by Wells, Linda
“You did it!” Lucas grinned and entered, took one look at the pillow and started to laugh. “Forgive me, but that is a regular state for me.” Accepting Darcy’s glass he raised it. “Congratulations …” He looked to Darcy. “Who won?”
“Won?” De Bourgh looked between them. “You laid a bet on this?”
“Oh, several.” Darcy smiled and sat down. “Why are you so shocked? You were laying bets on Lucas and Jane!”
“Yes, and I lost that one.” He shook his head and smiled. “What were the stakes?”
“A guinea or two.” Lucas glanced at the clock. “You know, Darcy, I think that I might have won. I chose noon for the proposal.”
“I chose half-past eleven.” He looked to his brother-to-be. “Well?”
“Darcy won.”
“Damn.” Lucas sighed. “At least Fitzwilliam was wrong, he was guessing dawn.”
“The soldier in him.” Darcy winked and laughed.
“Now what happens?” De Bourgh sat up and pointedly put the pillow back in place on the sofa, ignoring their chuckles.
Lucas grinned. “Leave that to the ladies. You have done your part.”
“REALLY MARY!” Elizabeth sighed. “How could you get so carried away?”
“Was it so bad to kiss him?” Mary asked worriedly.
“No.” Elizabeth looked helplessly at Jane. “But you can now see how easy it is to become lost in the arms of a man. I am glad that Mrs. Somers was there, and seemed to be stepping in. You know what is proper, Mary, probably more so than Peter. It will be up to you to resist the temptation. We will allow you your moments, do not worry. I certainly enjoyed many stolen kisses with Fitzwilliam when we were engaged; we looked forward to every one of them.” She smiled and Mary blushed. “You know that Fitzwilliam loves you and is just acting as your protector.”
“I know.” She smiled and they embraced. “I love that about my elder brother.”
Jane took a sip of her tea and glanced at Elizabeth, who sat back and squeezed Mary’s hand. “Now, enough, we did not hear a peep out of you about last night, and I was hoping for a talk this morning. Clearly something happened at the ball that precipitated this morning’s events. You enjoyed yourself …”
“Oh yes.” She said with the same faraway smile she had been wearing since she floated into the room. “It was beautiful.”
“Was it?” Elizabeth laughed. “And what impressed you?”
“Everything.” She sighed.
“Oh good heavens.” Elizabeth set down her cup and took Mary’s out of her hands. “What happened?”
“What do you mean?” Mary finally woke from her blissful haze. “You saw me; I danced nearly the entire time, except when Mr. Bingley took me in for supper.”
“Yes, he took you in, but I noticed that Peter is the one who sat beside you; and that despite all the young men who smiled and danced with you, it was Peter whose attention you sought the entire time.” Seeing her fading again into oblivion, Elizabeth shook her knee. “Did he say then that he loved you or was it later?”
“What?” Mary’s eyes grew wide. “What … What makes you say that?”
“Oh I do not know, could it be that you were dangerously close to looking like you had indulged heavily in teacup full of laudanum?” Elizabeth laughed. “Mary! I had never seen you so dreamy. What did he say to you when you escaped the ballroom?”
“Nothing. We …we agreed that we desired to …see each other this morning, and talk.”
“Propose.”
“Yes.” Mary smiled then put her hand to her mouth. “I mean no, I mean, I did not know what he would do, I thought that it would be wonderful …”
“I think that the truth has spilled.” Elizabeth crossed her arms and looked to Jane, who was nodding.
“No, no, no …please, no it is not …” Mary looked down to her lap. “I should not have presumed his intentions, but I think, I think that …he wanted to do it right.”
“So he managed not to blurt it out.” Jane smiled.
“Barely.” Mary murmured and blushed. “Just barely. He said so many wonderful things before I … He stopped himself, but … Even though it was not last night officially, I felt as if, as if he had asked me then. It was in his expression.” Her eyes shone. “But I knew he would come this morning to do it properly. At least I hoped so.”
“I think that it is admirable that he would wish to do something that he considers appropriate, but I wonder, which speech will be the most memorable for you?” Elizabeth smiled and saw Mary’s face light again with her obvious happiness. “I think that it will be the nervous, rushed, and deeply heartfelt speech that he just could not wait another moment to speak, even if it did not contain that special question.”
“I think that they were both memorable in their own way.” Mary said thoughtfully. “Last night was so sweet. But I … I wanted to know his deepest thoughts. Is that wrong? It was not really wanting to receive two proposals, since I did not receive the first, not really.”
“Oh no, Fitzwilliam proposed to me more than once.”
“He did?” Jane asked with a smile.
“Yes, I was obstinent.”
“Headstrong.” Jane smiled. “I can see that.”
“So can I. I just said yes.” Mary smiled and put her hand to her mouth. “I said yes!”
“And he kissed you!”
“Lizzy!” Jane gasped. “You just chastised her!”
“Jane, our sister has had her first kiss and then some.” Elizabeth laughed at Mary’s reddened face. “Oh, you must give that poor man many kisses, but just do it sensibly.”
“Lizzy!”
“Jane, stop crying ‘Lizzy’!” Her eyes sparkled. “Your dear husband was in need of some kissing and I see that he was wearing a very happy smile this morning!”
“Lizzy!”
“Do not chastise me, Jane Lucas!” Elizabeth rose to her feet and hugged Mary. “I am so happy for you. I wished for you to be sure of the man you chose, I wished for you to experience more of the Season and meet others, but after last night, I think that you are aware that you are no longer the girl who hid in a corner, wishing not to be noticed. You know that you are worthy of attention, and so special that a wonderful man cannot bear to see you dance with another. I think that you have a beautiful future ahead of you.”
“Now that he has officially proposed!” Jane laughed, and came over to embrace Mary. “I wish to offer my congratulations. I know that you will be very happy.”
Mary laughed and wiped her teary eyes. “Oh my, I cannot believe this is happening to me!”
“You deserve it.” Elizabeth kissed her. “We love you, both of you. Now then, I think that it is time that we return to the gentlemen. We have a wedding to plan!”
“SO TELL ME, when was I to learn that the Martins were invited to your party?” Bingley looked over the dinner table as Louisa bustled around, checking the seating arrangements. “What are you about?”
“About?” She glanced at him. “I liked Miss Martin, and I thought that she would be a nice addition to the party. She was pleasant, we had much in common, is it wrong to make a friend?”
“No.” He eyed her and gave up. “And the Simkins family? Whose idea was that?”
“Actually it was suggested by Mrs. Darcy. She thought that the family was surely suffering with the news of Miss Jessica’s downfall circulating, and she felt for the elder daughters, particularly when she learned that Miss Simkins was abandoned by her suitor.”
“Were they engaged?”
“No, but it was close before that fool child ran off.” She finished her fussing and stood back. “They are at the same social level as we, so I may invite them. The Darcys being present will give them a great lift; it is a significant gesture, Charles. They do not attend dinners anywhere but with friends.”
Bingley laughed. “Ah, and they do not invite anyone to Pemberley except for friends.”
“Yes, I know.” She winked at him and he patted her sho
ulder. “I use the information judiciously.”
“Just do not let Darcy hear you.” He said seriously. “He does not like to be used, and he did enjoy your company.”
“I am not Caroline.” She said pointedly. “And may I add that I planned this dinner for a time when she most assuredly would not be able to attend.”
“She will have a fit when she learns who was here.”
“She will be gone to Ramsgate soon enough.” She sniffed. “And that dear child will be safe from his parents.”
“He is not harmed by them, Louisa.”
“He is not loved by them either.” She said fiercely. “If I had …” She held up her hand. “Excuse me.”
“I am sorry.” Bingley sighed and watched her leave the room. Hurst strolled by and looked in.
“Something wrong?”
“No.” Bingley smiled. “We were just discussing the guest list for tomorrow. The Simkins family?”
“Ah, call it a mission of kindness. I think that Louisa feels badly for what our brother nearly did with her. And the Darcys, although appalled by the parents’ terrible neglect of their daughter, realize that they have surely paid for their errors severely, and are sincere in their atonement.”
“I see.” Bingley shrugged. “Well you know me; I can get along with anybody.”
24 APRIL 1811
Mary and de Bourgh are engaged. I suppose it is about time, at least that is the opinion of much of the family. I know that it was inevitable, but I am also glad that he, and more importantly she, had the opportunity to feel the attention of others. For Mary to be smiled at, and be danced with by other young men besides de Bourgh was important, I feel. Even if her heart was long ago taken, she at least knows that she is worthy all on her own; she is lovely not just to him. I am sure that the men who admired her did so for more than the connection to the Darcy name. Like my dear Elizabeth, she took her time blooming, and de Bourgh, like myself with my love, recognized his soul mate long before she was ready to be his. I am very happy for them.
Now I suppose come the questions of the wedding. Mary has no desire to wed out of Longbourn, so we shall arrange a wedding from our church in town. Elizabeth asked Mary about their father giving her away, and she hesitated, she has never had any true relationship with Mr. Bennet, at least Elizabeth had that. His recent behaviour is admirable, but does not make up for a lifetime of neglect. I understand her feelings, as does Elizabeth. However it was de Bourgh who stepped in and said that Mary must honour her father with this duty. Just as he recognized Mr. Bennet as the one person who had the authority to grant him Mary’s hand, he also feels that he was the one who gave her life, and therefore, barring any new rift in the family, he should walk with her in church. I cannot argue with that, and after Mary agreed to his reasoning, she told me that she would have asked me to give her to de Bourgh. I was very touched that she felt so well of me.
De Bourgh and I will meet in a few days and prepare the settlement papers, and I will accompany him to Hertfordshire to meet with Mr. Bennet. I can tolerate a few hours in that home. We will travel by horseback, to make a shorter trip, so Elizabeth will remain at home. Yes, love. You will. Your health is fragile, despite our morning of love. I wish that I knew what to do for you. We are in London, supposedly the best of physicians are here, but I hesitate to call on one. I have consulted my books, but your exhaustion could be perfectly normal or be a precursor of any number of events. I read of treatments for ladies and I find them foolhardy. The only ones that appeal to me are those taking us away from London. Home love, I want to take you home. Let us get our sister married, and our other sisters from school, and return home, where we are always safe.
Elizabeth wiped the tears that started to prick her eyes. “I would like that very much. I would Will. I want to go home.” Shaking the emotion away, she looked up when she heard Rosalie’s crow of delight. Rising to her feet, she walked into the mistress’s chambers and on to the dressing room where she found her daughter seated before the full-length mirror, and laughing at herself. “Who do you see, Rosa?” Kneeling down on the floor, she pointed. “That is you! Rosalie!”
“Eeeeeeeee!” She squealed.
Elizabeth laughed. “Rorororo.”
“Whoa!”
“Well, that will come in handy for a horse, one day.” Elizabeth hugged her and looked to Mrs. Robbins. “Go ahead and have some tea. We will have a nice talk.”
“Of course, madam, may I send anything up for you?” She asked hopefully.
“No, thank you.” Elizabeth sat down beside Rosalie. “We are fine.”
“Mama.” Rosalie said seriously and pointed to their reflection. “Mamamamama!”
“Rosa!” Elizabeth pointed back. “You.” She smiled. “My baby girl.” She reached up to a table and finding her hairbrush, lifted the baby to her lap, and sang while she brushed her dark curls. “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after.”3 Rosalie looked up to her and she laughed. “Your papa and I are going to meet a girl named Jill tomorrow. Jill Simkins. She is very sad. The young man who was courting her left when he learned about her sister’s behaviour. Poor thing.”
“Papa.”
“Yes, Papa.” She wiped her eyes. “I wonder if Papa would have still wanted me if one of my sisters had been so foolish.”
“Of course I would.” Darcy spoke from the doorway. “My love for you would never be broken by another.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth looked up to find him smiling. “I did not see you.”
“Rosa did.” He pointed at the mirror, and knelt down to kiss the girl who was bouncing and struggling out of Elizabeth’s lap to get to him. “Shhhh. Do not abuse Mama!”
“Papa!”
“I am sorry; I did not mean to interrupt.” He sat down and let Rosalie climb onto him. “I heard you singing and you know that I am an easy mark then.”
Elizabeth smiled and watched him kiss Rosalie. “I do not mind. Jane and Robert are off on an adventure somewhere, and Mary is … who is watching Mary and Peter?”
“Mary and Peter are occupied writing letters to the family.” He chuckled at her raised brow. “Come love, everyone left us alone, briefly. Mrs. Somers will join them soon.”
“How long ago our first kiss seems.”
He leaned forward to kiss her softly. “Humid seal of soft affections, tenderest pledge of future bliss, dearest tie of young connections, love’s first snowdrop, virgin kiss.” Elizabeth reached up to caress his cheek and gently traced his lips with her tongue. They kissed, and Darcy murmured against her mouth, “Speaking silence, dumb confession, passions birth and infant’s play, dove-like fondness, chaste concession, glowing dawn of future day.”4 Kissing her again, he moved closer, and rested one hand on her belly, another around Rosalie, and looked deeply into Elizabeth’s eyes. “I hold my entire future in my arms.”
“Papa.” Came the muffled sound of their daughter from between them. They blinked and laughed a little, wiping back their brightened eyes. Darcy kissed Rosalie’s curls.
“What is it little girl?” He lay on his back and lifted her squealing into the air. “What have you to say for yourself?”
“Eeeeeeeee!”
“Eee?” He looked at Elizabeth.
“Whoa!”
He raised his brow. “Whoa?”
“Well, it might be a try for Ro?” Elizabeth shrugged and lay down on her stomach, propping herself on her elbows. “Only she knows for sure.”
“And she is not telling. Are you little love?” He laughed and laid her on his chest. Rosalie immediately started pulling on his neck cloth, then before he could strangle, rolled off and returned to sitting before the mirror. Darcy looked after her, saw that she was occupied, and moved to his side to smile at Elizabeth. “What are we doing rolling around on the floor?”
“Hush.” She grabbed what was left of his neck cloth and pulled him forward. “Kiss me!”
“Lizzy!”
He gasped and wrapped his arms around her. “You are mad!”
“Probably.” Laughing, she hugged him tightly. “I was feeling so sad and you came along and made it so much better.” They held each other. “I love you so much, Will.”
Darcy sat up and pulled her to sit in his lap. They watched Rosalie talking to herself in the mirror. Elizabeth rested her head against his shoulder and he rested his cheek on her hair. “I remember, not so long ago, when that little girl giggling at herself was growing inside of you.” He rested his hands on her belly. “And you cried and cried, and did not eat for months, and then became absolutely irrational for months.” He kissed her ear. “I think, I think that this is just part of the joy of you bringing forth a child. Nothing is wrong. I am absolutely convinced. You will simply drive me to distraction worrying over you, and one gloriously wonderful day, you will give us a wonderful new life to treasure.” He spoke determinedly and held her tightly.
Rosalie crowed and pointed at herself. “Whoa!”
Darcy and Elizabeth laughed and hugged each other. He looked at Rosalie thoughtfully. “I think that we will have to choose a name for this next baby that will be easily pronounced. We cannot have another one who thinks she is a horse.”
“Well only if we have a boy and name him Richard.” Darcy smiled when she kissed his nose. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome, love.” Darcy kissed her and closed his eyes while he hugged her again. “You are welcome.”
“MR. BINGLEY!” Martin bowed. “So good to see you! And you must be our host? Mr. Hurst? Mrs. Hurst? A pleasure, a pleasure!” Turning he smiled at Abbey, drawing her forward. “I know that you all know my dear Abbey!”
“Yes, we do.” Louisa glanced at Hurst, who bit back a smile. “We are so pleased to see you again.”
“Thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst.” She turned to Bingley. “And good evening, sir.”
“Good evening.” He grinned. “You are looking quite lovely this evening.” He tilted his head. “Is that …”
“Bingley Mills, yes.” She smiled and shrugged. “I made this a few months ago.”