An Unwavering Trust

by L. L. Diamond

  “It is wonderful.” He reached over and claimed her lips with passion. “I cannot believe you went to so much trouble.”

  She laughed as he set the saddle aside and shifted her onto his lap. “It was really no trouble. I only asked Richard and Huntley if they had any unusual ideas for your gift, and placed the order.”

  He scattered kisses over her eyes, nose, and finally her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “You are welcome.” She gave a small giggle. “May I ask why you were so certain the books in my dressing room were your Christmas gift?”

  He put a hand over his face and groaned. “I am ashamed of my pride earlier. I was so certain, was I not? You must have thought me insufferable.”

  She held her fingers about an inch apart. “A mite bit conceited perhaps.”

  With a self-deprecating shake of his head, he hugged her a bit closer. “What were those books if not for a gift?”

  “They were for your grandmother, aunt and uncle, and your cousins. Did you not peek at the books I had hidden?”

  “I confess I had not. I only glanced at the two on the top of the stack before I heard Hattie, and hurried back to our chambers.”

  “Then you missed the copy of Cecilia for Grandmamma.1 ”

  “Most definitely! I must have seen your gifts for the men since I am sure Grace would be receiving another novel.”

  “Perhaps I bought her Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.”

  His eyes bulged and his jaw dropped, eliciting a round of giggles from her. “Alas, I did not.”

  His shoulders dropped and he exhaled in relief. “Grace has enough notions from Grandmamma without adding more fuel to the fire.”

  She began to laugh outright, and he regarded her with a wary eye. “Why are you so amused?”

  “I may not have purchased the Wollstonecraft, but your grandmother did.”

  He let out a bark of laughter. “At least Uncle Henry will not write me a scathing letter for giving her such a book. Poor Bingley!”

  She pinned him with a furious look despite the fact she was not at all angry. “Do you imply a woman cannot be as intelligent as a man or they should not be educated to the full extent of their abilities?”

  His face lost all traces of humour. “Elizabeth, you are fully aware that one of the things I love most about you is your intelligence, and I have always encouraged you to expand your mind through extensive reading. I would never treat you as inferior, as you well know.”

  She allowed a hint of a grin to show, and he exhaled heavily. “You are too unkind! On wrongs swift vengeance waits.2”

  “A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong.3”

  “Most unfair! You have selected the portion of the phrase useful to you and disregarded the remainder.” He became smug and quirked his lips upward. “A woman, especially if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.4”

  She gasped with mock affront and replied with a smile and arched eyebrow. “What are men to rocks and mountains5?”

  With a laugh, he leaned in for a kiss she bestowed willingly, allowing her lips to cling to his for a moment. When he drew back, his forehead remained pressed to hers. “I suppose we should dress for church, so we do not leave poor Bingley waiting.”

  “He is not so poor,” she whispered.

  He picked her up and placed her feet on the floor. “No, but he will be poor for company if we abandon him.”

  “We would not be all that late.” She stood on her toes and caressed her lips against his neck.

  “Why must you be so irresistible?”

  George Darcy sat alone in his study long after Georgiana had retired for the evening. He stared at his glass of port as well as a letter he held before him.

  Catherine was now aware of the entail, which bothered him. He did not care to have his personal business bandied about as gossip, and Catherine’s mouth was far from silent; however, her knowledge of his financial affairs was not what put him in such a melancholy mood this evening, rather it was her revelations about his son. Fitzwilliam had taken control of Rosings, and the boy had not been timid in the slightest.

  For all his disappointment, he found he was proud of his son for his stand against the formidable Lady Catherine, yet he could not tell him. Fitzwilliam would be in Oxfordshire with his wife.

  His wife! He lifted a spare copy of the false marriage license he had retained after their confrontation in London. He had thought to find a different scheme, but after reading the letter, he could not do it.

  Catherine described his son as bewitched and besotted. She still proclaimed her dislike of the young lady, but in reading between the woman’s diatribe and disparagement, he detected a bit of a grudging respect. The new Mrs. Darcy had stood her ground with Catherine as well.

  The ultimate revelation was Elizabeth Darcy was with child. His son would be a father come spring, if Catherine’s calculations were correct. He would be a grandfather!

  Yet, he would not. He would not be welcome to be of service to his son during such a time nor would he be allowed to see his first grandchild. What sort of grandfather did that make him?

  What would they tell his grandchild about him? Would that child come to resent him in the same manner Fitzwilliam had?

  Georgiana already regarded him with such sadness. He was certain she was aware of most of the disagreement, but of how much, he had no idea. He was thankful for her continued care and love despite her knowledge of his transgressions. He did not deserve her forgiveness.

  Christmas at Pemberley had been celebrated as the holiday always had—with the exception of Fitzwilliam’s absence. His son might not exude the liveliness of George Wickham, yet the elder Darcy missed his son’s quiet, yet thoughtful presence. Until this year, Fitzwilliam had never missed a Pemberley Christmas; the day was not the same without him.

  He picked up the forged marriage license, stared at it for a moment, and then tossed it into the fire. He would bestow the only Christmas present Fitzwilliam would desire—no further interference in his life.

  1 The title of Pride and Prejudice is said to be from a line in Cecilia, “The whole of this unfortunate business," said Dr. Lyster, "has been the result of pride and prejudice.”

  2,3 Alexander Pope

  4 Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

  5 Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

  Chapter 25

  Darcy looked up from his work to take in the bleak, bleary day outside. Winter had passed with a wet chill that never abated; yet Elizabeth still insisted on walking whenever the weather was passable enough to venture out of doors. Her determination to exercise could not be deterred; yet, his concerned appeals ensured she remained within the confines of the island. Her visits to Page were not as often as she wished, so he always took the time to accompany her when she walked as far as the stables.

  Elizabeth’s waist expanded as the time flew by. The initial swell had not been of excessive size, but since Christmas, the bulge had gradually grown until her gait was more of a waddle than her usual graceful stride.

  She never complained of discomfort, yet the additional weight had to be taking its toll. The girth of her ankles and feet had expanded along with her waist until the sight of her once shapely legs made her husband wince. They had to hurt!

  Today, they expected his grandmother, who would remain with them for the next few months. He was grateful for her offer to aid them through this time. Elizabeth would require a motherly figure in the birthing room, and his grandmother’s willingness to fill the role pleased him; the two ladies had developed such an intimate bond since their initial meeting almost a year prior.

  He never dreamed he would meet his wife in such a manner; however, he was thankful for the crises that led them to save one another. It was still difficult to credit that in May they would be wed a year!

  Elizabeth emerged from a cluster of birches and, satisfied by her appearance, his attention returned to hi
s ledgers. She would walk the gardens closer to the conservatory now that she had made a circuit around the house.

  Darcy stared at the books without seeing the numbers before him for a while before he closed the book, grabbed a letter beside him, and left his study to search out his wife. When he came upon her, Elizabeth had not moved far from the birches and was meandering through what would be a bower of roses trimmed with lavender come May.

  Her face lit with joy as she noticed his approach. He could never question her love for him when he was welcomed with such happiness. She was beautiful and had such a softness about her in her present state.

  “You came to accompany me?”

  “I did,” he responded. “I could not concentrate on the books any longer. I had to join you.”

  She strolled underneath an arbour and peered around the edge in a flirtatious manner. “Am I such a distraction, Mr. Darcy?”

  He laughed in delight, and dashed behind her to wrap her in his arms. “I would prefer to spend all of my time in your company, but alas, I do not have that luxury. Someone must oversee Sagemore and Rosings lest we be relegated to the hedgerows.”

  A joyful giggle erupted from her lips as she turned to face him. “I hear Mr. Bingley does well with his courtship.”

  He held a letter he had received this morning before him. “I received this express just after you departed for your walk.”

  Elizabeth bit her bottom lip and took the missive from his hand. “It is unopened!” she exclaimed, surprised.

  “I thought it may be welcome news; I planned to save it until your return.” He stroked the velvet softness of her rosy cheek with his knuckles. “But, I could not abide waiting. Shall we go to the library and read it before the fire?”

  “I must appear cold.” Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Or, has Mrs. Green pled her case for my protection from the unforgiving elements?”

  He shook his head. “No, I plead my own case. Your nose is quite red, and your cheeks are a lovely pink hue…”

  “If they are lovely, then perhaps we should remain out of doors a little longer.” She wore his favourite mischievous expression, which would, no doubt, captivate him for the rest of their lives.

  His palm stroked over where their child was safe within her womb. “I could rub your back and your feet whilst you read the letter aloud.”

  “Are my feet and ankles truly so dreadful?” She leaned forward as though she were attempting to catch a glimpse of her toes and giggled. “I cannot see them, so they must not be there.”

  He took her hand, and then led her to the terrace and through the doors to the library, where he rang the bell. Mrs. Green bustled in and collected Elizabeth’s outdoor garments, but not before expressing her relief that Mrs. Darcy was once again indoors and away from the frigid chill of the outdoors.

  “I will have some refreshments sent in right away, sir,” said the motherly housekeeper, as she exited the room.

  After Elizabeth settled herself on one end of the plush sofa, Darcy lifted her feet to set them in his lap. He handed her the letter, and then set to work removing her boots, which he placed on the floor beside him.

  Deep red lines were pressed into the turgid skin from the seams of her half-boots. His fingers grazed the angry flesh as he wrapped his hands around her feet and began to knead his thumbs into the arch.

  She rested the side of her head against the back of the furniture and sighed. “I will be unable to read if you put me to sleep.”

  He chuckled. “Then perhaps you should hurry.”

  She broke the seal, unfolded the page, and turned it in several directions as though she could not read it. “His handwriting is atrocious.”

  “He smudges and blots many of his words, does he not?”

  “He does! How do you decipher this mess?” She drew the paper back and then brought it closer.

  “If you can make out just a few words, sometimes his meaning becomes clear.” Her doubtful expression made him grin.

  “10 March 1811

  Rosings Square, London”

  “He has moved into the house in London, then?” The paper was folded down, and she peered over the top.

  “Bingley installed himself not long after his return to town. His sisters have been banned from the home, so he does not entertain.”

  “He banned them?” she asked, incredulous.

  “Miss Bingley, rather Mrs. Harper, is a married woman now, and her husband has his own home in London. Bingley has made it clear neither she nor Mrs. Hurst will impose upon him there. They will not be allowed to use Grace to forward their social ambitions.”

  “Grace would not tolerate them, but I am glad to see Mr. Bingley standing up for himself in such a fashion.” Her attention returned to the letter as she squinted her eyes and bit her lip. A sudden lift to her eyebrows indicated she made out Bingley’s poor penmanship, and she began to read.

  “Darcy,

  “You are to read the ramblings of a happy man. Grace has finally done me the honour of accepting my hand. I know I am ridiculous—as if I have been waiting years rather than months—but my angel has said yes!

  “Your uncle had a bit of sport with me when I asked his permission, but I suppose it was to be expected. I look forward to becoming a part of your family. Huntley still views me with a wary eye, but I believe once Grace and I are wed, he will accept me as you and Lord Matlock do already.

  “I hope you will not be offended when I say, I do not wish to wait any longer than necessary to make Grace my bride. We have set a date for two months hence, and we would wish for you to come, yet we understand your presence may not be possible. Please do not feel obligated should it still be too early to travel, or should Mrs. Darcy feel uncomfortable leaving the babe at Sagemore.

  “I look forward to bringing my bride home to Rosings—at least until I purchase an estate of my own. I must thank you again for the lease of Rosings, as well as the house in town. I would not be in a position to marry without them.

  “Best Regards,

  “Charles Bingley, Esq.”

  He set down one foot and proceeded to begin with the other. “He sounds in his cups.”

  “Can you blame him for imbibing when he is so joyous? He was likely drinking brandy with Uncle Henry and Huntley and wrote this as an afterthought.” She pressed her palm to the side of her bulge. “Would you care to travel to London for the wedding?”

  He started from an image of Bingley drinking brandy with Huntley and Uncle Henry. “Oh… no, we will be travelling soon enough when we journey to Ramsgate. I do not wish to unsettle the babe too soon. Bingley and Grace will understand.”

  Elizabeth tilted her head as she observed him. “You could always go without us. The staff… ”

  “No!” he exclaimed. “I will not.”

  With an earnest expression, she reached out to barely touch her fingers to his shoulder. “I did not intend to upset you. It was merely a suggestion.”

  He placed her foot down upon the cushion and shifted forward to cradle her face in his hands. “I have no intention of parting with you unless it is necessary. Do you understand?”

  “I do.” She leaned her cheek into his palm. “I do not want you to go, but I also would not wish to hold you back.”

  Darcy rewarded her statement with a short but passionate kiss. Mrs. Green’s return prevented him from repeating the gesture and forced him to return to his previous position. Once their refreshments were set on the small table before them, he handed his wife a cup of chocolate and a biscuit.

  “My place is by your side,” he affirmed. “I would not be happy travelling without you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Her willingness to have him travel without her was a sacrifice he appreciated, but she needed to understand that he had no desire to leave her. He could not leave his life and world behind in Oxfordshire.

  Elizabeth studied him as she took a sip from her cup, and he gave a shuddering sigh. “Are you well? I did not want you t
o have regrets over missing the wedding of your friend and your cousin.”

  “I do appreciate the gesture, but please understand my unwillingness.”

  “I appreciate your unwillingness.” Her smile was not forced, but more amused. “I desire nothing more than to have you by my side.”

  Their disagreement solved, they partook of their refreshments and then Elizabeth received her long-awaited back rub. She fell asleep long before he was finished so he made a quick trip to his study to retrieve his books and papers. The library had a perfect spot for him to work as she slept nearby.

  The sun’s rays came in at an angle through the windows as the afternoon progressed, and he accomplished the work he set out for the day while Elizabeth remained on the sofa covered with a warm rug.

  Darcy closed the journal where he kept track of his plans and the items he had completed and gazed at his wife, who was lightly snoring. The sound brought their first carriage ride together to his mind, and he smiled at the remembrance. He continued to stare until a familiar voice startled him from his reverie.

  “I do not imagine you get much work done in such an attitude.” His head snapped around to where his grandmother stood with an amused expression on her face.

  “I did not wish to leave Elizabeth whilst she slept.” His voice was low so as to not wake his wife. “I have completed my work for today.”

  She entered the room, and he embraced her. “You were not greeted by anyone at the door?”

  “No, I was, and I was informed that you and the sleeping Mrs. Darcy were in the library. I did not wish to be announced, as I was certain the noise would wake Lizzy, and she requires the rest.” She drew back, tiptoed over to Elizabeth, and carefully moved a curl from her face. After studying her for a few moments, his grandmother returned with a pleased expression.

  “She appears hale and happy, even whilst she slumbers.”

  “She has been very well. The midwife was pleased when she visited last.” A chuckle escaped his lips and his grandmother looked at him askance. “The midwife said Elizabeth was not like most of the fainting ladies of the house and should weather the birth well, as long as there were no unforeseen complications.”