“What are you two up to?” she asked curiously.
“Oh, Mother, we are so excited! We can hardly wait for Aunt Jane and Uncle Bingley to arrive! When will Charles and Annabelle be here?” Delilah asked.
“I am positive that your aunt and uncle will be arriving straightaway but we simply must not act a heathen now, should we?” Elizabeth asked.
“No, of course not, Mother,” Douglas remarked. Elizabeth smiled as her two children glanced back at her.
“Oh, now you cannot go about with those sad faces! It is Christmas day!” Elizabeth enthused.
“It seems like it will be forever before we can open any gifts!” Douglas complained.
“With that sort of outlook, it indeed might very well be, young Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth chided.
“What is going on here?” Mr. Darcy asked as he walked into the hall to find his wife, son, and daughter standing idly.
“The children were simply being children, beloved. They are excitable over the family visiting.”
“Well, are we not all full of joy for such a thing?” Mr. Darcy asked. “However, you do not see your mother nor I acting like fiends within our very house.”
Elizabeth smiled – the twins were just now five years in age and both were growing swiftly. Elizabeth and Darcy had them within the first year and though it was quite a difficult pregnancy for Mrs. Darcy she gave birth to two wonderfully handsome children in the winter of the following year. Jane and Bingley also had two children though the elder was a girl whom Jane had named Annabelle who was four years in age and the younger was Charles who had just recently turned three. Oftentimes, Bingley and Jane would bring the children to visit with their elder cousins and the four children had become quite close as a result.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Oh, do you hear that, Douglas?” Delilah crooned as she heard a rapping at the door.
“Yes! Oh, could it be Aunt Jane?” Douglas asked with a surprised expression.
Elizabeth brought one single finger toward her lips, “Hush, Douglas. Hughes shall notify us at the moment your aunt and uncle arrive,” Elizabeth stated, moving to walk down the staircase. Douglas and Delilah both began to giggle as they followed after their mother’s footsteps.
“I think it is Aunt Jane!” Delilah whispered – though everyone else could clearly hear what she stated. Douglas nodded. Mr. Darcy followed after his children and the family of four descended the stairs to stand in the foyer. Hughes opened the door and there standing on the porch was the Bingley family.
“Oh, Jane!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she peered past Hughes.
“Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, please do come inside,” Hughes offered. Jane crossed inside first with Charles held tightly in her arms. The smiling boy had the brightest blue eyes that Elizabeth had ever seen and she held him in high regard as her beloved baby nephew.
***
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Mr. Bennet’s cane hit the wooden floor as he clapped his hands, “Come now, grandchildren. It is the moment you have all been waiting for!” he encouraged. The sound of giggling youths filled the drawing room as the four children rushed to their Grandfather Bennet’s knee.
“Oh, these children have indeed waited long enough!” Mrs. Bennet stated as she took a seat aside her husband.
“I believe you are correct, Mother. They have been most patient for all the morning,” Jane stated with a fondness reflective of the nurturing mother she had become.
“Well, Delilah and Douglas did behave a bit rashly this morning. Patience is a virtue they have both yet to fully understand,” Elizabeth chided her children.
“It is just as well, Lizzy. You were the most headstrong of all of my children,” Mrs. Bennet stated with a bemused smile. Elizabeth chuckled lightly at her mother’s words.
“I suppose that can only mean that Delilah will be certain to find a gentleman with whom she shares a delightful relationship – full of affection and devotion. Just as her father has shown me,” Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered to Darcy’s – locking with his as she smiled widely.
“Indeed, the fieriness with which you rejected me from the start will be a fond memory when Delilah does the same to her first suitor,” Darcy agreed with a chuckle.
“Do not wish such a horrible thing on a little girl, Darcy! Delilah is beyond talented, beautiful and sophisticated. I am positive she will have no trouble finding a proper gentleman when the time should finally come,” Jane admonished her brother-in-law.
“Oh, yes I know. Georgiana has made it clear that her niece should have a proper debutante, and so Delilah is certain to enjoy all the refinement that goes along with it – when the time finally does arrive, that is,” Darcy affirmed.
“Do I detect a bit of apprehension in your voice, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“Admittedly, I am by no means prepared for that day. Delilah is but a tiny young girl now. I cannot imagine what life will be like when she grows into a young lady.”
“What Mr. Darcy means to say, is that he adores his daughter and, like any good father, could not imagine when she finally grows up, marries and has a family of her own,” Elizabeth remarked.
“Indeed, children grow so very quickly. This is why I have always encouraged you all to cherish all of these fond memories,” Mrs. Bennet stated.
“Indeed, Mother. Already I cannot believe how big little Charles has gotten. It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny babe resting in my arms,” Jane murmured.
“Well, you could always have another,” Elizabeth teased. Jane smiled and glanced at her husband, and Elizabeth tilted her head curiously. Bingley’s lips widened and he smiled before drawing in a deep breath.
“We had planned on waiting until after the children had finished opening their gifts, but since Elizabeth has opened the subject, now seems as proper a time as any,” Bingley began. “Jane and I are once again expecting a child,” he announced.
Mrs. Bennet’s expression shifted into a surprised and delighted one as she peered between her daughter and son-in-law. “Oh, how exciting, Jane! Have you hopes for a boy or a girl?”
“Oh, mother, you know I have never truly cared whether the child was a boy or a girl. I only pray God gives us a healthy child.”
“Oh, and He shall. Just look at Charles and Annabelle! They are both sweet little cherubs!” Mrs. Bennet crooned.
“Congratulations, Jane and Bingley I am positive this will make a lovely addition to your handsome family,” Mr. Darcy said warmly.
“Yes, congratulations to you both. How lovely to learn of a new baby on Christmas day,” Elizabeth remarked. Glancing around at her family and all the joy they shared, Elizabeth realized that happiness had finally ceased to elude her.
“Yes, I am quite excited about the baby, but I had not yet wanted to announce it so soon,” Jane’s eyes flickered to her husband as she pursed her lips.
“My darling daughter, the best gift you have given is this announcement. I am once again going to be a blessed grandmother and that is certainly cause for celebration,” Mrs. Bennet enthused.
“I know, Mother. It is just that I am only within the first few weeks and you never know how things could go,” Jane cautioned.
“Surely you have had the physician look over her already, have you not, Charles?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“Oh, yes. Jane has only the very best doctors. I would never have anything less,” Mr. Bingley stated reassuringly.
“Papa!” Douglas’ voice interrupted as he came bounding to his father’s side. “Papa! Look at what Grandfather Bennet gave to me!” The small boy held up a toy horse that strangely resembled Darcy’s favorite steed.
“It looks just like my horse!” Darcy stated.
“Yes, but next I want a real pony, Papa! May I have a real pony?” Douglas asked.
“In good time, my boy, you will have your very own steed just like mine.” Darcy stated with a wide smile.
“Mother, did you hear? Papa said I can have my own
pony!” Douglas exclaimed excitedly.
“Yes, my boy, but first you must say thank you to Grandfather Bennet for such a fine gift,” Elizabeth urged. The young boy bounded away from his parents quickly.
“Grandfather Bennet, Father says I can have my own pony!” The boy announced gladly. “Thank you for my horse.” Mr. Bennet smiled and spread out his arms.
“Oh, how wonderful! Come give Grandfather a hug.” Mr. Bennet stated. Douglas immediately parted his arms and embraced his grandfather tightly.
Elizabeth smiled as a warm feeling flooded her heart. I now understand why mother and father wished me to marry so. Father absolutely adores his grandson, Elizabeth thought with pride. Indeed, all his grandchildren.
***
Hours later, Elizabeth found herself striding the long hall. By now, every one of her guests had returned to their homes and Elizabeth had just finished tucking her beloved children safely into their beds. In the years since she and Darcy had been married, the two of them had come to enjoy their nightly strolls in the garden while the children rested soundly. With Adelaide’s love of the twins, Elizabeth never had to worry too much for she knew that the servant would ensure they were fine. Oftentimes, once Elizabeth put them to bed they would not rouse again until the morning.
She crossed to the stairs and began to descend them slowly. It had been a lovely holiday and Elizabeth had been pleasantly surprised upon learning that her sister and Mr. Bingley would once again be having a child. I am so pleased for them, but admittedly I am quite happy I am not the one once again with child. Though, Elizabeth adored her twins she had experienced a horribly difficult pregnancy and ever since had been overjoyed about having both a healthy son and daughter.
“Elizabeth?” Darcy called as he came to stand in wait at the edge of the stairs.
“Good evening, beloved. I have just finished putting the children to bed.” She stepped off the final stair and onto the floor before her husband.
“Ah, lovely. Am I correct, that you are now ready for our walk?” Darcy asked. Elizabeth nodded, slipping her arm into Darcy’s as he began to lead her toward the door.
Clack. Tap. Clack. Tap. Clack. Tap.
So, echoed the sounds of Darcy and Elizabeth’s footsteps as they made way to the door. Hesitating slightly, Mr. Darcy pulled Elizabeth closer and smiled down at her.
“I have a question for you, my beloved wife.”
“Well, let it loose, beloved. There is no sense in delaying in asking me anything.”
“Do you wish for another child? As Mr. Bingley and Jane are about to have?”
“Oh, darling, I love our family just as it is. True as it may be that another child would be a blessing, I am fearful of enduring another difficult childbirth,” Elizabeth stated.
“I merely ask because I saw the expression on your face when Jane announced it. You seemed a bit melancholy – am I wrong?” Darcy asked. Elizabeth shook her head averting her gaze to the ground as she inhaled a sharp breath.
“No, I was by no means melancholic. I simply worry for my sister’s health,” Elizabeth clarified. Darcy stepped forward and gently opened the door – holding it carefully for Elizabeth as she gathered her coat and gloves. Elizabeth stepped outside and Darcy pulled his own coat tighter around his chest as he closed the door.
“It is a bit brisk outside. Perhaps, just a quick stroll?” Darcy asked. Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
“Darcy,” Elizabeth began, “Did you ever imagine we would find ourselves this way?” Darcy’s lips twitched slightly as he smiled.
“My dear, you were the source of many of my imaginings,” Darcy admitted. Elizabeth smiled and leaned her head into his shoulder.
“Do you want more children, Darcy?” she asked after a few moments of silence.
“I am rather pleased with our family, but I would be equally pleased if we were to expand it. However, your health and concerns are far more important than a new addition is,” Darcy stated.
“My love, I adore Douglas and Delilah just as they are but I am not growing any younger. It seems as though, if we were to desire more children, that we should seek to have them without much further delay.”
“Elizabeth, we may have only two children, but even Lady Catherine did not produce a male heir. Already you have done your duty. Do not feel obligated to produce another child. If God should seek to bless us in such a way – the child will come in his time,” Darcy stated.
Elizabeth felt a swell of pride rush through her. I am the luckiest woman. How did I manage to marry such a wonderful gentleman? She thought with a grin.
“Mr. Darcy you always know just what to say to make all my worries simply disappear.” Elizabeth stated affectionately.
Darcy slipped his arm from Elizabeth’s, pausing as he turned to face her - his eyes meeting with hers as he tilted his head, “Elizabeth Darcy, you have made me the single happiest man alive.” Slipping his hand past her cheek, Darcy tenderly caressed her - lowering his lips to brush against his wife’s. Elizabeth lifted her hand to brush through Darcy’s hair gently as she parted her lips to receive the fullness of her husband’s kiss.
“How is it that even after all of these years you still manage to rip the breath right from my lungs every time you kiss me?” Elizabeth asked in a hushed tone the moment Darcy’s lips released her own. Darcy grinned impishly as he brushed a loose tendril of hair from Elizabeth’s forehead.
“Oftentimes I wonder the same about you, my darling.” Darcy murmured. Elizabeth chuckled softly.
“And to think that in the beginning we could hardly engage in civil conversation.”
“That is only because I have a tongue that had not yet learned to bridle itself,” Darcy mused. Elizabeth chuckled shaking her head slightly as she recalled their past.
“Love is a strange thing, Mr. Darcy – I am only glad we have it.”
The End
A Gentleman's Mistake Page 8