She smiled. “I will leave you to dress,” she said, standing to go into the other room where her trunk was unpacked.
Fitz reached for her hand, pulling her back to the side of the bed, “When I have dressed I will give you a proper kiss. For now, this will have to do.” He then kissed her cheek again, his scruffy beard rubbing against her delicate skin. Mary chuckled at the feeling, then leaned down to kiss his cheek as well before quickly leaving the room to call her maid.
When they came down the stairs Fitz smelled the tempting aromas coming from the kitchen. Mrs Simpson was just pulling some fresh bread from the oven when he poked his head into the room. She insisted upon them eating, so they broke their fast before continuing with their plan to go for a ride.
After being in Town for the last month it felt good to get on a horse and fly across the fields once again. Mary would never forget the feeling of freedom it gave her. Elizabeth did not like riding, so she was glad to have a husband who loved it as much as she did. He even volunteered to teach her to jump once they finally returned to Derbyshire and the winter ground was thawed. Mary looked forward to the new adventure that awaited her.
The week they were to spend at the cottage slowly went by, each new day bringing them even closer together. Soon they were watching the trunks be lifted onto the back of the carriage once again. The ride back to Town seemed to pass more quickly than it had when they left, and they were greeted at Darcy House by their eager relatives. Elizabeth whisked her sister away while Darcy suggested Fitz join he and Bingley in a game of billiards.
“Bingley, I must say, I did not expect to see you upon my return,” Fitz said as he entered the room.
“No, I would guess I was the furthest person from your mind today.” He poured Fitz and drink, explaining his presence as he handed it to him. “I came to trounce my friend here once more before I must leave for the north. Apart from my sister, the rest of my family insists upon being together for Christmas this year, so we are scheduled to leave for Scarborough tomorrow morning.”
“Miss Bingley is not too pleased with your decision?”
“No, she is not. She would prefer to stay here where she is certain she will find a husband this season.” He rolled his eyes in exaggeration of her charms as he repeated what he had heard Caroline spout for days now. “That is what led me to Darcy’s door. I did not realize you would be returning today until the butler announced your arrival.”
“It is of little consequence, Bingley,” Darcy shrugged as he patted Fitz on the shoulder and took a seat. “I doubt there is anything I can pry from my cousin that your bachelor ears cannot hear as well. He is not one to tell of his exploits too easily.”
“Exploits? You must have me confused with my brother. I have never been known to bandy about Town as some do.” He sat down, putting his drink on the table beside him. With a smile he replied, “I must say though, Bingley, marriage is highly recommended.”
Bingley laughed, “I am not quite ready for that, my friend. Perhaps when I meet the right lady.”
“Well, when you do, sweep her off and marry her as quickly as you can. There is nothing like marriage to settle a man’s heart.” Fitz turned back to Darcy, asking, “Has there been anything said from my family?”
“Nothing that I have heard. We have visited a few of my friends, and their wives have accepted Elizabeth without any difficulties. Lady Beaumont even called on us a few days ago. On several of our calls your recent marriage was brought up, and nothing more than best wishes for your future were given.”
Bingley cleared his throat, interrupting the two, “I hate to say it, but my sister has mentioned visiting Lady Danver, and you know the animosity she holds for Miss Mary... er, I mean, Mrs Fitzwilliam.”
Fitz could not help but smile at Bingley’s blunder. “Well, we shall have a good time of the season with those who wish for our company and friendship, and all others cannot temper our good spirits.”
Darcy chuckled, “Said like a man clearly in love.”
“And proud of it,” Fitz replied, lifting his glass in salute.
The next morning Mary awoke to her husband playing with her hair. She had gone to bed with her hair plaited loosely every night since the second night of their marriage, and yet every morning she would find it down and tangled again. This morning, it seemed, her husband had already worked the tangles out of it with his fingers.
“Ahhh, I was wondering how long you would sleep.” He kissed her cheek, his smooth skin telling just how late it was in the day.
“Oh, what you must think of me, sleeping so late like this.” She started to pull the counterpane back, but he stayed her hand.
“It is your birthday, and if you wish to sleep the day away then that is what you have the freedom to do.”
“One thing I must do today is finish our Christmas greetings and get them sent, so be prepared to lend me a few minutes of your time to sign a few personal ones to your family.”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, “I will do as you wish, but I still see no point in your quest of sending my parents greetings. You know they are only tossed into the fire, do you not?”
“It matters not to me what they do with them, only that we send them. We will do what is right and proper, even if they refuse to acknowledge us.”
“That is what I love about you—your compassion for others is astounding.” He stood, revealing that he was already dressed, though his boots were lying next to the chair in the corner of the room. “I will leave you to your necessities and will see you downstairs.”
Mary began to work her fingers through her hair as she went into the dressing room to call Mabel. She had chosen what she would wear on this special day already, and with the help of her maid she was soon dressed with her hair coifed in a suitable manner.
She descended the stairs and found the others in the dining room breaking their fast. When she entered, her husband stood and took her elbow, leading her to a chair, then he filled her plate from the dishes on the sidebar and placed it in front of her. It seemed even the kitchen staff were prepared to give her anything she desired. Everything looked wonderful, and it was not long before she knew she must stop before she ate too much.
Fitz then insisted they go to the sitting room, where a few small gifts lay wrapped on the table. Mary opened each, thankful for the items each of them had chosen just for her. She saw a brown paper package tied with blue and red thread and knew it would be from her young cousin Henry. Their plan originally was to meet up with the Gardiners and go for a ride in the park, then return to Darcy House for a family supper, but they had received word yesterday that Juliana, the eldest Gardiner child, was ill. It was decided it would be best if they all kept their distance, so the Gardiners would now stay away for a few more days until their daughter was recovered. Mary now looked at the package Fitz held out to her. “Oh, no, I will wait until Henry can see me open it,” she said.
Fitz insisted she take it, “He insisted you open it first thing this morning, and I have been tasked with the job of describing in great detail your reaction to his gift.”
When she opened the gift, she saw a simple wooden frame with a drawing, obviously done by the five year old. It was of a small red—headed boy giving flowers to a larger girl in a blue dress—clearly it was his rendition of both of them. She laughed at such a heartfelt gift.
“These are for you as well,” Fitz said as he pulled out a handful of wildflowers Henry had picked from the garden.”
Mary’s eyes began to well with tears even as she also chuckled at the dead flowers among those few that were still brightly colored. “He is becoming quite the lad, is he not?”
“I dare say he will be a chivalrous young man when he is older,” Fitz replied. “I helped with the frame,” Fitz indicated the gift in her hands. “What he had was four twigs held together at the corners with red and blue thread, but as you can see,” he pointed to the packaging, “I was able to convince him to use that for decoration inste
ad and we used this leather strapping to hold the frame together.”
Mary hugged it to her chest. “I shall treasure it always.” She went on to open the other gifts before her.
When she thought she was finally through, Fitz handed her a letter. She wondered at the smile on his face. It was clear he was enjoying this moment. Breaking the wax seal, she unfolded the piece of paper to reveal six tickets. When she looked at them to see what they were for, she was quite shocked. One of the most renowned deaf lecturers was to be in London and her husband had not only found out without her knowing, but had purchased tickets for them, the Darcys, and the Gardiners to all attend tonight’s lecture, though the Gardiners would now not be able to attend. She felt tears welling in her eyes and before she could pull her own handkerchief from her pocket Elizabeth handed her the newly embroidered one she had just opened.
Mary felt truly loved and accepted by her whole family. She thanked everyone for their gifts, then the two sisters went upstairs to prepare for the evening’s event, descending a few hours later in eager anticipation.
Fitz felt the tension in his wife’s shoulders when he placed the cape around them. He leaned closer, placing his own cheek against hers, then whispered, “I love you.”
Mary could not help the smile that overtook her features. She loved that he had found a way to let her hear those words. Before she could respond though, she was whisked away into the carriage and found herself seated beside her sister. The next few hours were a whirl of activity, but Mary did not feel lost in the crowd as she usually did.
When they returned to Darcy House and she retired that night, Mary thought of all she had been blessed with, from a loving sister to a wonderful family, and now a wonderful husband as well. She just knew her life would turn out better than she ever hoped or dreamed.
The weeks leading up to Christmas were spent with all the typical Christmastime traditions. Edward Gardiner was happy to have the help of the two younger, and much stronger, gentlemen this year when the yule log was placed within the hearth and finally lit.
Fitz was true to his word and found every mistletoe bunch he could, paying the bravest of the servants mighty handsomely to climb out onto branches high above their heads to gather the highly sought after leaves. He then made sure they were strategically placed around Darcy House in such a manner as to give him many opportunities to kiss his wife. It was, of course, a great inducement to the Darcys to also find as many as they could. After all, this was their first Christmas season as a married couple as well.
In the evening the stories of the season were told to the young Gardiner children, some tales becoming quite elaborate and fanciful, just as the emotions this season always brought about in everyone. Many hours were spent around the pianoforte while carols were sung of the Savior’s birth. Wassail and nuts were roasted over the fire, and on two occasions Mary talked her family into playing Snapdragon, though her aunt insisted they not play until after the children were in bed. She did not wish to have her precocious Henry pick up on such a game at such an early age.
The ladies spent several days making handkerchief dolls to give out to the children at the foundling hospital. It had become a tradition for them every year after they moved to Brunswick Square, as one of the largest hospitals was very close to them. This year they were able to make more than their usual amount when Darcy showed up with a large stack of newly purchased cloths and insisted on every child receiving a gift.
As the weeks quickly passed, Fitz was glad they had stayed in Town instead of returning to Derbyshire so soon. He could not imagine a more special time than what they had this year with his wife by his side and her family surrounding them.
It was a few days after Boxing Day and Elizabeth and Mary were in the drawing room when a footman entered with a letter for the mistress of the house. As soon as she saw the writing she knew it was from her friend Charlotte Collins. “Oh, I do hope her confinement has gone well,” she said to Mary as she eagerly opened the missive.
She began to read quietly.
December 28, 1811
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
My Dear Friend,
Oh what news I have for you—my confinement is ended and I have delivered a son. A son! Can you believe what favour I have been bestowed upon me by the Almighty? My husband is as I have never seen him before. He parades our William around to anyone who visits. The joy upon his face is enough to carry me through a lifetime. It makes me proud to have given him his heir.
I am feeling much recovered, and in fact I went on a walk yesterday. I know this shall shock you, as I was never fond of the exercise, but I found it invigorating.
Unfortunately, the good feelings it produced were not long with me, as I came upon my sister seated on a back bench in our garden. She was upset over something, so I sat to speak with her. The tale she told was heart—wrenching, Elizabeth, and I do not know who else to turn to in our hour of need other than you. I know my family has treated you, and especially Mary, very cruelly, but it is to you I must now turn for our salvation.
Maria is with child, and my father is furious. The scoundrel was a soldier in the militia, but has since removed with the regiment to wherever they will quarter for the winter. I know not where, and Maria will not tell of his name, only that he was not happy to learn of this news before he left. It seems she has borne this secret for over a month, but the time will shortly come when it can be hidden no longer. My father was ready to turn her out of his home and insist she leave Meryton, but my assurance of finding a solution has stayed his hand at least a little for now. She is with us here at Longbourn, but my husband’s patience is not easily given in such a situation.
It is with heavy heart I must ask for your help. With my own confinement just ending, I cannot travel with her, and I know of no one else to whom I can turn. I know your husband is from the north, and I thought he may know of a place far enough away from here, that Maria’s reputation, and that of our family, can be saved? Please, Elizabeth, you must know of a place my sister can be sent.
If you feel I have overstepped our tenuous friendship, then I apologize. I have no one else to call upon other than you. Please tell me you can help?
Your Friend,
Charlotte Collins
Elizabeth’s face went pale as she read the last part of the letter.
The gentlemen entered the drawing room. Seeing the distressed look on his wife’s face, Darcy went to her side, “Elizabeth? Are you well? What has upset you?”
The tears began to fall slowly down her cheeks. She pulled out her handkerchief and tried to quell them, but they only intensified.
Darcy pulled his wife into an embrace. “What has distressed you?”
Elizabeth could not bring herself to give voice to the words, so she handed him the letter and watched as he read the shocking news.
Darcy’s jaw was firmly set when he turned to his cousin. “Do you remember when we were in Hertfordshire and you saw...” he paused as he turned back to look at the open door. Assured of their privacy, he continued, “... when you saw Wickham in Meryton—did you recognize his companion?”
“I did not recognize her, but I can tell you she looked to be about Georgie’s age, this tall,” he held out his hand, “and had red hair. Why? What is this about?”
Elizabeth’s heart dropped when she heard his description. The girl could be none other than Charlotte’s sister. She whispered, “Maria, what have you done?”
Darcy stood and handed the letter to Fitz, who in turn read it and gave it to his wife. The silence as Mary perused the missive was palpable. When she finally folded it and held it out to her sister, no one in the room expected the words she signed next, “She will be most welcome to stay at Rose Bluff.”
Elizabeth quickly replied, “Oh, Mary, do not feel you are obligated to do so. I am certain we can find somewhere else for her to go.”
“I say this not out of obligation. I have been in the position of being judged by society,
and whether she deserves to be shamed or not, I will not sit by and allow such treatment of another. I would be happy to have her join us at our home.”
Fitz stepped up to her side, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he said, “I agree with my wife. She will be welcomed in our home. After all, it is not as if she can go to Pemberley. If my suspicions are correct about the child’s father, Georgiana needs to be kept away from Miss Lucas. What better place than Rose Bluff?”
Darcy looked to Elizabeth, “It may be the best situation for her. The estate has had minimal staff all these years. Mrs Lewis, as well as Mr Porter, have already agreed to be the housekeeper and butler, and we know well of their loyalty to the family from our time in Ramsgate. The remainder of the staffing needs can be filled from Pemberley’s servants, specifically chosen with their discretion in mind, and Rose Bluff is far enough away from Hertfordshire to ensure the Lucas family’s reputation is not tainted.” He turned to Fitz and Mary, “Are you certain?”
They both looked at the other, each communicating with their eyes alone, then Fitz reached for Mary’s hand and drew it to his lips, depositing a simple kiss before turning back to Darcy. “Yes, we are certain. She is welcome to stay with us.”
Mary spoke, “My only request is that she not be told I am the mistress.”
“If that is what you wish, then it shall be,” Fitz replied. “We can place her in the guest rooms on the far side of the house from where we will frequent. With a small staff, it would not be uncommon to have some of the rooms closest to her closed up.”
“We must keep this from my sister as well,” Darcy said.
“Yes, certainly,” Fitz agreed.
“Miss Lucas will need a traveling companion,” Elizabeth pointed out.
“We can have Aunt Edith take Georgiana to Pemberley to await us, and Mrs Annesley will then be available to travel with Miss Lucas,” Darcy suggested. “She is trustworthy in keeping silent of the errand, and she will need to be told anyway since she is my sister’s companion.” It was a sound plan and was agreed upon easily.
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 28