The Ashes of Longbourn

by Schertz, Melanie

  When she came to the top of the stairs to meet him, Elizabeth was stunning. The wine colored silk gown was exquisite, showing all of her curves. The low cut of the bodice nearly caused Darcy to march his wife back to their rooms and refuse to allow her to leave, wishing he could ravage her completely. The pearl and diamond choker that she wore had a teardrop design pendant which lay in between the top of her swells, calling more attention to his wife’s ample bosom.

  Betsy had worked her magic in the styling of Elizabeth’s hair. The curls were piled high on her head, with a beautiful silver vine with pearls attached, wound about.

  “Elizabeth, my dearest, I do not think it is wise for me to allow you to be in public tonight. You are breathtaking and I do not know if I could tolerate any other man looking upon you.”

  “And how do you think I feel about any other woman seeing how handsome my husband is? I know that I will be quite envied.” Elizabeth said as she reached up to kiss her husband’s cheek.

  “If we are to go, we had best do so now before I change my mind and lock you in our rooms.” Darcy said, claiming her lips with passion, before scooping her into his arms and carrying her down the stairs.

  “William, I told you I could manage the stairs.” She squealed.

  Darcy sat her down on her feet at the bottom of the steps. “If you are to do any dancing tonight, then I insist that you allow me to take whatever caution I can to make things less difficult. I will not have you wear yourself out on the stairs and then cause yourself harm trying to dance with me.”

  Smiling, Elizabeth shook her head. “You are incorrigible William.” Elizabeth turned her attention to their guests who had been waiting for them to arrive. “Jane, you look simply beautiful. That shade of blue is perfect for you.”

  Bingley smiled with pride. “I just told her that before your arrival. I am quite the fortunate man.”

  “We both are, Charles.” Darcy corrected him.

  John and Maria Lucas were chuckling behind their hands. John finally spoke. “Shall we be off? Lady Matlock said we were to be there early, seeing how the Darcys are also to be honored tonight.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Elizabeth and Darcy were placed in the receiving line after Richard and Charlotte. Darcy insisted that Elizabeth have a chair and sit to receive people. When Elizabeth tried to refuse, stating it would be improper, Darcy insisted. He stated that all anyone needed to know was she was still recovering from an accident and he wished her to not overtax herself.

  Lady Matlock agreed with her nephew, and decided to support his decision. “Lizzy, if you do not comply with our decision, you will not be allowed to dance the waltz with your husband. I know that you have been looking forward to dancing the waltz, so do not fuss.”

  “Very well, I will be the good girl so I may have my sweet treat.” Elizabeth said as she giggled.

  It was one of the rare times that Fitzwilliam Darcy was seen blushing vividly.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Elizabeth could not believe how long the line was of guests arriving for the ball. She thought it would never come to an end. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the last of the guests had arrived and the music was beginning to play, signifying the need for those participating in the dancing to take their place. Darcy led his wife to their place in the line, standing across from each other. It had been quite some time since either of them had danced in this manner, and Darcy was concerned for his wife’s strength. He knew that later, when she danced with his hands on her, holding her in the intimate way of the waltz, he would feel more secure in her dancing.

  Concentrating on keeping her feet moving in the correct pattern, Elizabeth was nervous of making a fool of her. She did not want to embarrass her husband in front of all the people who were there; it would give gossips of the ton a reason to discredit her as the Mistress of Pemberley. When she looked into her husband’s eyes, she found the courage that she needed to relax and enjoy the dance. Rather than dancing the entire set, Darcy escorted her from the floor and to a set of chairs where she could watch the dancers. Darcy then brought a cup of punch for her to drink.

  After the set was finished, Richard and Charlotte made their way to where Darcy and Elizabeth were seated. “Eliza, I had a difficult time believing it was you when I first saw you tonight. You are not the same girl I knew from our youth. What a remarkably beautiful woman you have grown into.”

  “Thank you Charlotte. And how are all the plans for the wedding coming together?”

  “I am surprised that there are so many details that need to be taken into consideration when marrying an earl’s son, even if he is the second son.”

  “Am I worth all the work?” Richard asked.

  Laughing, Charlotte nodded her head. “Indeed, Mr Fitzwilliam. I am pleased to have you as my betrothed. Though I may change my mind in the coming weeks and beg you to steal me away to Gretna Green.”

  Lady Matlock came over and took hold of Charlotte’s arm. “Charlotte, I must have you meet Lady Jocelyn. She is the daughter of the Earl of _____shire. You will be friends, I am certain of it.” The two were then off, as Lady Matlock introduced her soon to be daughter in law to not only Lady Jocelyn, but to Mrs Waters and Mrs McGregor. Then Lord Matlock stepped over and took hold of Charlotte’s hand, leading her to the dance floor for the second set. Richard made his way to his mother and took hold of her hand, wrapping it around his arm, and led her to the line, standing near Lord Matlock and Charlotte.

  The dancing continued and Elizabeth found enjoyment in watching, even though she knew she was not able to partake as she had in the past. But she was growing stronger and stronger, and it would not be too much longer before she would be able to dance the night away.

  Just before dinner, Lady Matlock announced that the next dance was dedicated to Mr and Mrs Darcy, in honor of their wedding. Elizabeth blushed as she took her husband’s hand. They made their way to the dance floor, as did Richard and Charlotte, Charles and Jane, Lord and Lady Matlock, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and even Sir William and Lady Lucas. The music began and the couples began to dance.

  The feel of her husband’s hands on her as they twirled across the dance floor was intoxicating. Lost in their love for each other, they danced as if no one else was in the room. There was no fear of making a misstep, no worry over weakness. It was obvious, in the way they looked at each other, that both were giving and receiving strength from their spouse. Even after the music stopped, the couple was locked in their private world. Only when Richard coughed loudly did they realize that the dance was over. Darcy’s cheeks were as red as his wife’s as they left the floor and made their way to the dining hall.

  Fortunately, when they sat down to enjoy the meal, their friends and family sat in the seats nearby. Richard and Bingley decided to tease Darcy relentlessly over his faux pas at the end of the waltz. After listening to several of their verbal jabs, Darcy simply looked at his closest friends and said, “How could I pay attention to music and the people in the room when all I wished was to take the ravishing beauty who was in my arms, race up to one of the bedchambers, lock us inside and make passionate love to her? Can you blame me for something as simple as forgetting the rest of the world with such temptation before me?”

  Charlotte had heard the conversation and she began to giggle at Darcy’s words, especially as they had effectively silenced both Richard and Bingley. Richard, the hardened colonel of His Majesty’s Army, survivor of many major campaigns, blushed vividly. Bingley quickly turned his attention to his own wife, attempting to show her his devotion.

  After the dinner, the dancing resumed. Elizabeth insisted that her husband dance with her sister and with Charlotte; reluctantly he did as she asked. He made certain that Mrs Gardiner or Lady Matlock were with Elizabeth whenever he could not be. He did not trust the ladies of society to keep a politeness towards Elizabeth if he was not nearby. The last thing he wished to have happen was for the harpies who wish to belittle the new Mrs Darcy, to make her feel as if she
did not belong in their society.

  Charlotte was not a target for these ladies, for Richard had rarely been in society, as he had been in battle. Also, Richard was the second son, with no real money to his name, and only recently inheriting the small estate in Hertfordshire. Very few held any harsh feelings towards Charlotte. On the other hand, Fitzwilliam Darcy was not only a very handsome man; he had many more attributes that would eliminate any negative aspect of the man. And those many attributes resided in Derbyshire and in the bank.

  Only two of the ladies Darcy feared speaking with his wife approached her. Fortunately, Mrs Gardiner was there. As none knew Mrs Gardiner, for she belonged to a different social circle, it made it quite simple for the young ladies to mistake Elizabeth and her aunt’s strength.

  The ladies were Miss Bosworth and Miss Mallow. Both came from wealthy land owners, Miss Mallow was the niece of an earl.

  “Mrs Darcy, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. We have heard so many interesting stories here in Town about you and your family. I know that I, for one, look forward to learning more about you and your…family.” Miss Mallow spoke.

  “I thank you, Miss Mallow. This is my aunt, Mrs Gardiner. My sister is dancing with my husband at the moment, and my uncle is dancing with Miss Lucas.”

  “Oh, yes, this is the relations who are…in trade…are they not? And in the Earl’s house; how quaint.” Miss Bosworth said, giggling to her friend.

  “Yes, my husband is in trade. Lord and Lady Matlock have been very kind in asking us to the ball, and they were so generous to allow us to enter through the front door and not ask us to do any work while we are here.” Mrs Gardiner said with a sweet smile. “They are the kindest of people, for we had heard, in our section of Town, that the wealthy demand all who are beneath them in society to do some sort of labor to deserve being in their presence.”

  Miss Mallow nearly choked on the sip of drink that she had just taken. “I beg your pardon, Mrs Gardiner, but I know of no one who would demand such behavior. You simply would not be asked to come to such a grand house, unless you came through the servant’s entrance.”

  “Well, fortunately, my niece has married into one of the more reasonable members of society. Mr Darcy and his family have welcomed us with open arms to their homes and their family. And it is such a pleasure to see someone so much in love with their spouse as Mr Darcy is with my niece. He told us how he had never found any other woman in all of society who could touch his heart as his beloved Lizzy does. Of course, it was clear for all to see when they danced the waltz. The man was so besotted with his wife; he did not know the music had stopped.”

  “From what we were told, it was not expected that Mrs Darcy was to survive her injuries. How shocked Mr Darcy must have been that she did not succumb to her injures as was believed.” Miss Mallow insinuated a marriage out of pity.

  “Anyone who watched my nephew and his bride dancing the waltz, and still believes any such foolishness as Darcy marrying this young lady due to sympathy, is the biggest fool of all.” Lady Matlock was heard as she walked up behind the young ladies. “The thought of her dying was the most devastating time of Darcy’s life, and learning that she was alive and would live, has given my nephew a new lease on life. You, Miss Mallow, are only bitter due to not being able to secure his fortune for your family. Yes, it is well known that your father has gambled your family’s fortune away, and he insisted that you even compromise yourself to gain his hand.”

  “My father is an honorable man and wished only the best for me. The tear in my dress at that dance was an accident, though Father believed that my virtue was in question.”

  Lady Matlock snorted. “That is why your father was overheard at Whites telling his friends that he was pressuring you? Why do you think my son was nearby the night you tore your gown? My husband overheard your father and decided to protect Darcy. I think that it is time that you ladies inform your escorts of your desire to leave this party.”

  “Lady Matlock, that is not necessary.” Miss Bosworth said; her voice shaky. “We mean no harm to Mrs Darcy and her aunt. We were only curious, as there has been so much said. I would rather know the truth from the source rather than the gossip that circulates.”

  “If you do not make your exit on your own, Miss Bosworth, and take Miss Mallow with you, I will have my husband make a public request that your families remove immediately. We can keep it between ourselves or allow the ton to know what you are about.”

  The young ladies quickly made their farewells and left Matlock House with their escorts.

  “That was not necessary, Aunt. I would not have you humiliated in front of your guests.” Elizabeth said.

  “Oh, Lizzy, I am pleased to finally have a reason to cut ties with them and their families. They are just angry that you captured William’s heart and they couldn’t manage to even capture him through a compromise.”

  Elizabeth laughed. As she stood up to embrace Lady Matlock, she felt light headed and had to sit back down. “Lizzy, are you well?” Mrs Gardiner asked with concern obvious in her voice.

  It took her a moment before she could respond to her aunt. “Just a slight headache, it made me a little dizzy when I tried to stand too quickly. I am fine, just took me a moment to adjust.”

  Moments later, Darcy was kneeling before her, holding her hand. “Lizzy, what is wrong? Has something happened?”

  “As I told Aunt Helen, just a slight headache and I became dizzy. Nothing serious, my love, so do not panic.”

  “I knew that a ball was too much so soon after you began to recover the use of your legs. I should have insisted on a dinner instead. Let us take you home.”

  “William, I do not wish to cause any gossip as to my health. I am fine, I will remain seated until after all the guests have left and then we can make our way home.” She placed a hand on her husband’s cheek, looking into his eyes in an attempt to calm him. “Do not fear, William, I am well. Now, you promised me that you would dance with Charlotte, and I insist that you fulfill your duty to your wife by doing as you were told.”

  “You must promise me not to move from this spot and if there is any problem at all, you will have one of our aunts come for me.” Darcy stated, the intense look in his dark eyes refusing to accept anything less.

  “Yes, Dearest, I will do as you command.” Elizabeth smiled as he kissed her hand.

  Mrs Gardiner insisted on staying beside her niece for the rest of the ball, insisting to Darcy that all was well and she would let him know if Elizabeth had another spell.

  Not one who enjoyed dancing all the time, Darcy was an extremely reluctant partner when he was worried over his wife. Fortunately, no one felt the need to tease him about his fear; their friends and family knew that Elizabeth’s health was still delicate in many ways.

  Once the last dance had ended and the guests had left, Darcy took his wife home to their townhouse. Tucking her into bed, his arms wrapped possessively around her, Darcy finally fell asleep after noting that Elizabeth was sound asleep in his arms.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 28

  The morning dawned with Elizabeth making it to her dressing chamber before becoming ill into a bowl. The heaves continued for several moments before she was able to sit back, accepting the wet cloth that Betsy handed her to wipe her face. “I must have what the maid was ill with, though I do not understand how, as I have not been near her.”

  “Let me call for Mrs Lane. She will know what the physician recommended for the maid’s treatment.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. Remaining in the dressing chamber, she rested her head on a nearby towel. Soon, Mrs Lane entered the room and went directly to her Mistress. “Mrs Darcy, Betsy said that you are ill. What are the symptoms?”

  “A headache, which caused me to be lightheaded last night, and my stomach is far from happy at the moment. It is very queasy.”

  “Perhaps we should tuck you back into bed and call for the physician. I do not believe that it is the same
as the maid had. We should also make your husband aware of the situation.”

  Tears began to build in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Mrs Lane, my husband will be very upset over all of this. Could we perhaps allow him to think that I am preparing for the day, at least until after he leaves for his meeting? Once he is gone, then I will return to bed and the physician can attend me. I do not wish to cause my husband any further anguish.”

  “Mrs Darcy, it would not be wise to keep the Master from knowing of your illness, but it is your house, you may order me to do as you demand, and I will do so. I will not like it, but I will obey.”

  Seeing that the housekeeper had only her best interest in mind, as well as the best interest of her husband, Elizabeth finally agreed to Mrs Lane’s suggestions. Mrs Lane went to the door to the bedchamber, knocking loudly so that Darcy would hear her. Moments later, the Master of Darcy House opened the door, his robe appearing to have been hastily put on.

  “Mrs Lane, is there a problem?” Darcy asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The housekeeper stepped aside, allowing Darcy view of his wife seated, looking very ill.

  “Lizzy, what is wrong? I knew it was more than you said last night. Dearest, let us help you back to bed and have the physician attend you.”

  Nodding her head, Elizabeth avoided looking at her husband’s face. She did not wish to see disappointment in his eyes, as she had proven his worst fears that she not only had not recovered, but probably never would. Feeling fragile was not something that Elizabeth liked; she thought she was on the road to becoming more like her old self. She knew that Darcy would treat her as if she were a porcelain doll now.

  Darcy remained at his wife’s side, holding her hand in his own, until the physician arrived. Mr Wilson was an elderly man, and he had spent many years tending to not only the Darcy family, but the Fitzwilliam family as well. Upon his arrival, he scooted Darcy from the room, stating emphatically that it would not do Mrs Darcy any good to have her husband nervously pacing the room. Reluctantly, Darcy stepped into the hallway to pace.