Chapter 3
Holiday week was nearly at an end and the mood of the family was quickly changing. Everyone was suddenly thinking about the fast approaching goodbyes. Despite the coming end of their time together, they still managed to have a great deal of fun. Today, the gentlemen were going hunting and Lizzy woke early, due to her husband getting ready to leave. She walked downstairs and wished them all a safe journey and then made her way to the dining room, where she enjoyed a hot cup of tea.
"Lizzy! I thought I was the only one who woke this early."
"Good morning Father." she smiled, glad for the company. "My husband woke me while he prepared to go hunting, so, I came to see them off."
"Ah, the joys of married life."
"It is joyful indeed."
"You are happy aren't you my dear?"
"Happier then I could have ever imagined." she said sincerely.
"I admit, I had my concerns when you first came to me after he asked for your hand. I thought you were daft."
"Yes Papa I know." she laughed. "But I have proved that I was not, haven't I?"
"Indeed you have. Mr. Darcy has far exceeded my expectations for someone who would deserve to have you with him every day."
"You know Papa, he reminds me a lot of you."
"Does he now? I hope you do not remind him of your mother." he laughed.
Lizzy laughed too and grabbed her fathers hand. It was so very good to see him, she always missed him. They continued their conversation and moved into other subjects of the past. Mr. Bennet reminded Lizzy of how she became his favorite daughter, but made her promise not to tell her other sisters, despite the fact that it was terribly obvious. Eventually, family members began to trickle down the stairs and interrupted their conversation. The house was excited and high pitched as the only voices belonged to women and children. Everyone gathered around the table and awaited the serving of breakfast.
"Aunt Lizzy, will the men be gone all day?" Jonathan Cadogan asked. He was concerned because only he, his brother Andrew and Caleb Dison remained at Pemberley. The family rule was that a boy needed to reach the age of 16 before he was allowed to go on the hunt.
"They plan on being home before dinner, but I am not sure when exactly they will return."
"Perhaps you can go for a ride, the three of you? I'm sure you would manage to have an adventure." Kitty offered her son.
"I suppose." Jonathan sighed. He hated that he had to miss the hunt because he was to young. He would always be one of the youngest of the family, and he didn't like it.
"Oh come on Jon! It will be fun, and we've nothing better to do." Andrew coaxed.
"Can I come?" Anna Wickham yelled excitedly, almost jumping out of her chair.
"No, no girls!" Jonathan said in a half scream, half whine.
"Now Jonathan, please. Would it really hurt you to let them come?" Kitty said, giving him a very severe look.
"No." he mumbled.
"I could pretend to be a boy!" Samantha yelled, nearly jumping out of her chair.
"You will do no such thing young lady." Georgiana said firmly, pulling her daughter back down in her chair.
"They can come." Jonathan said dutifully, feeling his mothers eyes on him.
"Alright boys, please be careful with them. They are not to ride alone, so they each need to be on a horse with one of you." Lizzy announced.
"Aunt Lizzy! I can ride alone, I'm ten!" Anna whined.
"You can not ride alone, because I said so. You have two options, stay here, or ride with one of the boys." Lizzy was forceful and was not willing to compromise. She felt responsible for everyone's health because they were at her house.
The children devoured the rest of their food and jumped from the table. Where at first they were disappointed by the arrangement, they were certainly overjoyed by it as they finished eating. Once they left the table, everything became much quieter. It was no secret that the young children brought life to family events.
While the women and children stayed at home the gentlemen were enjoying a hot summer day outside. The day was perfect but not everyone wanted to be hunting but just enjoyed the company of the other men. Mr. Rawlins had no idea what to do with a gun and was a horrid shot. But he much preferred being with the men than staying at home with the women. Several of the boys felt the same way and spent much of the day sitting on the ground joking about one thing or another.
Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to pay close attention to Albert. He wanted to be sure that he would take university seriously, unlike his father. When Samuel came to him all he managed to think about was Mr. Wickham's folly while in University. But he knew that Albert could not be judged on his fathers mistakes and wanted to make sure he made the right decision.
"Well if no one is shooting anything, we might as well go home." Mr. Bingley laughed.
"Oh yes, lets go!" Samuel said, a bit to excited. He wanted to go home to spend time with Hannah. In fact, he had almost made and excuse to stay home.
"Why are you so anxious to get home?" Albert joked.
"I am a bit hungry." Samuel lied.
"Hungry are you? Yes, I'm sure that's it." Charles laughed.
"Come boys, lets be off. Samuel, Albert, you'll ride with me." Mr. Darcy announced. The ride would take a little less than an hour and would be a good opportunity to speak with Albert. They had not planned to leave so early, but the change in plans would prove to be a very wise decision.
The women were sitting peacefully on the back balcony of Pemberley. They spoke of frivolous things that had no real importance, but kept them entertained. Suddenly they heard the steady sound of hooves. The hooves hit the ground at a fast pace, whoever was approaching was moving faster than a cater, and there was only one. Lizzy stood and stared intently into the woods. A horse and rider emerged and Kitty recognized it to be Andrew immediately.
"Why is he riding so fast?" Lizzy asked her sister.
"Where are the other children." Georgiana asked growing nervous.
"I have no idea. It's not like him to leave them alone in the woods." Kitty thought out loud, not helping her sisters worry.
Andrew reached the house quickly and jumped off of his mount. He ran to the balcony and everyone realized something was terribly wrong. Georgiana forced a glass into Andrews hand, he was allowed one quick drink before the women flooded him with questions.
"What's wrong?" Georgiana spat.
"Where is everyone?" Kitty said grabbing.
"Did something happen?" Lizzy added.
"Yes, uh, well..." Andrew stammered.
"Come, please tell us, you will not be in trouble." Lizzy pleaded.
"It's Anna, she's hurt. We were playing a game in the woods and she climbed a tree. We told her to come down, but she wouldn't listen. Then the branch cracked and she fell, she fell far. She is really hurt, rolling around on the ground screaming. We were afraid to move her, so I came alone, as quickly as I could."
"Oh Anna!" Sarah cried. "Can I take your horse Andrew?"
"Yes, of course, but I should come so I can show you where she is. But we still won't be able to get her out of the woods."
Just then more hooves could be heard on the gravel drive. The gentlemen were home, just in time. Surely one of them could carry Anna out of the woods. "Beth, go get Albert and Samuel, tell them to come back here quickly. Then please tell Charles and Edward to go and fetch Dr. Green." Lizzy ordered.
Beth nodded her head and raced into the house, forgetting civility. Her sister was in trouble, the faster she went, the faster the boys could help he. She told them quickly, despite being completely breathless. Albert and Samuel leaned into their horses and sped to the backyard to join Sarah and Andrew. In a similar way, Charles and Edward headed in the opposite direction.
As they grew closer, Anna's screams could be heard over the pounding of the horses steps. The boys pushed their exhausted horses to go even faster. Once they heard the scream they grew even more frightened about her condition. Albert was terrified, his family could not handle another tragedy.
"Anna! Are you alright?" Sarah screamed as she jumped off the horse.
"I can't move it!" she screamed.
"My leg, it's my leg!"
Sarah pulled the bottom of her sisters dress up to discover the wound. She didn't have to pull the skirt up far to see what was wrong. Her leg was twisted at an odd angle and bone was sticking out of her skin. Blood flowed down her leg and the sight of it made Sarah scream. She wanted to stop the bleeding, but didn't know what to do, or if she wouldn't end up making things worse.
"It is definitely broken, she can't walk and can't get on a horse." Sarah announced.
"Alright we'll carry her back." Samuel said, taking off his jacket handing it to Jonathan. Albert did the same thing and walked over to Anna. The boys sat her up gently and encouraged her to wrap her tiny arms around their necks. After a bit of coaxing they lifted her up from the ground. She screamed in excruciating pain, Sarah rushed to her sisters leg and tried to support it gingerly, which did seem to help a bit.
The walk back to the house wasn't easy. Anna cried the entire time and at times let out screams of intense pain. Albert and Samuel were hot and tired, but kept their grip firm, trying to move Anna as little as possible. After what seemed an eternity they cleared the woods. Anna had fainted a few minutes before they reached the edge of the wood so now her head lulled at every step. The family gasped as they saw them appear. When the laid Anna down on the bed that had been placed on the balcony the whole of the family made a tight circle around her.
Dr. Green forced everyone to leave him with her alone and they turned their attention to the exhausted rescuers. Lizzy quickly brought them full glasses of ice cold lemonade , which they drank slowly before going up to change their now filthy clothes. It was a lucky think that Anna had fainted, but she did not stay so for long. As the doctor re-set her leg, she woke quickly and sat up with a blood curtailing scream. Unfortunately, that would not be the end of her pain. Because the bone had broken the skin, she needed stitches to deal with the horrid gash it had left.
"Now, mix this powder in water and give it to her three times a day for the pain, for she certainly will be having some. Then you must be sure to sprinkle this on the wound once a day, and change the dressing once a day as well. When you change the dressing pour some alcohol on it as well to keep from infection I would not recommend her trying to walk for at least 12 weeks, the bone needs time to heal. Even then, she will probably need some help. And, if she has trouble sleeping, just give her some wine." Dr. Green instructed Lizzy.
"Yes, of course doctor, thank you so much for coming so quickly. My husband is in his study and he has your fee. And again, thank you so much."
Dr. Green left the Anna's care was turned over to the entire family. To avoid moving her, all of the gentlemen gathered and lifted her bed, with her in it, up the stairs. Once there, Lizzy sat by her bed and stroked her long hair as she fell asleep. She sat for a bit longer, thankful that her niece would live, and then walked downstairs to speak with the rest of the Wickham children.
"I have been given very specific instructions as to your sisters care. It seems that she will be unable to walk for 12 weeks. I know that you girls would care for her as well, but I really would feel better if you all stayed here until she recovers."
"Oh, Aunt Lizzy, we couldn't impose on you like that." Beth said.
"It is no imposition at all! We have plenty of room and soon I shall have no one to take care of once the children leave for school."
"Well, it would not be wise to make her endure such a long carriage ride." Sarah reasoned.
"And stepmother will find it an inconvenience." Beth added.
"And if something happens and she worsens, the doctor can be called quickly. And we will of course pay for all of the visits and medication." Lizzy said, hoping to talk them into accepting her offer.
"Alright Aunt Lizzy, we will stay. Thank you for your kindness." Albert decided .
"I am going to go see Anna now." Beth smiled, moving quickly toward the stairs, anxious to see for herself that her sister was alright.
Beth sat quietly and reached out to touch her sisters small arm. As Beth did so, Anna's eyes opened slowly. "Oh dear, I am sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
"Beth." Anna whispered, smiling weakly.
"How are you feeling?"
"My leg hurts a great deal. But I feel much better in this bed."
"I'm sure you do. You know Anna, you should not have been climbing that tree." Beth said gently.
"Yes, I know." Anna was ashamed of her improper behavior. "Beth, I've ruined my best dress. I know Papa doesn't have money to buy me a new one." she said sadly, trying to change the subject.
"Perhaps not, but I am sure we'll think of something. Now you go back to sleep ear. Someone will come to wake you in a bit with your dinner and medicine."
"Alright, but will you sit with me until I fall asleep?"
"Of course." Beth picked up her sisters hand and gently stroked it as she drifted to sleep.
After Anna was in a deep sleep, Beth crept silently out of the room. She went downstairs and found the young ladies sitting in the parlor sipping some tea. As Beth relaxed in her chair the attention of the room quickly turned to her.
"How is she?" Rebecca asked.
"Surprisingly well. She is more worried about her ruined dress than her broken leg." Beth laughed.
"Oh! She bled all over her dress." Hannah said with sudden realization.
"Yes, and she is afraid Papa won't have any money to buy her another, which, is probably true."
"I'm sure there is something we can do about that " Emily said deviously, obviously having a plan.
"Yes, I brought some old dresses with me that don't fit anymore. WE can easily fit them to Anna." Abigail smiled.
"And I have some as well." Emily added.
"How long has it been since you two have had new dresses?" Rebecca asked Sarah and Beth.
"Several years, but our dresses are fine." Sarah answered, embarrassed.
"Well, I know I have some old dresses you are more than welcome to have those we can fit those to you as well." Hannah offered.
"And I have some as well. They might not be quite up to the latest fashion, but they will certainly be more new than the ones you have." Rebecca said, trying not to be to critical of her cousins out of date attire. She really wanted to help them, they deserved something nice.
"Oh, that is so nice of you. Thank you." Beth said graciously.
With that, the girls set to work. Old gowns were pulled from trunks and fit to the Wickham girls. Pins were set and measurements taken and the girls worked furiously. Even Victoria helped, despite the threat of breaking a nail. They could have sent for the seamstress, but this was something the girls wanted to do for their cousins themselves.
The final two days of holiday week had passed and everyone was ready to leave. Tears began to fall and hugs abounded. The Rawlins were first to leave, seeing as they had the longest carriage ride ahead of them. Mr. And Mrs. Bennet were next, followed closely by the Burtons. After hose families departed lunch was served and then the remaining families all left simultaneously.
"'I shall miss you Emily" Jacob smiled.
"Oh Jake! Remember, we will be seeing each other in a month or so!" she tried to act happy, but couldn't hide the tear that slipped down her cheek.
"Aha! You will miss me."
"You know I will. Who else will push me on the swing?"
"If that is all you will miss me for, than I take my statement of missing you back."
"Jacob! You know I'll miss more than that." she tried her best to keep her tears stifled.
"I'll write as soon as I get home. Especially if I happen to get married somewhere along the way." he laughed, trying to make her smile.
His attempt was successful, she looked up and let out a small giggle. She quickly lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, squeezing him tight. He held her tightly for a moment and then pulled away. After one last look he turned and climbed into his families carriage.
As Emily and Jacob said goodbye, Samuel took his time with Hannah. Of course he didn't want her to go, but knew she had to. He had to be careful with what he said, she had no idea how his feelings had changed in the course of the week.
"Have a safe trip." he smiled.
"Ah, yes I hope. Thank you."
"And I shall probably see you once you arrive at finishing school."
"Oh, yes, of course! It will be good to have another familiar face there." she laughed. After a moment of silence, she turned and began to walk to the carriage.
"Hannah?"
"Yes?" she turned, looking at him as if confused.
"Would it be alright if I wrote to you?" he asked, nervously.
"Yes, of course, I'd like that." she turned to walk away then quickly turned back. "You intrigue me Samuel Darcy."
He blushed by her comment then moved quickly to help her step into the carriage. Once she was in, he shut the door gently and stepped back. The carriage pulled away and Samuel gave a slight wave and then moved to say a quick goodbye to Charles and Edward Bingley.
As the carriages disappeared from view, the family turned to go inside. Mr. Darcy came up behind Albert and Samuel and asked to see them both in his study. Albert was a bit confused, wondering what his uncle wanted to speak to him about. Then he remembered his cousins promise and hoped that was going to be the topic of discussion. But he also didn't want to get his hopes up.
"Albert, Samuel came and told me of your desire to go to University."
"Yes Uncle."
"He also made me aware of some circumstances that I hadn't really thought about, that would prevent you from attending."
"Yes."
"I have been watching you this week and have put a great deal of thought into my decision. I have also talked with your other uncles and we are all in agreement. We will all take an equal part in supporting you in University."
He was speechless at first and then could only mumble a thank you.
"Albert, we expect that you will do your best. All of us will need updates of your progress regularly. We all want you to succeed. And Samuel, I asked you to come because I want you to help him. You know what to expect, so you will help Albert to become familiar as well."
"Yes Father, you have my word."
"And mine as well. I understand what an amazing opportunity this is and I will not let you down."
"I have faith in you Albert. Now, I have some letters to write to get you in on such a short notice. So, you may go join your sisters."
Albert thanked his uncle one more time and then bowed as he took his leave. The boys went to take a ride on the horses to celebrate the news. Albert couldn't believe his good fortune and was hoping this meant his life would turn for the better. There was no doubt that he was lucky to have such a family.