A Royal Bennet
Melanie Schertz
Copyright © 2014 Melanie Schertz All rights reserved. ISBN: ISBN-13:
DEDICATION I dedicate this book to my family and friends. This includes, not only my human family, but my canine and feline family. My service dog, Darcy, is an amazing part of my life, and he entered my life after I published my first book. Not only does he work for me, he brings me love, laughter, and comfort. The photo on the cover is Darcy, my handsome boy. My feline daughters, Smoo, Salem, Lizzy, and Autumn, have brought me years of love, laughter and tears. The bond we share is beyond words. I also have 4 grandpuppies (Sadie, Nyx, Honey and Zero) who are dear to me, as is my grandkitty, Callie. They are just as much a part of my family as the
humans I love. Thank you, my furry babies, for all you do and what you have brought to my life.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful for the information I was able to research from websites such as Wikipedia to create some of the characters in this story.
This is a work of historical fiction. Though some of the characters are real figures from history, the plot and all actions of the characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to true actions of the historical figures are circumstantial.
The story is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any persons, places or events is circumstantial. Thank you to Sonris Proctor for posing with my service dog, Darcy, for the cover photo. And many thanks to my editor, Pat Weston, for her hard work and dedication to helping me make sense out of my words.
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Chapter 1 Elizabeth Bennet was enjoying a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park. The past month had been unbearable at her father’s estate, Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Finally, her father stood his ground with her mother and allowed Elizabeth to take a holiday in London, at the home of her aunt and uncle. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were fond of Elizabeth, and they enjoyed having her visit them. But this visit was different for their niece, as she had much to think about.
Being the second born of three daughters of a country gentleman of small wealth, Elizabeth’s selections for marriage were slim. But she was determined to marry for love, rather than for the security of a home. To her way of thinking, marriage was not a business partnership, it was a joining of two hearts.
This way of thinking caused her mother no little grief. Rather than settling for whomever her mother wished, Elizabeth refused to accept an offer from her father’s cousin. The man was the heir to Longbourn, as the estate was entailed away from the female line. When the man, Mr William Collins, arrived at Longbourn to choose a potential wife from his fair cousins, Mrs Bennet had led Mr Collins to believe that Elizabeth’s twin sister, Jane, was to soon be attached to a neighbor. Mrs Bennet then steered Mr Collins towards her least favorite daughter, Elizabeth.
She was an intelligent young lady, well read and informed in many areas in which young ladies were usually ignorant. Elizabeth was able to assist her father in keeping the books for the estate, speak with tenants on new techniques in farming, and more. But it was her caring and kind nature which was her real asset.
So when Mr Collins, a bumbling clergyman who thought highly of himself and was a bootlicker to his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, of Rosings Park, arrived at Longbourn, Elizabeth was not impressed with the man. When her mother began pairing Elizabeth with the foolish toad of a man, Elizabeth knew she had to stand her ground and refuse any attempt to marry her off to the man. Mrs Bennet was not pleased, for if Mr Bennet was to die, Mr Collins would inherit the estate and could toss her and her daughters from their home immediately.
Mrs Bennet pleaded with her husband to force Elizabeth to accept Mr Collins, but Mr Bennet was not prepared to take such a stand. Elizabeth had always been his favorite child, and he could not tolerate the thought of her being married to such a man.
This decision caused Mrs Bennet to moan daily of her nerves and the loss of a husband for one of her daughters, as Mr Collins had left Longbourn within moments of being given Mr Bennet’s opinion of forcing Elizabeth to marry him. He then asked for the hand of one of the Bennets’ neighbors, Miss Charlotte Lucas.
Learning of Charlotte’s acceptance of the offer, and that Charlotte would be the next mistress of Longbourn, Mrs Bennet unleashed her fury on Elizabeth. Spending many hours each day to ridicule and chastise Elizabeth for her failure to secure the futures of all the Bennet ladies, it did not take long before Longbourn was far too hostile for Elizabeth to remain.
Mr and Mrs Gardiner had always been disgusted with Mrs Bennet’s behavior towards Elizabeth, as the lady had always been harsh on Elizabeth. Mr Edward Gardiner was appalled by his sister’s behavior, for he was taken with Elizabeth. The Gardiner children had always held Elizabeth as their favorite cousin, for she spent many hours reading to the children or making up stories, adding funny voices to the characters and even making puppets for some of the stories.
The morning Elizabeth planned to make her way to visit Hyde Park, she had received two letters from her home. The first letter was from her father, suggesting that Elizabeth should take a holiday elsewhere, for Mrs Bennet was plotting a way to secure a husband for Elizabeth. Due to her anger, Mrs Bennet did not care who the man was. It was clear to Mr Bennet that his wife would stop at nothing to torture his beloved Elizabeth. If she were not in Longbourn or even in Town, Mrs Bennet could not locate her, therefore the arrangement for a marriage could not come to be.
The second letter was from her mother. Fanny Bennet was not waiting for long to arrange a marriage, this time choosing a man who was known to treat his wife harshly, for he had already been married twice and both of his wives had died from maltreatment. The entire neighborhood knew of the situation, but there was no proof in the allegation, so the man was treated with caution. Mrs Bennet was pleased to see the man come to Longbourn, his desire was to make a match with the fiery Miss Elizabeth.
But Elizabeth refused to consider returning to Longbourn, and she would not allow her mother to force her to marry someone she did not love. Perhaps her father was correct, it was time for her to make a trip somewhere.
Fortunately, Mr and Mrs Gardiner were already planning a holiday away from Town. They had decided to journey north, to the Peaks, and spend some time in Lambton, where Mrs Gardiner had lived as a child. Mr Gardiner was in the middle of a business deal, and once it was accomplished, the family was intent on making the journey.
There was a bit of urgency in Mr Bennet’s letter that made Mr Gardiner uncomfortable. He wondered if it would be best for him to send his wife, children and Elizabeth on ahead, meeting them in Lambton, and from there, visiting the other sights.
Elizabeth was reviewing all her uncle had stated that morning when she heard a scuffle on the path ahead of her. There were two men who appeared to be beating on a gentleman. Elizabeth’s first thought was that the men were attempting to rob the gentleman, so she began shouting for assistance. Picking up a broken tree branch from the ground, Elizabeth rushed forward, striking the two men with her weapon. One of the men took the branch from her hands and was attempting to use it on her, when sounds of other people coming towards them forced the culprits to flee the area.
The victim of the attack had fallen to the ground, and appeared to be injured. When Elizabeth rolled the man over, she gasped at the sight before her. The gentleman was known to her, as he had been visiting the estate near her father’s. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy had a cut above his left eye and bruising beginning to show on his left cheek. He was slowly returning to his senses, as he had been quite rattled by the force of the assault.
“Mr Darcy, are you well? We should take you to your home, and send for a physician to tend you.” Elizabeth said as she attempted to sit him upright.
“I am well enough,
Miss. You have no need to fret over me.” It was clear that he was embarrassed by what had happened, and was so distracted that he had not who noticed his rescuer was. When he finally turned his gaze upon her, Darcy was surprised to learn who was kneeling beside him. “Miss Elizabeth, what are you doing here?”
“I am afraid that is a question for another time, Mr Darcy. You are bleeding and require some attention. You would not wish to have the wound become infected, would you?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, placing it over the cut.
“My home is just across the street. I am well enough to make my way there.” Darcy made an effort to stand up on his own, only to fall back to the ground.
“Mr Darcy, allow me to go to your house and ask for a footman to come assist you.” “There is no need, Miss Elizabeth. I am certain I can make it there on my own.” Darcy was able to get to his feet, though he was having difficulty in walking. After two steps, and Darcy nearly falling to the ground, Elizabeth quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulder while she placed one of her arms around his waist, allowing Darcy to lean against her small frame for assistance.
Reaching the steps to the front door of Darcy’s townhouse, Elizabeth called out for the butler to open the door. Mr Jarvis, the Darcy House butler, opened the front door. “Mr Darcy, what has happened, Sir?”
“Mr Darcy was attacked in the park, and requires tending.” Elizabeth stated. Mr Jarvis moved to Darcy’s other side, giving his master the stability to make his way up the stairs. Once they were inside, Mr Jarvis called out for two footmen to come, tasking them with seeing Mr Darcy up the stairs and to his rooms.
Seeing that Darcy was in good hands, Elizabeth turned to leave. Mr Jarvis called out to her to stay. “Miss, I do not know if you are aware of the gentleman you have just assisted, but he is the best of men. I am grateful for your service, as are all who are employed by the Darcy family. Might I have your name and where you live, in case my master inquires?”
“Mr Darcy knows me, though I will tell you my name. I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, formerly of Longbourn, in Hertfordshire. Currently, I am residing in Cheapside, though I will be leaving soon. There is no reason your master would require knowing more of me, for I assure you that Mr Darcy does not like me.”
“Madam, I am certain you are wrong. Mr Darcy is the kindest young man I have ever met. And I know enough of him to know he will wish to thank you for your kindness today. Might I tell him where you can be found? Where in Cheapside will you be staying?”
“I am staying at the house of my uncle, who is in trade. Forgive me, but I must return before my aunt becomes worried for me.” Elizabeth turned and walked out the door and down the stairs. Her emotions were in turmoil, for she did not know what to believe. The man she knew when he was staying at Netherfield Park, the estate which was next to her father’s estate, which was leased by Mr Darcy’s closest friend, Mr Charles Bingley, was nothing like the man described by the butler.
She hurried her steps, as the walk was long and Elizabeth was in such a state of confusion. The butler spoke of a kind and caring Darcy, but that did not match with the dark and brooding Darcy who had visited her family’s neighborhood.
With each step which took her further from his townhouse, Elizabeth was dissecting the memories of each encounter she had had with the Master of Pemberley.
All of her memories were of a man who looked upon her as if to find fault in everything she said and did. The man watched her from across the room, each time they were together. He never spoke, he always stared at her. It was unnerving.
From her encounters with Darcy, she was certain he would never lower himself to contact her, no matter what she had done for him. And staying at her uncle’s home, in Cheapside, would only give him reason to disdain her further.
I am pleased I could come to his assistance, for those men might have killed him. But Mr Darcy has always looked down upon me. Look at the night we first met. When Mr Bingley offered to introduce his friend to me, so Mr Darcy could ask me to dance, Mr Darcy refused. He stated clearly that I was not handsome enough to tempt him and that he did not dance with young ladies who were slighted by other men. Did that not tell everyone what he thought of her? Did his glares from across the room not speak of his dislike of me?
Elizabeth continued to mull the words of the butler over and over in her mind. Of course a servant would not wish to lose his position, so he would not speak ill of his master. So Elizabeth concluded that was the reason for Darcy’s glaring at her. He was looking for each and every fault in her which made her not handsome enough to tempt him, and finding reasons for other men to slight her.
Finally reaching her uncle’s home, Elizabeth was exhausted from not only the walk, but the mental taxing of her mind was tiring.
“Lizzy, I am so pleased you have returned. I was beginning to worry.” Mrs Gardiner declared as her niece entered the parlor.
“I am well, Aunt Helen. I lost track of time while at Hyde Park.” Elizabeth smiled, leaning over to place a kiss on her favorite aunt’s cheek.
“Well, while you were gone, an express arrived from your father. He sent one to your uncle as well. I have a feeling we will be leaving sooner than expected.”
Elizabeth took hold of the message her aunt held out to her. Breaking the seal, Elizabeth began to read her father’s words.
My Dear Lizzy, Your mother is threatening to come to Town to retrieve you if I do not send for you immediately. I have sent word to your uncle as well, and I have sent him the funds to send you from Town immediately. Your aunt and cousins can follow you if they need the extra time, but it is vital you leave immediately. I cannot promise your mother’s compliance with my dictate, you know how she is. I am doing my best, but you must hurry, Lizzy.
Do not post any letters to me from wherever you are going. I do not wish your mother to learn where you are. Please be careful and safe. Jane sends her love as well, and says she wishes she could be with you, for your mother is making life unbearable here. I intend to put my foot down with her, but it is my own failings which have led us to this situation. I should have been stronger with her from the start.
Forgive me, Lizzy, for my foolishness. Know that I love you and miss you, as there have been not two words of sense spoken in this house since you left. With love,
Your father, Thomas Bennet It was frustrating, throughout the years, that her mother’s behavior had gone unchecked. Mr Bennet had preferred to retreat to his book room and isolation rather than standing firm against her mother’s vulgar ways and the manner of behavior of her youngest sister, who was known to be the worst flirt in the neighborhood. Jane and Elizabeth had endured whispered disapproval from their neighbors over their mother and sister. Even words of disapproval were issued concerning their father, for he rarely ever came out of his book room.
And now, Elizabeth was forced to flee to keep her mother from forcing a marriage to a man who was known to be violent, just so her mother could feel secured with the man’s wealth when the day came that Mr Bennet died. Mr Leland was nearly forty years old, and cruel. His previous wives had rarely been seen in public, and it was believed it was due to their appearance being flawed by wounds inflicted by their husband.
“Lizzy, what does your father say?” “Mamma is determined to marry me off to Mr Leland. She is threatening to come to Town to force me. Papa says I need to leave here immediately, before Mamma can come.” Elizabeth looked at her aunt, with tears welling in her eyes. “Aunt Helen, why is Mamma so cruel to me? Why is she determined to punish me?”
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Chapter 2 Helen Gardiner was aware of the situation which caused Fanny Bennet to detest Elizabeth. Fanny had always been high strung and flirtatious. She set her sights to marrying a gentleman. Despising her roots as the daughter of a country solicitor, Fanny Gardiner was determined she would not accept the hand of any man who did not have an estate. At an assembly in Meryton, Fanny met Thomas Bennet. Having set her cap on him, Fanny
set out to entice him into marriage.
Mr Edward Gardiner learned later, from his father on his deathbed, that Thomas Bennet had been in love with a young lady with ties to royalty, a young lady named Constance Elisabetta, the niece of Charles, Duke of Brunswick and Princess Augusta of Great Britain, and cousin of Caroline, Princess of Brunswick. Constance and Thomas had met in Town, when both were visiting family.
Fanny did not care that Thomas had given his heart to another, and she did everything she could to make him notice her. It was not until she staged a compromising situation did she succeed in her goal. It would come to be the worst mistake of her life, and would lead to many years of bitterness. Constance was devastated to see her beloved be forced to marry another. Thomas was angry at being forced to marry Fanny, and she was too foolish to realize, at the time, what she had done.
It was not long into their marriage when the Bennets learned of their family increasing. What no one knew was the fact that Mr Bennet would have two children born close together rather than one. He learned Constance gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who looked identical to her mother and that his beloved Constance had perished just days after the birth. Mrs Bennet was near her delivery, and Mr Bennet decided to perpetrate a lie.
The daughter of Constance was kept hidden from Mrs Bennet until the birth of Fanny’s babe.
Constance’s daughter had been small, and could easily be passed off as a newborn. Mrs Bennet was in severe pain during the birth, and the midwife gave the lady some laudanum to ease the pain, so Mrs Bennet was not aware until later what her husband had done.
Only two people, aside from Thomas Bennet, knew what happened that day, until nearly a year later, when Mrs Bennet finally forced the truth from her husband. She could tell her husband held Elizabeth with more regard than he did Jane. After a bitter argument, Mr Bennet admitted that Elizabeth was the daughter of his beloved Constance, the woman he was forced to give up, due to Fanny’s behavior.
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