AN: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story. It is going to get a little complicated.
Chapter 4
At the Gardiner's home, Jane was struggling to even move from where she had thrown herself onto the bed. It seemed that all of her hopes, even the slightest ones, had shattered into a million tiny pieces. Anger raged through her in such a way that she wanted to throw something, anything to relieve the pressure. Although she suppressed the urge, she imagined the brass candlestick that stood on the table next to her bed, flying through the window. The glass might even come back and cut her badly enough that she would die.
As she pondered this, Jane calmed. She knew she would not wish the pain of her death upon her family, no matter how much she might wish it now. Oh how I wish Lizzy was here! She would soon talk sense into me. Why did she have to leave me at a time like this?
Another sob burst forth. Jane buried her face in the pillow and soon the exhaustion of grief and an early morning caught her unaware. She fell into a deep, though troubled sleep. Her aunt found her thus a few minutes later and left her to rest as long as she needed.
Unable to decide her next course of action, Mrs. Gardiner returned to the parlour, where her husband found her. She was so deep in thought that she started, when he said, "Where are Jane and Lizzy?"
Heaving a sigh, Madeline answered sadly, "Jane is sleeping and Lizzy has gone to visit the Darcys."
"The Darcys?" he asked in disbelief. "Why?"
"Please sit down, Edward, and I will explain what I know," she said gently and began the story Elizabeth had told her.
Mr. Gardiner was stunned into silence first, once his wife had finished her rather brief tale. He stood and paced the room, trying to make sense of everything. Finally, he sat next to his wife and took her hand.
"Is this the same Darcy and Bingley who left Meryton without a word?"
"It is, although in the letter from Miss Darcy. she mentioned a message to Thomas about their return the day after Christmas."
"Lizzy actually went to Darcy's home alone?" Concern tinged his voice.
"I sent her in our carriage with a maid. She should be returning soon."
"If she does not return soon, I shall hire a hackney and go after her," he threatened.
"I have the distinct impression that our Lizzy is very fond, if not in love with Mr. Darcy. If she feels she is needed, nothing short of carrying her over your shoulder will get her to leave."
Mr. Gardiner scratched his chin. "She could be ruined by staying in that house if anyone finds out about it. There needs to be someone there as a chaperone."
"I believe that Miss Darcy has a companion," his wife answered him.
"I could go to be with her if she is planning on staying." A strained voice came from the doorway.
"Jane dear, I thought you were sleeping," Mrs. Gardiner said as she walked to her niece and wrapped her arm around her shoulders, leading her to a chair.
Pale cheeks and swollen eyes told the tale of her suffering, but Jane sat straight in the chair. "I cannot remain in misery. I must do something. Aiding Lizzy is tangible. She insisted upon assisting me when I was ill. I will help her now. Besides I need to apologize to her for my outburst earlier."
"If you are certain," Mr. Gardiner said, "It would give Elizabeth more peace in allowing you to be there, but first, I shall go with you to see what the conditions are. If they are as stated, I shall return home and have a maid pack your clothing, and have sent to Darcy House in the morning."
"Thank you, Uncle," Jane said with a faint smile.
The doctor explained to the colonel what had taken place in Darcy's chambers when he awoke. "I am not an expert on head injuries, but I believe these delusions are caused by that trauma. I will try to speak to a colleague of mine who has made a special study in this area."
"Should we not merely tell him the truth?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
"It is generally considered unwise to do so in a case of amnesia," Pritchard answered cautiously. "Mr. Darcy has much to deal with his injuries. After he spoke with Miss Elizabeth, he became calmer and more at peace than I have seen him be since the accident. I do not wish for him to relapse. We should try to accommodate him as much as possible."
"What will happen when I go back to my aunt and uncle?" Elizabeth's voice was low and timid.
"I was hoping that Miss Darcy and her guardian would allow you to stay until he is more stable. I am quite afraid that he could not handle it otherwise."
"Oh yes, Richard, please let us invite Elizabeth," Georgiana begged.
"I have no problem inviting you, Miss Elizabeth," Colonel hesitated, trying to find the right words. Continuing, he said, "It is just that Mrs. Annesley is away with her family for the holidays as usual. It is a bit awkward. We would not wish to ruin your reputation."
"We could share a room," Georgiana offered quickly. "We could say that she is my friend and helping me through this difficult time."
Elizabeth pondered the idea. What the colonel said was true. There could be a scandal, but what if her leaving would cause Mr. Darcy harm. She could not tolerate the idea of leaving him. Her reputation was not worth the heartache of knowing she could have given him the solace he needed.
"I would be happy to stay, if you truly wish it," she agreed.
"Of course, we do," Georgiana insisted. "Let us go to my room."
"No. You do not have to give up your privacy," Elizabeth asserted.
Both Miss Darcy and Fitzwilliam searched her face and found determination upon her countenance.
"Very well, Miss Elizabeth," the colonel finally assented. "Georgiana, ring for Mrs. Carson to have a room prepared for our guest in the family wing."
Seeing the questioning look on both the ladies' faces, he explained, " "Miss Elizabeth shall be able to move more quickly if Darcy calls for her. We might as well do as much as we can to make things easier for her."
Georgiana did as she was bid and ordered that a bed chamber be made ready for their guest.
It did not take long for the room to be ready. Elizabeth stood as Georgiana invited her to follow her to the prepared chambers.
Before they left, Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke. "Shall I send a message to your aunt and uncle? You shall need some clothing, will you not?"
"Oh," Elizabeth gasped, "I forgot about informing them. Their maid is somewhere in the house, and I came in their carriage. I should write to them, so that they know I am well and have been invited to stay. If you will supply me with paper and pen, I shall tell them of the change in my plans."
Swiftly setting to her task, Elizabeth scribbled a few lines, explaining as succinctly as possible the current situation. After sanding and folding the paper, she handed it to a servant. "See to it that Molly takes this back to Gracechurch Street. Please have the carriage readied."
The footman bowed and left the room.
As she followed Miss Darcy to the bed chamber, Elizabeth felt weariness weigh down upon her. She stifled a yawn.
Georgiana noticed but did not comment. She merely opened the door and ushered her new friend inside. The room was large, light, and airy. The walls were painted a sky blue with brilliant white trim. A fire danced warmly in the hearth, and the bedding was turned down in welcome.
"I can tell that you are tired. I think you should indeed rest. You will be summoned if you are needed." Georgiana walked over to a wall and pulled the cord. "A maid will be here to help you undress. One cannot sleep fully dressed."
"But I have no night clothes," Elizabeth protested.
"I had the maid bring one of my nightgowns and robes. We are of similar builds, though I think mine will be a trifle large for you. Your comfort is more important at the moment, but it will suffice until your own things arrive."
Georgiana moved toward Elizabeth as she asked, "I can help you with your dress, or would you prefer a maid?"
The weariness of the day seemed to settle upon Elizabeth like a heavy cloak. The idea of waiting for a maid did not appeal to her. "My sister Jane and I often assist one another. If you do not mind, I would be glad for the help."
Georgiana unfastened the back of Elizabeth's dress, loosened her stays, and sat her down to brush out her hair.
When Elizabeth tried to protest, Georgiana explained, "You will sleep better without these pins."
Acquiescing, Elizabeth sat still while Georgiana expertly brushed her hair and quickly plaited it. Stepping back when she was finished, she exclaimed, "I like acting as a sister. I have always wanted one."
Georgiana blushed a bit, but she smiled and led Elizabeth to the bed. "I shall allow you to rest now. I promised to call you if there is any change, so do not worry about a thing."
Crawling under the covers, Elizabeth murmured a thank you and was fast asleep almost before Georgiana reached the corridor.
Some few hours later, a knock woke Elizabeth from her slumber. At first, she was disoriented, unable to understand where she was. Rubbing her eyes and stretching, she glanced around the room and remembered. I am in Mr. Darcy's home and he is severely injured. Throwing off the blankets, she called out, "Who is it?"
"It is Jane," a muffled voice answered through the thick door.
Elizabeth hastily donned the robe at the end of the bed and went to open the door. She took Jane's hand and pulled her into the room before closing the door again.
Studying her sister's face, Elizabeth could see the grief written there. "Oh, Jane, I am so glad to see you." She wrapped her arms around her and held her tightly.
"I have come to apologize. I know that you did what you thought best." Jane pulled out of her sister's embrace.
"I could not allow Mama put her nerves before your feelings. I am sorry that I hurt you."
"I know, but now I must help you dress. Uncle is waiting for you with Miss Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Pritchard." Jane said as she lifted the nightgown over Lizzy's head.
"Did you not receive my note?" Elizabeth asked as she allowed her sister to tighten her stays and help her on with her dress.
"We did just before we had planned to summon a hackney."
"I am not leaving Darcy House," Elizabeth declared vehemently.
"That is what Uncle wishes to speak to you about." Jane turned Elizabeth toward the dressing table. "Now, your hair."
"Just a simple bun, please," Elizabeth told her.
"Very well, Lizzy," Jane sighed, "but you will not look at your best."
"I am not here to parade in front of these people. I am here to help, and the sooner I get this talk with our uncle over, the sooner I can get back to it."
As Jane and Elizabeth entered the room, the three men stood. Mr. Gardiner was the first to greet Elizabeth. "I hope you are doing well, Lizzy."
"I am fine, Uncle," Elizabeth answered with a bit of defiance in her tone.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Pritchard have informed me of the situation."
"Good," she responded. "You will understand why I must stay."
"I understand why you feel that you should, however I am concerned about your reputation should any of what Mr. Darcy has said to you becomes knowledge outside this house. You will be ruined."
"I am certain that should it happen," Mr. Pritchard interrupted, "No one would believe anything other than it was imaginings of a man with a head injury."
"Human nature such as it is, people will think the worst of another even when they have all of the facts laid before them," Gardiner countered.
"Uncle, I do not care about any of that," Elizabeth protested. "I will not leave until Mr. Darcy is out of danger."
"I have a solution to this," interjected the colonel.
All eyes turned to him. He continued, "No one should have a problem with Miss Elizabeth's presence if they were engaged."
"But she is not," Gardiner said sharply. "If we were to say they were, what would l happen to her reputation when Mr. Darcy comes to his senses and refutes an engagement?"
"I happen to know that Darcy planned to propose to Miss Elizabeth when he returned to Hertfordshire."
"Oh yes," Georgiana added quickly, "He could not wait to return. At first, he was going to ask to court her, but he decided that he would like to secure Elizabeth's hand as soon as he could. My brother talked of little else when we were alone."
"That is not the same thing," Mr. Gardiner protested.
"I am prepared to sign a document stating that Darcy and Miss Elizabeth are engaged, and once my cousin is recovered, and either of them does not wish to be married, Miss Elizabeth will be able to jilt him with no fault on her part," Colonel Fitzwilliam declared.
"Sir, that would be a good idea, but for one simple difficulty," Gardiner argued, "You cannot enter into such a contract on behalf of your cousin."
"Oh, but I can. Not only am I one of the guardians to Georgiana, Darcy gave me power of attorney should anything happen to him, either by death, sickness, or injury," Colonel Fitzwilliam said confidently. "Also, he confided in me just the day before his accident that he had already drawn up a marriage settlement and signed it, so eager was he to become engaged to your niece."
Mr. Gardiner glanced at Elizabeth just in time to see her blush in obvious pleasure. He scratched his head while trying to figure out what would be best for his beloved niece. Finally he said, "I do not mean to call your honour into question, sir. However, I cannot in good conscience rely on a document such as you suggest, without actually seeing it or speaking to an attorney."
Turning to Elizabeth, he spoke softly. "I must insist that you stay out of Mr. Darcy's room for the present. Jane will stay here with you as a chaperone until I can speak to one."
"I am sorry, Uncle, but I cannot obey you in this. If Mr. Darcy should call for me, I shall not deny him the comfort my presence could bring him." Elizabeth crossed her arms in defiance.
"As it happens, I have an appointment with my cousin's attorney today to answer some of my questions," the colonel quickly interjected. "He is due to arrive within the hour. It would be a convenient time for you to hear from him what Darcy has instructed him to do regarding Miss Elizabeth."
Mr. Gardiner relaxed his posture and contemplated this new information as he looked at his pocket watch. "I have the time to wait," he stated succinctly.
"Might I offer you some port while we wait?" Fitzwilliam stood and walked to a small cabinet. At the older man's nod, he lifted a bottle and poured out a glass. "Mr. Pritchard, would you like a drink as well?"
"No thank you, I must look in on my patient." The doctor took his leave.
Georgiana rang for refreshments, and soon she served tea and cakes to her guests. The group said little as they waited for the arrival of the Darcy family lawyer.
About a half hour later, the butler announced, "Mr. Samuel Hampton."
"Come in, Mr. Hampton," Colonel Fitzwilliam welcomed the newcomer. "Let me introduce you to our guests. This is Mr. Edward Gardiner and his nieces, Miss Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet. This is Mr. Samuel Hampton, Darcy's solicitor."
Hampton bowed to the ladies and shook Mr. Gardiner's hand. "I am pleased to meet you, sir and Miss Bennet. I must say I am especially happy to finally meet Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy was not faint in his praise of you."
"Mr. Darcy spoke to you of my niece?" Mr. Gardiner asked.
"Indeed, he did." The attorney looked surprised at the question. "He told me about Miss Elizabeth when he came to me, requesting I draw up the marriage settlement. I would wish you joy, Miss Elizabeth, although under the present circumstances it does not seem appropriate."
"Mr. Darcy signed this document?" Gardiner was incredulous.
"He insisted upon it. It is irregular, but he is my client." Mr. Hampton insisted, frowning. "I have a copy in my office and Mr. Darcy took two copies with him once I had finished with them. I am certain that they must be in his office."
Colonel Fitzwilliam stood and announced, "I shall go and bring one of the documents here. I have access to his safe."
Her heart beat loudly in her ears as Elizabeth thought about the prospect of marriage to Mr. Darcy. Hope of a future like the one Darcy imagined filled her soul. She lifted an earnest prayer for his total recovery. As difficult as it was to fathom, it seemed that the man she loved wished to marry her, and he had already planned the settlement before he sought her hand. Smiling inwardly at that bit of Darcy arrogance, she could not but be glad for his overconfidence. It would allow her to stay at Darcy House and to minister to his needs.
Elizabeth was brought back from her musings by the colonel's return.
"It was not difficult to find," Fitzwilliam said, as he handed the papers to Mr. Gardiner.
After several moments of silence, Gardiner looked up from his reading. "It is all here, and it is a very generous settlement. For now I will allow you to stay. On the condition, there is always someone else in the room when you visit Mr. Darcy."
"One of the nurses is in the room at all times," Mr. Pritchard stated. "I would not have it any other way for the sake of my patient."
"Do you have any other questions, Mr. Gardiner?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
"I do." Gardiner pondered how to ask what had been bothering him ever since he heard of the accident. Heaving out a breath, he inquired, "How is it that there has been nothing about this tragedy in the papers?"
"It is a bit complicated, but I shall try to explain," Colonel said before he continued. "The concert that we all attended was quite a crush. Because of the overcrowding of the main street leading from the concert hall, Bingley said that he knew of a detour that would get us back to our homes much sooner. His driver knew the way, so my father, the earl, followed Bingley's carriage.
"Since I am not very fond of Miss Bingley, I rode with my parents. Our carriage was delayed slightly while waiting for a hackney to cross the road. We were just in sight of Bingley's carriage when a smaller vehicle collided with their coach. I will not describe the accident, and will only say it was awful to behold.
"My father's footman ran to check on the victims and found all were dead, but Darcy. When it seemed that no one else in the area had witnessed the accident, my father ordered that my cousin should be brought to our carriage, while the footman tried to find someone in authority to alert them of the calamity.
"When he could not find anyone close by, he returned to my father's carriage with that news. Fearful for Darcy's life, the earl ordered the driver to bring them directly here, as it was the closest home. The footman continued his search for someone to come to help, and when he finally did find a constable, he forgot to mention Mr. Darcy's involvement.
"Apparently the constable was slow to release the identity of the Bingleys and the others who died, so it was not until after Christmas that any announcement was given to the papers. And it was hidden in a section of the Times that people rarely read and failed to mention the names of the victims, and I happen to know that the Hursts left Town immediately after hearing of the fatalities without sending an obituary to the papers." The colonel paused in his narrative to sip his tea.
"We decided that given my cousin's injuries, it would not help him if people were aware of his being injured. We told everyone that he was ill, could possibly be contagious, and took the knocker off the door."
"I think I understand your reasoning," Mr. Gardiner admitted. "However, will not the truth have to be made known at sometime?"
"I suppose it will especially if Darcy does not survive. If he does return to his normal health, I think everything will be set to rights, and no one need know about his injuries caused by the accident."
"Very well," Gardiner agreed reluctantly. "However, I would like to have a copy of the marriage settlement to send to my brother Bennet. If he agrees and puts his signature to the document, there will be no doubt about the engagement."
"You may have one of these copies, since Darcy has already signed it," the colonel answered with a smile. "It will save my cousin the discomfort of asking Mr. Bennet for Miss Elizabeth's hand in person."
Gardiner folded the papers and tucked them into his pocket before he stood. "I must take my leave. My wife will be wondering what has happened to me."
After saying goodbye to the gentlemen and his nieces, Mr. Gardiner left the room. Mr. Pritchard was the next to leave, followed by Georgiana and Elizabeth who wished to look in on Mr. Darcy.
"Miss Bennet, I will have a servant show you to your chambers," Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
"Thank you, Colonel, I would appreciate it," Jane answered softly.
"Before you go, Miss Bennet, might I have a moment with you in private? It will not take long," Mr. Hampton asked.
"Of course." Jane looked to Fitzwilliam and said, "Would you excuse me? I will be right out."
The colonel bowed out of the parlour, closing the door behind him.
"I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet, for speaking of this now, but I feel I must."
"Go ahead, Mr. Hampton," Jane replied politely.
"Mr. Bingley's attorney contacted me after being informed by the Hursts of the two Bingleys' deaths." He stopped to gauge her response. Although she paled at the mention of Bingley's name, Jane hid any other signs of distress. He continued. "Mr. Alton wanted to know if I knew the whereabouts of a Miss Jane Bennet. Mr. Bingley had not only drawn up a marriage contract to present to your father, he changed his will as he had followed Mr. Darcy's example.. You are named in it.
"I will inform him as to your location. However, the reading of the will shall not occur until the Hursts return to Town. They took the bodies to Scarborough for burial and do not plan to hurry their return. It could be several months before they arrive back in London. I will make certain that you are informed as to the reading of the will." Satisfied that he would be able to tell Mr. Alton where he could find the lovely Miss Bennet, Mr Hampton rose. "I am not sure when I may see you again, Miss Bennet, but I do wish to express my condolences."
As tears threatened to fall, Jane thanked the man and left as quickly as she could. She stopped when she heard Colonel Fitzwilliam's voice.
"Miss Bennet, are you well?"
Trying to blink back the tears, Jane was unsuccessful. She bent her head to avoid his gaze. "I will be well. I merely need to lie down."
Because her eyes were on the floor, Jane did not see the colonel move to stand before her until she spied the toes of his boots. She then felt gentle fingers lift her chin.
"You need not be ashamed of your tears, Miss Bennet," Fitzwilliam said as he handed her a handkerchief. "You must have loved Bingley very much."
The sincere look of compassion in the colonel's eyes made her blurt out, "I am not ashamed of my tears. I am ashamed of my anger. I am fiercely angry at him for dying. I am upset that I never knew that he wanted to marry me. I hate his sister for lying to me in a letter. At the moment, I feel anger at the world, even toward Elizabeth who is able to care for the man she loves, and I am not."
Hearing footsteps, Fitzwilliam looked up. The maid he had rung for was heading their way. Lowering his voice, he whispered softly, "Believe me, I understand what you are saying. I wish to speak more with you, but the maid is coming. Shall we defer this discussion until another time?"
Jane nodded to him and turned to the maid. "I would be pleased if you would show me to my room."
"Aye, Miss Bennet," the servant answered quickly and led the way to the stairs.