A Royal Bennet Read online

  Thomas was bitter with his wife, and told her in no uncertain terms how he disliked her. He blamed her for ruining his happiness, trapping him while knowing he did not wish to marry her. Fanny had known Thomas was in love with someone in Town, but that did not matter to her.

  “I have never loved you, and I admit to you now that two days before I married you, I laid with Constance. I wished for one last night of love, before being forced to share a bed with someone I did not even like, all to procreate an heir. Constance held my heart, and still does. But she is dead, after giving me the greatest gift, a living proof of our love.”

  “And you made me believe she was my child.” Fanny was furious. “I will never refer to her as my daughter again. She is your natural child, but I will not care for her.”

  “If you know what is good for you, you will make certain you treat her as if she were your flesh and blood. If you do not, I will force you to live with your parents. I have the right to bar you from my home. Or I will move to London, taking my daughters with me. You will be left with nothing, and I will publically claim you as a harlot who compromised yourself, yet making it appear that I could not keep my hands off you.”

  “You know you wanted me, it was you who behaved inappropriately.” Fanny shouted at Thomas. “You and your whore’s child, making people believe she was mine. It is not right. I cannot tolerate that child in my house any longer.”

  “Then I will have your trunks packed. You have your choice, you may stay with your sister or your brother. Which do you wish to take you in?”

  “Jane and I…” “No, Fanny, I told you. You will not take Jane from me. Jane and Elizabeth are my girls, and they will go nowhere without me. Now, where do you wish to go?”

  Fanny decided to stay with her sister, though Mrs Phillips was far from discrete. She immediately sent an express to their brother, who was building his import business in Town. Edward took the time to visit Longbourn, and learned the truth of his sister’s behavior. Meeting the two girls, Mr Gardiner could not withhold his love for either of the girls. Jane was fair haired with crystal blue eyes. Elizabeth was her opposite, with dark curls and brown eyes. But each of the girls had a birthmark behind their left ear, a birthmark in the shape of a small red heart. They were Thomas Bennet’s daughters, and he would not give up either.

  Knowing the truth of the situation, Edward spoke with his sister. “Fanny, you knew Bennet did not love you, and that his heart belonged to another. But you insisted on making him your husband, no matter what you did. It was wrong, Fanny. You took something from Bennet which was not yours to take. My suggestion is to accept the situation you have made for yourself and accept Elizabeth as your child. She is a good girl, and very loveable. Can you not be her mother?”

  “I cannot stand the sight of her. Her mother took something which was mine, just before my wedding.” “Fanny, have you never thought of what you took from Elizabeth’s mother, by compromising Bennet and demanding he marry you. You knew he did not love you. Can you not accept the situation?

  Elizabeth’s mother is dead, she will not burden you any further. Do not blame the child for what happened, for she did not create any of the situation.”

  “But she is a constant reminder of my husband having been with another woman. It is not right. The child should be sent away from here. She is a curse on my marriage.”

  Mr Gardiner shook his head. He knew his sister would never change her mind, but he prayed her fury would dissipate with time. “It is within your power to make your life happy or sad. You may not like what the child represents, but you made your bed, it is time for you to lay on it. I will stand behind Bennet on this matter, so, if you wish to return to your home and live with your own child and your husband, you had best live with your own actions.”

  After a week of staying at her sister’s home, Fanny Bennet returned to her home, and decided to try to be pleasant to her husband’s love child, even though it was a constant thorn in her side. As the child grew, and was a constant reminder to Mr Bennet of Constance, the thorn festered until nothing Elizabeth could do would satisfy Mrs Bennet.

  Over the years, Mrs Bennet had three babes born dead, two daughters and a son, until finally, she was able to give birth to her final child, Lydia. She poured all her love and devotion into Lydia, spoiling the girl as she felt Mr Bennet did for Elizabeth. It was no surprise that Lydia was growing into an

  uncontrollable young lady, who did whatever she wished, not caring how it injured anyone else.

  ~~ ** ~~ Elizabeth’s belongings were quickly packed in her trunks and she was taken to catch the post carriage headed north. Once Elizabeth arrived in the village of Lambton, where Mrs Gardiner had grown up and still had friends, she was to visit a Mrs Lackney who owned the dress shop. Mrs Lackney would allow Elizabeth to stay with her until the Gardiners arrived a week later.

  Arriving at the post station just before the carriage was to leave, Mr Gardiner paid her fare and handed his niece a small bundle. “Your aunt packed some refreshments for you, and the other item is from your father. We will see you in a week. Be safe and careful.”

  “I will, Uncle. Thank you for all of your kindness to me. I look forward to seeing you when you arrive.” Elizabeth stated as she turned to enter the carriage.

  ~~ ** ~~ Once on the road, Elizabeth opened the bundle her uncle had handed her. Inside were some of her favorite biscuits, a hunk of cheese, a flask of drink, and a pouch. Inside the pouch were coins, which Elizabeth quickly hid in her pocket. Beside her on the seat was one of the maids from the Gardiner home, who was to remain with Elizabeth until the Gardiners arrived in Lambton. The maid, Lucy, was a quiet girl of seven and ten years, and she was quite devoted to the Gardiner family. That devotion extended to Elizabeth, as the niece of the family was always pleasant and kind.

  Lucy was learning to read, and she appreciated the generosity of Elizabeth to teach her. During the long ride, Elizabeth encouraged the young maid, teaching her from some of the children’s books Mr Gardiner had allowed Lucy to take with her.

  The first night of their journey found the two staying in a posting inn. They decided to share a room, as Elizabeth would not hear of Lucy staying in servant quarters, while Elizabeth was comfortable in a large bed upstairs. Though Lucy attempted to explain she could not possibly share the bed with her employer’s niece, Elizabeth would not accept her reasoning. “Lucy, I am used to sharing a bed with my sister, Jane. If I can survive her kicking me in the middle of the night, I can tolerate you. Unless you are going to tell me you turn into a vicious animal and will devour me while I sleep.”

  Lucy laughed. “Miss Elizabeth, I can assure you I am not a vicious animal, coming out at night, to devour young maidens as they sleep. It would not be proper for me to sleep in the room with you. There are servants’ quarters below the stairs, and I am certain they will be more than adequate.”

  “We will save funds then, by only requiring one room. See, you would be doing my aunt and uncle a further service by sharing the room with me.”

  “Very well, Miss Elizabeth. I give up. You are too fierce to argue with.” Lucy held her side from laughing so hard. “I will send down for some dinner to be brought up on trays. The men in the dining room did not appear to be too friendly.”

  “Another reason for you to remain here, with me. I would not rest properly if left on my own.” Elizabeth smiled. “I would be constantly nervous for your safety as well as my own.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy woke two days after being attacked in Hyde Park. When she learned of her brother being assaulted, Georgiana Darcy became quite hysterical and insisted on their family physician be sent for immediately. The cut above his eye required stitching, and his eye was swollen from being punched. The physician decided it would be best for Darcy to rest for a day or two, so he left a bottle of laudanum for the gentleman’s valet to give Darcy doses as needed.

  Groggy, Darcy attempted to put the pieces of his memory together. He was certain he had imagined seeing
Elizabeth Bennet after being assaulted in the park, for there would be no reason for the young lady to be in Town. He had dreamed of her so often since leaving Netherfield Park, the estate Charles Bingley had leased, which was next to the Bennet family’s estate of Longbourn. The young lady had captured his mind and heart, and it was difficult not to think of her constantly. Every young lady he met, he compared to her. Every conversation on books or music, reminded him of conversations he had with her. No matter how hard he tried, Elizabeth Bennet was always with him.

  Hearing his valet, Fletcher, enter the room, Darcy turned his head towards the man. “Fletcher, what time is it?”

  “It is just after sunrise, Sir. I must say, it is a pleasure to see you awake and somewhat normal.” “Somewhat normal?” Darcy gave his valet a curious glance. “You have had a difficult few days, Sir. The swelling around your eye has gone down, and the stitches above your eye will be removed in another week, otherwise, you do not look quite as bad as you could have.”

  “I cannot recall all that happened. Would you fill me in on what you know?” Fletcher nodded. “You were assaulted by two men while you were in the park. We have been told that a young lady came to your rescue, wielding a downed branch as you would have a sword. Once she chased the men away, she assisted you home. Her

  handkerchief has been laundered, and was given to me. I was planning to inquire as to what you wished to be done with it.”

  “Do you know who the young lady was? Did you hear her name?” “Mr Jarvis spoke with her. From what he said, the lady is known to you. She informed him she was formerly from Hertfordshire.”

  “Formerly? Fletcher, send for Jarvis immediately and bring the handkerchief to me.” Darcy was preparing to get out of his bed.

  “Sir, I will do as you bid, if you would refrain from standing. You had a head injury, and it is best for you to remain in bed until the physician returns to examine you this morning.”

  Feeling dizzy, Darcy determined it was best to heed Fletcher’s advice. “Perhaps you are correct. While I do as you suggest, would you call for Mr Jarvis and retrieve the handkerchief?”

  “I will, Sir.” Fletcher moved towards the door leading to the dressing chamber, pulling the cord in the room to send for someone to get the butler.

  Mr Jarvis arrived shortly after, and was shown into Darcy’s bedchamber. “Master William, Mr Fletcher sent word you wish to speak with me.”

  “I do. The young lady who assisted me home from the park, what was her name?” Jarvis looked at Fletcher, both of whom were concerned with Darcy’s agitation. “She said she was known to you, a Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She also stated she was formerly from Hertfordshire, but was currently staying in Cheapside at her uncle’s home.”

  “She said formerly? Why would she state formerly? Good God, had something happened to her father? Is she now destitute? I need to locate her, offer her whatever aid I can.” It was obvious to his servants he was speaking to himself rather than to them. Finally, he looked up to Mr Jarvis. “Did she say where in Cheapside? Or did she give you her uncle’s name?”

  “The young lady was not willing to give more information, as she stated her uncle was in trade, and would be beneath you to acknowledge. I made every attempt to convince her otherwise, but she refused to divulge any further information. As she walked away, I noticed that she did not return to the park or make her way to a carriage, so I sent Robert, the young footman, to follow her. He informed me he followed her all the way to Gracechurch Street, and the home he saw her enter was the home of Mr Edward Gardiner.”

  Gardiner…Gardiner…yes, that name is familiar. I believe I remember Mrs Bennet stating her maiden name was Gardiner. And when Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst were speaking of the Bennet relations in Cheapside, did they not say the uncle was an importer?

  “Mr Jarvis, would you have Robert come up here? I wish to ask him a few questions.” Darcy announced. “Very good, Sir. He went out to visit his mother, as she is ill and today is his day off. As soon as he returns, I will have him come up.”

  Frustrated, Darcy could only nod his head. “Fletcher, I wish to dress. I cannot remain in bed all day.”

  “Sir, I am loathe to argue with you, but your sister has issued threats that if I were to allow you to rise from the bed before the physician declares it safe, she will tack my hide to the wall.”

  “Then send word to the physician to come immediately. And have my sister come as well. I will not have her giving my staff orders.”

  Fletcher left the room, sending word as he was directed. He then made himself scarce, hidden away in the dressing chamber. Knowing in what mood Darcy was, Fletcher did not wish to be anywhere near the bedchamber when Georgiana Darcy and her brother quarreled. The Darcy family were known to be extremely stubborn and hard-headed when they wished to be.

  ~~ ** ~~ The second day of travel for Elizabeth and Lucy was suddenly interrupted when they heard the sound of gun fire, and men shouting. The carriage came to an abrupt stop, flinging the young ladies across the interior of the carriage, into the elderly lady who was traveling with them.

  The door was yanked open, and two men were shouting at the ladies to exit the carriage quickly. When they did not move fast enough, one of the men reached inside and roughly pulled Lucy out, pushing her to the dirt of the road. Elizabeth jumped out, moving to the young maid’s side.

  “Leave her alone.” One of the men growled at her. “Stand up next to the carriage, and hold your hands where I can see them.”

  “I am making sure this young lady is unharmed. Robbing us is one thing, you do not wish to add injuring a lady to your charges.” Elizabeth glared at the man who was speaking.

  “It does not matter, ‘cause she is of no matter to us.” The man said in return. “The boss man he wants what you have whichins worth anyting.”

  One of the men held a rifle aimed at the driver, while another man had begun to roughly search the trunks stored on the carriage. The man who had been talking walked over to Elizabeth, pulling her away from Lucy. “What valuables do a lady like you have? I believe I will take this little pretty.” He tore her garnet cross from around her neck, breaking the chain. The necklace had been a gift to her from her father when she turned ten years old. He had claimed it to be a family heirloom, though her mother stated she had never before seen the necklace. It was Elizabeth’s favorite piece of jewelry, and she wore it nearly every day.

  “Please, the necklace is not worth much. It is sentimental, only paste.” “Well, well, only paste. The fancy ones wear paste, passin’ everthin’ as real. No wonder they have money.”

  The man who had been searching the trunks walked over to where Elizabeth was standing. Suddenly, Elizabeth felt the sting of the man’s hand striking her cheek. “Keep your mouth shut. We do not want to hear no lady’s false words. Ladies lie.”

  “What you find in them trunks?” The man with the rifle asked.

  “Nothin. Artie was wrong. There is no pouch of coins. Unless one of the ladies has it on her.” Elizabeth gasped. There had been a man riding with them until the last stop, when he stated he was meeting someone there. He had been riding in the carriage since Town, and would have seen Elizabeth place the pouch of coins in her pocket. Naturally, he would have assumed she would store it in her trunk after spending the night at the inn.

  “Ah, I believe we know who the lady be. Missy, you had best give us the pouch. If you do not, I will search you, by tearing off you’s pretty frock.”

  “I have a few coins my uncle gave me to pay for food and lodging during the trip. Only a few coins. I will gladly give them to you.” Elizabeth reached into the pocket on her gown. Pulling out the coins, she handed them to the man who seemed to be in charge. “This is all I have. Please, take the coins and leave us be.”

  “There is not enough here for nuffin.” The first man said, anger in his voice. “Artie said there was good pickins on this one. What we gonna do?”

  The man with the rifle looked at the man in charge.
“We can take them two young’uns, sell them on the coast. They be pretty enuff.”

  “You’s got the right of it, Ray. That dark haired one is feisty too. The men on the islands like feisty. They pay extra for her.”

  Lucy began crying. The elderly lady, Mrs Johnson, leaned over and tried to soothe the young maid, but she was slapped and forced to return to the carriage. The men pulled Elizabeth and Lucy towards the nearby horses, and dragged them on top. The man with the rifle fired his weapon into the air, shouting at the driver to drive on.

  The carriage left in a rush, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy was given approval to be out of his bed, though the physician suggested he take his time before resuming his regular duties. But Darcy was in no mood to remain idle. He had not dreamed Elizabeth Bennet at the park, and she had rescued him. Darcy knew he needed to see her, to thank her, and to learn why she was no longer residing at Longbourn. As soon as Robert returned, and gave Darcy the address of the Gardiner home, Darcy was calling for his carriage to be readied.

  Georgiana refused to allow her brother to leave on his own, so she quickly prepared to leave with him. Not only was she concerned with his health, she recognized the name Elizabeth Bennet from the letters Darcy had written her while he visited Bingley. As her brother rarely spoke of any young lady, to have him mention Miss Elizabeth in many of his letters told Georgiana that the lady was important to Darcy.

  During the ride to Gracechurch Street, Georgiana paid close attention to her brother’s behavior. He stared out the window, though she was certain he saw nothing of the scenery. In his hand was what appeared to be a lady’s handkerchief, which he wrapped around his fingers. “William, are you well?”

  It took Darcy a moment to be able to respond. “Forgive me, Georgiana, I am just confused as to what has happened. From what Miss Elizabeth told Mr Jarvis, she no longer resides at Longbourn. But why? Has her father perished and she has become homeless? Her father’s estate is entailed to a distant cousin. You met him when we were at Rosings, visiting Aunt Catherine.”