A Royal Bennet

by Melanie Schertz

  Hearing her name come from Elizabeth’s lips, the dog whined from the bedding which had been made for Sadie next to Elizabeth’s bed. As Elizabeth lowered her head back to the pillow, her hand draped over the edge of the bed to pet the top of Sadie’s head. “Jane, how is Sadie? Was she badly injured?”

  “A broken leg and some cuts and scrapes. Mr Abernathy said he is not an animal physician, but he is confident that Sadie will recover. That dog is devoted to you, Lizzy. She crawled out for the men to find her and cried out to them to take them to you. Mr Darcy made certain that she was brought to the house on the wagon which brought you here. One of the footmen carried Sadie upstairs and made the bed for her which is now beside your bed. Sadie is being well looked after, and she is keeping watch over you, my dearest sister.”

  “She is dear to me. I cannot explain it, but she is the closest confidante I could ever imagine. I can tell her everything, and she just listens and gives me her love. There have been things I did not know how to discuss with you or Papa, but Sadie has allowed me to work through all of my concerns and thoughts.” Elizabeth said as she scratched behind Sadie’s ears. Just the thought of the dog being there, the feel of her fur as Elizabeth’s fingers roamed through it, brought a peace of mind which was beyond description.

  “Well, she is special to me for taking such wonderful care of my most beloved sister. I will always be grateful to Miss Sadie.” Jane smiled. “Shall I send for a tray for you? Mr Abernathy insisted that you must take some nourishment. He does not wish to see you take ill from lack of proper care.”

  “And we would not wish to tarnish Mr Darcy’s spectacular reputation by my becoming ill in his fine home.” Elizabeth chuckled. “The poor man, he is most likely regretting inviting us to stay in his home.”

  “Oh, I am most certain that he is not regretting your being here, for the man is so in love with you, he would be insane with worry for you if you were anywhere else.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. “Do you truly believe Mr Darcy has feelings for me? Especially after all he has learned about our family?”

  “Indeed I do. I should not have listened, but I could not help myself. I overheard Mr Darcy speaking with Papa. Mr Darcy plans to ask for your hand.” Jane said, keeping watch for her sister’s reaction. “And what would your reaction be if he were to ask you to marry him?”

  “I must admit that I have come to know him better since we have been here. He is not the same as the man we met in Hertfordshire. It is easy to see the true man, as he is quite at ease here. And his tenants and staff clearly respect and care for him and Georgiana. Mr Darcy has been all that is kind and caring to us.”

  “And what do you think of him? Do you like him?” Elizabeth thought for a moment. “I do find him handsome, and he is quite intelligent. I enjoy speaking with him, and debating subjects. We have similar tastes in many regards. And, Oh Jane, when I am near him, I have experienced times that my heart seemed to race. Is this what it feels like to be in love?”

  Jane smiled. “I believe it is what it feels like for you to be in love. For myself, my heart seems to flutter like it is filled with butterflies. It is a wonderful feeling.”

  “I can believe that, as it seems so pleasant when I am with him. And when he touches me, it sends shivers down my spine.” Elizabeth said as she thought of the times she had been in Darcy’s presence of late.

  “You would be red as the Christmas gown Aunt Helen has when you learn that Mr Darcy would allow none of his staff to carry you into the house yesterday. He did so himself. And Colonel Fitzwilliam told me that it was Mr Darcy who went into the cavern to recover you. The colonel was the second one down the hole, and it was Mr Darcy who pushed the stone from on top of you.”

  Elizabeth blushed scarlet at the news. “I am pleased I was unaware of the situation.” Mr Bennet knocked on the door as he opened it. “Good morning, my dear girls. How are you this morning?” He walked over and sat down on the side of the bed.

  “I will recover, Papa.” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Sore and exhausted, but I will be well soon enough.” “I am pleased to hear this, for you have given me enough worries for the rest of my life. You must behave yourself as to refrain from any further worries.” Mr Bennet leaned over and placed a kiss on his daughter’s forehead.

  “From now on, Jane is responsible for giving you all future worries.” Elizabeth chuckled. “If Jane were to bring any worries to me, my heart would most likely stop completely. Jane has been the perfect daughter all of her life. That is why the two of you are such a good match. You are the rebel and mischievous imp, while Jane is my good girl who never brings me a moment’s unrest.”

  “Well, after the aches and pains I am feeling today, I make you the promise that I will behave myself for some time to come.” Elizabeth said. “Would one of you tell me exactly what happened?”

  Mr Bennet decided to be the one to explain the situation and the conspiracy of the Bingley sisters. He told in detail of the plot, of the young postilion who was seduced by Miss Bingley to do her bidding, how he abducted Sadie and harmed her, placing her where Elizabeth would find her and fall through the earth into a cavern.

  Darcy had ridden out to the location at first light and discovered the area with which had been tampered. Not only had Raymond removed the markers warning people of the dangers, it appeared he had taken a long spear-like object, using it to poke the ground to find the weakest location, before planting the dog to lure Elizabeth. The spear had been located in some nearby bushes.

  “Mr Darcy is glad the young man had already departed Pemberley with Mr Hurst and Colonel Fitzwilliam, for he would have strangled the postilion with his bare hands if he had laid eyes on him.” Mr Bennet stated.

  “I cannot believe someone could be so cruel.” Jane said with a small sob. “Not only to lure a young lady into a dangerous location, but to purposely find the most dangerous location and make it worse. I am so grateful for God watching over Lizzy.”

  “To think that someone had so much hate welled up inside of them that they would wish me dead, is difficult to fathom.” Elizabeth declared. She tried to sit up, restless with laying down, only to discover the pain which reminded her of the injuries she had sustained.

  “Now, you are to remain laying down, resting.” Mr Bennet stated, placing a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “If you do not obey, I will ask Mr Darcy for some rope to tie you to this bed for your own sake. You are injured and need time for your body to heal.”

  As the pain stole what energy she had, Elizabeth was quickly convinced to remain where she was. “Yes, Papa. I will behave myself.”

  Jane requested a tray be prepared for Elizabeth, with some broth, fruit, toast, and tea. To the surprise of the Bennet family, when the tray arrived, it was brought to the room by none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  “I heard that Lady Elizabeth had awakened, and I wished to check on her progress. Please forgive me for intruding, but I have been desperate to see for myself that you are better than when you were brought to the house yesterday.” Darcy said, his eyes fixed on the view of Elizabeth’s face.

  “I have heard that I owe you for my rescue, Mr Darcy. Jane was telling me that it was you who went down into the hole to bring me back to safety.” Elizabeth said with a smile, though her cheeks turned a brilliant shade of red. “I am grateful for your kindness, Mr Darcy, and grateful that you were not harmed in the process.”

  “Lady Elizabeth, I could do nothing different. If I had remained up on top, I would have gone mad with the need to see you safe.”

  “Mr Darcy, I believe Jane and I need to discuss something down the hall. Would you be kind enough to keep Elizabeth company until our return?” Mr Bennet asked, surprising his daughters. “The maid will be in the corner of the room, if you should require any assistance.”

  “It would be my honor to keep Lady Elizabeth company. Take whatever time you need.” Darcy stated, a smile gracing his face, making his dimples show. The sight was endearing
and set Elizabeth’s heart to racing.

  Darcy took the chair beside the bed and smiled at the chance he was given. “Lady Elizabeth, I was praying for a few moments to speak with you.”

  “We have spoken often, Mr Darcy. Of what is it you wish to speak?” “I was wondering if you would allow me to court you. I know, from your father, that you have mistaken my interest in you, and I wish to show you who I truly am.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Mr Darcy, I am grateful for your interest. I wonder though, how is it you have decided you wish to court me. According to your words, the night we met, I was not handsome enough to temp you.”

  “How I wish those words had never been spoken. Lady Elizabeth, forgive my foolishness. In truth, I had received a letter from my aunt, Lady Catherine, just a few hours before the Assembly, and I was still quite bitter. Bingley was driving me to distraction with his insistence that I dance, and, to be honest, I never even looked in the direction Bingley pointed. After I learned it was you to whom he indicated, I felt the fool. It has been a long time now that I have

  determined you to be the handsomest lady of my acquaintance.”

  He heard a small gasp from Elizabeth. “You are not only beautiful, you are intelligent, kind, caring, and devoted. The way you cared for Miss Jane when she fell ill at Netherfield, and even cared for the servant who was abducted with you, shows your nature. I thoroughly enjoy debating with you, as you speak your views rather than defer to my opinion. Most ladies would accept the man’s view, but I love that you stand by your beliefs. And your views are not based solely on emotions, but on rational information you have garnered from reading and learning.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes glistened with tears. She was overwhelmed by his words. “Mr Darcy, for so long, I thought you looked upon me only to find disapproval. Perhaps I believed the worst of you due to your harsh words at the Assembly. I must admit, I have seen a very different man since being here. You are relaxed and kind. Seeing the interactions with your servants, and the devotion they have for you, has greatly improved my opinion of you. Such devotion is earned, and it is clear that you treat your servants and tenants with respect.”

  “I was raised to respect those who work for us, as they are the ones that make my life what it is. If not for the tenants, there would be no income from the land. If not for the servants, my comforts would not be what they are. Mrs Reynolds has been like a mother to Georgiana and myself since our mother died. My steward has given me sound advice and watches over all on the estate. How can I expect them to do their work if I do not treat them fairly? If they do not have comfortable homes, food on their table, medical care when needed, and a reasonable income from their work, how can I expect them to do said work?”

  “I know that is not a common belief in society. It speaks highly of your nature.” Elizabeth said, a shy smile on her lips. “And the way you care for your sister, taking on so much responsibility when you were so young. It speaks highly of your nature and upbringing.”

  “I will thank you for my parents. They were good people who taught me well. I am grateful for all they taught me.” Darcy looked down at his hands.

  “It is clear that you still miss them.” “I do. Mother and Father were the best of parents. Their love and caring was obvious in all they did. And the lessons they taught me have made me the man I am now.”

  Elizabeth thought for a moment. She had come to find Darcy attractive, and felt she had come to know him better. “Mr Darcy, I do not find the need for a courtship.” She said. Noticing his instant

  disappointment, she continued. “As a courtship is a step to further a relationship towards a marriage, so the couple can know one another better. If they already know one another, why not move past this step?”

  Darcy’s eyes grew wide, praying he understood her meaning. “Lady Elizabeth, am I presuming too much? Am I wrong in presuming that you would make me the happiest of men, by accepting my hand in marriage?”

  “You are not presuming too much, though I have yet to hear a proposal.” Taking Elizabeth’s hand in his own, he placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. “Lady Elizabeth Bennet, would you do me the extreme honor of accepting me to be your loving husband?”

  “I will.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 18 Jane could not help but smile as she watched Bingley pacing about the room. His frustration was so great that it was difficult for him to speak without his words being jumbled.

  “Charles, please, come and sit with me. I wish for us to speak.” She said, patting the empty cushion next to her on the sofa.

  Bingley moved to the sofa, but knelt before Jane instead of sitting next to her. “Miss Jane, please, I beg of you, forgive me for what has happened.”

  “Charles, you are not your sisters. You did not assist them in bringing harm to my sister. And, when it was discovered, you were the one who did not believe your sisters and insisted they were involved in my sister’s disappearance. Due to you, Elizabeth was recovered quickly, and brought here to be tended. Had she been in that wet hole much longer, I am certain she would have taken a fever.”

  “I should have done more to stop my sisters. Rather than ignoring them, I should have been more involved in what they were doing. They should have been removed from Pemberley sooner. I could have taken them to Town, and then returned to be with you. But I was so worried.”

  “Worried? Why were you worried?” Jane asked. “I was afraid that, if I were to leave Pemberley while Colonel Fitzwilliam was here, you would choose him for a husband.”

  Jane laughed. “Charles, I like Colonel Fitzwilliam, and consider him a friend. But I do not love him. He has different dreams for the future, ones that I do not wish for myself. I plan to marry for love, not to better my circumstances.”

  “And do you, love me?” Bingley asked, praying to hear her answer in the positive. “I would not be here, speaking with you, if I did not. I do not approve of how your sisters have behaved, and I find their actions to be unforgiveable, but it does not take away the fact that my heart belongs to you. Many may think me foolish, as Colonel Fitzwilliam is the son of an Earl, and has his own land. But those things do not matter to my heart. I would not be happy married to Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “I find you to be a foolish woman, Jane Bennet. You are a fool to love me as you do.” Bingley said as he brought Jane’s hand back to his lips, pressing kiss after kiss into the palm of her hand. “And I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you are such a fool. My fool.”

  “We must discuss your sisters and the situation.” Bingley nodded his head. “Go on, my dear.”

  “They are never welcome in our home. No matter what happens, I will not have them in my home.” “They will spend the rest of their lives in Scotland, as Hurst and I have made the arrangements. Once the payments for their supplies is settled, the solicitors and the bank can handle the payments. I have told them I will not be writing to them, and that I do not wish to hear from them.”

  “And if, by chance, they write to you, what will you do?” Bingley looked down at his hands, intertwined with Jane’s. “I will not open any letters from them. They will go directly into the fire. Once all the paperwork is through, I am completely rid of them. To my way of thinking, I will be an only child.”

  Jane reached out a hand and caressed the side of his face. Fat tears began to overflow from Bingley’s eyes as the pain from the past days took hold of him.

  Bingley’s head lowered, until it was on Jane’s lap. Tears flowed freely as Bingley let them rid him of the shame and fears he had felt. “I do not deserve you, Jane. Not after all that has happened. But I count myself fortunate to have your heart. I could not live if I thought I had lost you forever. You are the other half of my heart, and I would be empty without you.”

  Over and over, Jane’s hand flowed over his hair. “Charles, we all make mistakes. It is what we learn from our mistakes that makes us who we are. If you did nothing to correct the mistakes, then I would have no alternative
but to break our betrothal. You have learned of what your sisters are truly capable, and you are making the appropriate steps to be rid of their horrid behavior from your life. I love you more for having gone through this. Suffering is a part of life. Allow it to aid you in growing wiser and stronger.”

  “Thank you, my dearest love. I will make you proud, I promise you will not regret your decision.” Bingley said, wiping his eyes. Lifting his head, Bingley looked at his fiancé. “I am truly the most fortunate man in the world. I love you Jane Bennet. And I always will.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth rested the remainder of the day, after informing her father she had accepted Darcy’s proposal. Sadie had climbed up onto the bed beside Elizabeth, and the two slept peacefully, with Elizabeth’s fingers buried in the dog’s beautiful, long fur of tan, cream and black. When Mrs Reynolds came to check on Elizabeth, she smiled at the sight before her. Both of the patients had their injured leg positioned for protection, but their bodies snuggled together, bringing each other comfort.

  The men had left Elizabeth to sleep, while they went to Darcy’s study to discuss details of the marriage contract.

  Unknown to any of the ladies in his family, Mr Bennet had a bank account for Elizabeth, which had been set up by Constance, before her death. Her sister had seen to it that the account was available, in case Mr Bennet had needed anything for Elizabeth, but he had never touched a penny. In the account was more than forty thousand pounds. He had always planned on the funds being his daughter’s dowry.

  Darcy was determined to settle forty thousand on Elizabeth, even before he knew she had any money saved for her. Learning the sum was so high, he spoke his mind to Mr Bennet.

  “Sir, I wish to speak with Lady Elizabeth on the matter, but I do not see the need for her to have the entire sum settled upon her for a dowry. As you know, I am financially sound and my annual income is far higher than was estimated when I was in Hertfordshire. I believe I heard tell that I had ten thousand per annum. In truth, it is more than double that. The estate produces at least ten thousand per annum, but I am invested in many other areas. Not to mention the other properties I own. If your daughter does not mind, I would suggest dividing the savings between Lady Elizabeth and Miss Jane. The added funds would be of benefit to the Bingleys, allowing them a better start in their life. Bingley’s wealth is comfortable, but having a twenty thousand pound dowry added would be a blessing.”