The Ashes of Longbourn (32 page)

             
Elizabeth laughed at her husband’s protectiveness.  “Yes, my dearest, I will do as I am told.” She said as she lifted a pastry to her lips.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
The day was filled with church services, luncheon, giving gifts, and enjoying each other’s company.  An express had returned from Town, congratulating Richard and Charlotte, and inviting the couple and Charlotte’s family to stay at Matlock House as soon as possible.  Richard knew that his parents would wish this to be before the New Year.

             
Charlotte’s family arrived an hour before dinner was to be served.  Jane and Elizabeth were thrilled for their friend and Richard.  Talk of shopping in Town for  Charlotte’s trousseau and items that would be needed for the new house that was to be built at Longbourn took up the time until the servant announced dinner was served.

             
When the ladies and men separated, after dinner, Charlotte could not show her appreciation to her dear friends enough, as she pulled them aside from the other ladies.  “Lizzy, Jane, there is no possible way for me to be able to properly express how grateful I am to you for your generosity.”

             
“Charlotte, nonsense, for we are grateful to know that Longbourn will have such a wonderful Mistress and that you will be loved for the lady you are.” Elizabeth said.  “I know that you are not a romantic, but I am certain that you can see the difference in marrying for love and marrying for convenience.  A love match is incredibly intoxicating, is it not?”

             
“I never knew how wonderful it could be.” Charlotte said.  “I was a fool to settle for marrying Mr Collins…I mean, Mr Storm.  I had a house to tend and the people of the parish over which to care for, but nothing more than that.  I did not have a home, for there was no mutual affection, not even friendship.  Would you allow me some time to speak openly of what to expect…from the…?”

             
“From the marriage bed?” Elizabeth asked. Seeing her friend nod her head while looking down at the floor, Elizabeth smiled.  “Charlotte, as I am married to the man that I love and adore, I will tell you that, from my perspective, the marriage bed is a wondrous thing.”

             
Jane blushed.  “I can concur with Lizzy.  It is much different from what our mothers ever spoke.  If it is a duty, I gladly submit to this duty.”

             
Charlotte knew that Elizabeth would speak openly, but to hear such words coming from Jane was shocking.  “This sounds as if I will be pleasantly surprised.  I am now grateful for the fact that that man refused to…that I am unspoiled.”

             
“I have no doubts that Richard will be as kind and caring with you as William has been with me.” Elizabeth said as she embraced her friend.  “Richard is a good man, you deserve such happiness.”

             
“When do you wish to marry?” Jane asked.

             
“I am not sure for what Richard will wish, but if it were my decision alone, I would make it for as soon as possible.  I wish to move forward in my life.”

             
Elizabeth smiled.  “And I am sure that Lord and Lady Matlock will wish to have the wedding in Town.  They will wish to show you off to their friends.”

             
“Oh, dear, I pray that they will not be disappointed in me.  I am not exactly what an Earl would wish for as a daughter in law.”

             
“Lady Matlock was praying that her son would find love, and she told me before they left for Town how very fond she is of you.  I doubt very much if she will be disappointed.  And I am sure that whatever brings his son happiness, and his wife approves, Lord Matlock will approve as well.”

             
“What will my father approve of?” Richard’s voice rang out as he entered the room, followed closely by the other men.

             
“Charlotte is concerned about your parents approving of her as a wife for you.  I was reassuring her that they like her very much and that she will be accepted.” Elizabeth stated to her cousin.

             
“Would you wish to read the express they sent me, just this afternoon?” Richard reached into his pocket for the message.  “I should have thought to show it to you earlier, though, as soon as you arrived, all other thoughts flew from my mind.”

             
Accepting the message from her betrothed, Charlotte read it.

            
 
Dearest Richard,

Oh, how you vex me.  Becoming engaged when I am not there to congratulate you and your intended is most unkind.  Be warned, when I next see Miss Lucas, I plan to tell her all sorts of your secrets.  I will use caution so as not to scare her away.

This news is not surprising to me, as I could see your heart beginning to open when we were at Netherfield.  I am so pleased.  Miss Lucas is a wonderful lady, worthy of your hand.  And you will be living so close to Town that we will be able to visit often. 

Your father was not surprised by the news of Lizzy and Jane giving you Longbourn.  I believe he had considered offering to purchase it from them, just for you.  Now, we have decided that our wedding gift will be paying for the new house to be built and furnished.  We know that the savings you have will not cover the cost of building much more than a cottage, so we are having an architect beginning drawing up plans.  When you come
to London, we will meet with him and make changes that you and Miss Lucas wish.

We would also like to take this time to invite Miss Lucas and her family to be our guests at Matlock House
so that we may plan the wedding.  I am sure that she will wish to shop in Town for her trousseau and I would love to introduce her to my favorite modiste.

I finish now, telling you how very pleased I am with your news.  Richard, my beloved son, I could not be happier for you.  Give Miss Lucas my best and send word as to when we should expect you.

              With love,

             
Your mother

              Tears welled in Charlotte’s eyes, threatening to overflow.  “How can they be so kind?  I cannot understand how they can be so accepting of me as a wife for their son.”

             
“They know the true person you are, Charlotte.” Richard said, pulling her into his embrace, not caring what anyone else thought of such improper behavior.  “Mother has always wished for me the opportunity to marry where my heart wished; she has often told me that none of the young ladies of the
ton
who have large dowries were good enough for me.  She knows how dear you are to me, how my heart is attached. That means more than anything else to her.”

             
“I do love you, Richard.  I pray that you will always know how dear you are to me.”

             
Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, Richard nodded. “As dear as you are to me, my dearest.”

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Plans were made for traveling the first week of the New Year.  It was decided that Charles and Jane would stay at Darcy House with Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana, as Louisa was due to give birth any day and would wish for peace and quiet.  Sir William and Lady Lucas would join Charlotte in staying at Matlock House for a fortnight, while John and Maria Lucas would stay at Darcy House. 

             
Darcy sent word to his housekeeper, asking her to have rooms prepared for their guests.  He also sent a message to his aunt to have an appointment made for Elizabeth to visit a modiste as well.  Now that she was growing stronger and regaining the use of her legs, he wished for her to have an entirely new wardrobe.  He also wished to take her shopping for all that she might need. 

             
Elizabeth laughed at his desire to spoil her.  When her uncle returned to Netherfield for Christmas, the number of packages that he brought with him, at Darcy’s request, was beyond belief.  There was a new brush set with silver handles and her initials carved, stationary with her name, a journal embossed with her initials, hair pins with pearls and jewels attached, hair combs, shawls, and so much more.  She scolded him for buying so many things for her, telling him that she did not need so much.  But Darcy was not to be dissuaded from his pleasure.  And purchasing items to bring his beloved wife joy was one of his greatest pleasures.

             
He also made plans to indulge in his ultimate pleasure.  To that end, he ordered several items be made and delivered to Darcy House.  If he liked the items, he would make a similar order for Pemberley.  Georgiana laughed as she watched Elizabeth’s futile attempts at halting Darcy’s endless gifts.  She knew, from experience that her brother would never change in this regard; as he dearly loved to give gifts to those he loved.

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

Chapter 25

             
Caroline Bingley had been trapped, unable to leave her aunt’s home without an escort. How she longed to escape Scarborough and return to Town.  But her sister’s confinement meant that she would not be able to escort her to balls and dinners, and her brother’s new family had given him the courage to stand his ground with Caroline’s behavior.  She wished that she had never heard the name Bennet.  When Charles had taken the lease on the property in Hertfordshire, he had begun to change.  And Caroline did not approve.

             
Jane Bennet had taken hold of Charles’ heart and turned him against his sister.  It was obvious, in Caroline’s mind, that Jane Bennet was a manipulative woman, not the sweet innocent that everyone believed her to be.  And her sister, Caroline could not believe that Fitzwilliam Darcy had been trapped into marriage to that chit.  She had to do whatever she could to come to Darcy’s aid, to assist him in freeing himself from being bound to the country nobody.  Caroline was sure that he would be so grateful that he would wish to marry her as soon as possible.  Pemberley needed a proper Mistress, and, from what Caroline knew, Elizabeth Bennet was crippled and would never be able to be a proper wife.  And Darcy would need an heir, how could he have one with Elizabeth as his wife?

             
She knew that her aunt sent letters each week to Netherfield, keeping Charles informed as to her behavior. This caused a great deal of resentment between Caroline and her aunt. 

             
Each day, Caroline spent a great deal of her day contemplating what would happen when she could be free of her aunt.  One day, not far in the future, Caroline knew that she would have her chance to become Mrs Caroline Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
The New Year was welcomed with the joyous news that Louisa gave birth the day before, a healthy baby boy. From the letter that Hurst had sent, all decided that, due to his word, he was either in his cups or deliriously happy with his son.  The letter confirmed Louisa’s good health as well. 

             
Bingley was thrilled, the first Bingley of the next generation. He prayed that he and Jane would not be long coming until they were parents.  One of his wishes was to have a large family.  Jane teased him that he did not have to grow up with lots of siblings and no peace and quiet.  Bingley’s answer was simple.  They would simply add more room on to the house so there would be plenty of space for all to have a quiet spot.

             
Darcy, too, was praying that one day soon, he would hear that his wife was carrying their child.  He had pushed his desire to be a father to the back of his mind while dealing with the real possibility that Elizabeth would never be able to walk again.  Now, with her recovering, slowly becoming stronger, able to take a few more steps each day, Darcy’s mind wandered constantly to a babe nestled in Elizabeth’s arms.  A daughter, with her mother’s chocolate curls and sparkling eyes, this was the child he wished for first. Most men wished for a son, an heir to take over their estate.  But there was no entail upon Pemberley and a daughter could inherit as easily as a son.

             
He watched each morning as Mrs Bogs assisted in wrapping Elizabeth’s legs, giving support to her legs as she strengthened the muscles with exercise. Between the sturdy cloth wrappings and the use of canes, Elizabeth was able to stand and walk a little further each day.  At the end of each day, Darcy did his part in tending to his wife by massaging her muscles.

             
As preparations were being made to move to London, Mrs Bogs announced that her services would no longer be needed for Mrs Darcy. At first, Elizabeth was nervous. “I am not nearly recovered.  What if there is a problem?”

             
“Mrs Darcy, I have faith that you will continue to grow stronger and stronger.  One day, not long from now, you will be dancing and taking long walks again.  Betsy is very knowledgeable on the wrappings and the different oils for massaging and your baths, if you should need them.  And your husband is also well versed in the oils and massaging your muscles.  I see no need to have me continue.  Besides, I received a letter from my sister and there is another family in need of my assistance.  You would not wish to leave another person suffering, as you were, without my assistance.”

             
“I am being foolish, I know.  It is all so frightening.”

             
Mrs Bogs took hold of Elizabeth’s hand, squeezing it tightly.  “My dear girl, you will continue to flourish, I am certain of it.  It is just a matter of time until you have built up the strength.  And if you have any difficulties, you are welcome to write to me.  My sister will always know where I am, so she can forward any letters.”

             
“I cannot thank you enough, Mrs Bogs.  Your treatments have made this all possible.” Elizabeth said.  “And I will always be grateful for your work.”

             
“It was a pleasure to be able to help you, my dear girl.  Now, let us finish wrapping your legs before your husband arrives to take you downstairs.”

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Elizabeth was in awe of the sight of her home in Town.  It was far grander than she could have ever imagined.  “William, this is our home?  How can I ever be the Mistress of such a fine house?”

             
“Lizzy, my love, our staff is very able.  Our housekeepers at both of our homes have been taking care of the houses since my mother’s death.  You need only take on the tasks you wish, and they will continue with the rest.  There is nothing for you to fear.  Now, my dearest wife, let us enter our home.  After our journey, I wish to take you to our rooms so that you might rest.”