Colonel Fitzwilliam's Story
Chapter 11 - Letters home
After concluding his meetings with Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam knew that he would be required to offer some explanation of Wickham's promotion to his cousin, and he felt that it was better done sooner than later. Seating himself on his cot and taking out his small writing desk top, he took up his pen and had soon begun his missive.
12 May 1813Fitzwilliam Darcy -- Pemberley Estate (near) Lambton, Derbyshire
Cousin,
It is now well past midnight here as I take up my pen to advise you of a matter relating to your brother-in-law George Wickham.
Due to the death of the former commander of his Regiment, Colonel Steele, all of the 61st Regiment has been transferred to my command. In addition to the Colonel's death, one of the Captains of a squadron was also killed and I was instructed to issue a field-promotion to the most deserving officer from among the men.
I have this date issued that promotion to Lieutenant, now Captain George Wickham based solely on the merits of the case. He has demonstrated courage under fire and proved to be an inspiration to the men serving with him. The other officers within his battle group recommend him highly as a man who can be relied on under fire. Wickham has demonstrated to me those traits that rank him among those deserving of command. In performing this action, I also had to remember those times during which he has caused some measure of grief within our family and to those that we love.
I realize that this comes somewhat as a shock to you, as it was to myself. Before this date, I could have never imagined myself to ever be placed in such a position as to recognize Wickham for any cause of merit. I know full well the history of this man, but must disregard that in my choice, as none of those things has anything to do with leading other men in battle.
I must close directly as I have another letter to write before I may retire. But before I close I must also advise you that, should you not already have been made aware of it, Lydia Wickham is with child and has been left alone in Newcastle. Please do what you can for her. Captain Wickham has asked me that I forward to you a voucher for his pay for the past two months. Further he requests me to ask that if you and Mrs. Darcy are able in any way possible, to provide some assistance to her during the coming time of her confinement, it would be greatly appreciated.
I am enclosing the draft that you will be able to draw upon at the offices of the British Command in London. Please give my warmest regards to Mrs. Darcy and I hope to return some day soon and see you both.
Yours && Richard
Having completed his missive to Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam now turned his attention to the other letter that must be written before he could gain rest. Taking the treasured cameo from his inside pocket he gently traced the outline of Violetta's features with his finger. Then laying the cameo just above the writing papers he again took up his pen.
12 May 1813Violetta Rosborough -- Rosborough Manor (near) Maldon, Essex
Dearest Violetta,
I have today received your letter with the new of a possible arrangement for the purchase of the estate situated in Kent. It has arrived here at a time when there has been some great confusion and activity for my regiment, as we are to depart for Spain within the next few hours. I have had a great many things on my mind this date and since I received your message via Lord Cameron's courier.
Be that as it may, I have given the matter a great deal of thought during the past few hours and had promised the courier that I would have my answer ready before dawn.
All of the things that you have outlined in your letter sound so very wonderful and seem to promise so many of the things that I have dreamed of all of my life. The situation of the estate and property would indeed be a means towards achieving what I feel that the both of us want for our future.
I have struggled with this from the very moment of first reading your letter. Therefore is with a certain sense of trepidation that I feel that I must inform you that my answer is to not undertake the purchase at this time. I know that these words will be difficult for you to understand. And it is impossible for me to outline to you, within the brief contents of this small letter, the very reasons why and how I have reached this conclusion. Since going on active duty and now destined for the front lines of service my pay has now been increased to 4,500 pounds, of which the total sum will be available on my return to England. I have other things in mind that also may allow me to accomplish my goals.
I can not by this letter hope to convey to you all of my feelings and thoughts but must beg of you to trust in my decision and be satisfied with this brief reply at this time. I feel that I must do this on my own and trust to the future that I will have the means to provide everything that we shall need. Please be patient with your love and have faith in my decision.
I love you with all of my heart and pledge myself to you for all time. I will write again further when I have the time, to try to convey more to you, if possible of what my plans will be.
Yours in faith and love,
Richard
Colonel Fitzwilliam sealed the letter, along with the one to Darcy, in the mail pouch that would be carried back to England by Lord Cameron's courier.
Setting his jaw in a firm mark of determination, the Colonel returned the cameo to its small pouch. Then placing the whole in his shirt pocket settled down on his small cot, where he lay, trying to get at least an hour's rest before the long journey of the day about to unfold.
Chapter 12 - On the Road to Fortune & Glory
During the following week the newly promoted Captain Wickham, as well as all of Colonel Fitzwilliam's expanded regiment sloughed through difficult mountain passes, and through village after village until around midday on the 20th of May they had arrived at a point close to Salamanca. Here they met up with the rear guard command of Wellesley's army. Here Colonel Fitzwilliam and his regiment received orders to join with the main body and cross over on the 28th. Thereafter they were to proceed on a secret march along the Douro River in a flanking maneuver through the wilderness of Tras os Montes.
On the 29th, while crossing through a rugged mountainous area, Colonel Fitzwilliam's men encountered a huge ravine where the river boiled and seethed at the base of a huge precipice. Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately ordered that a series of lines and windlass' be strung across the gorge, so that the men could be ferried across in huge wicker baskets, while the wagons and supplies crossed a rugged path along the edge of the cliff.
By the morning of the May 30th, Colonel Fitzwilliam's regiment arrived at Generals' Wellesley and Graham encampment where the main body of some 60,000 soldiers were located. Colonel Fitzwilliam was soon engaged to lead the forces onward through a tortuous crossing of the rushing Esla River. The river was swollen with the melting snows of spring, and presented a dangerous challenge to men and beast. Colonel Fitzwilliam, along with a group of engineers soon devised a series of pontoon bridges for use of the main body which followed. The entire operation was shielded from the view of the French by a huge bluff on the opposite banks.
As the British forces continued their advance, all French resistance and offensive gestures were quieted in short order. On the morning of June 13th Colonel Fitzwilliam was startled by the sound of an huge explosion to the north of his position, and rushed from his tent around 7 a.m.. Huge plumes of dark black smoke could be seen streaking skyward. Later he was to learn that the French commander King Joseph, being forced to retreat in such great haste, had instructed that the entire town of Burgos was to be blown up. The resulting explosions and conflagration had leveled the town entirely.
As the Colonel's regiment mounted the crest of a rise over the fertile Ebro Valley, later that same day, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his regiment blinked in rapturous surprise at the lush valley of vineyards and streams below. They all felt a brief desire to remain here and enjoy the fruits of their labors, but Colonel Fitzwilliam ordered them to push on. He realized that to remain would cause them to loose all of the advantages over the French that they had fought so hard to gain.
Each evening the peasants and farmers along their route were startled to see vast white tent cities rise as if by magic during the evening hours. Then just as suddenly be gone shortly after dawn the next morning. Leaving in their wake hundreds of smoldering campfires.
Day after day the routine became familiar to one and all. Rising before dawn; a brief few minutes to wash off the dust and grime of the day in some small mountain fed stream; gulp down a mouthful of gruel and a biscuit; pull up tent stakes; pack it all into the wagons and carts; slip into the straps of their backpacks and shoulder their musket; form up in a formation of four abreast -- forward march. In the evening it was the reverse of this process until they fell, dead tired, onto their sleeping roll.
Forging ahead along King Joseph's Royal Road to Paris, the regiment entered the Valley of Vitoria on June 17th. What lay before them was a plain some ten miles in length cut diagonally by the road and the River Zadora. The city of Vitoria itself was the capital of the Basque Country, located in northern Spain, it was a commercial and manufacturing center specializing in food, machinery and wood products.
On the morning of 19 June the regiment stumbled across a meadow where, to their joy, they found seven sheep peacefully grazing, having been overlooked by the French in their retreat. The sheep represented the first fresh meat that the army had had in nearly a month, and they were glad for their luck. As they sat enjoying their good fortune ...in the distance, gilding the spurs of the distant mountain, could be seen an enormous host. Fires and torches sprinkled the distant hills crests as far as the eye could see.
Colonel Fitzwilliam's small force was soon followed as General Wellesley's main body in two central columns continued to pour into the area just to the rear and totally obscured from the view of the French.
As the day passed, the Colonel had time to observe the area from his position and was lost in thought at the beauty of the location. To his left and northward there was a distant ridge of mountains where the Bilbao road led into the distance. To his right was the sleepy mountain village of Puebla, located at the crest of a precipitous mountain pass. Just below him, at the edge of a gentle running slope lined with poplars down to the waters edge, was the river Zadora.
The central point to the entire scene was a conical mound of Arinez, in front of the village of the same name. The mound was covered with stunted lavender and harebells in full bloom. From his position the Colonel could just make out the spires of St. Michael's Church with its famous 'white virgin' enshrined on the outer wall.
"Such a beautiful, peaceful place," he thought. "It is such a shame that by tomorrows' set of sun so many men will die in this place."
Situated within the town and on the opposite bank of the Zadora, King Joseph had deployed his forces, consisting of some 57,000 French and Hussein soldiers. Just behind the first of three defensive lines were located batteries of some 150 odd canon and howitzers. In the distance, about a mile beyond the city could be seen great caravans of civilians and baggage fleeing for their very lives. These frightened souls would later come to play a great part in the final outcome of the coming days events.
Colonel Fitzwilliam ordered his men to form a defensive line on the opposite side of the road and await the arrival of the rest of the army, some 2 miles behind them. Having dispatched a messenger to the command staff, Colonel Fitzwilliam settled in with his men to await further orders.
Later that evening as the Colonel rested before his tent he took out his pen and small writing desk.
19 June 1813Violetta Rosborough --Rosborough Manor (near) Maldon, Essex
Dearest Violetta,
As I take up my pen this evening I am in a position to overlook one of God's great wonders of creation. Set before me I can see a beautiful river set in a gentle valley, trees of all manner, and towering mountains. Stretched far into the distance I see the campfires and torches of our enemy as they dot the ridges of the hills into the far distance, like precious diamonds flashing in the night.
My company of men and beasts are tired from the long and arduous journey that brought us to this place and rests now in their tents. Very soon now we will engage in a great battle between these two mighty forces of men. I can not now see the final outcome, but place trust in my Lord that he will give us the strength to prevail. This evening, while our company was assembled we had a small concert performed by a group of regimental pipers and drummers from General Graham's force.
As we sat on the lonely hillside and took pleasure in the sounds, my thoughts, as always turned to you. I took your image from its place and gazed again on your precious face. Oh my beloved, ...how am I to tell you of my love? Would that there were some way for thought to be conveyed across the vast distance that separates us, I would tell you the feelings in my heart this night. Fly thought, on gossamer wings... Across the precipitous mountains, across the distant plain and mighty waters to that distant shore where sleeps my love. Take these pangs of my heart and whisper them gently in her ear. Tell her of my love and of the secrets of my soul. ...But softly, is that my love's own voice that I hear? Does she gently speak my name while she sweetly slumbers? Could I but reach out I should feel the touch of her soft cheek with my hand. Do I feel her warm breath against my lips as I bend to press hers against my own? There, see, ...she stirs, her arms reach out to enfold me. I lay my head upon the cool skin of her alabaster shoulder. She takes her silken hair and entwines my soul to her own. I loose my own self in her sweet fragrance.
I am now but your own slave forever. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I shall return to you soon, my love.
&&&
Richard
Laying back on the cot Colonel Fitzwilliam was soon lost in the reverie of a distant memory. Slowly, as from a mist, the memory of a song came to his mind. Once sung by another young lady while on a visit to Rosings. At first dimly, then ever more clearly the beautiful mezzo-soprano tones rang in his minds ear.
O Love, you who have wings
And know how to spread them in flight,
Go quickly in flight
To where my heart lies,
And if you do not know the way,
Let my sighs guide you.
Go, you will find it
Between the cloth and the white breast
Or amid the sweet peace of her radiant eyes;
Or among the golden tresses
Of my sweet love.
But if, by chance
Doubtful of its being returned,
She does not dare to send it to me,
Love, promise and swear
That my heart and my soul
Were ever hers.**
** Tu ch'hai le penne, Amore - Giulio Caccini (1545-1618)
Chapter 13 - Part 1- Vitoria, Death and New Life
{Battle of Vitoria battle progression freely adapted and modified for content from: Wellington, The Years of the Sword, E. Longford}
The morning of 21 June 1813 broke cold with a drizzling mist. Having received his orders the evening prior, Colonel Fitzwilliam ordered his men to join in a flanking swoop to the left down the Bilbao road to help cut the French lines after the main battle had begun.
Sitting astride his horse, overlooking the gathering forces, Colonel Fitzwilliam's thoughts turned reflective. Watching, as his companies formed up, took their positions, performed their last weapons checks and then stood still, ...waiting. Slowly his mind drifted away from the scene swirling around him. As he gazed up and down the long lines of soldiers stretching into the distance his thoughts gradually became more focused. "...This day's dawn will be the last for many of these that stir before me. This night's moon will find many an empty place by the side of the fire that when last seen was full of joy, full of hope."
"Officer and soldier alike, ...death plays no favorites. Death recognizes nor privilege of social standing or power. Many a peasant and rich man's son will this day meet their maker. ...Will it be that man there, standing so proud ...yet still barely a man. ...Or perhaps that gruff old sergeant just now barking out his final commands before his life is to be spilled out on this distant soil, ...so far from his home."
"Or will it be me? What if I am to be that one who will be cut down on this day? ...And if it is to be me... have I served where I was needed? Have I done all that I might? Were the battles I fought... were they the fights that were right?"
What drives us on? Why do we place ourselves, our all that we are and all that we might become here in this place today? Are we able to do those things that will be required of us this day? To face and suffer through the horrors that will happen this day?"
"And what of myself? ...Have I lived a decent life? If I am to no longer be, ...what remembrance will those who have known of me, if in the future I am called to their memory? Was I a good son? Have I been a faithful lover? ...A kind friend to all whom I have met? Do I have any regrets? What have I left unsaid, ...what undone?...."
A sudden drum cadence broke through his reverie. Colonel Fitzwilliam spurred his horse and turned to face forward... Eager now for the command to be issued....
Ready to face his fate....
General Graham, who would follow directly behind the Colonel's regiment, commanded the main British force. On the right was General Hill. Sir Wellesley in overall command initially remained in the area with the reserves but in plain view of the overall field of battle. Sir Wellesley, known as 'The Dandy' always dressed most elegantly on the field of battle, as well as in English society. On this day he was decked out in a fine grey greatcoat with a flaming cape with white cravat. His staff officers surrounded him, wearing a contrasting black stock.
General Hill had received orders from Sir Wellesley to wait further back of the line and then perform a feint maneuver at the village of Puebla. At this he became enraged, wanting to have more of the glory of this day for his men and himself, he ordered a brigade of Spanish cavalry under his command up the heights at Puebla and thus caused the commencement of the battle at 8:30 a.m. What followed next was a wild melee of cannon and musket fire as the battle raged back and forth around a conical mound in front of the village of Arinez.
Colonel Fitzwilliam soon noticed that the French high command had situated themselves at the crest of this small hill and ordered Captain Wickham to take his forces and concentrate on driving them from the ridge. The French soon made a wild dash for Tres Puentes, a narrow area of escape at the extreme end of a hairpin bend in the river. Captain Wickham led his squadron along a towering perpendicular ridge that hid him from the view of the French officers until it was too late. At the last moment before they could effect their escape, Wickham's forces had surrounded them and forced the French officers to surrender their arms.
Meanwhile, British forces led on by General Picton's cry of "Come on, ye rascals! --Come on, ye fighting Villains!' swept like a meteor across the French lines and captured the hill. Solid walls of grape and round-shot rent the air for the remainder of the morning and half the afternoon, as the battle raged back and forth. Great clouds of dust and smoke choked the air, amid the deafening sound of canon and musket fire from both sides. With the Connaught Rangers in the middle, the 45th and 74th regiments to the right and left, Colonel Fitzwilliam could hear General Picton cursing and yelling at the top of his lungs as he urged his men on.
By now the whole line of the Zadora was aflame. The 4th and Light Divisions launched across their allotted bridges and fords in rolling clouds of dust and smoke. By 3 p.m. the center of the French line had a great rent torn through it. After one final barrage of cannon, Colonel Fitzwilliam's regiment led a charge that forced the French from the town. By 5 p.m. King Joseph had ordered a general retreat leaving great mounds of guns, arms, baggage, food, money and women in their wake. In fact there were so many women amid the French lines that it was like a travelling brothel. The French gunners, having been given their final release bounded with frantic energy from steaming fire and murk into the unutterable chaos of the exit road.
Soon a dull and horrid cry of general distress sounded as the fleeing French soldiers became entangled with the mass of civilian refugees on the other side of the town. So dense was the throng along the narrow road that both the French officers and town citizens struggled for a small foothold along the narrow tracks of the escape route -- the Pamplona Road. In the ensuing confusion some 3,000 carriages, and a mixture of Royal coaches, Generals coaches, cannon, soldiers, supplies and ammunition all became entangled with the mass of baggage, wagons, horses, mules, bullocks, ladies with their pet monkeys or parrots, donkeys and the like. It was a veritable Noah's Ark of confusion. On top of this British General Grant now ordered his Hussars pell-mell into the hordes in pursuit of the fleeing fugitives. Only a few French snipers were left along the way to harass the British and these were soon eliminated. King Joseph was caught amidst the wild melee in his Royal carriage. As a group of British riflemen fired into one side of his carriage, he escaped out the other side unseen, jumped astride a horse and soon became lost in the general confusion.
Now fleeing for their very lives, the French abandoned great hordes of treasure confiscated and stolen during their decades of war and plunder. Ladies bandboxes lay beside the road where they had fallen, broken open to display gold doubloons, dollars, watches, jewels, and all manner of women's fine clothing and trinkets. Carriage after carriage was overturned spilling out rivers of gold, silver, collections of priceless canvases, and jewels mingled in with upset wagons of ammunition and food supplies. Immense quantities of all manner of supplies and spoils of war lay open for the taking. Nothing had been seen like it since the days of Alexander the Great. The whole of the French Army's pay, some 5 million dollars, having just arrived on the prior evening, fell prey to capture by the British soldiers. Copious other wagons were abandoned found to contain stacks of gold bars, along with gold and silver church plate. The whole of the wealth of Spain and the Indies seemed to be spread on the road in front of them. Some 151 cannon, 2 million cartridges, 100 wagons of ammunition were left for the taking.
It was the greatest strategic triumph in British History. Colonel Fitzwilliam received orders to form a defensive line for the evening while other forces continued a mopping up activity further along the road. Reviewing his men he found them to be near exhaustion from the activities of the day. Most of the officers and men's faces were blackened and dirty from the smoke and fires. Major Stocks had suffered a minor wound to his right arm, but by some miracle of fate, not one of the Colonel's men had been killed during the fight.
Pursuit up the Pamplona road was called off after some five miles due to the broken ground being unsuitable of horses and the torrential rain that soon began to fall. In the distance could be heard the cries of men who were either dying or seriously wounded and were being treated by the surgeons. Throughout the area were bits of wreckage and corpses of the dead French soldiers. Large temporary stockades had to be built to contain the hordes of captured French soldiers. It was not long before an all night bacchanalia had developed. There was a general wail from the hordes of women who now in great fear of being ravished by the conquering army. The surrounding fields were soon lit with flares, and enlivened by the sounds of wine, women and song. The whole of the area was soon more like a fairground than a battlefield.
By the following morning when the generals arose and attempted to issue orders for a pursuit of the French, the whole of the remainder of the British army was just then going to bed. It would not be until some three days later that some semblance of order could finally be restored and the pursuit begun in earnest, but by that time the French had managed to escape the area entirely. Colonel Fitzwilliam was later to maintain great pride in his units as being of the very few in which there was not a single man held for courts-martial for their actions during the evening after the battle.
Part 2 - Love letter from home
A number of days later a supply train from the coast arrived. Among the many wagons, was one of mail from home. There were many letters for the men, and some for those who no longer could receive mail. From among the thousands of heartfelt missives from home, a certain Colonel Fitzwilliam was to receive two: one from his love back home and a second from his cousin Darcy. Eager to read both letters in quiet the Colonel strode down the road for a short distance until he found a resting place on a nearby stump. Then eagerly breaking the seal on Violetta's letter he lovingly took in each word.
10 June 1813 Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ____shire Regiment British Expeditionary ForcesDearest Richard,
It has now been nearly a month since you penned your last letter to me. I know that it is nearly impossible for you to write due to your situation, so do not think me in any way angry with you.My mission in writing you today is to first tell you of my love and second to answer your requests in your letters to me, that I tell you of myself and where we live here in Essex.
Rosborough Manor is situated in a park some 4 miles around. Outside, as I look from my room, stretches rows of pines, cedars, and scotch firs. These provide me a shady place to walk on hot summer days, yet are also designed to defend our orchard from the cold, blustery blasts of winter. The orchard, which I can just see in the distance, consists of pear trees set in semicircular rows, and just beyond these there are the finest of apple, cherry, plum and apricots. When they are all in bloom they provide the most charming variety of colors to the eye and scents for the nose.
Just behind the manor, at a short distance, is our orangery. It has been constructed with small alcoves set at different angles so that as one sits on one of the small benches therein, the eye can take in differing views of a sunken fence that borders the whole. The whole of this then blends into the lawn on it's approach to the drawing room windows.
There, I have told you enough of the outside of my home for now. I shall save the house itself for my next letter. Now let me tell you some about myself. ...But where shall I begin? Perhaps I should start at the beginning... I was born in 1791, here at home. My mother had tried to have other children before me, but they did not survive birth. There was one other after me, but it suffered the same fate.
Mother tells me that I was rather strong for a girl, and that during the whole of the time that she carried me I would punch and kick her so strongly that she was certain that I was to be a boy. Father even had the nursery made ready to receive me with the colors and draperies all in a gentle blue. After I had arrived there was such a commotion as they had to quickly call the painters back to have the entire room done over again.
When I was growing up there were no other young girls for me to play with, and having no brothers or sisters it was a lonely time for me. Father and Mother sent me to a girl's school in Tilbury, a town not far from here, for a period of five years when I was eight. That is where I learned to speak and read both Italian and French. There also I discovered the joy of music. Mother employed several music masters who would come to the school for my training. I spent my summers here at home until I was aged 13. Father then hired a governess to live with us and be my teacher. Her name was Mae Rogers and she stayed with us until she married some two years ago. Mae was a wonderful lady and I shall always remember her with fondness. She had a gentle and kind way of inspiring me to study and learn all of my lessons. No matter whether it was something boring like arithmetic or exciting like geography and all of the distant mystical places of the world.
After my 16th birthday I was allowed to attend balls and parties here, or in London, when we would visit with Uncle Cameron. I rather enjoyed dancing and all of the pretty gowns and shoes that I would get to wear. I must admit, though, that I always found the gentlemen who danced with me to be rather boorish. They would always talk a great deal about foolish things and spend all of their time bragging about some great hunt in the woods, and how many birds they had shot. Others spoke of great horse races they had seen, but all seemed to take more interest in their own 'daring' exploits and none cared for my opinion.
And now... I must address the most important part of your last letter... That of trust. You have asked me to have trust and faith in your decision. Richard, I do. I do trust you with all of my heart and soul. You are the source of all that I now believe in. It is through your own eyes that I now see our future. My heart beats only at your command. I think only with your mind and thoughts. You have filled my soul to overflowing with the soft peace of your spirit. I take my strength from your arms. My only desire is to live for you. I feel only the gentle touch of your hand on my face. My lips yearn for your sweet kiss. I long to enfold you in my arms and hold you near to my breast. I live only for you, dearest Richard. I surrender all of myself to you and shall always be here to fulfill your needs. Please know that you are the master of my spirit, now and for all time. Come home to me soon, my love. My own dearest Richard. I live but to serve you, and long for that day when we shall be made one, never to part again.
With all of my love, for you alone
Violetta
Part 3 - Family Matters
Having completed Violetta's letter, Colonel Fitzwilliam now broke the seal on the second letter. This bore the unmistakable hand of his cousin Darcy.
12 October 1813Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ____shire Regiment British Expeditionary Force Headquarters
Cousin,
I write to you today to convey some bad news regarding our Aunt Catherine and cousin Anne. They were riding to London in their barouche last week, and along the way something frightened the horses. The Postillion was thrown off the lead horse and then, after a wild and frenzied flight, the horses pulled the carriage over the edge of a steep hill. The carriage tumbled town, overturning several times. It is my sad duty to inform you that both our Aunt and cousin were killed when they were thrown from the coach. I am sorry to have to be the bearer of such news, but your Father felt it best that I write to you as soon as possible. Your Mother and Father are very distraught over the matter and are in mourning.
Also, since our Aunt had no other children than Anne, it has since been determined that her Estate and the property of Rosings Park now falls to you as next in line to inherit, along with a sum of nearly 45,000 pounds.
I can think of no one more deserving than you, cousin. Although Aunt Katherine and I have not gotten on well since my marriage, it was a most distressing event for the two of them to have been carried away in such a manner. Final arrangements for the transfer of the property to your name will be postponed pending your return from the war.
And now, I have a piece of good news to report. Elizabeth is soon to give birth. We believe that she may, in fact, have two children within her. They are due at any day now, and I am all nerves and barely able to contain my excitement. Her sister, Jane, has come to stay with her during her final weeks. I am afraid that I just do not know what to do with myself during these anxious days. I run to check on her every few minutes to make sure that everything is going well. I do not understand how women take this all so calmly.
Elizabeth and I send all our love, and hopes for your continued success in battle.
Best Wishes, &&&& Fitzwilliam
Colonel Fitzwilliam's emotions seemed to be on some kind of out of control wild carriage ride down the precipitous side of a mountain. The joyous and loving words from his beloved; the sudden unexpected death of his aunt and cousin, the news of his possible inheritance of a great estate, the good news of the soon, if not already happened, birth of children for the Darcys. How does one handle all of this amidst the carnage of war, the overwhelming victory and wealth that had been seized? The Colonel's emotions seemed to fluctuate from moment to moment. He seemed to be in the middle of a great ladder that stretched out of sight into the clouds far above him, and disappeared into a murky darkness below. His mind was in a whirl.
It was some time before he was able to regain his bearings. Finally, after folding the letters and placing them in his coat pocket he rose and strode quickly along the road to the camp and the tranquility of his cot. Here he could lay quietly and attempt to begin to form new plans in his mind for a future that offered new possibilities.
Chapter 14 -- Mail Call in Paris
6 months later **
During the long months that followed the battle of Vitoria, Colonel Fitzwilliam remained with his units as they fought their way forward through the winter and into the spring. The combined forces of British, Portuguese, and Spanish now continued the hard pursuit of the retreating French army. On 28 July French Field Marshall Soult's forces fell at Sorauren. On 12 August Austria joined the war on the allied side in an effort to drive Napoleon from Germany.
On the eastern front, despite their growing strength, the allies continued to suffer from the effects of jealousy. So many generals from so many different nations now began to argue among themselves and could never agree on a single plan. The end result was Napoleon's defeat of the allied force at Dresden.
The salvation of the war on the eastern front now appeared in the form of the diminutive 70-year-old Silesian Army commander Field Marshall Gebhard Blucher. Despite his advanced age, Blucher normally led the fight at the head of his Calvary columns. He was constantly engaging and intimidating the French by riding back and forth in front of the enemy seemingly impervious to injury. The allied strategy now became one of attrition of the French forces.
During the first weeks in October the allies now steadily tightened the ring around Napoleon at Dresden, cutting off his supplies and reinforcements. The allies now had some 370,000 men versus the French 220,000. On the 16th Blucher's forces broke through the outskirts of Leipzig and Napoleon sued for an Armistice. With the loss of Leipzig and the last vestiges of his empire gone, Napoleon was forced to retreat with a force of only 100,000 men.
On the western front, by December 10, Wellesley's forces had now backed General Soult's army to Bayonne. By the 12th Napoleon arrived in Paris and attempted to reinvigorate his forces and recruit new soldiers in a campaign for the defense of Paris. The French, long since tired of war after 25 years of conflict, turned a deaf ear to his appeals and his support began to fail. Christmas passed and the New Year of 1814 was born.
By mid-February Colonel Fitzwilliam found himself on the road to Orthez where on the 27th the battle for the approach to Paris was engaged. After a series of continued engagements with the remnants of the once proud Grand Armee of France the allied forces took their first steps inside the city of Paris on March 31st. On April 3 Napoleon was deposed from his throne. On the 11th Napoleon signed the Treaty of Fontainbleau which allowed him to retain his title of Emperor, along with an annual pension of 2,000,000 francs, but saw him destined for confinement to the island of Elba for life.*
The army had not long been in Paris when regular mail service could be established with England. Among the first letters arriving was one from Violetta.
15 April 1814Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ___shire Rifle Regiment British Expeditionary Force Paris, France
My only love Richard,
Who could have believed that one day I would write to you in Paris. There have been more years of war and amenity between England and France since Napoleon came on the scene than I have been alive. ... And is it really now to be over at long, long last? For all of my life I have heard of little else happening in this world than of the great victories that Napoleon had won. So many times over the years great hopes were raised as some new effort was led against him but then it was turned to no avail.
But then, of course, it had to await the arrival of my gallant Colonel, and then all of the hopes and dreams of our nation could be fulfilled. I know that you will tell me nay and claim that it was not you alone but the mighty army that has won the day. ...But I shall always know in my heart that it was my own dearest one who led the charge. My mind's eye sees you astride your fine horse as you charged up each hill while the enemy flees in terror. My mighty warrior hero has at last won the fight, and at long last brought reason and peace to rule the day.
Oh Richard, my fearless one, do not deny me this memory. All of my prayers have at long last been answered. My arms ache to enfold you within them. Please write to me soon and advise me as to the date of your return. I shall fly to your arms on that glorious day when you return to our land victorious.
I have written another poem for you, my love.
My dear love,
At least believe me
That my heart grows faint
Without you.
Your faithful lover
Is still sighing.
Cruel love,
Put an end to this coldness.***Longing for you with all of my body and soul, &&&
Violetta
*** Caro mio ben -- Giuseppe Giordani (1753-1798)
Part 2 -- Letter from Darcy
14 April 1814Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ____shire Regiment British Expeditionary Force Headquarters Paris, France
Cousin Richard,
I have waited to write to you until now, when I knew that a letter could get through. We have just received the news of Napoleon's abdication here in London, where I am staying along with Mrs. Darcy, and Georgiana. ...And who would have ever believed that you would be in Paris? I have never been to Paris myself, but have heard many wonderful tales and look forward to a letter from you telling of all your adventures there.
Elizabeth and I send all of our love to you and the warmest of congratulations regarding the great and glorious victories that you have achieved. Everyone here in London talks of nothing else and I and all of your friends am most anxious to see you arrive home. We hear that Old Boney is to be banished to an island in the Mediterranean and wish you here to tell us all of your glorious news.
The Prince Regent has commanded a great celebration festival such has never been seen before in England to be accomplished when you and our great army returns. Your General Wellesley is be granted the title of Lord Wellington, and the composer Beethoven has been commissioned to write a great Victory Symphony**** in his honor. The wealth that was seized at Vitoria will be distributed*** among the members of the Army and I have been selected as one of those to help in dividing it fairly. You will probably be very happy to hear that your share alone comes to a fortune nearly equal to my own, some 135,000 pounds. Each of your Captains will receive sums totaling over 20,000 pounds each and each soldier some 2,000 pounds. Never has a returning army deserved its reward so well.
It has been so long since we have been able to correspond that I have so much other news to report to you that I can hardly find a place to begin. But Mrs. Darcy has just informed me my next subject, so you see I am under specific orders when I tell you that Elizabeth and I are now the proud parents of twins. Their names are William Bennet Darcy and Elizabeth Anne Darcy. They are now nearly six months old, having been born in October of last year just after I wrote my last letter to you. Can you believe it true, dear cousin? I have not one, but two children. Elizabeth spends most of each day spoiling them, but I must also admit that I assist her in this every chance that I get. They are such dear little things. I can not imagine how I have ever lived so long without a family. They are the source of such joy in my life.
Georgiana now asks me to send you all of her love and tell you that she has been working on learning the new piece of music that you requested. She has selected a sonata by Beethoven, I believe that it is named the 'Appasionata', and a mighty work it is indeed. She is most anxious to play it for you upon your return. She has been staying with us here in London and has attended a number of society balls lately. She is turning into a beautiful young lady, I am afraid, and the young men seem to have taken notice. I believe that I shall have to renew my fencing lessons again soon, as I may need a good sword to fend off all of the young admirers. But even here I must report that Elizabeth has been helping me to see that Georgiana has a right to her own life and that I must let her choose for herself. I know that she is right and that Father and Mother would not wish me to lock her in a cage like a beautiful bird, to be seen but never touched. It was hard for me at first, but I do love her so and do not wish to keep her forever hidden away. She will marry someday and I must allow her the freedom to choose wherever her heart leads, just as I chose my own dearest Elizabeth.
Elizabeth also reminds me to inform you of her sister Lydia Wickham. When we received you letter last June we immediately went in search of her. We found her well but in rather desperate circumstance. She agreed to go with us and we were able to return her to remain with her parents during her confinement. She was delivered of a daughter last August and thus Lydia named her child Augustina Wickham. She is now at Longbourn and eagerly awaits the return of her husband from your command. I understand that he is much improved in his financial matters now and perhaps will not need to call on her parents for money much longer.
With all of my families love,
&&&&&&&
Fitzwilliam
Part 3 A letter from his Parents
20 April 1814Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ____shire Regiment British Expeditionary Force
Paris, France
Son,
Your mother and I have missed you greatly during this past year. There has been so much sadness and joy mixed together during this time for our family. Your mother and I took the death of our dear sister Lady Katherine and her daughter quite hard, I am afraid. It was such an unexpected and tragic affair. I know that you, yourself, have faced much of death during this time, but it was so different for us. Katherine was never one to visit us much here in London, but we did care for her a great deal.
We know that you and Darcy always enjoyed your visits to Rosings Park each spring, and now she is gone forever, and her dear daughter Anne. Anne was always such a delicate and sickly child, but still ...to have been cut off in the bloom of her youth like that. We know that Katherine was overly wrought when Darcy married Elizabeth Bennet, but always had believed that she would, in time, come to see her error and reconcile herself to the marriage. Elizabeth is such a wonderful woman, and compliments Darcy so well. Anne would never have been a good wife for him. It is perhaps best that things worked out the way that they did.
Your brother has been assigned to care for matters at Rosings until such time as you return. He wished me to report that the servants and property are in good order, and are eagerly expecting the return of their new master. There are some specific matters relating to some of the individual servants that he feels that you will need to take up, but they are of such little import that there is no need for you to address them at this time. John has taken care to make sure that they are all paid their wages timely. He also wishes to report that there is evidently a cleric who lives close by who also wishes to extend his most heartfelt condolences on the death of your aunt and begs to be allowed to express them in person as soon as he may. John says that the man, Mr. Collins, may wish to write to you directly to express them in a more personal manner. So if you should receive such a letter, that is who the man is.
Your mother wishes me to inform you that she has been most extremely worried about you during this time. She is worried that you have probably caught a most serious cold, having had to sleep out of doors so much during this last winter. I have tried to reassure her that you have always taken good care of yourself, but I am afraid that she never takes my word in these matters. She is determined to have our good physician Ben Frittman look you over once you return to make sure that you have not brought back some horrid disease from Spain or France. I pray that you would go along with her in this, son. ...You know how stubborn that your mother can be about such things.
Your mother and I are looking forward to your return soon and pray that it will present us with that joyful opportunity to meet this young lady of whom you have told us so much.
All of our love to a most wonderful son,
Your father
Part 4 From a certain Mr. Collins.
15 April 1814Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ___shire Rifle Regiment British Expeditionary Forces Paris, France
Your most beneficent Lordship,
It is with a most bereaved and heartfelt sense of sympathy that I feel that I must write to you to express my most sincere and deepest condolences on you most grievous loss of my beloved and most condescending patron and your dear Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Lady Catherine was the most condescending and benevolent of patrons to myself and my dear wife Charlotte. It was always her favorite desire that we should enjoy her company at least twice each week and, even though we live quite close by, as you will remember from your visit here some two years ago, she made sure that we were never allowed to walk home.
Due to my position as Rector of the Parish and being her own personal minister, I felt greatly honored in being asked to share in the final officiating at Lady Catherine's and her daughter Anne's last rites. I tried to express my admiration and respect for your beloved aunt to the best of my abilities. I am sorry, however, to have to report to you that during the brief four hours of my sermon, there were several of the parish body who seemed to nod off and others were called away to attend to some private matters and could not stay through to the end.
I was most surprised at the scarcity of the members of the church who did attend, having believed that all within the county on whom Lady Catherine, my most condescending and benevolent sponsor, would wish to pay their respects to the very patroness who would most graciously visit them in their own homes and attend to those needs where they had been previously led astray, such as the correct selection of the proper cut of meat for their table, or the correct arrangement of furniture within their homes. Lady Catherine was always Most attentive to these matters, as you know, and I can only finally surmise that perhaps there were so many absent due to their inability to obtain the proper style of mourning clothes as would be correct in wearing for the services of so noble a lady as my most condescending patron, Lady Catherine.
It was the greatest honor to meet with you and your fine cousin some two Easters ago now, when you visited with your aunt. I fear that I must apologize to you, for I have always been afraid that it was due to some great neglect on my part that I had the unfortunate duty to have as my houseguest that certain conniving cousin of mine, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Had I known then of her devious ways, and of the underhanded methods that she would use to trick your cousin into making her an offer of marriage, I would certainly have forbidden my wife Charlotte from extending her the invitation to visit. I should have recognized her for what she was when she was so utterly rude and deceitful in her refusal of my own hand when I had proposed to her myself. Such hussies as that should always know their place in society and not attempt to inveigle the good men of the world such as your most benevolent cousin. I am sure that she must have cast some sort of evil spell over his eyes or he would never have consented to marry the likes of one such as her. She would have been much better off marrying a farmer or perhaps one of the tradespeople such as a butcher or perhaps a merchant there in Meryton.
I discussed this at great length with Lady Catherine, my late and beloved condescending patron, and informed her how inappropriate such a match was. I am afraid, sir, and you must agree, that it is our Christian duty to condemn the lady and never again allow her name to be mentioned in our company, and certainly never allow her to set foot of on the property at Rosings Park again. It would be, in fact, only through the greatest act of charity that we should allow her name be mentioned among the list of our other dear cousins.
I eagerly and most humbly await your earliest condescending reply.
Your most humble and obedient and devoted servant,
Rev. Collins Rector, Hunsford Parish
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
26 April 1814Bishop Clarence Tollsworthy Offices of the Church of England London
Most Holy Reverend Tollsworthy,
I have an important matter of a rather delicate and urgent nature regarding the position of Rector at Hunsford Parish in Kent that I must discuss with you as soon as I return to London.
The current Rector will be needing a transfer to a more reserved parish as soon as can be arranged. As I am to be the sponsor of this parish, having lately inherited the property of Rosings Park from my late aunt, I wish to propose that Rev. Mr. Collins might be transferred to duties in one of our churches in the Americas, perhaps one in South Carolina. I, myself, will be more than happy to pay for all travel costs for the Reverend and his wife.
I will send you my card at my earliest opportunity when I arrive in London.
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam 12th ___shire Rifle Regiment Paris, France
** Freely adapted from: Wellington, The Years of the Sword. E. Longford.
*Napoleon would escape from his island prison on the 26th of February in 1815 with a small band of loyal troops. Later landing at the Gulf of Juan he marched on Paris where he was able to again raise an army of some 200,000 men. The men he raised were not of a reliable sort and eventually some 85,000 deserted and another 33,000 went on furlough. In the Treaty of Fontainbleau the allies had agreed that, should Napoleon escape and reform an army they would again join against him. This was accomplished and again General Blucher was at the lead of the forces. Sir Wellesley, now Duke of Wellington, was recalled to lead the fight and on Sunday, the 18th of June Lord Wellington would lead a force of 200,000 allies on the open rolling plain south of Brussels in the final battle at a place named Waterloo. ...But perhaps that is possibly the source of another story.
***In all fairness to truth and history, I must reveal that although I have given a relatively correct account of what the French left on the field of battle at Vitoria, no Army would be so foolish as to leave it to a king or politicians back home to divide up such spoils. In point of fact, the men of the British and Portuguese armies were not stupid. The entire fortune and goods seized that day were distributed among the men on the field of battle. No officer was allowed to horde the rewards only to himself. Such officers caught attempting to do so were reprimanded and their men were allowed to share equally. The total amount finally rendered to the British government from the rewards of that day was an amount of something less than 100,000 pounds.
****recordings of Beethoven's Wellington's Victory Symphony can be purchased at any good music store. The symphony contains the actual sounds of musket and cannon fire and is a fair depiction in aural terms of the battle that raged that day in June, 1814.
Chapter 15 -- Homecoming
As the HMS Triumphant pulled into Newcastle and prepared to dock, Colonel Fitzwilliam eagerly searched, among the great crowds of people lining the shore to greet their return, for a familiar face. It was not long before he could see the familiar top hat of his cousin Darcy standing out head and shoulders above the crowd. Darcy's great height had always made him easily recognizable amid any large group of people. As the Colonel began to wave in greeting he was surprised by the visage of his old friend. There was a huge smile that seemed to stretch from ear to ear, that was totally unexpected and rather pleasing. Never had the Colonel seen his cousin to be so light of heart, and Never such a smile. Then glancing more closely he could make out a that Darcy was holding a small bundle in one of his arms, and to his side he could see the familiar beautiful features of Darcy's wife Elizabeth with a similar shape gracing her arms. The Colonel now eagerly continued his perusal of the crowd from his position along the side railing. Soon, not far from the Darcys he now recognized the silver haired crown that was his father's, and next to him his dear mother. He called out to them and waved even more happily.
Suddenly, he noticed the visage of Lord Rosborough about 10 feet away from his parents. Standing just next to her father he could just make out the form of a young lady, half-facing away, looking towards the other end of the ship. He could see the flaming red strands of her hair slipping from beneath the ends of her bonnet as the breeze caused them to blow gently in the wind. And now he could see her slowing turning as her father gently touched her shoulder and pointed in his direction.
Yes, it was Violetta and her face broke out into a bright smile as she caught first sight of him. All now waved and shouted their welcomes in unison, amid the general celebration of the crowd as the ship took its final position alongside the quay and lines were thrown to waiting dockhands to secure the ship alongside. Colonel Fitzwilliam returned the hails, stretching his arms wide in a symbol that he wished to embrace them all in welcome.
After the gangplank was secured, Colonel Fitzwilliam pressed forward to be among the first to touch English soil after their long struggle. After greeting his parents with a firm embrace for each, he turned soon to his future father-in-law and mother- in-law and spoke, as he bowed curtly, "Sir, ...Ma'am, it is a great honor to me that you would attend my return."
"Nonsense, my son," Lord Rosborough returned. "The honour is for me and all of England. We are here to greet the bravest and finest of our fighting men."
"Sir, you honour me with your words, but now I must beg your permission to be allowed to greet your fair daughter in a more personal manner." The Colonel winked slyly.
"Colonel, you have our permission. But now, you must seek it from the one of whom you speak. Although I do not think you will have much trouble, as she has spoken of nothing else for 2 days now," he said with a chuckle, as he signaled for Violetta to step forward.
Turning now to Violetta, Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed sharply and then reached out for her hand. Violetta smiled demurely, then lifted her hand slowly and placed it gently into his. As the two long-separated lovers eyes met, a feeling of peace swept through their bodies as the sounds and presence of her parents, his parents, and the entire crowd seemed to fade into oblivion. They could only see each other. "Welcome home, Colonel." She breathed softly, her lips trembling in a blissful anticipation.
"It has been too long, my love," he replied in a voice so low that only she could hear. "Far too long. You must forgive me, but I must ask your permission. I do not wish to shame or embarrass you before your parents. ...But I must be allowed to greet you as I wish. I have waited an eternity to taste the sweet honey of your lips, and my heart longs to hold you in my arms."
"Yes, my love. I have already informed my parents that I would want your kisses and they have given their permission, as do I ...most wholeheartedly."
The Colonel need little further encouragement as he now brought her body closer to him and soon his lips touched hers in a moment of passion and love.
They had not long remained in this position when the Colonel's attention was distracted by the sound of a familiar deep gentleman's voice "Ah-hem."
Opening one eye and glancing around he was greeted by the sight of his cousin Darcy standing nearby with a curious grin on his face. Finally, reluctantly Colonel Fitzwilliam straightened from his position of joy of greeted his cousin.
"Darcy, Mrs. Darcy," he cried while reaching out and grabbing the tall gentleman in a bear hug, taking care not to disturb the small burden that he was carrying. Then turning to Elizabeth, "Mrs. Darcy, Fitzwilliam... I am so very glad to be home, and among such friends. Suddenly he remembered himself and that none of his present company had been introduced to his future bride or her parents.
"Darcy..., Mother, Father, Mrs. Darcy," he nearly broke down in laughter in trying to get some order to the introduction. Turning to Violetta and drawing her to his side, "Mother, Father, Cousin and Mrs. Darcy..., Well over a year ago now," he continued "I was warming my hands by the fire on a very cold winter's night. When I turned around that evening I was greeted by a vision of such loveliness that I knew almost at once that she was the one woman on earth who could fulfill all of my dreams. I present her to you now as the love of my life and the hope of my future. I now have the proud and delightful honor of presenting to you my future bride, Violetta Rosborough. I know that this is not the normal method by which one presents ones future bride among polite society, but, ...well, ...there you have it."
"Well done, cousin," Darcy retorted. And then addressing Violetta directly "And may I take this special opportunity," Madam, "of saying that you also have made a great catch madam. My cousin is among that rare breed of gentleman who possess more than his share of courage, but also, unlike myself, the ability to enchant those of the fairer sex."
"Oh, poo, poo, husband," Elizabeth interjected. "If I am not mistaken, there are certain members of that sex of which you speak who have recognized some redeeming qualities to be found within yourself!" She finished with a smile and a small poke in his side. And then Elizabeth turned to Violetta, "Pay no attention to him Violetta. Let me welcome you more properly. These men would go on forever if we women did not keep them more in their place."
After completing the introductions of Violetta parents the party all expressed their congratulations to the young couple. Since the Colonel's parents had met the Rosboroughs some years previously, it was not long before they had separated themselves from the group and were soon engrossed in all of the changes that had occurred in the years since their last meeting.
"And now," the Colonel cried, turning back to the Darcys with a smile. "...And just whom do we have here? Could this perhaps be my new niece and nephew?"
With a flourish, Darcy stepped forward and presented to them both-- first William Bennet Darcy and then Elizabeth Anne Darcy.
Part 2 -- Celebrations and final arrangements for marriage
By order of the Prince Regent a vast celebration had been organized for the victorious returning army. Sir Wellesley was granted the title Duke of Wellington, received a grant of some 400,000 pounds and a great estate. People from all over England converged for the ceremonies held on June 28, 1814. A set of 8 cream-coloured horses pulled the Prince Regent's Royal Carriage with Lord Wellington waving to the crowds. At the Prince Regent's Carlton House there was held a huge ball at which distinguished visitors from all over England and dignitaries from foreign countries attended. The culmination of the ceremony was a grand review held at Hyde Park. White's club laid on the most dazzling bal masque at the Burlington House. Hot air balloon assents were held outside the ball. Spectator's tickets sold for half a guinea each.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was pleased to be able to take Violetta to many of the balls and celebrations. Thereafter he received his own awards from Lord Cameron, among them, a ceremonial sword and a black and brass ceremonial cuirass especially designed for the occasion.
During the whole of this time, the young couple made final arrangements for the wedding to be held at the bride's home in Essex. Family and guests were invited from far and wide. Such a celebration had not been seen in many years and many of the guests arrived early on the evening before so as not to miss this happy time in the life of the young couple. At the same time, Colonel Fitzwilliam had to divide his time with special arrangements for his arrival at Rosings Park as well as with his fiancee. Much of the furniture had to be changed, as the ostentatious nature of some of the items would be agreeable to neither the groom nor bride. Colonel Fitzwilliam reserved most of the purchases until such time as he could bring his bride to their new home and Violetta's advice could be sought. But he felt certain items, such as the master bedroom suite, had to be changed in advance, as the colors and design were more fitting to those of an old lady than a young married couple, so Colonel Fitzwilliam had his own shipped in from his parents home in London. Many of the rooms that had not been used in years, such as the library and a small theatre were opened up for airing in advance of the couples' appearance.
Arrangements were made for Violetta's personal maid, Reena, to have rooms close to her own. Many of the wedding gifts and other tokens of love received by both parties were sent directly here, there being little room to store them in London. The Colonel met with the household staff and apprised them of the various tasks that he expected of them and of his usual habits of dining and dressing. A general understanding was made that whatever had been their demands under Lady Catherine, they would be of an entirely different nature now. Both Violetta and he were of a more outgoing and agreeable nature but that he expected the staff to provide for the new mistress a service of the first order, and would brook no disappointments. His mannerism and style were found to be agreeably engaging by the staff and it was generally felt that for the first time in their lives, they were to have a truly happy future to look forward to in attending to the needs of the estate and property.
Chapter 16 -- Wedding day in Essex -- A Vision - Conclusion
The morning sun was just breaking over the horizon when Colonel Fitzwilliam rose and arched his back and stretched his arms backward, shaking the last vestiges of sleep from his limbs. Striding over to the window, he looked out over the lawn at Rosborough Manor. He could now begin to make out the rows of trees and shrubbery described in Violetta's letter to him months before. In the distant sky he could see a hawk lazily circling above, probably out in search of a hapless rabbit or squirrel for its daily meal. The sounds of horses' neighing from the stable drew his attention to the distant corral of fine horses. One of the stable hands was already up and about making his morning check of feed and water for the animals. The pleasant sounds and smells of morning chores could now be heard from the kitchen area below as the kitchen workers began to prepare meals for the house and property staff.
It would be several hours yet, before the daily meal for the family was prepared and placed on the sideboard in the family dining area. Colonel Fitzwilliam had always been an early riser and often preferred to take his morning meal along with the regular workers. It was here that he had developed most of that special ability that he possessed in interacting so easily with other people. The regular workers on an Estate, he had learned early on, were great people to be around. Their attitudes and outlook on life was usually congenial and pleasant. Although they rarely possessed great education, many times they possessed a greater insight into the real happenings of the world than some of the more 'stuffy' people of the upper classes. The Colonel had come to appreciate his dealings with these people early in life and it had served him well during his career in the Army.
Taking a sudden resolve to take an early breakfast and stroll around the Orangery, Colonel Fitzwilliam dressed quickly and pulled on a pair of his best leather boots. After passing by the other sleeping areas quietly, so as not to awaken anyone, he descended to the lower basement floor where his nose soon led him into the main kitchen area. His sudden appearance at the doorway startled one of the cooks, who was just pulling a tray of biscuits from the stone oven. "Good morning, sir. May we be of assistance?"
"Why yes. You see, I usually rise quite early each day, and was wondering if you might already have a spot of coffee or tea for me? I shan't be long, as I plan to take a bit of a walk around the park before the others awaken today. I don't mean to be any trouble to you, so please don't go out of your way, if you don't already have it made, I can wait until I return," the Colonel offered with a smile.
"Oh, yes sir. We already have a bit of coffee made for the others. You're quite welcome to have some if you would like. Here, let me find you a cup. And I'm just now getting this set of biscuits out if you would like one for yourself, sir. I also have a bit of honey set aside here. Won't you please help yourself?" She queried as she turned to search out the honey container for him.
"Oh yes. That is one of my very favorite things in the morning. Hot biscuits and honey. By the way, what is your name, I always prefer to address people by their names, when I can."
"Why, it's Sally, sir. Thank you for asking, ...and here's your honey," she said as she returned with the jar of honey from the pantry. "May I get you anything else, sir?"
"Why no, Sally. Thank you for your kindness. I am sorry that I startled you when I came in. It's just that I always get up around dawn and like to go for a walk early."
"Well, sir. If I may say so, Rosborough Manor has a number of good walkways among the woods. I often enjoy the one over on the western side. It leads down aways and crosses a small stream about a quarter mile back through the trees. Often times you can see several small turtles lazing in the morning sun just past the small bridge that was built down there. It's especially nice this time of year. What with the sun breaking through the trees and the smell of the woods and ferns growing there. There's even a small bench placed on the other side if you've a mind to sit a spell."
"Thank you, Sally. It sounds like a wonderful place. I think that I shall walk down that direction. It sounds like just the place I would like to enjoy this morning, Thank you again for the biscuit and coffee" the Colonel replied. After completing his brief meal, he picked up his walking cane and hat and left to seek out the pathway.
As he strolled along the path, the sounds of the house began to fade from hearing and were soon replaced by the quieter sounds of the forest. The creaking of leaves as some hidden animal crept along amid the fallen branches and limbs. The gentle whisper of the wind against the surface of the leaves. Very soon he had traversed the path and had arrived at the bridge. He walked out to the center of the small bridge and remained for a time in deep thought. Staring at the water as it was swept smoothly and quietly over several rocks just along one bank.
Life had been difficult at times for him. For so many years, he had struggled to find a place for himself, a direction for his abilities. Being the second son he had always known that Matlock Manor would go to his older brother on the death of his parents, and so had chosen the life and duties of a soldier. Now, suddenly that was all to pass away. A new and different life lay before him. Always having to have some concern for money, knowing that even though he would inherit a small amount upon the death of his father he had not been remiss in learning of various ways that he must use to care for and not waste those funds.
Now, as if by some miracle of fate, great fortunes one after another had been laid at his feet as if by magic. Colonel Fitzwilliam was now truly a very wealthy man. How does one handle such wealth, he wondered. The one thing that the Colonel now knew that he wanted to do was to proceed with some of the plans that he had always been dreaming of, that of establishing some means of education and schooling for those unable to provide for themselves. Yes, that would now be possible, in many ways that he had never even dreamed of before. But there were other things that could now be done. Perhaps investments in some of the new inventions that he had seen, such as the steam and turbine engines that he had observed at the port in Newcastle. Surely, if these engines could help to propel smaller craft, they could be adapted and built to handle the larger sea going craft. Perhaps, one day even, this could drive all ships with a kind of motorized power and they would not be forced to rely solely on the forces and whims of nature. Such machines would require mighty factories and many men to build them. Great fortunes could be made for the right men who had the vision to see this, and the lives of many people could be improved by the wages paid. Yes, new and better jobs for the average man is another way that people can be helped. By establishing such factories, perhaps even land crossing machines on wheels could be built to carry men and supplies great distances without the use of animals. There is no end of possibilities.***
Seating himself on the small bench he remained lost in his thoughts for some time, until interrupted by the gentle voice of his love calling from somewhere not far away. "Richard..., dearest, are you there?"
Stirring from his reverie he called back, "Yes, my love. I am just over here. Come and join me for a moment. It is such a pleasant morning and I am enjoying the quietness of the day. This is probably the last chance that we shall have to be alone for quite some time today."
"...And what have you been thinking about, my husband-to-be?" she responded as she took up a place alongside him on the bench.
"I have been thinking of my life. I was thinking of a time when I was much younger and had no direction and could not see into my future. And then one fine day, it all became clear to me. I wanted to help people find a better way of life. Never before did I ever really believe that I might have the chance to accomplish such a dream. ...But now, here I stand on the brink of happiness with you, and it is as some magic genie from a storybook had appeared and granted all of my wishes in life. ...And now it has all, all been made possible. Oh, Violetta, how can it be true that such happiness can be given to one man? You are the first wish of my new life and I pledge to you this day to always strive to make and keep you happy. To see your bright smile when I awaken each day, to hold you in my arms, but oh, so much more, I can not put it all into words."
"I also see a time when I may do those things that also fulfill other dreams that I have. Of life, and of serving the needs of others not so fortunate as myself. I feel as if I have been given a new lease on happiness and life itself. My blood courses through my veins with a renewed vigor to strive to do those things that may bring peace and happiness to many. For so long I have fought against those who would degrade and make all people subservient. Now, perhaps I can find ways to help set people free."
"Oh Richard, please know that I will work with you in whatever you do to help achieve those things that are close to your heart. You are my life now. We are to be one person. Wherever you lead, I shall follow."
Colonel Fitzwilliam reached down and met her upraised lips with his own. This time there was no one to interrupt them and they remained in a passionate embrace for several moments, before the Colonel finally broke free and with a gentle laugh. "Well, it seems that we must be off to the house just now young lady, or we shall miss our own wedding."
Violetta joined in his playful mood as they strolled arm in arm back along the path to their yet unknown future.
The end.
{or perhaps I should say -- the beginning.}
***The steam engine was invented and in use for small craft in port at this time, but its development into a means of locomotion for ships and trains were neglected until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. Not long thereafter men of vision did develop these machines and life did become better for all people.
Authors note: I would like to give an special thanks to all those of you who have sent me private letters of encouragement during the construction of this story. I know that is nothing like our gracious lady would have written, ...but then I do not have anywhere near the skills or abilities for a work of that nature. This was just something that I thought would be appropriate for the time and give the Colonel a means of using his occupation to further his ends. There were several times when I had reached a low point of inspiration and your messages arrived at just those times that I needed them most to spur me on to the end. I have always planned to end at this point and leave the story of his life with Violetta to another time. In fact my original outline had only 15 chapters, lacking only that of chapter 8 which I intended as a germ of an idea that I had for development at a later date in a possible continuation of the Colonel's story. By the way -- in case you are interested -- my Southington Estate sits side by side (in my next story with Rosings Park) and the Colonel ends up adding the property to his own holdings. Thanks again for your kind words of praise for my meager efforts. I enjoyed performing the research required to accomplish this effort and look forward to another time when I might present another idea for development. I hope to do better next time.
P.S. My original draft for this chapter mentions that there was a new Rector appointed for Hunsford. His name was Edward Ferrars. He was to assume the duties and bring along his wife Elinor and their three young children. Rev. Mr. Collins was, I believe, transferred to a Parish in Northern Scotland, where he lived out his life most happily attached to a parish where there was an old lady benefactor. She often invited his family over for dinner and always called for a carriage to take him home after supper. He never did inherit Longbourn, due to the early death of Mrs. Bennet at age 58. This was caused by a fit of nerves when she found out that her daughter Mary had become in a family way through some kind of interactions with the local Prelates son when they had believed them to be studying at the local library. Mr. Bennet, himself lived on to the ripe old age of 83. After his death, and when it came time for Longbourn to be passed to the Collins family, Rev. Collins' wife Charlotte declared that since they had lived so many years where they were she was quiet content to remain. It being a hard thing to convince a lady to change her mind once she is set in her ways, Mr. Collins was finally forced to sell the home and property to the last remaining daughter Kitty Bennet Worthington. It seems that she married a young man, of some financial means but no property, whom she had met while on a visit with her sister Jane.
Thanks again to all who got this far.
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