An Unwavering Trust

by L. L. Diamond

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I would not have left Anne’s side. The sole reason I departed at night was due to a promise that I would. Anne insisted.”

  “She told me. She was as concerned for you as you were for her.”

  A warm tear trailed its way down Elizabeth’s cheek, and she swiped it away. “Will you accompany Uncle Henry to Kent?”

  “He insists upon it, so yes; although, I would have gone, even had he not insisted.” Aunt Elinor’s eyes darted between her and her husband. “Will you travel with us or return to Sagemore?”

  “She has chosen to go to Rosings.” Fitzwilliam still wore that insufferable grin. Elizabeth responded with a small snort.

  “Perhaps I should leave the two of you to whatever it was you were discussing before my arrival.” Aunt Elinor patted her shoulder. “Someone will be up soon with some nourishment. I know cook wished for you to have something special when you awoke. Apparently, the servants have spoken of your care for Anne, and she was touched.”

  “That is charitable of her. I will have to go down and thank her before we return to Ashcroft.”

  “I am certain she will be delighted.” Their attention was diverted when a footman and a maid appeared at the partially open door. “Ah, please bring those trays inside and set them on the table.” Aunt Elinor gestured to a small spot set between the fireplace and the sofa before turning her attention back to them.

  “Now, I do not know what transpired prior to my visit, but given my nephew’s ridiculous expression, I am certain it is nothing but pure nonsense. Fitzwilliam, I would apologise to your wife, and Lizzy, I doubt it is as bad as you imagine. Accept his apology and be done with it. We do not need strife amongst us at this time. Catherine will bring enough.”

  Aunt Elinor looked to her nephew. “Henry says we leave at first light tomorrow. Is that your wish as well?”

  Fitzwilliam agreed. “Yes, we should install Anne in the family tomb as soon as possible, and I see no reason to delay the inevitable taking possession of Rosings. Uncle Henry offered to send letters to the vicar at Hunsford to arrange for the funeral, as well as a man he suggests to replace the steward at Rosings.”

  “He sent them express before dinner.”

  “Good, I wish to have it all concluded without delay.”

  Aunt Elinor gave a wry smile. “I cannot fault you for that. She leaned over to kiss Elizabeth on the head. “Enjoy your meal, and I shall see you in the parlour before you depart for Ashcroft.” They both thanked Aunt Elinor before she bustled back out of the door, closing it behind her.

  Her husband’s eyes returned to her, and she lifted her eyebrows. “I apologise for finding humour in your testiness and in Uncle Henry’s remark. Would you forgive me and join me?” He patted the cushion beside him and motioned her over with his head. “Come, my love. You know you would rather cuddle with me than sit there by yourself.”

  The sensation of his arms around her would be of such comfort, but he had been so insufferable! Aunt Elinor’s words came to mind, so she rose and took the seat at his side where he enfolded her in his embrace.

  “I am sorry if I am moody. I do not wish to be.”

  His lips caressed her hair while his hand covered her abdomen. “I do not mind since it is due to this little one here.” Fitzwilliam leaned over and kissed the growing bump as she cradled his head in her hands. “The two of you are what mean the most to me in this world.”

  Tears burned as they again flooded her eyes, which caused her husband to chuckle and pepper soft kisses to her cheek. “We should eat so we can return to Grandmamma’s and pack for tomorrow.”

  Elizabeth’s stomach rumbled from hunger and Fitzwilliam smiled. “See, the babe agrees and demands food now.” He leaned forward, took a plate, and placed a roll and a cup of chocolate on it before handing it to her. “We must not keep our little one waiting.”

  Rolling her eyes, she took the dish and leaned back. “You will spoil him if you never keep him waiting. He must learn patience.”

  Fitzwilliam ran his fingers down her back. “I intend to take care of him as I take care of you.”

  “Then he will most definitely be spoiled,” she laughed.

  “Then so be it.”

  Three carriages, carrying the entire Fitzwilliam family and the Darcys, pulled away from Ashcroft House as the sun’s first rays began to peek through the streets of Mayfair. When they passed the road that would take them to Sagemore, Darcy gave a sigh and repositioned the curtain for their privacy. He pulled Elizabeth a bit closer, grimacing as his eye caught the black of her gown.

  She once again wore mourning colours. He had been so insistent that she not even purchase grey at the modiste in favour of colour, but at least, this time, she would not be without that luxury for a year. Hattie had shown the good sense to choose one of Jane’s finer gowns and dyed it before they returned to Ashcroft, so Elizabeth would have proper attire for their arrival at Rosings. His wife had been upset at ruining one of her sister’s belongings, but after giving the matter further consideration, she saw sense in her maid’s choice.

  Elizabeth took a deep breath and exhaled it in her sleep and he smiled. She had drifted off in next to no time upon their departure!

  He loved her so much. She would require protection from Lady Catherine’s vitriol upon their arrival—if the lady was even there. Uncle Henry had sent her notice that her daughter had passed, but they had not had any response. God only knew what awaited them!

  Leaning into the corner, he pushed away the worries of what would happen that afternoon—they would arrive soon enough. Instead, he would rest with Elizabeth after the harrowing week. With one last soothing inhale of her orange blossom perfume, Darcy surrendered to his dreams.

  Chapter 22

  Considering Elizabeth’s condition, neither Uncle Henry nor Darcy desired to rush the trip to Kent, so when they had need of a change of horses, their party took tea within the coaching inns. The journey, as a result, was a little longer than usual, arriving at Rosings approximately six to seven hours after they departed London.

  While they waited for the footman to open the door, Darcy gazed at Elizabeth from across the carriage. He had swapped seats just prior to their arrival to a more proper arrangement, and was now tapping his fingers against his leg as he waited for the moment he could hand his wife down. He ached to touch her.

  Oblivious to his stare, Elizabeth tied her bonnet, only to catch his eye as she pulled the ribbon tight. “Is something amiss?”

  “No,” he said with a smile, “I was just thinking how fortunate I am to have such a wife.” He enjoyed the wide grin that accompanied a pair of pale pink cheeks, yet a more serious question could not be helped. “Are you certain you wish to confront Lady Catherine with the rest of us? You and Hattie could walk the grounds until we are certain she will not be a problem.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “No, I will be there to support you. Lady Catherine will disparage me whether I am present or not, and her opinion will have little effect on me. I do not care for the petty judgements of a woman who mistreated her own child.”

  With the confrontation that awaited him inside, it would not do to press the matter lest he have an argument with his wife. “Very well, but if I request you leave the room, I expect you to do as I wish.”

  Her expression displayed her dislike of his demand, but to his surprise, she did not argue. “I do not see why it would be necessary, but I will agree.”

  The familiar thump of the step being set sounded and the door opened, allowing him to exit. Darcy held out his hand for his wife, who stepped down and took his arm. His stomach roiled, but Elizabeth’s touch alone helped him suppress his anxiety by reminding him of his purpose. She required him to be strong both for her and for their child.

  “According to the footman, Catherine returned last night,” confirmed Uncle Henry, as he straightened his coats. “I hope you are geared up for a battle royal, for that might be what awaits us.”

  “She
will not be reasonable, but she has no choice in the matter.”

  “No, she does not.” Uncle Henry peered from the tip of the cupola, to the clock, and finally to the arched entrance beneath them, took a deep breath, and looked back to him. “Shall we go in and best the beast?”

  His grandmother gave a small snort while Elizabeth and Aunt Elinor chuckled.

  “Once more unto the breach1,” exclaimed Richard, who drew his sabre and pointed it forward.

  “I do not believe it will be once more, and put that thing away.” Aunt Elinor slapped her son’s arm. “I have no doubt Catherine would send for the magistrate to delay matters if she spotted you drawing weapons.”

  “That might make matters easier.” Everyone’s attention was drawn to Huntley, and they stared at him in surprise. “What? We would have a witness who is not family to the enforcement of the will.”

  Uncle Henry shook his head. “I do not believe that would make her easier. Catherine has no sense of shame for her actions because she believes she is above those around her.”

  “I agree with Richard,” groused the dowager. “Let us get inside and eliminate the business portion of this visit. I have no desire to stand in front of the house for the remainder of the afternoon. I would much prefer to go inside, or I should have toured the garden with Grace and her maid.”

  They passed through the arched entrance to the small court and the ornate front door, flanked by columns and overset by gargoyles and a relief of the de Bourgh coat of arms. Higgs, the butler, was waiting at the door when they stepped forward.

  “Good afternoon.” He addressed Darcy and Lord Matlock. “You should be aware that Lady Catherine expects me to refuse you entry.”

  He donned his most official manner. “I take it you and Mrs. Langton received my express?”

  “Yes, sir.” The aged butler gave a nod. “We have carried out your instructions as written. Lady Catherine’s maid would have been a problem, but an errand was found to keep her busy after her duties this morning.”

  His grandmother chuckled. “So Lady Catherine’s belongings are being moved to the dower house?”

  “As we speak ma’am.”

  Darcy leaned forward just a bit. “My wife and I will want to meet with you and Mrs. Langton in regards to the staff. I shall not have anyone informing Lady Catherine the business of this house; any staff remaining loyal to her must be released.”

  “With the exception of her maid,” interjected Elizabeth. She shrugged her shoulders. “She should be allowed to trust the person who cares for her so intimately.”

  He agreed and returned his attention to Higgs, who extended his arm to gesture them inside. “I will notify Mrs. Langton of your request to meet with us. I am certain she will be available at your convenience, as will I.”

  “Thank you,” replied Darcy. Uncle Henry was expected to lead the way as was his wont, but instead, he demurred and held out his arm.

  “This is now your property, and we are here to help and support you.”

  Darcy glanced back at the butler, who waited with his usual patience, took a deep breath, and forged forward, taking Elizabeth with him.

  He did not turn to see if his family followed. The sound of their feet as they strode along on the black and white tiles of the entrance hall, as well as the tell-tale clank of Richard’s sabre against his leg was proof they had not abandoned him. Without requiring him to ask, his family had travelled with him to ensure he had their support. He was fortunate to have such relations.

  Elizabeth’s hand squeezed his arm, and he sought her face, seeking comfort in her eyes as Higgs stepped around them to open the door. The elder man did not enter before them to announce their arrival, but instead gestured into the room to indicate that Darcy and Elizabeth, followed by their family, should precede him.

  “Higgs!” Lady Catherine bellowed as she rose to her feet. “I advised you most strenuously to refuse entrance to these people! I will not tolerate such insubordination from anyone! Even you!”

  “As you say madam,” Higgs replied evenly before turning to his new master. “Do you require anything further, sir?”

  A small snort emanated from Richard’s direction before Lady Catherine stepped forward. “How dare you! You can find yourself a new position! You will not remain at Rosings!”

  “You are mistaken, Lady Catherine.” Darcy straightened his spine in order to appear more imposing. “I am in possession of both Sir Lewis de Bourgh’s will as well as Anne’s.”

  “I am well aware of the contents of those documents, and I intend to challenge the validity of them both! Anne was of a weak mind.” Her volume dropped just a bit and she gave a dismissive sniff. “She did not know what she was about when she named you her heir.”

  “That challenge is easy to refute, Catherine.” Uncle Henry stepped forward until he was beside Darcy. “We spent a great deal of time with Anne in her last few weeks, and she remained lucid until the end. Her mind was not addled in the slightest.”

  “My physician will attest to her condition! I knew Anne better than anyone! She was my daughter!”

  “Which physician?” asked the dowager. “Your physician here? Or one of the numerous physicians who bled her in London?”

  “I only wanted the best treatment for my daughter!”

  “I find that difficult to believe.” Aunt Elinor emerged from between her sons. “We interviewed several physicians who treated Anne during the last fortnight she remained with you. Each said you were determined to have her well, so she could marry high and above Fitzwilliam Darcy. You may have killed your daughter for vengeance not love.”

  “Marrying above the Darcys was best!” She punctuated her claim with a heavy stamp of her walking stick. “She had no idea what was good for her! Rosings required an heir!”

  “She would have died in an attempt to bear a child,” lamented Elizabeth. “She had neither the strength nor the fortitude to bring a babe into this world. Anne understood this…”

  “You have no right! You know nothing of my Anne!”

  “That is enough!” yelled Darcy. “My wife has spent the last weeks of Anne’s life seated at her bedside! They had conversations for as long as Anne’s constitution would allow, and when she was fatigued, my wife would read to her and on occasion sang to her.” He raised his hand and pointed at the imperious woman. “She proved herself a better relation to Anne than you ever were, and I will not have you treat her in such a cruel manner. Anne would not wish her to receive this abuse, either.”

  Spittle flew from her mouth as she cried in fury. “You allowed this woman to pollute my daughter’s mind! She was far above you by rank and circumstance! You had no right…”

  “Enough Catherine!” bellowed Uncle Henry. “Anne took great comfort in the time she spent with Mrs. Darcy. We believe the sole reason she lived as long as she did was due to Mrs. Darcy’s confession that she was with child. Anne was enlivened by the prospect, and eager for the day she was told of the quickening.”

  Lady Catherine turned an appraising eye towards his wife’s abdomen, and Darcy tucked her behind him.

  “I sent instructions yesterday for the dower house to be opened and cleaned for your use.”

  Lady Catherine’s face began to turn a brilliant shade of red. “I will not reside in the dower house! This is my home!”

  Darcy attempted to remain unperturbed despite Lady Catherine’s vitriol. The bellowing, aside from being deafening, would not accomplish the matter at hand, and the situation would be better controlled if he was under good regulation. “No, Rosings, as well as the house in town belong to me—which includes the dower house. I am offering you the opportunity to live there, but I am not required by any legal document to offer you any form of housing.”

  “My marriage contract…”

  “Leaves you your portion—your settlement of twenty-thousand pounds and no more. I can arrange for an establishment for you in London where you can reside for the remainder of your days.”


  Her nostrils flattened and whistled as she sucked air through them, and her eyes bulged as she held it in. “You would not dare! You would see me put up in Cheapside if you had your way.”

  “That notion is tempting,” interjected Uncle Henry. “I have a friend who owns a small home near Mayfair—a street or two over from the more fashionable addresses— that will be inexpensive to lease. It is not what you are accustomed to, I am afraid, but it would be sufficient to your needs.”

  Her eyes shot back to Darcy. “So, I am expected to remain in the dower house whilst Rosings stands empty?” Her voice was strident and demanding. “That will be a waste!”

  “I never indicated Rosings would remain empty.” His shoulders tensed and his jaw clenched in apprehension of the explosion that would occur as soon as he put his match to the kindling. “I have a friend who wishes to lease Rosings until such a time he can purchase his own estate.”

  “You have what?” She advanced forward and hurled her walking stick out in front of her, shaking it in Darcy’s face. “You would lease my home to that friend of yours who is in trade!” Her face screwed in concentration. “Bingham… Bingtree… Bingbee… ”

  “Bingley is his name, and yes, he sent an enthusiastic response to my offer of a lease on Rosings. My solicitor is arranging the paperwork as we speak. Bingley hopes to take possession before the New Year.”

  The changes in colour on Lady Catherine’s face were more pronounced than earlier and became worrisome. She went from red to almost purple as she began to sputter. “You… you…” She gave an abrupt swallow and thrust her stick forward, almost knocking his nose. “You would defile my home with the stench of trade!”

  Richard reached forward, grasped her cane, and ripped it from her bony fingers.

  The manoeuvre only distracted Lady Catherine for but a moment, since she drew herself up much as Darcy had earlier, so she appeared taller than was her wont.

  “Rosings belonged to Anne, and now it belongs to me. As to Bingley, his sisters will accompany him, and I believe Miss Bingley’s betrothed will join them for a time. I know they intend to spend a month complete before they return to London for the season.”