The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  “Thank you, Jane. Now, let us find Aunt Helen and begin the preparations for your wedding. You will be the most beautiful bride in the entire world.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Phillips came to Netherfield at the request of Mrs Gardiner to assist in preparations for Jane’s wedding to Mr Bingley. As Mrs Gardiner finally explained to her husband’s last remaining sister the events of the past year which were now known, Mrs Phillips sat in dumbfounded silence. This was highly uncommon for Mrs Phillips, much as it would have been her sister, Mrs Bennet. For a moment, Mrs Gardiner wondered if they would require sending for the apothecary.

  Finally, Mrs Phillips spoke. “My husband has gone with my brother, to defend our family’s honor against the likes of these people?”

  “Indeed. Edwin and your husband wished to leave Darcy with Lizzy, as she is regaining her strength. They were furious over the deaths of our family members due to this treachery and demanded the culprits be stopped and made to pay for their crimes. Mr Wickham is dead, died in the explosion on Longbourn property two days ago. Mr Jolly aided us in learning the truth, and is most likely on board a ship bound for Australia, where he will spend the rest of his life. Miss de Bourgh is deranged and will spend the rest of her life in a sanitarium. And the man we thought was Mr Collins will stand trial for murdering the real Mr Collins as well as the conspiracy to kill Elizabeth which led to the deaths of the Bennets. Your husband believes that the man will hang before the year is out.”

  “I would never have thought my husband so strong in defense of our family. I knew he found Fanny to be a silly woman, as well as Lydia being a ridiculous girl, but he chose to place himself in harm’s way to defend our family; I could not be prouder of my dear husband. Oh, my, our poor girls. Jane and Lizzy have endured so much. I never did like that Collins man, his eyes were shifty.”

  Mrs Gardiner laughed to herself. Just a year before and Mrs Phillips had been promoting the marriage match between Elizabeth and Collins. “Well, Elizabeth is now married, Jane will be next week.”

  “And it will be the finest wedding breakfast ever to be had.” Mrs Phillips said as she began to speak of the different dishes that would need to be served, the decorations, even speaking of hiring musicians from Town for the event. It was decided to have the wedding breakfast at Netherfield, as everywhere else was too small. As soon as Louisa Hurst arrived, they would discuss all the plans with her. Technically, Louisa would be acting the role of hostess, though in practically everything, Jane had been the hostess for months.”

  “Is Miss Bingley coming as well? I cannot imagine her being pleased with Lizzy married to Mr Darcy and Jane now marrying Mr Bingley.”

  “From what Mr Bingley has said, she will most likely remain in Town. For our girls’ sake, I pray that it is true. I do not wish to see any disruption come to the wedding or to their lives.”

  “Fanny would be dancing a jig at this moment if she were alive. Oh, my dear sister would be so pleased with her daughters so well settled.”

  “Both of them married to men who love and adore them, that is the most important.” Mrs Gardiner said.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “I received word from Charles today that he and Jane are finally having their wedding.” Louisa Hurst stated to her husband. “I am so pleased with the news. And he says that Mrs Darcy is becoming stronger each day. Such wonderful news for all of them, is it not? When can we travel to Netherfield, for I would not miss my brother’s wedding for anything?”

  “We can leave any time you wish, my dear.” Mr Hurst stated. “And what of your sister, do we tell her the truth?”

  “Charles does not wish her to be there, as she would only cause trouble and pain. We will have to dissuade her from coming with us.”

  “How will we do such, Louisa? Caroline has been dying to find a way to go to Netherfield ever since Charles threw her from the property. Your sister is determined to speak with Mr Darcy and attempt to break up his marriage. The foolish woman thinks that she still has a chance to become Mrs Darcy.”

  “I have never understood Caroline’s fixed notion that she is and always will be, the only perfect Mistress of Pemberley. How do we convince her that her dreams are foolishness? It is time she finds a man who will care for her and begin her own life.”

  “In a home of her own, too. I do not wish to have your sister living with us for the rest of our lives. Our children do not need Auntie Caroline in their lives every day.”

  “I could not agree with you more. The solicitor has begun the paperwork for Caroline’s inheritance to be separated and an establishment created for her. I doubt that she will ever find a husband, so she should take up her own home and make a life for herself. It will make the rest of us happier.”

  Outside the drawing room door, Caroline Bingley was listening to her sister’s conversation with her husband. Seething, Caroline continued to listen, furious that her sister thought so little of her. Once the conversation had moved to a different topic, Caroline quietly made her way back to her private suite of rooms.

  “So they think that I am not good enough to be the Mistress of Pemberley. Well, when I am through ridding my husband’s life of that country chit, Miss Elizabeth, I will make certain that my husband refuses to allow either of my siblings to our homes. Now, what should I wear for Charles’s wedding?”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 21

  Louisa and her husband had discussed several ways to dissuade Caroline from accompanying them, from the simple telling of the truth that she was not welcome at Netherfield Park, to the possibility of leaving late at night after Caroline had gone to sleep. They knew that Caroline had been drinking heavily at night, so they felt that it could give them a full two days head start if they waited for Caroline to pass out, then leave, giving the housekeeper instructions to tell Caroline that Louisa was ill the following day and the couple did not wish to be disturbed. By the time she realized that they had left without her, Caroline would have no way to travel to Netherfield.

  Little did they know that Caroline had no intentions of traveling with her sister and brother in law in their carriage. Caroline knew that their aunt had been notified of the wedding and was on her way from Scarborough to attend. Caroline had sent an express as soon as she heard of the wedding and begged her aunt to make a stop in London to give Caroline a ride, claiming that Louisa and Hurst had traveled ahead to assist in preparations. Caroline stated that she did not wish to be in the presence of Miss Bennet’s family, though she could not imagine missing the wedding of her dear brother.

  A message arrived the morning after Louisa and Hurst had left their townhouse. Caroline was thrilled to learn that her aunt was planning to stop in Town long enough to purchase a gift for the couple and was willing to convey Caroline in her carriage to Netherfield.

  Searching through her clothing, Caroline determined which gown she should wear for the wedding. She was determined to capture Darcy’s attention when she entered the room, as she was sure that he would regret his ever marrying Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline was also sure that after seeing her, Darcy would have his sham of a wedding to an invalid annulled so that he could marry the healthy and vivacious woman who would be perfect as his wife.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The men returned from Rosings two days after they left. John Lucas went to his family’s home, down trodden as to how to announce to his family the devastating news. On one hand, the man who married his sister was not who he said he was and so their marriage was a sham as well. Fortunately, it had not been consummated, a fact that was related to John and the other men by Mr Storm. The solicitor drew up affidavits attesting to Mr Storm’s statements so that the marriage could be legally annulled as if it never existed.

  On the other hand, his family had been taken in by a manipulator and a murderer. The man had scammed them, and took them for fools. And, because of this man and his conspiracy, their neighborhood would never be the same. John knew that his family would be devastated at all th
at had transpired.

  He was also certain that his sister would be a spinster for the rest of her days. No man would have her before all of this commotion, who would have her afterwards? No, Charlotte would remain single and live at home the rest of her days. John prayed that it would not taint Maria’s, his other sister, chance at finding a good match.

  Arriving home, John walked into the drawing room to find his father and sisters along with their mother. “John, you have returned sooner than expected.” Sir William stated. “Did all go well?”

  “As well as can be expected, Father. Sit down, we have a great deal to discuss.”

  After pouring a drink for himself and his father, John also poured one for Charlotte. Handing it to his sister, John took a seat on the sofa next to her, taking hold of her hand.

  John proceeded to tell them all that had been learned. When he finished what he wished to say, his father and mother had many questions all of which he answered. All the time, Charlotte sat as still as if she were made of stone. Her heart was heavy, and the betrayal was nearly overwhelming. She was no longer Charlotte Collins, married to Mr Collins, clergyman of Hunsford parish, who was mistress of her own home. She was again Charlotte Lucas, spinster daughter and sister, doomed to live her life at the mercy of others.

  The more she thought of what had happened, the more she hated herself for being even remotely connected to the man who had caused so much pain and harm. Had she lost her dearest friends, Jane and Elizabeth, because of her foolish marriage to the man she thought was their cousin? Could the Bennet sisters forgive her for having married the man who took so much from them?

  John sensed his sister’s feelings, as they had always been close to each other. “Charlotte, Mr Gardiner asked that our family join the party at Netherfield for dinner tonight. There is much to be discussed, and it does not concern only those living and staying at Netherfield. Our entire family is invited.”

  “John, that was kind of Mr Gardiner, but he is not the master of Netherfield, nor is he related, as yet, to Mr Bingley. Though Jane has been accepting the role of Mistress, she is not married to Mr Bingley until next week. Therefore, we could not possibly intrude on a family time such as this. It would be best to wait until a later date.”

  “No, Charlotte, Mr Gardiner, Mr Phillips, and Lord Matlock all agreed, and sent word to Netherfield to notify Mr Bingley. The soldier who took the message returned as we were traveling and he brought a message from Mr Bingley stating he was pleased to welcome our family tonight. If you wish, I can send word to Netherfield and ask for confirmation for you.”

  “How can I face them? How can I ever go to Netherfield again? Can you not understand? The man I thought I married was responsible for the conspiracy which destroyed the Bennet family. He fooled us into believing his tales, and I even believed his reasons for not performing his marital duties. They will hate me. I know they will. It would be better for me to move away, perhaps I could move to Scotland, live with Aunt Sadie and Uncle Simon. If I were gone, it would not take as long for the gossip to die down. With me here, you and Maria stand little chance of finding good matches, if any. I cannot condemn my family in such a manner.”

  “Enough of this nonsense, Charlotte.” Lady Lucas stated in a loud and demanding voice. “Lizzy and Jane will not hold you responsible for what happened at Longbourn. If you had known the truth, or had any notion as to what that man was plotting, you would have spoken up and protected them all. It is better to speak with them now, learn their true feelings, and if they are angry with you, then we will discuss your moving to my sister’s home.”

  Several moments passed by before Charlotte nodded her head. They would attend dinner at Netherfield that night. Lady Lucas stood and left the room, preparing to write a message to Mr Bingley, thanking him for the invitation and accepting his graciousness for their family.

  ~~ ** ~~

  When the Lucas family arrived at Netherfield, Charlotte was last to enter the house. She stood back, afraid of what she would find. Darcy pushed his wife’s chair at her directions, moving straight past all the rest and in front of Charlotte. Elizabeth reached out her hand to take hold of Charlotte’s.

  “Dear Charlotte, I am pleased that you are with us tonight. It is a double edged sword that we have before us and we all need to commiserate as well as rejoice. Soon it will be over, as the trial will begin as the year ends. When it is over, we will all be able to breathe again. My dear friend, you have suffered as much as the rest of us, only you have had no one to share your pain. Please know that we do not hold you responsible for anything that happened. You are, and always will be, our dear Charlotte.”

  Jane moved to stand next to her sister. “My sister speaks for both of us. You are as dear to us as a sister. Nothing will ever change that. Now, as one chapter of our story ends, another begins. Charles and I are to wed next week. We could not imagine not having you with us at the wedding. Lizzy will stand by me as I did for her, but I would like very much if you were to be a bridesmaid for me.”

  Charlotte was amazed at the love she saw in the eyes of her dearest friends. They had not found her unworthy of being their friend, nor held anger at her for marrying the man who destroyed their lives. Even though Elizabeth had told her that she was foolish to marry for convenience to such a simpleton, as the false Mr Collins purported to be, Elizabeth held no anger or hatred.

  “If this is truly what you wish, Jane. But if you wish me to never come near you again, I will understand. I have already spoken to my family of my traveling to my aunt’s home in Scotland.”

  Elizabeth was shocked at her friend’s response. “I will not hear of your running away from here, especially if you do so simply from fear that I wish it. I have no such feelings; you are just as much a victim in this as the rest of us. Each of us here has been injured in some way by all of this. Now is the time to put the pain aside and move forward to better times.”

  “And, Charlotte, you may begin again, knowing that the taint of that man did not go further. I am grateful that there was no child come from the marriage.” Jane stated. No one had informed her or Elizabeth that Charlotte was a wife in name only.

  “There cannot be a child if there have been no relations.” Charlotte stated softly, looking down at the floor.

  Elizabeth took a finger and lifted Charlotte’s chin up until her friend looked her in the eye. “Then all’s the better, as you truly were not married to that fool.”

  As the butler stepped forward, announcing that dinner was ready to serve, the men gathered their ladies and walked them into the dining room. For Darcy, he pushed Elizabeth’s chair while Georgiana held Elizabeth’s hand. Colonel Fitzwilliam had watched carefully as the sisters and Charlotte had spoken, impressed with the kindness that they held for this lady. He stepped up to Charlotte and held out his arm to her. “If I may have the honor, Miss Lucas?”

  “My thanks to you, Colonel, though I believe that the honor would be mine.” Charlotte said as she took hold of Richard’s arm.

  The rest of the evening was spent in giving thanks for no one being injured in capturing both Mr Storm and Anne de Bourgh, as well as planning for the future.

  One of the greatest bits of news for those who were from the neighborhood was that Elizabeth and Jane, now the heirs of Longbourn, had decided to rebuild the house. The house that they wished to have made was a bit smaller than the one which had burned, but it would be large enough for the time being.

  By the end of the evening, all were pleased to see that their lives would be moving in much improved directions.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Caroline Bingley arrived at Netherfield two days after her sister, much to the surprise of everyone else. Her aunt was confused when her nephew became furious at his sister for her having tricked the Widow Bingley into her schemes to return to Netherfield. Once she learned the truth, that Caroline was not welcome at Netherfield, their aunt was furious.

  “Caroline, how dare you behave in such a manner? You have mor
e sense than to throw yourself at a man who is not at all interested in you and is now married. And to come here, against your brother’s wishes, to disrupt his wedding plans, I am utterly ashamed of you.”

  “Aunt, when Mr Darcy sees me, he will wish to be rid of his sickly wife. She is dying, and he only married her out of pity. I know that he finds me appealing and wishes he had me as his wife. I only wish to let Mr Darcy know that as soon as he is free from his obligation, I will be here ready to marry him.”

  “You will do no such thing.” Mrs Geraldine Bingley stated. “Charles, have my carriage prepared to leave immediately. I will be taking your sister with me to Scarborough. Caroline will live with me for the near future. We will deal with the matter of her inheritance after you have had a proper time celebrating your marriage with your bride. Until then, Caroline will live on the allowance I give her. And if you have two young men to travel with us, to…guarantee our safe arrival in Scarborough, I would be grateful.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam could not help but overhear the conversation from the hall and opened the door to the study slightly. “Bingley, if I might be of service, I would like to offer two of the soldiers who are finished with their work here. Their time in service is at an end and they are looking for employment. I am sure that they would accept such a position as escort for your aunt and sister. They can be ready within minutes as well.”

  “That would be a blessing, Colonel. Could you send the men here immediately?”

  “Indeed, I will. If there is anything else I can do, do not hesitate to ask.”

  Once the men were hired to escort the ladies to Scarborough and remain there to assist Mrs Bingley and her niece, the group left Netherfield. Aunt Geraldine gave her beloved nephew a kiss on the cheek as she wished him and Jane all the joy they could find for the future, and apologized for Caroline’s fooling her into bringing her. “I will take a heavy hand with that sister of yours, as your mother spoiled that girl until the day she died. Caroline has always believed she was meant for better than what she deserved. It is time that she is corrected in that matter.”