Page 8 of Through the Eyes of Love

Pemberley

“FIRE! Fire!” Fitzwilliam Darcy was confused. Someone was shaking him and shouting. When he opened his eyes, his valet was rushing about his chamber. “Wake up, sir, the house is ablaze. Here are your breeches and boots. We must leave immediately!”

Smoke was filling his room while he attempted to dress in a rush, tangling himself in his clothing in the process. “Has a bucket line been established? What is to be done?”

Kenton assisted him with his boots. “Yes, but I am afraid it is too late. The fire is too widespread, and I fear Pemberley will be lost. Pray come without delay, while we have a chance to escape.”

“Thank G-d my sister is at Oakmont Hall. Where are the servants?”

“They have quit the house, sir, and Mrs. Reynolds is making certain no one has been left behind in the servants’ quarters.”

The two men hurried down the grand staircase. Darcy hesitated when they reached the ground floor. “Kenton, gooutside and see what can be done to put the fire out. I shall see if Mrs. Reynolds needs help and shall join you as soon as possible.”

“I shall go with you and we can both help.”

“No, leave now!” Darcy demanded.

“Yes, sir. Pray take care.” The valet quit the manor house through the open front door.

The sizzling sounds of the flames destroying the structure and the smell of smoke were overwhelming as the blaze greedily consumed his home. The muscles of his shoulders tightened and at first, his legs refused to move. Curses came to his head. This was the devil’s work! A fire of this size was unprecedented! Despite the intense heat, Darcy made haste and turned right towards the servants’ quarters. Without warning, a burning joist dropped from the ceiling. Before he had a chance to move out of the way, he was pinned to the floor. The fiery beam had a crushing weight. He struggled to lift the scorching timber, but the heat and bulk were too much for him. The searing pain that began to penetrate his face and leg was near unbearable—how could he survive such agony? Yet despite his efforts, he could not save himself. Darcy closed his eyes. He had to accept the fact that he was near the end of his life. At least he would see his beloved parents again.

* * *

July1811

Lambton

As she stood before Mrs. Hopkins’s small, well-kept home, Elizabeth took a deep breath. The front porch was covered in flowering vines. The sight of the many buds ready to open helped her relax, and she exhaled. Would she be happy with her new life in Lambton? Upon her knock on the door, Elizabeth was greeted by a smiling woman who appeared to be much older than heraunt. “I have been expecting you, Miss Bennet. Please come in, and I shall call for tea.”

“Thank you, madam. I appreciate your kind hospitality.” The welcome was all she could hope for. “A man from the inn will bring my trunk soon.”

“Let me see to the refreshments, and then we can chat.”

Elizabeth perused the sitting room. The furniture was covered in lovely floral patterns. Since she believed in first impressions, the view before her was satisfying: she would be comfortable living in this house.

When her hostess returned, Elizabeth turned to her. “My aunt has spoken highly of you ever since I can remember. She has often told me of her fond memories of living in Derbyshire.”

“Madeline Foster and I were not only relatives but the closest of friends, and my heart was broken when her father decided to sell his shop and move to London. Happily, we have kept up a steady correspondence since. In fact, she and your uncle travelled here when my son married five years ago.”

“I recall her speaking of the wedding. Does your son live nearby?”

“I wish it were so, but after my Robert completed his law studies, he and his wife settled near her family in Leicester. They used to visit me more often, but now they have two small children, and his practice keeps him busy. They left here a few days ago after their annual visit, so your arrival was well timed.”

“If I am still in Derbyshire next spring, I would be delighted to meet them.”

“Robert has met your relatives on many occasions. I am certain he would enjoy an introduction to their niece.”

“My aunt mentioned you also have a daughter.”

“Yes, my dear Amelia. Eight years ago, she married a local man, but soon after the wedding, her husband was offered an excellent job in Yorkshire. She has two sweet children, but nowshe is a widow. Sadly, her husband succumbed to a fever several months ago. I begged her to come live with me, but she said she is not ready to leave the home she shared with him.”

“I am grieved to hear of your loss.” Elizabeth paused before she continued. “Has my aunt written to tell you why I am here?” Her hostess nodded. “I am relieved it is not necessary for me to repeat the recent misfortunes which have befallen my family. My aunt Gardiner suggested I look for work in the village or at a nearby estate called Pemberley, which she said employs many people.”

“I fear you will not find any employment atthatestate. Pemberley has suffered such a tragedy: completely destroyed by a terrible fire not two weeks ago. I heard the master of the estate sustained grave injuries attempting to ensure everyone escaped from the house. He now lies near death at the Rose and Crown. Perhaps you can find something here in the village or at one of the other nearby estates.”

“I cannot thank you enough for taking me in. Since you are aware of my situation, I hope you will be able to help me find a position.”

“Yes, my dear, I shall try. Madeline told me the whole of your circumstances, and I daresay your father, bless his soul, should have done more to provide for your family.”