The Ashes of Longbourn (5 page)

             
Turning quickly, Richard missed seeing the look of loathing that Caroline had on her face.

             
As he made his way to Matlock House, Richard had so many thoughts running through his head. 
Has Bingley sent word to William of the tragedy? Should I go to Scotland to give support to him? The entire family dead and the estate ruined; this was indeed a devastating bit of news.  And no one even knew that of William and Elizabeth’s courtship.

             
By the time Richard arrived at his father’s home, he had decided to speak to his commanding officer, who had traveled to London with Richard, and request a leave to be able to journey to Scotland.

             
                                          ~~ ** ~~

             
Charles Bingley was pacing in the hallway outside a bedchamber at Netherfield.  His movement was halted when the door opened.  “Sir, how is she today?”

             
The physician stepped into the hall and pulled the door closed behind him.  “Much the same as yesterday, though she seems to be resting a little easier today.  She is still in a great deal of pain, as the trauma was extensive.  I believe that having her sister at her side has helped to calm her as well.  I left a bottle of laudanum for the pain and put more salve on the burns.  I will go to my rooms and rest. If you need me, send someone to wake me.”

             
“Thank you, Mr Freemont.  And if you need anything, please feel free to ask.”

             
After the physician had entered his rooms, Bingley walked down the hall to his own rooms.  Once inside, he walked over to his bedside table and picked up the glass of brandy that he had left there.  He then sat down on the bed, shaking his head as his mind attempted to deal with the onslaught of thoughts.

             
It had been a week since the fire at Longbourn.  That morning was seared in his mind forever.  Upon learning of the fire at the home of his betrothed, Bingley rode directly to the estate.  The fire was burning brightly and the flames could be seen from Netherfield. 

             
As he neared the home of his beloved, Bingley found that his face was damp from the tears flowing freely down his cheeks.  Seeing Jane sitting on the ground, surrounded by people, Bingley’s heart began to beat again.  He ran directly to her, wrapping his arms around her as he held her to his chest.

             
Jane was sobbing uncontrollably.  Bingley held her close, attempting to sooth her.  “My love, are you injured?”

             
Jane shook her head. “I am well, but Lizzy is not.  My family, oh Charles, my family…”

             
Pulling back so that he could look in her eyes, Bingley attempted to learn what had happened.  “Where is the rest of your family? I see Lizzy here, but where is everyone else?”

             
Looking at the house, Jane could barely speak.  “They are in there, in the house. I fell asleep in Lizzy’s room or I would still be in there as well.  Lizzy saved my life and was attempting to get to Mary when the house exploded. Lizzy was thrown from the second floor and she landed against the tree.  Charles, she is badly injured.  I do not know if she will survive.  She saved my life and hers might be forfeit.  How am I to live while my family has perished?”

             
“You live each day to the fullest and honor their memory.  And we will do everything we can to save Miss Elizabeth.  I will send to London for the best physician to tend to her.  You and your sister will come to Netherfield to live.”

             
“We have nothing left, Charles.  All we have is the nightgowns that we are wearing, everything else is gone.  What will become of Lizzy and me?  What will we do?”

             
“You will first come to Netherfield with me. Mr Jones will tend to you both until the physician arrives from Town. We will have clothes made for both of you and any other items you need, we will purchase.  And Miss Elizabeth will be taken care of no matter what the physician tells us.  You need not ever fret over that.  You are betrothed to me, and I will stand by you for the rest of my life.  I love you, Jane, and Miss Elizabeth will be my sister.  Do you understand me?  I will ensure that your sister is treated as if she were born my sister. Actually, I will treat her far better than I would my own sisters.
             

             
Bingley was amazed that Elizabeth had survived the first day after the fire, her injuries were severe.  Both of her legs were broken, she had burns, cuts, broken ribs and more.  The worst of which was the fact that when she finally woke, she could not feel anything below her waist. 

             
The physician, Mr Freemont, stated that there was a great deal of swelling from the injuries that Elizabeth had suffered.  It was his opinion that the swelling and bruising on her back, from striking the tree, was causing spinal difficulties. He hoped that once the swelling and bruising subsided, Elizabeth would be able to feel her legs again.  Mr Freemont also told Bingley that perhaps it was fortunate that Elizabeth could not feel her legs as the pain of both of them would be overwhelming.

             
In the week since the fire, the remaining members of the Bennet family were found in the ashes of the house.  A funeral service was held for them as they were laid to rest in the family cemetery on the estate. The dressmaker in Meryton brought out two gowns that would fit Jane with slight alterations.  She promised to have three black gowns made for her by the end of the week.  The dressmaker, Mrs Lark, would prepare some gowns for Elizabeth as well.  Other items were ordered, especially nightgowns and robes for Elizabeth as she would be bed ridden for many weeks to come.  Bingley had his housekeeper, Mrs Cartwright, shop for all other items that would be needed for Jane and Elizabeth; hair brushes and pins, shoes, bonnets, pelisses, and other personal items.

             
Bingley also sent a letter to his townhouse in Town, informing his sisters that Longbourn had burned to the ground claiming the lives of Jane’s family, not contradicting the news in the papers by telling them that Jane and Elizabeth had survived.  He did not wish for his sisters to come to Netherfield, as he did not trust Caroline to behave towards Jane and her sister.  It was better for the time being that Caroline stay away from Netherfield.

             
So much had happened in the past week, and Bingley had matured extremely as responsibility had demanded he do.  He took charge of having the remains of the Bennet home cleared away and any remnants of belongings be gathered to bring to Netherfield.  There had been several likenesses that had been made by Kitty of family members.  Mr and Mrs Bennet were captured by the young artist, as was her youngest sister, Lydia. She had even attempted to draw a likeness of herself by looking at her own reflection in the mirror.  There were a few pieces of music which had been Mary’s, Mrs Bennet’s hairbrush, and Mr Bennet’s pocket watch were all found in the charred remains.  There were several books recovered from Mr Bennet’s library.  Elizabeth’s book of sonnets was also found, unmarred by the fire.

             
Two of the servants who had worked for the Bennet family had perished in the fire as well.  Fortunately, Mrs Hill, the Bennet family housekeeper since before Jane and Elizabeth were born, had been staying at her son’s home in Meryton as his wife was birthing a babe.  After spending a few days at her son’s home, Mrs Hill made her way to Netherfield to assist in taking care of Elizabeth.  Having the woman who had been like a mother to the eldest Bennet sisters had a soothing effect on both Jane and Elizabeth.

             
The days seemed to flow together, with Jane, Mrs Hill, and two maids assisting Mr Freemont in treating Elizabeth.  She was delirious at times and in a great deal of pain most of the time.  The ladies were able to use an invalid feeder to allow them to feed her broth. 

             
Elizabeth’s legs had bruising and swelling over the majority of their surface.  Mr Freemont had told them that after the breaks healed, they would need to exercise her legs so the muscles would not waste away.  The burns had begun to heal on her hands and on her lower back.  There was one burn near her hairline which was blistered and angry looking. Mr Freemont was certain that she would have a scar from it.  But that was not important.  It would be a miracle if the young lady recovered at all, scars would have to be dealt with if she did. 

             
No, it was more important to attempt to prevent Elizabeth from taking a fever, for that would be deadly for her.  If they were fortunate to keep her alive for another week, then he would begin to worry about her future.

             
Jane had burns as well, and Mr Freemont tended to them.  Most days Jane sat beside her sister’s bed and read to Elizabeth or worked on her stitch work as best as she could.  It was rare that she would use her own bed at night, as she could not think of leaving her dearest sister alone in the dark. 

             
Seeing that Jane’s own health was beginning to dwindle, Bingley knew it was time for Jane to begin taking care of herself.  One of the things that needed to be handled first was for Jane to return to her family’s home to see the remains.  He thought that it was time for her to see the graves of her family, as she had refused to go to the service that was held for them.  Bingley had the staff gather flowers and put them in the carriage that had been brought to Netherfield from Longbourn.  Bingley insisted that Jane accompany him on a trip into town.  When Jane stated she could not leave Elizabeth’s side, Mrs Hill interjected into the conversation.

             
“Miss Jane, I will stay here by your sister’s side until you return.  I promise that I will take good care of her.”

             
Jane was reluctant, though she finally allowed herself to be escorted out of the house and into the awaiting carriage.  When they had traveled nearly a mile, Jane became anxious.  “Charles, please, we have to go back to the house.  I have to return immediately.”

             
“Jane, we cannot go back at the moment.  You need to come with me.  We will return to the house soon.  I have brought flowers with us and we will go to pay our respects to your parents and your sisters.”

             
“No, Charles, I must return now.  Lizzy needs me and I have to be with her.”  Jane’s anxiety grew by the moment.  “Please turn the carriage around or I will get out and walk.”

             
“You will do no such thing, Jane.  Lizzy is sleeping and we will return to Netherfield soon enough.  You have not said farewell to your parents and your sisters.  Jane, it is tearing at your heart and I cannot bear to watch you in such pain.”

             
“If I am not at Lizzy’s side, she will die and it will be my fault.  She was injured because she saved me and was trying to help Mary. If it were not for me, she would have been able to save Mary and they would have been safe.  Lizzy is fighting for her life and Mary is dead. My parents are dead; Kitty and Lydia are dead as well.  I should have died, and I would have if it had not been for Lizzy.  I cannot lose her too.”  Jane sobbed uncontrollably in Bingley’s embrace.  “Charles, I cannot lose Lizzy.  She is all that I have left of my family.”

             
“Hush, now. Lizzy is alive and we will do everything in our power to help her through this.  Once we get past this critical stage, we will deal with her paralysis.  It will take time, but I am certain that Elizabeth will survive.  Now, let us go to place flowers at the graves of your family.  It is time that you said your farewells to them.”

             
“I do not know how to say goodbye to them.  I feel so guilty for surviving while they did not.”

             
“Jane, your family loved you.  They would never think it wrong that you survived and they did not.  If they could speak to you, I am sure they would be pleased to know that you did survive.  My dearest Jane, you have had such a difficult time and it is time that you accept that you survived for a reason.  My mother used to tell me that there was a reason for everything that happens, and though we might not be able to see the reason, you were spared for a reason.  We will be married as soon as the year of mourning is over, then we will start our family.  And your sister is welcome to live with us as long as she wishes.”

             
“Very well, Charles.  Please stay at my side while we are at the cemetery.”

             
“Of course, my love, I plan to be at your side for the rest of our lives.”  Bingley said as he placed a light kiss on the back of her hand.

             
Arriving at the cemetery, Bingley stepped out and turned to hand Jane down.  Seeing the mounds of dirt on the fresh graves, Jane stopped for a moment as she gathered her strength to move forward.  She took a deep breath as she stepped closer.  Bingley was holding the bundle of flowers for Jane to place on the graves, and he would hand them to her as she laid a hand on each grave.  Wiping at the tears that were free flowing, Jane looked at each mound. 

             
“Mamma, Papa, I am so very sorry that we could not reach you in time.  I wish you were still here, with us, as we begin to pick up the pieces of our lives.  Lizzy was seriously injured.  She is fighting to stay here.  Please, please, watch over her and give her the strength to recover.  I will continue to care for her and nurse her back to health.”  Jane turned her head towards the other mounds.  “Mary, Kitty, Lydia, I wish that you had had long and fulfilling lives.  I will miss you all so very much.  Mary, your music on the pianoforte always rang out in the house. Kitty, your drawings were always superb.  Lydia, I will miss the way you would take an old bonnet and redo it to be new and so pretty.  I will miss all of you and will never forget you.  Please know that I love you all and I know that Lizzy would say the same.  Rest in peace, in heaven, where there is no more pain and you will be surrounded by love.”