Looking inside the window, Winston verified the younger lady was indeed Mrs Darcy, though he could hear the older lady referring to her as Ruthie.
Winston carefully moved back to his horse, tied in the trees near the path. He was soon on his way back to the inn, and the men who could assist in recovering Mrs Darcy.
~~ ** ~~ “Ruthie, you must eat something or you will take ill.” Sarah said as she took a bite of bread. She had a basket of goods she had brought from the inn with them.
“I ate at the inn, so have no fear. I am sleepy though.” “As I have missed you so very much, I thought to share a room with you, as we did when you were a little girl. I have missed being able to watch you sleep. You were always so sweet when you slept, usually curled up with your doll. Do you remember Betsy? Your father had the doll made with the same color curls and brown eyes. I still have her at the main house, when our belongings are brought here you will have her to place on your bookcase.”
“I must warn you, I move about a lot when sleeping. You will have to forgive me if I accidently kick you on the bed.” Elizabeth tried to find any reason to encourage Sarah to sleep somewhere else.
“It will be well worth a few bruises to have you at my side.” Sarah said as she squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “If you will assist me in bringing some more firewood, then we can go to bed.”
Elizabeth nodded her head, and stood up, prepared to step outside. Sarah became agitated. “Ruthie, I insist you do not go outside without me at your side. I cannot stand the thought of something happening to you.”
“I must be out of your sight at times. You will have to trust that nothing will happen to me.” “Please, understand, my life was torn apart when you were missing. Gregory did what he could to make me feel better, but it was not the same. You mean so much to me, Ruthie, as I have always wished to have a daughter. I will do whatever I have to so as never to lose you again. Do you understand me? If necessary, I will secure you to the bed or a chair, though I do not wish to treat you so. It is for your own good, my dear girl. You are safer when you are with me.”
“Aunt Sarah, you have to remember who I am. I am Elizabeth, not Ruthie. I am your niece, Lizzy.” Elizabeth attempted to open her aunt’s memory.
Sarah frowned. For a moment, she looked as if she were contemplating Elizabeth’s words. Then she returned to smiling and patting Elizabeth’s hand. “Ruthie, you must stop this foolishness. You are my daughter and you have finally been returned to me.”
Elizabeth shook her head in despair.
~~ ** ~~ Darcy, Richard, Mr Bennet and Phillip arrived at the inn just after Winston’s return from the cottage. “Mr Darcy, I have seen your wife, and she is unharmed. I am afraid the lady who has taken her is unwell, she has it in her mind that Mrs Darcy is someone named Ruthie.”
Phillip and Mr Bennet instantly understood the situation. “My mother believes that my cousin is instead my sister come back to life. Ruthie died as a small child and my mother never recovered from the loss. My sister had dark curls and was filled with joy, as Cousin Elizabeth has always been.”
“Sarah has longed to have Elizabeth as a daughter. She begged me to allow Lizzy to live with her, but I refused. I could not think of not having my dearest girl with us, as well as the fact that Lizzy was not comfortable in her visits with my sister. Even as a child, Lizzy knew Sarah’s attachment to her was different than it should be.”
Richard saw this as an opportunity to rescue Elizabeth without much risk. Winston relayed all that he had heard as he was watching through the window. The fact that Sarah Dalton believed they were at the dower house of her son’s estate was perfect for the deluded woman to accept her eldest child coming to the cottage to visit her.
The plan was made and repeated over and over, until all were completely sure of what would be said and done. Then the men mounted their horses and rode for the simple cottage.
~~ ** ~~ Sarah woke from her sleep to someone knocking on the cottage door. Instantly, her hand went to her pistol, which was in the pocket of her gown. Sitting up on the bed, she turned her head towards the young lady beside her. Elizabeth was sleeping soundly, aided by the laudanum Sarah had added to her tea. In her mind, she saw the potential of her daughter slipping through her grasp and disappearing once again, if she did not take precautions to keep the young lady safely with her. Brushing a stray curl back from Elizabeth’s cheek, Sarah leaned over to place a gentle kiss on her hair.
“I love you, Ruthie. I will keep you safe from any harm.” Walking carefully towards the parlor of the cottage, she heard the knocking on the door again. “Go away. I am armed and I know how to shoot.” She called out.
“Mother, it is Phillip. I heard the wonderful news. I could not wait until morning to see my sister.” Joy spread through Sarah at the thought of reuniting her children. “Phillip, oh, my boy. Hold on, I am coming.” She hurried across the room to unlock the door. When the door opened, Phillip entered and found his mother embracing him.
“Is Ruthie well? Where is she?”
“She is sleeping in the bedchamber. It is late, did you just return from your trip?” “Yes, I was…at Mr Davies to purchase the new horses you liked so much. I wish I had been here when you arrived, I am so excited to see my sister.”
Sarah smiled as she led her son into the parlor. All will be well now, the boys will make sure their sister never leaves me again. “Phillip, she is just as beautiful as she always was. Her hair, such beautiful dark curls. She had it pinned back, but it is as when she was little, unruly and escaping the pins. And her eyes, oh, Phillip, just looking in her eyes warmed my heart. The love and joy seems to just flow from her dark eyes.”
“Mother, Ruthie had bright blue eyes, like Gregory.” Phillip knew that he had to ease his mother towards the truth.
“No, you are wrong, Phillip. Ruthie has my mother’s dark brown eyes. Gregory has bright blue eyes, so much like your father’s.” Confusion began to plague her mind. “You are trying to confuse me, Phillip. It is late, and Ruthie is sleeping. Come back in the morning and you can see her when she is awake.”
“Certainly it is not too late to see my dear cousin tonight, Mother. I will not keep her long, and then she may sleep more.” Phillip purposely chose his words to confuse her.
“Are you becoming daft, Phillip? Ruthie is your sister. You referred to her as your cousin. I believe you are exhausted and confused. As I said, it would be best if you came back in the morning, when everyone was refreshed and well rested.”
“No, Mother, I wish to see Elizabeth tonight. Please, would you not show me to the bedchamber?” Sarah held her pistol tightly in her grasp. “Phillip, I insist you leave immediately. You are not well, and I will not risk your sister’s health. Ruthie needs her rest.”
“I am not leaving this cottage until I know Elizabeth is safe. Mother, please, remember the truth. Remember Ruthie took ill, the same time as Father. She was so little, and the fever ravaged her tiny body. Ruthie died, Mother. She is buried at the estate, next to Father. I know you are heartbroken, Ruthie meant so much to you. Please, Mother, remember my baby sister. The young lady in the bedchamber is my cousin, Elizabeth. It is Cousin Lizzy sleeping in there, not Ruthie.”
“NO! It is Ruthie. My daughter returned to me. God would not bless me with such a treasure and then steal her away. He wished me to have her love, which is why he sent her back to me.”
“It is Elizabeth, Mother. Uncle Bennet is here, he wishes to come in to see you. Elizabeth is his daughter, you remember how she made you smile when she was a little girl? Allow Uncle to speak with you, Mother. He is not angry with you. He only wishes to make sure that Elizabeth is well and safe.”
“His wife has so many daughters, why could I not have one daughter? I wanted a daughter so much, I was thrilled when I had Ruthie. Why did Thomas have so many daughters, and my only daughter was taken from me? It is not right. Thomas can afford to let me have one daughter. Why would he refuse to allow Elizabeth to live with us? All I
ever wanted was a daughter to love.”
Phillip opened the door, allowing his uncle to enter the room. “Sarah, dear sister, I am so very sorry for your pain. I loved Ruthie, as I saw so much of you in her. Please, Sister, will you tell me if my Lizzy is well?”
“I would never hurt her, Thomas. Believe me, she is dear to me. So like my Ruthie. I feel like my heart was ripped from my chest and my arms felt leaden with no little girl to hold in them.”
“You have suffered in a way no parent ever should.” Mr Bennet moved forward to embrace his sister. “My dear sister, I love you so much. Forgive me for not being more comfort to you all of these years.”
Sobbing, Sarah lowered the pistol and stepped into her brother’s embrace. Phillip removed the weapon from his mother’s hand as Darcy and Richard entered the door. Darcy darted in the direction of the bedchamber, which Phillip pointed out to him.
Seeing Elizabeth sleeping on the bed, Darcy hurried to her side, ensuring she was indeed alive. “Lizzy, my love, wake up.” He kissed her cheek.
She started to turn on the bed, taking hold of his hand and bringing it to her chest while wrapped in her arms. This had become her routine when sleeping since their marriage, wrapping her arms around one of his and holding it close to her, as a child might hold a doll while sleeping. “Dearest, we need to take you to Longbourn. You can sleep in your bed at Longbourn.”
“No, sleep now.” She mumbled as she held his hand and arm tighter to her. “I will carry you, my love. Let us take you to your father’s home.” Darcy scooped her into his arms and draped a coverlet over her body. He carried her out of the bedchamber and into the parlor. Mr Bennet looked up at his son in law with concern. “She is well, just very sleepy.”
“Mother gave her laudanum.” Phillip said. “She will sleep it off. There does not seem to be any injuries.” Richard said as he came towards his cousin.
“She mumbled in her sleep and did not wish to wake.” Darcy smiled as he spoke. Mr Bennet nodded his head, his arms still wrapped around his sister as he shielded her from seeing Elizabeth. Once Darcy had lifted himself and his wife onto his horse and began to ride with his men towards the road, Mr Bennet led his sister to the curricle which had been made ready. Phillip rode his horse beside the curricle, speaking to his mother, reassuring her of his love for her.
~~ ** ~~ When the men rode up to the front of Longbourn’s main house, the door opened as Mr and Mrs Hill came out quickly. The sun had already begun to rise, though Elizabeth was not willing to follow its example. Darcy held her close to his chest as he dismounted his horse, following Mrs Hill into the house and up the stairs to the room she had prepared for Elizabeth.
“Should we send for Mr Jones?” she asked. “Mrs Dalton gave her some laudanum, and it must have been a large dose, as my wife refuses to wake. She seems fine otherwise, only behaving as a child who is reluctant to give up the comfort.”
“So much has happened in the last weeks, I cannot blame our dear girl for wishing comfort as long as she can have it. Is Mr Bennet on his way back? Is he well?”
“He is most likely riding with his sister. I left before he did, so I am not certain. But he is well. They might stop at the inn to use my carriage, as it was still there when we came past. Mrs Reynolds and my wife’s maid will be able to assist Mr Bennet with his sister until they bring her here. Mrs Dalton is unstable, so perhaps you should send for Mr Jones, so he will be prepared when they arrive.”
Mrs Hill nodded her head as she left the room. Before shutting the door to the bedchamber, she glanced at the young man who loved Elizabeth so dearly. His tenderness and devotion were
heartwarming. “God bless you, Mr Darcy.” She whispered as she pulled the door closed.
~~ ** ~~ An express arrived at Pemberley, addressed to Lady Anne, from Richard. He explained what had happened with Sarah Dalton, and her abduction of Elizabeth, her delusion in believing Elizabeth to be her dead daughter Ruthie. Relieved, Lady Anne read the letter aloud to everyone else.
Jane was thrilled that the terror that their lives had survived was now at an end. Charles had received word from his sister. Louisa and Hurst had arrived in London and spoken with Goodman. A small, private service had been held for Caroline, and as little spoken of how she died. All anyone knew was that she had had an accident and died. As soon as the service was held, Goodman had his carriage prepared and left Town for his estate. Louisa and Hurst left for Scarborough to visit her aunt.
With Jane’s leg still splinted and Charles’ disability, they were unable to travel anywhere comfortably. Richard’s letter stated Darcy desired to return to Pemberley as soon as Sarah’s future was determined. Mr Bennet and his daughters were planning to make the trip as well. After all that had happened, Mr Bennet wished to have all his daughters together and be away from Longbourn.
Another letter arrived, this one from Lady Catherine. She was furious with the deception which had been perpetrated against her and Anthony with regards to the death of the Darcys. The letter belittled all of their family members for lying to them, allowing them to mourn for Darcy. Lord Matlock shook his head, giving up on his elder sister’s nonsense.
A letter had arrived for Richard from his people who were watching Anthony and his home. Lord Matlock decided to read the letter, in case there was something urgent to deal with.
This letter revealed an argument which had occurred between Anthony and Lady Catherine, after they had learned of Darcy and Elizabeth being alive. Evidently, Lady Catherine was furious and demanded traveling to Pemberley for an apology from her sister and nephew. Anthony, who had been sober since his cousin’s alleged death, had decided he could understand the lies, as he had finally come to realize his foolish behavior would make everyone think he was responsible for the attempts against the Darcys. Anthony had also met a young lady who worked at the mercantile in the nearby village. For the first time in his life, the man had respect for the young lady and wished to be more to win her heart. It was a complete reversal in his behavior and thinking, but everyone knows the difference true love can make in a person’s life.
~~ ** ~~ Phillip took his mother to London, at the suggestion of Mr Jones. Sarah was placed in the care of a competent physician who dealt with illnesses of the mind. The physician had a sanitarium on the outskirts of Town, allowing his patients fresh air and green grass rather than a dirty city environment to recover in. As she would most likely spend the rest of her life in the sanitarium, Phillip wished it to be as pleasant as possible. He then decided to take Darcy up on the offer to join the rest of the family in visiting Pemberley.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 25 The following months saw life repairing for the Bennet family and their extended family. Mr Bennet was surprised as love was blossoming, as spring approached, at Pemberley. Richard had remained at Pemberley, discussing plans for the upcoming planting at Matlock. When he was not locked away in Darcy’s study, Richard began to notice another of the Bennet sisters was becoming more and more enchanting to him.
Miss Mary Bennet had been thought by many to be the plainest of all the Bennet sisters. She had also been most likely to be found reading a sermon rather than the usual activities of a young lady. The events of the past year had made a radical change in Miss Mary though. She began to look at the world far differently. Mary even allowed Kitty and Lydia to fix her hair and give her suggestions on what clothing she should wear to compliment her coloring. Lord Matlock was pleased to witness the young couple as they became closer.
Another budding romance involved Kitty Bennet, now developing into a beautiful and sweet natured young lady, more a combination of her eldest two sisters in beauty and personality. The young man who found himself feeling the stirring of his heart was Phillip Dalton. Mr Bennet had come to the conclusion his eldest nephew was a kind and good man, and he knew the match was a good one. Phillip had decided to sell his father’s estate, as it had only been in the family for two generations and he never had developed much liking for
it. Mr Bennet offered his nephew to be his heir, which had met with approval of all of his relations. Phillip was reluctant at first, after all that had happened, but he eventually gave in to encouragement from the rest of the family. When he did, he asked Mr Bennet for the honor of officially courting Kitty. The honor was given to the young man who had become so important to the entire Bennet family for what he had done during their crisis and afterwards.
As spring came, Phillip returned to Longbourn to see to the planting and improvements which were required on the estate. Mr Bennet would return to his home within a month of Phillip, taking Kitty and Lydia home with him.
Shortly after Phillip left for Longbourn, Jane and Charles announced the news that Charles had begun to have feeling in his lower torso and below. He had begun to feel sensations about the time of Gregory’s attack at Pemberley, but he kept the information secret until he knew for certain that he was not imagining the feeling. One day, as his valet was exercising Charles’ left leg when the toes began to twitch. From that day on, Bingley worked diligently to strengthen his body.
By April, Bingley took his first steps in months. The family was overjoyed with the news. The Bingleys then began to search for an estate nearer to Pemberley, as Bingley had given up the lease of Netherfield. With Darcy’s steward assisting in the search, the Bingleys were able to find the perfect estate to purchase.
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