by Kay Mares
MASTER FITZWILLIAM BECOMES MR. DARCY
Kay Mares
Chapter 1
The month of March had been cold, wet and blustery with winds whipping about and clouds blotting out a weak and watery sun. The last few days moderated with March becoming meek as the month prepares to leave and make way for spring. Many people are enjoying the fairer weather, anticipating the warmer temperatures and a return to outdoor pursuits. On March 30th, 1784 when the winds died, and the sun broke forth with a certain radiance, the day became a perfectly sunny day. At a prestigious mansion in Derbyshire, a gentleman landowner took note of the ordinary day outdoors even though a momentous event is occurring in the private chambers. The gentleman hopes the calm, tranquil weather will foreshadow the birth and coming life of his firstborn. He knows for his beloved wife the procedure will be anything but serene however this thought does not stop the distinguished man from taking some solace in the peace found from viewing the calm scene outside. He turns from the window as his brother-in-law addresses him.
“Gregory, have another brandy. From what Marjorie has told me, we could be in for a long wait. When she birthed Colin and Henry, it seemed as if the time dragged by. I had wished for more reports from the servants, but as the process is long, the reports were few and far between. I believe that is why it is called labor.” Thomas Matlock tries to ease his friend and brother in marriage as Gregory waits for any news about his wife who is bringing his first child into the world. Thomas Matlock is an Earl with an illustrious family filled with Lords and Ladies, and some Nobles. His companion in the room is Gregory Darcy, Master of Pemberley whose own bloodlines trace back hundreds of years although the family is not a titled one. The wealth of the Darcys is impressive as are the vast land holdings in the Derbyshire area. The birth of this one tiny baby will have repercussions for years to come especially if the child born today is a son, the heir apparent to the considerable Darcy wealth and prestige.
Gregory Darcy had met and fell deeply in love with Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, the youngest sister to Lord Thomas Matlock. Lady Anne and Mr. Darcy courted for about six months then to the delight of both families, they wed. After about a year of marriage, it was confirmed Lady Anne was carrying their first child. The joy this news gave Gregory Darcy was profound, and he had twirled his lovely wife once about before setting her down carefully then leading her to a chair so she could tell him the wonderful news once again. In short order, a celebration was planned and orchestrated, for Gregory had the overwhelming desire to let all of Derbyshire know of his and his wife’s joy. Now the labor commenced, and Lord Matlock is keeping Gregory occupied while an army of staff, a doctor, a midwife and Lady Matlock see to Anne as she labors to bring her child into the world.
Gregory remains silent as he recalls the first time he saw Lady Anne, her fair skin, and blue eyes were striking along with a glorious mane of deep blond hair. Lady Anne had flushed and started when she beheld Mr. Gregory Darcy with his own striking blue eyes and a thick head of dark hair. He was and still is muscular and trim while she remains petite and dainty. She had to look up to him as he stood over six feet tall but he never towered over her rather he seemed to regard her with the utmost respect and a certain protectiveness which made Lady Anne feel as if she had known him all her life. Both admitted later to each other that it seemed as if they were destined to be together, for there was never any hesitation nor question they would marry after the proper amount of courtship and blessings from the other family members.
“Try not to fret, Gregory. My sister is strong and capable. She will soon present you with your child, and you will know the bliss of seeing your offspring for the first time.” Lord Matlock reassures the quiet man as he brings Gregory’s thoughts to the present. While Gregory Darcy is all that is amiable and kind, he can fall into reticence as he ponders over an issue or event. After a few hours, a lusty cry announces the birth of a healthy baby with a robust set of lungs. Mr. Darcy is already dashing up the stairs after the maid who informed him his child has arrived. Lord Matlock follows him at a more dignified pace, but he is chuckling at his friend’s enthusiasm. Lord Matlock is naturally fond of his sister, but the friendship with Mr. Darcy is one which more than likely would have developed even if the man had not married into the family. Once at the chamber doors, Mr. Darcy is met by the doctor who finished his exams of both mother and infant. Satisfied all is as it should be, he thought to talk to the new father below before he made his exit. Seeing the Master of Pemberley in the hall has the doctor smile and shake his head. He like many others knows of the strong bond between Mr. Darcy and his lovely wife, so he is not surprised to see him anxiously awaiting admittance into the room.
“Mr. Darcy, Sir,” says the doctor as he bows but the genuine smile will not be hidden. “It is my great pleasure and honor to tell you that you are the father of a son. The heir to Pemberley has been born.” The doctor waits as the other man leans heavily into the door as the glorious news penetrates his whole being. Lord Matlock stands nearby with a beaming smile all his own as he reaches out to steady his friend. The physician continues, “Both mother and son are well. Your son has all the pieces and parts in the correct places,” the doctor jests a bit which causes Mr. Darcy to smile. “Once the ladies and staff have finished the necessary cleaning, you may view your son. Congratulations Mr. Darcy on the birth of a healthy and hale son.” Lord Matlock clamps Mr. Darcy on the shoulder as the doctor is escorted below to his waiting carriage.
“Well done Gregory.” Lord Matlock teases him.
“I believe all the credit must go to Anne. She is a remarkable woman.” Mr. Darcy smiles once more as a bout of impatience shakes him. He needs to see his son and make sure his precious wife is well after the ordeal. He does not have long to wait as the door opens to reveal Mrs. Reynolds, the head housekeeper, who is wiping tears of joy from her face.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy! A son, a son. A perfect darling boy, the likes of which I have never seen. Congratulations. Please.” She gestures to the bed where Lady Anne is underneath some light covers with a bed jacket in place. Mr. Darcy’s eyes go to the tiny bundle she holds to her chest. As he approaches, Lady Anne’s radiant face looks up at her husband, and she gently pulls back one corner of the baby’s blanket to reveal the infant. A small shock of dark almost black hair is on the baby’s head, his eyes are closed, and his lips move every now and again into an adorable pucker. He shifts and soft little mews issue forth almost as if he is a tiny bit uncomfortable with all eyes upon him. He shifts his body once more and snuggles deeper into the warm covers with his eyes tightly shut.
“He nursed once already then he quickly went to sleep. The wet nurse and the midwife along with the doctor have all assured me it is normal for him to do so. Well, My Husband? You are pleased?” Anne teases Gregory as he reaches a tentative finger out to stroke the velvet skin.
“I am very pleased. Anne, My Love, you are unequaled.” Gregory kisses first his wife then his slumbering son. “He is perfect as are you. You must rest and allow the others to take care of you and him.” Gregory looks deeply into Anne’s eyes. “I love you.”
Lord Matlock peeks in quickly to see the heir to Pemberley and to make sure his beloved sister is well then he went below along with Gregory. It will be difficult for Gregory to find any sleep tonight. Not only is there all of the excitement about the new baby but what many do not know is in spite of convention and what others may think, Gregory Darcy hardly ever sleeps without his beautiful wife at his side.
Chapter 2
Approximately one week later, the christening of Fitzwilliam Gregory Benjamin Darcy takes place at the church situated on the Pemberley lands. Mr. Volmere proudly and so
lemnly baptizes the baby in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The splash of water upon Master Fitzwilliam causes him to cry out in protest then at once he settles down, assured, it almost seems as if he trusts that his complaints are acknowledged and addressed. The rest of the service is spent cuddled and warm in his loving mother’s arms where once more he seems to burrow down farther into the linens as if to hide. After the service, many of the tenant farmers and other Pemberley workers come to catch of glimpse of the young Master, but all they see is the soft bundle his mother carries to the carriage.
Once again a lavish feast is provided for family and close friends to celebrate the birth of the child in Jesus Christ. Master Fitzwilliam is not attendance for his honorary dinner rather he is with the wet nurse and the nanny up in the nursery while his mother remains below enjoying the company and congratulatory evening. Later that night, the new parents look upon their son in the nursery, sleeping in the crib which had been used by untold numbers of Darcy infants. The bliss and peace they feel just gazing at their little child is powerful and fills their hearts with love. They discretely and quietly return to their shared bedchamber where Gregory holds his wife until she drifts off into a tranquil sleep.
Weeks turned into months and months into the first year. Master Fitzwilliam is showing a bit of his personality. When Master Fitzwilliam was a small infant, Lady Anne commented that her son seemed to cry only a slight amount about any one thing, be it hunger, a need for a change of clothes and then he acted as if he knew his needs would be addressed posthaste. The dark hair grew and thickened, wildly curling about his face and neck but perhaps the most striking feature Master Fitzwilliam has, besides an insatiable appetite, is his crystal clear blue eyes. His eyes are not the soft pale blue of his mother nor the deep dark sapphire of his father but an altogether brilliant blue which make people comment about his eyes as soon as they note them. Gregory told Anne he could also see the intelligence behind those eyes especially as the baby grows and starts to explore his world around him.
Master Fitzwilliam crawled very little at around nine to ten months. Instead, he found that he could pull himself up, and he started to walk with support naturally, but it seems as if he first thought about how he could expand his world then went about finding the most viable solution to allow for farther travels. The leading strings are acceptable as long as he is allowed to go where he sees fit. When either parent or the nurse direct him away from some area in which he is not allowed to go, the youngster regards them with his piercing blue eyes then willingly goes in the new direction. In addition, he is learning to speak and understand simple commands, no being the most frequent one as he tries to go to places not yet ready for him and his exploring hands and mind. His first words are ‘Papa and Mama’ along with ‘hoss’ as his Grandfather Darcy has already had him to the stables to stroke the great beasts with his tiny hands. Grandmother Darcy is smitten with her first grandchild, and she reads and rocks with him for hours. Master Fitzwilliam is pointing to pictures in the books as his grandmother calls out the names of each. In his babyish voice, he tries to repeat the word with his brow furrowed in concentration. The mimicry is delightful and innocent causing his parents to chuckle.
In this first year, his parents note two other interesting facets about their son. The first is that from the time he was able to grasp a toy, he analyzed the object then as most babies do, the toy either made it to his mouth or it was banged about. While not usual in itself, it is the way young Fitzwilliam tests each toy as if he is experimenting on the absolute best way to achieve a good gnawing or an exceptionally loud noise. The second feature they note is with the immediate family the baby is animated and happy as gurgling laughs issue forth, and wide toothless grins are constant. However, when others are present, the baby becomes quieter and shy. This behavior continues for all of young Fitzwilliam’s childhood and well into his adult years. Lady Catherine, Lady Anne’s eldest sister, stops for a visit to view her nephew. As Anne places the baby into Lady Catherine’s arms, Fitzwilliam regards his aunt closely with his stare and Lady Catherine who is never to be trifled with, stares right back. It seems as if the two are taking measure of each other. Finally, Lady Catherine breaks first and with a slight frown hands the baby back to Anne as she announces, “I fear young Master Fitzwilliam has your husband’s obstinacy, Anne. He will need to learn to defer to those above him.”
Anne sighs as she holds her child closer to her bosom. Her sister Catherine has always been opinionated and headstrong. Her marriage to Sir Lewis de Bourgh is one mainly of convenience and for the elevation of rank for Lady Catherine as well as an honor for Sir Lewis by joining the Fitzwilliam family. Sir Lewis is amiable and kind but does little to promote his estate, happily eschewing his duties and allowing his domineering wife to direct the servants, staff, and tenants. Lady Catherine not only does so willingly but with a zeal most find to be oppressive. In return, she basks in compliments and glories in her own bloated idea of self-worth. When she imparts advice, she fully expects it to be heeded without question. At Rosings, the de Bourgh’s estate, any success of the staff or tenants is solely due to her wisdom and counsel, so she thinks in her own mind.
Sir Lewis, however, does not mind one iota if his wife acts as the sole owner of the estate. His wife’s attention to the minutest of detail regarding everyone’s life connected with the estate leaves her with little time for him, so he indulges himself. When Catherine departs to visit friends, Sir Lewis visits his friends in London, and often in the evenings, he entertains lady friends overnight. Catherine has turned a blind eye to her husband’s philandering as it means he leaves her alone to do what she loves best, insert herself into others’ lives. As long as Sir Lewis stays discreet, the rest of the family also ignores the improprieties. Lord Matlock, in spite of Sir Lewis’s dalliances, likes the man and can hardly blame him for wanting to be away from Catherine. For Lady Anne, her sister’s hollow marriage pains her because she knows the fidelity of her own husband and the marital harmony they possess. But again she knows her sister scoffs at the idea of marrying for love and at first loudly decried Anne for marrying a mere Mister, that is until she was made aware of just who the Mister is.
Now here is Catherine, giving her opinions and spouting advice even though she has no children of her own. Anne is starting to grow weary of the constant stream of chatter emanating from Catherine and Anne is contemplating how best to end the conversation without offending. Her attention is drawn back to the chatter by Catherine’s next comment. “His eyes, Anne. His eyes are the most unique I have ever seen upon any person. Really the way he stares, is it possible for a baby to be haughty? You may have to be fairly strong with him. Obstinate like his father and prideful. I imagine you will have your hands full. Make sure Gregory carries out corporal punishment if required.” Catherine’s perverse self-righteousness is on full display.
“I do not fret that he will be any trouble, Catherine. I believe Gregory and I are quite capable of raising a child.” Anne is ready to excuse herself saying she is tired and wishes to return above for a rest but she is spared that white lie when her husband comes into the parlor. With a stately bow and proper greetings to the sisters, Gregory indicates the nurse is on her way to take Fitzwilliam to the nursery, and he also announces that Lady Anne is needed for a quick meeting with Mrs. Reynolds about a household issue. Mrs. Reynolds has just become the head housekeeper at Pemberley after starting in the guest quarters then through reliable work and impeccable manners, she was chosen to replace the retiring head housekeeper. Naturally, as the sun rose, Catherine had disagreed with the promotion, but Mr. Darcy had snapped off a retort, reminding her whose house she was in. At this moment, Lady Catherine starts to rise to escort Anne and oversee the household issue herself, but a look and terse suggestion from her brother-in-law has her instead take his advice and go to her quarters to ready herself for the evening meal.
Lady Anne repairs to the nursery where she watches as the nurse changes Fitzw
illiam then lies him down for a nap. Anne’s heart swells with love for the little one, and she tightens her hands about the arms which come around her waist. “Do not fret over your sister and her foolish advice. You are and will be the best mother of anyone in the Kingdom.” Gregory kisses her neck then escorts Anne to their quarters to change for dinner. They will be dining high style and formal with Catherine in residence.
“How do you know what Catherine said? You were not present for the conversation. Perhaps she offered me valuable insights which I would be a fool to ignore.” Anne askes him with an impish smirk.
“I think she offered you foolish insights which would be valuable for you to ignore.” He retorts with a wink and a grin. Gregory only tolerates his sister-in-law for the sake of accord and because he loves his wife deeply.
Chapter 3
The toddler years slipped into the early childhood years, and as Master Fitzwilliam grew, his personality emerged even more. The early readings with Grandma Darcy have paid off as the child loves books and usually has one tucked under his arm most everywhere he goes. The laughter and humor Fitzwilliam sports are never cruel nor petty. He likes to make his mother and grandmother laugh as he invents his own stories to tell them while making faces and using silly voices. The stories are simple and vague but told with such an earnestness that the two women delight in his tales. Once more, however, should anyone other than his grandparents, parents and his Aunt and Uncle Matlock be present, Fitzwilliam becomes serious and shy. Most never see the emerging wit and wisdom the child is beginning to develop.
With his father and grandfather, Fitzwilliam is learning what it means to be a gentleman. He is taught to allow his mother and grandmother to go through a door first and to treat them with kindness and respect. Once when he was allowed to escort his mother to dinner, Gregory had trouble keeping a laugh from escaping when he noted the youngster’s serious pose and face. The honor was not wasted on Fitzwilliam who pulled out Anne’s chair with the utmost concentration then just as intently helped her slide it into the proper position. He watched with the same intensity as the meal commenced, trying and mostly succeeding in using the appropriate utensil and keeping his hands where they were supposed to be. He did not interrupt the adults as they spoke, but his eyes were focused on each individual when he or she spoke, and he concentrated on the conversation although much of it was above him at the time. These lessons are learned well and the behaviors repeated with each successive meal.