On the Road to Ramsgate Page 6

  “Very well, Cousin, lead on.”

  Once they were settled in the study, each with a glass of fine brandy, Darcy began. “You never told me of the people who were in the other carriage involved in the accident last year. Why is it you did not?”

  Richard thought about the previous year. So many things had happened, with rescuing Georgiana, finding Darcy and seeing to his and Georgiana’s health, the twins’ birth and their mother’s death. “With you and Georgiana requiring care, it must have slipped my mind. There was a young lady, she had been injured. I believe it was her leg, broken, if memory is correct.”

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And yes, she had a broken leg.” Darcy took another sip of his brandy. “I learned today of your accusations that the young lady was attempting to compromise me.”

  Having been in the middle of taking a drink, Richard suddenly began to choke. After a few moments, with his cousin clapping him on the back, Richard was finally able to speak.

  “I remember her lying on the bed, beside you, when I entered the room. The door was standing wide open, for everyone to see her behavior.”

  Darcy looked at his cousin for a moment before speaking. “It was due to her broken leg that she lying on the bed rather than sit in a chair. And the reason she was in my room was she was tending me, due to the fever and my injury.”

  “I know, as the innkeeper and his wife informed me of the information. But I had my hands full with seeing to your needs. By the time I went to apologize, her relations had arrived and taken her away. The innkeeper said they did not know from where she came, somewhere past London.”

  “Hertfordshire.”

  “How is it that you are now aware of the situation?” Richard asked.

  “I met the young lady today. And I learned of the events which happened due to the accident.”

  Richard became defensive. “Is she attempting to benefit from the accident? Is she demanding some sort of compensation for her care?”

  Darcy shook his head. “No, on the contrary, she does not expect any assistance from anyone. Did you know her father died in the accident?”

  Seeing Richard nod his head, Darcy continued. “Her leg did not have a chance to heal properly, and she still has pain, and requires canes to aid her. She also lost her home and family, as her mother blames her for her father’s death. Because of her mother’s foolishness, she is not permitted to have contact with her sisters. The father’s estate was entailed away from the female line, so a distant cousin took possession of it, leaving the mother and four sisters living in a small cottage, with very little in funds to pay for their needs. The eldest sister is the one who is now Charles Bingley’s wife.”

  “Bingley married a young lady so far beneath him?”

  “Have a heart, Richard, the family was nearly destroyed from the father’s death in the accident. And I have met her. It is a love match, of that I am certain. Mrs Bingley is a good natured lady, very pretty, and devoted to her husband. Due to her marriage, she is also able to have contact with her sister, Miss Elizabeth. Bingley has done some investing with the uncle, Mr Gardiner. He and his family have taken Miss Elizabeth in, and she has been assisting at his warehouse. Mr Gardiner said that it was not necessary, though his niece insists on paying her way. Mr Gardiner also asked me to inform him if I hear of a position as governess position should one come open.”

  “You are thinking of the twins? Would you have a crippled woman taking care of them?” Richard asked. “Remember, you made me joint guardian of the babes.”

  “I was indeed thinking of the girls. We are in need of another to tend them, and it would be perfect to be able to give Miss Elizabeth a comfortable situation.”

  “But she is crippled. How can she do the duties that would be required of her?”

  Darcy chuckled. “I watched her carry a tray which was filled with refreshments for her uncle and myself. She had the tray made to fit over her canes, so she was able to carry it. When I offered to assist her, she refused. Her uncle stated that she is adamant about doing things for herself. I have no reason to fear that she can handle the girls.”

  Richard contemplated the situation. “I am not certain we should risk having her care for the girls. They are only babes, what if she were to drop one of them? They could be injured or even killed.”

  “Unfortunately, that could happen with anyone. I heard that Lady Farnsworth’s grandson slipped out of his nursemaid’s arms, striking his head on a table, causing a gash which bled all over Lady Farnsworth’s gown. And there was nothing crippled about the nursemaid, it was an accident. I believe Miss Elizabeth will be able to take care of the children, as she is diligent and determined. She is also intelligent, which is an added bonus to the girls as they grow up. The girls will have a difficult enough time in society, they will need all the assistance they can get. If they are taught by a gently born lady, so much the better.”

  “I will withhold my objections until I see for myself that she can handle the twins. After I see proof that she is capable, I will give my approval.” Richard said as he stood to take his leave of the room. “I will see you at dinner.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  The butler knocked on Darcy’s office door. “Enter.” Darcy called out.

  “Sir, there is a Mr Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth Bennet here to see you.” Ashton stated.

  “Yes, send them in.” Darcy replied. Standing, Darcy walked around the desk to greet his guests. He shook hands with Mr Gardiner and bowed to Elizabeth. “Thank you both for coming. I have some business to discuss with you.”

  “I must say that I was surprised to receive your invitation, especially your requesting my niece to come with me.” Mr Gardiner replied.

  “If you do not mind, I wish to explain to you why I was on the road, leaving Ramsgate, the day of the accident.”

  “By all means, you are welcome to speak.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, while you and your father were making the journey to holiday with your loved ones, I had just left the house I had leased for my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. When I arrived there, I learned that my sister had left earlier that day, with her companion and a man. The man was someone who had once been a boyhood friend of mine, though as he grew up, he became someone I would never approve being near my sister. He is a scoundrel, leaving debts of honor and ruining young ladies wherever he goes. Knowing he was with my sister made my leaving to follow after them imperative.”

  “After I regained consciousness, I learned from my cousin that the blackguard had held Georgiana hostage. Not being able to locate me, he went to my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who was Georgiana’s other guardian. Richard paid the ransom, but Georgiana had been terribly abused in the care of her companion and Mr Wickham. It was later discovered that the pair had been intimately known to each other before the woman became my sister’s companion. Georgiana was unresponsive, curled up in her bed, unable to speak, for months after the incident. Unfortunately, we discovered that she was also with child. After the carriage accident, I never heard my sister say another word, nor did she acknowledge my being near her. When her eyes were open, they stared off at nothing. Nothing the physicians suggested was of use. Shortly after she gave birth to twin daughters, my beautiful sister died. She was only fifteen years of age.”

  Elizabeth gasped at the tale which was being told her. It was unfathomable to learn of such evil, especially having been born a gentlewoman.

  Darcy’s eyes looked at her, attempting to discover if she was appalled at the situation, and if so, if her heart would have sympathy for innocent babes.

  “I have been told by many that I should have sent my sister away while she was with child, and that I should find homes for her daughters. But I cannot. My parents died when I was young, and Georgiana was the only family I had left. Now that she is gone, her daughters are all that is left of my family. It was not her fault that the blackguard forced himself on her, nor is it to be blamed upon her daughters. The girls did not ask to have a father w
ho was a scoundrel, it is just what it is.”

  “This is quite a tale, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth said. “And it pleases me to know that you hold no ill will towards the babes. I have never understood the habit of those who blame babies and children who were born of such an unfortunate situation. Their births were not evil, as God sees them born with a clean slate, starting fresh and new.”

  “I am grateful for your understanding, Miss Elizabeth. Your uncle asked me yesterday if I would keep you in mind if I heard of a position of nanny or governess should one come available. As one of the nursemaids who tends the girls has left to care for her ailing parents permanently, I wondered if you would be interested in the position. You are welcome to meet the girls, see the nursery, before you make a decision.”

  Mr Gardiner knew what his niece would say, from the moment of hearing Mr Darcy’s story. And he was pleased. He knew Elizabeth had a caring heart, and that she adored children, having witnessed her with his own children for years.

  “If it is not too much to ask, Mr Darcy, I would like to meet the babes and see where my niece would be working, if she takes the position.” Mr Gardiner smiled to himself.

  Elizabeth still had not said a word, so Darcy stood as he spoke. “Please, come with me. The girls should be awake right now.”

  The trio took the stairs slowly. “I know there are quite a few stairs, Miss Elizabeth, but in the back of the house we have a lift that is on a crank system. Rather than walking up and down the stairs, you can enter a box which is connected to ropes and pulleys. Depending on which way you turn the crank, you can either go up or down. It is quite useful. We have one installed at my estate home of Pemberley. We use it if items are too awkward or too heavy for the men to take up or down the stairs. If you wish to use it, you are welcome to do so. It is not far from the nursery.”

  “We will see, Mr Darcy. I am able to make my way up and down stairs at my uncle’s home and at the warehouse.”

  “I am well aware of your desire to do what you can. I am only offering a way to make things simpler for you, if you desire. If you are not overtaxed from having to go up and down stairs often, it will allow you to be able to enjoy your time with the children.”

  Elizabeth bit back a retort, realizing that the gentleman was being kind, not patronizing or showing sympathy for her. “I thank you for your kindness, Mr Darcy.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mrs Duncan was in the nursery, holding one of the baby girls, when Darcy ushered Elizabeth and Mr Gardiner into the room. “Ah, Mrs Duncan, I see we find Emmy awake.”

  “Indeed, Sir. Both Emmy and Edith are awake and are excited to meet your guests.”

  Darcy walked over to Sally and accepted the infant she held in her arms. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is my niece, Miss Edith Rose Darcy. My housekeeper, Mrs Duncan, is holding my other niece, Miss Emelia Anne Darcy. This is the other nursemaid, Sally Johnson. Sally has been tending the twins by herself for a few days, after the other nursemaid left.”

  Elizabeth took a step closer towards the housekeeper. Handing her canes to her uncle, Elizabeth reached out to accept the infant into her arms. “Hello, Miss Emelia. Did I hear your uncle refer to you as Emmy?”

  Darcy smiled. “I did. Emmy and Edith is what we call them.”

  Elizabeth placed a kiss on the top of the baby’s head. “Miss Emmy, you are such a precious little bundle. You and your sister have such lovely curls. They remind me of my own sister. Her name is Jane, and she has the same color of hair, like wheat in sunshine.”

  “Just like their mother.” Mrs Duncan stated. “There is a portrait in the gallery, when you wish to see Miss Darcy’s likeness.”

  “That would be nice. And, when the girls are older, they will wish to know what she looked like.” Elizabeth could not take her eyes from the sweet baby before her.

  Mr Gardiner smiled and leaned closer to Darcy. “I believe my niece has accepted the position. And I know Lizzy well enough to know that you will not regret your decision.”

  Darcy nodded. He could see the instant bond which had developed between his niece and Elizabeth. It impressed Darcy as she moved to Edith, showing the same care and devotion towards her as she had with Emmy.

  “Well, Miss Elizabeth, do you think you would be interested in the position?” Darcy asked.

  Without turning her gaze from the infants, Elizabeth replied. “I am very interested in the position, Mr Darcy.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  After Elizabeth was finally coaxed away from the babies, she followed Darcy and her uncle into a room down the hall from the nursery. Darcy spoke to his guests. “This will be your room, Miss Elizabeth. Sally’s room is on the other side of the nursery. This door opens into the classroom, which is attached to the nursery. If you wish, you may leave the door open at night so that you may hear the girls if they wake. According to Mrs Duncan, the girls are starting to sleep longer at night. Their wet nurses have a room across the hall. The classroom also doubles as the dining room for the children, when they are older.”

  “I have never had such a large room to myself. And the quality, I feel as if I am a princess in a castle.” Elizabeth chuckled.

  “There is a closet over here, and this door leads to the servants’ staircase. Near the staircase, you will find the lift. We have servants who will come each morning to build your fire, and they will bring heated water for your bath. You will not be expected to do such chores, as your main concentration is to see to my nieces.”

  “Of course, Mr Darcy. I appreciate the luxury that is provided. It is very thoughtful of you.”

  “The pay is thirty pounds per annum. You will also be provided an allowance to purchase clothing and boots as needed. If there is anything that is needed for Emmy and Edith, speak with Mrs Duncan and it will be provided. You will have one day a week to yourself. Speak with Sally to determine which day you will take off. You will also be given two weeks of leave each year. Meals will be provided for you, as will any necessities you might need. And we have an account at Brookshire’s bookshop, so that you may purchase items you feel would be beneficial towards teaching the girls.”

  “Mr Darcy, this is far too generous.” Mr Gardiner stated.

  “It is the same as Sally receives. I wish to know that the servants who take care of our family are treated fairly. I cannot expect our servants to be loyal and hardworking if they are treated poorly.”

  “A good philosophy,” Mr Gardiner agreed. “I approve. My staff and servants appreciate the way I take care of them, and they are loyal to me in return.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  Mr Gardiner arrived home to find his eldest niece visiting with his wife. “Jane, it is a pleasure to have you here. I thought you were coming to Town next week.” He embraced his niece, placing a kiss on her cheek.

  “I could no longer tolerate Mamma and Lydia, so Charles was kind enough to bring me to Town sooner. We had a difficult time convincing Mamma that she could not join us here. She thought we should bring her and my sisters to purchase new gowns for them.”

  “Well, I am glad you were able to escape her. And I have news to share with you.”

  Jane smiled. “Shall we wait for Lizzy to join us? Is she at the warehouse?”

  “You sister has found employment. She has spoken with me of her desire to find a position, as she claims to be a burden to us. She is not a burden, though I understand her need to be independent. But finding a position which would be good for her was difficult. Fortunately, your husband sent his friend to speak to me of investing.”

  “Mr Darcy?” Jane sounded surprised. “What does Mr Darcy have to do with this?”

  “He needed a nanny for his nieces. He has hired Lizzy to care for the babies.”

  Jane’s expression darkened. “Lizzy cannot take the position. It would be too difficult for her.”

  “Far from it, Jane. It is the perfect situation for your sister. And Mr Darcy is a kind man, who will not take advantage of Lizzy.”

  “But the children, th
ey are tainted. What happened to Mr Darcy’s sister was sad, but the children are part of that man. Everyone knows about the situation, and Charles has told me of Mr Darcy’s family insisting he send the children away. If Lizzy were to tend the children, the taint will spread to her. It could even cause my younger sisters difficulties. When Mamma hears of this, she will have a fit unlike any other.” Jane was near tears as she spoke.

  “Jane, Mr Darcy’s nieces are his only family. It is not fair to him or to the babes to blame them for what happened to Miss Darcy. Her virtue was taken from her, not given away in foolishness. The poor girl was betrayed by her companion and someone she thought of as a friend of her family. I have met the children. You should have seen your sister light up as she looked at them.”

  Jane stood up, her hands on her hips. “Are you telling me that my sister is at Darcy House, with those children?”

  “Indeed. She is pleased with the position. And I will not have you dousing her enthusiasm with foolishness.” Mr Gardiner announced.

  With that, Jane bid her aunt and uncle farewell and left their house. Jane was determined that she would make her sister see the foolishness in her decision.

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 7

  Richard knocked on the door to the nursery. “May I enter?”

  Elizabeth heard his voice and turned her head, startled at the unexpected visitor. “Of…of course. Your cousin stated that you stay here when you are in Town.” She turned her attention back to Edith, whom she was finishing dressing.

  “Good morning, Miss Edith.” Richard said to the babe, holding his hands out to her. Even as young as she was, Edith was pleased to see her cousin. Richard picked her up from the dressing table and cuddled the babe to his chest. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, I try to make it a routine to visit the nursery each morning. I am quite fond of these girls.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head, keeping her eyes gazing downward. The pain she had endured a year prior, the anger in the voice of this now amiable man, struck deep in her heart.