“Forgive me; I believe it is time for Miss Anne to retire.” She curtseyed to all.
Darcy stood to collect Will who was beginning to nod on the Colonel’s lap. “Let us put them both down.”
She nodded and he followed her from the room. They walked a short distance before he heard her sigh.
“Elizabeth?”
She lifted her countenance to him and smiled. “I know not what I expected, but your family was so much more …” She reached for his hand. “They are lovely,” she whispered.
He took her hand in his and kissed her fingers but was kept from responding when Anne reminded them of their task with a loud bellow.
*CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN*
Though she wanted to visit the meadow the following morning, her daughter woke earlier than normal and demanded Elizabeth’s attention. By the time she was able to dress and begin her day, everyone was collecting in the dining room to break their fast. Normally many of the party would sleep later, but Anne de Bourgh was better in the mornings, so they all adjusted to her schedule in order to spend as much time with her as possible.
Darcy held Elizabeth’s chair and fixed her plate before claiming the seat to her right. Lady Catherine, who had finished eating and was enjoying her tea, announced the schedule for the day.
“Since they did not arrive before Anne retired yesterday, Darcy and Mrs. Collins will be first to visit with her this morning. She has something she wishes to discuss with the two of you, and therefore, you will visit together.” Though still imperious, her Ladyship’s tone had lost the cruel edge it once held.
Elizabeth studied her closely, noting the increased lines about her lips and the tremble in her hand. Her daughter’s illness was taking a toll upon her as well. “We would be pleased to see Anne this morning.”
“Should we take the children with us?” Darcy asked.
Lady Catherine shook her head. “Anne will ask for them when she is ready to see them.” She set the cup back in its place and motioned for a footman to assist her. “I must speak to Kite as there is still one party left to arrive to-day.”
The gentlemen stood and bowed, regaining their seats once she had left the room.
Darcy glanced about the table. “Another party?”
“Genie?” Elizabeth suggested.
“I fear she is unable to join us,” Fitz replied as he cut a sausage in half. “She and Anne said their goodbyes last month when Mrs. Abernathy passed.”
Elizabeth’s mouth fell open. “Mrs. Abernathy? I had not heard. I thought it odd that Genie had not written, but …” She dabbed the corner of her eye with her serviette.
“Forgive me, Madam,” Fitz said softly. “I had thought you knew.” He grimaced. “Genie was forced from her home before her mother was cold in the ground. That cousin of hers,” he growled.
“But where is she now?” Elizabeth asked.
“She is in London,” he responded with a slight smile.
All eyes turned toward him expectantly.
“She is a war widow,” Fitz stated as though it explained everything.
Everyone continued to stare.
He took a deep breath. “I am familiar with the clerks in the offices of the Compassionate List. She provided her new direction. I believe she has taken a position with an accoucheur. I am certain Anne will know more.”
The door opened and Kite stepped into the room. “Miss de Bourgh is requesting her first visitors.”
“Have you finished?” Darcy asked Elizabeth.
“Yes.” She wiped her lips on her serviette and allowed him to assist her to her feet. As they followed Kite from the room, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket.
“Are you well?” Darcy asked.
Elizabeth nodded. “I had wished to see Widow Abernathy once more. I was unable to visit her before I left Hunsford.”
Darcy patted her hand which lay upon his arm. “I will always have fond memories of her.”
“She liked you well.” Elizabeth smiled. “During visits when you were not present, she would praise you. She once lamented being so old as not to be able to catch your eye, but quickly apologized to Mr. Abernathy’s portrait.” A giggle escaped her lips. “I loved her stories.”
Darcy looked about and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Remind me to tell you of how Lady Catherine married Sir Lewis.”
Elizabeth’s brow rose and she leaned back to study him. His eyes were dancing with merriment and the corners of his lips twitched. “I will not forget.”
Kite stopped before the door to Anne’s suite and waited for them to join him but did not open the door.
“What is it, Kite?” Darcy asked, his amusement draining away.
The man appeared divided and lowered his head when he spoke. “You are both well-versed with my mistress’s ways. I pray you would not consider her high-handed and know she only desires to see things settled.”
The couple exchanged a concerned glance before assuring the servant he need not be anxious over their reactions. With a nod, Kite opened the door and announced them before backing from the room.
“You came.” Anne’s voice was barely a whisper and her spindly hand reached out to them.
Elizabeth rushed to her friend’s side and embraced her before claiming the seat beside her and holding her hand. Darcy placed a kiss upon her wan cheek and sat in the chair closest to the settee.
“Of course, we are here. The children and Georgiana travelled with us,” Elizabeth said brightly. “Shall we send for them?”
“Later,” Anne replied as she squeezed her friend’s fingers. “We must speak first.” She took a deep breath which rattled within her chest and drew her shawl closer about her shoulders. “I had Mother write to Uncle Charles and he is to arrive to-day.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed. “Uncle Charles? I do not understand.”
“Who is Uncle Charles?” Elizabeth asked.
Anne turned from Darcy toward her friend. “He is not truly my uncle, but he was a good friend of my father and he is my godfather. He and my father were as close as brothers, much like Darcy and Fitzwilliam.”
“I will be pleased to meet him,” Elizabeth replied, still not understanding the significance.
“He is the Archbishop of Canterbury,” Darcy said quietly.
Silence filled the room while Elizabeth considered this. “Is there a reason he is coming?” she finally asked.
“I realize that you remain in mourning, Lizzy, but I want to attend your wedding and fear I will not survive until the two of you decide upon the proper time to wed. Uncle Charles is bringing a special license and has agreed to perform the ceremony himself.” Anne looked at her with wide pleading eyes. “I wish to see you happy.”
“But I am, Anne.”
She shook her head. “I want to see you truly happy, as you should have been so long ago.”
Elizabeth looked to Darcy who sat silently. Their eyes met and she could see the longing there and knew it matched her own. “He knows I am in mourning?” Her voice was little more than a whisper.
A giggle escaped Anne’s lips followed by a bout of coughing. When she had settled, she smiled. “He met Mr. Collins once before you were married and did not think highly of him.”
Elizabeth sighed. “May I have time to consider?”
A small pout pushed out Anne’s lip, but she reluctantly agreed. “I wish to see the children now,” she decreed and leaned back into her seat while Elizabeth went to the nursery and Darcy remained behind.
“Anne,” he began.
“It is your desire as well, Darcy,” she said with a sigh. “I want to see you all happy; you, Elizabeth, and the children.”
“She must not be forced.”
His cousin frowned but nodded. They sat in silence until Elizabeth returned carrying her daughter with Will at her side. Upon seeing the cousins, the boy grinned and rushed forward.
“Unca Da! An’ Anne!”
Darcy caught him before he could throw himself at Anne and
placed him at her side instead. “Gently, Will.”
The boy looked at her with his head cocked to the side. “You sick?”
She smiled and ran a hand over his hair before kissing his forehead. “I am unwell, but you make me feel much better.”
He smiled and leaned into her side. “You see Anne?” he asked and pointed at the bundle in his mother’s arms.
Elizabeth lowered herself into her seat and turned the baby toward her friend who frowned and held out her arms.
“I wish to hold her, Lizzy. I am not so weak.”
A smile tugged at Elizabeth’s lips, but she lowered the child into Anne’s open arms. “She is not so complacent as she once was either.”
The two stared at each other, the younger taking her measure of the older before reaching up to run a hand over her companion’s cheek. Anne grasped the tiny fingers and kissed them loudly bringing a grin to the babe’s lips.
“Oh, she is precious, Lizzy.” Tears filled her eyes. “You will see that she has a proper season and does not hang back or remain quiet and reticent. She should be allowed to speak her mind, just as Will might.”
“Anne,” Elizabeth scolded. “How dare you suggest such a thing? Do you believe I would force my own child to be more or less than she is?”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand in his. “If she wishes a grand season, she shall have it; but should she detest dancing and remain on the edges of a ballroom, we will not pressure her.”
“Well, perhaps.” Elizabeth bit her lip and spoke in a softer, more understanding manner. “We will not allow her to go unnoticed.”
Her friend smiled, knowing her request had been understood. Tears filled her eyes. “I am tired. Please tell Mr. Kite I will rest a bit before Georgiana visits.”
The couple gathered the children after Will kissed Anne’s cheek, and the family walked quietly back to the nursery. Once they were settled with their nurse maid, Darcy laid Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm and led her down the back stairs and into the conservatory. He paused near a bench and motioned for her to sit.
“I am not ready to speak of this, William,” Elizabeth said, walking past the bench toward a table covered with seedlings.
“His Grace will be here to-day, Elizabeth.”
“Do you truly believe he would sanction it? My time of mourning is not yet over.”
Darcy smiled as he moved to her side. “I have heard rumours of his marriage.” He leaned forward and kissed her temple. “It is said he and his wife eloped. He is an advocate of love.”
A quiet sigh escaped her lips. “I will think on it.” She made her way back toward the doorway. “We should return to the others.”
***********
“Uncle Charles” arrived that afternoon and had a private audience with first Darcy and then Elizabeth. When she was called into the study to meet with the man, her stomach turned over upon itself and she was unable to lift her eyes to his.
“Mrs. Collins,” he bowed and motioned toward a set of chairs by the fireplace. “I must say, after meeting your late husband, I was surprised to make your acquaintance.”
“You are not the first to say such,” Elizabeth replied, taking a seat.
“No,” the man laughed, “I suppose not. Mr. Darcy informed me your father pressed for the marriage?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Mr. Collins was my father’s heir.”
“And now your son will inherit?”
A tremour ran the length of Elizabeth’s spine when she nodded. Her eyes remained glued to her fingers which twisted in her lap.
“Madam.” The Archbishop’s voice was suddenly soft and filled with understanding. “I do not sit in judgement of you. Mr. Darcy has told me of your … friendship through the years.”
A tear struck Elizabeth’s hand. “We have both confessed our sins before God and have not … we have not …”
“You love him.” It was not a question, but Elizabeth nodded. “Then you should marry.”
“But what will be said? I am still in the period of mourning.”
“Are you mourning?”
Elizabeth’s head lifted quickly, and, for the first time, she met the man’s gaze directly. His eyes were filled with compassion and he smiled in a manner similar to her father.
“Not for Mr. Collins,” she replied.
“Then what?” he asked as his brow drew together.
She shrugged her shoulders, her gaze falling once more to her lap. “My innocence? The years I lost?”
“Then that is more the reason to seize the moment.” He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I have signed the license and will perform the ceremony, but I must return to London on Saturday. I understand Anne is resting now, so nothing can be done before to-morrow. It is your decision, Madam.”
Elizabeth nodded and rose from her seat before turning toward the door.
“Mrs. Collins,” the Archbishop called softly causing her to stop. “Your Heavenly Father, like your earthly one, loves you very much and only wishes the best for you. The difference is, He knows better what that is. If you listen, He will guide you.”
Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she turned back, knelt in front of the man, and kissed his hand. “Thank you,” she whispered and rushed from the room.
***********
The first rays of light touched the tops of the trees on the distant side of the meadow as Elizabeth stood in Darcy’s embrace the next morning. Neither spoke. They simply breathed in the chill winter air and waited. When the sun finally peeked through the branches, Elizabeth turned and allowed her gaze to caress her lover’s features.
“Ask me,” she whispered.
“Will you marry me?” he said plainly. His hand rose to lightly brush a stray hair from her face. “Spend the rest of your life in my arms and at my side?” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Argue with me and humble me? Warm my bed and brighten my days? Make me a better man?”
“Yes,” she replied and lifted her lips to his.
His kiss was tender, much like the first time he had kissed her here. He held her tightly against his chest, tears wetting both their cheeks, as she returned his embrace and her lips caressed his.
Finally, they drew apart and made their way down the long tunnel of trees back to Rosings. They entered through the front doors and asked Kite to tell the others there would be a wedding that day. Their steps took them up the stairs to the nursery, where they gathered the children and explained they would now be a family, from this day forward.
Everyone was dressed in their best when they entered Anne’s rooms a short time later. The Archbishop smiled broadly as they made their way toward him with the children. Anne held out her arms to hold the baby while Will wrapped an arm about Darcy’s leg. The Colonel stepped forward, taking his place at Darcy’s side and Anne smiled brightly from her settee beside Elizabeth. The vows were exchanged, and the blessing given, then the family embraced the couple and wished them well. Anne fairly glowed with happiness as she kissed her friend’s cheek. The bride, groom, and witnesses signed the paperwork, and everyone enjoyed a glass of wine to toast their union.
When Anne’s eyes began to droop, Georgiana gathered the baby from her and slipped from the room with her new nephew in tow. The others followed suit, moving toward the stairs to reconvene in the drawing-room below.
Darcy held Elizabeth’s hand tightly, drawing it close to his heart until she turned to meet his gaze. The desire and love which filled his countenance stole her breath. With a brief glance to be certain the others were not watching, she stepped closer, brushing against his arm as she lifted her lips toward his. The kiss was gentle yet held the promise of passion and his arm slipped about her waist, guiding her down the hallway, away from the stairs.
*CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT*
Elizabeth nestled her head on Darcy’s shoulder and played with the spattering of hair on his chest. Being back in his arms felt more right than anything in her life. She said a silent prayer of thanksgiving before
placing a kiss over his heart.
A distant bell rang, and he sighed as he drew her fully against him.
“Dinner will be served in an hour, my love,” she whispered against his neck.
“My family will tease us relentlessly … if we appear.”
“Lady Catherine will be extremely displeased if we do not.”
They continued to embrace, small caresses and feathery kisses the only exchange, until a soft knock was heard from the dressing room. Darcy released a weary breath and called out to his valet. The door opened a fraction.
“Forgive me, sir,” Nelson replied from the other side. “Your aunt has requested you and Mrs. Darcy join the family for dinner this evening.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Mrs. Darcy. How nice that sounds.”
“Indeed,” Darcy replied and claimed her lips. His hand slid down her side and cradled her hip as his tongue began a slow dance with hers.
Nelson cleared his throat just before the door clicked closed. A giggle bubbled up in Elizabeth’s throat when Darcy growled.
“She might come to gather us herself if we do not attend.” Elizabeth placed a line of kisses along his jaw.
“If you are trying to convince me to leave this bed, Elizabeth, you are making a very poor go of it.”
A light tapping at the hallway door stopped him from rolling her onto her back and showing her how little he thought of his aunt’s demands.
“Mama? Da?” Will whispered loudly as only a toddler can.
“Forgive us, old man,” Fitzwilliam’s voice was heard next. “Mrs. Darcy’s presence is requested in the nursery.”
“Anne’s fussy,” Will explained in a normal voice.
Darcy groaned and, with one last kiss for his wife, grabbed his banyan from the end of the bed, and made his way to the door. “Mama and I will be there directly, Will.” He entered the dressing room and rang for Nelson who appeared immediately. “Is a maid available to assist Mrs. Darcy?”
“Yes, sir. Her things have been readied and will be brought here while you dine. Will she be dressing first this evening?”
Mrs Collins' Lover Page 48