by Kara Louise
“I cannot help but notice that your figure has not plumped one bit since I last saw you!” She shook her head. “There must be something wrong. You are most likely doing far too much! You must rest in your condition!”
Before Elizabeth could even protest that this was not the case, Lady Catherine continued, “I shall remain here during your confinement so no harm will come to the baby.”
Elizabeth struggled to maintain her calm. “I thank you for your concern, Lady Catherine, but there is no need. I have all the help I could possibly want or need, and you can be assured that I will do nothing to adversely affect my health or the health of our baby.”
Lady Catherine gave her cane a sharp tap on the floor. “You cannot be overly careful in these things. As one of my nephew’s closest relatives, I have determined to do everything I possibly can for the heir to Pemberley. I have seen to all my obligations, and Anne is staying with her aunt and uncle in town.”
Elizabeth was too tired to argue and decided she would leave that unpleasant task to her husband.
Elizabeth’s silence seemed to indicate her acquiescence and, having achieved her aim, Lady Catherine stood up abruptly. “I am fatigued from the journey and will adjourn to my room. Mrs. Reynolds has assured me it is always at the ready for me.”
Elizabeth slowly stood up. “May I accompany you?”
“No need for that. I know the way.” She strode out of the room without another word, and after a quick nod to Elizabeth, Mrs. Reynolds followed after her.
Elizabeth sat back down in the chair and closed her eyes. She only needed a few moments of rest. Just a few moments…
Mrs. Reynolds patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Wake up, Mrs. Darcy. Why do you not go upstairs and rest? Lady Catherine will likely remain in her chambers for some time.”
Elizabeth shook her head to clear the sleep-induced fog that had settled in. “I cannot believe how fatigued I am. I feel as though I slept at least an hour!”
“It was but a mere five minutes,” Mrs. Reynolds laughed. “Go on upstairs, now. Lady Catherine is settled in her room – she favours the blue room downstairs in the north wing. She does not wish to have to take the stairs and prefers a room with a window that faces due east.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I think I shall go to my room. Please send my husband to see me as soon as he returns.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Darcy. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Elizabeth let out a stifled chuckle. “Perhaps mix me up a potion that would whisk Mr. Darcy and me away from here without anyone seeing us leave.” She let out a sigh. “Or perhaps you can find a fairy or two who will cast a spell on Lady Catherine so she will be a kind-hearted woman who will cheerily wish us a pleasant journey to Stratford!”
Mrs. Reynolds cast an uncertain look at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth waved her hand through the air and smiled. “From Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Mrs. Reynolds gave her a knowing nod in return.
As Elizabeth took the stairs to her room, she felt there was very little chance that they would now be able to take this journey. Georgiana was with friends in the Lake District, so even she was not here to entertain her aunt if they were to leave. And even if the young girl were here, Elizabeth could not imagine leaving Georgiana to fend for herself with their aunt.
It was another hour before Darcy returned. When he stepped through the door, both Mrs. Reynolds and the butler, Mr. Haywood, greeted him with the same concerned look on their faces.
“What is it?” he demanded. “Has something happened to Elizabeth?”
Mrs. Reynolds quickly reassured him that his wife was all right.
“It is your aunt, sir,” Haywood said. “Lady Catherine arrived a little over an hour ago.”
Darcy let out a groan, raking his fingers through his hair. “This is the last thing we needed. Where are they now?”
“Mrs. Darcy is upstairs in her room” Mrs. Reynolds offered. “Your aunt has gone to her chamber to rest after the journey.”
“Thank you.”
“Mrs. Darcy did ask for you directly when you returned.”
“I shall go up immediately. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, Haywood.” With a nod, he left them and hurried up the staircase to see his wife.
When he walked in, he saw that Elizabeth was asleep in a chair. A book lay in her lap, and her head was leaning back, tilted to one side. He paused for a moment to admire her beauty before attempting to waken her. She looked so at peace as she rested. He had never seen her look so radiant.
He whispered her name, and she slowly opened her eyes. She greeted him with a smile and outstretched arms. “I am so glad to see you.”
He leant down to her and slipped his arms under her, easily lifting her up. “Elizabeth, come sit with me on the sofa.”
She lazily wrapped her arms about his neck and rested her head against his shoulder.
“Do you know what I love about you,” Darcy asked, “other than the fact that you are so beautiful?”
His words brought a smile to her lips. “You mean you love me for something other than my beauty?” She turned her head toward him and playfully batted her eyelashes.
“There are many things I love about you, Elizabeth, but just now I realized how important your greeting was to me. You did not greet me with your frustration about my aunt’s unexpected arrival. You told me, instead, that you were glad to see me.”
“Perhaps upon waking, my dear, my mind had not yet recollected that fact.”
“Regardless, I appreciated it. Now, to the matter at hand. My aunt’s arrival. I know not what you have said to her or what she has said to you, but I am still inclined to go to Stratford. We will simply inform Lady Catherine that she is welcome to stay for a short visit, but in three days we will be setting out, and we are sorry in advance for any inconvenience it may cause her.”
“You are so very sweet, Fitzwilliam, but I fear it might prove to be a little more complicated.”
“Why is that?”
“She claims that she has come to assist me in my duties because I am indisposed. Knowing your aunt, I fear she will not only fuss about my doing too much, but will be completely undone by our plans to travel!”
Darcy shook his head. “Let her fuss all she wants; I will not allow her to tell us what we can and cannot do!”
Elizabeth stroked her husband’s sleeve, rubbing the material between her fingers. “Will you do me a favour?”
“Certainly.”
“She does not yet know about our plans to go to Stratford. Do not say anything to her about it until tomorrow. Let us endeavour to have an enjoyable dinner and evening together, and then tomorrow we can apprise her of our plans.”
Darcy nodded his head. “I think that is a fine idea, Elizabeth.”
The evening spent together went auspiciously well, save for the few times Lady Catherine offered unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, the strain of enduring more of their aunt’s helpful suggestions, coupled with the knowledge that they would soon announce to her their intent, produced such an effect on Elizabeth’s countenance that it confirmed Lady Catherine’s conviction that her assistance was even more sorely needed.
Nothing was ever said or done to squelch their plans to journey three days hence, but Lady Catherine, in her usual manner, expressed her views quite forthrightly on every subject, from the management of Pemberley and its grounds to the latest fashions that Elizabeth would need to consider as she progressed in her condition.
Elizabeth eventually discovered that the best way to handle Lady Catherine’s advice was to smile and say nothing, or merely offer a soft, “Thank you.” This was apparently something her husband had learned to do over the years and she quickly followed his example.
When they retired for the evening, Elizabeth was grateful for the quiet of the room and the reassuring presence of her husband beside her. She was physically and emotionally fatigued. Darcy held her close, combing her long hair with his fingers and massaging h
er head, neck, and shoulders. She let out a long sigh.
“Is that sigh due to fatigue or distress, Elizabeth?”
She pondered a moment before answering. “To own the truth, my dearest, I believe it stemmed more from the outpouring of my love for you.” Her voice became a whisper. “Being held in your arms gives me the assurance that together we can conquer anything.”
“Even my aunt?” he asked as he nuzzled her ear.
“Yes,” she answered. “Even your aunt.”
Elizabeth turned to face him and wrapped her arms about him. She pressed her head against his chest, listening to the pounding of his heart.
“Elizabeth,” he said softly, his lips still next to hers. “Are you certain? Are you well enough?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I am quite sure.” She looked up at her husband and silenced his concerns with a kiss.
*~*~*
The next morning Elizabeth awakened feeling better than she had in a long time. Her excitement about their journey overpowered any trepidation she felt about having to inform Lady Catherine of their plans.
She dressed quickly and went downstairs to find her husband. She hoped he would be free to join her for a walk outdoors. It had been far too long since she had wakened free of any discomfort, and she looked forward to a stroll.
She found him, and he gladly joined her. As they walked, they formulated the manner in which Lady Catherine would be told. They would thank her for her consideration, and although they knew she meant well, would assure her that Elizabeth was perfectly able to handle her responsibilities at Pemberley and was also well enough to make the relatively short journey to Stratford they had already planned. She would be given the option of remaining at Pemberley a day or two longer in the good hands of the Pemberley staff or travelling back to London when they departed. But they would insist that if she remained at Pemberley without them, it was to be as a guest; she was not to exert any influence over servants or any particulars in the management of Pemberley. They would tell her all this at breakfast, giving her today and tomorrow to decide what she wished to do.
Elizabeth felt a little more fatigued than normal after their walk, but knew she must appear strong and healthy to convince Lady Catherine of her self-sufficiency.
When they came into the breakfast room, Lady Catherine was already there waiting for them. “Good morning. I hope you have not been out walking all this time.”
“Good morning, Lady Catherine. We took a short, leisurely stroll,” Darcy said as he pulled out the chair for Elizabeth.
“It is so very pleasant in the mornings, and it has been far too long since I have enjoyed a nice turn about the gardens. Everything is so lovely!” Elizabeth smiled, hoping her aunt was not as discerning as her husband in determining how she truly felt.
“I have drawn up a list of things that I would like to accomplish while I am here. You need not worry about a thing!”
“Lady Catherine…” Elizabeth and Darcy both spoke at once. Elizabeth whispered the name while her husband had blurted it out. They turned to look at each other, and Elizabeth nodded encouragement at her husband to go on.
“As we mentioned last night, we appreciate all your concern, but there is no need for your generously offered assistance. At the moment, Elizabeth is perfectly capable to fulfil her duties as Mistress of Pemberley. And not only that…” He took in a deep breath and looked at Elizabeth, giving her a small, nervous smile. “Not only that, we are departing Pemberley in two days, travelling to Stratford to visit friends, and…”
“She cannot travel! Whatever are you thinking!”
“I am perfectly able to travel, Lady Catherine. Women in my condition do it all the time!”
“That does not make it wise!” Lady Catherine’s contorted face displayed her fierce displeasure, and Elizabeth wondered whether this was going to be more difficult than they thought.
There was silence for a moment. Elizabeth considered how best to alleviate Lady Catherine’s anger. She knew what she would like to say to her, but pursed her lips together so she would not blurt out something she might later regret.
Finally, in a calm, soft, and slow voice her husband said, “Lady Catherine, we deeply respect the wisdom you freely bestow on us. I have benefited greatly from it over the years, but now I must insist that you allow us to make the decision for ourselves.”
“This is not to be borne!” she exclaimed. “You are risking the very life of the future heir of Pemberley with a trivial inclination to travel!”
Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “You must know that I would never do anything that would put our son or daughter at risk. We shall do nothing that might prove hazardous to the child or either of us.”
Elizabeth was not altogether certain, but it appeared that Lady Catherine’s eyes glistened briefly with tears. Shaking her head, the older woman said, “No, I cannot force you to do anything. You are adults. But if you go, you do so with my disapproval.”
For the remainder of the day, despite the warmth outside, there seemed to be a chill in the air inside.
*~*~*
As they gathered around the table that evening for dinner, Elizabeth was surprised when Lady Catherine said, with more than a little difficulty, “You know my feelings on your decision not only to make this journey, but also in rejecting my generous offer to help. But I shall depart Pemberley on the morning you set off for Stratford.” Her face remained stern and her manner abrupt.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth replied gently. “We are very mindful of your generosity.”
“I appreciate the trust you have in us, Aunt.”
Elizabeth felt a great sense of relief, and her joy returned in anticipation of their planned trip. While Darcy and Elizabeth made every attempt to engage Lady Catherine in pleasant conversation, she was very curt in any response she gave.
As the servants were bringing in a tureen of fresh vegetable soup and a platter of freshly baked breads, Haywood appeared the door with a slightly distressed look on his face.
“A visitor has arrived, sir… Mrs. Darcy…”
Before he could say another word, Elizabeth’s father marched through the door. “No need for formalities! Can not a father drop in and surprise his favourite daughter?” He turned to Elizabeth. “How are you, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth could not formulate one word. Her eyes darted to her husband and back to her father. She finally was able to answer, “I am well, Father. And you? Is the family well?”
“Certainly!” He came over and gave his favourite daughter a light embrace and a kiss on her forehead. “Everyone sends their regards, and… oh…” He fumbled around in his pockets and finally pulled out a letter. “From Jane. I would read it later, if I were you.”
He turned to glance at Lady Catherine. “I am sorry, but I do not believe we have met.”
Darcy had risen to his feet. “Mr. Bennet, may I present my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Elizabeth felt a sudden sense of apprehension when she saw the light of recollection flash in her father’s eyes.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Catherine. I have heard much about you!” He smiled wryly. “I do not believe I saw you at the wedding.” Elizabeth recognized the mischievous grin as he waited for the lady’s response.
“No, I… unfortunately, I was unable to attend.”
“That is unfortunate, indeed!” Mr. Bennet declared. “It was such a splendid affair!”
Darcy quickly extended his hand toward a chair. “You must be hungry, Mr. Bennet. Please sit down and join us.”
“I should like that very much!”
As he sat down, Elizabeth and Darcy stole another glance at each other. She was happy to see her father, of course, but she could only imagine what would transpire with him and Lady Catherine together for any length of time. She knew him too well; his tendency was to mock anything he deemed ridiculous, to tease even when one was not appreciative of it.
She let out a silent groan as she was also certain t
hat any plans to go to Stratford would now not come to pass.
Dinner passed relatively well, as Darcy and Elizabeth kept the conversation on subjects they hoped would be safe. With Darcy’s knowledge of what might aggravate his aunt, and Elizabeth knowing her father so well, the four were able to enjoy a moderately pleasant meal. Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine actually engaged in some lively conversation – not without some disagreement, of course, but it was a friendly banter.
After dinner, Lady Catherine joined Elizabeth in the parlour, while Darcy and her father adjourned to the study. Once alone, the elder woman again brought up the subject of Elizabeth’s travelling.
“You seem to be quite determined, young lady, to take this journey. Have you considered what it would mean to your husband if something happened to the child you are carrying?”
Elizabeth was rather surprised she brought up the subject again, but gave her a half-hearted smile. The last thing she wanted to do was to give in to Lady Catherine’s demands, but now that her father was here, she felt less inclined to go. She could not depart when he had only just arrived. She also had begun to feel unsettled again.
Elizabeth remained silent for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. Just as she did not want to give Lady Catherine the impression her argument had swayed her decision, she did not want her to think that she would cancel plans for her father, but not for her.
“To own the truth, Lady Catherine, as we sat at dinner tonight, I began to feel a bit ill again, and I think perhaps we will have to put off our journey for a later time.” When Elizabeth saw a very satisfied look cross the lady’s face, she added, “Perhaps in a week or two, I will feel up to it.”
“A week or two!” Lady Catherine shook her head forcefully. “A year or two would be a more reasonable amount of time! By then your child will be old enough to be left with a nanny.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened at this. She had not even considered the possibility of leaving her child with a nanny for any length of time, especially if she was going to be a good distance from home. She was in no mood to discuss this, so she gave her a nod, a smile, and bit back any more words on the subject.