“Shall I take William to the nursery?” Mary asked in the pause that followed.
“Oh,” Jane gazed longingly at her nephew, “I suppose it would be best to take him there before dinner is called.” She held out her hands to the boy. “Would you like to see your new room, William?”
A smile spread across his features as he moved into Jane’s embrace. Elizabeth wondered if he even knew what had been asked of him. The entire party followed as Jane carried William up the stairs to the third floor.
“Do you remember Betsy Rodgers, Lizzy?” Jane asked as they approached a set of double doors.
“Yes. She was the first person I saw upon my return to Longbourn.”
“I have hired her as the nursery maid. She has much experience working with her younger siblings.” Jane opened the door and stepped inside.
Betsy jumped to her feet when the party entered the room and hurried to curtsey. Elizabeth smiled, pleased that the young woman would be caring for her son. Her eyes swept about the room. The things she had chosen had been sent to Netherfield earlier that day and were already unpacked and arranged nicely. Some of the toys her mother and sisters had purchased had been left at Longbourn for when William visited there, but most had been set aside to be given out on birthdays to tenant children. The books Kitty and her father had selected were on a shelf at William’s level.
“But where are his toys?” cried Mrs. Bennet when she entered the room.
“Many are still at Longbourn for when William visits, Mama,” Elizabeth answered in what she hoped was a conciliatory tone.
Her mother smiled, probably thinking this meant he would visit often. “Yes, Jane can bring him to see us when you are unable to travel.” Mrs. Bennet tugged at the unruly curl on William’s forehead, trying to move it to the side but it bounced back in place.
Betsy stepped forward to be introduced to William who appeared shy at first and clung tightly to Jane. Elizabeth slipped an arm about the young woman’s waist as she spoke to her son.
“This is Miss Betsy, dear one. Do you remember Miss Sarah?”
William nodded and looked about as though he might see her nearby.
“Well,” Elizabeth continued, “Miss Betsy will be taking care of you just like Miss Sarah did in our old home. Miss Betsy has several brothers and sisters, some of whom are close to your age. I am certain she knows all the best games to play. Would you like to say hello?”
As Elizabeth spoke, the boy’s eyes had widened, and he studied this new lady closely. When she finished, he hesitantly nodded his head. Jane took a step forward, William clutched her tighter. She looked to Elizabeth for direction.
“Look, William, your toys and books have been brought from Longbourn.” Elizabeth led Jane toward the shelves and motioned for her to set the boy on the ground.
William looked everything over and picked up the old, notched wooden horse. Elizabeth could not hide her pleasure that it was still his favourite. She motioned for Jane to step back and Betsy took her place. As Betsy began pointing out the different toys and telling stories about games she had played with her little brothers, the others backed towards the door.
“Your mother said you like stew, Master William,” Betsy said. “Some has just been brought up from the kitchen. Are you hungry?”
Always ready to eat, William nodded and took Betsy’s hand so she could lead him to the table. Elizabeth smiled and told him she would be back before he went to sleep. Everyone gave him a kiss on the forehead before filing out of the room.
“That was very well done,” Mr. Bennet stated as they descended to the dining-room for their own dinner.
“I have always found a man to be more agreeable when food is offered.” Elizabeth giggled.
“Would that be all men, Sister?” Bingley called over his shoulder as he led the party below, Mrs. Bennet on one side and Jane on the other.
“I do not have the experience to say for certain, but Papa is normally friendlier following his favourite meal.” She patted her father’s arm and he laughed in response.
The party enjoyed a happy family dinner. Given the plan for the Bennets to return to Longbourn early, the gentlemen joined the ladies as they returned to the drawing-room. Elizabeth settled beside Jane on the settee while Mary opened the piano-forte and began playing a soft, melodic tune. Mr. Bennet and Bingley set to one side discussing the latter’s plans for his coming travel while Mrs. Bennet told Jane all the latest gossip she had heard in Meryton.
They had not been in this attitude long, when a knock sounded at the door. It opened to admit Betsy and William. “Forgive me, Missus,” Betsy curtseyed to Jane, “the little one was rubbing his eyes and I feared he would fall asleep before saying goodnight.”
“Thank you, Betsy, for being so considerate.” Jane slid over to leave space between her and Elizabeth, and William scampered up to fill it. The boy pressed himself against his mother and yawned.
“Ah, Darling.” Elizabeth ran a hand over his head which was already warming. “Are you ready to sleep?”
Slowly he shook his head, all the while leaning heavily against her.
Mrs. Bennet stood and leaned over the boy. “Give Grandmamma a kiss, Willie.” She lifted him to her side, and he wrapped his arms about her neck as she kissed his cheek.
Mary left the instrument and said her goodnights, followed by Mr. Bennet and Bingley who settled the baby on his wife’s lap. Jane hugged and kissed William, cupping his cheek as her eyes caressed his features. When he released another yawn, she handed him to Elizabeth who cuddled him against her.
“Shall I put you to bed?” Elizabeth asked as she kissed his cheek and rubbed his back.
“Bets do i’. She gonna read a’ me,” he answered as he snuggled his nose into her neck.
“Then I will come up once you are settled.” She waited for him to nod then handed the boy back to his nurse.
After the child retired, Mr. Bennet declared it was time they returned to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet frowned and continued talking as the party moved into the antechamber and outerwear was disbursed. Mary hugged Elizabeth tightly, then Jane, and curtseyed to Bingley before taking her mother’s arm and moving toward the door.
Mr. Bennet patted Elizabeth’s arm and kissed her cheek before approaching Jane. “Send word if there is anything you require before Bingley returns.” He kissed his eldest daughter’s cheek.
“I will, Papa.” Jane smiled and slipped her hand about her husband’s arm.
The party said goodnight and the Bennets left. Once the carriage was moving down the drive, Bingley closed the door and escorted the ladies back to the drawing-room. At the doorway, Elizabeth paused.
“I am certain you would like some time alone this evening and I must say goodnight to William and get settled in my room.” She held out a hand to Bingley. “I wish you safe travels, Charles, in the event I do not see you in the morning.”
Bingley grasped her hand and bowed over it. “Thank you, Elizabeth. If there is anything you require, alert Mrs. Nicholls.”
She nodded and turned to her sister. “Good night, Jane.” They embraced. “Thank you for allowing me to stay with you.”
As they separated, Jane squeezed her sister’s arm. “Thank you for coming while Charles is away. Having you and William here will make the time pass quickly.”
Elizabeth nodded, said good night once more, and headed upstairs. She stood in the doorway to William’s bedroom and watched as Betsy read a story. The boy seemed enraptured by the tale of knights galloping about the countryside. When he finally spied her, she moved closer.
“I did not want to interrupt such an interesting story.” Elizabeth sat on the side of his bed.
“Do not worry, Miss Lizzy, I don’t tell the scary parts at bedtime,” Betsy whispered.
“Kiss, Mama.” William tugged on her sleeve and Elizabeth leaned over to kiss each eye, his forehead and cheeks, as she did every night.
“I love you, Darling.” She placed a final kiss on top his
head and he rolled to his side. Elizabeth rose and tucked the cover about him as Betsy lowered the flame in the lantern. Both ladies slipped from the room into the nursery.
“Thank you, Betsy,” Elizabeth said as she helped the woman straighten up the room. “You made William feel very welcomed but not overwhelmed.”
“He is a dear boy, Miss … forgive me, mum, I suppose I should call you Mrs. Collins, but it don’t feel right somehow.” Betsy’s cheeks coloured.
“Mrs. Lizzy is fine, Betsy, though I suppose in front of others you should not be so informal.” Elizabeth sighed as she ran a hand over her stomach. “I believe I shall retire. It has been a long day.”
Betsy curtseyed and Elizabeth left, closing the door behind her. She stopped at the top of the steps and looked down to the second floor before glancing back to the nursery. This was the first night she would sleep so far from her son. It felt odd, as though she were abandoning him in some manner. Taking a deep breath, she began her descent and made her way to her room.
Jane had pointed out the door as they made their way to dinner earlier, but Elizabeth had not wanted to delay everyone’s meal by inspecting her room. Now she stood before the door unable to define the unease which filled her. “This is silly,” she told herself and turned the knob.
The door opened revealing a room larger than any she had before. It was larger even than the guest room in which she had stayed while Jane had been ill here. A four-poster bed sat to one side near the windows with a chest at the foot, while a hearty fire burned in the grate keeping the chill from the room and two chairs sat before it in a welcoming manner. A bookshelf graced the wall nearest the hall and Elizabeth noted several of her favourite titles. The walls were a mossy green and the carpet looked like a forest path. If it were spring and the windows open, Elizabeth might believe she were outside. She wiped a tear from her cheek thinking this might be the home for which she longed, though her heart remained unsettled.
*CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT*
Darcy threw the stick as far and as hard as he could. The effort felt good and watching the dogs scramble over each other as they chased after it was amusing, but it did not improve his mood. The air still held a brisk winter bite, but the ground was soft with the previous week of rain. Spring was approaching and there was much to do at Pemberley, but this was not where he wanted to be.
He turned back toward the house knowing the animals would follow. If he was stuck at Pemberley, he supposed he should attend to the business at hand. His steward had left detailed planting advice, but Darcy had been unable to concentrate as he read it over. The man was expecting direction in order to purchase any seed they did not have on hand. It was time Darcy returned and made the attempt once more.
As the stables came into view, Darcy noted a carriage rounding the house. The markings on the side encouraged him to increase his speed and he reached the stable yard just as the driver was dismounting. Darcy called for someone to take charge of the dogs less they follow him inside, and then called to the man.
“Campton, I am surprised to see you at Pemberley. Does Bingley travel alone?”
“Yes, sir. Mrs. Reynolds was seeing to him, sir.” The man bowed and moved on to greet the stable master as Darcy headed for the house.
The butler approached as he entered the front hall and assured him Mrs. Reynolds had shown Mr. Bingley to the room which was always kept ready for Richard or any surprise visitors. Taking the stairs two at a time, he made his way to the only “guest” room in the family wing. Mrs. Reynolds was leaving as he approached.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, I was uncertain where you were, or I would have alerted you to Mr. Bingley’s arrival.” She dipped a curtsey, but her frown revealed her displeasure with his actions of late.
The sudden urge to stammer was suppressed and Darcy stood taller. “I noted the carriage as I returned from walking the dogs.”
The wizened servant’s brow rose as if to question the master doing the work of a servant, but she said nothing and returned to her tasks. Darcy shook off the sense of reproof and knocked on the door.
“Darcy!” Bingley cried out joyfully upon answering. Though he appeared weary, he was smiling amiably. “Mrs. Reynolds was uncertain where you were. I hope my arriving without notice is not an imposition.”
“Of course not, Bingley. Though should Richard join us he might be a bit displeased. He is accustomed to having this room.”
Bingley laughed and returned to his bags. “I do not intend to trespass long. Business brought me near, and I could not in good conscience pass by without seeing you.”
Darcy closed the door behind him and crossed to the fireplace. “You are travelling alone? I hope all is well with your wife and family.”
“Yes, yes,” Bingley muttered as he removed papers from his satchel and shuffled through them. “Jane …” he paused and looked up to meet his friend’s gaze. “We believe she may be with child again. She has lost so many, we decided it best that she remain at home.”
“Of course.” Darcy stepped closer. “Is she well? Healthy, I mean?”
Bingley smiled. “Oh, yes. And her sister is with her so I am certain she will be kept in good spirits while I am away. Elizabeth will not allow Jane to worry.”
“Elizabeth is at Netherfield?” Darcy felt suddenly lighter knowing where she was. “Is she well?”
The smile which was normally etched in Bingley’s features fell away and he cleared his throat. “Indeed, it was because of Elizabeth that I chose to detour into Derbyshire.” He held Darcy’s gaze, his eyes sweeping over his friend’s features before he took a deep breath and continued. “Elizabeth is hearty, but her father fears for her. She appears to be grieving, though everyone is aware there was no affection between her and Collins. It is my understanding she took nothing of his but his family Bible, and she hopes for William to change his name to Bennet when he is grown. This … gloom … which seems to cling to her when she believes no one is watching, has no logical reason for existence.”
Darcy frowned as his mind searched for a source of Elizabeth’s depression. Had Anne and Richard been wrong? They were so certain that he should keep his distance during her period of mourning. He had wanted to be at her side, to tell her they would be together once they were able, but Anne repeatedly assured him Elizabeth knew he would come for her at the right time and warned that if he arrived too soon, people may question their history. His own spirits had become increasingly discontent, so much so Georgiana begged to be allowed to travel to London with the Fitzwilliams for the start of the season.
“Have you finished your business?” Darcy asked his friend. “Are you returning home?”
“There is one stop which must be made, but it is on the way.” Bingley replaced the paperwork he had been sorting back in his satchel and rubbed his eyes. “I am hoping to return a day earlier than expected, should the weather hold.”
“Am I being presumptuous, or would you welcome my presence on your journey? I was to travel to London soon. Georgiana is staying with my aunt and uncle, but I should be there to escort her to certain events.” Darcy rubbed his hands together, hoping Bingley would be open to the suggestion.
“Are you able to accompany me? Your advice would be greatly appreciated, and I am certain you would be welcomed warmly.” Bingley’s lips pursed. “I dare say when Jane and I saw you in Ramsgate, it appeared you and Elizabeth were … comfortable in each other’s company. You have called her by her Christian name on more than one occasion.” He folded his hands behind him and held Darcy’s gaze.
“I will not lie to you, Bingley. I hold Elizabeth in great affection. I was a fool not to realize it before it was too late. Perhaps now we will be given another chance.”
The tightness in Bingley’s features softened. “She will be in mourning for a year and is entering her confinement now. You are unable to court her.”
“I realize this.” Darcy swallowed, hoping to dislodge the lump in his throat. “It will be enough to be near her.”
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“You must not be so informal.” Bingley’s voice held a warning. “I realize Elizabeth dislikes being called by her married name, but anything else will draw unwanted attention.”
Darcy nodded. “I have found ways to avoid it in the past; I am certain I shall do so again.”
“Not a slip!” Bingley stepped closer. “Jane had doubts when we saw you together before. If she were to suspect something … I fear for my wife’s well-being above all, Darcy. Do we understand one another?”
Standing taller, Darcy nodded. “And I fear for Elizabeth’s.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Bingley’s lips. “Shall we be brothers one day after all?”
Darcy was unable to suppress his own smile. “It would be my greatest desire.”
***********
Knowing his exile was coming to an end, Darcy was able to concentrate long enough to complete the necessary work at Pemberley the following day. Bingley appeared in need of a day of rest after his time on the road. They were both ready when the sun rose the day after to be on their way.
As if understanding both men’s desperate need to arrive in Hertfordshire, the weather was unseasonably warm and dry. Even stopping to complete Bingley’s final business transactions in Norfolk, they were able to reach Netherfield a day early as Bingley had hoped. The flurry of activity about the manor as they approached caused the excitement within the carriage to increase tenfold. Darcy wondered at how he might be received and, for the first time, felt a modicum of doubt.
The front doors opened as the footman set the steps and unlatched the carriage door. Bingley was out and bounding up the steps before Darcy had finished gathering his things. He looked up in time to see his friend embracing Mrs. Bingley, both smiling joyfully.
“Forgive me, Jane, for not notifying you, but I knew you would not mind. Since I was so near, I stopped at Pemberley, and Darcy mentioned he had need to travel to London so it was decided we would do so together.”
Mrs. Bingley’s expression went through a quick succession of emotions, from delight to surprise to suspicion, as she watched his approach. “Mr. Darcy, this is quite a surprise.” Her gaze returned to her husband with concern. “You will be travelling to London also?”
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