Saving Elizabeth Bennet Read online

  Saving Elizabeth Bennet

  MELANIE SCHERTZ

  Copyright © 2014 Melanie Schertz All rights reserved. ISBN: ISBN-13:

  DEDICATION I have the most amazing family, who make my life complete and wonderful. My daughter by birth, Caitlin, is the greatest gift I could have ever imagined and she continues to make me proud. My daughter by heart, Heather, captured my heart

  several years ago, and I have never regretted it. With Heather, her family is forever a part of mine. Stan, her soul mate, and their children, Purgi, Penne, and Myles,

  keep me young. And rounding out our family is our other family members who are

  not human, but are love just as much as if they were. My Darcy, who protects me and helps me as my service dog, his feline sisters (Smoo, Salem, Autumn, and Lizzy), my grandkitty Callie, grandsnake Nyoka, and grandpuppies (Sadie, Nyx, Honey and Zero) all bring love to my life.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I am grateful for everyone at DarcyAndLizzy.com for their support of my writing. They have been encouraging and caring throughout the process.

  My thanks to Jane Austen for her wonderful story and characters who are so delightful that, even after 200 years, they continue to bring us pleasure. This is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, and incidents are either created by the author’s imagination or are used with no intention of resembling actual persons, living or dead, events, or places. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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  Chapter 1 The master’s study of Darcy House was in a continuous state of business. Fitzwilliam Darcy was in the midst of several business ventures, throwing himself into work to sooth his aching heart and restless mind.

  The New Year had come, and still, he could not escape the fine eyes which had bewitched him in the country neighborhood of Meryton. Darcy had joined his closest friend, Charles Bingley, at the estate Bingley had leased. The estate, Netherfield Park, was located a mere three miles from Meryton. The nearest neighbor was the estate of Longbourn, home of the Bennet family.

  Darcy had no intention to find love in the small community, as there were no members of the neighborhood of high society, therefore none worthy of Darcy’s notice. This knowledge did nothing to quell his desire for a country squire’s daughter, by the name of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. So unlike other ladies he had known, Elizabeth Bennet was impertinent, intelligent, well read, and quite unlike any other woman he had ever met. She did not fawn over him, in fact, she made her feelings for him quite clear. In a conversation he overheard, when she was speaking with her close friend, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth stated clearly that she would only marry for the deepest sort of love. And she was obviously not in love with Darcy.

  No matter how much he worked, he could not erase her beautiful, sparkling eyes from his mind. He caught himself woolgathering often during the daytime, and at night, his dreams were filled with Elizabeth.

  Some would claim Elizabeth was not attractive, and in comparison to her elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet, she was not a classical beauty. But, in his opinion, Elizabeth was the most handsome woman of Darcy’s acquaintance. Her dark chocolate curls framed her face perfectly, and Darcy dreamed many a night of holding her in his arms and twirling her curls around his fingers.

  Elizabeth was petite, nearly as tall as most ten year old boys, though she had the most luscious curves in all the right places, which made Darcy wild with desire. There were times, when in her presence, Darcy would require the careful placement of a book or pillow to conceal the effect she had on his anatomy.

  But it was Elizabeth Bennet’s eyes which struck deep into Darcy’s soul. Penetrating brown eyes with flecks of gold, sparkling while she laughed or teased.

  And tease, she did. Darcy loved the debates he had shared with Elizabeth, as she gave as good as she took. Most woman would not voice their opinions so openly.

  Darcy attempted to change the course of his thoughts. His friend, Charles Bingley, would be arriving soon. Bingley had fallen in love with Jane Bennet, and since they had parted, he had been miserable. The reason for his removal from Netherfield was due to his sisters and Darcy. Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs Louisa Hurst did not wish to see their brother married to the likes of Jane Bennet. They aspired to have him married to a lady of the upper circle of society, which would benefit them all. The Bingley wealth was derived from trade, which was looked down on by many of the ton. If Bingley were to marry someone from society, it would improve the standing of the entire family, making people see beyond the taint of trade attached to them.

  Assisting Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst in persuading Bingley from remaining at Netherfield, Darcy insisted that Jane Bennet showed no

  attachment to his friend. He admitted that she smiled and was kind, but Darcy was of the opinion that she felt nothing more for Bingley. Jane’s mother was the sort of matchmaking mamma who pushed her daughters towards eligible young men, and Mrs Bennet had set her cap on Jane marrying Mr Bingley. Darcy was able to convince his friend, though, deep in his heart, Darcy knew his own reason for escaping Netherfield was his growing attraction to Elizabeth. If truth be told, the main reason he wished to remove his friend was for one simple fact. If Charles Bingley was to marry Jane Bennet, Darcy would often be in the presence of Elizabeth. He could not have that.

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth Bennet sat on the sofa in the parlor of the home of her Aunt Helen and Uncle Edward Gardiner. The past month had been the most difficult in her life. Her mind flowed back to the end of November, a little over a month prior, when her entire family had been at the Netherfield ball. Watching her sister dancing with Mr Bingley had been joyful, knowing Jane was quite smitten with her admirer. Elizabeth was certain that he would ask for Jane’s hand, as it was clear he held affection for the eldest Bennet daughter. But Mr Bingley left the following day for Town and never returned to Netherfield. Bingley had told Jane he would return by the end of the week, as he had business in London, but it would not take him more than three days to accomplish. Unfortunately, it was improper for an unmarried man and unmarried lady to correspond, so there was no possibility of his writing to Jane to inform her of a change in his plans.

  But now it did not matter. Now, the lives of the Bennet family had been changed forever. The week after the Netherfield Ball, Mr and Mrs Bennet, as well as their daughters Lydia and Jane, were coming home from a neighbor’s. The Gouldings lived two estates away from Longbourn. Mary and Kitty Bennet, third and fourth born daughters of Thomas and Fanny Bennet, had been ill, and Elizabeth stayed home to tend to her sisters. The carriage never arrived home. The following morning, the overturned carriage was found, with only one survivor inside. Jane Bennet was alive, though she was badly injured.

  It was learned that the Bennets had not died as a result of the carriage accident. They each had been shot. A band of highwaymen had attacked the carriage, and were highly disappointed in the lack of loot to be pilfered from them. One of the men suggested taking Jane and her youngest sister, Lydia, with them, only to be met with refusal for them to lay a finger on the girls. Mr Bennet and his carriage driver protested, attempting to protect the young ladies. Even Mrs Bennet placed herself between the highwaymen and her daughters, in an attempt to save them. Angry with the situation, the leader of the band of men shot Mr Bennet in the chest. Mrs Bennet screamed, drawing attention to her and making her the next victim. The driver had pulled the weapon he kept hidden, and prepared to take aim, when he was struck by a bullet. Realizing they would never be able to profit from this ordeal, and that Jane and Lydia would possibly be able to identify the men, both of the sisters were shot. The horses were then spooked, dragging the carriage in a dangerous manner, until it overturned.

  Jane Bennet had received a bu
llet which ended up next to her spine. The apothecary in Meryton had suggested Jane be seen by a physician. The only problem was the new heir of Longbourn. The Bennets had been unfortunate enough to have no son, and, as there was an entail on the estate which forbid the inheritance being given to a female, the estate would pass to Mr William Collins, distant cousin to Mr Bennet.

  Mr Collins had recently been to Longbourn, in pursuit of finding a wife from amongst the Bennet sisters. The morning after the Netherfield Ball, Mr Collins had proposed to Elizabeth, a proposal which was quickly denied. The greasy haired clergyman was a foolish man, filled with pomp and circumstances, but no intelligence. He also groveled at the feet of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Elizabeth could not see herself married to such a man, and her father had agreed with her. So, against her mother’s wishes, Elizabeth turned down the marriage proposal. After being turned down by Elizabeth, Mr Collins refused to remain at Longbourn. Fortunately, Charlotte Lucas had come visiting from her home of Lucas Lodge. She offered for Mr Collins to join her family for dinner, and the clergyman quickly accepted the invitation. Two days later, Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas were engaged to be married.

  With the death of Mr Bennet, Mr Collins became the heir. After being turned down by Elizabeth, Mr Collins was vindictive. He demanded the Bennet daughters be removed from their family home before their loved ones were even laid to rest. Mr Collins had even been so cruel as to insist they leave with only the personal items they could carry in their arms. Fortunately, Charlotte was able to intervene and convince him to allow the sisters to pack their personal belongings and Sir William Lucas, Charlotte’s father, used his wagon and carriage to convey them to Town, delivering the sisters and their belongings to the home of the Gardiners, their aunt and uncle.

  The journey had been difficult on Jane, jarring her about constantly. Elizabeth swore under her breath that she would make certain Mr Collins was repaid for his “generosity”. Arriving at Gracechurch Street, in Cheapside, the Bennet sisters were gathered into the small parlor of the Gardiner residence.

  Mrs Gardiner was beside herself. How would they be able to take care of so many people in their small home? The Gardiners had four small children of their own, and now, they would have four nieces, one of whom would require expensive medical treatments. But what choice did the Gardiners have. They loved the Bennets, especially Jane and Lizzy. And there was nowhere else for the young ladies to go, as their only other relations were Mrs Bennet’s sister, Mrs Phillips, and her home was even smaller.

  Elizabeth insisted on staying in Jane’s room, allowing Kitty and Mary to share the room in the attic. She knew her aunt and uncle would be stretched thin tending to Jane, not to mention the younger sisters. Within days of arriving at the Gardiner home, orphaned and devastated, Elizabeth decided she would find employment, and would give the funds to her aunt and uncle, to pay for the care of her sisters.

  “Lizzy, it is not necessary for you to work.” Mr Gardiner said. “My business will pick up, and we can economize to make do until then.”

  “The bill for the physician tending Jane will be extensive, Uncle. It is within my power to aid in paying for Jane’s care, as I am able to work.” Elizabeth replied. “It will also make it easier on you and Aunt Helen to have one less mouth to feed. I appreciate all you have done for us, but I must do what is best for my sisters.”

  “Where will you look for employment? What sort of position will you search for?” “I was thinking governess or companion, perhaps even a shopkeeper’s assistant. There should be some sort of work for someone such as me.” Elizabeth was hopeful.

  “Very well.” Mr Gardiner said reluctantly. “I pray there is a situation which is proper and safe for you. There are far too many unsavory types in Town.”

  “After what we have seen in Hertfordshire, there are far too many unsavory types everywhere.” ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth was able to locate a position as a companion to a young lady named Miss Lucy Armstrong, the daughter of an extremely wealthy tradesman. Lucy’s mother had died when she was twelve, and now that she was preparing to come out in society, Mr Armstrong was wishing for a

  companion to assist his daughter. Being the daughter of a gentleman, Elizabeth was exactly what he had wanted.

  The only problem was, he wanted more than just a companion for his daughter. He wanted a companion for his bed as well. The weeks which followed found Elizabeth using every polite manner in refusing her employer’s advances. Then, one day, Mr Armstrong called Elizabeth into his study.

  “Miss Bennet, I am disappointed in your behavior.” “How so, Mr Armstrong? Have I not been diligent in keeping Miss Armstrong’s studies current?” Elizabeth asked, frowning slightly.

  “Miss Bennet, you have failed to understand all your duties. I have come to a decision that you must be informed in a more direct manner.” Mr Armstrong declared, moving closer to Elizabeth’s chair. “So, every day, at four in the afternoon, you will come here, to my study, for your instructions. Do you understand me?” He leered at her, his eyes focused upon her décolletage.

  “Mr Armstrong, I am a proper gentlewoman. I am not a courtesan. If you wish for someone to warm your bed, I am afraid I am not such a lady.”

  “Then you will be dismissed without reference. And I will spread the word throughout Town that it was you who attempted to compromise me into marrying you.” Mr Armstrong reached out his hand and delicately traced his fingers along her jawline. “Come, Miss Bennet, would you not wish to be taken care of by someone who is able to pay you for your services, or would you prefer to be unable to find work? You would be begging in the street in no time at all, and then you would beg for me to take you back.”

  His hand slipped down to her shoulder, sliding downward, towards her décolletage. Seeing the intent in his eyes, Elizabeth attempted to stand from her chair, but was held down by the pressure of his other hand wrapped around her throat. She could barely breathe, and was desperately attempting to break his hold on her. Her fingers dug into his arm as she prayed her would not kill her. “You will not disobey me. I am the Master of this house, and will not tolerate any of my servants to disobey me.”

  As she continued to claw at his arms, pushing with all her might to release the pressure from her throat, Mr Armstrong reached up with one hand, bringing it down hard to backhand Elizabeth’s face. His ring cut a deep gouge on Elizabeth’s right cheek.

  There was a knock on the door of his study, and Mr Armstrong called out to be left alone. The footman on the other side stated that Mr Armstrong’s business partner had arrived and wished to speak with him on a matter of utmost importance. “Take him to the blue drawing room.” Mr Armstrong growled.

  Just then, Elizabeth became daring enough to bring her knee upwards, making contact with Mr Armstrong’s private and most sensitive area. Howling from pain, Mr Armstrong continued to choke Elizabeth, smacking her face over and over again.

  Suddenly, someone was pulling Mr Armstrong away from Elizabeth, shouting at him to refrain, and then scooped Elizabeth into his arms, carrying her from the room. Elizabeth could keep her eyes open no longer, succumbing to blackness as she lost consciousness.

  ~~ ** ~~ Knocking on the door of the elegant townhouse, Bingley begged to know if Darcy or his sister, Miss Georgiana, were at home.

  The butler, Mr Jarvis, replied that Miss Darcy was in residence, though Mr Darcy had left that very morning for Pemberley and would not be returning for several weeks. “Would you ask Miss Darcy if she would see me? It is a matter of utmost urgency.” Bingley declared.

  Moments later, Georgiana Darcy entered the foyer. “Mr Bingley, it is a pleasure to see you. I am afraid my brother has left for Pemberley.”

  “Mr Jarvis already informed me of such. I have a delicate matter to discuss with you and it must be done quickly. I have just come from the home of one of my business partners. He will soon be my former business partner, for his behavior today. I was forced to intervene on the behalf of a young lady who was emplo
yed by him as a companion for his daughter. It seems the man felt the young lady was to be his companion as well. Forgive me, I know it is an impolite subject to discuss with a young lady, such as yourself. But the young lady is in terrible shape. She could not even tell me her name, and is in need of medical attention. I cannot take her to my home, as Caroline and Louisa are in Scarborough. Would you allow me to bring her inside, and send for a physician to tend her? I will pay for all her care, it is only a place for her to stay that is needed.”

  “Of course, Mr Bingley, bring her in at once. Brother might not approve, but I am acting as the Mistress of Darcy House, therefore I will make the decision.” Georgiana had recently taken on some of the duties of Mistress, to prepare for her future and to be of assistance to her brother.

  Bingley hurried out to his carriage, taking his great coat and wrapping it around the young lady, before lifting her into his arms and carrying her inside the townhouse. Georgiana called out to the

  housekeeper, Mrs Jarvis, to bring water, cloths and her bag of medicines, and to send for the physician. She then led Bingley up the stairs and into one of the guest rooms.

  Carefully, Bingley placed the injured young lady on the bed, pulling back the coat to allow her face to be seen. Georgiana gasped at the sight. Both of the young lady’s eyes were swollen shut, and there was bruising covering nearly her entire face. A cut below her right eye was still bleeding. As Georgiana reached to pull the coat back from the rest of the young lady, Bingley’s hand took hold of hers and staid it.

  “Miss Darcy, perhaps it would be best if you were to step from the room. Some of her injuries are not proper for a gentle born lady to witness.”

  Frightened, Georgiana could not imagine why someone could be so cruel to another human, especially a young lady. Nodding her head in agreement, she stepped back from the bed. Mrs Jarvis entered the room with two maids, and shooed Bingley and Georgiana from the room.