by Lily Bernard
Jane and Charles smiled at Elizabeth’s words and each sat back to relax against the cushions. The Bingleys now seemed equally happy enjoying the quiet afforded them while their darling, spirited Maddie napped.
Darcy thought that Charles and Jane might enjoy some quiet time on their own. He had wanted to show his wife something he hoped she would like and he suggested that he and his wife take a walk.
“When you return, we will have some tea,” said Jane. When they left the house, Darcy steered them toward the tenants' village.
As they approached the back of the schoolhouse, Elizabeth asked, “are we walking this way because you wish to see your school, William?”
“Let us go around to the front door, shall we?” As they turned to face the front of the school, Elizabeth saw that the sign had been changed:
The Elizabeth Bennet Darcy School
Established 1811
“William, why did you have the name of the school changed?”
“Ever since the first time you brought me here, I believed that the school should have your name on it. After you finally agreed to marry me, I realized exactly what name I believed the school should have. The local children can still be happy about attending the Darcy School, but it was always your idea and the school should bear your name not mine.”
As they were walking away from the school, Elizabeth looked at her husband. “Thank you, William. You know how important I value education. These children have no other opportunity to learn and their parents have not the time nor the resources to educate them. I know it is an unorthodox idea but having my name on a school where both boys and girls can learn means a great deal to me. Now I have a question for you.”
“Ask me anything, my love.”
Elizabeth stopped walking and took Darcy’s hand and placed it on her stomach. “Where do you think this little one will attend school?”
An enormous smile revealed the joy that Darcy was feeling, and he lifted Elizabeth up and twirled her around. “Oh, my love, I am so happy! This is the most wonderful news! Elizabeth, how long have you known?”
“I have been sure of it for a few days, but I wanted to tell you here.”
“Here? Why did you not want to tell me at Pemberley?”
“Before I left Hertfordshire to live here, I read in one of my father’s botany books that the birch tree is the symbol of new beginnings. I had wanted to visit the Bingleys and little Maddie and I thought this was the place I would tell you that we will have a new beginning as parents.”
“So, I suppose this is why you chose not to race this morning.”
“I thought you might realize my reason as we were riding here. I am glad that I was able to surprise you.”
“Elizabeth, this is the most wonderful surprise I could ever imagine. While you were holding Maddie a few minutes ago, I was thinking about what a wonderful mother you would be one day. My love, are you feeling well?”
“I am, considering my condition. I have been a little sick in the morning, but I remembered how Jane dealt with the same issue. If I eat a simple breakfast, it seems to help.”
The happy couple were slowly walking back to Birchwood Manor, each lost in their thoughts about how their lives would soon be changing.
“Maybe your recurring dream is starting to come true.”
“In my dream our oldest child was a boy. How will you feel if we have a daughter?”
“Elizabeth, as long as you and the babe are well, I care not if you follow in your mother’s footsteps.”
“Be careful what you say, William. I daresay that five girls would surely test your nerves!”
“I will only ask one thing of our daughters. They must be as loving and kind as their mother. I would say impertinent but, in all honesty, five impertinent daughters might be too much for both of us.” They smiled at each other and continued their walk.
After several minutes, Darcy asked, “you know what our happy news means for our travel plans?”
“Yes, I know we will not be able to travel to Longbourn for the wedding. I am sure Catherine and David will understand our absence. And Richard will understand if we postpone our trip to Rosings.”
“Yes, my love, I am certain they will. Now that I know about your, shall we say, delicate condition, I believe we should return to the house and say our farewells to the Bingleys. I am anxious to get my wife back to my bed, I mean, our home.” Elizabeth laughed and took Darcy’s arm.
“Delicate condition? Mr. Darcy, wherever did you get the idea that anything about me is delicate? I believe I will have to show you how very indelicate I can be.”
“Walk a little faster, wife! You need to be in bed as soon as possible.”
“But William, I am not tired at all.” Elizabeth was teasing her husband again.
Darcy smiled and said, “Mrs. Darcy, who said anything about resting?”
When they got back to Birchwood Manor, the cook approached them as they entered the front hall. Mrs. Wilson gave Elizabeth a small muslin bag and said, “this is for you Mrs. Darcy.” Elizabeth brought the small sack to her nose and inhaled. “Thank you, Mrs. Wilson, but I thought you only use these at Christmas.”
“Yes, madam, but I thought you might like to have some in your home to remind you of your feelings for Mr. Darcy.”
“Mrs. Wilson, I thank you for your kindness.” Birchwood’s cook curtsied and started to walk back toward the kitchen.
As Elizabeth and Darcy were walking toward the drawing room he asked, “what was that about?”
“My first Christmas here at Birchwood, I walked through the kitchen before I went on my morning walk. I smelled something very nice but quite different from anything else I had ever smelled. Mrs. Wilson had made orange pomanders, oranges with cloves all over them. She told me that her husband had been in India while serving in the Royal Navy and he brought them back for her. Mr. Wilson told his wife that cloves symbolized undying love.”
“Do you think that Mr. Wilson was right about the cloves?”
Elizabeth stopped walking and looked up at her husband. “I know my love for you is undying. When I accepted David Brooks, my heart knew I could never love him the way I will always love you.”
“Elizabeth, my love for you will never die. Our hearts will always be joined by our undying love.” And as Mrs. Wilson stood smiling at the kitchen door, Darcy took Elizabeth into his arms and they sealed their undying love with a kiss.
THE END
AUTHOR’S NOTE
I’m so grateful for the support that I have received from the JAFF community, especially April Floyd and Elizabeth Ann West. My heartfelt thanks to my beta readers: Patty, Susan and Anna. Your feedback was invaluable to me. Thank you all for your love and support.
Lily Bernard is a retired speech pathologist who loves all things Jane Austen. After reading many, many Pride and Prejudice variations; she thought she would write one herself and An Invisible Thread was the result. New Beginnings is her second book. She hopes you enjoyed it!