by Beth Massey
His note both informed and requested. It declared that he and Miss Bennet would be married in Hertfordshire on the fifteenth of October. That was the day of the party to introduce Lord Colton and Mr Darcy to Hertfordshire society… as the husbands of Lydia and Elizabeth. Mr and Mrs Bennet had agreed to Bingley’s plan, and now that celebration would include a wedding breakfast for Charles and Jane. Darcy was amused that this Bingley… with direction… did not ask permission to combine the festivities, but instead appealed for aid in obtaining a special license.
Will and Elizabeth had been shocked by the dizzying speed of their intent to wed, but the couple were united in their need to make haste. Lady Sarah had delayed her plans to travel to Derbyshire for her own wedding, and instead helped her friend, Mrs Bennet, create another lovely party. Miss Bingley joined them as a partner in the endeavour. She enthusiastically embraced the marriage of this couple, though less than a year before she had successfully separated them.
The dual-fold commemoration took on a third observance when Mr Bennet used the festivities to announce the betrothal of his daughter Mary to the Reverend Holmes. Darcy’s memory of that announcement was bittersweet. Miss Mary Bennet assured her family and friends that unlike her sisters, she would follow established protocol and publish the banns. She and Mr Holmes would not marry before January and they would wed in Derbyshire. They both did indicate a sense of urgency to accomplish the deed before Lord Blessing’s demise. His wish to observe all his children wed was uppermost on their mind. He had been unable to travel to Hertfordshire for the announcement, but Dr Parton had been encouraged that the trip to London had not been as debilitating as his earlier expectations. All hoped it wouldy mean several months before Lord Blessing would become too weak to observe their vows. Fitzwilliam had wondered at the time whether the hopes of her father would impact his cousin’s courtship of Lady Eleanor.
He remembered a slightly envious look on Lord Blessing’s tall, beautiful daughter as she had observed all the couples in love. She had travelled to Hertfordshire for the festivities with Georgiana and Kitty while Richard had remained in London because of his military responsibilities.
As it turned out, the earl’s condition had worsened, and the wedding of Mary and Lawrence had been moved a month earlier to 10 December. Richard had been persuaded by his parents to make his move, and allow Derbyshire to experience a double wedding, planned by the duo of Mrs Bennet and the recently quietly wed Lady Sarah Parton.
The New Year had brought the passing of Lord Blessing. He had survived Christmas, albeit, confined to his bed and drew his last breathe on the seventh of January 1813. He had been surrounded by his family and friends. All knew the end was near, and he held court when his fragile body allowed. Mr Bennet who had come to Derbyshire for Mary’s wedding to the dying man’s son; had stayed through the holidays. He spent most days reading to his new friend. Darcy believed the mantle of patriarch had been passed by the dying earl to the country squire during their closed conferences. Will smiled with the knowledge that Lord Blessing had known before he left this earth… that both Lady Colton and her mother, Mrs Bennet, were with child.
Grief was tempered by the belief of all assembled that the dying Earl of Blessing—Edward Holmes—would soon be reunited with his beloved Susan. He had lived long enough to know his family’s future and happiness were secure, and he could go to his maker knowing he had fought the good fight. Darcy closed his eyes for a few seconds as he remembered this man who, like his parents, had believed love was the most important element of a successful marriage.
Spring had brought an Easter without a trip to Rosings. Anne had remained in Derbyshire with Lord and Lady Elderton through the winter, and returned to London with them for the Season. Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, Georgiana and Kitty had made the journey with them. All would be by the side of the two young women as they made their way through the presentation ordeal. Anne had encouraged her cousin and Miss Catherine in their debuts, and had participated in a number of events without having to endure the ceremony at Saint James. Her escort of choice was young Dr Parton. He was staying at Blessing House with Richard and Lady Eleanor while he looked for permanent lodgings. With the death of the earl, he was free to pursue scientific studies in London.
Jon and Lydia had decided to remain in Derbyshire, and forgo the Season this year, to allow their first child to be born at Blessing. Elizabeth had dutifully acted as chaperone for Georgiana and Kitty at the many obligatory balls and events, but Darcy had been cognizant early in May that she had been anxious to return to Derbyshire, to be with Lydia during her final confinement and the birth. Jane had agreed to the task of staying with her mother through her delivery, but Lizzy seemed to need to support her youngest sister, despite the presence of Lady Sarah and the elder Dr Parton. It was when she expressed her desires concerning her sister’s confinement that Darcy first began to notice her frequents bouts of nausea and an increase in tiredness. They had journeyed to Derbyshire at the end of May and left their sisters in the care of Lord and Lady Elderton, as well as Richard and Lady Eleanor, for the last weeks of the Season.
As if they needed more proof of love being all around them, in early June just after they had returned to Pemberley… two additional betrothals had been announced. Anne de Bourgh was to marry Dr James Parton. A date was not yet set, as an accommodation with her mother would have to be accomplished. Lord Elderton had assured his niece he would act as her advocate with Lady Catherine. Anne was of age, and she had great wealth to which her uncle had facilitated her gaining access. She had no need of her mother, but their hope was that she could be made to see the wisdom of allowing her daughter to pursue happiness in her own way. At some point Anne would need to take responsibility for Rosings, but Lord Elderton had decided to take things one-step at a time.
The difficult situation his cousin still faced caused Will to release a sigh, and Lizzy to react to the movement of his body with the exhalation. She pushed herself more snugly against him, and he noticed a smile appear in her sleep with the increased contact. His desire was to kiss those upturned lips, but he was disciplined and allowed her to rest.
Thoughts of his aunt were the source of his ability to refrain. Lady Catherine had not been heard from by any of her relations since she had been confronted by Lord Blessing. She had returned to Kent and had not even had the courtesy to send congratulations at the time of Richard’s wedding. Lord Elderton was travelling to see her in August. Darcy hoped for Anne’s sake that an accommodation with her mother could be reached.
Elizabeth had heard from Charlotte Collins that Lady Catherine was practically a recluse. No longer were she and the Reverend Collins invited to her house for dinner or tea. In fact, she had only been seen by Charlotte at Sunday services occasionally. Mr Collins was beside himself with the turn of events. Somehow his patroness did not hold the same appeal now that her illustrious family no longer seemed to approve of her. He had also heard rumours among the residents of Hunsford village that Sir Lewis de Bourgh had been a debauched libertine. As he was a classic opportunist, he knew not how to act when it was unclear where the power resided.
Will was sad for Elizabeth’s friend. He knew the decision to wed Collins had not been forced, but he lamented the circumstances that caused women to believe they had to make such choices. Charlotte had never forgiven her husband for his cruel words at Longbourn. She often spent weeks at a time in Hertfordshire with her parents. Elizabeth had speculated, as she read between the lines, that they had a marriage in name only. Will could not help but laugh as he remembered his wife’s latest revelation from Charlotte. She was actually pleased that Mrs Bennet was with child, and had written she prayed it was the long hoped for male. His laughter, though silent, was felt by the still slumbering Lizzy… and he wondered what the mumbled ‘soon’ meant.
The other announced betrothal had been the most unexpected. Caroline Bingley had met the owner of Netherfield at the time of her brother’s wedding. A baronet, by the name of
Sir Walter Percy, had leased Netherfield to Charles Bingley in order to retrench and cut expenses. He had taken rooms in the most fashionable section of Bath. The older man had formed an instant liking to his amiable tenant--despite his roots in trade. The young man’s well coiffed hair and the beautiful blue coat he had worn to the signing of the rental documents had made a favourable first impression. When Bingley had told him he would not be renewing the lease, Sir Walter had been disappointed, but desired to continue an acquaintance with this young man. The young bridegroom had seemed more mature and commanding than he remembered from their last encounter, and the baronet applauded his good sense to marry the most beautiful young woman in all of Hertfordshire. Most importantly, Sir Walter approved that while embracing the serious side of life, Mr Bingley had not lost his sense of style.
The master of Netherfield had been intrigued when he heard of the bathtubs that Charles was manufacturing, and based on the advertisement he was shown, placed an order for one directly. In fact, he was so impressed with the product that he had been engaged to discreetly promote them among his acquaintances in Bath.
Darcy’s impression of the man had been improved from the time of the lease signing. His delight in returning to Netherfield and the neighbourhood to celebrate with the Bennets the marriage of three of their daughters and the engagement of a fourth seemed genuine. He had profusely expressed his pleasure with the admirable matches of these young women he had known since infancy.
Though twenty years older than Caroline Bingley, Sir Walter Percy was a very fine looking man who spent most of his income on the trappings of a fashionable life. He was a widower, with two married daughters. He immediately admired Caroline’s style upon making her acquaintance. A natural redhead with such creamy skin and nary a freckle was a delight to see. It had been years since he had been so attracted to a woman, and he did not hesitate to pursue the fashionable Miss Bingley.
She had spent so many years trying to attract Mr Darcy that she had not noticed any other men who expressed an interest until Sir Walter. He was persistent and did not allow her to ignore him in Hertfordshire. It was when they met up again during the Season in London that he had success. He secured an attachment; and they announced they would be married in London in September.
Darcy had never seen a more perfect potential union without the deepest love. The couple had similar interests, and according to Charles, her mother would have been pleased Sir Walter was a baronet. He would never complain if she overspent her clothes allowance, and she would tolerate his somewhat foppish addiction to the use of copious amounts of creams and lotions to maintain his youthful complexion. Everyone, who saw them together, commented on what a handsome and elegant couple they made. Will had even observed some lustful glances being exchanged between, what he had to admit, were two of the shallowest human beings it had ever been his privilege to know.
Lizzy had drifted back into a deep slumber. As he gazed at her sleeping countenance, he summed up the last months. Since their wedding he had been present at the weddings of four couples and the funeral of one very honourable man. Their sisters had been presented at court and both had managed the ordeal with no catastrophes or any hint of unfavourable gossip. They had done their duty to throw Georgiana and Catherine into the company of marriageable men. Now, within the past week there had been two births.
The news of the arrival of Thomas William Bennet had only been received a few days before. Longbourn was secure provided their long awaited son survived. As he thought of the brand new baby Viscount Colton—Edward Jonathon Holmes—and the image of his proud parents, Will was inspired to move a little closer to his wife. Maybe today, on an ordinary Tuesday, she would tell him the suspected good news. Surely she knew the symptoms, as she had spent much time with Lydia both before and after their time in London.
The motion of his adjustment wakened her. She shoved her posterior deeper into his groin. Her action initiated another stirring of his member, but she pulled back almost immediately and turned to face him.
She smiled up at him and said, “Good morning. You smell marvelous… but where is my friend this morning?”
He laughed rather than smiled and replied, “Good morning, and thank you for the compliment. You smell delightful as well. I sent your friend away so you could sleep.”
“But I like him. It is a comfort to me to be awakened by his poke.”
He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her soundly before he whispered, “I believe I feel him returning.”
She sighed with pleasure and whispered back, “It is good to know that with all the changes occurring in my life, there is some constancy on which I can count.”
Early that afternoon, the irrationality he had been lately observing, returned. The air was hot and humid, and Derbyshire had been subject to frequent thunderstorms. “I am tired of not being able to go out as often in this infernal, unpredictable climate. It is never this miserable in Hertfordshire.”
He could barely suppress a chuckle. She began a litany of other things that were trying her patience.
“My skin feels clammy. I am reduced to wearing my thinnest muslin frock and nothing else but a shift for comfort. My hair is often unkempt no matter how hard Millie and I try to make it presentable. I desperately need to get some exercise.”
Darcy had tried to calm her and promised if the sun came back out, he would accompany her on a stroll. He asked what he thought was an innocuous question. “Lizzy my love, why are you so agitated of late?’
She did not take kindly to his query. She glared at him and said, “Oh let me be. You sit there looking so cool and composed… secure in your role as the beloved Master of Pemberley. I on the other hand am hot and mussed… certain that the servants are noticing my bedraggled appearance.”
He was trying to keep his face from registering any emotion at her words, but she perceived a reaction regardless. “You need not look so smug. Surely you have felt displeasure with your circumstances. I remember Charles declaring that he did not know a more awful object than you, on particular occasions. I believe he said he noticed it right here at Pemberley and especially—as I remember—he had observed it of a Sunday evening, when you had nothing to do. Think of me as being the same… only my time for aggravation is Tuesday afternoon when the weather is muggy."
Darcy did not reply, but he finished her sentence in his head with and you are with child. He was careful not to appear happy at his thought and quickly went back to reading his book.
An hour later she declared the sky had cleared and she was going for a walk, and he need not bother to accompany her. He decided it prudent to allow her some time alone, although he thought he saw clouds gathering on the horizon. “Lizzy, stay close to the house.”
Her response was another glare.
Twenty minutes after she had departed, he stood on the steps outside to see if he could determine where she was. The sky looked ominous and he was concerned she would get soaked. In the distance he saw her determined little figure walking toward the Grecian temple. As he watched her progression he thought of something Lady Catherine had said of Lizzy. His aunt—like a stopped watch—had managed to be correct this time. His wife was, indeed, an obstinate, headstrong girl… of course that was part of why he loved her.
He determined that he should go and rescue her from her obstinate tendencies. Suddenly he had a memory of a past event and that triggered a vision of his favourite fantasy. Could he make it a reality? It did look like rain; and she was bound to be angry that he had followed her. He hurried to the stable for his horse.
Elizabeth felt the drops of rain begin and took off running for the folly. She probably should have obeyed Will and stayed close to the house. It would not do for her to fall ill in her condition. Part of her anxiety was finding the right time and place to tell him. She was not sure why she was so nervous about her news. Just before they left London, he had declared how much he was looking forward to being alone with just her. Since their return, the
y had made the most of their time without Georgiana.
Georgiana’s return was almost upon them. She and Kitty were staying with Mrs Annesley at Darcy House so they could spend time with a drawing master several times a week. Richard and Eleanor were just across the park so neither she nor Will were concerned for their security. The end of July would see Georgiana’s homecoming while Kitty returned to Longbourn to help her mother with the baby.
The thought of her new brother brought her musings back to her current worry. A baby would demand her attention, and she would be forced to become focused on something other than Will. The rain increased, and she arrived at the temple soaked. Her dress was so thin it clung to her body in a most revealing way. She prayed none of the staff or tenants would see her so exposed. She would wait until it cleared before she headed back to the house.
While waiting for a break in the weather, she remembered their recent episodes at the cottage. He had arranged a surprise waiting for her when they returned from London. Unbeknownst to her, he had requested Mr Jenkins install a swing on a limb of a large oak tree next to the cottage. Lizzy shivered both with being chilled from her soaking and the memory of the delight the swing had provided. It had been in compensation for his rejection of the idea of attempting his fantasy of making love to her while galloping on his horse. The swing had come to him as a satisfying substitute for the motion of his steed. The feeling had been glorious—flying and making love simultaneous—how titillating
Lizzy hoped he was in the mood. The elements for bringing to life part of his fantasy were in place. Rain had left her soaked, once again, and it was nothing to make her body shiver or to feign anger. She was willing him to rescue her as he had last summer. They would gallop to the cottage and play some chess while they waited for the rain to end. Then they could go outside and soar in the swing.