The Ashes of Longbourn (27 page)

             
“So they think that I am not good enough to be the Mistress of Pemberley. Well, when I am through ridding my husband’s life of that country chit, Miss Elizabeth, I will make certain that my husband refuses to allow either of my siblings to our homes.  Now, what should I wear for Charles’s wedding?”

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

Chapter 21

             
Louisa and her husband had discussed several ways to dissuade Caroline from accompanying them, from the simple telling of the truth that she was not welcome at Netherfield Park, to the possibility of leaving late at night after Caroline had gone to sleep.  They knew that Caroline had been drinking heavily at night, so they felt that it could give them a full two days head start if they waited for Caroline to pass out, then leave, giving the housekeeper instructions to tell Caroline that Louisa was ill the following day and the couple did not wish to be disturbed.  By the time she realized that they had left without her, Caroline would have no way to travel to Netherfield.

             
Little did they know that Caroline had no intentions of traveling with her sister and brother in law in their carriage.  Caroline knew that their aunt had been notified of the wedding and was on her way from Scarborough to attend.  Caroline had sent an express as soon as she heard of the wedding and begged her aunt to make a stop in London to give Caroline a ride, claiming that Louisa and Hurst had traveled ahead to assist in preparations.  Caroline stated that she did not wish to be in the presence of Miss Bennet’s family, though she could not imagine missing the wedding of her dear brother.

             
A message arrived the morning after Louisa and Hurst had left their townhouse.  Caroline was thrilled to learn that her aunt was planning to stop in Town long enough to purchase a gift for the couple and was willing to convey Caroline in her carriage to Netherfield.

             
Searching through her clothing, Caroline determined which gown she should wear for the wedding.  She was determined to capture Darcy’s attention when she entered the room, as she was sure that he would regret his ever marrying Elizabeth Bennet.  Caroline was also sure that after seeing her, Darcy would have his sham of a wedding to an invalid annulled so that he could marry the healthy and vivacious woman who would be perfect as his wife.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
The men returned from Rosings two days after they left.  John Lucas went to his family’s home, down trodden as to how to announce to his family the devastating news.  On one hand, the man who married his sister was not who he said he was and so their marriage was a sham as well.  Fortunately, it had not been consummated, a fact that was related to John and the other men by Mr Storm.  The solicitor drew up affidavits attesting to Mr Storm’s statements so that the marriage could be legally annulled as if it never existed.

             
On the other hand, his family had been taken in by a manipulator and a murderer.  The man had scammed them, and took them for fools.  And, because of this man and his conspiracy, their neighborhood would never be the same.  John knew that his family would be devastated at all that had transpired.

             
He was also certain that his sister would be a spinster for the rest of her days.  No man would have her before all of this commotion, who would have her afterwards?  No, Charlotte would remain single and live at home the rest of her days.  John prayed that it would not taint Maria’s, his other sister, chance at finding a good match.

             
Arriving home, John walked into the drawing room to find his father and sisters along with their mother.  “John, you have returned sooner than expected.” Sir William stated.  “Did all go well?”

             
“As well as can be expected, Father.  Sit down, we have a great deal to discuss.” 

             
After pouring a drink for himself and his father, John also poured one for Charlotte.  Handing it to his sister, John took a seat on the sofa next to her, taking hold of her hand.

             
John proceeded to tell them all that had been learned.  When he finished what he wished to say, his father and mother had many questions all of which he answered. All the time, Charlotte sat as still as if she were made of stone.  Her heart was heavy, and the betrayal was nearly overwhelming.  She was no longer Charlotte Collins, married to Mr Collins, clergyman of Hunsford parish, who was mistress of her own home.  She was again Charlotte Lucas, spinster daughter and sister, doomed to live her life at the mercy of others.

             
The more she thought of what had happened, the more she hated herself for being even remotely connected to the man who had caused so much pain and harm.  Had she lost her dearest friends, Jane and Elizabeth, because of her foolish marriage to the man she thought was their cousin?  Could the Bennet sisters forgive her for having married the man who took so much from them?

             
John sensed his sister’s feelings, as they had always been close to each other.  “Charlotte, Mr Gardiner asked that our family join the party at Netherfield for dinner tonight.  There is much to be discussed, and it does not concern only those living and staying at Netherfield.  Our entire family is invited.”

             
“John, that was kind of Mr Gardiner, but he is not the master of Netherfield, nor is he related, as yet, to Mr Bingley.  Though Jane has been accepting the role of Mistress, she is not married to Mr Bingley until next week.  Therefore, we could not possibly intrude on a family time such as this.  It would be best to wait until a later date.”

             
“No, Charlotte, Mr Gardiner, Mr Phillips, and Lord Matlock all agreed, and sent word to Netherfield to notify Mr Bingley.  The soldier who took the message returned as we were traveling and he brought a message from Mr Bingley stating he was pleased to welcome our family tonight.  If you wish, I can send word to Netherfield and ask for confirmation for you.”

             
“How can I face them?  How can I ever go to Netherfield again? Can you not understand?  The man I thought I married was responsible for the conspiracy which destroyed the Bennet family.  He fooled us into believing his tales, and I even believed his reasons for not performing his marital duties.  They will hate me.  I know they will.  It would be better for me to move away, perhaps I could move to Scotland, live with Aunt Sadie and Uncle Simon.  If I were gone, it would not take as long for the gossip to die down.  With me here, you and Maria stand little chance of finding good matches, if any.  I cannot condemn my family in such a manner.”

             
“Enough of this nonsense, Charlotte.” Lady Lucas stated in a loud and demanding voice.  “Lizzy and Jane will not hold you responsible for what happened at Longbourn.  If you had known the truth, or had any notion as to what that man was plotting, you would have spoken up and protected them all.  It is better to speak with them now, learn their true feelings, and if they are angry with you, then we will discuss your moving to my sister’s home.”

             
Several moments passed by before Charlotte nodded her head. They would attend dinner at Netherfield that night.  Lady Lucas stood and left the room, preparing to write a message to Mr Bingley, thanking him for the invitation and accepting his graciousness for their family.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
When the Lucas family arrived at Netherfield, Charlotte was last to enter the house.  She stood back, afraid of what she would find. Darcy pushed his wife’s chair at her directions, moving straight past all the rest and in front of Charlotte.  Elizabeth reached out her hand to take hold of Charlotte’s.

             
“Dear Charlotte, I am pleased that you are with us tonight.  It is a double edged sword that we have before us and we all need to commiserate as well as rejoice.  Soon it will be over, as the trial will begin as the year ends.  When it is over, we will all be able to breathe again.  My dear friend, you have suffered as much as the rest of us, only you have had no one to share your pain.  Please know that we do not hold you responsible for anything that happened.  You are, and always will be, our dear Charlotte.”

             
Jane moved to stand next to her sister.  “My sister speaks for both of us.  You are as dear to us as a sister.  Nothing will ever change that.  Now, as one chapter of our story ends, another begins.  Charles and I are to wed next week. We could not imagine not having you with us at the wedding.  Lizzy will stand by me as I did for her, but I would like very much if you were to be a bridesmaid for me.”

             
Charlotte was amazed at the love she saw in the eyes of her dearest friends.  They had not found her unworthy of being their friend, nor held anger at her for marrying the man who destroyed their lives.  Even though Elizabeth had told her that she was foolish to marry for convenience to such a simpleton, as the false Mr Collins purported to be, Elizabeth held no anger or hatred.

             
“If this is truly what you wish, Jane.  But if you wish me to never come near you again, I will understand.  I have already spoken to my family of my traveling to my aunt’s home in Scotland.”

             
Elizabeth was shocked at her friend’s response.  “I will not hear of your running away from here, especially if you do so simply from fear that I wish it.  I have no such feelings; you are just as much a victim in this as the rest of us.  Each of us here has been injured in some way by all of this.  Now is the time to put the pain aside and move forward to better times.”

             
“And, Charlotte, you may begin again, knowing that the taint of that man did not go further.  I am grateful that there was no child come from the marriage.” Jane stated.  No one had informed her or Elizabeth that Charlotte was a wife in name only.

             
“There cannot be a child if there have been no relations.” Charlotte stated softly, looking down at the floor.

             
Elizabeth took a finger and lifted Charlotte’s chin up until her friend looked her in the eye.  “Then all’s the better, as you truly were not married to that fool.”

             
As the butler stepped forward, announcing that dinner was ready to serve, the men gathered their ladies and walked them into the dining room.  For Darcy, he pushed Elizabeth’s chair while Georgiana held Elizabeth’s hand.  Colonel Fitzwilliam had watched carefully as the sisters and Charlotte had spoken, impressed with the kindness that they held for this lady.  He stepped up to Charlotte and held out his arm to her.  “If I may have the honor, Miss Lucas?”

             
“My thanks to you, Colonel, though I believe that the honor would be mine.” Charlotte said as she took hold of Richard’s arm.

             
The rest of the evening was spent in giving thanks for no one being injured in capturing both Mr Storm and Anne de Bourgh, as well as planning for the future. 

             
One of the greatest bits of news for those who were from the neighborhood was that Elizabeth and Jane, now the heirs of Longbourn, had decided to rebuild the house.  The house that they wished to have made was a bit smaller than the one which had burned, but it would be large enough for the time being.

             
By the end of the evening, all were pleased to see that their lives would be moving in much improved directions.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Caroline Bingley arrived at Netherfield two days after her sister, much to the surprise of everyone else.  Her aunt was confused when her nephew became furious at his sister for her having tricked the Widow Bingley into her schemes to return to Netherfield. Once she learned the truth, that Caroline was not welcome at Netherfield, their aunt was furious.

             
“Caroline, how dare you behave in such a manner?  You have more sense than to throw yourself at a man who is not at all interested in you and is now married. And to come here, against your brother’s wishes, to disrupt his wedding plans, I am utterly ashamed of you.”

             
“Aunt, when Mr Darcy sees me, he will wish to be rid of his sickly wife.  She is dying, and he only married her out of pity.  I know that he finds me appealing and wishes he had me as his wife.  I only wish to let Mr Darcy know that as soon as he is free from his obligation, I will be here ready to marry him.”

             
“You will do no such thing.” Mrs Geraldine Bingley stated. “Charles, have my carriage prepared to leave immediately.  I will be taking your sister with me to Scarborough.  Caroline will live with me for the near future.  We will deal with the matter of her inheritance after you have had a proper time celebrating your marriage with your bride.  Until then, Caroline will live on the allowance I give her.  And if you have two young men to travel with us, to…guarantee our safe arrival in Scarborough, I would be grateful.”