitting together, admiring the view from Oakham Mount, her favorite location to take in her neighborhood. It was not uncommon for someone to have to repeat their words to her after finally garnering her attention.

  As was to be expected, Elizabeth was often in the company of the militia at the gatherings. Whenever they were in company of others, Elizabeth was polite to Wickham, as she was to all of the others from the militia. She spoke at great lengths to Colonel Forster of their plans to move to Brighton within a few months. When Elizabeth mentioned meeting Colonel Fitzwilliam, Colonel Forster was pleased to speak of his friend, as the two had known each other for many years. He was especially pleased to tell her a few stories that she could tease Colonel Fitzwilliam with the next time they met.

  The day after she arrived home, Elizabeth spoke to her father with regards to curbing her younger sisters and their flirting with the young men of the militia. Mr Bennet’s reply was that the militia was to be gone soon and there would be no further problems with them. Nothing that Elizabeth had to say could convince her father to make any changes to the behavior of Lydia and Kitty. There had even been talk of Lydia accompanying the militia as a personal friend to Colonel Forster’s young wife. This was the most disturbing news, for Elizabeth knew that, once away from her family, Lydia would have no one to curb her behavior, which could lead to her disgracing their entire family.

  To make matters even worse, Elizabeth was not able to communicate with her dearest aunt, Madeline Gardiner, as her aunt and uncle had taken their entire family on a very important business trip to Ireland, and would be gone for several months. Her weekly letters would be ceasing, as the Gardiners would be traveling to many locations in Ireland. They had invited Elizabeth to join them, which she declined as she waited desperately for the man she was losing her heart to return to her. Taking her aunt into her confidence, Elizabeth explained her reason for remaining at Longbourn. Mrs Gardiner was thrilled for her favorite niece, and looked forward to seeing Elizabeth settled in an arrangement by the time the Gardiners returned to England.