She was grateful that her condition had not worsened since their arrival at Pemberley. Fitzwilliam was so convinced that her health could not possibly decline in such a beautiful environment that Anne truly believed he had willed her ill health into remission. Whatever the cause, she was happy to have the time she required. However, she worried yet. May was still a long way off.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Darcy opened the letter and, upon observing the several blotted ink spots on the page, knew its writer immediately. Bingley was never one to demonstrate patience whilst writing a letter. He usually scrawled his thoughts with speed rather than precision. It was obvious that he had been in an agitated state during this correspondence. He informed Darcy that he and Caroline had returned to London where they would be spending the Season. He expressed his wish that Darcy might meet him there.
As an added inducement, Bingley had emphasized that he wished to meet with him alone, assuring him that Caroline would not be in attendance. Darcy could tell by the tone of his letter that the matter was of great concern and importance to his friend.
The weather was just beginning to lessen from its severity. March had brought some milder temperatures to the area, and the snow was slowly dissipating throughout the county. Darcy had no objection to travelling to London but thought perhaps he would make the trip on horseback rather than by carriage. Since it was still early in “the Season” he had no need for his carriage, and he could make the journey much faster on Marengo. He did not want to be away from Anne and Georgie for too long, nor did he wish to relinquish his faithful guardianship of the small cottage.
The past two months had brought a new and unusual understanding between Anne and himself, one that had taken him quite by surprise. He had thought that upon discovering his most ungentlemanly transgressions, she would have demanded release from their marriage. That she had not even suggested such a course of action relieved him greatly. There would be no scandal, no damage to his reputation or that of his family.
But far beyond that was the fact that she not only accepted the situation, but she also had devised a plan and was determined to see it carried out to an agreeable conclusion. She was truly a remarkable woman. He could honestly say, upon observing her during the last two months, that despite her health impediments, he had never seen her happier. The thought of having a child to care for was obviously giving her much pleasure.
Darcy was also extremely glad that Georgiana would not know of his indiscretions. They had informed her that Anne was with child, and fortunately she was not one to ask too many questions regarding her condition. The fashions of the time also helped conceal the fact that Anne was not increasing. It was Darcy’s plan to have Georgie away to Matlock as the time drew near to the birthing day.
He sat down at his desk and responded to Bingley’s letter, informing him of his arrival date in London. He had decided not to take Bingley into his confidence regarding the truth about Anne and the child. He felt too many people already knew. He had written to Bingley the previous month to inform him that he and Anne would be expecting a child in May but had not revealed any particulars. All that was needed was one slip of a tongue, and lives would be ruined, and all of this careful planning would be for naught.
As he finished his letter, Anne entered the library. She smiled a hello and stood before him.
“Mr. Bingley has requested my presence in London next week. His letter sounds urgent. I have written that I will meet with him as he has requested. I will also call upon my attorney while I am there and take care of a few business matters. I have decided that if I go on horseback, I can make it there, conclude my business and return all within a se’ennight or so.
“You shall hardly miss my company anyway,” said Darcy in a teasing voice.
“Why would you say such a thing, Fitzwilliam?” Anne asked in surprise.
“Well you have been so busy with your plans for the nursery, that I sometimes think you forget I am here.”
“Forgive me. I do admit it has taken over much of my time these days. But Fitzwilliam, it makes me so happy to be engaged in such a delightful activity.”
Darcy gave his wife a hug. “And it delights me to see you so happily engaged.” To Anne’s added joy, he whispered, “I shall bring you back a surprise from London.”
~*~
“You seem quite astonished by my news,” remarked a curious Caroline. “As her physician, I thought you would have been aware of her condition.” She touched his arm, letting her fingers run provocatively over his sleeve.
“I admit I am somewhat astonished at learning that she is with child,” said Dr. Adams.
Although it was not prudent for her to be entertaining a gentleman caller whilst her brother was out for the evening, Caroline thought it the perfect opportunity to try to inveigle some information regarding Mrs. Darcy’s health.
She had brought up the subject on several previous occasions, but had been unsuccessful in learning anything of consequence. Having noted Dr. Adams’s preference for her company, she decided that this might be her only chance to engage him in conversation without her brother’s censure.
As they sat on the divan in the parlour, Caroline shifted slightly closer so that their shoulders were touching.
“Why should this surprise you? They are, after all, man and wife,” she stated.
Feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, Dr. Adams tried to divert her thoughts elsewhere, knowing he had already expressed his opinion far too imprudently. He inquired as to her previous evening at the theatre.
Without reference to either the play or the performances she answered, “Oh it is obviously much too early in the Season for anyone of consequence to have attended. I admit I found it rather dull.”
“I am sorry to hear you say so. Perhaps it was not an exceptional production. I am sure there will be much more satisfying experiences as the Season progresses.”
Attempting again to bring the conversation back to the Darcys, Caroline replied, “Oh, I am sure once Mr. and Mrs. Darcy arrive in town, they will undoubtedly invite Charles and me to share their private box. I am sure you are aware how close my brother and I are to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Why Charles and Mr. Darcy are almost like brothers! And I certainly consider Mrs. Darcy one of my closest acquaintances.
“That is why I am so concerned for her condition. I would think her rather delicate body would not be able to tolerate the burden of such a situation.” She placed her hand on his arm to emphasize the sincerity of her words.
Although he did not want to reveal any confidential information regarding Mrs. Darcy’s health, he also did not want to disappoint Miss Bingley. She seemed to have a genuine concern and only wished to be reassured of Mrs. Darcy’s wellbeing.
“Since I have not attended Mrs. Darcy in some time, I cannot opine on her current state of health. Mr. Darcy has obviously sought the services of his private physician in the care of his wife. However, my last examination did warrant me to advise Mr. Darcy that perhaps it would be prudent to avoid those . . . activities . . . that might . . . um . . . result in Mrs. Darcy being again with child.”
“Again?” asked a shocked Caroline.
“Did I say again?” responded a red faced Dr. Adams. “If I did, it was a slip of the tongue, I assure you.”
There was a long minute of silence as Dr. Adams composed himself. Caroline, observing his obvious discomfiture, decided not to press him further on that point. However, she also did not want to leave the subject entirely yet.
“And did you believe that he had heeded your advice, sir?” asked an innocent looking Caroline as her hand left his arm and travelled lightly over his lapel.
“At the time, I believed he had. But then again, her health may have shown some signs of improvement since my last examination.” There was another long moment’s pause. “I really do not think we should discuss this topic any further, Miss Bingley.”
Caroline moved her body closer, her face was inche
s from his lips. “I hope you know that I ask these things only out of concern. It would be devastating for me to lose such a good friend as Mrs. Darcy,” she whispered.
Dr. Adams turned his head towards her, and as he did Caroline brushed her lips against his. Her hand still upon his lapel, she began to move it slowly across his chest. Dr. Adams, at first stunned by her boldness, responded to her kiss. After all, it had been almost two years since his wife had passed, and he had not felt the touch of a woman’s lips on his in all that time. To be honest, he had never expected to experience such a thing ever again.
When they broke from the kiss, Caroline looked pleadingly into his eyes. “Tell me, sir, is Mrs. Darcy in any . . . danger?”
A disoriented Dr. Adams, having had most of the blood leave his brain to travel due south, answered, “I am sorry to say that I will be very much surprised if both she and the child survive.”
As he again leaned towards her lips, Caroline abruptly rose from the divan. “Dr. Adams! This is most improper, sir! I think you would be best advised to monitor your behaviour!”
~*~
At seven and a half months along, Elizabeth’s walk had a distinctive gait. Mrs. Pearson, the midwife attending her, had assured her that her confinement was progressing at a normal and anticipated pace. The constant movement from inside her womb was not at all the annoyance one might expect, but a reassuring sign that her child was developing as it should.
Grateful that the weather was steadily improving, Elizabeth had once again begun taking her daily exercise, each day following a different path in the woods that surrounded the small cottage. In the evenings she would retrieve one of her now many books of poetry and read aloud to her unborn child.
The postman had delivered Jane’s latest letter that morning, forwarded most kindly by Mrs. Worthington. She had not opened it as yet, planning on savouring its contents after dinner.
She was torn between wishing this were all over with and wanting it never to end. Once she gave birth, she must give up her child. At least for now, she had the pleasure of knowing her child was safe within her. Right now, no one could take her child away.
On the other hand, she had to admit she was getting restless in the small cottage. She had not seen nor spoken to anyone other than Hannah and Mrs. Pearson, except the delivery boy on Christmas Eve, since William’s most unexpected and disconcerting visit. Her vow to think of him no more was not as successful as she had hoped. He was often in her dreams, and her resistance to him there was just as non-existent as it had been on their last night in Scotland.
Her opinion of him had not improved, but he was a man to which she could not be indifferent. Every thought of him brought a reaction of one kind or another. He seemed to evoke every emotion from her.
Knowing that this man was to raise her child, she wanted desperately to think well of him. That they had parted on such disagreeable terms was distressing. He had hurt and insulted her most exceedingly. He may have expressed a desire for her, but no, he did not think well of her either.
Elizabeth knew she should start making plans for her future. She would be allowed to stay in the cottage for one month after the birth of her child. She had never asked Mrs. Worthington if she would again take her into her employ, not wanting to put the kindly woman in an awkward position. She would write her soon to inform her that she would be available for employment in August. It would be up to Mrs. Worthington whether she would offer such employment or not.
Elizabeth was hoping to visit Jane in July. She missed her sister dearly. She wished she could confide all that she was feeling to her. She needed her calm serenity and voice of reason to help her through this difficult situation. She had no one else to turn to. But she could not bear to expose Jane to the hardship she was about to face.
Hannah had become her life line. Though they never spoke of the particulars of Elizabeth’s situation, she was sure that Hannah had some notion of the circumstances. Certainly she had been witness to William’s visit, and, although she had discreetly removed herself to her room that day, the tiny cottage did not accommodate private conversation. Hannah had proven herself to be a loyal and devoted companion. She would dearly miss her company.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Darcy arrived in London late in the evening. He had not informed Mrs. Evanston of his pending arrival, and she was quite surprised as he entered the townhouse. She immediately ordered the servants to prepare a hot bath and to arrange for a light supper. Darcy had requested that the tray be brought to the sitting room off his bed chamber. A fire was being lit as he headed towards his bath.
With the mud of the road washed from his body, he sat before his light repast and poured out a glass of his favourite brandy. His bath had relaxed him, and he sat by the fire, enjoying all the comfort and warmth that his wealth and position afforded.
As he sat there staring into the flames, he conceded that he had little to complain about in his life. His wife’s health, though not improved, was at least steady, and she was most happily anticipating the child to come. His sister’s confidence was growing daily, and she seemed to be well recovered from the ill effects of her traumatic experience at Ramsgate. He had good friends and family whose company he enjoyed. His estate was flourishing, and this year’s crops were promising increased prosperity for Pemberley and for his tenants. He knew he had much to be thankful for.
With the acknowledgement of all of these things, he should be peaceful and content; yet, he was not.
He wondered why his life still felt so incomplete. He truly believed that the birth of his child would help fill the void that was missing in his life. In less than two months, he would become a father. The joy that thought ignited in his heart was immeasurable.
He thought back to his visit to the cottage. The very thought of it tortured him. Did she hate him now?
Suddenly a disturbing thought entered his mind which made him jolt, causing his brandy to splash over the rim of his glass. If he was feeling such pleasure at the prospect of becoming a father and Anne was also deriving such great delight at the anticipation of caring for this child . . . what was Lizzy feeling? What must she be going through? He shook his head in wonderment at his own insensitivity. Was Lizzy’s opinion of him correct? Was he the arrogant and selfish man she had described?
God help him, he was.
~*~
Charles Bingley entered Darcy’s townhouse. The look of determination of his face was unmistakable. “Darcy, it is good to see you again.” His words came out automatically and without thought as he brushed past his friend to enter the study.
“It is indeed a pleasure to see you again too, Bingley,” said Darcy with more sincerity.
Noting that Bingley seemed rather tense, it was obvious he had something he wished to get out in the open. “Won’t you join me in a brandy?” Darcy asked.
Bingley paced the room, seemingly unaware of the unanswered question still resonating in the air. By the look on his face, he was obviously gathering his thoughts in anticipation of their conversation.
“Bingley, whatever is the matter with you? Come sit down and join me in a brandy,” said Darcy, slightly amused at his friend’s distracted state.
Bingley did as he was bid and sat down in one of the comfortable overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace. As Darcy handed him his drink, he took a seat in the matching chair across from Bingley’s.
“There, that’s better,” said Darcy. “Now, what seems to be the cause of your distress?”
After a slight pause, Bingley took a deep breath. “I have thought long and hard about what I am about to tell you, Darcy. And although I truly value our friendship, I am afraid that what I have to say will greatly jeopardize our future relationship.” Bingley did not look at his friend during this discourse. He knew he would not be able to continue if he did.
Darcy sat very still as he listened to his friend’s words. He had never heard Bingley speak with such resolve before. Whatever the subject matter was,
he knew it must be of a very serious nature and that his response would be of the utmost importance.
“I have tried to be a grateful friend and have always appreciated how well you have counselled me on both business and personal matters. I am also well aware that your friendship and good opinion has reinforced my position in society.” With that, Bingley rose and started to pace the room.
Darcy looked up with great concern as his eyes followed his friend’s path across his study. Indeed, it seemed their roles were now reversed. Was it not usually Darcy who was the one pacing the room?
Again, Bingley continued, still unable to make eye contact with his friend. “I have never questioned your counsel in the past, for I have always believed that you had my best interests at heart. But now I must challenge the motives of your advice regarding my attentions towards Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet?”
“Yes, Miss Bennet! Miss Bennet!! Surely you do not believe that I have forgotten her? I have not had a moment’s peace since I wrote that horrid letter to her. What must she think of me?”
Darcy was at first at a loss for words. He had to admit to himself he was somewhat relieved. He was imagining something far worse than this. But, to think that Bingley had put himself through such torture over Miss Bennet because of something he had said to him was astonishing. Did Bingley truly think he would lose his friendship if he continued to see her?
Darcy stood and walked to the mantle, at first staring into the fire. After a few moments, he turned to face his friend.
“Bingley, I am saddened and truly sorry that I have caused you such distress. I had no idea that my words to you that day would be taken in such a way. It was never my intention to discourage your relationship with Miss Bennet. If not for Caroline’s insistence that I speak with you, I would not have intervened at all. I only promised her that I would point out the disadvantages of such a match, just as I would advise any gentleman whom I consider a friend.
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