Meet Me at Oakham Mount Read online

  Meet Me at Oakham Mount

  Melanie Schertz

  Copyright © 2013 Melanie A Schertz Edited by Pat Weston All rights reserved.

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  DEDICATION This story is dedicated to my grandmother, Ethel B Whitaker Moreland Young. She taught me how to find something positive in even the worst of times. She also taught me to never allow anyone to take away my dreams, especially when what I wanted was not considered to be “women’s work”.

  CONTENTS

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20 MELANIE SCHERTZ

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I am grateful for the great works of Jane Austen, who gave us characters who continue to touch our hearts after 200 years. Here is to another 200 years of people loving Jane Austen’s stories.

  In the story, there is a fictional surgeon. The school he studied at was real, as was Dr Benjamin Bell. Benjamin Bell was believed to be the first scientific surgeon in Scotland, and was described as the father of the Edinburgh School of Surgery. His son Joseph, grandson Benjamin, and great grandson Joseph were also surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. The great grandson, Joseph Bell, was known to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and it is believed Doyle’s fictional character, Sherlock Holmes, was based on the younger Joseph Bell. Thanks to Wikipedia and other webpages for this information.

  CHAPTER 1 Fitzwilliam Darcy was near ten when his father, Gerard Darcy, died in a carriage accident. His mother, Lady Anne Darcy, was deeply distraught for two years, and then she decided that she needed a husband to help her. As a young girl, Lady Anne had grown up at her father’s estate of Matlock. Nearby was the estate of Carrington Manor, home of the Earl of Covington. The Earl’s third son was Albert Carrington, a kind and caring young boy, who fell instantly in love with Lady Anne, the daughter of the Earl of Matlock. Young Master Albert always wished to marry Lady Anne, and he was determined to do well in his studies, so he could find a proper vocation to be able to support a wife and family.

  Unfortunately, Lady Anne’s father had other plans for his daughter. Lord Matlock was suffering from financial setbacks due to failed crops. So, when he was approached by the extremely wealthy Gerard Darcy seeking Lady Anne’s hand, Lord Matlock quickly accepted the suitor.

  Albert Carrington went on to become a solicitor, and then a barrister. He was well respected and liked, and rose quickly in his field. About the time Lady Anne gave birth to her son, Carrington married the daughter of his mentor and partner. Two years after they married, his wife, Julia, died in childbirth. Carrington was deeply despaired of ever having happiness in his life.

  When he learned of Lady Anne becoming a widow, Carrington’s heart was torn with emotions. He still loved Lady Anne dearly, and knew that one day, he would ask her for her hand. He also knew that Lady Anne cared for her late husband, and they had adored their son. Young Fitzwilliam was the spitting image of his father, and he had the same love for their family’s estate of Pemberley, as had his father.

  The year after Gerard’s death, Carrington’s family suffered a tragic loss. A fire had broken out in the barns at Carrington Manor, bringing all of the men to fight the blaze. Unknown to them, there had been several barrels of wine stored in one of the barns. When the heat of the flames struck the flammable liquid, it caused a fireball to soar through the area, killing a dozen of the men who were battling to save the estate. Amongst those killed were Carrington’s father and brothers. When news arrived in London, announcing the tragedy and the new heir to the title of Lord Covington, Carrington was devastated. He had never thought he would carry the title, nor had he been taught how to care for an estate. Everything he knew had been turned upside down.

  After his year of mourning for his family, Carrington finally approached his beloved Lady Anne, asking for her hand in marriage. She accepted immediately, not only due to her love of Carrington, but as she wished for a father figure for her son. Not long after their marriage, Fitzwilliam was sent off to school. He was not comfortable in groups of people he did not know well, as he was extremely shy. School was difficult for him, as he found it a nearly impossible task to interact with the young lads there. Only due to his cousin’s efforts did Fitzwilliam manage to survive his school years. Richard Fitzwilliam, second son of Lady Anne’s brother, the current Earl of Matlock, was extremely protective of his younger cousin, treating him as a brother more than a cousin.

  When Fitzwilliam turned five and ten, his mother announced he would be a brother soon. Two months later, a daughter was born to Lady Anne and Lord Albert. They named her Georgiana, and she quickly became the center of their lives. This pushed Fitzwilliam further away from the family, as he had already found being the stepson of Lord Covington difficult. He had no desire to forget his own father, and the heritage that he was given as a Darcy. By accepting Lord Covington as a stepfather, Fitzwilliam felt he was dishonoring his father.

  This caused a rift between Lady Anne’s son and her new family. When he was on holiday from school, Fitzwilliam preferred to stay at Pemberley or Matlock rather than Carrington Manor. And Lord Covington knew of his stepson’s dislike of his living at

  Pemberley. Fitzwilliam felt it was a betrayal to allow his mother’s husband to live in the house where his father had devoted his life for his family.

  Though Georgiana was the daughter of Lord Covington, she was also a member of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s family. They shared the blood of their mother, and she also shared her big brother’s shy nature. She adored her brother, wishing to be with him whenever possible.

  After graduating from Cambridge, Darcy decided it was time to take complete control of his inheritance. His uncle, the Earl of Matlock, had been assisting the steward of Pemberley until Darcy was of age.

  Darcy spent three years at the estate, working diligently and making improvements in the crop rotations and repairing the tenant homes. He also invested some of his money in business ventures, with a great deal of assistance from his university friend, Charles Bingley, who had a mind for business. Bingley’s father had been in trade, though he had built an empire for his family. His greatest wish was for Charles to become a member of the landed gentry. This was another area which brought the friends closer, as Bingley was able to lean on his friend for advice in finding an estate to purchase.

  As Darcy worked his estate, he would spend time with his mother and sister when they would come to visit Pemberley. It was difficult for Georgiana to understand why her brother did not live at Carrington Manor, and why he referred to her father as Lord Covington. The young girl wished her brother would live with them and that they were a family, as her cousins were at Matlock. But that was not to be.

  ~~ ** ~~ Sitting at his desk in his study, Darcy was sorting out the daily post. When he came to a letter with familiar splotches and poor penmanship, Darcy smiled. It was easy to find Bingley’s letters, as the man did not take care when he wrote. If he had not known better, Darcy would have sworn that the letter was written by a child.

  He began to read the letter, chuckling at his friend’s description of events tha
t had been happening. Near the end of the letter, Bingley spoke of finding an estate in Hertfordshire, near the village of Meryton. He found it to his liking, and it was close enough to Town for his sisters to enjoy the delights of society.

  Bingley wished to have his friend’s advice on the estate. He had taken a lease of the property and wanted to know whether Darcy could inspect the estate. Bingley was to take possession of the estate near the first of September.

  Picking up his pen, Darcy dipped it into the inkwell and began to write.

  Bingley, It is wonderful that you have found a lease. From what you have said in your letter, it sounds like a decent enough estate.

  September is when we have our harvest, and the annual Harvest festivities. I will not be able to leave Pemberley before the end of September.

  At that time, I would be pleased to join you at this estate, this Netherfield Park. I will have until Christmas to enjoy myself, so I can take some time to go over the estate and the books with you at our leisure.

  I will send word when I can set a date for my arrival. And pray, speak to your sister with regards to leaving me at peace.

  Your friend, Darcy He finished the letter and prepared it to be mailed off with the other posts. Just as he laid his pen down, there was a knock on his study door.

  “Enter” he called out.

  “Good day, Son.” Lady Anne said as she entered the room. “And how are you today?”

  “I am well, Mother. And from your appearance, I would lay odds that you are quite well also.” “I take that as a compliment, William. Yes, I am very well. Albert and Georgiana are also well. Georgiana has missed you, and told me to say that you promised riding lessons on a horse you deemed perfect. It is my understanding that you were being quite picky about which horse would be the best for your sister.”

  “I was thinking that Aphrodite would be perfect for Georgie, as the horse is gentle, with spirit. She has been impressive for a two year old.”

  “And I have noticed a sweet nature about her as well. I believe Aphrodite is one of finest horses you have raised.”

  “Other than discussing horses, what else has brought you here this morning, Mother? You have that determined look in your eyes.”

  “Fitzwilliam Gerard Darcy, you are not supposed to know all my secrets.” Lady Anne smiled. “But you are correct. My brother and I have spoken and it appears that the Viscount has been at it again.”

  “And how much has Anthony lost this time? Why is it Uncle never sets his foot down with his heir?” “After Lady Matlock died, my brother has been more indulgent with his children. Fortunately, Richard is the wiser of the two. Anthony learned how to use his mother’s death to his advantage when it came to his father.”

  “So how much has this latest bit set Matlock back?” Darcy asked.

  “Twenty thousand pounds.” Darcy was furious. “So, my uncle feels that I will just bail them out again, for the fourth time in three years? I have already loaned them eight and twenty thousand.”

  “I understand, William, but your uncle knows nowhere else to turn. If you do not aid him, he will be forced to sell part of Matlock.” Lady Anne said as she walked over to the nearby window, looking over the land of her son’s estate. “He has even approached Albert of an arrangement for Anthony to wed Georgiana.”

  “That is ridiculous. Anthony is nearly twenty years older than Georgiana. And Georgie is but a child, not even two and ten. Please tell me that Albert told them to scamper off.”

  “Of course Albert refused them, for he cares deeply for his daughter and would not wish her tied into such an alliance for the sake of her dowry. We all know Anthony would burn through any dowry he was to claim from a marriage, just as he has every other coin he has ever been able to lay his hands on.”

  “Will Uncle be forced to sell part of Matlock to cover Anthony’s debt? Is this a fact?” Lady Anne nodded her head. “It breaks my heart to see my father’s estate so poorly attended. Papa would be angry with Anthony’s behavior.”

  “As much as I would wish to keep Uncle from having to sell part of the estate, I am afraid I cannot cover such a large debt. And, if I did, I am certain that my cousin would see it as his private reserve. He would continue in the manner in which he has become accustomed and expect me to constantly protect him. I cannot do this and keep my own estate protected.”

  “I understand, my son. I am only fulfilling the request your uncle made of me. And I agree with your assessment of your cousin. Anthony would take advantage of your aid, as he has obviously not learned any lesson from your assistance as yet.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy prepared to make his journey a fortnight later, planning to spend at least two months with Bingley at Netherfield Park. Bingley had already arrived at the estate, and was settling into the neighborhood, enjoying meeting his new neighbors. Bingley’s sisters were of a different mind about their neighbors.

  Louisa Hurst was the eldest of the Bingley siblings, and had married a man she was quite taken with, Mr Gilbert Hurst. He was an heir to his father’s estate, a decent sized property which was located in the east side of Norfolk. When they married, the couple had been quite happy, though it did not last long. Due to Louisa’s sister, the Hurst marriage had suffered greatly.

  Caroline Bingley was the youngest child, and quite spoilt. All the years of her youth, their parents had allowed Caroline to behave inappropriately, indulging her every whim. Their fortune had come from trade, though the family was attempting to raise themselves from the stigma. Caroline believed she was worthy of the first circles of society, and she would settle for nothing less.

  When Louisa married Mr Hurst, Caroline voiced her opinion of how lowly the Hurst family was in society. Her cruelty caused a wedge to develop between the couple, and Mr Hurst began

  overindulging in drink. After her first visit to the Hurst family estate, Mr Hurst’s mother and father forbade Caroline to ever visit their home again.

  Being the only son, Charles was given a

  gentleman’s education. He also had been told of the expectations of the family for him to eventually find an estate, thereby establishing the family as landed gentry. Their parents died shortly after Charles had graduated from the university, leaving him to guide his sisters towards their futures.

  It was at university where Charles met Fitzwilliam Darcy. The two were as different as night and day, yet became friends quickly. Where Bingley was friendly and outgoing, Darcy was shy and withdrawn. Where Darcy was brilliant at managing his estate and business, Bingley was like a newborn babe. But the two learned to rely on each other to fill in their own deficiencies.

  The most difficult part of their friendship was Caroline Bingley. As soon as the young lady laid her sights on Darcy, no one else would do. He was wealthy, handsome, master of one of the grandest estates, as well as one of the most sought after bachelors. If she could catch him, she knew her life would be perfect. Unfortunately, Mr Darcy had other notions.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy had become frustrated with the actions of the young ladies of the ton, wishing to find someone to love. It had been a frustration to him when his mother remarried, he felt she had not loved his father enough, or she would never have married Lord Covington. And Darcy had decided long ago that he would not settle for a marriage of convenience. If he could not find love, he would not marry.

  Far from the ladies he was used to meeting, his preferences as to what his wife should be like were quite unusual. He wished for a lady with intelligence, wit, the ability to debate many topics and not just agree with his opinions, someone who was gentle and kind, and had a natural sense of humor. He felt it would be pleasant if she had some of the standard talents of the young ladies, such as singing or playing the pianoforte, art or stitchery. But those were secondary. And most importantly, she must hold a desire to better herself with extensive reading.

  When weighing merits, Caroline Bingley felt she was perfect to be the next Mistress of Pemberley. In Darcy’s opinion, he found her merits to
be very far from meeting what he desired. The problem was making Miss Bingley realize the dislike he held for her so she would leave him alone.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  CHAPTER 2 “Caroline, Charles told you to behave yourself while Mr Darcy is here. The gentleman has made it quite clear that he wants nothing to do with you, and if you continue to make a fool of yourself over him, you will incur his anger.”

  “Louisa, you are a fool. Of course Mr Darcy will appreciate my being here. He needs a wife, and will have to have an heir to inherit his estate. You know I am perfect to fill the position of Mrs Darcy. I am sophisticated, accomplished, beautiful, charming, and a proper hostess. And, best of all, I am the sister of his dearest friend. What more could he ask for?”

  “Someone he can tolerate being in the same room with for more than an hour would most likely make life somewhat easier for the man.” Mr Hurst said as he entered the room. “If you make a fool of yourself again, Caroline, your brother will follow through on his threat to send you to Scotland. He has already spoken with your mother’s sister and made arrangements in case you do not listen to what he told you, especially when it comes to Darcy.”

  “I have always behaved myself with Mr Darcy. I will not be threatened by the likes of you, Mr Hurst.” Caroline sneered at her brother in law. “As I have said, you had best behave or you are off to Scotland, and I will happily assist Charles in putting you into the carriage.” Hurst said as he poured himself another glass of brandy.

  ~~ ** ~~ “Bingley, I must say, from what I have seen so far, I am pleased with the estate.” Darcy said, as he accepted the glass of brandy from his friend and took a seat. “We should go for a ride about the grounds, so I can better see the farms and the tenant homes, amongst other aspects. When would you like to do so?”

  “Would you be willing to wait for two days? Tomorrow night is an assembly in Meryton, which I plan to attend. You will meet Miss Jane Bennet. She is an angel.”

  “Not another one.” Darcy said, watching his friend closely. After a moment or two, he could see that there was something different this time. “Tell me about your angel.”