A Royal Bennet Read online

  “And you believe he cares for Lizzy?”

  “Yes, I do.” Mrs Gardiner stated. “When do you plan to tell Lizzy the truth?”

  Mr Bennet looked carefully at his sister in law. “What do you mean?” “I mean the truth of her birth? Do you not feel it would be wise for her to know the truth? She should know who her mother was.”

  “What do you know of Lizzy’s mother?” Mr Bennet looked between the married couple. Mr Gardiner looked at his wife as he spoke. “Helen knows of Elizabeth being the natural child of yours and a young lady with whom you were in love. She is aware of the circumstances of your marriage, and how it came about. I have told her no more of the situation.”

  Mrs Gardiner gave her husband a curious look. “What more is there to know? Who was Elizabeth’s mother?”

  “Her mother was the cousin of Princess Caroline, the niece of the Duke of Brunswick.” Mr Bennet glanced out the window of the carriage at the memories of his beloved Constance. “Lizzy is the very image of her mother.”

  “Thomas, I have always been angry with Fanny for having behaved in such a manner, forcing you into marriage. It was wrong. She was aware of your heart belonging to another.”

  “I cannot forgive her for her behavior. Though I will never regret my daughters, I often wonder what would have happened if I had been allowed to marry Constance. Would she have lived longer, been able to watch her daughter grow? I know she was devastated when she learned I had to marry Fanny, and, from what I was told, she never truly recovered her spirits. If we had married, she would not have become melancholy. Fanny has always disliked Lizzy, and I can understand her reason, but she brought the situation upon herself by tearing her gown as she did, having witnesses say how I had supposedly compromised her.”

  “And I have told her so many times. Lizzy is a wonderful girl, and she needed a mother. She has never known the truth, how can she be blamed for what happened?” Mr Gardiner shook his head as he spoke.

  “Will you tell Lizzy the truth?” Mrs Gardiner asked again. “Will you tell Elizabeth that she was dearly loved by her real mother, rather than thinking she was despised by the only mother she knows?”

  “I do not know.” Mr Bennet answered, his gaze still locked on the scenery passing them by. “I just do not know. I am surprised she has never learned the truth before this. Fanny has slipped in her words several times in the past few months, when she is furious with Lizzy.”

  “I was afraid of her behaving in such a manner.” Mr Gardiner said. “I have warned her several times to keep her tongue in check.”

  “I will ask you to keep secret Constance’s connection to the royal family. Fanny is unaware of the connection, and I would hate to think what notions would leap into her mind. She is also unaware of the fact that there is a bank account set up for Lizzy by Constance’s uncle. There are also family pieces of jewelry held for Lizzy. The garnet necklace had been her mother’s. As Constance wore it almost every day, it pleases me to see Lizzy do the same.”

  “But Lizzy is unaware of all of this. Do you not see that it would be better for her to know the truth? Would her mother’s relations be willing to claim the relationship? Would they welcome Lizzy as a part of their family?”

  “Helen, I know they would. I received a letter, around a year ago, from Charles, Duke of Brunswick, asking if they could meet Elizabeth. I wrote back to inform them of my daughter being unaware of her parentage and I feared, at that time, how she would react. Perhaps it was more how I would react that has kept me silent for so long.”

  Mr Gardiner nodded his head. “I know it will be difficult, but Lizzy knows how dearly loved she is. So long as you reassure her of your love, I am certain she can work through everything else.”

  “Let us pray we find her first. It will not matter who her mother is if she is sold into slavery in some country half a world away.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  “I insist we search the area again.” Caspen howled at the other men. He looked to the floor in the corner of the shack, where the lifeless body of the young man, who had been given the task of guarding the ladies, lay. “And the body needs to be removed. Dump it in some back alley. Those chits could not have gotten far, they had no funds or anything of value, other than their bodies, to pay for anything.”

  “We searched all over, but there be no sign of them. What if they went to one of the churches? Them types would help two lost ladies.” One of the men suggested.

  “Then we need to speak with the clergymen in the area. I doubt they got very far. That young one was not in the best of shape. She is scared outta her wits.”

  The men left the shack and began their search again. They searched each of the churches and any shelters which were taking in homeless women and children. Caspen even searched some of the brothels in the area, though he did not expect the dark haired lady to sink to such a level and the younger one would be unable to do anything.

  The men then began searching all the hospitals and clinics in the area. It was a futile effort. There were so many people found in all these areas, requiring some sort of assistance due to

  circumstances of poverty or ill health, but none were the ladies for whom they were looking.

  The sky began to darken and the men returned to the shack, tired and discouraged. They were also frightened of Caspen, after watching him kill the young man who had made a mistake, which allowed the escape. They would all sleep with one eye open that night, fearing what their leader’s fury might have in store for them.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 5 Mrs Lackney received the express from Elizabeth and hurried to see the information was relayed to Pemberley. Georgiana was pleased to know that Miss Elizabeth was still in England, and had escaped her captures, but she was frustrated to not be able to be there to assist in bringing the young lady safely to Pemberley. Knowing how dear Miss Elizabeth was to her brother, Georgiana could hardly wait to meet her, and she had been anxious since learning of the kidnapping.

  Her brother’s most valued courier was dispatched immediately to Liverpool with the news. Georgiana knew her brother planned to take rooms at the Rose and Crown inn, as he had informed her prior to his leaving.

  If she could, Georgiana wished to follow after the courier, but she had promised to remain at Pemberley and Darcy would be furious if she disobeyed his command. She prayed the men from Pemberley would be able to find Miss Elizabeth and her maid, and all would be well.

  With the courier on his way, Georgiana decided to spend some time practicing the new piece of music she had purchased before leaving London. It was a difficult piece, but she was looking forward to learning it, having heard it played at a concert she and her brother had attended only a week before he was set upon by robbers in the park.

  For the remainder of the day, Georgiana kept to the music room, with her companion, Mrs Annesley, sitting in a chair nearby, stitching on a sampler she was making.

  ~~ ** ~~ The men had searched everywhere in which they could think, but they were afraid of Caspen’s wrath, so they continued to look in other places they had not thought to look. It had been three days of searching and each day, Caspen’s fury grew and grew. He had beaten one of the other men the day before, as the man asked if they were going to give up the search. Caspen was bent on locating the two young ladies. His determination stemmed from his desire for control. With the two ladies escaping, he had lost control of the situation, and he could not allow it to go unpunished. The other men were concerned for their own welfare, but they were certain the ladies would be brutally murdered when Caspen caught up with them. To the men, it was better the ladies than themselves.

  ~~ ** ~~ Mrs Barkow had been kind to Elizabeth and Lucy, as she could see the great need the young ladies had, yet had refused to ask for more than shelter and some bread and water. Because of their situation, and little means to pay for more, Mrs Barkow was impressed that they had not taken advantage of the kindness offered. Elizabeth had been determined they would not put M
rs Barkow, or her husband and staff, to any difficulties.

  But Mrs Barkow decided to make certain the ladies had something substantial to eat, besides just bread and water. She sent up stew and some biscuits, some vegetables and some cake. Elizabeth had thanked the innkeeper’s wife for her kindness, grateful to the lady.

  When Mrs Barkow offered on the second day to have a bath drawn, Elizabeth’s eyes swam with unshed tears. It had been a week or more since she had bathed, and the thought of being able to sink into the hot water and wash away the filth she had acquired was more than she could comprehend.

  “Mrs Barkow, though it would be heavenly to have such a luxury, I could not put you out like that. I am grateful for the food and the lodging, and you will be paid for those services as soon as my family arrives. I could not add to your burdens by accepting your staff preparing a bath for me.”

  “Miss Bennet, it is not a burden or a hardship for me to have hot water prepared for a bath. I know you will repay us for any services, but I am offering this as a gift. You have had a difficult time, and I am certain that you would enjoy being able to be clean. And I have two night shifts which should fit you and Miss Lucy, so your dresses can be washed properly and dried. The bath can be readied for you in an hour, and I can come up and sit with Miss Lucy while you bathe.”

  Elizabeth could hold back her tears no longer. The strain of the past week finally erupted from her in sobs, wrenching her body. Mrs Barkow wrapped her arms about Elizabeth, pulling the younger lady into a motherly embrace. The sobbing continued for several moments, before Elizabeth was able to collect herself. “Forgive my tears, Mrs Barkow. You have been so generous to Lucy and myself. I will make certain you are repaid for everything you have done for us.”

  “There is nothing to fret over. As you are aware, I know from where your family comes. I sent a letter to my cousin. I expect to hear from her any day now. Perhaps she will take the news to your family at Longbourn.”

  “I am certain my father cannot travel, it causes Papa great pain when he has to ride in a carriage or on horseback. And my mother would only come if there is some sort of reward for her in doing so. No, I am certain my aunt and uncle will be coming as soon as they learn where I am.”

  “At the very least, my cousin can reassure your relations at Longbourn that you are safe in my care. By now, they must know of what happened with the post carriage.”

  “I pray my father and my sister, Jane, are not pained too much from the news. I would not wish to cause them any grief.”

  Mrs Barkow smiled. “Here you are, having escaped from men who kidnapped you, intending to sell you, and you are worried about how others will be grieved over your situation. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you are too good to be true.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Knowing her husband had left Longbourn after learning Elizabeth was in danger, Mrs Bennet was furious. She had always been angered at having to pretend Elizabeth was her child, sharing status with Jane. Fanny Bennet was of the opinion that her daughters were far superior to the daughter who was forced upon her. Jane was sweet natured, kind and loving. She adored her “twin” sister and would never say or do anything against Elizabeth.

  Lydia, on the other hand, was her mother’s child. Having lost two daughters and a son being stillborn, Fanny took no chances when she was confined with Lydia. She refrained from doing anything other than keeping to her rooms, usually in bed, and refusing to do any of her duties to the house or to Jane and Elizabeth. When Lydia was born, alive and healthy, Mrs Bennet doted on her constantly. The child was never made to mind, as Mrs Bennet preferred to allow her dearest child to enjoy her life.

  This caused a great deal of tension between Mr and Mrs Bennet. Usually, to preserve some peace in the house, Mr Bennet gave up trying to tame his wife and youngest daughter. Lydia was allowed to run wild and unchecked, and when her sisters

  complained, Mrs Bennet would scold them. “Lydia is just a child, full of life and excitement. Just because you lack the joy of living life does not give you cause to dampen Lydia’s pleasure.”

  But it had become clear that others in the neighborhood did not approve of Lydia’s behavior either. The young girls Lydia’s age rarely wished to be with the youngest Bennet sister, which caused Mrs Bennet to instill in Lydia that the girls were only jealous of her. Invitations to dinners had begun coming with direct instruction as to whom was invited. Reading invitations for Mr and Mrs Bennet, and their daughters, Elizabeth and Jane, infuriated Fanny Bennet. How dare people prefer inviting Elizabeth to Lydia?

  And Elizabeth had refused to marry as Mrs Bennet had commanded. Having one of the Bennet sisters wed to Mr Collins would allow Mrs Bennet to remain at Longbourn when her husband died. Jane and Lydia were far too good to marry the likes of the repulsive Mr Collins, but Elizabeth would be perfect for the position. And Fanny was certain that Mr Collins would allow her to remain as the Mistress of Longbourn until her death, keeping Elizabeth subservient to Mrs Bennet. It was one of the few times Thomas Bennet had stood his grounds in the past ten years. When he was younger, he was firm in dealing with his wife. But nearly twenty years of enduring Fanny’s nerves and fits had worn him down.

  Now he was standing firm against a marriage between Mr Leland and Elizabeth. Yes, Mr Leland was old enough to be Elizabeth’s father, and he had a terrible reputation, but he was wealthy and had his own estate, which would be good enough to take care of the Bennets when Mr Bennet was cold in his grave. She thought on the matter long and hard. Why was her husband preventing a union which would protect his wife and daughters when he was gone?

  Finally, Fanny’s ire had gotten the better of her and she sent word to Mr Leland to join her at Longbourn. She was determined to set off

  immediately and see that Mr Leland and Elizabeth were married before another week was past.

  “Jane, Lydia, I will be going on a trip. As your father insisted on traveling with my brother and his wife, I will be following them. I am hopeful that Mr Leland will accompany me, as we wish to finalize his union with Elizabeth. Since she is away, it will be acceptable for the wedding to be held away from Longbourn. A message was sent to Mr Leland to join me.”

  Jane was concerned. “Mamma, Lizzy did not wish to marry Mr Leland. And Papa declared that Lizzy would not be forced to marry against her wishes.”

  “Your father is a fool. With his traveling about, who is to say he will live much longer. No, it is wisest for us to settle this once and for all, and Mr Leland will be pleased to have a new wife.”

  “But, if Lizzy is to marry, she will wish all of us to be there as well.” Lydia cried. “Please, Mamma, we should make the journey with you. I have a new gown to wear for the wedding too.”

  “Lyddie, my pet, it would be best for you and Jane to remain here. You would not like to be cooped up in a carriage for such a long journey.” Mrs Bennet attempted to soothe Lydia out of going.

  “Mamma, I wish to be at the wedding. It is only right to have the bride’s sisters at the ceremony. Please Mamma, please. I will look so pretty in the new gown you had made for me. The blue silk was made for such a fine occasion.”

  “I agree with Lydia, Mamma. If Lizzy is to marry, she will wish me to be at her side. We promised each other to be witness at our weddings. I must be there for Lizzy.”

  Aggravated, Mrs Bennet finally agreed. As the ladies prepared to make the journey, a message arrived from Mr Leland, stating he would be arriving at Longbourn within an hour to collect Mrs Bennet to journey north.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy and his men began their search at the docks, inquiring of any ships preparing to sail for Antigua or Brazil, or any areas in those directions. One ship had set sail the morning they arrived in Liverpool, but Darcy was certain that Elizabeth was not on it. He did not wish to dwell on Elizabeth’s being forced on a ship filled with men, being sold as a servant to some unknown man in another country.

  Once they had checked the docks, the men began to search inns and boarding houses, followed by planting several of the
men in pubs to be able to listen to conversations. They hoped the culprits they were tracking would visit one of the pubs, and after having a few drinks, would be talkative of their exploits.

  Richard was having a difficult time calming his cousin. Every day which went by without finding the young ladies, Darcy’s mood grew darker and darker. It was becoming difficult to keep his spirits up, while fear of losing the young lady to whom he had lost his heart took hold of his heart.

  “Darcy, perhaps we should offer a reward for the safe return of Miss Elizabeth and her maid. People always tell more when there is a reward.”

  “They should do the right thing and turn the ladies over, without any such incentive. Better yet, this should never have happened in the first place. First I am assaulted and nearly robbed, leaving me injured, then Miss Elizabeth and her maid are robbed and abducted from a post carriage. I shudder to think what could be next. It is my dearest prayer that Georgiana is safe and secure at Pemberley.”

  “I am certain she is, Wills. And we will find Miss Elizabeth, have faith my cousin.” “I am trying to keep my chin up, but it is difficult.” Darcy stated. A knock on the door of the bedchamber brought both of the men to attention. Opening the door, Darcy recognized his courier, who was standing there with a message in hand. Darcy quickly snatched it and broke open the seal. Reading both the letter from Georgiana and the one Elizabeth had written to Mrs Lackney, Darcy was thrilled to learn the whereabouts of the young ladies.

  “Come, Richard, we now have a location where the young ladies are to be found.”

  ~~ ** ~~ A knock on the bedchambers brought Elizabeth from her wool-gathering. She opened the door to find Mrs Barkow. Once inside the room, Mrs Barkow began to speak. “Miss Elizabeth, it is best we move you soon. We have noticed several shifty characters loitering about, watching the inn. It is our belief that they are looking for you.”

  “But how could they have discovered us here? We have been ever so careful to remain out of sight from everyone.”