The Ashes of Longbourn by Melanie Schertz Page B

sitting down before he could fall to the floor. Georgiana was at her brother’s side quickly. Finally, Darcy was able to speak and there was only one question he needed answered. “Mr Gardiner, you said your nieces. Are you saying that your nieces survived the fire?”

“Only two of them did, though it has been our understanding that our dear Lizzy has been severely injured. She and Jane are staying at Netherfield.”

Tears began to flow freely from Darcy’s eyes. “Elizabeth is alive? Are you certain? We were told that they had all perished in the fire.”

“We received letters from Mr Bingley and Jane. From what we know, Lizzy was able to wake Jane and the two went out the bedroom window. Lizzy had Jane climb down while she went to Mary’s room to attempt to rescue Mary, and there was an explosion. Elizabeth was thrown from the roof and she came to a stop against a tree. From Jane’s description, many bones were broken as well as burns and cuts. And…”

“Mr Gardiner, please continue. I need to hear the rest.” Darcy pleaded.

“The letter stated that Elizabeth had no feeling from her waist down. In a way, it is a blessing. Both of her legs were broken in several places and the pain would have been severe. The letter also said that it is possible that, after the swelling and bruising subsided from her spine, the paralysis may subside.”

“Elizabeth is alive…that is all that matters. She is truly alive?”

“She was when we received the last letter which we received a week ago.” Mrs Gardiner said.

“And you are leaving today to journey to Netherfield?” Darcy asked.

“Yes, our ship sails in two hours.”

So many thoughts were racing through his mind. He had to return to England. He had to return to Elizabeth. Turning to Georgiana, it was as if she could read his mind. Nodding, Georgiana agreed that they would leave as soon as arrangements could be made.

“Mr Gardiner, are you and your family willing to wait until tomorrow and travel with us. I will pay for your lodging and expenses for staying here, and I plan to hire a ship to take us to England as soon as possible.”

Mr and Mrs Gardiner looked at each other. There was obviously more to this young man’s behavior and willingness to travel with only a moment’s notice. “Mr Darcy, might I ask you why you are interested in my niece?”

“My interest is that I love her dearly. We were last together in Kent, while I was at my aunt’s home and Elizabeth was at the parsonage. She granted me permission to court her, though I had to leave for Pemberley and we were waiting until I could come to Longbourn to speak to Mr Bennet. Then I received word that Georgiana was taken ill in Scotland and had to rush to her. My cousin came to Scotland as I was preparing to return to England. He brought news of the fire. He had been told by Mr Bingley’s sister that none survived. It was also in the newspapers, and Richard brought one of the articles with him.”

Georgiana placed a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “We have been traveling as my brother has been devastated at the thought that Miss Elizabeth was dead. He did not wish to return to our home as he had wished to marry her and take her there. When he was at Pemberley, he had our housekeeper begin fixing the Mistress’s Chambers for Miss Elizabeth.”

Mrs Gardiner was barely able to contain the pool of tears that were pleading to flow from her eyes. She looked at her husband and nodded her head. Mr Gardiner returned his attention to Darcy. “Sir, I believe that it is acceptable for us to travel with you. I can see that you have been deeply affected by the news and it is clear that you have tender regards for our Lizzy. She will need all of us through this trying time. And I must tell you, in our last letter from Jane, she stated that each day Lizzy grows more melancholy from expecting word from a man to whom she had lost her heart. They had feared that when he learned of her