Chapter 1 Re #2
Three years ago, Louisa had given birth prematurely to their second child, a daughter named Amelia, who passed within a week.
During that heart-wrenching time, Hurst had striven to be there for his wife, providing support and comfort.
Louisa, always reserved, maintained her quiet disposition towards him.
Nevertheless, Hurst persisted, resolute in his efforts to connect with her, engaging in conversation and spending more time together.
He was certain that Louisa cared for him, though he was uncertain about the extent of her affection for him.
He tried to recollect the various incidents he witnessed during their stay at Hull, trying to find anything that might explain the reason for Louisa’s melancholy.
Caroline, as expected, was inconsolable over the boy's death.
It was difficult to believe she was the same Caroline Bingley who once carried herself with such arrogance in London.
The past seven years had wrought significant changes in her.
It was apparent that the boy's passing had profoundly impacted her.
However, this did not account for Louisa's sorrow.
Louisa had not even laid eyes on the boy before his untimely demise.
Did Caroline say something to her that caused her distress? Why can't she just talk to me about it? When will she understand that I care for her?
Gazing out of the carriage, he noticed that the weather had taken a turn for the worse. He realized that they made a mistake when they decided to resume their journey in the morning. They should have stayed at the inn in Baslow.
God in heaven, guide us to safety, especially for the sake of these children.
As if on cue, a loud crack echoed, and the carriage lurched to the side. He heard the carriage driver's cry, and the situation took a perilous turn.
Pemberley, Derbyshire
Darcy
Darcy peered through the window of his study, concern etched on his face as the heavy snow fell outside.
"The snow is getting heavier. I hope that none of the staff and tenants are caught outside in this weather. Finding shelter will be a challenge," he remarked, turning to Mrs. Reynolds, his housekeeper.
"I already instructed all the staff to stay indoors and not go outside.
The men at the stable will remain indoors as well.
Jonny, the under gardener, visited his home two days ago and is expected to travel today.
He is used to venturing out in such weather and always prepared," Mrs. Reynolds assured.
"And have the sleighs been readied, just in case they are required?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy, both sleighs are prepared."
The sleights are part of a longstanding tradition at Pemberley.
The estate boasted two sleighs—both accommodating up to four people with a bit of squeezing.
Each year, before winter's onset, the sleighs were meticulously cleaned and prepared for use, in case anyone found themselves stranded in the nearby plains during winter days.
Year after year, the sleighs proved their worth, rescuing unsuspecting souls unaccustomed to the fickle nature of Derbyshire winters.
Yet, the sleighs could only aid those in need if word of their predicament reached Pemberley.
Communication was often difficult in such weather conditions, and many lives were sadly lost, unable to navigate the harsh snow and find help.
Little did Darcy imagine that this simple tradition of kindness, initiated by his forefathers, would soon bestow upon him the most significant blessing of his life.
Bakewell, Derbyshire
Elizabeth
What if I have to see him again?
Though Elizabeth thought about Mr. Darcy almost every day, she never desired to see him again. She always preferred to remain uninformed of his current circumstances as much as possible. Yet, being in close proximity to his home suddenly prompted her to inquire about him.
"Charles, how is Mr. Darcy? You've hardly mentioned him in all these years," the question slipped from her lips before she could contemplate it further.
"I cannot say, Elizabeth. I haven't inquired about him since marrying Jane.
It's been difficult for me to forgive him for what he attempted.
If he had succeeded, Jane would have been lost to me.
He may have taken a wife, but I've received no word of such an event.
I've stayed away from London since my marriage, leaving me entirely ignorant of his affairs. "
Elizabeth refrained from further inquiry. She understood her brother was likely correct concerning Mr. Darcy's marital status. After all, Pemberley required an heir, and Mr. Darcy would need to marry and secure one.
He would be happy with his wife and children. It is nothing more than what he deserves. I also deserved this life. I can't even complain. I had my chance, and I threw it away.
As she sat there, contemplating the man who had resided in her heart for years, a loud crack was heard, and the carriage turned sideways.
She managed to hold Sam close to her but couldn't prevent herself from falling backward as the carriage tilted to the side where she was sitting.
She expected to be thrown to the ground at any moment.
But for some inexplicable reason, the carriage remained in a slanted position without fully toppling over.
Two minutes later, she found herself standing in the snow along with Jane and Louisa.
Charles and Mr. Hurst conversed with the coachman, trying to figure out how to get the carriage moving again.
The snow descended heavily, and she sought warmth by standing close to Jane and Louisa.
The infant, Beth, thankfully remained asleep throughout the ordeal.
As far as she could tell, one of the wheels had fallen into a ditch, causing the carriage to veer off the track.
Subsequently, the wheel appeared to have struck something, resulting in the audible crack they heard.
The carriage's upper portion became ensnared on a low branch by the roadside, thereby preventing it from toppling over.
The situation might have been much worse without this fortunate occurrence.
"Charles, Jane is burning up. We must find a warmer place for her," Louisa urgently exclaimed, prompting Charles to hasten to their side. Elizabeth immediately clasped Jane's hand, feeling the heat emanating from her feverish skin. When did her condition deteriorate like this?
This was indeed a perilous situation. They were stranded on an isolated road, with three children and three women, one who was gravely ill.
There was no shelter in sight. Heavy snowfall enveloped them.
Even if they managed to restore the carriage to the road, travelling would prove challenging in this weather.
"What of the carriage, Charles?" Louisa inquired, casting her gaze upon her husband and the driver struggling to rectify the situation.
"The wheel on the left side, the one in the back, is damaged. The carriage won’t be going anywhere for some time. We must seek shelter for the night. Matlock is still nearly eight miles away," Charles replied.
"But where can we stay? We must also find an apothecary for Jane. She is very ill, and we have the children with us," Louisa asked in a concerned voice.
Elizabeth could discern the worry etched upon Charles' countenance. She knew he was thinking hard to find a way out of this predicament. Her heart sank as she perceived the very thought that shadowed his features. Charles was thinking of requesting help from that house, the house she dreaded most.
God, no, Charles. Anywhere but there.
“Aunt Lizzy, look at that. Someone is coming towards us,” Sam suddenly pointed behind her. Elizabeth followed the boy's gesture and indeed beheld a man trudging steadily in their direction. He was encased in snow-draped attire and wore snow boots to shield him from the elements.
Bingley
Why, oh why, did I have to bring these ladies and children along? Why didn't I travel alone?
Bingley was well aware of the dangers of Derbyshire winters.
He knew how they could catch one unawares.
He also knew that he would have to pass through here at the onset of winter for his return journey.
Even with all this knowledge, he brought the ladies and children along—a regrettable mistake.
But dwelling on it served no purpose now.
The die was cast, and they must seek shelter urgently, for their survival depended on it.
Jane's ailment necessitated the care of an apothecary as well.
Pemberley immediately came to mind, a place he would have readily sought shelter seven years ago in such circumstances.
However, uncertainty now clouded his judgement.
How would Darcy receive them? Bingley did not anticipate Darcy turning them away, especially with ladies and children in their company.
Surely, shelter would be granted. But would it be given wholeheartedly?
How did I find myself in this predicament? To be stranded in a place near the only house in England where I may never be welcome.
There was no other viable option. They had to somehow reach Pemberley and appeal to Darcy for help. But how? Pemberley itself was about three miles away, and walking such a distance in this treacherous weather was unthinkable.
Young Sam's gesture drew Bingley's attention immediately. If the man approaching was a local, there might be hope for finding an alternative shelter with less than three miles of walking to endure.
"My good man, would you mind stopping for a second? We are in need of assistance," Bingley raised his hands and called out. The man swiftly approached them.
"Eh, sir, what 'appened to the carriage? Is it stuck, or did sumthin' break?" The man inquired, inspecting the carriage.
"Unfortunately, a wheel broke—the one at the rear. It won't be moving anytime soon. I am Charles Bingley. May I inquire about your name?"