Publish One, Working On Another

Hi everyone. I have been working on getting Her Memories Forged In Fire published, while working on my new story (which I am naming The Path To Her Future). Then add on top of everything, more and more health issues. So much fun.

So, I went back and started cleaning up the way this story was going. It wasn’t happy with me, so I had to listen to it (stories take on a life of their own and man, they can get crazy mad if you don’t do as it wants. See what you think so far.

Chapter 1

            Fitzwilliam Darcy had hidden himself in the poorest section of London. It had been three months since he had been shot and left for dead, all in a betrayal of one who had been a dear friend.

            Elizabeth, what must you think of me? Our wedding…you must hate me for not arriving at the church to say our vows. If I had been well, I would have been there. The bullet’s damage to my shoulder and the fever which came from the infection left me too weak to make my way to Meryton that day. How will I make this up to you? I pray you will forgive me, though I believe it will be difficult, as your sister is now wed to the traitor I would have been proud to call brother.

            Why had Charles Bingley changed? He had always been so amiable and caring. Then he became a lecherous viper, striking me just before our wedding. I discovered I had been considered dead, as no one had seen me since the shooting, nor had anyone even known of the shooting. It was believed I had left the country and was hiding away from my now jilted bride’s family. Nothing could have been furthest from the truth. If I had been able to contact you, my love, I most certainly would have. But to contact you now, you would be in the same danger in which I have been.

            What was it I missed in Bingley’s behavior? I believed him to be one of the best men I knew. He was to marry Elizabeth’s elder sister, Jane. I pray that my disappearance will delay such event. Let the pain of her sister keep Jane from marrying that viper.

            My dearest, what must you think of me? Do you believe the worst of me or that something dreadful happened? My family would have been there for the wedding. What do they believe has happened? Please, God, watch over Elizabeth and her loved ones. Do not allow them be harmed by Bingley.

                                                            ~~**~~

            Elizabeth Bennet had walked around the park which encircled her father’s home. Her favorite place was Oakham Mount, one place she felt at peace. It allowed her the ability to think without the interference of the rest of the world.

            Since Fitzwilliam Darcy had failed to show at their wedding, Elizabeth had not wished to speak to anyone. She knew that her family were attempting, in their own ways, to aid her. But how does one find comfort when they were heartbroken?

            At the top of Oakham Mount, Elizabeth could enjoy the peace of the early morning. As a child, Elizabeth had believed herself to be a princess, seeing her father’s kingdom from on high. As she grew, the location was always special to her.

            Now, after what she had endured over the previous fortnight, it was a reminder that she was a daughter of a lowly squire, one of five daughters, all unmarried.

            Would the Bennet family ever recover from what had happened? Jane was to marry, though the eldest of the sisters had decided to postpone her marriage. Though Elizabeth had begged her beloved eldest sister to go ahead with her wedding, Jane had remained steadfast. If she did not wed Mr Bingley, their entire family would feel the repercussions by none of the Bennet daughters would find a respectable marriage.

            Why would William be so cruel? I never should have believed it possible for him to behave in such a manner. No, I do not have the right to call him William. He is Mr Darcy. I must never forget that I have no right to speak informally of him. Obviously, I will not need to worry of his returning to Hertfordshire. Mr Darcy has repaid me for my ill behavior when he first asked for my hand. How foolish I was to believe his sweet words of loving me. Never again will I allow a man such control of my feelings.

            It would be best if I were to leave England. Perhaps I could go to Ireland, or to the Americas. Uncle Edward might have connections for me to find a position, as a clerk at a shop. No family would wish for such a disgraced woman to be a governess or even a nursemaid. My only hope was to leave England and find another way to earn my keep.

            Would contacting Uncle Edward place them in danger of society turning against him. I would not wish for him to have difficulty and lose his business for me. It was none of his blame, but he and his family could be ruined just for being my family. The only way I can protect my loved ones is to leave to parts unknown, allowing my family to recover from my being jilted.

            The more Elizabeth thought on the matter, the more she came to believe leaving was the best option for all of them. Jane could marry Mr Bingley, her other sisters could find husbands, her parents would not have to support all their daughters being spinsters, their other relations would not be made to suffer.

            Over the coming week, Elizabeth made her plans. She had saved her pin money for years, and her father had given her money for her trousseau. When her order arrived before the wedding, Elizabeth had been far too busy to return her father’s funds, as Mr Darcy had purchased the clothing. Elizabeth decided to tell a few lies to save her family.

            When her then fiancé refused for her father to purchase the clothing for her future, the man from Derbyshire had made it possible for her the freedom from the life he would have condemned her to after leaving her at the alter. He gave her the financial ability to leave all she knew and begin again, far away.

            First, she would need to write a letter to her aunt. Helen Gardiner was well had been a dear friend as well as her aunt, ever since she married Elizabeth’s uncle, Edward Gardiner.

            In her letter, Elizabeth would claim to be preparing to visit her father’s aunt, who lived in Dorset, and would be leaving Longbourn, the only home she had ever known, at the end of the week. Knowing Aunt Helen, Elizabeth was certain she would send a return letter immediately, sharing words of wisdom and comfort.

            When the return letter arrived, Elizabeth spoke to her parents. “Aunt Helen asked for me to come to London to assist with the children. With Aunt increasing, Uncle Edward wishes to lighten her load.”

            “Yes, that would be helpful for both Helen and for yourself. You will have a chance to recover from what has happened. When you return, we will discuss what we will do for the future. It will allow me to contact some of my university friends to see if they have knowledge of a position as a governess or another situation.” Mr Bennet stated. “You go and pack your trunk. I will have Mr Hill send one of the stable hands to Meryton to learn the schedule for the mail coach heading for London.”

            “I thank you, Papa. It will give me time to consider not only my future, but the future for our family.”

            “I have spoke with your Uncle Phillips and he believes we have a case against Mr Darcy, which would include him paying the settlement he had settled on you in the marriage contract.”

            “Please, Papa, I want nothing further from Mr Darcy. No matter what such a case would do, my future is forever altered. Bringing such would only keep the situation current in society, which will continue bringing shame to our family.”

            “It is Mr Darcy’s shame, not ours. He should be made to pay for the humiliation you and our family is suffering.”

            “We will speak more of this when I return home from London. By then, perhaps Uncle Phillips will be able to tell us more.” Elizabeth wanted to end the conversation and be on her way before she lost her nerve.

            The stable hand returned to say that there was a post coach leaving Meryton in two hours. The next issue would be getting her father to allow her to go on the post coach without a maid. Luck had it that an elderly lady was to be on the post coach, which would be enough to preserve her dignity.

            By the end of the day, Elizabeth was on her way from her father’s estate. When the coach stopped just north of London, Elizabeth exchanged coaches, choosing the coach heading for Liverpool.

Chapter 2

To hide her identity, Elizabeth decided to change her name to Elizabeth Blaine. She wished she was not required to leave her family and the only home she had ever known. What happened was not their fault, and Elizabeth was determined to protect them as much as she could.

            Climbing on board the post coach to Liverpool, the young lady plucked up her courage, determined to start a new life. As Miss Blaine, she would find work in Ireland.

            In her childhood, Elizabeth remembered the stories her father had told her of his grand tour to Drogheda. She had always wished to visit there, though it had always been a dream, for Elizabeth knew she would be unable to make such a journey.  But now, Elizabeth Bennet was no more. Elizabeth Blaine would be allowed to make such a trip on her own. When she arrived, she would find employment. The funds she had with her would allow Elizabeth the time to find what would be best for her future. If frugal, she could make the money she had last at least six months.

            The first items she would have to address when she arrived in Ireland  would be a place to stay and food. Then she would begin searching for employment. Elizabeth was pleased that the clothing she brought with her was the simplest, which would be best for working. She would be part of the working class, no longer part of the gentry.

            Forgive me, Papa. I could not see my family ruined. Please know that I love you too much to cause any of you harmed.

            With that, Elizabeth began her journey towards her destination, beginning with arriving at the docks of Liverpool to learn of the ships which would transport the young lady to her future.

            Elizabeth found a ship would be returning to England in a fortnight. It was currently on its way from the Americas. It was one of the only ship which would be fit to take on a female on board.

            A man who was working near the ticket office overheard when Beth inquired as to the next ship to Ireland. “Iffin you wait for the Poseidon, you be in luck. It be leavin next week. Me aunt and cousin be on the ship. They is gonna visit me gran.”

            “It would be my pleasure to take the journey with them. Could you tell me the best place to stay?”

            “You are welcome to follow me. Best place be me cuzins inn. He donnut allow no riffraff. His ma and sister be on the ship wiffin ya.”

            “Very well, Mr…”

            “No Mr. I be Timmons. Most here abouts knows Timmons. Iffin you need aid, akus for Timmons.”

            Elizabeth felt a comfort she had not since she left home. Meeting his family brought a smile to her lips. She could relax in the worn, yet serviceable furnishings of the quaint inn.

                                                ~~ ** ~~

            Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam had been baffled by the disappearance of his cousin, who had always been more of a brother than a cousin. He had been searching for Darcy for weeks with no results. Georgiana Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister, had been desperate to locate her beloved elder brother, and had begged Richard to remain at Darcy House in London, as town was the last place her brother had been seen. The girl had left Derbyshire the day after she received word from her cousin, and was terrified for her brother, who was also one of her two guardians. Richard was the second guardian. With his parents in Derbyshire at the Matlock family estate, Richard was the only comfort his young ward had in town. The family had planned to allow the newlyweds some time alone before the Matlocks and Georgiana made the journey to Pemberley.

            The butler knocked on the door of Darcy’s office, waiting for Richard to call out for him to enter.

            “Colonel, this letter just arrived for you.”

            “Thank you, Howards.” Richard took the missive and returned to the desk. He looked closely at the writing and his heart began to beat quicker. He broke the seal and read missive.

Jonathon,

Beware of a red haired fox who is pretending to be kind. I know not what the reason for the attack, but he has used his teeth to cause harm. Do not allow him and his red headed siblings to be around our ward.

Also, I beg of you, please protect my heart. If the fox becomes her relation, she will be in danger.

Now, I need funds to leave the area to recover. If possible, have funds in the study. I can use the secret access to the room we used as boys. If you could also leave clothing and my stallion saddled.

Do not tell your ward. She would not understand.

Forgive me for the difficulty, Robin

            Richard read the letter a second time, ensuring he had the right of everything. Richard’s middle name was Jonathon, which was known by only a few. Darcy had teased him in the past that it was easy to see how frustrated Lady Matlock was with her son by what name she used. If she said Richard Jonathon Albert Fitzwilliam, Richard had best to hide for a while.

            The red headed fox…could he mean Bingley? Bingley and his sisters have been visiting Georgiana daily since the young girl had arrived at Darcy House. What could have happened to cause Bingley to become someone of whom William would be concerned. It was something Richard would be looking into. He would put an end to the visits from any of the Bingleys family, which Richard knew would give Georgiana relief. She had never been comfortable. Perhaps it would be safer to have Georgiana removed from London. Perhaps taken to Matlock, under the care of Richard’s parents, or better, to Pemberley. The staff at the Darcy family estate were devoted and would not allow the Bingleys to have access.

            One of the easy situations was protecting against Bingley marrying Miss Jane Bennet. When William disappeared and her sister was devastated, Miss Bennet released Bingley from their engagement. This infuriated Bingley, something no one would have expected. Bingley insisted he would not accept Miss Bennet releasing him. When he became angered, Miss Bennet was fearful and had refused to speak to him again. Such behavior on his part was completely out of character of the man, who was always amiable and kind. Why was Bingley so insistent on marrying Jane Bennet?

            Richard could agree, Jane Bennet was one of the prettiest ladies he had ever met. She could not find anyone to be evil, which confused her to see the gentleman she thought cared for her to be behaving as he was.

            Why was Bingley so determined to marry the eldest Bennet sister? It was not as if she was wealthy, as each of the Bennet sisters shared their portion of their mother’s dowry upon Mrs Bennet’s death. Mr Bennet’s estate, Longbourn, brought in a mere two thousand pound per annum and was entailed away from the female line.

            Knowing the combination to his cousin’s safe, the colonel took the funds Darcy had in his safe. Richard was on a joint account at the bank, so he could easily obtain more when needed. Then came the choice of a horse. Having Darcy riding one of his finer steeds would make people curious as to who he was. One of the Darcy’s less obvious horses would be best. Of those he had in London, the best choice would be Jupiter. In appearance, Jupiter was average in appearance but looks could be deceiving. He was only two years old and was common in his chestnut coloring. What was not apparent was the fact Jupiter came from a long line of quality horseflesh. His lineage was far superior to most horses, and his training was well done by Darcy himself. His cousin had been an expert when it came to raising the best horses in England. As all of the farmlands of Pemberley had been occupied by tenants, Darcy had purchased a small estate which was on the border of Pemberley, allowing the estate to have room for the horse breeding venture.

            So lost in his thoughts, Richard was shocked when he heard a male voice he knew quite well.

            “Are you sleeping while you await your favorite cousin?”

            “I did not know Georgiana was joining us. Is she not my favorite cousin?”

            Richard reached over and pulled Darcy into a manly embrace. Noting his cousin’s wincing, Richard worried. “Are you well? What happened to you?”

            “It is a long story.”

            “Have you eaten anything? I have some cold meat, bread and cheese in the study, if you wish for something. You look terrible.”

            “I feel even worse. I would be grateful for something substantial to eat. It has been a bit of time since I had more than a few bites of something claimed to be stew. One day I must give my cooks substantial raises.”

            “Once you have some food, I insist on learning what has happened.”

            “How is Elizabeth? While I eat, fill me in of what occurred after I failed to show for our wedding.”

            The pair began to tuck in to eat when Richard began to speak.

            “Mrs Bennet began wailing, then swooned. Mr Bennet was furious. He came to me and stated he would see his solicitor about finding a way to file charges of breach of contract against you.”

            “I asked about Elizabeth.”

            “Well, I… it was as if she turned to stone. She spoke of your achieving your revenge against her for your being hurt when you first offered for her, while we were in Kent. There was no expression of pain or anger, she believed you to be exacting the pain, such as you had suffered, after her scathing words that night at the parsonage of Hunsford. I told her that you would never have mistreated her, that something was wrong. At that point, her father whisked her away and the Bennets returned to Longbourn.  Mr Bennet would not allow me to even speak any further with Miss Elizabeth. I went to Longbourn twice before I returned to London to begin searching for you.”

            “Mr Bennet was being cruel.”

            “Darce, remember what happened. Mr Bennet believed you jilted his daughter. Who was before him, the cousin of the man who jilted his daughter.  If it was Georgiana who had been injured in such a way, how would you behave?”

            Darcy nodded his head. “I understand. It does not change the fact that it is distasteful.  What happened with Elizabeth?”

            “After everyone was forced to leave Longbourn, I know not. No one from our family has spoken to her since then.  Of course, Bingley would not tell the Bennets the truth of what happened to you. In his mind, you are already dead. Just how in the devil did you escape from Bingley?”

            “Fortunately I have the Thames to thank for that. When he shot me, I fell backwards and landed on a small boat. The boat was partly under the pier, and the movement of my falling on it, the boat was pushed a bit further under the pier. Bingley was unable to see the boat when he looked. No doubt he has been watching the morgues and hospitals in case my body was discovered. I must discover what he is thinking. What is he thinking he will gain from my death? He must believe it will be a substantial benefit.”

            “What do you plan to do?” Richard inquired.

            “I must leave to recover and allow my mind the time to learn more information. I believe it would be wise for me to go to one of my other estates. The best would be for me to leave for my estate in Ireland.”

            “What of Georgiana?”

            “When do you need to return to duty?”

            “In three months. As my superiors know what has happened and my need to search for you and care for Georgiana, they have stated I may take more leave. It is a good thing I have been dutiful and hardworking. They also know it would be simple enough to resign my commission to care for my family.”

            “Would you bring Georgiana to Ireland to me? I would feel better if she was away from England, and especially away from the Bingley family. I am not certain what they are planning, nor do I know if it is all members of their family. Miss Bingley would likely be at her brother’s side. The Hursts, I am not as certain.”

            “I will tell Georgiana we are planning to make a trip to the continent. Perhaps I will tell her there had been a report which indicates you being seen boarding a ship to Belgium, and it might be worthwhile for the Bingleys know such information, so they might make a journey there and not know where we truly are.”

            “Safe journey. Keep our girl close by your side.”

~~ ** ~~

What do you think so far? Catching your attention?

Also, 250 years ago this month, something happened that changed the world. Jane Austen was born. And she truly did change the world for so many people, me included. Happy birthday to a grand lady who has done so much for me.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. No matter what you celebrate, may it be filled with the 4 F’s… family, friends, food, and fun. Blessed Be.