Free The Ashes of Longbourn by Melanie Schertz

Mr Darcy? I was sure that he would have come to be at Lizzy’s side. After all, he wished to court her. Do you think that he could not accept the news of her injury and decided against the courtship?”

“If I had known the arrangement that Elizabeth had with Darcy when the accident first happened, I would have sent an express to him. I am certain that Mrs Reynolds, his housekeeper at Pemberley, would have known his location in Scotland. Even so, I have written to him several times, and thought that the letters would have been forwarded to him. I have never known Darcy to take the easy way out of trouble. Something must have happened to his sister or even himself. While I am in Town, I plan on asking around if anyone has heard from him.”

“I will keep them in my prayers then, as there has been too much sadness in our lives. I would not wish to see Mr Darcy or his sister come to any harm.”

“I am pleased you finally told me of my friend’s feelings for Lizzy.” Bingley wrapped his arms around Jane and held her close to his chest. “I wish to take a walk out in the park and I hope that you will join me. Lizzy will sleep for a while and Mrs Hill is with her. The fresh air and sunshine will do you good.”

Jane hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Once outside, Jane sighed as the sunshine felt warm on her skin. “Such a beautiful day it is. I wish that Lizzy was able to enjoy it. It would do a great deal for her spirits.”

“I was thinking that myself. The last time he was here, Mr Freemont said in another week he believes that Lizzy’s legs should be healed enough to be able to move them without risking further injury. I was thinking of ordering a wheeled chair for Lizzy to help her get around and maybe it would lift her spirits. If we are able to easily move her to other rooms and even outdoors, it would do a great deal to aid in her recovery.”

“That is a wonderful idea, Charles. When she is stronger it will give her freedom to move from room to room on her own. But I insist that it be paid for from our inheritance. I am sure that wheeled chairs are not cheap, and I would not wish to add to your burden. You have paid for so much to take care of us.”

“Jane, we will discuss this later, but as my betrothed and under my protection, the cost is of no matter to me. What I have spent for your sister’s care is of no consequence.”

“Then, as we will be married, you will receive my inheritance, I ask that it be used to pay for the care of my sister.”

Bingley smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “My love, I am so pleased with your sister’s recovery and I am grateful that I could be helpful in seeing that she had everything she needed to come back to us.”

~~ ** ~~

When Bingley arrived in London, he went to his brother in law’s townhouse. “Charles, it is a pleasure to see you.” His sister, Louisa Hurst, said as she kissed him gently on the cheek.

“It is a pleasure to see you looking so well, Louisa. You have glow a about you.”

“We were planning to write to tell you the news, but now that you are here, Gilbert and I are expecting later in the year.”

Bingley took hold of his sister in an embrace. “I could not be happier for you, Louisa. That is wonderful news.”

A worried look came over Louisa’s face. “How are you, Charles? Your letters never say much. How are you truly handling what happened?”

He looked down for a moment, before returning his gaze to his sister. “I have to admit to you the truth of the situation. Though I have never informed you any different, I never contradicted the rumors that had circulated through Town. Not all of the Bennet family died in the fire. Jane and Elizabeth are still alive.”

Louisa gasped. “Are they well? Were they not at home when the fire happened?”

“They were home. Fortunately, Jane was in Elizabeth’s room, as they fell asleep talking. Elizabeth discovered the fire and forced Jane out