Meet Me at Oakham Mount

by Melanie Schertz

  “My love, there has been an accident. Their carriage overturned. I sent Roberts back to look for them and he had Jane and Charles loaded into a wagon. They should be here shortly. They are injured, Elizabeth. And Roberts said that their injuries are severe. Old Joe was killed, as was Joshua.”

  A cry escaped Elizabeth as the thought of her beloved sister dying. “William, they have to survive.” Darcy wrapped his arms around his wife. “I know, my love. I will go down and wake the innkeeper. A physician will be sent for as well. Get dressed and meet me downstairs as soon as you can. Roberts said they should be here within the hour.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy knocked on his stepfather’s door, informing him of the accident, before he went downstairs. Mr and Mrs Baines had owned the inn for more than twenty years and knew Darcy and the Carringtons well. When they were roused from their slumber by Darcy, they were instantly alerted to something terrible having happened.

  They sent the young boy who assisted around the inn to fetch the physician, and the maid was

  awakened to prepare two rooms and bring fresh water to heat. Blankets were hung by the fireplace to warm before the injured arrived. Darcy also requested the magistrate be sent for, as he wished to have the accident investigated thoroughly. Then he wrote a message to Mrs Reynolds, and asked to have it sent express to Pemberley. Not only did he inform her that the bodies of the two loyal servants were being brought to the estate, he wished her to be prepared when they brought the Bingleys to the house.

  By this time, Elizabeth and Lady Anne had joined Lord Albert and Darcy in the dining area of the inn. Finally, the sounds of the wagon arriving in front of the inn were heard. The men went outside to bring the injured inside. When the makeshift stretcher carrying Jane Bingley was brought in, Elizabeth burst into tears. Had she not known it was her sister, she would not have recognized her.

  Jane had cuts and bruises on her face, her left eye was swollen and there was blood all over. Her leg was displaced, with the lower section protruding in an unusual position.

  Bingley was not much better. He had a severe cut over his left eye and on the base of his neck. The men who brought the couple to the inn stated that Bingley had lost a large quantity of blood, which accounted for his extremely pale appearance.

  Elizabeth followed her sister into the first room, while Lady Anne followed Bingley. Each of the ladies began to clean the couple of the blood, as well as removing some of the clothing to make it easier for the physician when he arrived. Jane was shivering, so Elizabeth wrapped the warm blanket around her sister’s body.

  “Charles…where is Charles?” Jane whispered. “Jane, remain calm. You are both at the inn. The physician is coming to tend to you and Charles.” Elizabeth said, taking hold of her sister’s hand and squeezing carefully.

  “Charles, I need Charles.” Jane began to cry, unable to open her left eye from the swelling. “Dearest Jane, calm yourself. Charles is in the next room, and he needs to be tended to by the physician. You will see him later, after you have both been seen by the physician.”

  “Lizzy, what happened? How did we get here?” “You were brought here in a wagon. The carriage had an accident.” Elizabeth said, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Stay with me, Jane. The physician will be here soon. Stay strong, my dear sister.”

  “Tired…so very tired.” Jane was beginning to drift. “Tell Charles I love him.”

  “You will tell him yourself.” Elizabeth exclaimed. “You will see him shortly, Jane. Please, my dear sister, I love you. Stay with me.” A knock was heard on the door and Elizabeth cried out for the person to enter. Mrs Baines entered with the physician. “Mrs Darcy, your husband asked for you to step out to the dining room. I will assist Mr Wall tend to your sister.”

  Elizabeth left the room reluctantly, her hands covered in blood. Seeing her husband nearby, she flung herself into his open arms. Darcy led his wife to a nearby chair, sitting her down as he knelt in front of her. “Be strong, Lizzy. Jane and Charles are healthy and young. They will survive, I am sure of it.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  The following day, an article was found in the London paper. The carriage of Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley in Derbyshire, was found having been overturned multiple times down a hillside. The carriage was destroyed. All reports have declared there were no survivors.

  Mr Culliver was pleased with the news. His employer would finally pay him what he was owed and he could escape England for the Americas, where he could begin life anew. He wished to be away from people such as his employer, and live a quiet life. ~~ ** ~~

  The report spread quickly throughout London and beyond. Longbourn was soon in receipt of the article from the paper. Mrs Bennet’s sister, Mrs Phillips, had brought it to everyone’s attention, causing Mrs Bennet to have an attack of nerves and having to take to her bed.

  Fortunately, later that very same day, an express arrived from Darcy, explaining the situation to the Bennets and relaying the news that the Bingleys and the Darcys were alive, though the Bingleys were injured. Darcy extended an invitation for his in laws to join them at Pemberley, which he hoped to move his family to within the next day or two.

  Unfortunately, in her state of agitation, Mrs Bennet suffered an attack of apoplexy. The physician was called, but there was nothing to be done. Mrs Bennet died later that night.

  ~~ ** ~~ Jane Bingley woke in a strange room, with an unknown lady standing nearby. “Where…where?” she whispered, her throat raw and dry.

  “Mrs Bingley, let me get you a glass of water.” The lady stated as she scurried to the nearby table to pour a glass from the pitcher. Carrying the glass to the bed, she held it as she aided Jane in sitting up enough to drink some of the cool water. “Allow me to call for your sister.”

  The lady stepped to the door and spoke to someone in the hallway. When she returned, Jane tried to speak again. “Where am I?”

  “Jane!” she heard the familiar voice from the opened door. Elizabeth rushed to her sister’s bed, taking her hand in her own and placing a kiss on the back of it. “Oh, Jane, you have had us so worried.”

  “Lizzy, where are we? Where is Charles?” “Charles is in the next room, and the physician is tending to him at the moment. He will be so pleased to know you are returned to us. As to where, we are at Pemberley. William and the physician determined it would be the best place for both of you, as the inn was limited on space and staff. Here, you are receiving the best care possible. William has turned these suites into a makeshift hospital.”

  “What happened?” Jane asked, as she took some more sips of water, this time her sister held the glass. “It was a carriage accident. Oh, Jane, we nearly lost you. All because someone thought you and Charles were William and me. All they saw was that it was a Darcy carriage and they sabotaged the wheel and axle. They were trying to kill William and me, and you got in the way.” Elizabeth was sobbing. “Can you ever forgive us? Because of us, you were nearly killed. I would do anything to make it better, to have taken the pain you experience to myself.”

  “Lizzy, you did not cause the accident. How could you have known what was done to attempt to kill you? You would never purposely have caused me or my husband pain, I know that. Calm yourself, dear sister. I will hold none of this against you.” Jane spoke softly as she allowed her hand to squeeze Elizabeth’s. “Would you check on Charles? I wish to know how he is doing.”

  “Of course, dearest Jane.” Elizabeth wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I will have some broth sent up. You will need to regain your strength, though it will take some time.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth knocked on the door to Charles’ room. Her husband answered the door, stepping into the hall to speak with her. “Lizzy, is something wrong?” he asked as he took her into his arms. He had sent her off to her bed to rest, after spending day and night at her sister’s side for nearly five days straight.

  “Jane is awake. She is exhausted, weak, and in some pain, but she seems better than I could have expected.” Embracing her in
his strong arms, Darcy let out a sigh of relief. “I am pleased to hear the news.” “What of Charles? What does the physician say?” Elizabeth asked. The news of her brother in law’s injuries had not been good.

  “He has no feeling in his legs or his body. His hands have some feeling, and we are exercising them and his arms. Mr Bolton believes that the damage is most likely permanent. Charles refuses to speak or even look at anyone. He just lies there, staring off at nothing. If he continues in this manner, Mr Bolton fears for his life.”

  “Oh, Will, this cannot be. Do you think my telling him Jane has returned to us would make a

  difference?”

  Darcy shook his head. “I am not sure anything can make a difference at this point. It is like he has already left us, and only this shell was left behind.”

  “I must try. For Jane’s sake, I must make an attempt to get through to him.” Elizabeth said, her head resting against her husband’s chest.

  “Very well, but give me a moment to make sure he is ready for a visitor.” A few moments later, Darcy returned to the hallway and took his wife by the hand, leading her to Charles’ bedside.

  Elizabeth sat on the side of the bed, holding Charles’ hand. “Charles, I have wonderful news. Jane is awake. She has been asking after you, and I know she wishes to see you.”

  There was no change in Bingley’s expression, no acknowledgement of his having heard his sister in law. Elizabeth tried again. “Charles, would you like for me to have Jane brought down the hall to see you?”

  Suddenly, a small voice was heard. “No.” Elizabeth was stunned. “You do not wish to see your wife?” She asked. “No. Keep Jane away from here. She can have the marriage annulled. She can find a real man to marry, someone who can give her what she deserves. Not someone like me, I can give her nothing.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  CHAPTER 18 Albert Carrington and Richard Fitzwilliam had spoken with Darcy with regards to the accident. Due to the attempt to kill Darcy, and the reports that had reached London of the carriage being Darcy’s and the rumor that there were no survivors, the family agreed it would be better to allow the perpetrators to believe they had succeeded. From there, they would wait to see how people behave. Though they had been certain of Anthony being behind the attack made by Wickham, they wondered on Lady Catherine’s behavior as well. And Caroline Goodman could not be discounted either, as she had made her feelings well known. They would have to wait and see how each of these unfriendly people would behave if they thought Darcy and Elizabeth to be dead.

  The staff at Pemberley were instructed to behave as if the Master and Mistress were dead, putting a black ribbon wreath on the door and each of the servants wore a black armband. Darcy and Elizabeth kept to the family wing of the house, mainly keeping watch over Bingley and Jane.

  Three days after their arrival at Pemberley, Lady Anne had gone downstairs to speak with Mrs Reynolds to arrange something for Georgiana to eat, when there was a commotion at the front entrance door.

  She walked towards the door, finding the butler and two footmen attempting to refuse entrance to the house by Lady Catherine and Anthony. “What are the two of you doing here?” Lady Anne nearly shouted at her sister and nephew. “You have no authority to be in my son’s home. Leave immediately.”

  “Ah, but sister, your son is dead and no longer owns this estate. We have come from the solicitors, and have been told that we stand a good chance of inheriting Pemberley, as William had no heirs.” Lady Catherine smirked. “Anthony would be able to take over control of this estate, as his own inheritance has been stolen from him.”

  “My brother squandered his inheritance, Lady Catherine.” Richard declared as he came down the stairs. “Your solicitors will have no luck in stealing the estate from the heir. Lord Matlock and I are supporting the true heir to Darcy’s estate and fortune.”

  “Who is this heir?” Anthony fumed. “Darcy had no child, his wife is dead, and there is no one to inherit.” “There is no need for you to worry over the heir, for we are keeping her safe from harm. I have hired more guards to protect the estate, and no one will be able to harm the person.” Richard glared at his brother.

  “Her?” Lady Catherine frowned as she attempted to determine who was to inherit. “I assume you are saying that Georgiana is to inherit her brother’s estate.”

  “No, my daughter is not the heir. But have no fear, the heir is deserving of the inheritance and is well loved by the servants and staff already.” Lady Anne smiled. “Now, sister, I will ask you to honor my son by taking our nephew and leave this estate

  immediately.”

  “Not until I speak to the heir. You stated that it is a she, is it someone who will need a husband? Anthony would be a good husband.”

  Richard began laughing. “A good husband? He is well known amongst the demimonde, having bedded a majority of the ladies. And he would gamble the inheritance away in short time, leaving Pemberley in the same shape as Matlock is now.”

  “I would watch my words, Richard.” Anthony hissed. “You are not as safe as you might think.” “Will you hire someone to do your dirty work, as you always have?” Richard stepped to his brother, standing mere inches from his face. “You cannot take care of matters yourself, so you hire soulless people who will do whatever you wish for money. With Lady Catherine supporting you, you have the funds to hire such low lives.”

  “I would never support such behavior.” Lady Catherine shouted. “How dare you accuse me of such?”

  “Someone paid for the carriage to be damaged, causing the accident. Who ever paid for the damage to be done is just as guilty of murder as the person who accepted the payment. Someone hired Wickham to attack Elizabeth, nearly killing Darcy and Elizabeth. That person is just as guilty as Wickham for the attacks.”

  “Anthony swore that he had nothing to do with the attack or the accident. He would not lie to me.” Lady Catherine stated with an air of superiority. “I am well aware of his gambling debts and the fact that he has kept several mistresses and frequented the brothels in Town. I have known this for many years. And I am working with him to reform his good name.”

  “You are free to do so, but do so elsewhere.” Lady Anne exclaimed. “We are in mourning, and do not wish to have either of you here.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy received word from Mr Bennet on the passing of Mrs Bennet. Elizabeth was grief stricken, her mother was gone, and she could not travel to Longbourn to say her farewells to the lady who had done so much for her all of her life. She spoke with Jane, both of whom realized that it would not be wise for Elizabeth to travel to Longbourn, especially since the Darcys were supposed to be dead themselves. Elizabeth also hated the thought of leaving her dearest sister, who was far from recovered enough to make the journey.

  The sisters wrote a letter to their father, expressing their sorrow and love. Charles was still recovering, he was unable to bring himself to see his wife or speak other than the basic civilities to anyone else. This tore at Jane’s heart, wishing she could be of comfort to her beloved husband.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mr Bennet was in his study when Mrs Hill knocked on the door. “Mr Bennet, you have guests.”

  “I am in no mood to entertain guests, Mrs Hill. Accept their cards and send them on their way.” “Brother, what a fine way to welcome me home.” Came a female voice from the hallway. Mr Bennet’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the voice, yet was unable to believe the person owning the voice would be in his house. “Sarah?” he asked.

  “Indeed, Brother, I have come to be at your side.” Sarah Bennet Dalton entered the room, followed by her two sons, Phillip and Gregory. “I heard of the tragedy which happened to Lizzy and her husband, and when we arrived, Mrs Hill informed us of Fanny’s death. Oh, Thomas, I am so sorry for your losses.”

  “I am surprised you came here.” Mr Bennet stated in a neutral voice. “I have long come to terms with our father’s behavior after our mother died. I decided it was high time to rid myself of the ghosts from my pas
t.” Sarah took the seat in front of the desk, while her sons moved chairs to sit on either side of her. “Besides, Gregory is to inherit the estate, so I will need to come to terms with being in this house.”

  “It is a pleasure to see you, Sister. It has been, what, over ten years since we last saw each other.” Sarah smiled. “I believe that Lydia was only a year old at the time, so it would be closer to four and ten years. That was a pleasant visit, with your family coming to our estate. Phillip and his father have been so busy the last few years in making improvements to the estate, I am pleased to see all the ways they have made life better for all of us.”

  “Perhaps Phillip can give me suggestions on how we can improve Longbourn.” Mr Bennet stood and walked to the sideboard, pouring himself a drink. “Would any of you care for a glass of brandy?”

  The young men nodded their heads, and accepted the glasses they were handed. Sarah asked for a small glass of wine, which she was given. Mr Bennet then returned to his seat. “My eldest daughter and her husband are staying at the Darcy estate, attempting to assist Fitzwilliam’s mother in estate matters. Jane is ill from the losses of her dearest sister and now her mother, and her husband wishes to make certain she is well before they travel here.”

  “Poor Jane. To lose her dearest sister and her mother, in such a short time.” Gregory stated. “Mamma has told me of how dear Cousin Jane and Cousin Elizabeth have always been.”

  “Yes, it has been a difficult time. And Mary is taking the loss with great pain. With Lizzy and Jane wed, Mary had become Miss Bennet and was adjusting to her new role in the family. Now she will be acting as my hostess, with her mother gone.”

  “If you would like, Brother, I would be willing to remain here for some time.” Sarah offered. “With my husband long dead, and my boys living their own lives, I have not but time on my hands.”

  “You know you are always welcome, Sarah. This was your home as a child.” Mr Bennet smiled. “Now, if you do not mind, I would like to rest. I have found sleeping to be quite difficult since losing my Lizzy and my wife.”