“Of course, Uncle.” Phillip replied. “Mother, let us have the housekeeper show us to our rooms. I am sure you will wish to refresh as well.”
“Yes, yes, it was a long and dusty trip.” After the Daltons had left his study, Mr Bennet poured himself another glass of port and
contemplated the situation.
Mr Bennet had been close to his sister when they were younger. When Sarah was only five and ten, the son of the grounds keeper began to flirt with her. The young man was never improper, but Mr Frederick Bennet did not like anyone looking upon his beloved daughter. One afternoon, the young man placed his hand carefully on Sarah’s arm to steady her after she had stumbled. Unfortunately, Frederick Bennet witnessed the event and was furious. He claimed the young man had ruined his daughter, and that they must have been meeting in secret and carrying on an affair. Bennet sacked the grounds keeper, sending the man and his family from Longbourn immediately.
Bennet then arranged a marriage between Sarah and Mr Paul Dalton. Fortunately, Mr Dalton was a good man, and he always treated Sarah with kindness. But while Bennet was alive, he refused to allow his daughter to visit her ancestral home, treating Sarah as if she had been found making love to the young man. When Bennet’s wife took ill, Thomas begged his father to allow Sarah to visit, to see her mother one last time. Bennet refused to allow his daughter to come, and Sarah never saw her mother again.
Thomas had kept in touch with his sister and her family, and after Bennet had died, Thomas extended an open invitation to his sister to come to Longbourn whenever she wished to visit. Sarah always found a reason to be busy and unable to visit.
The Daltons had been blessed with their two sons. Their youngest child was a girl, sweet natured and pretty; Miss Ruthie Dalton was the delight of her parents’ lives. Unfortunately, an outbreak of influenza tore through their estate and neighborhood. Ruthie and her father were both lost to the illness. Sarah’s letters took on a sadness after the deaths, a sadness which never disappeared, though the deaths had been more than ten years previous.
Now, finding his sister arriving unannounced, Mr Bennet was surprised. He knew he should notify his daughters immediately of this development.
My dearest Lizzy and Jane,
I was shocked to have a recent, unannounced visit from my sister and her two sons. This is the first time in over five and twenty years that Sarah has been at Longbourn, and her behavior is quite odd. I have not spoken of Elizabeth and Darcy being alive, nor of Jane and Bingley being injured. I simply informed her of Jane being at Pemberley to aid Lady Anne.
I would not have bothered you with this news, but, as I said, my sister’s behavior is unusual. With all that has happened in the past half year, I am finding myself being more judgmental in my dealings with others. There is something odd about the way she has waltzed into the house, a house she has insisted she would never enter ever again, as if she had been here every day of her life. And she wishes to stay here, to be of comfort and assistance to me during this trying time.
I do not understand what could be the reason for my sister to be involved in all that has been happening, especially with her younger son inheriting Longbourn. It has been many years since we have seen Phillip and Gregory, so I cannot believe them to have any reason to harm anyone in our family. But there was just something nagging me with regards to their sudden visit, and felt I should inform you.
You are all in my prayers.
Your loving father, T.Bennet
~~ ** ~~ The letter arrived by express to Pemberley. Elizabeth read it to Jane and Darcy, all of whom were surprised by the news, yet agreed with Mr Bennet’s assessment of the situation.
Another letter arrived that day for Charles Bingley, from Mr Geoffrey Goodman.
Mr Bingley, Forgive me for writing in such a manner. I am concerned and require answers to several questions. When I first met your sister, she claimed you and your elder sister, Mrs Hurst, were attempting to have her placed in an asylum due to your being embarrassed by her. She claimed that she had tried desperately to meet with your approval, but that your standards were far too stringent and impossible to meet. She also claimed you had attempted to kill her, which forced her to flee for her life and hide from you and Mrs Hurst.
I now find many discrepancies in what my wife has told me in the time we have been married. Caroline claimed that you would refuse her the dowry your father had established for her, yet, when I requested the dowry, you gave it to me with no difficulties. Then there were her outings. Most days, while we were staying at our townhouse in Town, Caroline claims to be shopping when she goes out. I have recently caught her in lies. When I finished my business early, I decided to surprise Caroline by meeting her at the modiste she had stated she was to visit for a fitting. The modiste was surprised, as she has never heard of my wife, even though Caroline has claimed to have been to the shop on at least a dozen different occasions. When I asked Caroline how her trip to the modiste had been, she went on to tell me of the gowns she had ordered and how long the fitting had taken. She continued to claim the modiste being the one I had visited, not knowing of my having spoken to the lady and her staff.
Another issue, which I hate to discuss with you in such a manner, is the fact that your sister was not an innocent when I took her to bed the first time. It is my belief that your sister has been with several men, as there are times I believe I have heard her cry out another’s name when in the throes of desire. And she has far too much knowledge of intimacies than a maiden should possess, even after a few months of marriage. There have been times that I would have sworn I was with a harlot rather than my bride who was supposedly an innocent when she came to me.
I am also concerned as to what she is doing with her pin money, as she never seems to have any funds available and needs more, yet she never purchase d anything. I do not begrudge her the funds, I am not poor and she is welcome to whatever she needs, but I am growing more and more concerned.
The final step was when we received word of your wife’s sister and her husband having been killed in an accident on their way to Mr Darcy’s estate. I was deeply grieved by the news, knowing they were newly married and beginning their life together. Caroline smiled as she read the article in the paper, a look that was truly frightening. Her smile was evil, there was no other way to describe it. And Caroline made the comment, softly, though I heard her. She said “he should have been smarter than to marry that country chit. If he had, he would still be alive.”
So, as you can see, I am confused as to the parting between you and my wife, as well as her past. If you could be kind enough to answer my questions, I would be grateful.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Goodwin
~~ ** ~~ Everyone had a different opinion as to whom was behind the attempts to kill Darcy and Elizabeth. Lady Anne, Charles and Darcy were leaning towards Caroline Goodman being the culprit. Lord Matlock, Richard, and Lord Albert were still holding belief in Anthony and Lady Catherine being involved. Elizabeth was unsure who was involved, and was becoming jumpy around anyone. And Jane, sweet natured Jane, never wished to think ill of anyone.
Bingley and Jane had begun to heal, though Bingley still had no feeling below his chest. He still refused to allow his wife into his rooms, and his attitude was completely gloomy. He was sure that his sister was responsible for the carriage accident which had left him paralyzed, and his anger grew daily towards her. When he learned from Goodman’s letter that his sister had hoodwinked her husband, Bingley’s anger grew stronger.
“She deserves to be locked up in an asylum. If I could only prove she was responsible for our accident and hiring Wickham to assault Lizzy…I would do whatever was needed to put an end to Caroline’s reign of terror.”
“Bingley, your sister had no notion that it was you and Jane in the carriage. She would never have caused you such harm.” Darcy tried to calm his brother in law.
“It does not matter, Darce. She is violent and nearly killed all of us. In the pro
cess, people were killed. The men Wickham hired, as well as the men on the carriage. All of them are dead because of her desire to make you pay for not marrying her.”
“Charles, we are not certain that it is Mrs Goodman who is behind all of this.” Elizabeth stated. “Have you not read the letter from her husband? Constantly needing funds yet never purchases anything. Lying to him as to where she is spending her time. Having lovers…that is something I have suspected for many years. And her behavior when she read of the accident. She wishes to see you and Darcy dead. Does this not answer any doubts that she was involved?”
Darcy frowned. “You have suspected that she has had lovers, before she married Goodman?” “Yes.” Bingley said as he turned his head to look away. “If I am correct, she has had at least a dozen over the years, before her marriage. I suspected the men, but I could never bring myself to accuse her.”
“And she thought she was fit to be my wife? If I had found my wife had lost her virtue before our marriage, and of her own volition, I would have divorced her and left her in disgrace.”
“Caroline always thought she was discreet. Unfortunately, she was not silent, and I saw a young man leaving her rooms late at night after one of her more…vocal…evenings. He was still dressing himself. He never saw me, and I truly wished I had never been witness to such a scene.”
“Does anyone else know of her relations?” Darcy asked. “I am sure Louisa knows, though I doubt you would ever be able to get an admission from her.” Bingley said as he stared out the window from his bed. “I will write to Goodman, inform him of the truth surrounding my sister leaving Netherfield and escaping to Town, the reason behind her tales of woe she told him, and her probable exploits. He will need to use caution in confronting Caroline, as we are both well aware. Caroline can become violent when she feels trapped.”
“Write the letter and I will send it express to Mr Goodman. Now, I bring word from your wife. She wishes to see you, Charles. You should really take the time to see her, speak with her.”
“I cannot, Darcy. Do you not understand, I am a shell of a man, and will never be able to care for Miss Bennet as I would have before the accident? It is not fair to her. She deserves to have a whole man for a husband, not this helpless cripple who she would be forced to tend as she would a child. And she deserves to have her own children, something I will never be able to give her now.”
Darcy shook his head. “You have one of the dearest ladies frightened and in tears as she waits to speak with you. What my sister in law deserves is to be allowed to love the man who has her heart. That person is you, Bingley. Pure and simple. It is time to decide to pull you head out of your arse and be a husband to Jane.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 19 Bingley wrote to Mr Goodman, informing him of the true nature of the departure of his sister from Netherfield, her violent attack against himself and her attempt to attack their sister, Mrs Hurst, and many other details. The letter was quite long, with as many details and a list of witnesses to verify most of what Bingley wrote. He decided to have Darcy’s steward address the letter, so Caroline would not become suspicious by his handwriting.
A week after the letter to Goodman was mailed, a letter arrived addressed to Jane.
Mrs Bingley, I was grieved to hear the news of the death of your brother in law. Such a tragic end for such a handsome and important man, though it was not unexpected with the sort of company he kept after marrying your sister. I fear for my own brother’s well-being and am taking steps to protect him from the same sort of tragedy happening to him due to his ill-advised marriage to the wrong sort of person. I hold you and you inappropriate family for the loss of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and what he could have been, especially had he chosen correctly and married me instead. My brother should cut his losses and abandon you immediately, and if he does not, I will take steps to have him declared incompetent and placed in an asylum. Then I will be in charge of his welfare, as he attempted to be in charge of mine. Take care and begin to pack your belongings. You will be hearing from me shortly. Mrs Caroline Goodman, nee Bingley
Jane turned the letter over to Darcy. Darcy opened the door to Bingley’s room, and walked over to where Bingley was seated against the pillows. “Your wife just received a letter from your sister.” Darcy held the letter out.
Bingley frowned. “From Louisa? Is she well?” “From Mrs Goodman. And the letter is evidence of your sister’s illness. It is threatening to Jane and blames Elizabeth for my alleged death.”
“WHAT!” Bingley roared. “We must send word to Goodman, Caroline must be placed in an asylum, for all of our welfare.” After reading the letter, Bingley shook his head. “This is yet another reason for Jane to be rid of me, all I can do is bring her pain and endanger her.”
The door was still open, and Jane was standing outside, heartbroken that she was not allowed to enter the room where her husband was. Hearing her husband’s words, fury began to rise in the normally docile young lady.
Jane pushed the door open further, and hobbled towards the bed with the crutches that had been brought for her use. “Charles Bingley, you are a fool. You are being selfish and think so little of me as to leave me alone, rather than fight for me. I thought you to be a far greater man, one who would fight for what was his and do all within his power to keep me safe and loved. I belong in an asylum for believing that you loved me. What a stupid, stupid child I am to have ever fallen for your words. You wish to be rid of me, you must never have loved me if you can turn me away so easily. So live your life alone and pitied. I am leaving for Longbourn. My father needs me to be at his side, as it is difficult for him since Mamma’s death.”
Bingley was shocked at the strength behind this declaration. “I have never lied to you, Jane. I love you, dearly and truly love you. I cannot be selfish, I must release you for your own good. How can I expect you to be forced to be with me in such a condition?”
“If you love me, you would honor your marriage vows. For better or worse, in sickness and in health. You promised to love and cherish me for the rest of your life. Lies, Charles Bingley, all lies.” Jane turned to flee the room, though she became dizzy and at the moment she reached the door, she collapsed to the floor.
“JANE!” Bingley cried out as Darcy rushed to his wife’s dearest sister. Elizabeth came running down the hall.
“What has happened?” She cried out to her husband. “Is Jane injured?” “She was shouting at Bingley, and when she turned to leave, she collapsed to the floor.” Darcy replied, scooping Jane into his arms and carrying her down to the rooms she was staying in.
All the while, Elizabeth was calling out to the servants for someone to fetch the physician, for Mrs Reynolds to come to Jane’s rooms, and all the while, Charles Bingley was shouting for someone to tell him what was wrong with his wife.
Within an hour, the physician was in Jane’s rooms, checking on her condition. Darcy and Elizabeth were ushered into Jane’s bedchamber to speak with the man. “I believe she was overcome with fatigue and the strain from all that has happened of late. You said that she was upset and lost her temper just before the collapse?” Seeing the nod from Darcy, the physician nodded as well. “With rest and proper nourishment, as well as calm and quiet, I am sure that Mrs Bingley will be recovered soon enough. Now, I must be on my way. Mrs Helen Barr took a fall climbing in the loft in the barn and broke her leg. If you need me, send word.”
~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth remained with her sister, reading a book as her sister slept. Every five minutes or so, Bingley’s valet was sent to check on Jane’s condition for his master. After an hour of constant visits from the valet, Elizabeth had had enough. She left her sister’s room and marched down the hall to her brother in law.
“Charles, if you desire knowing of your wife’s condition, then find a way to come to her room and see for yourself. She does not deserve the way you have treated her, and if she is so important to you, as she was when you married, you will make the effort to tend to her needs.
You have the use of your hands and arms, you have means of offering my dearest sister compassion which can come from holding her hand or embracing her. Instead, you have denied her contact since the accident. You have not cared for her feelings, only your selfish regard of how she should live, without her opinion. Stop sending your valet every few minutes. You have told my husband and others that you do not wish to continue with your marriage, so decide whether you care for Jane or leave her be. It is all or nothing, Charles, either you love her and wish to be a part of her life, or you push her completely away and leave her be. But if you push her away, there will be no sending people to ask after her welfare or asking my husband and myself how Jane is. I will not have it.” Elizabeth then left the room, leaving behind a very shocked Charles Bingley in her wake.
~~ ** ~~ “Caroline, we must be careful. We cannot be seen together.” The young man said as he tried to pull back from her tempting body. She knew him well, she knew how to make him lose control of all his rational thought. The way she was moving her hands over his body, he was having a difficult time staying strong to his resolve. “We must stop this affair. Your husband nearly caught us the last time.”
“Geoffrey is a fool, and I have him wrapped around my little finger. He will believe whatever I tell him. Please, I cannot get enough of you. I must feel your strong body as you take me.”
The pout on her lips told him that she would plead and beg to get her way. And, as always, he would give in to her. “You underestimate your husband. I do not wish to be caught by him, the gossips would be in a frenzy and we cannot be connected. It would ruin all the hard work we have already set in place. If we are not careful, all our hard work will be for naught.”
“Darcy is dead, as is his harlot. We are going to take Pemberley from Darcy’s family, and then ruin the remaining Bennet family. With Darcy and that chit dead, there is no other person who can take possession of such a grand estate.” Caroline stated in a voice like a small child who did not wish to do her lessons.
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 18