PP AU NON-CANON GENERAL REGENCY

Ashes to Honor

Previously:

"Mr. Collins's marriage certificate was misfiled. I would suggest I make you a couple of copies. It is always a good idea to have backup."

"I agree." Steffan grinned wide and looked at his wife. "Looks like Fredrick is getting that wedding present after all."

A few hours later, the McBrides left with two copies of the marriage certificate of Mr. William Collins Senior and Sophia Bennet.

Reconciliation and Wedding

Ch. 22

Clouds floated lazily over Meadow Lane estate, flowers in full bloom lining the fences which bordered the road leading up to the Montgomery's dark, red-bricked home. Fredrick's house was shielded by well-trimmed bushes and stately oak trees, their branches offering a canopy of shade. The house, standing three stories tall with a sturdy basement, filling the air with an understated beauty.

The front of the house featured large, mullioned windows that allowed ample light to stream into the rooms. The driveway, guarded by neat flower beds, curved gently towards the grand entrance, where a heavy wooden door with intricate ironwork beckoned visitors inside. Around the back, a well-maintained garden covered much space, complete with a variety of colorful flowers and a vegetable patch that more than hinted at the household's self-sufficiency; it shouted it loud and clear. Maple and chestnut trees added to the quiet, and peaceful, atmosphere. Their leaves rustling softly in the breeze added to the tone of the whole scene. A stone pathway wound its way through the garden, leading to a comfortable gazebo that provided a perfect spot for reflection.

However, peaceful or not, there was plenty of activity on the third floor as Larissa had slid into a long, flowing, pale-blue dress. Looking in the mirror, the lady could not believe what she saw. Yes, her hair was finally beginning to lose a little of its color, but only a little. There were age lines beginning to show, but still they were not much. And if they had been...well...that would have been life. That was not what had her staring. It was the dress and her hair.

"Yes, Mother. That is really you." Kitty smiled as she came into the room.

"I never thought to wear a dress like this again." Kitty's mother looked at herself again. "I honestly thought those days were over."

"Apparently not." Jane walked in and smiled. "I really am happy for you, Mother. And..." She paused and then bit her lip. "I really am sorry about everything."

"Let us put that all in the past, shall we? It is my wedding day. Speaking of which..." She turned to face Kitty. "Are you sure you do not wish to take our offer up?"

"Yes, I am most certain. Jeffrey's grandmother would be beside herself. Her heart is set on us marrying in Cambridge. With all the banns read, and notices given. If we married with a special license, that lady would never forgive us."

"Talking about needing forgiveness, may I speak, Mother?" Elizabeth entered the room, looked at her sisters, and finished with one word spoken politely. "Alone."

Jane and Kitty left without saying a single word. Elizabeth walked slowly up to her mother and sat down in a nearby chair. Choosing her words carefully, she began to speak.

"In my heart of hearts, I have always known you were not responsible in any way for starting the fire, nor would you have demanded Father go back for Mr. Collins; he would have done that very much of his own accord. And, by the same token, I knew it was just as much Father's choice to allow Lydia to go off to Brighton as it was yours."

"Why blame me for so long then? Why stop writing and why vocalize support for the idea that I was to bear sole blame?"

"Mother, I mean no insult, but I have always been closer to Father than to you. When he died, I was angry, hurting, and feeling lost. Yes, you were there, but Mr. Bennet had always been my wall, my anchor. Suddenly, I had no grounding."

Elizabeth paused, tears welling in her eyes. "I was lashing out, needing someone to blame, and you were there. It was unfair, and it was wrong. I withdrew, stopped talking to you, because every time I saw you, I was reminded of how much I missed him, and how much everything had changed. I should not have taken so long to come around."

Larissa's daughter took a deep breath. "But with time, I have come to realize that my anger was misdirected. You were suffering too, and I failed to see that. I let my grief cloud my judgment and distance us when we both needed support. I am truly sorry, Mother. I understand now that I was hurting you, and I regret that deeply." Standing up, she walked up and laid a hand on Mrs. Bennet. "Fredrick Montgomery is a good man, shocked he is possibly related to William Collins, but he is still a great gentleman. So, what do you think about letting Fitzwilliam lead you down to your future husband?"

Soon, Larissa was being led by Fitzwilliam down a flight of stairs into the main parlor of Fredrick's home where four out of five of her girls were gathered, and Patience had joined them so there were still five girls to see her exchange wedding vows.

Fredrick, dressed in a dark suit and a crisp white shirt, complemented by a pale blue cravat, stood tall. His ensemble was completed with a waistcoat in a subtle pattern, polished black shoes, and an elegant pocket watch. Taking Larissa by the hand, the two then said their vows and invited their family and friends to go to the formal dining room for a light luncheon when a knock came at the door.

"You go entertain our guests." Fredrick kissed Larissa on the top of her head when he himself was being asked for. "I will be right there."

Walking into the foyer, Mr. Montgomery was pleasantly surprised to see the McBrides step into his home. "I did not expect to see you so soon." He waved towards the dining room. "How about joining us for a small wedding dinner?"

"That sounds fine only..." Steffan grinned wide. "You might want to look at your unusual present first."

Mr. McBride pulled out the marriage certificate. He then explained about the search and only finding hints. The gentleman explained about the priest and the man's actions.

"So, Mr. Collins Senior and Miss Sophia Bennet were married." Fredrick spoke as he looked at the certificate. "Surprised William Collins does not know about this."

"Father Malloy was not. Says it would have fit William's mother's personality to get her husband to leave their son in the son in the dark. Though he confesses he has no proof William Senior and Sophia are your parents. So, truth is, I am not sure how much of a wedding present that is."

"It is one step I did not have before." Fredrick smiled. "Now, how about that celebration dinner?"