Chapter 17

Mrs Cosby handed the basket of food up to the footman after he had finished strapping the luggage onto the carriage. Elizabeth hugged the woman that she had come to care for. "I will write as soon as I reach Pemberly" she told the woman.

"Be sure that you do, and I hope you have a safe trip" the older woman said.

Her daughter Sarah also leant in for a hug as she was very happy with the new Earl and Countess. Her father was already busy with the new vegetable plot and had said his goodbyes the evening before.

Darcy helped Elizabeth into the carriage and swung himself up beside her. The carriage set off on the journey north east. If they rushed it would take about two days but they still felt the need to be relaxed. No mail had come to worry them. They had thoughts of calling in on Matlock but realised the season was in full swing so likely to be empty of family. Letters had been sent from them telling of their move to Pemberly and their rough route and where likely they would stop off. They found themselves even more well suited from their conversations on literature, politics, family and the wars being raged both in France and America. They spoke of so many things, they read to each other and just sat closely with Williams arms around her and her head resting on his shoulder they were in their own little world. The scenery started to get wilder and Elizabeth could feel the mounting excitement in her husband. Before long they were travelling through Lambton then through the gates of Pemberly. They travelled for some time before rounding a bend and Pemberly itself came into view. "Welcome to our home Elizabeth"

She sighed with the utter beauty before her "Oh William it is magnificent"

He smiled at her as the carriage carried on its way. She saw the lake it was very large, and the narrow river wending its way across the valley. The carriage pulled up before a set of wide steps that lead to the front door. A row of staff waited for them at the head an older woman that introduced herself as Mrs Reynolds the housekeeper. She had only assembled the main staff that Mrs Darcy would see on a daily basis. Elizabeth tried to memorise their names but there was so many. She apologised if she forgot a name feeling slightly overwhelmed. She greeted them all then Mrs Reynolds and Mr Darcy took her up to the mistresses, suite. Darcy said he had remembered how much she liked lavender and her suite reflected that. Along with honey coloured wood all highly polished and welcoming. Her maid was already there unpacking and had laid out a clean day dress and had a ewer of warm water for the mistress to refresh herself. Darcy entered her room and was pleased to see she was almost ready. He offered his arm and she slipped her arm to cover his lightly. They went downstairs to a favourite parlour to find Mrs Reynolds setting down the tea tray. Elizabeth enjoyed the blend of tea of Pemberly as her husband and housekeeper caught up with all the things of note her interest perked when Mrs Reynolds mentioned Miss Bingley.

"She first came here not long after your marriage and requested to see you, I informed her that you were recently married and was on your wedding trip. She then demanded to know whom you had married so I told her the Countess of Flintshire. She also dropped heavy hints on wishing to know where you were but I claimed no knowledge" Mrs Reynolds smiled at the little lie she had told and Darcy nodded.

"She returned about a week ago claiming there was no such title as Countess of Flintshire she was very angry with me"

Darcy took Elizabeth's hand in his and smiling "we have paperwork that proves her title and the land that came with it"

Mrs Reynolds smiled in approval. "I have already received a letter from Mrs Crosby and she seems very efficient"

Elizabeth agreed with her. They told her of everything they had found on the estate and the housekeeper informed them that all that they had brought back with them was in the study. Darcy wanted the portrait of himself with Elizabeth hung immediately and went to find a footman with a hammer. Elizabeth and Mrs Reynolds stayed longer in the parlour together building on a friendship that would last a very long time.

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Georgiana with her aunt Jessica Matlock finished the last of her shopping "do you have everything you need" her aunt enquired

"Yes, I think so" Georgiana went down her mental list. "My new riding habit is the last thing and that should be ready in two more days"

"How about a visit to Gunter's" her aunt asked her. The girl nodded her agreement so off they set.

Lady Julia and Lady Bethany were already in Gunter's having tea when Lady Jessica and Georgiana arrived and were waved over to join them. Georgiana noticed Miss Bingley sitting in the teashop hoping to gain their attention. Lady Bethany noticed this and leant in to Georgiana to not worry about acknowledging her due to her unforgivable remarks regarding her new sister. Georgiana felt nothing but relief as she had always been uncomfortable with Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley on seeing Miss Darcy noticed who she was sitting with but being the foolish woman that she was pretended that nothing had happened

"Oh Miss Darcy how glad I am to see you" Miss Bingley tittered to herself "I was meaning to call on you and your brother but I heard a wild rumour that he was lately married to a Countess of Flintshire but no such title exists as I checked DeBrett's peerage"

"My new niece is Countess of Flintshire as well as being Mrs Darcy Countess of Derby and Pemberly. We witnessed her investiture as well as Sir Edward Gardiner and Mr Darcy receiving the return of his titles" Lady Matlock was icy in her address to Miss Bingley.

"Investiture, but who was she" Miss Bingley felt faint

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet" Georgiana said with great enjoyment.

Lady Bethany and Lady Julia had already turned their heads away in a final cut.

"Please excuse me" Miss Bingley said as she made her way out of Gunter's knowing from the cut direct several patrons had seen and overheard the conversation Yes she was ruined to society. There would be no way back. Her brother in law and sister didn't want her around especially as Louisa grew with child. Charles was on his honeymoon with the insipid Jane. Where to go now. She took a hackney back to her lodgings to go through her options. As they travelled she saw a familiar figure and called out to him "Why Mr Hargreaves how lovely to see you" she simpered at this former suiter.

"Why Miss Bingley it has been an age"

Hargreaves was in an excellent mood. He was off to the jeweller to pick up a ring he had helped design.

"Miss Bingley you must congratulate me on my engagement"

Miss Bingley did so but the sinking feeling of a last boat burnt washed over her. She told Mr Hargreaves that she was going to be late for an appointment and told her hack to drive on. Nothing had gone right for her. She reached her room and sank onto the bed the tears falling unchecked.

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The season was in full swing and the Earl of Matlock along with Lord Lewis and Lord Chalmers were busy in the House of Commons. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was busy with the Duke of Wellington and the rest of the Bennet's were also still in London. Mr Bennet had been requested to stay just in case more letters were intercepted. Collins revelations had really saddened Mr Bennet but he vowed never to reveal anything to his daughters wanting only to protect them. If he had had Collins in front of him on learning all that had transpired he wasn't sure what he would have done to him but that was now done with. Collins had gone to his maker and no tears had been shed. Lady Catherine had called on Mr Bennet to apologise for her part in encouraging the pastor to make his peace with Mr Bennet. Mr Bennet understood where Lady Catherine was coming from and gave his forgiveness to her. They enjoyed several afternoons together in conversation.

Kitty, Lydia and Georgiana were much in each, others company. Visiting museums and galleries with Mrs Jackson and two footman to watch over them. Kitty was happily awaiting her eight and ten birthday at the end of the month. Her father had promised her a ball dress. So the aunts were once again roped in to help with the choosing. Sir Edward Gardiner opened his warehouse to them and Kitty was allowed her first silk dress. Georgiana and Lydia sighed over the riot of colours. Her aunts also told her that they were going to organise a tea dance for her. Her excitement at this had her glowing. The carriage brought them back to their home and stepping down saw a familiar figure.

"Charlotte" they called

Charlotte looked so relieved to see them. They invited her in and took her through to the parlour and ordered tea.

"When will your sisters be returning to London" Charlotte asked them

"Lizzy is at Pemberly, Mary is in Staffordshire and Jane is in the North. We don't know when they will be back only next month they have to make their curtsey to the Queen" Kitty said

Charlotte looked crestfallen "May I speak to your father"

Lydia noticed the trembling of the older woman. "What is the matter Charlotte can we help you in any way"

A lone tear dropped from Charlottes eye "It is imperative that I speak with your father"

Lydia nodded and went to her fathers study and made the request. Her father assented to Charlotte coming to talk with him.

Charlotte entered the study and found Mr Bennet smiling at her. He had always been so very kind to her and she needed him to be very kind now.

Mr Bennet motioned her to take a chair "How can I help you my dear"

Tears started in earnest she had been strong for so long. A handkerchief was pressed into her hand.

"Tell me dear one" the kindness in Mr Bennet's voice was too much for her and a fresh wave of weeping seemed to drag her down further.

Mr Bennet waited quietly, let all the emotion out. Charlotte sniffled a bit and apologised

"No need to apologise but please let me help, nothing is so bad that we cannot find a remedy"

"I need to find you heir Mr Collins as I am going to have his child" Charlotte raised her tear-stained face to him.

"Oh dear" said Mr Bennet "Tell me if you can, how did this come about" he looked at her again kindly "Take your time we have plenty of it"

Charlotte felt she just had to cut her losses now and tell her friend everything.

"Just over six weeks ago I was walking from home farm as mother had sent me for a cheese and a jar of pickle, I saw Mrs Hill talking to a man but thought nothing more of it and carried on. Mrs Hill had waved to me as she usually does and then went back into the house. The man came over to me and asked if he could walk me back. I said no as I was near the turning for the thicket. I turned into the thicket and suddenly I was thrown to the floor and he did things to me I cried out and he said as he was the heir of Longbourn I should be grateful for his attentions. A wagon was heard on the road and he got up and left me to my fate and I haven't seen him since and now mama and papa are furious and I am with child. They have also banished me"

Mr Bennet struggled out of his chair and went to the young woman who couldn't look at him. "Charlotte, look at me" Mr bennet said in the calmest voice he could. He patted her shoulder

Charlotte looked up into his kind eyes and he smiled gently at her. "I am sorry to ask how you know you are with child it is very soon."

I should have had my courses a week after it happened and I am very regular sir. I have now missed two."

Mr Bennet got two glasses of wine then sat heavily into his chair. "Collins is dead, he threatened Lizzie with a knife to her throat"

Charlotte looked shocked "Is she ok"

"Lizzie is fine, what you and all of Meryton don't know is that I have been employed by the war office for some years. Now and again, Lizzie has helped me with little puzzles. Because of my work certain notices of appreciation have come my way and never having interest in a title they broke the entail for me. They gave Collins an estate in Northumberland which he could take over immediately. He wanted Longbourn. As Lizzie had helped me greatly this last time especially Wellesley told Prince George and they honoured her she is among other titles Countess of Flintshire. Collins came to us before the wedding gained access to Mr Darcy's house entered and threatened her life and claimed compromise. Mr Darcy's cousin a Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam entered after him with his sword drawn and saved Lizzie. Charlotte on his deathbed he admitted to causing the accident that took Mrs Bennet from me" Mr Bennet was glad of his handkerchief and made good use of it. "As Wellesley was amongst the witnesses Collins was hung.

Charlotte sat there for several minutes her brain working feverishly. What was she to do now.

Mr Bennet looked at her again "You will stay here with us whilst we try to find a solution"

Charlotte thanked him the Bennet's had always been like family to her even more than her own. Bennet rang for the housekeeper requesting a room to be readied and a much, needed bath. Jane and Elizabeth had not taken all their dresses with them and he thought there might be suitable amongst them. When she had left, he summoned Bobby with a note for his sisters explaining a little and requiring them to help with some clothes shopping. He then requested his two youngest to join him, not feeling up to walking to them.

The two girls joined him and sat quietly whilst he told them that Charlotte had been attacked by their cousin and had been thrown from Lucas Lodge and that she would be living with them until something could be sorted for her. Could they also sort through any clothing for nightwear etc for Charlotte to borrow until substitutes could be bought for her. Lydia and Kitty both scrambled for the door to help their friend.

Charlotte settled in quickly and tried not to think of what would happen to her. She had gone shopping with the aunts and sisters of her beloved Lizzie and Jane. They had made a real expedition of it. The materials were better than anything her parents had bought her and she was feeling very spoilt but so very grateful. They were walking along to the large emporium that housed all manner of things but especially nightwear and small fripperies. A gang of yahoo's burst from an establishment and caught the ladies in their exuberance. Kitty and Charlotte were both knocked to the ground and Lydia was very unsteady. Kitty and Charlotte had fallen hard and a sickening crack with a cry of pain Charlotte had broken her arm. The aunts at once summoned a doctor to come to the Bennet's home. With the help of a footman the girls were helped into the carriage. Lydia first noticed the blood that seemed to be pooling from Charlottes skirt. She quietly drew her aunts attention to it. The aunts were grim indeed for the poor woman. The doctor arrived just after they did and they rushed Charlotte upstairs the two aunts going with her. Kitty who had not been too badly hurt and Lydia went into their father's study to tell him what had happened. Kitty had a couple of grazes and her stocking were broken so she went upstairs to clean herself up.

A couple of hours later aunt Bethany was showing the doctor out. Aunt Julia finished tucking a sleeping Charlotte in. It had been the best outcome for her. Although very emotional after the loss she understood her future was more secure. Mr Bennet was happy with the news. His sisters had informed him she wanted nothing more to do with her family so he did not send any letters to Lucas Lodge. Another few days and his daughters and their husbands would return for the curtsey. He would do nothing until they arrived back, maybe they would have some idea's.