On the Road to Ramsgate Read online

  On the Road to Ramsgate

  Melanie Schertz

  Copyright © 2015 Melanie Schertz

  All rights reserved.

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  DEDICATION

  Through my writing, I have met a lot of amazing people who have touched my life in many ways. I am grateful to all of you for your words of support, encouragement, and especially, the humor you have shared with me. My friends who are also authors, my friends who have been dedicated followers of my work, thank you. You all mean so much to me. And Lorrian, tell Mom I appreciate her.

  Thank you to Jane Austen. Without her amazing work, over 200 years ago, we would be lost. Her characters have a depth and passion to them that fills us.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  To everyone from DarcyandLizzy.com, Austen Authors, my Facebook pages, and my blog, thank you for your words of encouragement and suggestions to improve my stories. I cannot thank all of you enough for your willingness to answer questions, give advice, and just be a friend.

  This is a work of fiction, and any similarities to real people, places and events are accidental. No part of this book can be reproduced without authority of the author.

  A big thanks goes out to Pat Weston for all that she does to help me correct the mistakes I make in my writing.

  Chapter 1

  “We should arrive in Ramsgate in a few more hours.” Mr Thomas Bennet stated to his daughter, Elizabeth. They were on their way to meet his wife’s brother and his family, who were visiting the seaside town. The past hour had seen a light rain begin, and it was now raining harder. “As soon as we arrive, I am going to order a bath drawn and something warm to drink. This weather has me chilled to the bones.”

  “You must be miserable, being so far from your book room.” Elizabeth teased. Her father was well known for his hunger for a good book and remaining home, in his study, to enjoy his books. Elizabeth, his second eldest of five daughters, was very much like her father in her thirst for knowledge, and they had spent many hours debating the many books they had read. At the age of nineteen, she was extremely well read on many topics that were not considered appropriate for young ladies, but her father rarely curtailed her choices in reading material. To Thomas Bennet, Elizabeth was the son he never had, so she was taught the same as a son would have been.

  “My poor bones were not made for long journeys. Especially in such poor weather. If only the rain could have waited to fall until we were safe and secure inside the house your uncle has leased.”

  “Yes, Mother Nature has been extremely cruel to you, Papa. I am certain that the rain came on just to delay our journey and make you miserable.”

  Mr Bennet smiled. “Well, she is a lady, after all. Is that not the job of every woman, to make the lives of men miserable?”

  “So you say, Papa. But Mamma is well versed in making miserable the lives of all with whom she comes in contact, no matter what gender they might be.”

  “This holiday will be well enjoyed, even after the days of torture to which we were subjected while your mother attempted to persuade me into bringing her and your sisters with us. I would have brought Jane with us, but then there would be no sense left at Longbourn to see to its daily running.”

  “Jane was happy to remain home with Mamma and our younger sisters. She did not enjoy visiting the sea when she went with Uncle Edward and Aunt Helen two years ago. She told me that even watching the waves coming in made her queasy.” Elizabeth related her elder sister’s words.

  “It would not be very enjoyable, if she were constantly looking for somewhere to vacate her stomach contents. Perhaps she will enjoy accompanying the Gardiners when they make the journey next year, as they are planning to visit the Peaks.”

  “You know Jane, Papa. She prefers to enjoy the great outdoors in a nice garden. Anything more, she is uncomfortable.” Elizabeth chuckled.

  Mr Bennet smiled. The difference in his two eldest daughters was extreme. Jane was fair haired, blue eyes, sweet disposition which did not allow her to think ill of anyone, where Elizabeth had dark chocolate curls, brown eyes with golden flecks, and a very outgoing personality. Elizabeth was also an avid admirer of nature, spending as much time outside as possible.

  The other three Bennet daughters were considered, by Mr Bennet, to be the silliest in all of Hertfordshire, where his estate, Longbourn, was located near the village of Meryton, and was the second largest estate in the area. The middle daughter, Mary, was extremely pious. If she had taken the time, she could look just as pretty as her other sisters, but Mary felt that vanity was a sin and therefore did nothing to make her appearance better.

  Next came Katherine, or Kitty, as her family referred to her. Kitty was a sweet natured girl, not as extreme as Jane, but still kind hearted. But she was often forgotten, so she soon learned to follow her youngest sister about, her way of garnering attention from others.

  The youngest of the Bennet daughters was Lydia. Lydia was much like her mother, high spirited, crass, and an extreme flirt. She was not reprimanded for her inappropriate behavior, allowed to run free at the age of fifteen. Mr Bennet had long ago given up any hope of his wife ever curtailing her favorite daughter’s antics.

  “Did I tell you about the letter I received on Tuesday of last week?” Mr Bennet asked.

  “You said that you had received a letter, though not what it contained.” Elizabeth replied.

  “It was from my cousin, William Collins. He is the young man who will inherit Longbourn when I am gone.”

  “Ah, Mamma’s least favorite person. And what did Mr Collins have to say?”

  Mr Bennet chuckled. It was known throughout the neighborhood that Fanny Bennet deplored the fact that Longbourn was entailed away from the female line, and, having never produced a son, would be forced from her home upon her husband’s demise. “Well, I can understand her frustration, but there is nothing to be done about it. Mr Collins was wishing to repair the rift in our family which was caused by his late father. A more despicable man you should never meet. Mr Collins wishes to pay a visit to Longbourn next month.”

  “May I stay in Ramsgate until after his visit? I do not know if I could tolerate Mamma’s behavior towards Mr Collins.”

  “Especially when your mother learns that the young man is betrothed to a young lady from his current parish. Your mother would dearly love to have one of you girls married to the heir, so she would not have to give up her home when I am gone.” Mr Bennet smiled at his daughter.

  “That will only mean Mamma will double her methods of trying to marry all of us off quickly.” Elizabeth shook her head. Mrs Bennet had taken matchmaking to the extreme when it came to her daughters, causing her eldest daughters many instances of embarrassment.

  A strong wind caused the carriage to rock back and forth. A chill ran through Elizabeth’s body. “It is difficult to believe that it is summer. The wind feels like it is the middle of winter.”

  “Indeed. I am missing my warm study more and more. If it were not for your uncle’s promise of a pleasant visit to a book shop which just received a shipment of rare books, I would be snug in my chair, a book in hand, and a fire keeping me warm.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, Papa.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Fitzwilliam Darcy had returned to his carriage immediately after learning of his sister’s disappearance from the house he had leased for her in Ramsgate. As his carriage quickly made its way through the streets of the seaside town, Darcy returned to the conversation he had just had with the housekeeper, Mrs Lowe.

  “Mr Darcy, we did not expect you to be here.” Mrs Lowe announced as she stepped closer to the gentleman. “Your sister did not say you would be coming, especially as she depar
ted just this morning.”

  “Departed? To where was she heading?” Darcy was shocked, as his sister, Georgiana, was to remain at Ramsgate for another fortnight, when he was to come to collect her.

  “She and Mrs Younge left with a gentleman. They stated they were to journey north, so I assumed they were going to Pemberley. Is your estate not in the north, in Derbyshire?”

  “Yes, it is. Who was the gentleman with whom they were traveling?” Darcy asked, confused with what was being said.

  “Mr Walker…no, that is not correct. Wilson? No, Wilkens, I think.” The housekeeper had not been introduced to the man, only heard Miss Darcy and her companion, Mrs Younge, speak of the young man.

  “Could it be Wickham?” Darcy felt an icy chill take hold of his heart.

  “Yes, that is the name. George Wickham. He came in a carriage to collect the ladies. I believe your sister declared him to be a long time family friend.”

  “Good God, this is beyond belief. How long ago did they leave?”

  Mrs Lowe was surprised at the gentleman’s behavior. “They left near nine this morning.”

  Darcy looked at the pocket watch he had pulled from his vest pocket. It was now almost four in the afternoon. “Have my carriage ready to leave as soon as possible. I need to check my sister’s rooms and then I will be leaving.” He shouted his orders as he headed up the stairs to the rooms Georgiana had used while she stayed in Ramsgate.

  Darcy was well acquainted with George Wickham. And he knew of what his former friend was capable.

  George Wickham was the son of Darcy’s father’s steward. Mr Gerald Darcy had been pleased with his steward’s years of dedicated service to Pemberley, and had been named the god father for George when he was born. Mr Darcy was saddened when the steward had died suddenly from what was later learned to be a heart condition for which he had refused to be treated. The physician had insisted that Mr Wickham take medication to treat the condition, but the steward stated that he did not wish to appear weak. He died when George was only ten years old.

  Mr Darcy had been fond of George, and paid for the boy to be educated alongside his son. By the time George was in school, his true nature was clear to young Darcy.

  George had a passion for gambling, and it did not matter to him that he did not have the finances to live the lifestyle he desired. George was also fond of the ladies. He had ruined many a lady, no matter if she were young or old, servant or wealthy, rich or poor. The man had an insatiable hunger for bedding the ladies. Mr Darcy was kept in the dark of his godson’s behavior, as his son wished to protect the Master of Pemberley from the pain which would be inflicted.

  When Mr Darcy died, only five years previously, he had left an inheritance of one thousand pounds and the living at Kympton parish, should George take orders to become a parson. Fortunately, George declined to take orders, stating a preference for the law. Darcy was pleased to see George’s decision, as he did not believe the reprobate to be a proper candidate to lead a parish. Darcy agreed to pay George three thousand pounds in addition to the one thousand bequeathed him, after George signed papers releasing Darcy from any further claims.

  With the papers signed and the funds given to Wickham, Darcy prayed that there would never be a reason to cross paths with the man again. Unfortunately, only a year previous, Wickham darkened Darcy’s doorstep again. He declared himself a changed man and was ready to take orders, wishing the living to which he had signed away claim. At first, Wickham put on a mask of sincerity, though it quickly dissolved. When Darcy stated he would not give the living to Wickham, the scoundrel began making all sorts of threats against him. After Wickham was dragged from Darcy House by servants, Darcy hired a man from Bow Street Runners to investigate Wickham. It was learned that Wickham had accumulated extensive debts, totaling over five thousand pounds. He was on the run from some of the men to which he owed money, as they had placed a price on his head. It appeared that Wickham wished to have the living so he would have somewhere to lay low from his creditors.

  Again, Darcy prayed it would be the last time their paths would cross. But it was not to be. Now, Wickham had abducted Georgiana. Darcy cursed to himself for leaving Georgiana with only her companion, and for not telling Georgiana the truth of George Wickham’s nature.

  Darcy knew his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, was currently staying in London, so he would go there first. Richard shared guardianship over Georgiana with Darcy, and the military man despised Wickham. With Richard’s skills, they should be able to locate Georgiana quickly. At least, that was what Darcy hoped.

  The weather was matching Darcy’s mood, as the rainstorm grew in intensity. The wind began to blow, rocking the carriage, and the rain was making the road difficult for the wheels, sliding in the mud.

  There was a loud shout from the top of the carriage, just before the carriage turned sharply. Then there was a crash, as if something had struck the carriage. Darcy was thrown across the carriage, before it began to tip over. Over and over it went, flipping more times than Darcy could count. Then the carriage came to an abrupt stop, flinging Darcy head first into one of its corners. The world turned black and cold as Darcy slipped into a world of unconsciousness.

  ~~ ** ~~

  “Papa.” Elizabeth screamed as their carriage lost control, sliding until it struck something hard. It continued to slide, as Elizabeth attempted to hold on to her father.

  “Hold tight my dear girl.” Mr Bennet said, attempting, but failing, to keep his voice calm.

  It seemed like the carriage slide forever, before it slid into another hard object, bringing the carriage to a complete halt as it broke into pieces. All Elizabeth could remember was her hand being pulled from her father’s, as she was thrown from the splintered side of what had been their carriage. She was lying on her back in mud, as the rain pummeled her.

  She attempted to stand, crying out as she fell back to the ground. Stabbing pain shot through her from her left leg. “Papa, where are you?” Elizabeth called out. “Please, Papa, where are you?”

  There was no answer. “Papa, I cannot stand. My leg is injured. Please, I need you Papa.”

  “Miss Elizabeth.” The voice came from several feet to her right. She was dazed at first, but realized it was the voice of their driver.

  “Matthew, are you injured?”

  “My arm, I believe I broke it when I fell off the carriage.”

  “Where is my father?” Elizabeth asked frantically.

  “I have not seen him. He might still be inside the carriage.”

  Elizabeth made another attempt to stand, only to cry out and fall down again. “Please, Matthew, look for him.”

  The driver went to the carriage’s remains and looked inside. He could see Mr Bennet, and it was obvious that his employer was no longer living.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 2

  “Miss Elizabeth, I found your father.” Matthew stated as he returned to her.

  “Is he injured? Is he in the carriage?”

  The look on the driver’s face spoke volumes. Elizabeth knew what he was telling her, but she refused to accept it. “Help me go to him, please.” She begged.

  “Miss Elizabeth, it would be best if you did not see him. You should remember him before, not like he is now.”

  Tears mixed with the rain streaming down her face. “What happened?”

  “We slid into another carriage, and then into a tree.”

  “Where is the other carriage? Was anyone injured in it?”

  “I have not gone that far to see. With your permission, I will aid you to the other side of the carriage, and then I will go to the other carriage.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head. Matthew assisted her to the other side of the carriage, lowering her to the ground, so that he could check the other carriage. She dearly wished to see her father, see for herself that the driver was correct, but she determined it was not wise for her to do so. Matthew was the son of Longbourn’s housekeeper and butler, and had
lived all his life at the estate. He knew how dear Elizabeth was to her father, and how Elizabeth loved her father in return. If Matthew stated it was not a sight for her, it was obvious to Elizabeth that her father’s body was horrible.

  Time seemed to stand still, taking an eternity before Matthew returned. The rain continued to pour down from the sky, making it difficult for her to see far ahead. When Matthew returned, he startled Elizabeth.

  “Sorry, Miss. I did not mean to frighten you.”

  “No, I should not be so jumpy. Did you find anyone in the other carriage?”

  “It overturned. I found the driver and two postilions dead. There is a gentleman inside the carriage. He is alive, though unconscious. There is blood on his face.”

  “Are we near anywhere that could give us shelter?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I saw some light coming from down the road. With the rain, I cannot see far, so the light must be close.” Matthew stated. “I will take you there. Hopefully there is someone who can tend our needs. Once you are there, I will come back for the gentleman in the carriage.”

  “We should take him with us.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, you cannot walk, and my arm will not allow me to assist you and the gentleman at the same time. Let us get you to shelter.”

  She realized the truth in Matthew’s words. Reluctant as she was to leave her father’s body, and leave the unconscious man in the other carriage, there was nothing she could do for them in her condition. Carefully, Matthew assisted her up from the ground, and they made their way towards the light.

  The mud on the road, the pouring rain and their injuries made the journey seem to take forever. Finally, they arrived at what appeared to be an inn. They opened the door and entered, finding a roaring fire burning in the fireplace.

  “Goodness, what a fright you have given me.” Came the voice of an elderly lady. She hurried forward. “You poor dears, you are drenched. Come, sit here, by the fire. I will bring you some dry blankets in which to wrap you.”