by Wells, Linda
“I certainly hope that you set him right on that!” Elizabeth said pointedly and waved at the scattered family. “Believe me, all of those people you see before us were shocked that we share our bed, and I am willing to bet that the majority of them were jealous. I have not pried, but I wager that there is only one bed to be made up each morning in some chambers.”
“Lizzy!”
“What is it, Jane?” She said with exasperation. “Please get to the point!”
Jane stared down at her tightly clasped hands. “How often does Fitzwilliam … do his duty?”
“Duty? Elizabeth bit her lip to hold back her laugh and spoke as seriously as she could. “Often. I will not elaborate.”
“Mama said …”
“Jane do not dare to quote Mama’s advice when it comes to husbands and how to treat them. She sets a fine table, leave her advice at that.” Elizabeth took her hand. “Does he demand too much? You are newly married, it will likely change with time.”
“No, no, it is not that I do not desire him … I just notice how …pleased Fitzwilliam is to look upon you, even after a year and a baby.” Jane closed her eyes again. “Lizzy … could you … teach me …” She peeked to see Elizabeth’s wide eyes. “I … just …”
“Nobody taught me Jane, and nobody taught Fitzwilliam.” She spoke sincerely. “And that light you see in Robert’s eyes is the joy of discovery with you. Do not pretend to be more than you are, he fell in love with Jane Bennet, not a courtesan. You have a lifetime to learn together.” The sisters hugged. “Do you understand?”
“Thank you.” They drew apart and Jane shrugged. “I just want him to be happy. He is so very wonderful, I just want to see him pleased with me.”
“Look.” Elizabeth pointed at the man laughing and trying to catch Jane’s eye. “I think that he is.”
“Henry! If you cannot bowl properly then give the ball over to someone who can!” Lady Matlock picked it up and tossed it away from the chair where she sat under a tree.
Bowing deeply, he apologized. “Forgive me dear, I do not know my own strength.”
“A likely story.” Layton grinned and retrieving the ball, gave it back to his father. “Come on Father, try again!” He took his position and nodded to Darcy, who turned back to see if Elizabeth was watching him.
She laughed and nudged Jane, calling out, “Is he not the most handsome player you have ever seen?”
“I think that my husband is far more handsome.” Jane disagreed.
“Hear that Darcy? We have a competition brewing!” Lucas laughed.
“Shall we have the sisters duel it out? A game of battledore and shuttlecocks to the death?” He chuckled and squaring his shoulders, lifted the bat. “Come on, Uncle!”
Lord Matlock stepped into his stride, spun his arm and delivered the ball, right back into Lady Matlock’s lap. “Henry!”
“Forgive me dear, I am clearly drawn to your beauty.”
“Robert!” Lady Matlock cried.
Lucas and Singleton both startled and looked her way. “Yes?”
She waved her hand. “Not you, Mr. Lucas, my son, Singleton! You played in school, please take over before my husband does me an injury.”
“Sir?”
“No, no, I can do this. Stand down, sir!” Lord Matlock took back possession of the ball. “It is a matter of pride, now.” He stepped back into place. “Prepare yourself, Darcy.”
“I have been prepared for some time, Uncle, and yet all I have felt is the breeze as the ball flies by.” Darcy grinned as the family laughed. He saw his uncle’s glare and pursing his lips returned to his stance. “Very well, have at it.”
Lord Matlock aimed, spun his arm and gasped. “Darcy!”
“Will!” Elizabeth cried and flew to his side. Darcy lay on the ground, holding his head. Despite the proximity of the men, she reached him first, and kneeled by his side. “Dear Fitzwilliam, speak to me, please!” She lifted his head and rested it on her knees. “Will?” She caressed his face and looked at him anxiously.
Slowly he blinked open his eyes. “Is it safe?”
“Safe?” Elizabeth sniffed and tried to see him through her tears.
“Uncle is no longer holding a ball?” He smiled a little and reached for her shoulders, pulling her down and kissing her. “I am well, love.”
“You are? You are sure?”
Lord Matlock stopped and hung his head, breathing a sigh of relief. “Good Lord, Son, do not scare me like that, you took ten years from me when you fell!”
“You took my breath, so it is only fair. Who knew that a ball so light could do such damage? Your aim was perfect, Uncle.” Darcy slowly sat up, rubbing his back. “I will be black and blue before long.” He looked around at the family gathered around him and smiled reassuringly at Georgiana who was standing and clutching Rosalie. “I am fine.”
“He did not strike your head?” Elizabeth examined him closely; he had held his head, not his back, when he fell. She ran her fingers through his hair, searching for a lump.
“No love, my brain is no more addled than it already was.” Darcy smiled reassuringly into her disbelieving eyes. He at last lowered his in contrition and murmured, “I am well dearest, truly.”
“NO more cricket!” She proclaimed and hugged him.
“Ahhhh, there you go, she’s going to be all motherly now.” Layton picked up the bat and leaned on it. “Never play before the ladies, they get too emotional.”
“So true.” Singleton winked. “Come on Darcy, are you going to laze about there all day? We have a game on!”
“Hardly.” Lucas smiled. “With his lordship bowling, we will be at sunset before the first run is made.”
“I take exception to that!” Lord Matlock huffed, and scooping up the errant ball handed it to him. “Here, if you are so ready to criticize, you take over.”
“I?” He looked at the ball.
“No, no Robert, I do not want you to play.” Jane came to his side. “I cannot bear to see you injured.”
“Ahhhh, Honeymooners. Come, you do not see our wives worrying over us, look they are assured and have returned to their racquets!” Layton waved at Alicia, and Audrey laughed.
“You were never in danger, dear.” Alicia waved back.
“We would not mind seeing them suffer a bit, go ahead, play on!” Audrey called.
“You see? The bloom is gone.” Singleton said sadly.
“It is dangerous.” Elizabeth said worriedly.
“It is not.” Darcy stood and pulled her up. “I will prove it. Singleton, would you bowl to my wife, please?”
“Fitzwilliam!” He smiled and taking the bat from Layton stood with his arms around her. “Like this, love.” He whispered and kissed her ear. They both held the bat and took a practice swing. “Just like this.”
“You are shocking our sisters.” She whispered.
“I probably am.” He whispered back, then called to Singleton, “Go on, lob it!” The ball was pitched, and watching, Darcy drew back their arms. “Watch the ball, Lizzy.” He swung and they hit it. Elizabeth cheered and he laughed. “There, you did it!” He kissed her cheek. “Now, try again.”
This time he stepped away, and Robert threw. She managed to hit it, and turned to grin. “I did it!”
“Yes, now run!” He shoved her and watched her take off. Darcy stood with his hands on his hips and laughed, and held his arms out to catch her when she returned. “Well done, love, well done.” He picked her up and they spun.
“No sense of decorum whatsoever.” Lord Matlock sighed.
“They are at their home, Henry; they can do whatever they wish before us.” Lady Matlock shrugged. “It is not for us to criticize.”
“I am not, I am envious.” He looked over to where Georgiana and Mary had returned to playing with the babies. “How are they getting on?”
“Their conversation seems to be limited to the children, but is warming.”
“I was glad that Mary was in the library and took th
e initiative to speak to Georgiana. Nothing like a peer telling you off to get your attention.” He watched them chasing baby Grace back onto the blanket and then Georgiana grabbed Margaret’s foot when she rolled off in another direction. “They will be fine.”
“Of course they will, sisters have spats and make up all the time. I am sure that Anne and Catherine did.”
“Well, mostly Catherine did the spitting and Anne did the reconciling. She was a lovely girl.” He smiled sadly and looked at her twin in Georgiana. “I was glad for the opportunity to share the story of George and Anne’s first meeting with Georgiana. I was very surprised to learn when I returned the necklace to Darcy that he did not know it either; he simply treasured a symbol of his mother. No wonder he never understood George telling him that it was acceptable to fall in love at first sight.” He saw his wife’s sad smile. “I am sure that our children will treasure such symbols of you, dear.”
“I hope so.” She shrugged and sniffed, then looked down with surprise when she felt his hand clasp hers, and smiled when he bestowed a kiss. “This is a beautiful day.”
“It looks like rain is approaching.” He looked to the gathering clouds. “We need to pack it in.” Seeing her head shake he kissed her hand again and stood. “I know, my dear. It is a beautiful day.” He helped her up and called. “Children, gather your playthings, we need to return to the house!”
Layton looked over to Audrey. “Now that sounds familiar.”
THAT EVENING AFTER DINNER, the family gathered in the music room. When everyone was comfortably seated, Georgiana spoke up. “I … I have a song that I would like to play in honour of Mary’s birthday.”
“Oh.” Mary smiled. “How nice!”
“Would you help me to turn the pages?” She asked quietly.
“Of course.” Mary joined her at the bench and they all watched and listened to the challenging and emotional piece. “It was beautiful! I do not know this song.”
“I do.” Darcy smiled at Elizabeth. “It is my birthday song.”
“Yes it is.” She laughed when curious looks came their way. “Fitzwilliam gave Georgiana the sheet music for this song when he returned from his tour.”
“And coincidentally, Elizabeth was learning it at the same time.” He smiled at her, and kissed her hand.
“Oh!” Mary’s hand went to her mouth. “I remember, Lizzy! You seemed so determined to learn this!” Darcy looked down and blushed.
Elizabeth entwined her fingers in his and squeezed. “I did, something drew me to it, but it certainly never sounded as beautiful as it does when Georgiana plays.” The sisters’ eyes met. “Thank you for the pleasure of hearing it played properly again.”
“I thought it could be a traditional song to play for family birthdays.” She whispered.
“I like that idea very much.” Darcy nodded and stood. “Mary, Elizabeth and I have a few gifts for you, as well.”
“Oh … I do not …”
“Hush.” Elizabeth stood and brought over a package wrapped in silk. “Open it.”
Fumbling a little, Mary pulled the ribbon and parted the fabric. “Books!”
“I chose the histories, so that we might discuss them when you are finished. Elizabeth chose the novels to broaden your mind,” the family laughed, “and you will notice that there is a journal there as well. Now that you are a woman, you should start recording the events of your life.” He smiled and touched the volume. “You will treasure your foolish thoughts one day, and wonder at how you have grown.”
“Thank you.” She whispered and touched the books. Darcy cleared his throat and she looked to him. “And since you are now a woman, you should dress as one. When we are in town, you will visit Madame Dupree and order a new wardrobe, and,” he handed her a velvet pouch, “you should begin to acquire your jewels.”
“Jewels?” She gasped, and with a trembling hand, pulled the drawstring. Elizabeth took the bag and tipped it so that the simple pearl necklace and earrings tumbled into Mary’s palm. “oh.”
“Mary.” Elizabeth said softly and touched the pendant around her throat. “This pearl that I am wearing?” Mary nodded. “This pearl is named Richard, and was a treasured reminder of a young nephew who broke Mrs. Darcy’s strand of pearls. Your necklace, as you see, has three. The centre pearl comes from that same broken strand, and represents your place in our family. The two smaller pearls on either side represent your past and your future. As Fitzwilliam said, today you are seventeen, and you leave your childhood behind.”
“Oh.” She whispered and stood to hug Elizabeth, then turned to see Darcy waiting with his arms open. He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Thank you. So much.” He squeezed her and let go. “Thank you.”
“We love you, Mary.” Elizabeth smiled and took her hand. “Just imagine what the next year might bring, and where you might wear this!”
“Oh … I …” She paused and bit her lip. “I cannot imagine.”
15 SEPTEMBER 1810
The annual Harvest Home was a wonderful success, due in no small part to our wonderful staff. Georgiana and Mary’s enthusiastic assistance over the past month was such a great help to me. I know that it would not have been the same without them. Fitzwilliam was delighted with the entire event; and he danced with both of them. Dear Mary was approached by several young men for more dances throughout the evening. Her face was perpetually blushing, and Fitzwilliam assured her that she was lovely. Georgiana naturally did not dance with any other men, but she seemed content to watch Mary and remind her to smile and breathe each time she came near. Of course, Fitzwilliam danced every other set with me. There was no persuading him otherwise, and I admit that I did not try very hard. It was wonderful to stand across from him again, and look into his twinkling eyes. It has been far too long since we have danced. It is something that I intend to correct in our future.
Tomorrow we depart for Hertfordshire. We have planned our travel so that we will stay at an inn only five miles from Meryton. We will arrive in good time for Charlotte and Reverend de Bourgh’s wedding, and then travel on to London. We received word today confirming what we already suspected, Alicia is with child. Fitzwilliam has begun his fretting, of course, and he told me countless times today that he is grateful he did not stop me from feeding Rosalie. He professed that he could not imagine the worry he would feel to see me carrying another child so soon after giving birth, no matter how much he would dearly love another.
Our dear baby seems to be growing and learning more with every day, and has added a second tooth to her first. We celebrated, of course, and gave her some new toys to chew. We celebrated for another reason as well. Fitzwilliam has spent an entire week without a debilitating headache. His head continues to throb, but he is determined to only allow me to know when it becomes too much to bear, he does not wish to be regarded as an invalid. The improvement has given him confidence that one day perhaps he will be completely recovered. Our journey will be a great test; the long carriage ride, and particularly our visit to Longbourn will surely challenge his well-being. I pray that they do not set him back.
Darcy laughed when he read her entry and closing the book, laid it on the bedside table and blew out the candle. He turned back and spooning his body to hers, kissed her neck. “Dearest, if your family makes my head ache, I do believe that you will knock theirs together.”
Elizabeth laughed and held the hands that rested over her waist. “I cannot disagree with you, not one little bit.”
Chapter 26
“Captain de Bourgh, it is my great honour to greet you again, and on such an auspicious occasion! Your brother, marrying the lovely daughter of my cousin’s neighbour, what a find, and how fortunate he is to have met her! Surely being your brother you would wish more for him than merely serving as the humble clergyman for your magnificent estate! Should the living at Hunsford come open once again, please know that I would be honoured to be granted that most coveted position.” He bobbed and bowed, then presented a coy smile. “I am
the ideal choice, having spent so much time with the congregation and their needs, and most importantly, I know how to serve my benefactors, and I would be glad to provide a fine example of behaviour, not only as a guide to our neighbours, but as a proper husband when I take my cousin to wife.”“Your cousin, Mr. Collins?” De Bourgh said coldly to the pest, and wondered if he offered him a guinea he would go away. “You have made an arrangement?”
“Indeed! I intend to offer for one of my poor cousins and thereby assure the ladies of a home when their father passes. The family is naturally grateful for my generosity. It is the least I can do; after all, I am aware of the tragedy of their circumstances, as is the entire neighbourhood.” He paused and made a sad face. “However, I would require a better living to provide for my wife and children until that tragic day arrives, as my hopes for Hunsford were dashed.” Glancing at de Bourgh he saw that his gaze remained icy and cleared his throat delicately. “Although it was certainly understandable why you might offer it to your unmarried brother.”
“Who is now a married man in need of this living you covet. Your concern over his future and welfare is astonishing, as well as your solution.” De Bourgh flicked his eyes over Collins, and decided to let the fool prattle on while he maintained his vigil for the Darcy carriage. The mix of flattery and gall amazed him. “Your in-laws would not welcome the heir into their home? It would be but one more mouth to feed, and your income as a curate would surely pay your keep there.”
Collins’ face coloured an unbecoming shade of pink. “Ahem, I …well; my father is actually the heir.”
“I see.” De Bourgh smiled when he heard his brother’s snort from his position behind Collins in the sitting room at Lucas Lodge. “And has a cousin has accepted you?”
“None as yet, but I am certain that it will be easily arranged. The gratitude of the family for my condescension will be great.” Seeing de Bourgh’s disgust, he became petulant. “I am to be the master of their estate one day.”