Chapter Nine
Netherfield Park 1814
During the next several days, Elizabeth tried to occupy herself being absent from the other house-guests. Elizabeth's memories were slowly coming back. Elizabeth's fears of Mr. Darcy never recalling their time together brought her tears she does not want displayed.
When Jane first questioned her memories, Elizabeth was still unsure of all her missing time. Afraid to cause Jane more heartache, she alluded to the time spent at Netherfield while Jane was ill and no more.
Jane, incapable of believing her sister would lie to her, was still concerned about her sister's health and sent a letter to her father in London at her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's home. She requested that her father come for a visit upon his return to observe Elizabeth for himself, hoping to find a way to remedy her sister's maladies.
Mr. Bingley has assured Jane that Elizabeth did indeed fascinate Mr. Darcy; he understood Darcy's mannerisms and his quietude for what it was - a cover. "Give him time Jane; it took Darcy almost six months to admit his feelings for your sister. We cannot work miracles overnight."
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Mr. Bennet's arrival from London brought back several letters to the occupants of Netherfield.
The Earl wrote to his son Richard and Darcy of the early arrival of Viscount Fitzwilliam and Mr. Smith's return from Scotland. The Earl indicated that upon their arrival in London, he would accompany them for a brief visit to Netherfield, as he would convey Mr. and Mrs. Smith to their home in Meryton.
Charles Bingley received and sent the invitation to the Earl immediately stating he was happy for their company.
Bothe Jane and Elizabeth received letters from their Aunt Madeline Gardiner, giving them updates on the children and their doings.
Colonel Fitzwilliam received a summons to return to London and report to the War Office in a fortnight.
Dinner that night was as usual a lively affair. Colonel Fitzwilliam never one to shy away from conversation kept the dialogue flowing with the help of Mr. Bennet with a discussion of the latest news about the King's heath and the Prince Regent.
Mr. Darcy sat solemnly next to his cousin, while the conversation revolved around if the Prince Regent had the best interest of the country to rule. Elizabeth seated across from Darcy questioned her father's reasoning. Never one to shy away from a good debate Darcy was startled with her sound remarks.
Mr. Bennet and the Colonel had spoken in the library before dinner about trying to find ways to bring Mr. Darcy out of his silence. Both men were aware of Mr. Darcy's growing attractions toward Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet and the Colonel agreed their plan was working and sent each other a knowing smile as they watched Darcy and Elizabeth debate the benefits of the Prince Regent.
Mr. Darcy, never a fan of the Prince Regent, was not one to hold back and was often upset the Regent by declining invitations to social events those peers of the realm could not refuse. He also spoke out against several parliamentary laws that increased the income of certain peers, knowing that in the long term these laws would ruin the economy of England. Mr. Darcy regarded Elizabeth in a new light. She was magnificent not only in her beauty, but in her mind. She defended her beliefs and championed the rights of those others than the nobility.
After dinner Jane and Elizabeth excused themselves, the men retired to Bingley's library for after dinner brandy. Mr. Bennet took the chair next to Mr. Darcy and thus began their conversation. Mr. Darcy drawn in by Mr. Bennet's view on politics and wanted to learn more about his daughter Elizabeth, turned and asked more about his estate and family.
It was after several laughs, Mr. Darcy understood Mr. Bennet to have a dry sense of humor and wit. Enjoying his conversation, they declined to sojourn to the billiards room. Mrs. Bingley sent a note that she and Elizabeth would be upstairs for the night and the men were free to enjoy themselves.
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Mr. Bennet then started telling a tale of pride and prejudice, love and understanding, weaving the very tale of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's love affair without mentioning names. When Mr. Bennet expressed how the man loved this woman so much he went after the rogue who ruined the love of his life's sister, Mr. Darcy scoffed.
Who would do such thing and then have that rogue attached to him for the rest of his life, Darcy thought to himself. The story that Mr. Bennet told seemed unbelievable to him, he thought the man lost of all his senses.
"Mr. Darcy, you may ask why I told this story…well I want you to realize that sometimes love is all a person needs to complete themselves. Happiness in life is not to be taken lightly. I find myself in a marriage filled with regret and lack of respect. It is not something I suggest. If you ever find yourself in love, do not let anything separate you from her. You will not be sorry for it young man," stated Mr. Bennet as he rose saying his goodnight.
Mr. Darcy sat with his drink in hand and wondered why this unknown man would tell him a tragic tale of love and loss. As Darcy's mind wandered Elizabeth's face came to mind and he smiled unknowingly.
"She could never be the one for me; she is after all only the daughter of lowly country gentlemen probably without a much of a dowry. My father would not have approved of such a match." Mr. Darcy sighed and said, "Let alone my Aunt Catherine, she would never allow me that sort of marriage."
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It was on a sunny day Elizabeth sitting by a tree outside first spotted Mr. Darcy out riding his horse across the fields of Netherfield Park. Placing her book at her side, she stared out at the figure on the horse and recalled a memory.
She was sitting near a tree similar to the one as today, near a stream when Mr. Darcy came up from behind and picking her up, swinging her in his arms towards the running water.
"Come Lizzy, it is too hot of a day not to cool off in the water."
Lizzy laughs, "I prefer to first remove my shoes if you will, dear husband."
"Come; let's enjoy ourselves before we will not have the freedom to come down here."
Lizzy rubbing the bump on her belly smiles and says, "Husband, we will always be able to enjoy our favorite spot, it just means we will not be able to spend the entire day outside."
"Lizzy, once our child is born; I will not want to be apart from him or her. I do not see how we will come back for some time at least until the child is older and can join us."
Lizzy kissed the side of his cheek, "I understand darling, however do not drop me in that cold water. Our child will not thank you for it."
Brought back to the present when she heard the sound of the horse's hoof beats coming closer to her. Looking up Elizabeth observes Mr. Darcy coming towards her with a smile on his face. :"He appears happy," saying to no one. A tear falls and she quickly wipes it away. The memory of her carrying his child breaks her heart.
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Darcy had some free time since his cousin was busy packing for his return to London and Charles was in his office finishing off the last of his paperwork, decided not to miss the opportunity to ride on such a beautiful day.
Darcy's thoughts wandered as he rode his horse. His Uncle the Earl was due to arrive later in the day with his cousin Viscount Gladney Henry along with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Darcy thinking about how Richard had orders to report to the War Office unsettled him more than he wanted to admit to himself. Richard was the one person by his side during his entire recovery and Richard was also the only person he allowed to chastise him about his bad behavior.
"What shall I do without Richard by my side," said Darcy aloud to himself.
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Darcy rode to the end of Netherfield land that is adjacent to Longbourn. He learned Longbourn was the home of the Bennet family, the former childhood home of Mrs. Bingley and Elizabeth. The reason he rode toward Longbourn was that he was hoping to understand more about Elizabeth and her life. Darcy recognized a pull towards Elizabeth however he could not fathom why that was for fear of what he might do if he allowed free reign of his feelings. "It cannot be. She comes from a small country estate" he said aloud to himself hoping to convince himself.
On his ride home he spotted Elizabeth sitting by a tree with what he assumed was book. Over the past few weeks, he has learned Elizabeth loved to read almost just as much as he does. They spent many afternoons alone together in the library at Netherfield reading. Darcy has to admit to himself Elizabeth was intelligent, kind, caring, and extremely witty.
Taking the time to observe Elizabeth in various moments and interactions within Netherfield Elizabeth was not only kind with her family; she was kind and caring of all the servants as well. Darcy admitted he found nothing wanting in Elizabeth, except his nagging feelings he was missing something important concerning Elizabeth. Darcy feared a connection with Elizabeth. When they first arrived at Netherfield Richard had suggested he take the time to talk with Elizabeth after he noticed Darcy's refusal to in company with Elizabeth. Richard was unaware of Darcy's fear causing him to break out in a sweat when Darcy tried to get near Elizabeth.
"Today will be different, I will overcome this," Darcy said to himself as he rode his horse in her direction.
The hopeful look on Mr. Darcy's face disappeared as he heard a carriage approaching Netherfield. He saw the fear on Elizabeth's face as she stood and gave him a quick curtsy before running towards the house and away from him.
"Whatever could she be afraid of?" Darcy said aloud wondering to himself.
Before Darcy could ride around to the rear of Netherfield and towards the stables. The carriage pulled to a stop with an older woman exiting shouting excitingly, "Where are my Jane and Mr. Bingley? Why are they not here to greet me?"
Mr. Bingley having heard the shrill voice of his mother-in-law exited his office to say to the footman, "Please inform Mrs. Bingley her Mother has arrived," Bingley added, "quickly!" Sending the footman off in rush he barely could call an all out sprint upstairs.
Jane surprised at learning of her mother's visit arrived downstairs with a worried look on her face. When she reached the bottom of the steps, Jane watched as her mother handed her cloak and bonnet to the footman shouting, "I need to see Mr. and Mrs. Bingley at once!"
Unaware she was being observed, Mrs. Bennet jumped when Jane announced, "Mama, calm down whatever is the matter?" Jane remained calm walking slowly towards her mother hoping to avoid any further scene in the hallway.
Mrs. Bennet breathing heavily waiving her handkerchief around in the air with one hand grabbed Jane's arm with the other and began leading her towards the drawing room. Bingley saw Jane nod in agreement that he should join them, followed his wife and excited mother in law into the drawing room closing the door behind him.
Jane as calm as ever directed her mother, "Please sit Mama, I will call for tea, and you can tell me what has you so upset." Jane then addressed the footman to request tea be brought in for her guest.
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This particular footman has not met Mrs. Bennet, and shocked at her behavior, left quickly. "Oh my, no wonder the Colonel wanted Mr. Darcy's trusted staff here at Netherfield. I cannot image what other sights I may see," he said softly as he walked down the hall to the kitchen.
Mr. Bennet who has been in the library the entire time heard his wife's shrieks and demands, decided it was best to stay in the library until he was summoned. "No need to go out there before necessary."
Elizabeth ran to her rooms upon hearing the carriage and noticing it was a Bennet carriage knew it was her mother coming to visit. Elizabeth afraid of being spotted by her mother ran to her rooms via the servant's stairway. Elizabeth would avoid her mother's company at all costs.
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Mr. Darcy rode around to the stables knowing his presence was needed and hoped his friend would not introduce him to that awful woman. Upon entering Netherfield, Mr. Darcy headed towards his rooms to clean up and change after his ride before going downstairs.
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Mrs. Bennet was directed to the sofa while Jane took her hand patting it softly. This was a favorite way of calming Mrs. Bennet when she was in one of her "fits."
"Jane, oh my…I do not know what to do. I just do not." Mrs. Bennet started her story. "Mrs. Long just left telling me how she observed your father's carriage passing by Meryton almost three days past. When she called on me and inquired about Mr. Bennet, I told her he was still in London. For you know he took our Mary there and stated he had business." Mrs. Bennet waved her handkerchief about her face as if she was in tears.
Jane knew immediately that her Papa had failed to notify her Mama of his spending time here at Netherfield. Jane looked to Mr. Bingley nodding, indicating that he should fetch her father to assure her mother that he was well.
"Oh Jane, I do not know what to do. Mrs. Long said it was his carriage as she herself saw his face while reading a book. What do you think has happened to him so close to home? Do you think that horrid Mr. Collins will come and take my home away? Oh, Jane I do not know what to do."
"Mama, you need to calm yourself, all is well. My father is here at Netherfield, nothing untoward has happened. I am sure that his letter must have been misplaced or lost." Jane understood her father did not notify her mother purposely wanting to postpone having contact with his wife for as long as possible.
Mr. Bingley arrived at the Library to see Mr. Bennet smiling. He knew his wife was here and he was delaying the inevitable by having his son-in-law summon him. Mr. Bennet placed his book on the side table and stood, "Let us go calm down Mrs. Bennet and allay her fears that I am indeed alive and not laying in some ditch on the side of the road dead."
"Sir I would appreciate that," replied Bingley as he followed his father in law out of the door.
The door opened to the drawing room entering was housekeeper and that same footman sent on the errand of acquiring the tea, carrying the trays of refreshment and cakes. Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley happened to enter next followed behind by Mr. Darcy.
Mrs. Bennet happy to see the cakes and tea arrive, noticed the arrival of others Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet enter. She did not see Mr. Darcy enter for her focus was on her husband and him alone.
"Mr. Bennet what do you mean by this! Have you no care for my poor nerves. Mrs. Long told me just today, she spotted your carriage three days ago! Three days! Mr. Bennet. I thought you to be dead on the side of the road somewhere overtaken by highwaymen. What could you mean by not telling me! Oh the thought of the horrid Mr. Collins coming to send me out my home Mr. Bennet!"
Mr. Darcy unaware of Mrs. Bennet and her history of hysteria was appalled by her behavior and he was not sure what to do, so he continued to enter the room and sat next to Bingley. It was after Mrs. Bennet noticed Mr. Darcy's arrival, she went on her diatribe.
"Oh, this is all that…Lizzy's fault is it not! You always put her first, not a care for my situation at all. I cannot abide by this behavior Mr. Bennet! You must stop this and come home immediately!"
Mr. Darcy unaware of how much Mrs. Bennet hated Elizabeth was shocked to see this unknown woman waving her hand at both him and Mr. Bennet in accusation.
Mr. Bennet stood and said, "Mrs. Bennet you will behave yourself or you will leave this instant. You know not of what you speak and I will remind you that I can and will make your freedom come to an end. Do I make myself clear?" as he touched his coat pocket indicating he would take away her pin money.
Mrs. Bennet ceased all her complaints immediately and sat down abruptly.
Jane not aware of her father's threats stood astonished by her mother's compliance. Mr. Bingley embarrassed by the events tried to switch the interest of Mr. Darcy away from Mrs. Bennet by mentioning the impending arrival of Mr. Darcy's uncle the Earl of Matlock. Mrs. Bennet paled at the thought of the Earl's arrival to the notice of everyone in the room.
"Mama are you well? Do you need to lie down?" asked Jane with concern.
"No Jane I think your Mother needs to go home to Longbourn before she will be well," said Mr. Bennet before she could reply to Jane's inquiries.
Mr. Bennet knew that his wife did not want to be in the Earl's presence. It was after all her fault that Lady Catherine learned of the Darcy's carriage accident when Mrs. Bennet revealed all to Lady Lucas who in then wrote to her daughter Charlotte Collins. Mr. Collins then told Lady Catherine.
"Let her have some tea, then she can return home and keep to her rooms to recover from the shock of learning the falsehood of my demise. I am sure that it will take at least two days, when I am scheduled to return, will it not Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Bennet's tone of voice was a warning. She was not to leave her rooms until he returned.
Mr. Darcy unfamiliar with this side of Mr. Bennet was at first affronted by the treatment of his wife then remembered Mrs. Bennet's actions when he first entered the room and smiled behind his teacup. I think Mr. Bennet has the right of it, an unhappy marriage is possibly the worst thing that can happen to man. I certainly will not align myself with someone not worthy of my station, thought Darcy to himself.
Mrs. Bennet then moved on to inquiring about "Little Charles" which led to Jane saying, "We call him Charlie now Mama" which lead to another outburst by Mrs. Bennet, "Charlie!" that will not do Jane. He is Mr. Bingley's heir and should be called by his proper name. "
Mr. Bennet intervened by stating, "It is time to call for Mrs. Bennet's carriage," ending the discussion once again. He then stood to take Mrs. Bennet arm leading her into to the hallway to await her cloak and bonnet.
Once again, Darcy smiled behind his teacup and thought to himself, that woman has no concept of what is proper in society.
The footman having already called for the carriage when he first heard Mr. Bennet's comments regarding Mrs. Bennet going home to spend two days in her rooms. "That man is saint being married to that woman."
Once Mrs. Bennet was on the road back to Longbourn, Jane took her father to task, "Papa why did you not send a note to Mama and tell her you were here?"
"Jane I had not thought I would be seen, as I did not pass directly through Meryton. Leave it to Mrs. Long to observe my carriage and cause troubles. I think Mrs. Long wanted to cause trouble for your Mama, you know how your Mama is always crowing about her daughters and their well to do husbands. I do not see any other reason to gossip about my whereabouts."
"That is beside the point Papa, do you not realize Mama is still worried about Mr. Collins evicting her from her home? I do think sometimes you forget she is your wife." Jane blushed and said, "I am sorry Papa that was uncalled for, I did not mean it."
Mr. Bennet knew Jane was upset with him, for she was not one for confrontation of any kind. "I am sorry Jane; in my desire to enjoy my two favorite daughter's company I neglected to inform your mother of my whereabouts. I will take care to prevent another occurrence."
Jane hugged her father and said, "Thank you Papa."
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Mr. Darcy uncomfortable with the previous scene left the drawing room and went for a walk outside. Once outside he heard Elizabeth's laughter and walked in that direction. He knew she was in the private garden behind the hedge; he had studied the garden from his bedroom window in the mornings to observe Elizabeth often outside in that private garden reading on sunny days. The garden appeared to have remained closed off much like a maze, with the middle missing replaced by various flowers, water fountains, and benches. It was pleasing to the eye, particularly when Elizabeth was sitting within.
Darcy walked to the gate that allowed access to the garden to see Elizabeth sitting on a blanket playing with child in her arms. Darcy smiled at the picture before him that was often in his dreams. Darcy wanted to have a wife, one much like Elizabeth and lots of children playing outside on the grounds of Pemberley, his home. Darcy longed for a family to love and love him in return. He wished he could overcome the objections to Elizabeth's position in society, and ask her to be his wife.
Regarding the child in Elizabeth's arms, he noticed it was not Bingley's son Charlie. This child was a girl who had dark curly hair and when she turned, she had the same eyes Elizabeth possessed. What captured his attention was how much the child Elizabeth held similar features as Elizabeth. This was her child! This was the motivation of her family keeping Elizabeth secreted away from all of society. They did not want anybody to know Elizabeth had a child. Elizabeth had a natural child. Darcy did not want to know who the father of the child was, he was so angry Bingley had kept this secret from him.
Angered at being deceived, he said, "This is the reason you are not allowed in society! You have a child!" as he pointed to the child in Elizabeth's arms. He felt betrayed by not only his friend Bingley also by his feelings; it was not until this moment that he acknowledged he had affection for Elizabeth, now all he felt was anger and resentment. He stormed away in search of Bingley to confront him.
Elizabeth unaware of Mr. Darcy's presence as she entertained Miss Emma was startled when she heard Mr. Darcy shouting angrily at her.
It was in that moment that Elizabeth finally made the connection to Emma. Elizabeth looked at Emma's features, her eyes, the shape of her mouth and her hair, it was unquestionable. She was Emma's mother. For the first time she felt a connection with the child she held in her arms. Elizabeth organized all the clues staring back at her with a smile on her face. Not meeting Emma until she came to stay at Netherfield, Jane's story of why she was in possession of a child whose parents were in an accident. It was she, she was in the accident. She had a child.
The flood gates opened and all her memories of her and Mr. Darcy by the stream while she rubbed the bump at her belly, it was real. The tears started to fall as she held Emma closer to her.
Elizabeth, unsure of what to do, took Emma upstairs to the nursery and went in search of Jane to find answers. She would not allow Jane to hide the identity of Emma's parents any longer. She was determined to know if Emma was her daughter..
Elizabeth went downstairs in search of Jane when she walked past Mr. Bingley's office, she heard shouting and stopped. Not wanting to be seen by any of the servants, she stood behind the plant to hear what was said. Her hope was she would find out the truth from Mr. Bingley as Mr. Darcy was confronting him now.
"Bingley, how could you! Do you know what this means for your unmarried sister! Caroline will never make a match now!"
"Darcy I don't know what you are talking about, calm down man. Let us sit and talk reasonably."
"Bingley I am talking about the fact that you are hosting Elizabeth and her bastard child! That is what I am talking about Bingley! Elizabeth is ruined and the taint will ruin the rest of your family if you do have a care! I knew I should have known better than agree to come visit, with your ties to Wickham I am not surprised if he is not the father of that child!"
"Now see here Darcy, you will not talk about Elizabeth that way! You may not have your memories back; however, that does not make anything you say the truth! Elizabeth is a fine, well-respected gentle lady and I will not allow you to say otherwise! Wickham is not the father, Yo…"
The Colonel who had heard the shouting came in and shouted, "Darce! Stop it this instant! You are wrong on your assumptions and that is what they are- assumptions! Do not ever speak of Elizabeth that way again! Or so help me I will run you through!"
Darcy was fuming, "And another thing, why is it that there is no mention of Elizabeth's last name, why all the secrets? Why is that you feel free to call her Elizabeth, Richard? Is this your by blow?"
Richard struck Darcy in the face and said, "You deserve more than that for what you just said! If you keep it up, I will continue to knock you on your arse Darce. I do not care if you are the mighty Master of Pemberley. You are out of your mind if you think for one minute that I would ever dishonor Elizabeth that way!"
Bingley afraid Darcy would stand up and hit Richard in retaliation said, "Darcy, your uncle is due any minute, I think he will agree with me that you need to be told the truth. I cannot abide your thinking such about Elizabeth any longer even if it does cause you damage to your brain."
Richard waited for Darcy to stand and hit him back said, "I agree my father needs to be here when you learn what an injudicious, senseless arse that you really are. I will be in my room awaiting the arrival of my father and brother. If you so much as say anything to anyone about what you said in this room, I will knock you out!"
Bingley thinking he had calmed Darcy and wanting to avoid any conversation regarding Elizabeth said, "Come have a drink with me, I know I need one. When your uncle arrives you will need more than just one drink my friend."
Darcy and Bingley sat in chairs facing the fire. Bingley began to wonder how Darcy realized Elizabeth was Emma's mother. They had been careful not to bring Emma to his attention. Darcy was thinking about Elizabeth and what would she be doing living with her sister and child if she was not ruined. There was no explanation regarding Elizabeth and the child he could think of at that moment.
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Elizabeth left her hiding space and returned to her rooms and started packing. She wanted to leave Netherfield and Mr. Darcy. The situation was unthinkable. Mr. Darcy did not remember her but for that matter she just remembered him. Mr. Darcy thought she was a woman of loose morals. Elizabeth pulled the cord for Hannah, her ladies maid and gave instructions for her to pack her trunks without Mrs. Bingley's knowledge.
"I need to leave immediately without anyone knowing, can you do that for me?" asked a frantic Elizabeth going about the room collecting her belongings throwing into her valise.
Hannah questioned the reasons for wanting to leave Netherfield. Elizabeth broke down and spoke about her memories of being Mrs. Darcy and of Emma being her child. Although not all of her memories had returned, Elizabeth knew Darcy was her husband and Emma was their child. She reasoned if Mr. Darcy could not or would not remember her, their child, nor their marriage; there was nothing left for her at Netherfield.
Hannah had specific instructions should Mrs. Darcy require help of any sort. Hannah left the room to organize a small party to depart from Netherfield that afternoon without anyone knowing.
Hannah retuned shortly and spoke with Elizabeth, "Mrs. Darcy, I am sorry I have not been able to use your name, I was ordered not to until you had your memories back." Hannah saw Elizabeth's acceptance then continued, "I have arranged for your carriage, Hugh and David will accompany us back to Pemberley where Mrs. Reynolds will assist you with whatever you need."
Elizabeth did not want Mr. Darcy to know about her return to Pemberley and said, "I cannot go there, Mr. Darcy does not remember me. I am not his wife, at least he does not remember, and I will not force myself on him."
"I understand Mrs. Darcy however Mrs. Reynolds will take care of everything, Mr. Darcy will not know you were ever there. Mrs. Reynolds specifically told me to bring you to her once you had your memories. I will not fail you both Mrs. Darcy."
Elizabeth agreed, "I have to take Emma with me. I cannot be parted from her any longer."
Hannah smiled at Mrs. Darcy, "Yes, Mrs. Darcy, Emma's nurse and wet nurse will be joining us. I have spoken with her and she is making sure Emma will be ready to leave."
"Thank you Hannah, for all your help." Elizabeth hugged the girl and remembered when she first met Hannah. "You were working at the Inn in Lambton were you not?"
Hannah smiled and said, "Oh yes Mrs. Darcy. You sent for me once you married Mr. Darcy."
In less than a quarter hour, Elizabeth and Emma along with the few staff members from Pemberley were on the road. They passed a carriage that had the Matlock crest on the side.
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Note: I did not say how long it would take for Elizabeth to flee Netherfield I am leaving that alone, so please do no tell me it would take a min of 2 hours or such. It was just done with the help of everyone who cared for Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy. She would not have trunks full of clothes or personal items since she was not told she was Mrs. Darcy. Simple, clean and easy to care for items only.