Chapter 20

Edward and I arrived home in Longborn three days after leaving Pemberley. The journey had been long and filled with anxious thoughts, but seeing the familiar surroundings brought a sense of relief. As our carriage rolled up to the estate, Frances and Thomas came out to greet us, their expression shifting from surprise to concern.

"Mother, Edward, you are back so soon!" Frances exclaimed. "We were not expecting you for at least six more months. What happened?"

Thomas helped us down from the carriage, his face etched with worry. "Is everything alright?" he asked, glancing between Edward and me.

"We need to talk," I said, my voice heavy with the weight of our recent ordeal.

Inside the house, the warmth of the fireplace offered some comfort. We settled in the sitting room, the familiar surroundings providing a sense of peace amidst the turmoil.

"Why are you home so early?" Frances pressed, her eyes filled with concern.

Edward and I shared the story of our sudden departure from Pemberley. As we explained the accusation of theft and our hasty exit, Frances's face turned red with anger.

"How dare they accuse you of such a thing?" she fumed. "You have done nothing but help them, and this is how they repay you?"

Thomas placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Let's not jump to conclusions. We need to clear this up."

The next day, Lady Rebecca came over for tea. As we sipped our tea, I recounted the events of the past few days, and her reaction was immediate and resolute.

"This is an outrage," Lady Rebecca declared, her eyes flashing with indignation. "I will not stand for such slander against you. I shall write a letter to Mrs. Darcy immediately, proclaiming your innocence. They must know the truth."

Her determination was a balm to my wounded pride, and I felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Rebecca. Your support means the world to us."

"Think nothing of it," she replied, waving her hand dismissively. "It's the least I can do. You have always been a pillar of strength and integrity in our community, and I will not let your name be tarnished."

As we continued to discuss the situation, a sense of hope began to replace the lingering anxiety. With Lady Rebecca's influence and support, I felt more confident that our innocence would be proven, and the misunderstanding with Darcy would be resolved.

Frances, though still upset, took solace in Lady Rebecca's words. "I just want them to understand how much you have done for them," she said, her voice softer now. "They owe you so much."

"We will get through this," I assured her, squeezing her hand. "With the support of our friends and family, we will find a way to clear our names."

As time went on, I found myself surrounded by the lively presence of my grandchildren, their laughter filling the air and momentarily lifting the heavy weight on my heart. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we had decided to spend time in the garden. Sweet, quiet Jane, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, sat beside me on a blanket, engrossed in a picture book. She was a picture of calm, her gentle nature a soothing presence. As I gently stroked her hair, she looked up at me with a serene smile that warmed my heart.

"Grandmother, can you read this story to me?" she asked, her voice soft and melodic.

"Of course, my darling," I replied, taking the book from her and beginning to read aloud. Jane nestled closer, her small hands holding onto my arm as she listened intently to every word.

Nearby, her sister Elizabeth was a whirlwind of energy. With her dark chocolate curls and sparkling dark eyes, she was a stark contrast to her sister. Elizabeth could never sit still for long and was always bursting with questions. Today was no different.

"Grandmother, why do the flowers bloom in spring? And why does the sky change colors at sunset?" she asked, her curiosity insatiable.

"Well, my little inquisitor," I said with a smile, "Flowers bloom in the spring because the weather becomes warmer, and they get plenty of sunlight. As for the sky, it changes colors because the way the sunlight is scattered by the atmosphere."

Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information before running off to explore the garden further. Her boundless energy and sharp mind were always a joy to behold.

Little Mary, with her light brown hair and hazel eyes, sat quietly on my lap, observing everything around her with a serene expression. She was a quiet and contemplative child, often lost in her own thoughts. I gently rocked her, feeling the soft rise and fall of her breath against me.

"You are so observant, my little Mary," I whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Always taking in the world around you."

And then there was baby Christopher, who was just beginning to toddle around. His chubby legs wobbled as he tried to keep up with his older siblings. His giggles were infectious, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he reached for a flower petal.

"Careful, little one," I called out, watching as he stumbled towards a patch of daisies. Thomas, who had been nearby, quickly scooped Christopher up, eliciting a squeal of delight from the baby.

"Now, now, young man," Thomas chuckled, bouncing Christopher in his arms. "Let's not go trampling Grandmother's flowers, shall we?"

As I watched my family, a bittersweet feeling washed over me. Their presence was a comfort, a reminder of the love and joy in my life. Yet, the shadow of the accusation from Pemberley still loomed large, threatening to disrupt the peace we had found.

Frances approached, carrying a tray of lemonade and biscuits. "Mother, you look tired. Why don't you rest for a bit?" she suggested, setting the tray down on a nearby table.

I shook my head, not wanting to miss a moment of this precious time with my grandchildren. "I'm fine, dear. Being with the children is all the rest I need."

Frances sat beside me, her brow furrowed with concern. "Have you heard anything from Pemberley?" she asked in a low voice, mindful of the children playing nearby.

"Not yet," I replied, my heart sinking a little. "But Lady Rebecca assured me she would write to them. We must be patient."

Frances nodded, though I could see the worry in her eyes. "I just can't believe they would think such a thing of you and Edward. After everything you've done for them..."

I patted her hand reassuringly. "I know, dear. But we must have faith that the truth will come to light."

As the afternoon wore on, the children's energy began to wane. Jane had fallen asleep on the blanket, her book still clutched in her small hands. Elizabeth, finally exhausted from her explorations, had curled up next to her sister. Mary was still in my lap, her eyes heavy with sleep, while Christopher had dozed off in Thomas's arms.

"I think it's time we got these little ones inside for their nap," Frances said, gently lifting Jane from the blanket.

Just as Edward, who had been contemplating his return to London to continue his training, approached to inform me of his decision, the sound of the front door opening caught our attention. Mrs. Hill hurried over, holding a letter in hand, her face flushed from the quick pace.

"Mrs. Gardiner, an express letter has arrived for you," she said, handing it over with a slight bow.

I took the letter, my heart skipping a beat as I recognized the seal of the Darcys. The familiar wax emblem seemed to weigh heavily in my hand, a physical manifestation of the tension that had been building since our departure from Pemberley. As Edward and I exchanged a glance, a mix of anticipation and anxiety filled the air. I knew this letter could hold the key to our vindication or further complications.

The children, sensing the shift in atmosphere, paused in their play. Elizabeth abandoned her ladybug investigation, her keen eyes darting between Edward and me. Jane closed her book, her brow furrowed in concern. Even little Christopher seemed to sense the change, his babbling quieting as he looked up at us with wide, curious eyes.

"Let us go inside," I said, standing up and gathering the children, making sure little Christopher was with the nurse. "We have much to discuss."

With my grandchildren trailing behind, their laughter still echoing in the garden, I walked towards the house, the unopened letter clutched tightly in my hand. The weight of it seemed to grow with each step, and I found myself taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

As we entered the cool interior of the house, the contrast with the warm sunshine outside was stark. The children were ushered upstairs by their nurse, their excited chatter fading as they ascended the stairs. I could hear Frances in the kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans a comforting background noise to our tense situation.

Edward and I gathered in the sitting room, the unopened letter from the Darcys resting heavily in my hand. The children could be heard heading up to the nursery, their innocent laughter a stark contrast to the tension that filled the room. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner seemed unnaturally loud in the silence that had fallen between us.

"Go ahead, Mother," Edward urged gently, his eyes filled with concern. He leaned forward in his chair, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. The worry lines on his forehead were more pronounced than usual, a testament to the stress of the past few weeks.

With trembling hands, I broke the seal and unfolded the letter, my eyes quickly scanning the contents. The crisp paper crackled softly as I opened it, the sound seeming to echo in the quiet room. As I read, a mixture of relief and sorrow washed over me. The words on the page seemed to blur and refocus as I took in their meaning.

Pemberley
September 1, 17—

Mrs. Gardiner,

I must begin with an earnest apology for the grave misunderstanding that led to your departure from our estate. The weight of this error has been heavy on my conscience, and I can only imagine the distress it has caused you and your family. Please know that it was never our intention to cause you such pain or to cast doubt upon your impeccable character.

At first, my son Fitzwilliam came to me with a story that George had hidden the watch in Mr. Gardiner's room. The accusation seemed so out of character for both George and your family that I found myself in a state of disbelief. However, upon questioning George, he denied any involvement, and I found no reason to doubt him given his lack of motive and his generally honest nature.

Despite Lady Rebecca's insistence on your innocence through her letter, which arrived shortly after your departure, I still could not reconcile the mystery of the watch's presence in Edward's room. Her words spoke highly of your character and integrity, leaving me even more confused about the situation. It was a puzzle that weighed heavily on my mind, especially as my dear wife's condition worsened.

I must confess that your absence has been keenly felt here at Pemberley. The new doctors and midwives I consulted have not been able to replicate the positive results you were achieving with Mrs. Darcy. Your expertise and gentle care have been sorely missed, and I fear that my hasty actions may have jeopardized not only our friendship but also my wife's well-being.

In a moment of desperation and doubt, I revisited the matter with Fitzwilliam. The guilt that had been eating away at him finally became too much to bear. It was then that he, burdened by the weight of his actions, finally confessed the truth. He had taken the watch to play with, a moment of childish curiosity that spiraled into a grave misunderstanding.

Fitzwilliam explained that upon hearing someone approaching, he panicked and ducked into Edward's room, where he hastily laid the watch down and subsequently forgot about it in his haste to avoid being caught. He never intended to cause such trouble, and I deeply regret the undue distress this has caused you and Edward. The shame and remorse he feels for his actions are profound, and he wishes to extend his sincerest apologies to you and your family.

With this new information, I am left with no doubt of your innocence. The realization of our grave error has left me feeling both relieved to have uncovered the truth and deeply ashamed of our rush to judgment. Your reputation and the trust between our families should never have been called into question.

I plead with you to make all haste back to Pemberley. A carriage has been sent in the hopes that you will accept our invitation to return. Your presence here would not only allow us to make amends in person but would also be a great comfort to Mrs. Darcy, whose condition continues to concern us greatly.

Please, Mrs. Gardiner, return and help us in our time of need. Your skills as a midwife are unparalleled, and we have come to realize how much we relied on your wisdom and care. More than that, we miss your companionship and the warmth you brought to our home.

I understand if you need time to consider this request. The hurt we have caused is not something that can be easily forgotten or forgiven. However, I hope that you will find it in your heart to give us a chance to make things right.

Yours sincerely,
Mr. Darcy

Tears welled in my eyes as I finished reading the letter aloud to Edward. The emotions that had been building up over the past weeks – the hurt, the anger, the confusion – seemed to crest and break like a wave. Edward looked at me, his expression a mix of relief and determination. The tension in his shoulders seemed to ease slightly, but there was still a wariness in his eyes.

"We need to go back," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the turmoil I could see in his eyes. "Mrs. Darcy needs you, and we must clear our names completely. It's a chance to set things right."

I nodded, wiping away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "Yes, we will make preparations immediately. They need us, and we must help. Despite everything that's happened, we can't abandon them in their time of need."

As I stood up, smoothing down my skirts and trying to compose myself, Frances and Thomas entered the room, concern etched on their faces. They must have overheard parts of our conversation, their expressions a mix of curiosity and worry.

"What is it, Mother?" Frances asked, her eyes darting to the express in my hand. "Has something happened?"

"It's a letter from Mr. Darcy," I explained, handing it to her with slightly trembling fingers. "He has apologized for the misunderstanding and pleaded for us to return to help with Mrs. Darcy's condition."

Frances quickly read the letter, her eyes softening with understanding as she took in its contents. Her initial anger at the Darcys seemed to melt away as she read Mr. Darcy's heartfelt apology. "You must go, then," she said, looking up from the letter. "They need you, and it's clear they deeply regret what happened."

Thomas nodded in agreement, his calm demeanor a steadying presence in the room. "We will help you prepare for the journey. You should leave as soon as possible. Mrs. Darcy's health should not be compromised any further."

As the reality of our imminent departure set in, a flurry of activity overtook the house. Frances rushed to inform the staff, while Thomas began making arrangements for the journey. Edward retreated to his room to pack, his mind no doubt filled with thoughts of seeing Madeline again.

I found myself in a daze, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. As I began to gather my things, my mind raced with thoughts of what awaited us at Pemberley. Would things ever truly be the same? Could we rebuild the trust that had been broken?

The children, sensing the excitement in the air, gathered around me as I packed. Their innocent questions and eager faces reminded me of the importance of forgiveness and second chances.

"Grandmother, are you going on an adventure?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I smiled down at her, ruffling her dark curls. "Yes, my dear. We're going back to help some friends who need us."

"Can we come too?" Jane chimed in, her blue eyes wide with hope.

"Not this time, sweetheart," I said gently. "But I promise to tell you all about it when we return."

As the day wore on and our preparations neared completion, I found myself in the garden one last time. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the flowers, and I took a moment to breathe in the familiar scents of home. Whatever challenges lay ahead at Pemberley, I knew I would carry the strength of my family and this place with me.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, a good omen for our journey. As we prepared to board the carriage, I hugged each of my grandchildren tightly, promising to return soon. Frances and Thomas stood by, offering words of encouragement and support.

"Take care, Mother," Frances said, embracing me warmly. "And remember, no matter what happens, you have a home here with us."

Thomas clasped Edward's hand firmly. "Good luck to both of you. We'll be eagerly awaiting news of your return."

With final waves and a chorus of goodbyes from the children, Edward and I climbed into the carriage. As it pulled away from Longbourn, I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. We were heading back to Pemberley, back to face the Darcys and the situation we had left behind. But we were also moving forward, towards reconciliation and healing.

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels provided a steady backdrop to my thoughts as we made our way back to Pemberley. The countryside blurred past the windows, a blend of greens and golds as summer began its gentle transition into autumn. Fields of ripening wheat swayed in the breeze, and hedgerows bursting with late summer blooms lined the roads.

Sitting across from me, Edward gazed out the window, his expression a mix of anticipation and relief. I knew he was eager to see Madeline again, the prospect of waiting nine months to see her now mercifully shortened. His fingers tapped a restless rhythm on his knee, betraying his nervous energy.

"I cannot believe we are actually going back," he said, breaking the silence that had settled between us. "It is a chance to set things right, to clear our names once and for all."

I nodded, understanding his mix of emotions. "Yes, it is. And a chance to help Mrs. Darcy. I only hope we're not too late to make a difference in her condition."

As the miles rolled by, I found my thoughts drifting to the challenges that lay ahead. Rebuilding trust would not be an easy task, but I was determined to approach it with an open heart. The Darcys' letter had been a first step, and now it was our turn to meet them halfway.

The carriage continued its journey, carrying us towards Pemberley and whatever fate awaited us there. With each turn of the wheels, we moved closer to confronting our past and shaping our future. Whatever lay ahead, I knew that with Edward by my side and the love of our family behind us, we would face it together.

I nodded, my thoughts drifting back to the letter and the events that had led to our abrupt departure. Mr. Darcy's apology had been sincere, but it was Fitzwilliam's confession that weighed most heavily on my mind. I knew he had taken the blame for a crime he did not commit, driven by desperation to save his mother. The real culprit, I was certain, was George Wickham.

"Edward," I began, choosing my words carefully, "Fitzwilliam confessed to taking the watch, but I do not believe he did it."

Edward turned to me, surprise evident in his eyes. "You think George was behind it, don't you?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. "Yes, I'm almost certain. Fitzwilliam took the blame to ensure we could return and help his mother. He's a brave boy, but it's not fair that he should carry this burden. We need to find a way to reveal the truth to Mr. Darcy."

Edward frowned, deep in thought. His brow furrowed as he considered the implications of what I was saying. "How do we do that? George is clever and deceitful. We need proof, and that won't be easy to come by."

"We will have to be careful," I said, my voice low and serious. "But we cannot let Fitzwilliam's sacrifice be in vain. I know from the future that Mr. Darcy dies believing George Wickham to be a good person. Yet five years later, George does something terrible to Fitzwilliam. We have a chance to change that future, to protect not just Fitzwilliam, but others as well."

Edward's eyes widened with understanding, a mix of concern and determination settling on his features. "So, it is not just about clearing our names? We're trying to prevent future harm?"

"Exactly," I replied, my voice firm with resolve. "It is about preventing future pain and suffering. If we can expose George now, we can protect not just Fitzwilliam, but many others who will come after us. George's deceit needs to end here, before it can cause more damage."

Edward nodded, determination setting in his features. His jaw clenched slightly, a sign I recognized as his commitment to a cause. "We will figure it out, Mother. Together, we will make sure the truth comes to light. It won't be easy, but it's the right thing to do."

The rest of the journey passed in contemplative silence. As the miles fell away, my mind churned with plans and strategies. The gentle rocking of the carriage and the rhythmic clop of horses' hooves provided a steady backdrop to my thoughts. I had to find a way to help Fitzwilliam, to prove his innocence and expose George's deceit. It was not just about setting things right; it was about justice and protecting future generations from George Wickham's treachery.

I thought about the challenges we would face. George was clever, as Edward had pointed out. He had managed to fool many people for a long time. We would need to be cautious, gather evidence carefully, and present our case in a way that couldn't be dismissed or explained away. It would require patience, cunning, and perhaps a bit of luck.

I thought about Fitzwilliam, the brave young boy who had sacrificed so much to protect his mother and allow us to return. His actions spoke volumes about his character, and I was determined to ensure that his sacrifice was not in vain. We would clear his name and expose the true culprit.

As the carriage rounded a bend, Pemberley came into view. The grand house stood proudly against the backdrop of the setting sun, its windows glinting in the fading light. I felt a mix of emotions at the sight – anticipation, nervousness, and a steely determination to set things right.

Edward leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the approaching estate. "We're almost there," he said, his voice a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Are you ready, Mother?"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, offering him a small smile. "Remember, we must tread carefully. We can't rush into accusations without proof."

He nodded, understanding the gravity of our situation. "Of course. We'll observe, gather information, and plan our next moves carefully."

The rest of the journey passed in contemplative silence. As the miles fell away, my mind churned with plans and strategies. I had to find a way to help Fitzwilliam, to prove his innocence and expose George's deceit. It was not just about setting things right; it was about justice and protecting future generations from George Wickham's treachery.

As we neared Pemberley, my resolve hardened. The familiar landscape began to come into view, the rolling hills and lush forests that surrounded the grand estate. We would return, not just to aid Mrs. Darcy, but to uncover the truth and restore honor to Fitzwilliam's name. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Edward by my side and the support of my family, I felt ready to face the challenges that awaited us.

I am so happy you guys liked the last chapter, thank you soo much for all the reviews. I loved them all. I promised Anna Darcy will be ok, but I am still writing the end of chapter 21 and I am starting to not feel well so I am not sure if I will be able to post tomorrow but I will post chapter 21 soon, and chapter 21 will be the end of section 2. Section 3 will start with Elizabeth and Darcy grown but we will have flash backs of Rachel's influence on all of France and Thomas children, as well as others, but I feel its time to start into P&P Section.