Healing Mr Darcy’s Heart

by Kay Mares

  Caroline takes a tentative sip as her eyes again slide away from the concerned faces surrounding her. “I rashly hastened into marriage not wishing to hear any objections from Louisa or Charles. I thought I was so wily. I anticipated flaunting my well-placed marriage and standing to family and friends alike. Instead, I have been brought low. All of Mr. Cleese’s promises are lies. What was a fine estate has suffered from mismanagement. Mr. Cleese’s reputation is in tatters, connections he boasted of are weak or non-existent. I never concerned myself with worry over my future husband’s fidelity. So long as I produced the required heir, I erroneously figured he could be with whoever he wanted, and my duties would be done. With Mr. Cleese having two grown sons of his own, I naively believed I would not be required to perform my wifely duties regularly.” Caroline stifles a sob and takes in a sharp breath of air, “his demands on my person are great. Not limited to nights or dependent on who we may be entertaining or where we may be. There is no pleasure in it for me only the constant reminder that I must submit as it is what is expected of a proper and obedient wife.”

  Caroline’s eyes are haunted as she reveals these most private feelings and experiences. “He does not raise a hand to me, but he does not hesitate to use his voice loudly to convey his displeasure especially in the bedchamber. I did not know…what is expected…or what I should do? Mr. Cleese has not the slightest bit of patience. I gave myself to him, and it meant nothing. What is worse is that he views his tenants as his property and I have learned some of the women have not been safe from him. There is nothing I can do; no one can help.”

  Caroline finally wipes at the tears running down her face. Lizzy puts one arm around her shoulders while Jane slips in on the other side of Caroline to hold her other hand. Caroline is still not finished. “Even if I was so cold and mercenary to overlook all of that, it does not change the hard fact that he married me to gain control of my dowry. It is now his, and he has used most of it to cover debts for the estate and to invest in transactions which he deems as worthy only the money never materializes. Mr. Cleese gleefully told me after he departs this world; that he has set me up with a small cottage, one maid and a sum of five thousand pounds. I would have been better off had I stayed single and became a spinster!” Caroline spat the last sentences out with hurt and anger. She collapses against Lizzy’s side as Lizzy rocks her gently. Caroline had not treated the former Bennet sisters with any degree of civility, but neither would have wished this awful fate upon her. They sit for many moments in silence as Caroline weeps bitter tears. Jane and Lizzy cry with her as they try to offer her some solace.

  Elizabeth breaks the silence first. “Caroline, I think it best if you stayed here tonight. You are not well, and I think you would benefit from having some of your family around you. With your permission, I will send a footman to your home to apprise your husband of your whereabouts. I think Jane will most likely stay here this night,” Elizabeth quickly glances at Jane who is nodding her consent rapidly, “so she can be with you also. The men will be returning sometime late this afternoon, and we will let them know our plans.” Caroline looks at Elizabeth with raw pain and some appreciation.

  “I would welcome an evening and night in your company. It will remind me of the happy times I experienced before my marriage. Thank you.” Caroline stands as Lizzy rings for Mrs. Ball.

  “Mrs. Cleese will be spending the night here with us. Could you please see her to one of the quieter guest chambers where she may find some rest? Also please send in one of the footmen, Miller, I believe would be able to carry a note to Mr. Cleese’s residence to inform him of his wife’s whereabouts, so he does not worry. Thank you, Mrs. Ball.” Lizzy smiles at the housekeeper who nods, curtsies and goes to do her Mistress’ bidding. After Caroline has been settled and consumed some white willow bark with tea for a headache and small gulp of brandy, Mrs. Ball reports later the lady is sleeping soundly.

  Jane and Lizzy discuss all Caroline revealed. While they wish they could do more, they understand they have no way to help Caroline out of the mire she placed herself in. Bingley and Darcy return before supper with enough time to change and are happy to announce Jonesy and Kitty will be joining them for the evening meal. Jane leads Charles to the chamber where they will spend the night so she can tell him about the conversation with Caroline in private. Naturally, Charles agrees to stay the night and like Jane, he knows there is nothing he can do to spare his sister any more agony. They both will be as supportive and sympathetic as possible to help Caroline as she learns to navigate her new life.

  Darcy went to the shared chambers he has with Lizzy similar to what they set up at Pemberley. Lizzy can hear him humming as he changes clothes to ready himself for supper. As Lizzy flies into the room, he catches her about the waist and spins her about as he plants a firm kiss to her mouth. As he sets her down, he jests that Bingley took a misstep resulting in a tear to Darcy’s shirt while they were fencing. Darcy ruined another perfectly good shirt, and as this has been a running joke between them, he thought Lizzy would laugh with him. When she does not respond, he notes the tears are glistening in her eyes.

  “Whatever has happened? Are you fine, the baby is fine? You are distraught!” Alarm creeps into Darcy’s voice. Lizzy assures him her health and that of the baby is robust. As he leads her to a chair she motions for him to sit first, then she curls up in his lap as much as a small child would, there she relays the horrific tale Caroline told. Darcy’s face becomes grim as his hand strokes Elizabeth’s back.

  “I love you so Fitzwilliam. I never want to take you or the relationship we have built for granted. I would perish if I did not marry you. Only with you and your love can I be whole.” They dress hastily for supper, and if Lizzy clings to Darcy a bit closer, no one mentions it. The gathering is lively, Kitty and Jonesy beaming with marital bliss. Jonesy tells more stories of Darcy and Henry as they all laugh and enjoy the camaraderie. Jonesy is proud of Kitty as many of Jonesy’s acquaintances have become very fond of her. Jonesy’s parents adore her, and they think it bodes well that their idiosyncratic son settled down with a lovely lady and finally found an estate to call his own

  “The estate is a mere sixty-some miles from Pemberley, just outside of Cheadle. Close enough for visits.” Jonesy explains.

  “What is sixty miles of good road? An easy distance I would call it.” Darcy pompously states with a wink to Lizzy. He is referencing a conversation they had at Hunsford cottage. Lizzy silently chuckles at his little joke.

  Jonesy continues with an odd glance at Darcy, “Yes it is an easy distance with a sturdy coach and superior team of horses. The manor is large and airy. The tenant farmers well established and skilled. The income is more than enough from row crop and cattle. My darling bride has given it her blessing so I have closed the deal and we have begun to move our possessions in.” Jonesy smiles sweetly at Kitty while Jane and Lizzy’s hearts swell. After hearing about Caroline’s misery, they welcome the felicity they see on Kitty.

  Kitty addresses Lizzy, Jane, and their husbands, “We would love to host all of you at your earliest convenience, understanding, of course, the visit will be dependent on your confinements.” Darcy marvels at the changes in his sister-in-law. She matured and developed proper manners while still maintaining a sweet innocence which he knows Jonesy adores. Kitty blushes a little as she offered the invitation and it is decided a journey will be undertaken once both Lizzy and Jane deliver and the babes are old enough to travel.

  After the meal, the gentlemen depart from their brides to the game room. While there Jonesy takes the opportunity to inform Charles and Darcy he has heard disturbing rumors about Caroline and her new husband. He is saddened to learn the rumors are unfortunately true and he offers Charles any help which he might require. He is surprised Caroline is currently at Darcy house. Darcy explains how Caroline sought some succor and Lizzy arranged for the depressed woman to stay the night. The footman who delivered the note to Mr. Cleese’s residence reported no return note w
as issued and Mr. Cleese merely shrugged and grunted as he turned away.

  The gentlemen are agitated. However they have no way to ease Caroline’s burden but they will monitor the situation and should it degenerate, they will not hesitate to step in forcefully. As of now, Mr. Cleese has done nothing to warrant interference of that kind even though Darcy, Bingley, and Jonesy do not approve of his infidelity. Nor can they direct the man as to how he approaches his wife in the marital bed. Caroline’s dowry rightfully became his, and she agreed to obey him. He has not done anything illegal. It is a depressing state of affairs for Charles in particular.

  Meanwhile, the three sisters are talking about their wedding trips and their husbands. All of them claim bliss and contentment. When Caroline comes into the parlor, they discreetly change the subject to more mundane topics like the weather and fashion. Caroline looks more rested and even attempts to inject some comments of her own into the dialogue. She dropped all her previous airs and instead embraces the sisters as family. She adds some gossip she heard while in London as well as what the new trends in gowns will be for the summer. Lizzy encourages Caroline in the conversation, and Caroline looks to her gratefully. Mindful too Caroline dozed through the evening meal, Elizabeth offers to order her a tray. Caroline declines, wishing only for some tea and a few biscuits which are promptly obtained.

  Upon the gentlemen’s return, the ladies agree to some musical entertainment. Caroline graciously offered to turn pages for the others as they performed. Kitty improved her talents immensely as Jonesy purchased a new pianoforte for her as a wedding gift. Kitty’s thankfulness is displayed by the zeal she now applies to her practice. Jonesy beams after Kitty’s performance and Caroline’s praise is genuine. Jane and Elizabeth acquit themselves well resulting in another couple of pleased husbands. Charles is watching his sister closely as she assists the other ladies. Caroline allows all her haughtiness to slide away from her and while she is downcast, Charles views glimpses of the sister he had come to love when they were children.

  The following day, Caroline departed for her own townhome. Not only did Jane vow to write to her regularly, but Lizzy also does as well. All the women had tears in their eyes as Caroline left. Jane asked her to come and stay with her and Charles to help with the baby when the time came. Caroline humbly accepted and said she would anticipate the journey. After Jane and Lizzy return to the townhouse, they both have sadness envelop them. Neither woman is a vengeful person nor are they given to hate so even though Caroline had been spiteful to them in the past, they cannot harbor any ill will towards her especially after hearing of her fate.

  The Bingleys departed back to their townhome so they could ready themselves for the journey to their new estate. Elizabeth seeks Darcy out after finding out he managed to squeeze in a ride on Tempest. Darcy rarely traveled between homes without his stallion because a vigorous ride is a routine for him and the horse. Often Darcy thinks through problems and dilemmas while tearing about and he finds the exercise relieves tension and sharpens his mental acuity. Now after a thrilling ride, Darcy has a bath drawn and is currently soaking in it as Elizabeth makes her way into his bathing area. Darcy enlightens her about estate business and deals which he is considering during these times, and Lizzy’s knowledge grows along with her respect for her husband and all that he manages.

  The dialogue this time is the poor unfortunate Mrs. Cleese. Darcy has Elizabeth to know that as much as he would like to give the man a swift punch, he cannot figure any way to ease Caroline’s burden. Darcy cherishes Elizabeth and just cannot fathom how a man would wish to mistreat his wife. A gentleman would never act in that type of roguish behavior Darcy stated. In spite of the direness of their talk, Lizzy jests with him about his statement.

  “Oh yes, Mr. Darcy, a gentleman would never act like such a scoundrel, but craving to cuff someone is appropriate.” She taunts him good-naturedly.

  “Exactly!” He affirms as he stands with alacrity while Lizzy drapes a towel about his shoulders. “Now I shall show you more gentleman-like behavior,” he sweeps Lizzy up in a hug and claims her mouth. A trip to the bedchamber proves to be a titillating end to their discussions. Lizzy glories in how he makes her feel and she relishes the love he freely offers. Even with his current level of bliss, he still is protective, and as the pregnancy progresses, he becomes even more protective and as Lizzy puts it, fussy.

  The return trip to Pemberley is pleasant with Darcy and Lizzy talking mostly about future plans and the anticipation of the birth of their baby. As the weather continues to warm, Darcy and Elizabeth take more walks and some rides about in the curricle. Henry and Anne will be visiting during the time around Darcy’s birthday, and as in the past, Darcy wishes for a quiet affair. Darcy and Georgiana celebrated Elizabeth’s birthday in December with just the three of them which is how Elizabeth preferred to celebrate.

  Regarding Anne and Henry’s stay, Darcy has no qualms as both of his cousins know of his desire to let the day pass without fanfare. Darcy is more interested to see for himself, the changes in Anne that Henry wrote of. Anne’s illness and weakness seemed to come on her whenever she is exposed to poor quality air or an over-abundance of dust or pollen. Her breathing becomes difficult and her chest hurts. Sometimes the symptoms are brought on by emotional stress which unfortunately her mother provided many times over the years. Unfortunately, Anne is an asthma sufferer. While Bernardino Ramazzini detected a link between asthma and organic dust, the full understanding and treatment of the disease are far in the future. Other medical leaders of the day such as William Cullen recommends avoiding triggers like cold air, dust, odors and warm weather. A British physician, Robert Bree recommends strong coffee which seems to alleviate symptoms.

  Anne’s diminutive size is due to a decrease in appetite especially when she was younger and more prone to attacks. With her marriage to Henry, some of the triggers which had surrounded her are now removed. Lady Catherine no longer holds such sway over Anne which is an immense relief, while the renovations to Rosings included the removal of many heavy, old and dusty tapestries which did little for the ambience of the manor instead making the interior seem dark and foreboding. In addition, under Henry’s guidance, some areas of the home which needed repairs have been accomplished resulting in moldering areas being cleaned up and repaired. Lady Catherine forbid the manor to be fully aired out, but Henry allows for fresh air to circulate via the cleaned and repaired windows which can now be easily opened.

  Furthermore, Rosings is given a thoroughly deep scrubbing top to bottom with staff instructed to keep the manor pristine from henceforth. In the past, Lady Catherine frowned on any intense cleaning requiring the rearrangement of furniture and decorations as these events tended to upset her Ladyship’s routines. Now with Anne as Mistress and Henry as Master, the staff and servants are relieved to be able to accomplish their tasks completely without fear of disapproval.

  However, there are simply times, especially in the warmer months when none of the remedies seem to help and it is during these attacks Anne would seek the shade and coolness offered by the thick canopy of trees in the forests surrounding Rosings or Pemberley. It is on Darcy’s birthday that she is sitting in the shade as her breathing slowly starts to ease. After assuring the men that her breathing is improving, Henry and Darcy wander off to inspect the surrounding grounds. Anne is glad to have the chance to visit with Elizabeth alone as the two have fostered a friendship. Anne’s marriage to Henry allowed Anne to come out of Lady Catherine’s shadow and Anne is more confident and healthy. Anne wishes for Darcy and Lizzy to visit Rosings after the birth of their child and she is aware that her protective cousin will not undertake the journey until he is confident that both Elizabeth and the baby are deemed ready for travel.

  Lizzy practically squeals with delight when Anne shares with her that she may be with child also. It is still too early to know for sure, but all the signs indicate Anne and Henry will be parents some months after Lizzy and Darcy. The talk from then on is al
l about babies, their nurseries and all the accouterments required for a wee one. A loud splash from the nearby brook followed by an even louder curse interrupts further chatter. Almost immediately both of their husbands appear, wet and agitated. Anne’s eyes widened, but she is holding back a chuckle. Lizzy’s eyes dance with mirth at the sight of her bedraggled and sodden spouse whose lips are narrowed into a tight thin line. The foursome makes their way back to the manor, as Anne and Lizzy are privileged to hear what transpired as told by two petulant men.