My newest book

Forgive me for being late to post today. Have been dealing with health issues. This is the first 2 chapters of my next book, Her Memories Forged In Fire.

Chapter 1

            “Ah, Mr Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you.” Mr Edward Gardiner stated as the master of Pemberley, one of the largest estates in Derbyshire, entered his shop.

            “Mr Gardiner, how is your family? Are you settling in well?”

            “It has been a challenge, though we are nearly settled in the house of my wife’s father. After his attack of apoplexy, Mr Woods has been unable to do much for himself. Between my wife and our children, we are able to run the shop and see to his care, though the younger children can aggravate him.”

            “If there is anything I can do for you, please send word. Mr Woods has been a fixture here in Lambton, so seeing his family rallying to aid him is wonderful.”

            A young lady of nearly nine and ten years entered the mercantile. “Papa, I am ready to leave. Joseph has the wagon loaded.”

            “Good, good. Mr Darcy, have I introduced to my daughter?” Gardiner inquired.

            Darcy was intrigued by the young lady. “No, you have not.”

            “Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, I would like to introduce you to my eldest daughter, Miss Elizabeth Gardiner. Lizzy, this is Mr Darcy of Pemberley.”

            “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Gardiner.” Darcy gave a bow.

            As she curtsied, Elizabeth replied. “Likewise, Mr Darcy. My mother has spoken of your estate and the elegance of your home.”

            “You must come one day, and I will give you a tour. I am quite partial to my home, for I believe it to be one of the grandest estates you will ever find.”

            “Thank you, Mr Darcy. I will speak with my parents of your offer.” Elizabeth stepped closer to her father. “If you will forgive me, Mr Darcy, I must be on my way.”

            “I pray you are leaving for a pleasant day.” Darcy continued to watch her, something familiar about the young lady.

            “I am to the market at Wirksworth. Mamma makes remedies and I take them to sell.” Elizabeth wore a proud expression.

            “It has been years since I was there. There was one lady who made the most incredible biscuits. She told me there is a secret ingredient in them, of which only she and her daughter know. Many people have tried to learn the ingredient, never to pry the information from them. I believe my aunt, Lady Matlock attempted to purchase the recipe, though she was turned down.”

            “Mrs Farnsworth. She is still baking her biscuits, and even makes some tarts that are by far the best I have ever eaten. Mamma has a deal with her. We trade some of the remedies for some of Mrs Farnsworth’s wonderful treats.” Elizabeth smiled as she spoke.

            Darcy was surprised with the news. “Perhaps I should visit Wirksworth sometime soon. Is the market on Tuesdays each week?”

            “It is, and it is an amazing place. So many incredible and talented people selling products they have made. If only I had some funds…”

            Mr Gardiner chuckled. “I believe that is my daughter’s way of asking for her allowance.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins. “There is a little extra so you may find the perfect gift for your brother’s birthday.”

            “Thank you, Papa. I will be home after the market closes.” Elizabeth stepped up on her toes to place a kiss on her father’s cheek.

            “Tell Joseph to keep a close eye on you.” Mr Gardiner replied.

            “As always.” She teased as she left the shop.

            Once Elizabeth had left, Darcy was inquisitive. “Your daughter is older than I expected. Your other children, the ones I have met, are far younger than Miss Gardiner.”

          “Indeed, Lizzy is. She was nearly eight when we found her and adopted her. The poor girl, her birth parents had been killed in a fire. When we were in Wirksworth, visiting a friend I knew from Oxford, we saw a little girl who was quiet and withdrawn from all the other children outside the orphanage. We had noticed her sitting under a tree not looking at anything or playing with the other children. Helen and I went to the lady in charge, and she told us the history of what they knew. Lizzy had hardly spoken a word for nearly two years. She was found outside the inn, crying, and in pain from burns on her legs. All they were able to discover was from a maid who worked at the inn, who had been at her family’s home when fire happened. She said that the child’s name was Elizabeth, though they were unsure of her family’s name. When asked where her parents were, she pointed towards the burning inn. There were no other survivors, and no one can determine how she got out of the building.”

            “Has Miss Gardiner not remembered more since she has been with you? She appears to be a happy and vibrant young lady.”

         Gardiner nodded his head. “She is indeed. At first, she would not let Helen be far away. Lizzy would become inconsolable, sobbing, though she could never tell us what had happened. It is as if she closed the door to her past, only living in the present.”

            “Does it not bother her to be in the same village where her family perished?” Darcy attempted to discover more of the young lady.

            “No, Lizzy has told us that she feels as if she were doing what her birth family would desire her to do. That is all she has ever told us about her birth parents, she knows they would approve of what she has become. Well, she also told us once that a man in the village came to her aid that night, and she feels as if she was repaying him. When we asked her more about the man, Lizzy could not tell us anything further. All she could say was there was a man who aided her the night of the fire.”

            “I can remember the fire, though I was quite young myself. If memory serves, it happened while I was at Eton.” Darcy searched his memory. “My father informed me when I returned home on break. It was a difficult time, as my mother was ill, so we were extremely worried over her wellbeing. If memory serves, it was only months later, when my father’s cousin, who was the second in line of inheritance, left England, and my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh lost her husband when he was thrown from his horse. Father was having a difficult time with so many difficulties. I am not sure I would have been able to cope with such if I were in my father’s place.”

            “My Helen remembers her father telling her of the fire. We had barely been married, and were living in London at the time. I… dear me, please forgive me, Mr Darcy, I became distracted, as I should have asked when you entered if there was anything I can do for you.”

            “No worries, Gardiner. I came to order some items for my sister’s birthday. It is coming next month, as she continues to remind myself and my cousin. We can never forget that she will soon be five and ten.”

            A chuckle came from Mr Gardiner. “Oh, I remember that stage of life. Lizzy is turning nine and ten next month. I am trying to find something to give her that would surprise her. That child has an uncanny way of discovering any plans we have attempted to keep secret, and she always reminds us of her birthday.”

            “What day is Miss Gardiner’s birthday?” Darcy surprised himself in asking such a personal question.

            “April eleventh. That was the day she was discovered.”

            “The day before my sister’s birthday.” Darcy found himself thinking of the young lady he had just met. Changing the topic, Darcy discussed with Mr Gardiner what he wished to order for his sister. Once his task was accomplished, Darcy wished the Gardiner family well and took his leave.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

            Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was on leave from his service to the crown. He had been in battles in France, aiming to eliminate the threat from the little Corsican. After being injured, and having been sent back to England, he had become restless in London. His mother and father had agree to take him to Pemberley, where he could heal and soothe his soul.

           Though Richard was Darcy’s cousin, there was only a year between the two men. Richard’s elder brother, Matthew, was ten years older than Richard, so naturally, Richard spent more time with Darcy as they grew up. The two men had been more like brothers rather than cousins.

            The injury Richard had received had been to his leg. Richard feared the injury would never allow him to return to his unit, as the physician stated it might not heal enough for him to be able to return to the battlefield. Being unsure of his future, as the second son of an earl, Richard was concerned about what he would do if he lost his profession.

           Richard was pleased to be at Pemberley. The estate was welcoming, appearing as if the manor house was a part of the park surrounding it. There was the perfect blend of the two. The interior of the manor house was also comfortable. The generations of Darcys had preferred quality furniture, though the quality was also comfortable. Darcy and Richard had an aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who was the a sister to Richard’s father and Darcy’s mother. Lady Catherine preferred furniture was far from comfortable, as she preferred to impress others with her wealth. This was on the list of many reasons the cousins rarely visited their aunt.

            When Darcy returned to Pemberley, Richard was enjoying a light repast. “Ah, I see that my staff is taking good care of you.”

         “William, I cannot thank your staff enough. I swear, Mrs Reynolds treats me as if I were her son. Mrs Tanner has provided me with an endless supply with her wonderful food.

            “Do you remember the market at Wirksworth’s from our youth?”

           Richard thought for a moment. “Was that where we discovered a woman who was selling those biscuits of which we could not eat enough?”

            “Yes. I learned this morning that she still sells them at the market in Wirksworth on Tuesdays. Perhaps we could visit there next week.”

            Noting his cousin, Richard could tell there was something brewing inside the normally shy man. “How did you discover the information?”

            “When I went to Lambton, I visited the mercantile. You remember Mr Woods has his daughter and her family living there to take care of him. His son in law, Edward Gardiner is running the mercantile.”

            “Did Mr Woods suffer an attack of apoplexy? I think I can remember what his daughter looked like. Nice family.”

            “Yes, Mrs Helen Gardiner, nee Woods. She is nearly ten years older than I am. Her husband has been an excellent salesman. He has been investing in many other businesses and has plans to expand the mercantile and add more jobs in the area. Miss Gardiner, their eldest, was leaving for the market in Wirksworth. She was the one to inform me of Mrs Farnsworth still selling her biscuits and tarts.”

            “Miss Gardiner? Tell me more about her.”

            Darcy did not want to admit that he was interested in Miss Elizabeth Gardiner, as he had only met her. Richard would tease him ruthlessly. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth Gardiner. She was an orphan from the night the inn in Wirksworth burned down. The Gardiners took her in and adopted her two years after the fire.”

    “Continue.” Richard gave his cousin a look that spoke of Darcy not being able to change the subject.

            “What would you like to know?”

            “I believe description of the young lady has yet to be discussed.”

            “She is near Georgiana’s height. Dark, curly hair which was resisting any attempt to be pinned. She has very fine eyes.”

      Obviously, Richard understood that the young lady had touched Darcy’s heart. “You seem to be interested in this lady.”

         “Richard, I only met her two hours ago. Knowing her for less than a quarter of an hour does not make such as you are thinking.”

         “William, I have never seen you with such an expression. How many women have you noticed things such as her hair attempting to escape the pins or her eyes being fine? Those words say so much to me, they tell me you have an interest in the young lady.”

     “Nonsense. Miss Gardiner was a pleasant young lady. Her parents are respectable people, who could be mistaken for gentlefolk. Miss Gardiner was polite and kind. I would not find any objection for her to be introduced to Georgiana.”

            This was shocking to Richard. He could not wait to meet the young lady who was peaking Darcy’s interest. Knowing his cousin as well as he did, Richard knew he would need to tread lightly. “Perhaps we should visit the tea room tomorrow. Is it not next to the mercantile?”

            Darcy was confused by his cousin’s desire to go to Meryton. “What are you up to, Richard?”

            “Would it not be a pleasant time to visit the village? If you believe Miss Gardiner to be worthy of meeting Georgiana, we should take our ward to Lambton.”

           Looking at Richard, a curious moment stirred in his mind. “There is something familiar of Miss Gardiner. It is as if I knew her from somewhere.”

            “All the better for us to meet the young lady. Perhaps I will be able to assist you in identifying Miss Gardiner.” Richard replied.

            “Very well. I will inform Georgiana. No doubt she will be impressed with Miss Gardiner.”

                                                          ~~ ** ~~

            Gerald and Lady Anne Darcy had been gone for years. Lady Anne died after a long period of illness after she had given birth to Georgiana, the daughter Lady Anne had always desired. She had been told, after Fitzwilliam’s birth that she should never have another child, as her son’s birth had been difficult.  But the lady had desired a daughter. There had been several miscarriages between her son’s and daughter’s births. Each time took more of a toll on the mistress, both physically and mentally.

       Georgiana was only three years old when her mother passed. Fitzwilliam was five and ten. Her son was devoted to his mother, and Lady Anne adored her son.       

            There had been one difficulty…Lady Anne’s elder sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park. Knowing that her sister’s desire for her only child, a sickly girl who would never know a season nor been taught any of duties of a mistress of a great home nor learned any of the accomplishments with which other ladies were instructed, such a music and art, to marry Fitzwilliam. Lady Catherine had always been jealous of her siblings. Both her brother and sister had love matches, while her marriage was one of convenience. Watching Lord and Lady Matlock, and Gerald and Lady Anne Darcy, Lady Catherine grew bitter. If she was to live in a marriage that was void of emotion, she wished to share her misery. Having Anne marry Fitzwilliam would be a loveless marriage, just as Lady Catherine wished.

            Lady Catherine began telling a lie, claiming her sister had agreed with her, desiring for union of their children. Everyone in the family knew better. None of them could convince Lady Catherine that her wish would not be fulfilled.

            Lady Matlock, Rebecca Fitzwilliam, had been close friends with Lady Anne. It had been painful when Rebecca could not give birth to a daughter, only Matthew and Richard. When Lady Anne died, her sister in law filled the void in the children’s life. She was there for all birthday celebration, every major event which the two Darcy children had.

            Gerald Darcy had been broken hearted with the loss of his beloved wife. He began turning over the care for Pemberley and their other holdings to his son, isolating himself from the world. Georgiana was young, unable to understand why her mother was no longer at their home or why her father did not act the same way he had before. Fortunately, Mrs Reynolds had taken up the motherly attention, adding to her being the housekeeper. The lady had been with the Darcys since Fitzwilliam was four years of age. She adored Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, and her motherly instincts could abandon the two motherless children.

            When Gerald joined his wife eight years later, he had left the guardianship of Georgiana to Fitzwilliam and Richard, infuriating his sister in law. It had been her belief that the young girl should come to live with Lady Catherine at her estate, Rosings Park. Lord Matlock, Henry Fitzwilliam, was required to put his eldest sister in her place, informing Lady Catherine that as head of the Fitzwilliam family, he demanded she stop her insistence.

       Georgiana was shy, like her brother. They were both uncomfortable with large groups and people who were unknown to them. The girl was too shy to make friends, preferring to play her pianoforte. Between her lessons and the time she was practicing, Georgiana was kept occupied. Her new governess was a Mrs Younge. The woman had encouraged Georgiana to act more grown up, even telling the girl that she was old enough to begin enjoying society. Though she was still young, Georgiana had decided she wished to enjoy more public events. This became the start of a controversy between the girl and her guardians, and even with her Aunt Rebecca.

            Due to the girl’s difficulties with her family, Fitzwilliam (known to his family as William) thought Miss Gardiner would be a pleasant young lady to befriend Georgiana. At least, that was the reason he had decided to tell himself.

            Darcy decided to agree with Richard, taking Georgiana to the mercantile the following day, to introduce their ward with the delightful Miss Gardiner.

          Noticing his cousin’s expression, a gazed, far away appearance. Richard smiled. Ah, yes, tomorrow will be quite an interesting day. Let us see what William is like when in the presence of the young lady.