The Ashes of Longbourn by Melanie Schertz Page A

ending up at the small estate that Darcy owned near Belfast, Ireland. They had been traveling for months and had been in Ireland for a fortnight. Darcy had started to think of staying in Ireland permanently. He and Georgiana liked the area and they considered making this their home.

They had come into Belfast to do some shopping. Returning to the inn where they were staying while in Belfast, they went to the dining room to have some refreshments. There was a family dining nearby.

“Edwin, do we have time to stop at the shop with confections before we leave. I wish to find something special to take with us to Netherfield. After everything that has happened, a treat from another country might bring the girls a smile.”

“I believe we do have an hour to spare, though I do not know if they will ever be able to smile again after such an ordeal. It has been difficult for me to believe.”

Hearing their speaking of Netherfield, Darcy was instantly drawn to their conversation. Could there be another Netherfield? Surely they were not speaking of Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. He had to know for sure. Darcy stood and walked to the table where the family was seated.

“Forgive me for eavesdropping, but I could not help hear you say that you were traveling to Netherfield. Might I ask where Netherfield is?”

“Might I ask your name, Sir? I do not speak of our plans to just anyone.” Edwin Gardiner stated.

“Of course, forgive my manners. My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. The Netherfield you were speaking of, was it, by chance, Netherfield Park?”

“Mr Darcy, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Edwin Gardiner and this is my wife, Helen. She is from Lambton, in Derbyshire.”

“That is only five miles from Pemberley, and I know it well. Mrs Gardiner, might I ask your family name?”

“It is Thompson, Mr Darcy. My father ran the general store in Lambton.” Helen Gardiner stated.

Darcy was surprised. “I remember Mr Thompson. He was a kind man. I remember watching all the children in the neighborhood enjoying the candy he gave to them.”

“He was quite popular with the children and their families.” Helen said with a slight chuckle. “My mother always teased him that the parents of the children would not thank him for their sticky children after they got the candy all over their clothing.”

This gave Darcy a smile at the memories. Then he began to have a nagging feeling, a partial thought that was on the tip of his tongue but unable to find completion. “Gardiner, I know that it is a common name, but somehow I feel as if someone I am close to has a close connection with a family named Gardiner. Where do you call home?”

“We live in London, though you most likely would have heard our name from our family. They are from Hertfordshire.”

Reality suddenly struck him. Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle, their name was Gardiner and they lived in London. “Forgive me; I did not realize until just now who you are. Please accept my condolences for your loss.”

“Thank you, Mr Darcy. We have been in Ireland since just before the fire and are leaving today to journey there. Your friend, Mr Bingley, has invited us to stay at Netherfield for as long as we would like. There is much to determine for the future.”

Darcy was puzzled. What could there be to determine for the future? The Bennet family was dead, they had no future. Why would Bingley be in contact with the Gardiners and invite them to come to Netherfield? “I am confused, Mr Gardiner, what is there to determine? From what I was told, the house was completely destroyed and the estate was entailed to Mr Bennet’s cousin.”

It was Mr Gardiner’s turn to be confused. “Forgive me, Mr Darcy, but we have no concern over the estate. We are needed to determine what will happen to my nieces.”

Darcy’s knees began to buckle and he turned pale almost instantly. Mr and Mrs Gardiner moved quickly to assist Darcy in