Pemberley Celebrations - the First Year

by Kara Louise

  Elizabeth shook her head and pointed her finger at her husband. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, you have no scheduled work that will take you away from Pemberley any time in the next month! I shall write the Collinses directly and let them know that we shall have a room ready for them, and we are looking forward to their visit!”

  “Very well, but please do not sound too enthusiastic. They may believe we are so anxious to see them that they will extend their visit more than just one night!”

  “I will try to keep it as impassive as I can, dear.”

  “By the way, when are they coming?”

  “Thursday, a week,” Elizabeth answered meekly. “The day before your birthday.”

  “Splendid!” Darcy clapped his hands together in mock delight. “Then on Friday we shall have to ask them to stay to celebrate my birthday with me. What a pleasant gift that will be!”

  “Fitzwilliam, my dear, they plan to take their leave on Friday morning.” She leaned down and whispered in his ear. “I have plans for your birthday that include only you and me!” She gave him a provocative smile and a quick kiss before turning to leave the room.

  “Do I get a hint?” he asked as she stepped through the door. He watched for her to return, but she did not reappear.

  Elizabeth immediately wrote to Charlotte and let her know they were welcome to spend the night at Pemberley. She could not help but feel a tingle of anticipation in seeing her best friend, even though the circumstances of her marriage to Mr. Collins was something that Elizabeth still did not fully understand. It had affected the closeness of their friendship, although it had not seriously damaged it.

  The last visit they had with them, when she, her husband, and Georgiana had gone to Rosings for Easter, had been pleasant enough, and she remembered with great delight how her husband had entertained himself with the Collinses’ little baby boy. It was soon after watching Darcy play with him and imagining what a wonderful father her husband would be, that she had found herself with child. She often wondered whether this miraculous event took its roots at Rosings, in his aunt’s very own house. She smiled as she contemplated that.

  The Collinses were scheduled to arrive in a week, and she received confirmation of it from Mr. Collins himself.

  Dear Mr. and Mrs. Darcy,

  The receipt of your letter of invitation for myself, my dearest Charlotte, and our precious little Jacob to pay you a visit on our way north has filled me with a sense of humility and gratefulness that you cannot imagine. My dearest cousin, please know that my wife and I require no special treatment; just a simple bed and a little bit to eat will suffice. I must confess that it will be a great privilege to see the place to which the distinguished Lady Catherine de Bourgh has often referred with such admiration. Since you have no objections to receiving us into your home, we will humbly arrive at Pemberley on Thursday, November 21, by three o’clock; we shall trespass on your hospitality for one night only and promptly depart the following day at ten o’clock in the morning. I do look forward to an enjoyable visit, and remain your cousin and friend,

  William Collins

  Elizabeth contemplated this visit and knew it could be difficult for all. When they had visited Hunsford in the spring, Mr. Collins had been busy at the church preparing for Easter services. This time he would continually be thrown into their company. She would enjoy Charlotte without a doubt, but it was her cousin who would tax her patience as well as that of her husband's.

  She thought of Fitzwilliam, who had little tolerance for foolish people, and her cousin was certainly a continual display of foolishness. But she reminded herself that her husband had made a concerted effort at civility for her sake towards her mother, even when seriously tempted to behave contrarily. She knew he could do it. But he most likely would not be able to enjoy himself while they were here.

  Elizabeth talked with Mrs. Reynolds about the arrangements for their stay and determined which room to put them in. Their little boy would be 10 months old now, and Elizabeth arranged to have him sleep in the room next to his parents, and his nanny in the room adjoining Jacob’s. They also discussed the meal they would have that night and the breakfast the following morning.

  *~*~*

  The week passed far too quickly in Darcy’s opinion, and soon the day of the Collinses' arrival was upon them. Elizabeth double checked with Mrs. Reynolds to ensure that everything was in order, and tried to reassure her husband that all would go well. She would do all in her power to shield him from Mr. Collins's annoying and ingratiating behaviour.

  Promptly at three o'clock, a coach made its way through the dense Pemberley woods. When it rounded a bend in the road, the splendid and stately Pemberley unexpectedly came into view. An intake of breath came from Mr. Collins as he brought his hand up to his mouth. Charlotte simply let out an appreciative, “Ahhh.” She held little Jacob up to the window, allowing him his first glance at Pemberley. He simply squirmed about in his mother’s arms.

  The couple looked around in awe and approbation, commenting on the beauty of the home and grounds.

  Charlotte smiled as she commented to her husband that she could easily imagine her good friend getting acquainted with the grounds as she took long, leisurely walks in the shadows of the tall trees. She assured him that by now, almost a year since becoming Mistress of Pemberley, Elizabeth would have her favourites among the paths and most likely had walked many into a beaten trail.

  Mr. Collins smiled as he began to effusively compare Pemberley’s gardens to those at Rosings. His noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh had throughout the years kept the park thinned, particularly around her estate. The trees and shrubbery there had an especially manicured aspect, whereas here, it appeared to him that there was almost no evidence of gardeners at all. The two may be family, but their ideas in landscaping were completely diverse. Darcy could learn a thing or two from his aunt.

  The carriage stopped at Pemberley’s front door, and Mr. Collins eagerly stepped out. He assisted his wife down and then turned to view the grand edifice before him, clasping his hands together in delight.

  They walked toward the massive front door as servants appeared and began unloading the Collinses' trunks from the coach.

  Mrs. Reynolds stepped out of the house to greet the guests. “I am Mrs. Reynolds, Pemberley’s housekeeper, and I welcome you.”

  Mr. Collins bowed deeply. “Mrs. Reynolds, may I say how good it is to be here. And may I add that the servants here are most efficient. They came out the moment we arrived and seem to be handling our trunks most adequately. I could say much on the subject of the benefit of good servants.”

  Mrs. Reynolds simply smiled at the man, having seen him at the wedding of her master and remembering him as a man of profuse praise, dreary discourse, and a solemn sycophancy of self-importance.

  She bid them enter, and directed them to the parlour to await their hosts. She had informed the Darcys of their arrival when she saw their coach appear.

  Elizabeth went immediately to her husband’s study to walk by his side as they set out to greet their guests. She graciously put her arm through his for her support as much for his. As they neared the parlour, Darcy grimaced at the sound of Mr. Collins's voice. Her reassuring smile did more for him than any words, giving him an added boost of strength to face what lay ahead. But it also warmed him inside knowing she was aware of this weakness of his – and yes, he considered his impatience and lack of tolerance a weakness – yet she loved him all the same.

  When they walked in and Elizabeth saw Charlotte, she reluctantly left her husband’s side and approached her good friend with extended hands. She took both of Charlotte’s hands in hers and then pulled her close in a fervent hug.

  “Charlotte, how good it is to see you! How are you?”

  “We are well, Lizzy. And you?” She pulled away and looked at Elizabeth. “You look like you will deliver any day!”

  “Well, not for another two weeks.” Elizabeth looked down at little Jacob, who was being held in his
nanny’s arms. “And Jacob! My, how big you are! You have certainly grown since we saw you last!” She leaned over and kissed his soft, chubby cheek.

  Darcy straightened his shoulders and took in a deep breath when Elizabeth walked to her friend, realizing he must face Collins alone. He stepped over to him, reminding himself to make every effort to be civil. He extended his hand. “Mr. Collins, my wife and I welcome you to Pemberley. How was your journey?”

  “Exceedingly pleasant, sir. May I say that we are most grateful to your esteemed aunt for her generous help in arranging for us to travel in such an excellent coach. She is, by far, the picture of beneficence.”

  “I am glad to hear that, Mr. Collins.”

  “Be assured, sir, that we are grateful to you and your wife for your overture of good will to us in allowing us to trespass on your hospitality. I would never have considered requesting a visit, of course, but my dearest wife, being such a good friend of your wife, insisted upon it. I know that the timing of our visit is most likely inopportune, with your wife’s… er… impending confinement. We appreciate you opening your magnificent home to us.”

  “There was never a question.”

  Darcy’s shoulders slumped as Mr. Collins continued his rambling. “And, sir, your home… may I commend you on such a stately residence. The grounds and the exterior of the home are splendid! And the inside…” With that, he waved his hand through the air. “The entry-way, and all the furnishings… everything that I have observed so far, sir, is most admirable.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Collins, but I have largely left it the way it was when my parents were alive. I have done nothing to deserve such praise.”

  With a bow, Mr. Collins added, “Oh, but sir, your decision to keep everything the way it was, is certainly praiseworthy.”

  Darcy turned to Elizabeth, bearing a look of desperation and exasperation, and he wondered what she and Charlotte could be talking about so animatedly for so long. Finally he decided to take matters into his own hands.

  “Elizabeth, do you not think that Mr. and Mrs. Collins should be shown to their room so they can freshen up after such a long day of travelling?” Without waiting for her to answer, he called for Mrs. Reynolds. She promptly returned and he asked, “Mrs. Reynolds, would you show Mr. and Mrs. Collins to their room, and then we can meet them in, say, a half hour in the drawing room?”

  “Yes, sir. Follow me, please.”

  Elizabeth got in a quick, final word with Charlotte, and released her to go with her husband. When they left, Darcy took in a sharp breath.

  “What did you have to talk about with Mrs. Collins for so long?”

  “My dear, I have not seen her in over eight months. I wished to hear all about her life and how she enjoys motherhood now that Jacob is a little older! I enjoyed hearing about all he is doing now.” She noticed the strained look upon his face. “Was my cousin terribly difficult to endure?”

  “I would endure anything to please you, Elizabeth. I would just never endure this for my sake alone!”

  Elizabeth laughed and slipped her arm through her husband’s. “Shall we proceed to the drawing room and wait for them there, then?”

  “Allow me first to get some work done in my study. I shall join you there promptly.”

  “Certainly, my love.” Elizabeth stepped up on her toes and kissed her husband on his cheek.

  “Thank you. You are too good.”

  Darcy left his wife’s side to enjoy a half hour’s solitude in his study.

  *~*~*

  After nearly twenty-five minutes had passed, Darcy decided he ought to join his wife in the drawing room. When he walked in, he was grateful to see that Mr. and Mrs. Collins had not yet come down. He walked over to Elizabeth, took a seat next to her, and gave her a weak, but genuine smile.

  She noticed instantly that he seemed more at ease and rewarded his smile with one of her own.

  At length the Collinses joined them. This time the conversation was a joint effort, although truth be told, Elizabeth and Charlotte were the ones who dominated it. Darcy was content to occasionally add an agreement, a brief comment, or simply nod. Collins was a little more prolific in his comments, but at least he had not cornered Darcy with one of his exhortations on pompous nothings.

  When dinner was announced, they all stood up to make their way into the dining room. As Elizabeth tried to stand, she grabbed her stomach and a cry escaped her. She leaned over the chair, putting her hands on the armrests to support her.

  Darcy went to her side immediately, putting his arms around her and helping to ease her back into the chair.

  “What is it?” he asked, concern written on his face.

  “Just a sharp pain.” She held her tightened belly, taking in a deep breath.

  Charlotte went over to her. “Elizabeth, just relax, it will pass.”

  “I believe… it is… easing up… a little,” she managed to say, but it was apparent that she was still in pain.

  Darcy looked from his wife to Charlotte and back to his wife.

  “What is it?”

  Charlotte did not look the least bit concerned. “Could be the onset of labour, or it could be false labour pains. We shall have to wait and see if more come, and if they do, we need to note how often they occur and how long they last.”

  Suddenly Darcy knew not what he was doing or saying, but he felt like an absolute madman. “Should we call the doctor, do you think?”

  “Not yet, but we might notify the midwife so that she is ready and available if we need her.”

  Darcy called for Mrs. Reynolds. “Send word to the midwife and tell her that Elizabeth has had a pain.”

  “Yes, sir,” Mrs. Reynolds smiled compliantly, knowing that most likely there was still plenty of time ahead of them before any baby would be born, in all likelihood another week or two. “I shall advise her to be ready.”

  The pain soon passed, and Elizabeth assured her husband that she was all right. “I believe I am a little better. Shall we continue on to the dining room?”

  “Are you quite sure, my dear? Perhaps you should stay seated in here. I could bring you your food.”

  “Nonsense, Fitzwilliam. There is no need to worry. I am perfectly capable of walking to the dining room and eating in there with the rest of you.”

  Darcy conceded but firmly held on to Elizabeth as they walked in. He gingerly helped her as she took a seat, and soon everyone was enjoying the meal, having quickly forgotten Elizabeth's brief episode of pain. Except Darcy, of course, who watched her every movement, flinch, and facial expression, knowing that if Elizabeth had another pain, she would bear up under it so as not to let anyone know.

  Elizabeth felt another pain begin to strengthen, and just as her husband had suspected, she tried to conceal her discomfort bearing a composed façade. She was forced to endure it a second and then a third time. They were not coming on a regular basis, but the closest interval was fifteen minutes between them.

  Charlotte was telling them about an episode in the neighbourhood when the next pain seized her. At first, Elizabeth tried to pay attention to her friend’s words, but the strength of it eventually forced her to reach out and grip the table. It did not go unnoticed.

  “Elizabeth, you are not well! This is the fourth pain you have had, and the previous one was only ten minutes ago!” He looked at Charlotte. “What should we do?”

  “I think as long as Lizzy is able to eat and get around, she should do just that. There is no sense confining her to a bed when she may have hours ahead of her.” Charlotte took Elizabeth's hand. “Elizabeth, when you have another pain, try to relax if at all possible. Just remember, it will be over shortly!”

  “Thank you, Charlotte!”

  Charlotte then turned to Mr. Darcy. “Perhaps it would be wise to send for the midwife directly.”

  He immediately summoned a servant to send an urgent message to the midwife to come right away.

  Elizabeth ate a little, feeling just a trifle anxious that the baby mig
ht make an appearance this soon. Darcy kept his eyes on his wife, waiting with apprehension for each pain to grip her. Collins merely enjoyed the food before him, offering up delicate compliments about everything he ate.

  When they had finished eating, Darcy helped Elizabeth up. “I think I would like to walk, Fitzwilliam. My back hurts, and it feels better when I am walking.”

  Darcy supported Elizabeth as she walked, while Charlotte talked with Mrs. Reynolds. They determined that since the pains were now seven minutes apart, things might progress in short order. Mrs. Reynolds made sure that the room Elizabeth would use for the birthing was ready, and everyone prepared themselves for the wait.

  At length, Elizabeth could no longer walk, the pains came more frequently, and she knew she would have to retire to the birthing room, where only the women would be expected to remain with her. Darcy walked her in, a grievous look upon his face.

  “You do not plan to have this baby now, do you?” His look quickly turned frantic.

  “Fitzwilliam, you know as well as I that when a baby decides to come, there is not a thing that can be done about it!” Her voice was raised with just a touch of irritation.

  “I should prefer to stay with you then, Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth whispered to her husband. “Fitzwilliam, I fear you would find what happens in here exceedingly more stressful than having to stay out there with Mr. Collins.”

  Another pain gripped Elizabeth, and she reached out for Darcy's arm and held onto it tightly.

  “Elizabeth, are you sure you do not want me to remain in here?”

  “I am quite certain!” she cried out, holding tightly to his arm. It was quickly followed by a “Please leave!”

  Mrs. Reynolds also felt it was time for the father-to-be to leave the room. “Now Mr. Darcy, you need to go and leave us women to deal with what happens most naturally.” She gave him a gentle nudge as he seemed reluctant to leave.

  Elizabeth smiled wanly at him, still seized by the pain, which did nothing to reassure him. It only made it more difficult for him to leave her.