I had a dream and this story is from that dream.
If you do not like it or think its too off the mark STOP reading it. I am not asking you to pay to read it. It is not like I am making them vampires or zombies. I did base part of Darcy character on my friends husband who did have a car accident and his personality changed forever.
I have to format each chapter so it can be read and I hope catch typos. Thats why i can't post all at once plus I am missing a few chapters so I am trying to fix that.
Chapter Eight
The day before Mr. Darcy arrived Jane and Mr. Bingley had the unpleasant task of enlightening Elizabeth how Mr. Darcy's memory loss included his first visit to Netherfield including attending the assembly and all other social events. Elizabeth was starting to assemble the information including why she was at Pemberley.
Elizabeth held her glass of wine in her hand as she said, "Mr. Darcy does not remember meeting me at the assembly in which he insulted me with his comment of how I was not handsome enough to tempt him?" Once she spoke the words, Elizabeth finished the entire glass of wine trying to calm her nerves. The anger she felt towards that man reappeared. The footman quickly appeared filling her glass.
As Mr. Bingley explained Mr. Darcy's injuries to his legs and the lost memories, Elizabeth recalled Dr. Marcus stipulating the missing parts of her memory would not be explained to her as to avoid triggering further injury; she would have to recall her memories on her own. At the time Dr. Marcus mentioned Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy were also in that same carriage accident however Elizabeth was not attending the conversation. Elizabeth began to wonder if Mr. Darcy was also unaware of what happened during the missing time.
Elizabeth assumed her dreams of Darcy were fantasies she made up in her head. She admitted to herself she found Darcy attractive and remembered listening to Miss Bingley as she attempted to gain Mr. Darcy's attention whilst at Netherfield. Elizabeth knew that most other women considered him attractive; making her dreams about him a more reasonable explanation.
Now that Jane and Mr. Bingley were speaking of Mr. Darcy and his injuries, Elizabeth began to realize that maybe her dreams were not dreams at all they were in fact memories. Tears began to fall from Elizabeth as Mr. Bingley spoke of Mr. Darcy's leg injury and how it might be permanent for him to use a walking cane. Mr. Bingley not certain if he should continue looked at Jane with a questioning look as if he should carry on with his narrative.
Jane took Elizabeth's hand in hers then asked, "Lizzy, what has you so upset?"
Elizabeth still not sure if she should confide in Jane with regard to her dreams or memories said, "It was hard for me after the accident, I cannot imagine how hard this must be for Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth was hoping that her answer was ambiguous enough to sound sympathetic without giving away her feelings. She placed her hands on her lap to avoid anyone seeing her hands shaking.
Jane recognized Elizabeth's actions said, "Please continue Charles."
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Sitting in her room with a book, Elizabeth tried to keep her mind off Mr. Darcy and his impending visit only to fail. Elizabeth found herself wandering about her room with the book held tightly in her arms at her chest as if it were her lifeline. Thinking back she recalled suddenly waking up from her dreams with her heart racing as she remembered Mr. Darcy holding her hand caressing it softly, looking into her eyes as he leaned over to kiss her. Elizabeth felt the chill run through her as the memories of Mr. Darcy kissing her passionately while holding her in his arms. She sighed at the thought of lying in bed in an intimate embrace as Mr. Darcy kissed her down her neck towards her chest saying, "I love you Elizabeth."
Elizabeth felt her dreams of Darcy were real. "How could it be? Could I have been married to William?" Elizabeth wondered to herself.
Elizabeth did not sleep well that night. Knowing the sun had not risen yet, she would have private time with Miss Emma and Charlie with the expectation of their combined smiles and giggles making her happy. As she opened the door she heard Emma babbling and Charlie saying the few words he knew horsey, Dada and Mama" coming from inside.
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"Good morning Emma and Charlie, did you both sleep well? I found my night full of worries, so that I could not sleep. Charlie's Papa is to have some friends come to visit and the thought of facing one of his particular friends is overwhelming. Oh my, you do not need to hear about my troubles, let us get ready for the day."
The sun began to rise and illuminated the room so much so that Elizabeth did not have to light any candles. Picking up Charlie first, she changed his soiled nappy and dressing him smartly for the day.
"There my handsome Charlie, you are all set to begin your day," as Elizabeth placed him on the carpet to play with his toys. Charlie quickly picked up his favorite toy, a wooden horse.
Elizabeth not knowing how Emma would handle having her nappy changed before her morning meal, walked over to the cradle and said, "Miss Emma I would like to change your soiled nappy as we both know it must be unpleasant. I am not prepared to provide your morning meal as you well know, so let us work together in harmony."
Emma appeared to be content with Elizabeth's attentions and babbled while Elizabeth sang a lullaby to her. Once changed into an appropriate gown Elizabeth took Emma to the rocking chair continuing to sing. Charlie liked when "Ant Izzy" sang and stood next to her holding out his "horsey" while both children babbled away in song with Elizabeth.
It was only after the wet nurse appeared that Emma started to fuss. "I will hand over Miss Emma to you now, since I am not able to care for her current needs," said Elizabeth as she watched Emma wave her arms and legs in excitement of her morning meal.
"Charlie what say you and I play with your "horsey" while we wait for your morning meal to arrive." Elizabeth sat down on the carpet while Charlie focused his attention on the wooden horse. Elizabeth brushed her hand along the top of his hair; it was the same color as his father's only feathery, as it had not fully grown in yet.
Jane watched from outside the door as Elizabeth sat on the floor with her son. It broke her heart that her sister did not remember her own child. One day Jane thought, all will be well.
The afternoon went by quickly for Elizabeth. She spent the morning with the children in her garden and while they took their afternoon nap, Elizabeth assisted Jane planning the menus. Once that was completed, Elizabeth went to her room with another book to occupy her time until afternoon tea when she would greet the Bingley's new guests.
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Mr. and Mrs. Bingley greeted the arriving coach with smiles. Once the housekeeper took Darcy and Richard to their rooms, Charles told Jane, "I'll just be in my office finishing up some quick paperwork. We can meet for tea in the drawing room."
Mr. Bingley went to his study to finish his final approvals for the last of the new tenant homes. He exited his study just in time to find Richard and Darcy walking down the stairs. "Just in time," said Bingley smiling at his two closest friends.
Richard smiled back at Bingley, turned towards Darcy patting his shoulder, said, "Bingley has a fine home, do you agree Darce. My room is most comfortable and I could not wish for a better view." The Colonel's room along with Darcy's room looked over "Elizabeth's garden" and Richard had spotted Elizabeth in the garden.
Darcy unsure what to say outside of the normal "yes and thank you" decided to keep it simple, "Yes Richard, and thank you once again Charles for your invitation. Your home is quite lovely. I am sure that Mrs. Bingley has done a wonderful job of decorating."
Bingley smiled at Darcy not wanting to discuss his sister's taste knowing how Darcy hated her rather garish taste in decorating replied, "Well to be honest Mrs. Bingley has not had the time to change any of the furnishing or décor. You will understand that she had been occupied of late."
Darcy unfamiliar with Mrs. Bingley assumed the garish décor was her doing reluctantly replied, "Oh, I just…well anyway Charles I am glad to be here." Darcy pulled at his collar in embarrassment knowing Charles saw through his remark about the décor.
Richard just laughed at Darcy's awkwardness said, "Is Mrs. Bingley to join us? I thought she mentioned joining us for afternoon tea." Richard was looking around the drawing room as they entered hoping to see her or Elizabeth sitting there.
Bingley replied, "My wife has stopped off in the nursery, she will be here shortly."
Darcy knew Bingley had children; he had seen them off in their carriage when they left Pemberley. He asked, "How are the children, a boy, and a girl, correct?" Darcy was uncertain how to conduct himself with regards Bingley and his family, mainly his connections to Wickham.
Bingley beamed with pride answering, "Yes Charlie as we now call him and Emma both are doing…" The entrance of his wife Jane interrupted him. Charles then watched as Darcy and Richard greeted his wife, thanking her for hosting them during their visit.
Darcy observed Richard while he silently communicated with Bingley. Darcy recalled his fight with Bingley over Wickham and the connections to Mrs. Bingley, was ill at ease. Darcy aware of the tension in the room saw Bingley shrug at Richard not knowing what to make of their silent communication.
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The housekeeper appeared with the tea and refreshments carried by several footmen. Darcy was instantly impressed with the presentation. Looking at the face of one of the footmen, he recalled seeing him at Pemberley. Quickly recalling how Richard and Mrs. Reynolds arranged for some of his own staff to be at Netherfield during his visit, in an attempt to stifle gossip, Darcy sat back in the chair and relaxed.
As Darcy sitting near Richard and across from the Bingleys watched the door to the drawing room open. In walked a striking lady with radiant dark hair. The lady seemed hesitant to enter when Mrs. Bingley called out to her, "Come Elizabeth"
Once Darcy heard her name, he whispered to himself "Elizabeth." What a lovely name for a lovely woman he thought smiling, then recollected himself and quickly removed the smile from his face. Darcy did not know Richard had heard him say "Elizabeth" and could not see the smile on Richard's face.
Richard and Darcy stood for introductions hearing "Elizabeth" come from Mrs. Bingley.
Mr. Bingley stood bringing Elizabeth closer to the seating area and announced proudly, "Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam please meet our sister Elizabeth," He then turned to Elizabeth and said, "Elizabeth this is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth gave her curtsey and the gentlemen bowed appropriately, before they took their seats. Elizabeth sat next to Jane while Mr. Bingley took the chair next to them. Richard and Darcy sat in the chairs across from the ladies on the sofa. Jane poured tea while Elizabeth assisted with cream and sugar.
Watching the captivating beauty across from him, Darcy began to wonder why he did not hear Miss Elizabeth or Miss Bennet when being introduced to her for he knew her to be Jane's sister. The thought that this could Mr. Wickham's wife entered his head making himirate that Bingley would misrepresent her identity to him.
During tea that afternoon the room was full of anxiety and awareness on all parties. Bingley, his jovial self, tried several time to engage Darcy in the conversation mentioning the grounds of Netherfield. He asked if Darcy would ride out with him giving him his opinion as to what he thought would need to be his next focus. Darcy listened as Bingley spoke of building new tenant homes and this year's crops.
Although Darcy was trying to keep his attentions on Bingley and the conversation, his eyes wandered in Elizabeth's direction. When he would look in Elizabeth's direction, he saw her staring back at him. Elizabeth seemed sad Darcy could not put his finger on the emotions he observed in her face. Her eyes were so dark and expressive it took all his self-control not to go over and speak directly with her.
Richard observed Darcy's failed attempts at not looking in Elizabeth's direction. Richard also noticed the sadness in Elizabeth's eyes. He would have to talk with Bingley later to find out if Elizabeth had remembered Darcy.
Elizabeth sat quietly sipping her tea trying not to look at Mr. Darcy. The memories of him holding her and offering his love seemed to overwhelm her. She tried to reign in her emotions only to fail. When she looked at Jane, she could see Jane's concern.
Jane also observed her sister closely knew that something was unsettling her sister. Looking at Elizabeth's expression Jane recognized Lizzy was in pain. That meant she had remembered something that had to do with Mr. Darcy, and if she did not take steps to remove her sister from Darcy's presence soon, something dreadful might happen.
"Lizzy, come with me, I would like to check on the children," said Jane as she stood. Elizabeth stood and followed Jane out of the room, not looking in Darcy's direction.
"Lizzy you must tell me what is wrong," said Jane just outside the door.
Darcy not usually one to confront Bingley said rather loudly, "Is that the sister married to that scum Wickham or are you hiding who she really is for another reason?" Elizabeth heard Darcy's accusations ran from Jane outside towards the garden.
Richard stood in front of Darcy and said, "Now see here Darce, you cannot go around assuming the worst!"
Jane opened the door to see Richard standing up to Darcy, almost nose to nose. "Gentlemen if you please…" Jane indicated they should take their seats.
Jane sat next to Bingley, taking his hand in hers before she took a deep breath to collect herself. She then said, "Mr. Darcy, I understand and appreciate the fact you do not like Mr. Wickham. For most of my family has the same opinion."
Darcy looked stunned while being addressed by Jane. The woman spoke to him as if he was an errant child. She just admitted her family felt the same way about Wickham, so why was he in the wrong? Was the world coming to an end he thought to himself?
Jane continued with Bingley's encouragement, "For you to assume that my sister Elizabeth is somehow aligned with Mr. Wickham…is inconceivable. Yet, you speak of her in such terms as if you distain her when you do not know her character. Your words Mr. Darcy hurt others; you speak without the thought of other's feelings. I know you feel that your status allows you to speak to others with such distain- it does not. You will not be allowed to remain as a guest in our home if you do not change your manners. I must and will protect Elizabeth with all that I am. Your recovery does not allow to be so…so…I just can't say the words." Jane stood pressing her hands against the skirt removing imaginary wrinkles. "I will leave you to yourselves."
Jane left the room with Mr. Darcy shocked so much, so that he was unable to process the words spoken to him. Richard who witnessed Darcy's set down by Mrs. Bingley agreed with the sentiment spoken. He had spent the last several months with his cousin almost losing his patience and leaving Darcy to his own devices. It was like living with his Aunt Catherine.
"Darce, I have to agree with Mrs. Bingley, You do have a way about you that is disdainful of others," said Richard as he watched Darcy's face for recognition.
Darcy stood and said, "I need some air," and then he left the room. Darcy raised by his parents to be proud of who he was and what his status in life gave him, tried to reason out what Mrs. Bingley had just said to him. He could not understand what had just happened. Darcy listened as his cousin agreed with Mrs. Bingley. He saw Bingley take his wife's hand in support. Was he the monster she made him out to be? Could he really sound so shallow and rude?
Darcy's walk took him along a rather tall hedge where he heard laughter, not just anyone's laughter: Elizabeth's laughter. Darcy walked around the hedge to find the entrance coming to a stop at the gate. What he saw was Elizabeth running around with a little blond haired boy as he giggled while she ran after him. The picture was beautiful. Feeling guilty about his words, Darcy left Elizabeth and went to him room.
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Jane went searching for Elizabeth learning she was outside with Charlie. Jane found Elizabeth playing with her son in what she now called "Lizzy's garden." Elizabeth had found happiness playing with children all her life, seeing her sister playing with her son, made Jane smile. If only she could have that same enjoyment from Emma, thought Jane. Jane stood by the gate and watched as Elizabeth caught, tickled, and cuddled her son. Jane's worries about Darcy coming to Netherfield proved correct. Mr. Darcy was going to hurt Lizzy, then what would happen to her wonderful sister.
Elizabeth looked up to see Jane smiling at her. Elizabeth's break in the cuddle caused Charlie to see him Mama and call out to her with his hand up. Jane quickly picked up her son, kissing him all over his face as he squealed in delight. Elizabeth and Jane were sitting next to each other watching Charlie go the closest water fountain and splash his hands in the water. The sisters laughed watching the little boy drench his clothes before heading inside to change his clothes.
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Upstairs in Darcy's room, he paced back and forth while running his hands through his hair in frustration. He thought back to his father and his interactions with peers and then his mother. The only one that stood out was his Aunt Catherine's behavior. She embarrassed him when she spoken down to others she felt were not in the same sphere as her. Darcy could not believe he acted that same way. As he began to think back to his time at Cambridge, he noticed a pattern begin to emerge. He stopped pacing and looked out the window to see Jane Bingley and Elizabeth laughing at the boy splashing in the water. The first thought that came to mind was "How could they allow that child to behave in such a way," then he realized how much he enjoyed playing in water as a child and regretted his thoughts.
"What is wrong with me?" said Darcy aloud as he sank into the chair in his room.
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Elizabeth entered the drawing room early for dinner and found herself drawn to the pianoforte. She sat down and started to play a song she remembered from her early childhood. It was apiece she played with Mary while at Longbourn. The memories of playing with her sister made her smile. Jane would require a heartfelt conversation however; Elizabeth was not prepared to open her heartbreak at this time. There were still so many memories lost to her.
Mr. Darcy observed that beautifully bright smile as he started to enter the room. Mr. Darcy known for always being punctual heard the music coming from the room assumed Mrs. Bingley was playing such a lively tune. He was surprised to see Elizabeth. Not wanting to disturb her playing he remained in the doorway observing the pleasure radiating from her while she played. It must be a happy memory he thought to himself.
Richard arriving next, stood behind Darcy as he heard the music knowing his cousin to be enthralled with Elizabeth's playing. Darcy was well known for enjoying his wife's playing. It was only when Bingley arrived with his wife that the group entered the room. When Elizabeth spotted the group, she ceased playing.
"Lizzy please continue," said Jane as she sat next to her husband on the sofa.
Elizabeth blushed and said, "Maybe later Jane."
Dinner was awkward for Mr. Darcy. He was seated next to his cousin and across from Elizabeth. While Richard did not hesitate to converse with Elizabeth, Darcy could not find his way. Richard entertained the dinner guests with stories from his experiences during his command under Wellington. Richard now stationed at the War Office, was responsible for training new recruits. His leave would end in a few weeks leaving Darcy alone at Netherfield. Richard's job was actually to train new spies; however, that information was secret, so he entertained them with stories of how he tracked deserters.
Mr. Darcy was impressed with Bingley's achievements and priorities concerning his new position as landowner. Darcy was impressed with Mrs. Bingley's character when she stated, "The tenants needed more care and concern than redecorating the house."
He knew Caroline would never have thought that if she became mistress of an estate. It was mentioned later how Caroline was originally responsible for the décor; when the Bingley's first arrived at Netherfield; however she was quickly forgotten as the conversation turned to the children. Darcy had a new appreciation for Charles concerning his choice of wife. The taint of Wickham had prejudiced him against her, however after learning more about her character and comportment he approved of his friends choice, thus making him regret his actions earlier in the day.
Richard suggested the after dinner custom of separating the men be disregarded. He knew Darcy was repentant about his earlier comments and wanted to apologize for his remarks.
One the group assembled in the drawing room, Mr. Darcy began, "Mrs. Bingley and Elizabeth," he paused then said, "I am sorry that my assumptions hurt you both today, I am not fond of Mr. Wickham as you know, that man hurt my family grievously. I am truly sorry that my words injured you in any way. I should not have made assumptions and for that I ask your forgiveness."
Jane took Elizabeth's hand in hers while Mr. Darcy was asking for forgiveness looked at Elizabeth before accepting. "Mr. Darcy, we accept you apology. I would hope that in the future you would ask before you make assumptions."
Mr. Darcy bowed as he said, "Thank you for your kindness."
Jane and Elizabeth did not have a private conversation due to Charlie coming down with a slight cold. The Apothecary suggested moving Emma to another room to avoid contamination; the nurse suggested moving Emma to Elizabeth's suite of rooms since she had a connecting sitting room just a few rooms away from the nursery that would service her needs.
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The next few days passed peacefully for Mr. Darcy. Richard and Darcy continued their morning rides as exercise for Darcy's legs. Then they joined Mr. Bingley to survey the progress to the new tenant homes. Mr. Darcy congratulated Bingley on the many positive changes to the tenant homes; he mentioned he would be making changes back at Pemberley. Mr. Darcy was impressed to see the changes in Charles, not only in maturity; he was now a true Master of his estate.
The billiard room was often occupied in the afternoon with Richard claiming his winnings from both Darcy and Bingley.
"Come Bingley, Darce, you cannot be seriously upset with me for giving you another thrashing. It has been quite a while since you both have played," laughed Richard looking at both him and Bingley. They both held out their coins with faces revealing their disappointment.
"I think you are a trickster Richard, you do spend a lot of your time with men of questionable character," said Darcy unhappy for losing yet another game. This was costing him almost a pound a day.
"Nothing as bad as that old man, my officers are known for having too much time on their hands, so I show up and take their spoils teaching them a lesson not to play against lower ranking officers. Nothing like having an outranking officer teach you a lesson eh?" replied Richard laughing.
With Charlie being ill and Elizabeth spending her time Emma, Darcy had not seen Elizabeth other than at Dinner. Although Darcy had seen Charlie, he had not seen Miss Emma during his stay. Darcy listened while Jane and Elizabeth discussed the children during dinner. It was amusing to listen to Elizabeth's stories regarding Miss Emma's adventures. Elizabeth's face lit up with joy when speaking of the little girl. Darcy began wonder what her own child would look like.
He would soon find out.