The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  “If you need anything, please, send an express to me.” Charles said as he handed his aunt into the carriage. Caroline had refused his assistance and would not even speak with her brother as she was, once again, forced to leave Netherfield.

  ~~ ** ~~

  On Thursday morning, the sun was shining brightly and the weather was pleasant, as if to ensure that the wedding of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley was perfect. Elizabeth wore a new dress for the occasion; her clothing size had increased as she recovered her strength. She was pleased she was able to be at Jane’s side, to be witness for her beloved sister at the moment of her greatest dream coming true. Jane was beside herself with joy. “Oh, Lizzy, if a person could die of pure happiness, I should lay down this moment. In just an hour, I will be Mrs Jane Bingley. This is the moment I have been waiting for all of my life.”

  “And you deserve such happiness, Jane. You and Charles will have a long and joyous life, I am certain of it.”

  “Lizzy, having you beside me, this is how I always dreamed it to be. And our husbands are the best of friends, which is even grander than I would have thought possible. We will be very happy, will we not?”

  “I can speak only for me, as my husband is all that I could wish for. I pray that Charles makes you feel the same.”

  Giggling, Jane embraced her sister. “Charles is perfect, the man I have dreamed of all of my life. Ohh, I cannot believe that I am so nervous. We have been as close as a married couple, well, with a few exceptions. I have thought of Charles as my husband for so long now that I feel foolish for being so anxious for the ceremony to be done and we will finally be wed.”

  “Well, it is my duty to pass on to you our family heirloom. As I wore these combs for my wedding, it is now your turn to wear them. Then we will return them to Uncle Edwin to keep safe for our cousins.”

  “Thank you, Lizzy.” Jane took the combs in hand and went to have her maid assist in placing them in her hair. A knock came to the door, announcing her uncle was ready to escort Jane Bennet to the arms of her betrothed. Within the hour, Jane Bennet would become Jane Bingley.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The wedding breakfast went as planned, and all were delighted with the feast that Mrs Gardiner and Louisa Hurst had planned. It would be the last chance that the Hursts would be able to travel until well after the baby was born, and Charles was most pleased that they were able to be with him for this important event. He also looked forward to meeting his niece or nephew when the babe arrived.

  Lord and Lady Matlock decided that they would return to London to make certain that Lady Catherine was settled into her townhouse. They also needed to meet with the solicitor to prepare for the sale of Rosings and the permanent placement of Anne de Bourgh. Colonel Fitzwilliam decided to remain at Netherfield for another fortnight.

  Colonel Forster had returned, with the soldiers, to Brighton, after Mr Storm was taken to London and placed in custody to stand trial. The solicitor had already contacted the family with the information as to when the trial would be and who would be needed to testify.

  Mr Gardiner needed to return to London, though he left his wife and children at Netherfield until he returned for Christmas, which was fast approaching. He also took a list of items which Darcy wished purchased for Elizabeth.

  The new Mr and Mrs Bingley spent a week at Darcy House in Town, before returning to prepare Netherfield for the fast approaching holidays.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 22

  Bingley was pleased to plan his first Christmas at his estate, with his new family. He spared no expense, and insisted that Netherfield be prepared for tours. Decorations of holly and ivy and mistletoe were wrapped with ribbons and draped on the bannisters, above the doors, and across the mantle of each of the public fireplaces. A kissing bough was constructed and the Phillips volunteered to bring the remains from the previous year’s Yule log from their home for Christmas Eve.

  As it was a year for new, the Bingleys and Darcys decided to start a new tradition. One day, Mrs Gardiner was reading a book to her children about a family from Germany describing how they celebrated Christmas. The thing that caught the attention of all was the part of the family cutting down an evergreen tree and bringing it inside the house, decorating it with ribbons and glass baubles. This sounded interesting to everyone and a message was sent off to London to Mr Gardiner to locate any glass baubles that would be fitting for such decorations.

  Jane and Georgiana took Elizabeth to Meryton to do some shopping. Darcy did not like his wife going without him, as he was concerned for her well-being. Who would move her in and out of her chair, and who would be there to move the chair if there were stairs or other impediments? Only when Mrs Gardiner spoke privately to her nephew did he calm.

  “William, we are all very pleased with the way you have cared for Lizzy, and that you brought her back to life. Now, you have to accept the fact that there will be moments that you will not be together. It will not be for long, as they only plan to be gone for a few hours. It is a big step for Elizabeth, as it is the first time she has been strong enough to make such a decision. She needs you to be proud of her for her improvement.”

  “I know that I should not be so overprotective, it is just so difficult to breathe when she is not nearby. I worry that something will happen to her, that I will not be there to protect her and I will lose her.”

  “That is a natural reaction, especially this first time. Jane and Georgiana will take very good care of Elizabeth, they love her dearly. William, this is the first time that Elizabeth has had a desire to be seen in Meryton since the fire. Most there have not seen her; they have only heard what happened to her. For her to have the strength to wish to be seen in the village, in her wheeled chair, proves how much your love has brought Elizabeth to life.”

  Darcy stood and walked to the nearest window, leaning his head against the cold glass. “Is she strong enough to take the looks that she will glean? And what of the whispers behind her back? I could not tolerate her being caused any further pain.”

  “These are people she has known all her life. I am sure that it will be a safe beginning. She knows who will whisper, for they whisper about everything. And they know her forthright nature; she will put them in their place if needed.”

  When he turned his head towards her, Mrs Gardiner could see the tears that welled in his eyes, begging to overflow. She stood and walked to his side, placing a hand gently on his arm. “William, it will be difficult for you, but it is necessary. Lizzy cannot be kept hidden away for the rest of her life. Allow her this chance to expand beyond Netherfield. If you do not, if you attempt to keep her here and under your protection, our Lizzy will revolt against you. I do not wish to see either of you in further pain.”

  Nodding, Darcy looked at his new aunt and his eyes begged her. “If I remain here, would you be kind enough to go with the ladies? Will you watch over my wife for me? I will spend time with your children while you are gone.”

  “Very well, William. I will do it only this one time. Now, you go and speak with your wife. Make sure that she knows that you love her and that you will not jump on your horse and race after her. I will retrieve my things.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Gardiner and the young ladies made their way to the shops of Meryton, prepared to do a great deal of shopping. Though she was nervous, Elizabeth was thrilled to be riding in the carriage and excited to see the shops decorated with holiday trimmings. One of the footmen that Darcy had come to rely upon while at Netherfield was dispatched with the carriage to be the one to lift Elizabeth when she required it, thus relieving some of Darcy’s anxiety. The young man, Jacob, was one of Mrs Hill’s nephews and had known Elizabeth all of her life. A second footman was sent to move the wheeled chair when it needed to be taken up steps to enter a shop.

  The first shop was the general store, where Elizabeth looked through all of the special items that had been stocked for holiday gifts. There were pretty little boxes for treasures, to
y soldiers and even a charming tea set for little girls. Elizabeth chose a tea set for her eldest cousin, Angela, and a cloth doll with a sweet smile and brown curls for the younger Gardiner daughter, Jessica. For Jonathon, she chose a very fine chess set for him to begin learning the game. He had wished to learn after watching his beloved cousin, Lizzy, win game after game against all in their family. Jonathon had challenged his cousin to a game when he was well versed at it. Finally, for young Thomas Gardiner, a set of soldiers and horses were determined to be the gift for him. He had taken a great liking to Colonel Fitzwilliam and was often heard attempting to order his siblings about. Elizabeth knew that Angela would request tea parties with her as often as possible, and relished the different topics that they could discuss. She remembered her Aunt Helen doing the same for her and Jane when they were but small girls. And Little Jessica would most likely name her new doll Lizzy and carry the small reminder of her elder cousin everywhere she went.

  The next shop was the milliners, where ribbons and fabrics were chosen to take to the dressmaker’s shop. There were several new colors that Jane and Georgiana insisted would be beautiful on Elizabeth. Mr Blaine had long thought highly of Jane and Elizabeth, and was pleased to have a chance to visit with Elizabeth after so long. He delighted her with news of his family, including the new granddaughter that his son bestowed upon him. Elizabeth chose several items that she spoke privately with Mr Blaine of having sent to Netherfield for her. They included items for the ladies in her family and some handkerchiefs that she wished to stitch for her husband.

  At the bookshop, the other ladies teased Elizabeth relentlessly that they had an advantage to be able to remove her from the shop if she took too long, for her wheeled chair allowed them to move her easily. Teasing back, Elizabeth stated that all she had to do was grab hold of the bookshelves. Mr Sawyer had just unpacked a new shipment and it was quickly sorted through by Elizabeth, choosing items for several of her family members. A very special selection was made and she asked that it be wrapped very well, for she did not wish her husband peeking inside it.

  The merry group arrived at the dress shop filled with holiday joy. Hearing them enter the shop, Mrs Lark came from the back room. “Mrs Darcy, how wonderful it is to see you here. I would have been happy to come to you, I pray you know that.”

  “Of course, Mrs Lark.” Elizabeth said with a smile. “You have been so kind and generous to both Jane and me through all that has happened this year. We have come to consider you with the highest regard and respect, and cannot begin to express our appreciation to you.”

  “Dear me, if you continue to speak so, I will not be responsible for any tear stains that are found on your gowns.” Mrs Lark grasped hold of Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it. “Now, what do you ladies have in mind for me to make for you?”

  Jane and Georgiana had seen sketches in one of the latest fashion magazines that they wished to garner Mrs Lark’s opinion, and Elizabeth wished to order several more morning gowns as the ones she had been wearing had finally been let out as far as possible without alterations. Elizabeth wished one gown made, for Christmas Eve, and she insisted on speaking privately with Mrs Lark. The two were in the private room of the shop with Mrs Lark going over the changes in measurements, when Mrs Gardiner knocked to enter. When Elizabeth called for her to enter, Helen Gardiner could see that her niece was blushing deeply.

  “Are you well, Lizzy?” She asked.

  “I am very well, Aunt Helen. I am so very well, indeed.”

  Curious, Mrs Gardiner continued watching her niece closely. “Jane and Georgiana have decided to meet us at the tea shop, as they wished to make some purchases without our being present.”

  “That is perfect, as I wish to take you into my confidence.” Elizabeth smiled. Carefully, Elizabeth moved the lap coverlet and lifted the hem of her dress. Slowly, Elizabeth lifted her right leg slightly, her foot rising from the foot rest of the wheeled chair and wiggled.

  “LIZZY!” Helen Gardiner could not help but be thrilled. “How long have you been able to do this?”

  “A little over a week. I have been able to feel some things, some tingling and then some of the massage that Mrs Boggs has done. Please, I do not want to tell anyone else. William does not know yet, I have been careful when he is with me. Will this not make the most wonderful Christmas gift ever for my husband?”

  “Oh, my, William will be thrilled. This is amazing. I am so pleased that Edwin is in Town, I know I would not be able to keep the news from him if he were here.”

  “If you do share our secret with him, make certain he knows that no one else is to be told until Christmas Eve. Mrs Boggs feels that by then, with support, I may be able to stand for a moment or two. We are working very diligently on strengthening my muscles.”

  “I must ask your uncle to purchase a gift for Mrs Boggs while he is in Town. Oh, that woman is a miracle worker. Lizzy, dearest girl, I cannot be happier for you.”

  “Now, this is the gown I wish to have made for Christmas Eve. I think it will be so pretty on me when I am assisted to my feet.”

  “It is very pretty, Lizzy. And know that I will be on one side of you, assisting as you give this gift to everyone.”

  Elizabeth wiped tears of joy from her cheeks. “Thank you, Aunt Helen. This means so very much to me.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Colonel Fitzwilliam was in a dilemma of what he should do. More than anything, he wished to remain at Netherfield for the near future. But he was informed that he would be a key witness in the trial against Mr Storm. As he had been present for the confessions of both Mr Jolly and Mr Storm, it was important for the Colonel to testify against the murderer.

  And while he was in London, he would be celebrating the holidays with his parents and his older brother, who had brought his wife and their children to Town. Lady Matlock’s sister would also be with the Fitzwilliam family, and Richard had always enjoyed spending time with his Aunt Pauline.

  There was a reason for his dilemma, and that is the time that he had been spending at Lucas Lodge. He had decided that the Lucas family deserved kindness from someone in his family, after all the damage that came from another member. Richard had come to like the members of the Lucas household, especially one member. He had ridden to Lucas Lodge daily, telling everyone that he wished to be of assistance to the family. In truth, Richard was finding his heart opening in a way he had never known before.

  Each day, as weather permitted, Richard took a walk with Charlotte, discussing the neighborhood, her plans for the future, her hopes and dreams. And each day, his heart became more and more aware of what had been missing in his life. But how could he marry when Charlotte lacked any sort of dowry? Richard had some money saved from his career, but it was not enough to support a wife. And he did not think it was fair to a wife to be at home, waiting to see if he returned from war. No, when he married, Richard knew that he needed to resign his commission and settle into a new life.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The trial date arrived just five days before Christmas. Having no choice, Richard traveled to Town with Mr Phillips, Sir William and John Lucas. Lord Matlock and Mr Gardiner would meet the men at the courthouse.

  The trial took two days, as testimony was given and the truth was unfolded. Mr Storm continued to claim Mr Collins had died from no harm from him, though, with everything else that had happened, it was difficult to believe he would have been squeamish of taking Collins’ life.

  Trying desperately to protect the Fitzwilliam family as well as the Lucas’s, the fact that Mr Storm was found in bed with Anne de Bourgh was left out of the testimony. Charlotte’s marriage was discussed in the fact that it was being annulled and the Lucas family had been deceived. John had been in the room when Storm admitted to his refusal to consummate the marriage, and that he was not William Collins, as he had claimed when marrying. This gave Charlotte the freedom to begin again.

  The verdict was given, and Storm was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, murder
times eight, attempted murder times two, and fraud. He was sentenced to die in two days’ time. Lord Matlock was pleased at the outcome, stating that the court wished to have the entire incident wrapped up before breaking for the holidays. As this case had been called so quickly as a favor to him; with him being a member of the House of Lords.

  Sir William decided to journey back to his home, as he did not wish to stand witness to the hanging of Mr Frederick Storm. John and Colonel Fitzwilliam both had a need to see the man dead and know, for certain, that he would never be able to harm their families again. Mr Gardiner traveled with Sir William; John was to return to Lucas Lodge along with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Lord Matlock was disappointed in the news that his son was not to be with their family for Christmas, but it was obvious that his son was going through some changes.

  The morning of the hanging, John and Colonel Fitzwilliam stood amongst the crowd that had gathered near the gallows. There were a total of three convicts to be hung, and Mr Storm was the first brought up the steps. When asked if he had any final words, the man looked at the crowd until he spotted the two men he knew. “I take the knowledge of where I hid the money to the grave. Tell my beloved I await her on the other side.”

  A hood was then placed over his head, with the noose fit properly around his neck. A clergyman stood nearby, reading from his Bible, in an attempt to save the condemned from an eternity in purgatory. And then, the trapdoor swung open and Mr Storm, a man of great evil, dropped. Moments later, his evilness was purged from the world.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The ride to Hertfordshire was taken at a brisk pace. Both of the men wished to be with the ones they loved and enjoy the holidays. Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied John to Lucas Lodge, as he wished to see Charlotte. He was having a difficult time understanding why his heart had been in such pain these past days, the days that he spent without being able to spend time with Charlotte. It was plain to see that she had missed him as well.