The Ashes of Longbourn (7 page)

             
Darcy nodded his head and watched as his cousin left his rooms.  He knew there was a chance he would never see the man again, but he prayed that he would not lose Richard anytime soon.

             
Richard stopped at Georgiana’s rooms to speak to her before he left to rejoin his regiment.  Tears were shared by the cousins, as well as promises to keep in touch as much as possible.  After an hour, Richard knew it was time for him to leave.

             
Once he was on his horse, he rode quickly towards England, and towards whatever the future had in store for him.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Bingley sat at his desk reading the papers that had been delivered by Jane’s uncle Phillips who was a solicitor.  He had gone over all the details as to the inheritance that Jane and Elizabeth would receive, as well as the latest news from Mr Collins. 

             
Bingley was disgusted at Mr Collins when he arrived in Meryton two weeks after the fire.  The man was vulgar and arrogant, and made it quite clear that it was highly inconvenient that the house would need to be replaced.  He knew that it would cost him a great deal of money to build a new home and he even had the audacity to say that the inheritance that Jane and Elizabeth would share should be used to rebuild the house. 

             
The Bennet sisters were to each have a dowry of one thousand pounds as Mrs Bennet’s dowry was five thousand pound, to be divided between the five daughters. With only two sisters left, they would each receive twenty five hundred pounds.  But Bingley knew that the funds were not important to Jane and Elizabeth, they would rather have their family returned.

             
Mr Phillips was furious with Mr Collins for his behavior.  Even Sir William Lucas, Charlotte’s father, who was one of the most jovial people alive, was furious with his son-in-law.  One day, when all the men were gathered in Bingley’s study, Mr Collins made a comment about being highly inconvenient to not have a house in which to move.  Sir William had heard enough.  He turned to the pompous former clergyman and gave him a piece of his mind. 

             
“Mr Collins, it is not like the Bennets purposely burned the house down.  I am certain that if they were able to tell you, they would much rather be alive and in their home rather than burned to death along with it. We could see the blaze from Lucas Lodge, it was horrible and I would not wish such a fate upon anyone.  Rather than complaining of the cost and inconvenience of your inheritance, you should be mourning the loss of your family members.  And you should be wishing for Miss Eliza to recover from her injuries.  If anyone is inconvenienced, it is me and my family, as we are allowing you to live at Lucas Lodge while the new house is built at Longbourn.  You were not willing to live in the dower cottage, but if you do not control your tongue, that is where you will be living. Thomas Bennet was a dear friend of mine; the entire Bennet family was dear to us.”

             
Mr Phillips spoke up as well.  “Mr Collins, you may have inherited the estate, but there is nothing in the paperwork that states that there has to be a livable house on the property.  My wife’s sister died in the fire, as well as her husband and three of our nieces.  Forgive me if your inconvenience at not having a house ready for you to move into is not on the top of my list of concerns. And I will not assist you in taking the only thing that Jane and Lizzy have left to them, their inheritance is theirs, and I will protect them the best that I can.  You can mark my word on that point.  As it is, most of your tenants have heard of your vulgar behavior with regards to your family’s tragedy, and a good many have begun looking for other locations.  Mr Bingley has kindly arranged for three of the tenant families to move to Netherfield, as the estate here has not been taken care of.  I believe he is in the process of speaking with several other families.”

             
“What will I do without tenants to farm?  The estate will be in ruins and I will not be able to afford to rebuild my home.  This is highly unfair. My poor cousins are protected by Mr Bingley, they have no need of the funds that will be necessary to rebuild.  Mr Bingley is betrothed to Miss Bennet and as such, he has already been paying her expenses as well as the needs of Miss Elizabeth.  We do not even know how the fire started; it may have been their fault that caused the blaze.  Did you not tell your daughter, Charlotte, that the sisters had fallen asleep in the early morning hours after talking all night?  Perhaps they had left a candle burning and it caused the damage.  And from what I have heard, it is likely that Miss Elizabeth will not survive her injuries.”

             
The next thing Mr Collins knew he was waking up on the back of a wagon that was heading for Lucas Lodge.  Bingley was so furious that, for the first time in his life, he used all of his force when he punched the imbecile in the mouth. 

             
As Bingley thought back on the incident, he could still feel the ache in his hand.  It was the first time he had ever struck a person and he was surprised at how good it felt to him. 

             
Elizabeth was slowly becoming aware of her surroundings. There had been three different surgeons who had come to Netherfield to evaluate her injuries, as well and give their opinion of treatment.  All agreed it was too soon to know if the paralysis was permanent.  The broken bones were beginning to mend, but all agreed that the breaks to her left leg were severe and she would, most likely, have difficulty with it for the rest of her life.  The burns and cuts were beginning to heal, though the scars would be quite noticeable. 

             
They had been fortunate in the fact that Elizabeth had not taken a fever.  The surgeons could not understand why she had not, with all of her cuts and burns; it would have been easy for infection to have set in.  Jane told everyone that it was a sign from God that Elizabeth would survive.  No one had the heart to tell her any different.

             
Every day, bandages were changed, salves applied, laudanum given, and broth was fed.  Each day the bedding had to be changed for fresh, and Elizabeth was washed with cloths. Jane would tend to Elizabeth’s hair each day, washing and drying it, then putting it into a simple plait to the side.  And Bingley had the gardener bring fresh flowers when the ones in Elizabeth’s rooms had wilted.  Everything that could be done to bring comfort to Elizabeth was done.  

             
Bingley prayed for Jane’s sake that Elizabeth would recover, for if she did not, Bingley was afraid for Jane’s sanity.  She was delicate at the moment, and all that was holding her together was the hope that Elizabeth would live.

             
A knock on the door brought Bingley’s attention back to the present. “Enter.” He called out.

             
Mrs Cartwright entered the room with the day’s post.  “Here, Sir.  And there is a letter on top for Miss Bennet from Ireland.”

             
“Must be from her aunt and uncle, they have been on a business trip since just before the fire.  I did not wish to inform them of what happened in so cold and impersonal a manner to learn that your family members have suffered such a tragedy.  They were not to return to their home in London for three more months.”

             
“Would you like me to take it to Miss Bennet?” Mrs Cartwright asked.

             
“No, I was planning to go upstairs to check on how Elizabeth is faring today.”

             
“She was able to take a little soft cooked egg this morning as well as some chicken broth.  Miss Bennet was pleased with her sister’s progress.”

             
“That is an improvement.  As she takes more nourishment, she will grow stronger.  How is her pain today?”

             
“Her headaches are the same.  Fortunately her legs are not feeling any pain, so that might be a blessing.  I am praying that Mr Freemont was correct, that when all the swelling and bruising is gone, the paralysis will be gone as well.  Perhaps it is her body’s way of healing without placing her in the agony that she would have had to endure otherwise.”

             
“You are a wise lady, Mrs Cartwright.  I am of a mind to agree with you.  Once her injuries are healed enough for her to be able to bare the pain, the paralysis will leave.”

             
“I pray so.  Oh, Cook is preparing some biscuits and some fruit tarts to have with tea this afternoon.  Miss Bennet is hoping to entice her sister into enjoying some.”

             
“That sounds wonderful.  I look forward to them.”

             
After Mrs Cartwright left the room, Bingley looked through the pile of correspondence.  Again he was disappointed in not finding any letter from Darcy.  Bingley had written to his friend after the fire and was surprised that no word had come from him. 
What could have happened that he would not even send a letter offering his sympathies?  It was clear from his words that Darcy cared about the Bennets, as it was his express telling of Caroline’s betrayal with her lies, attempting to keep Bingley and Jane apart, which brought Bingley back to Hertfordshire. Why would he abandon them now?

             
                           
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

Chapter 6
Bingley stood and made his way up to Elizabeth’s bedchamber. Jane opened the door and stepped out into the hall just as he prepared to knock. “There was a letter in the post today, my dearest. It is from Ireland.”
Jane took the letter and opened it, immediately smiling. “It is from Uncle Edwin. The letter you sent took forever to find them. They will be returning to England as soon as they possibly can, though it will be several months before Uncle’s business is concluded. They wish that it could be abandoned and they return immediately, but the cost that they would endure for cancelling their business would destroy them. My aunt is beside herself. She wishes that she could come without Uncle, but she would need to bring the children and it would be a difficult journey. They will come to Netherfield as you invited. Oh, Charles, I am so pleased. My Aunt and Uncle Phillips are kind, do not mistake me, but Uncle Edwin and Aunt Helen have been like a second set of parents to Lizzy and me. Their coming will make Lizzy happy as well. And by the time they arrive, Lizzy will be stronger.”
“I heard that Lizzy was able to eat some egg today. I am pleased to hear that she is taking more nourishment than just broth. It will allow her to regain her strength and heal better.”
“Would you like to come in and visit with her? She is awake and I just finished with her hair. She is having a good day, as her headache is not as severe as it has been.”
“Are you certain that she will not mind?” Bingley asked.
“I think she would enjoy having another face to see, as I believe she is bored with seeing mine and Mrs Hill every day.”
“I would be delighted to see her.” Bingley said as Jane led him into the bedchamber.
“Lizzy, Charles has brought us a letter from Uncle Edwin. He and Aunt Helen will be leaving Ireland as soon as Uncle’s business is finished. Uncle Edwin is having success with the business meetings that he has arranged. Charles and I wrote to them while you were still unconscious and told them that there was nothing that they could do here at that point. But in another month, you will have recovered even more and it will be pleasant to have visitors.”
Elizabeth looked frail lying on the bed. She had lost weight and was pale from being indoors so long. The scars were very apparent against her white skin. It was hard to believe that she was the same young lady he danced with at the ball he gave less than a year past. Even her hair had lost its luster. The life that had always danced in her eyes dimmed a little more each day.
“Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you today. I understand that you were able to take more nourishment today. Cook is making some of her fruit tarts and some biscuits to have with tea today.”
Elizabeth gave him a slight smile. “That sounds wonderful, Mr Bingley.”
“Now, if there is any food that you desire, you need only ask. Cook is pleased to see you getting your appetite back and she would fix anything you desire.”
“A little at a time, my stomach has shrank of late.” Elizabeth tried to smile again, though it was difficult for her. “Jane, have we heard from anyone else?”
“I am afraid not, dearest. Perhaps soon.” Jane replied. She knew that the longer Elizabeth went without word from Darcy, the melancholia took a little further control of her sister’s thoughts.
“I do not know if your sister told you, but I have to travel to Town for a few days next week. If there is anything that would bring you pleasure, I am more than willing to shop for you.”
“No, Mr Bingley, I am fine with what I have. I thank you for your generosity and kindness though.” Elizabeth said as her eyes began to show her fatigue.
“It was a pleasure to see you looking better today, and, now, I will leave you to rest.”
Elizabeth gave a slight nod as she began to drift off to sleep. Jane smiled as she watched her sister. Once she was sure that Elizabeth was sleeping, Jane took Bingley by the hand and led him to the hall. “It is wonderful to see her being able to carry a conversation. Thank you for coming in to visit her.”
“Of course, my love, I care deeply for your sister’s recovery. Even though we are not wed, I think of your sister as my own.”
“Thank you, Charles. I know that Lizzy will be grateful when she is better. You have done so much for us, taken such care of us. I do not know what would have happened if you had not returned to Netherfield as you did.”
“It is due to your sister and Darcy that I returned when I did. Had Lizzy not spoken with Darcy and told him that you love me, he would not have written to me and told me what my sister had done.”
“Has there still been no word from Mr Darcy? I was sure that he would have come to be at Lizzy’s side. After all, he wished to court her. Do you think that he could not accept the news of her injury and decided against the courtship?”
“If I had known the arrangement that Elizabeth had with Darcy when the accident first happened, I would have sent an express to him. I am certain that Mrs Reynolds, his housekeeper at Pemberley, would have known his location in Scotland. Even so, I have written to him several times, and thought that the letters would have been forwarded to him. I have never known Darcy to take the easy way out of trouble. Something must have happened to his sister or even himself. While I am in Town, I plan on asking around if anyone has heard from him.”
“I will keep them in my prayers then, as there has been too much sadness in our lives. I would not wish to see Mr Darcy or his sister come to any harm.”
“I am pleased you finally told me of my friend’s feelings for Lizzy.” Bingley wrapped his arms around Jane and held her close to his chest. “I wish to take a walk out in the park and I hope that you will join me. Lizzy will sleep for a while and Mrs Hill is with her. The fresh air and sunshine will do you good.”
Jane hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Once outside, Jane sighed as the sunshine felt warm on her skin. “Such a beautiful day it is. I wish that Lizzy was able to enjoy it. It would do a great deal for her spirits.”
“I was thinking that myself. The last time he was here, Mr Freemont said in another week he believes that Lizzy’s legs should be healed enough to be able to move them without risking further injury. I was thinking of ordering a wheeled chair for Lizzy to help her get around and maybe it would lift her spirits. If we are able to easily move her to other rooms and even outdoors, it would do a great deal to aid in her recovery.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Charles. When she is stronger it will give her freedom to move from room to room on her own. But I insist that it be paid for from our inheritance. I am sure that wheeled chairs are not cheap, and I would not wish to add to your burden. You have paid for so much to take care of us.”
“Jane, we will discuss this later, but as my betrothed and under my protection, the cost is of no matter to me. What I have spent for your sister’s care is of no consequence.”
“Then, as we will be married, you will receive my inheritance, I ask that it be used to pay for the care of my sister.”
Bingley smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “My love, I am so pleased with your sister’s recovery and I am grateful that I could be helpful in seeing that she had everything she needed to come back to us.”
~~ ** ~~
When Bingley arrived in London, he went to his brother in law’s townhouse. “Charles, it is a pleasure to see you.” His sister, Louisa Hurst, said as she kissed him gently on the cheek.
“It is a pleasure to see you looking so well, Louisa. You have glow a about you.”
“We were planning to write to tell you the news, but now that you are here, Gilbert and I are expecting later in the year.”
Bingley took hold of his sister in an embrace. “I could not be happier for you, Louisa. That is wonderful news.”
A worried look came over Louisa’s face. “How are you, Charles? Your letters never say much. How are you truly handling what happened?”
He looked down for a moment, before returning his gaze to his sister. “I have to admit to you the truth of the situation. Though I have never informed you any different, I never contradicted the rumors that had circulated through Town. Not all of the Bennet family died in the fire. Jane and Elizabeth are still alive.”
Louisa gasped. “Are they well? Were they not at home when the fire happened?”
“They were home. Fortunately, Jane was in Elizabeth’s room, as they fell asleep talking. Elizabeth discovered the fire and forced Jane out the window and down the trellis. She then attempted to rescue Miss Mary, but the house exploded, throwing Elizabeth from the building and into the trunk of a tree.”
“No, the poor girl; and she lives?”
Bingley nodded his head. “She has been through a great deal. She is paralyzed; both of her legs were broken in many places, burns and cuts all over her. It is a miracle that she did not perish. Jane was injured as well, though very minor injuries.”
“This is why you did not inform us of their survival? You did not wish Caroline to interfere and cause them greater pain.”
“Yes.” Bingley turned and walked over to a nearby chair. “I know it is terrible of me to say, but Caroline would have come to Netherfield and insisted that Jane and Elizabeth leave. She would have been cruel to them, I know it.”
Louisa nodded her head. “You are correct. Our sister does not know how to behave. The pain that Miss Bennet and her sister have had to endure. No, Charles, I agree with you. It was wisest to not allow Caroline to know the truth. I will not tell her, until you give me permission to do so.”
“Thank you, Louisa. Perhaps in a few more months, but Elizabeth is still in a fragile condition. I pray that she will grow stronger, regain some of her spirit and return to the young lady we knew before.”
“Is there anything that Gilbert and I can do to be of assistance to you?”
Bingley took hold of his sister’s hand and raised it to his cheek. “Just be the elder sister who has always supported me through all my life. Your kindness and caring have always been appreciated. I am certain that Jane will appreciate you as well.”
“You have not said so, but I assume that you plan to marry Miss Bennet.”
A grin grew across Bingley’s face. “I do indeed, as soon as it is proper to do so.”
The elder sister patted her brother lightly on the cheek. “Gilbert and I will be there to support you. Give Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth our love upon your return to Netherfield.”
“I will. Thank you, Louisa. And give Hurst my congratulations on the blessed event for you. You will be a tremendous mother.”
Bingley made arrangements for a wheeled chair to be delivered to Netherfield, and did some shopping for his beloved and her sister. The ladies did not have much more than the essentials that had been purchased after the fire. Knowing Jane loved working with herbs as well as her passion for stitch work, and Elizabeth’s passion for reading, Bingley went to a bookshop near his townhouse. He spoke to the shopkeeper, who quickly suggested a book on the medicinal properties of herbs, as well as a book which had illustrations of many stitching patterns. Bingley then made his way to find books for Elizabeth. He remembered that she was a fan of Shakespeare and that she loved poetry, so he chose a volume containing two of Shakespeare’s plays and another book containing the works of Cowper. Several other books were purchased, as he knew how sparse the library at Netherfield was. It was time that he changed that situation, as his future sister had a hearty appetite for the written word.
As he was preparing to leave, Lord Matlock entered the shop. “Bingley, we have not seen you in an age. We heard of the tragedy in Hertfordshire. Have you returned to Town to recover from the loss?”
“No, I am here for business and to meet with my solicitor. It has been a difficult time, but each day shows improvement. My fiancé’s wounds have healed and she is slowly recovering from the devastation that she suffered.”
“Your fiancé, you have found someone so soon after Miss Bennet’s death?”
Bingley realized that Darcy’s uncle might not have been told what had happened. “I assume that Darcy has not shared the news with you of what truly happened the night of the fire. Miss Jane Bennet and her next eldest sister, Elizabeth, survived the fire. It was a miracle, one of which I will be grateful for the rest of my life. The ladies are living with me at Netherfield.”
“I had not heard any word from William, though he is traveling and we do not receive but a note from time to time. By the time he does write, he has already traveled to another location. He and Georgiana have been constantly moving through the continent.”
“Has he not received any of my letters?” Bingley inquired, his eyebrow lifted in question.
“If you have sent them to Pemberley, I doubt very much. He has had all important correspondence that needs quick reply sent to me to handle. I know that he has not returned to Pemberley, and to be honest, he has stated he did not ever wish to return there. My son told me that William is heartbroken.”
“Then he is under the impression that Elizabeth died.” Bingley exclaimed. “No wonder he never responded to me, as he would have believed I was in mourning as well. Is there a way to find him? I wish to send him an express to tell him that Elizabeth is alive.”
“I will check with my wife, though, as I said, we usually learn where they have gone after they have moved on. Will you be in Town for a day or two? I can send you word as soon as I speak to my wife.”
“Yes, I will be at my townhouse for two more days. In between the business to which I am attending, I am doing some shopping for Jane and Elizabeth. They lost nearly everything in the fire, literally surviving with the clothes on their backs.”
“If you require any assistance in shopping for the young ladies, you should contact my wife. Say, why not join us for dinner this evening. My son, Richard, should be arriving later this afternoon and will be with us. I am certain that he will be interested in the news of Miss Elizabeth’s survival.”