An Unwavering Trust

by L. L. Diamond

  Her daughter gave a mischievous grin. “No ma’am.”

  “Thank goodness.” Aunt Elinor reached over and placed a hand on her nephew’s arm. “Fitzwilliam, you must join us for tea. Mother plans to bring your wife along once they finish shopping.”

  His brow furrowed. “Grandmamma had not mentioned the stop last night.”

  Uncle Henry moved to a seat. “Anne wishes to meet Lizzy, and we sent a note this morning requesting mother bring her by.”

  “You may as well stay, otherwise you would spend the afternoon on your own.” Aunt Elinor wore a hopeful expression and he laughed.

  “Very well, I will remain. Mrs. Jenkinson offered to send for me when Anne awakens, and I would like to speak with her again.”

  Richard rose and adjusted his sabre. “Unfortunately, I cannot remain. I am expected back at the barracks.” He gave Darcy a slap on the shoulder as he passed. “I am certain I will see you again whilst you are in town.” He kissed his mother’s cheek and rushed out of the door.

  Fitzwilliam’s shock was evident when Elizabeth entered with not only his Grandmother, but also Georgiana, a few hours later.

  “Georgie!” he exclaimed. He jumped from his chair and hurried over to embrace her.

  “Did you go shopping with Elizabeth and Grandmamma?”

  Georgiana’s face was animated as she nodded. “I was unsure after last night if I would be able to join them, but Papa left this morning.”

  “What did you tell Mrs. Younge?”

  “Mrs. Younge does not tell Father all that takes place.”

  Her husband’s eyebrows furrowed as he frowned, making it clear Elizabeth was not alone in her concern.

  “Have you told her you are meeting me and Elizabeth?”

  “Yes,” answered Georgiana. “She does not have a care who I visit so long as they are family.”

  Fitzwilliam eyed his sister in a sceptical manner. “But, why would she take such a risk? If Father found out, she could lose her position.”

  “I do not know.” Georgiana gave an unconcerned shrug. “She claims it is because she misses her family. To be honest, I do not care much why. I am just pleased I get to see you! Are you not pleased as well?”

  His expression transformed into a brilliant smile, yet he still had a bit of uneasiness in his eyes. “I am very pleased to see you, but I am disquieted by Mrs. Younge’s willingness to go along with this deception.”

  His sister shook her head. “And in all honestly, I do not believe we have reason for misgivings.”

  Elizabeth had to garner her husband’s attention before this got out of hand, so she wrapped her hand around his arm, giving a small shake to her head. An argument was useless. They were unsure how much time Georgiana would remain in London, and what little time they had together should not be spent in a disagreement.

  They took seats with the family, and Aunt Elinor ordered more tea in the event anyone needed refreshments. Their conversations made for a noisy group until everyone had caught up on one another’s news.

  How she enjoyed once more being a part of a large, boisterous family! Everyone chatted and made plans for the coming week. This sort of interaction had been missed.

  As Elizabeth finished her tea, a maid entered to inform them that Anne was once again awake, and Fitzwilliam stood, offering his hand to her.

  “Anne has a great desire to meet you.”

  “Me?” she asked, a bit stunned. While pleased to have had a letter from the young woman, she had not expected to have an audience with her.

  The dowager smiled and patted her hand. “She is quite eager to make your acquaintance. Since we removed her here, her primary focus has been questions about you and Fitzwilliam.”

  “Oh,” she said softly.

  She stood and followed her husband through the corridors until they reached Anne’s suite of rooms, where he knocked. An older woman answered and let them inside, where two chairs sat beside a bed containing, perhaps, the frailest young woman she had ever seen. Anne’s face was almost colourless, the pallor pronounced by her dark hair and wide eyes. Her dry lips almost cracked as she smiled.

  “Fitzwilliam, you have brought your wife?”

  Her voice was almost as weak as her body appeared! How could someone treat—no mistreat their daughter in such a fashion? It was unthinkable.

  Upon making a swift decision, she stepped to the seat closest to Anne’s upper body. “I hope you do not mind my impertinence, but after your letter, I am counting on your forgiveness.” She sat, took Anne’s frail hand in hers, and leaned forward, so she was closer. “I am glad to meet you at last. I hope you will call me Lizzy, as the rest of your family does.”

  She held her breath for a moment as Anne appeared to take in all she said. After the passage of a few moments, she was just about to begin apologising when Anne’s face broke into a grin.

  “I believe I was the first to be impertinent with my letter, so I do not mind a bit in return. I would also be honoured to call you Lizzy.”

  “Good.” A hand rested upon her shoulder, and she turned to where Fitzwilliam stood, watching with amusement.

  Anne’s weak voice drew her attention. “Grandmamma has told me of how your marriage came to be. I was sorry to hear of your family.”

  She swallowed in an attempt to control her emotions. The year of mourning had healed her immensely, but it was still difficult to speak of those she held so dear. “Thank you. I do miss them terribly, but I have also been blessed with a new family, who are wonderful. All of you have been most welcoming.”

  “You have not met my mother then, I take it?” Anne gave a raspy laugh, and Elizabeth reached over for a glass of water on the bedside table, giving Anne a sip before replacing it. “Thank you.”

  “No, I have not met Lady Catherine, but I hear she is a force to behold.”

  Despite her weak constitution, Anne’s eyes were animated and full of humour. “She is, for the most part, a great deal of wind.”

  The frank statement made her giggle as she moved a lock of hair away from Anne’s eyes.

  “I imagine, since Fitzwilliam is to inherit Rosings, you will be forced to make her acquaintance one day—just do not give what she says much importance.”

  “I am accustomed to her vitriol, Anne,” came Fitzwilliam’s voice from behind her. “I will protect my wife.”

  Elizabeth raised one eyebrow. “You do not think I can manage Lady Catherine?”

  His laugh joined Anne’s weak expression of humour as he placed his hand on her back. “I believe you would handle her admirably, but do not fault me if I would prefer it not be required of you.”

  She returned her gaze to Anne, whose lips quirked to one side as she watched them interact. “I will be pleased to have Rosings belong to you. I know you will not live there, but your children will be raised with love and bring that love to Rosings. That is what I want for my father’s house.”

  “We will appreciate the gift,” said Fitzwilliam, “even if we do have to deal with your mother.”

  A smirk appeared upon Anne’s face. “I do admit to a certain satisfaction in knowing that Mama is angry it is your inheritance.”

  All of the talk of death was unsettling! She shook her head as she rearranged Anne’s bedclothes. “You will live many more years, so let us abandon this discussion.”

  Anne’s frail hand dragged across the coverlet until it covered hers. “I am happy to do this for the two of you, Lizzy. I will not live much longer, and my wish for Rosings was to find someone who will appreciate it and care for it. I know Fitzwilliam will take care of the estate for his child. I know it will prosper, and the idea pleases me.”

  Tears began to stream down Elizabeth’s face, and her husband placed his handkerchief in her hand. “I am sorry,” she mumbled, as she tried to dry her eyes.

  Anne gave her other hand a gentle squeeze. “You have just come out of mourning for a tremendous loss. I can understand why the subject would stir your emotions.”

&nb
sp; Fitzwilliam’s arm came around her shoulder, and he hugged her to him. “Being more emotional is another sign of being with child,” he whispered near her ear. “Would you object to my telling Anne? I believe it would make her happy to know there will be an heir for Sagemore and Rosings soon.”

  She nodded, as she tried to stem the flow of tears running down her cheeks.

  “We have some news we would like to share with you, Anne.”

  The young woman’s eyebrows lifted and an expectant expression came over her face.

  “Grandmamma knows, of course, but we have not shared with anyone else as of yet.”

  “I will not tell anyone until you do,” said Anne.

  Fitzwilliam stepped forward and knelt beside Anne’s bed. “We have reason to believe Elizabeth is with child.”

  Tears welled in Anne’s eyes. “I hoped that was your news.” Her face shone of her happiness, and she was a bit more animated. “I wish to be here long enough to have your suspicions confirmed. How long do you think it will be?”

  “From what Grandmamma has said, I think sometime in the next month or so,” she replied. “I promise that other than Fitzwilliam, you will be the first to know.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  A brisk knock sounded about the room, and they all turned as Mrs. Jenkinson opened the large, dark oak door to reveal Georgiana.

  “I hope you do not mind my intrusion,” she said tentatively. “I wished to speak to Anne as well.”

  She rose to stand with her husband, so Georgiana could take her chair. “Of course.”

  Once seated, her sister leaned towards Anne. “You look well.”

  A glance at Anne did reveal a small amount of colour she had not had earlier.

  “I am more than content, Georgiana. I am so grateful Uncle Henry and Aunt Elinor brought me here.”

  As Elizabeth took Fitzwilliam’s arm, he tensed. “Anne.” His wariness on the subject illustrated by the trepidation in his voice. “Your mother was here earlier, wishing to see you. Uncle Henry indicated it is your choice. You do not have to allow her visit.”

  Anne’s eyes shifted down, giving her the appearance of feeling ashamed. “I know it must seem like I am an undutiful daughter, but she has become more difficult than usual as of late. She tells me how much of a disappointment I am, and I fear she will only come here for no other reason than to tell me again. I could not bear it.”

  The despair upon Anne’s face pained Elizabeth, so she took a seat on the edge of the bed and placed her hand over Anne’s. “She has no one to blame for her disappointment but herself. Do not let her bitter words hurt you.” She nodded towards her husband and Georgiana. “Everyone here loves you, and I am certain all of us consider her words untrue.”

  “She is correct,” said Fitzwilliam from behind her. “We have never expected you to be more than yourself. We want you to be happy.”

  “I do not wish to see her,” she whispered.

  “Then you shall not.” Elizabeth’s words were spoken firmly as she used her handkerchief to dry a few tears that had fallen from Anne’s eyes, then leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. “We should give you some time to visit with Georgie.”

  “You will return, will you not?” Anne asked full of hope.

  With a squeeze of Anne’s hand, she smiled. “I will visit daily, if you wish.”

  “I do. I do wish it. I have missed so much being closeted away at Rosings. Do not think I dislike Rosings, but…”

  “We understand,” reassured Georgiana.

  She rose to join her husband. “I will call on you tomorrow, so ensure you rest well tonight.”

  Anne’s eyes conveyed her amusement. “I look forward to it.”

  Mrs. Jenkinson walked them to the door, stopping them before they could leave. “I could not help but overhear much of your conversation with Anne. Thank you for telling her of your suspicions.” She spoke in a soft tone as she glanced back towards her charge. “I cannot remember the last time I saw her so happy. She has spoken often of her desire to have a family at Rosings. Through you, she is seeing her dream fulfilled.”

  “Her generosity will make it possible for a second son to have a home rather than seeking employment,” said Fitzwilliam. “She gives us a gift we could never repay.”

  The older woman nodded and smiled as she closed the door behind them.

  After a few steps Elizabeth stopped. She could not hold in her tears, and Fitzwilliam took her in his arms.

  “Perhaps you should not visit her every day if it causes you such upset.”

  “I cannot deny her when it brings her such joy.” She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. “I always pictured a thin perhaps pale young woman behind her letter. I never dreamed she was so frail and wan.”

  “You must have had quite a shock when you first saw her.”

  “Grandmamma tried to warn me, but I could not imagine such a dire situation as was evident today. She will not live long, will she?”

  Fitzwilliam held her close to his broad chest as he shook his head against her hair. “The doctor does not believe she will last the month, but perhaps anticipating the babe’s quickening will give her what she needs for the will to live.”

  “I am glad we confided in her. If she passes, she knows that her home will continue. It brought her such joy when you told her.”

  He nodded. “I had hoped it might. Rosings will be a wonderful estate for a second son.”

  “What if we have only daughters?” Her voice was low and unsteady. She knew he would love any daughter as much as he would a son, but her parents’ relationship had deteriorated as each respective girl was born. What if it happened within her marriage, as well?

  He chuckled and kissed her hair. “Then I will be in terrible trouble.”

  She drew back and regarded him inquisitively. “Why is that?”

  “Because if they resemble their breath-taking mother in even the slightest way, then I will be unable to say no to them, and they will give me a headful of grey hairs.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Chapter 19

  Darcy stood and shifted his weight from foot to foot while he waited alongside Richard and his grandmother. Tonight’s excursion to the theatre was a part of the celebration of his grandmother’s birthday, and Elizabeth was late in joining their party.

  She had spent the last month honouring their social obligations, visiting Anne almost daily, and spending time with Grandmamma and Georgiana. The babe had quickened at the end of October, and in their excitement, they had told Anne the same day, which brought tears to his ill cousin’s eyes—and to his own.

  That morning, Elizabeth had awakened early, as was her wont, but she bore signs of fatigue from their hectic schedule. So, rather than meeting his uncle and cousins at White’s, Darcy sent word he would be unable to join them, and spent the day with Elizabeth in their rooms, ensuring she napped.

  He set down his empty glass of port. “Did you visit Anne today?”

  “I did, and I am afraid her rally is at an end. We suspected she was in decline, and this morning confirmed our impressions. She has precious little energy. The physician suspects she will not last much longer.”

  “The poor dear,” lamented his grandmother. “I have always had a great affection for Anne. I do wish we had removed her from Catherine’s care years ago.”

  “Father is of the same opinion. Of course, the solution is clearer now than when she was a child.”

  Darcy shook his head adamantly. “No one is more culpable than Lady Catherine for her daughter’s present condition. We could all find some way to blame ourselves, but in the end, Lady Catherine’s decisions caused the most irreparable damage.” He ensured he caught his grandmother’s eye. “Anne was never hale. I can recall my mother’s observations about her fevers when she was yet a young girl.”

  His grandmother sighed as her shoulders dropped
. “I remember those, too, but I do wonder if a proper physician and a loving home could have altered the outcome.”

  Richard took her hand and clasped it between his own. “Darcy is correct. We do not know if it would have changed her future, and if Anne knew we all felt to blame, she would not be happy.”

  When Elizabeth entered the room, the others present stood, and the dowager approached to take Elizabeth’s hands, holding them away from her body so she could view her dress. “You look lovely, Lizzy! That colour of green is a becoming compliment to your complexion.”

  Elizabeth bestowed upon Darcy an exquisite smile, and his breath caught in his throat. God he loved her! She was handsome, intelligent, and witty. He was a fortunate man to have won her regard!

  He had admired the deep, forest green gown when she had first worn it in Bath, and to him it was obvious that Madame Duparc had altered it: the bodice fit certain areas better than it had prior to their trip to town, and the skirt still hid the slight swell of her abdomen, provided she did not protectively cover it with her hand as he often caught her doing. She was radiant as she made her way to him and took his arm.

  His grandmother glanced at the clock and took her seat. “We still have some time whilst we await the carriage.”

  “You never told me about your call on Lady Tabitha Dawkins,” he observed. A few days prior, the dowager had taken Elizabeth to call on Sir Gabriel’s wife, who had just borne his heir.

  “I believe I told you enough.” His wife’s disgusted expression brought a smile to his face, and his grandmother let out a girlish giggle.

  “You only informed me that you had no wish to call on Lady Dawkins again.”

  “Precisely! That alone should indicate it was a miserable visit.” The sour expression upon her countenance was diverting, and he chuckled along with the others.

  His grandmother was still giggling when her eyes returned to him. “I fear Lady Dawkins did not impress our Lizzy with her maternal nature.”

  Elizabeth snorted. “Maternal? I doubt she has ever touched the poor child.”

  “Knowing her, I would say you are correct,” commented Richard. “Whatever possessed you to call upon that woman, Grandmamma?”