The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  Tears had over flowed from his eyes and were streaming down his cheeks, dripping to his lap. The desire to take her in his arms was overwhelming, though he kept his promise to remain where he was until she told him otherwise. Elizabeth bit her lower lip lightly as she gazed at Darcy, praying that he would not be disappointed with her gift.

  Finally, after what seemed to be a lifetime, Elizabeth nodded her head towards her husband. “What do you think?” She asked.

  “My dearest love, I find that I am unable to find the words I need to express how proud I am of you and how very much I love you. May I please hold you?”

  “Yes, William. I cannot wait to be in your arms.”

  He needed no further encouragement. Darcy swept her in his embrace, twirling around in circles around the room. “Oh, Lizzy, my dearest, how long have you been able to do this? How did you keep this secret from me?”

  “Mrs Bogs has been working hard with me. We have been putting in extra work, while you have been taking care of work in the library. One day, I felt the tingling. I kept it secret until you had left the room. Mrs Bogs said that it was a wonderful sign and we wished to strengthen the muscles. I knew it would be a wonderful Christmas gift for you.”

  “This is indeed the most wonderful Christmas I have ever known. I have you, here, in my arms. You are my wife, and now you are recovering the use of your legs. Oh, Lizzy, Lizzy, Lizzy. This is a miracle.”

  “The miracle is that, after everything that has happened, we were given a chance to put our life together. The heavens have been watching over us, protecting us, allowing us to begin anew and build a life together. And I cannot imagine life being better than it is at this very moment.”

  “I look forward to each and every moment of the rest of our lives. My Lizzy, oh, my love, you are an amazing woman.”

  The rest of the night was celebrated as the couple made passionate love, several times, as Darcy explored the sensations that his wife could now experience. Though cautious, Darcy fully delighted himself with his wife’s body.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 24

  Christmas morning found the family waking to a white skim of snow on the ground. Elizabeth wished there had been more, as she would have loved to be able to have a snowball fight with her husband. When she told him, Darcy laughed. “Have no fear, Lizzy, once we are at Pemberley, you will most likely wish for less snow, after weeks of being snowed in.”

  “But I would be snowed in with you. That would make me love it.”

  “Shall we join the others, to inform them of the gift you gave me?” Darcy said as he lay beside his wife, twirling a chocolate curl around his fingers.

  “I know we should, I just wish we could remain here, just the two of us, for a month. Feeling your arms around me brings so much comfort; the rest of the world does not matter.”

  “If that is what you desire, that is what we will do. Perhaps it is time that we made our way to Pemberley. Georgiana could stay in Town at Matlock House, our aunt will be thrilled to have a chance to take her shopping and to the museum. We could be alone at our home for as long as you wish.”

  “I think that it would be wonderful, though could we wait until after the New Year? It will be difficult leaving here, after all that has happened.”

  “We are flexible to do as we please, dearest. Take what time you need, I am not needed by a specific date, though I would like to see to the planting season. I believe it is one of the most beautiful wonderful times of the year to see Pemberley, as it comes back to life after the cold, harsh winter.”

  Elizabeth looked into the eyes of the man she loved above all others. This was her husband, and it was time to think of his needs and concerns. He had been away from his home for a long time, due to her. It was time for her to do what she could for him. That meant, it was time for her to move to her home. For a moment, the thought of never seeing Jane again, that the last of her family might die nearly caused her to panic. She took several deep breaths to calm herself.

  “Lizzy, we do not have to decide this moment. We can take our time in deciding when to move.”

  “No, William, it is time. Forgive me, I am being silly. After losing Papa, Mamma, and our sisters, the thought of never seeing Jane again frightens me. But I know that she will be fine, that I will see her again. I believe that it would be appropriate for us to move, perhaps in a fortnight or so.”

  “Very well, though I believe that we should learn Richard’s and Charlotte’s plans for a wedding. I know you will wish to be here for that. If I know my cousin, he will wish for a very short engagement.”

  “I am so pleased for them. Papa would have approved, I am certain. I wonder what Papa would have done had he lived, how he would have handled Mr Storm. From what we know, he had learned the truth just before the fire. That is the reason Wickham killed him.”

  “Your father would most likely have had him arrested, though he may have consulted with Sir William first. I doubt very much that he would have wished harm to come to the Lucas family.”

  “That is true, as Sir William was one of Papa’s dearest friends. William, there is something I wish to do before we go to our home.”

  “What is that, my love?” Darcy looked at his wife carefully, praying that she was not slipping back into melancholy.

  “I wish to gather some ashes from the rubble that remains of Longbourn. I would like to take them with us to Pemberley.”

  Confusion took hold of Darcy. “Whatever for?”

  “It may seem silly, but it would be a way to always feel close to my family. One day, many years from now, after we have been married for one hundred years; when I die, I would like the ashes scattered over my casket. So that I have some of my childhood home with me, when I am laid to rest in the ground of Pemberley.”

  Darcy watched his wife carefully. “I will allow it on one condition. You must keep your promise that we will be married for one hundred years. One day less and I send the ashes straight to Longbourn and you will suffer eternity without the knowledge they were with you.” He kissed the tip of her nose teasingly.

  Elizabeth smiled. “I will do everything in my power to keep that promise, though I do not think that it will be long enough. We should make it an eternity.”

  Kissing Elizabeth’s lips, Darcy agreed with her decision. He deepened the kiss, delighting in the taste of his wife. Finally, breathlessly, they broke apart. “Well, my love, if we do not dress immediately, we will not see any of the rest of our family until tomorrow, for I will keep you my prisoner all day.”

  “Would you ask Betsy to come and assist me?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I will carry you to your dressing chamber, if you would like. Or I can assist you in walking.”

  “Very well, I would like to walk a little. Betsy has two canes for me to use as well.”

  “So long as I am nearby, there is no need for canes. But we will take them downstairs with us. Do you wish to surprise everyone with the news, rising from the chair like you did last night, or would you wish to forget the wheeled chair?”

  “I believe that if I were to walk into the breakfast room on my own two feet, it will be a big enough surprise. What do you think of my plan?”

  A smile grew across Darcy’s lips. “I believe they will all forget breakfast.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Gardiner had been nervously awaiting Elizabeth and Darcy’s arrival at breakfast. She knew that Elizabeth had planned to surprise her husband Christmas Eve, and she was anxious to not have to keep the secret any longer. Most of all, Helen Gardiner wished to see the look on Darcy’s face after learning of his wife’s recovery. She was not forced to wait long, as she had just sat her plate on the table when the voices of Darcy and Elizabeth were heard approaching.

  Darcy carried Elizabeth down from their rooms, setting her on her feet just outside the door to the breakfast room. The couple entered the door of the breakfast room to a moment of silence. Just as sudden as the room had become silent, sounds o
f delight and of silverware and dishes being dropped followed. Everyone in the room was thrilled, seeing Elizabeth standing, with her husband supporting her. His arm wrapped around her and pulled her close to his body, giving her the support she needed.

  Jane was the first to reach her sister. “Lizzy, when did this happen? Why did you not tell me?”

  “I knew that you would be too excited to keep my secret, so I decided to surprise you as well. It was my Christmas gift to my husband, being able to walk a few steps to him last night.”

  Mr Gardiner placed a kiss on his niece’s cheek. “It has been nearly impossible for your aunt to keep the secret, and it was even difficult for me, after she told me.”

  “I am so pleased that you were both here for this moment, Uncle. You helped to restore my health when you accidently crossed paths with William, when you were in Ireland. If it had not been for his return, and his love, I am sure that I would have died long before now.”

  “I will be forever grateful that we were able to play even the small role that we did in reuniting the two of you. I do not know if I could have survived losing you as well as the rest of the family.” Mr Gardiner said as tears filled his eyes. “And now look at you, a married lady and able to use your legs again. Miracles have happened here at Netherfield.”

  “Here, here, and I pray that we have plenty more in the future.” Bingley said as he stepped to his sister. “Lizzy, it does my heart good to see you so. This is truly a day to celebrate.”

  Georgiana and Mrs Gardiner each took their turn in embracing Elizabeth, before allowing Richard a chance. “Elizabeth, may I tell you from myself and my betrothed, how wonderful it is to see you recovering so well. This is indeed a sight for sore eyes. Charlotte will be thrilled as well.”

  “Now I will be able to walk in the church for your wedding.” Elizabeth said. “If you all do not mind, I would like very much to sit down.”

  “Of course, Lizzy.” Darcy stated as he guided her to her seat. “Let me get a plate for you.” It did not take long before her husband was next to her with a plate of food. “You will need more energy now that you are able to move more. So I expect you to eat all of the food I have brought you.”

  Elizabeth laughed at her husband’s protectiveness. “Yes, my dearest, I will do as I am told.” She said as she lifted a pastry to her lips.

  ~~ ** ~~

  The day was filled with church services, luncheon, giving gifts, and enjoying each other’s company. An express had returned from Town, congratulating Richard and Charlotte, and inviting the couple and Charlotte’s family to stay at Matlock House as soon as possible. Richard knew that his parents would wish this to be before the New Year.

  Charlotte’s family arrived an hour before dinner was to be served. Jane and Elizabeth were thrilled for their friend and Richard. Talk of shopping in Town for Charlotte’s trousseau and items that would be needed for the new house that was to be built at Longbourn took up the time until the servant announced dinner was served.

  When the ladies and men separated, after dinner, Charlotte could not show her appreciation to her dear friends enough, as she pulled them aside from the other ladies. “Lizzy, Jane, there is no possible way for me to be able to properly express how grateful I am to you for your generosity.”

  “Charlotte, nonsense, for we are grateful to know that Longbourn will have such a wonderful Mistress and that you will be loved for the lady you are.” Elizabeth said. “I know that you are not a romantic, but I am certain that you can see the difference in marrying for love and marrying for convenience. A love match is incredibly intoxicating, is it not?”

  “I never knew how wonderful it could be.” Charlotte said. “I was a fool to settle for marrying Mr Collins…I mean, Mr Storm. I had a house to tend and the people of the parish over which to care for, but nothing more than that. I did not have a home, for there was no mutual affection, not even friendship. Would you allow me some time to speak openly of what to expect…from the…?”

  “From the marriage bed?” Elizabeth asked. Seeing her friend nod her head while looking down at the floor, Elizabeth smiled. “Charlotte, as I am married to the man that I love and adore, I will tell you that, from my perspective, the marriage bed is a wondrous thing.”

  Jane blushed. “I can concur with Lizzy. It is much different from what our mothers ever spoke. If it is a duty, I gladly submit to this duty.”

  Charlotte knew that Elizabeth would speak openly, but to hear such words coming from Jane was shocking. “This sounds as if I will be pleasantly surprised. I am now grateful for the fact that that man refused to…that I am unspoiled.”

  “I have no doubts that Richard will be as kind and caring with you as William has been with me.” Elizabeth said as she embraced her friend. “Richard is a good man, you deserve such happiness.”

  “When do you wish to marry?” Jane asked.

  “I am not sure for what Richard will wish, but if it were my decision alone, I would make it for as soon as possible. I wish to move forward in my life.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “And I am sure that Lord and Lady Matlock will wish to have the wedding in Town. They will wish to show you off to their friends.”

  “Oh, dear, I pray that they will not be disappointed in me. I am not exactly what an Earl would wish for as a daughter in law.”

  “Lady Matlock was praying that her son would find love, and she told me before they left for Town how very fond she is of you. I doubt very much if she will be disappointed. And I am sure that whatever brings his son happiness, and his wife approves, Lord Matlock will approve as well.”

  “What will my father approve of?” Richard’s voice rang out as he entered the room, followed closely by the other men.

  “Charlotte is concerned about your parents approving of her as a wife for you. I was reassuring her that they like her very much and that she will be accepted.” Elizabeth stated to her cousin.

  “Would you wish to read the express they sent me, just this afternoon?” Richard reached into his pocket for the message. “I should have thought to show it to you earlier, though, as soon as you arrived, all other thoughts flew from my mind.”

  Accepting the message from her betrothed, Charlotte read it.

  Dearest Richard,

  Oh, how you vex me. Becoming engaged when I am not there to congratulate you and your intended is most unkind. Be warned, when I next see Miss Lucas, I plan to tell her all sorts of your secrets. I will use caution so as not to scare her away.

  This news is not surprising to me, as I could see your heart beginning to open when we were at Netherfield. I am so pleased. Miss Lucas is a wonderful lady, worthy of your hand. And you will be living so close to Town that we will be able to visit often.

  Your father was not surprised by the news of Lizzy and Jane giving you Longbourn. I believe he had considered offering to purchase it from them, just for you. Now, we have decided that our wedding gift will be paying for the new house to be built and furnished. We know that the savings you have will not cover the cost of building much more than a cottage, so we are having an architect beginning drawing up plans. When you come to London, we will meet with him and make changes that you and Miss Lucas wish.

  We would also like to take this time to invite Miss Lucas and her family to be our guests at Matlock House so that we may plan the wedding. I am sure that she will wish to shop in Town for her trousseau and I would love to introduce her to my favorite modiste.

  I finish now, telling you how very pleased I am with your news. Richard, my beloved son, I could not be happier for you. Give Miss Lucas my best and send word as to when we should expect you.

  With love,

  Your mother

  Tears welled in Charlotte’s eyes, threatening to overflow. “How can they be so kind? I cannot understand how they can be so accepting of me as a wife for their son.”

  “They know the true person you are, Charlotte.” Richard said, pulling her into his embrace, not caring what anyone else tho
ught of such improper behavior. “Mother has always wished for me the opportunity to marry where my heart wished; she has often told me that none of the young ladies of the ton who have large dowries were good enough for me. She knows how dear you are to me, how my heart is attached. That means more than anything else to her.”

  “I do love you, Richard. I pray that you will always know how dear you are to me.”

  Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, Richard nodded. “As dear as you are to me, my dearest.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Plans were made for traveling the first week of the New Year. It was decided that Charles and Jane would stay at Darcy House with Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana, as Louisa was due to give birth any day and would wish for peace and quiet. Sir William and Lady Lucas would join Charlotte in staying at Matlock House for a fortnight, while John and Maria Lucas would stay at Darcy House.

  Darcy sent word to his housekeeper, asking her to have rooms prepared for their guests. He also sent a message to his aunt to have an appointment made for Elizabeth to visit a modiste as well. Now that she was growing stronger and regaining the use of her legs, he wished for her to have an entirely new wardrobe. He also wished to take her shopping for all that she might need.

  Elizabeth laughed at his desire to spoil her. When her uncle returned to Netherfield for Christmas, the number of packages that he brought with him, at Darcy’s request, was beyond belief. There was a new brush set with silver handles and her initials carved, stationary with her name, a journal embossed with her initials, hair pins with pearls and jewels attached, hair combs, shawls, and so much more. She scolded him for buying so many things for her, telling him that she did not need so much. But Darcy was not to be dissuaded from his pleasure. And purchasing items to bring his beloved wife joy was one of his greatest pleasures.