The vicar heard someone enter, so he stepped into the sanctuary. Upon seeing who it was, he held back, standing silently at the door as the two ladies paid their respects. It nearly broke his heart when he heard Miss Darcy begin to cry. Being a father himself, he wished to comfort her. Mrs Darcy had the situation well in hand though, and she held the girl tightly as the tears were expelled. The two then stood there talking quietly for several minutes, then they turned to leave. Mrs Darcy stopped at the door and turned back to look at him, giving a simple nod of thanks before pushing the heavy door open, then they were gone.
The following week he noticed the two ladies joined Mr Darcy on his usual trip. He had been praying for quite a while for Miss Darcy to be ready for such a step, and it seemed she had finally come to terms with her parents being gone. He was happy to see the three each week thereafter on the visits.
The relationship between the three sisters, and their dear friend Maria, grew. The four were often seen in each others company, and when they could not visit, letters were frequently exchanged. The ladies weekly shopping trips to furnish the three estates were a wonder to behold. Georgiana soon found a pursuit about which she could be passionate and the others loved her creative ideas. What used to be just a fascination with bonnets had now grown into a love of decorating that would never leave her.
Darcy surprised his sister with the knowledge that he would fund the redecorating of her rooms, including, at the insistence of Elizabeth, adding a small pianoforte to her private sitting room. The gift was a shock to Georgiana. After all she had done to them, Elizabeth and Mary both continued to love her in ways she could not fathom.
Maria’s family began to write to her and soon the separation of their lives came to an end. Though she now lived too far away for frequent visits, she was happy just in knowing her family accepted and loved her. Plans were made for the Lucas family to visit Derbyshire for Christmas.
Bingley often received letters from his sister, and though she constantly talked of how wonderful her life as Viscountess Milton was, he knew she was not truly happy. Who could be, with such a husband as hers? His liaisons and gambling had not ceased, and from everything Hurst told him, the ladies of the Ton still did not accept Caroline into their homes unless it was for gossip which only she possessed. While Bingley felt sorry for her, this was exactly what she wanted—a title. She felt it was an even exchange—her dowry for the honour of being a viscountess, and one day a countess.
Fitz was excited to receive a note from a distant cousin on his mother’s side announcing that he and his wife now had their second child. He eagerly told his wife the news, excitedly describing his own anticipation of sending out announcements of their own soon enough. Mary just laughed at his child—like exuberance as she came to love a new side of her husband rarely seen by others—that of a father.
After being in the birthing room with both Elizabeth and Maria, Mary was expecting her own confinement to be rather long and difficult. It was shocking to all when news came that Fitz hardly had time to pen a note to the midwife before Mary’s pains were coming too close together, and before the midwife even arrived, their son was born. Mrs Lewis had her hands full with keeping the two calm, and with help from Fitz and Mabel, Mary’s maid, the healthy Fitzwilliam heir came into the world.
When the news reached Elizabeth, the Darcys rushed to Rose Bluff, meeting the Bingleys as they arrived as well. After seeing that her sister was well, Elizabeth had to laugh at the stories they would one day tell of how often Mary frightened everyone around with her harrowing tales.
The following day Darcy found his cousin in his study writing, so he sat down, looking around the newly furnished room, admiring the carved wood on the shelves and desk, until Fitz was finished.
“What brings you in here?”
“The ladies were discussing bonnets and gowns, and as much as I appreciate the lovely items my wife chooses to purchase, I am simply not that interested in hearing of their minutest detail. So I left them to their devices. I am certain Bingley will be joining us soon as well. He just went to check on his daughter in the nursery.”
“Well, if you do not mind, I have some notes of announcement to write.”
“Most families do not send such news until at least the christening of the babe,” he teased.
Fitz smiled, “Have you seen the size of my son? He is half—grown already!”
Darcy laughed aloud, “He does make quite the impression. He is nearly as large as Rose, and she is five months old now. Have you decided on a name yet?”
“Yes, we will call him Bennet Andrew Fitzwilliam,” he stated proudly.
“It is a strong name. I am glad to hear you will pass your wife’s surname on to your son.”
“I am a bit surprised to hear that from you, especially since your entire life you have rankled at the use of your mother’s surname for your own Christian name.”
He smiled slightly and looked down at his hands, “That was before I heard it fall from Elizabeth’s lips. It is a wonder how I ever hated it so. Perhaps we will one day do the same with my son.”
“What is this about Darcy having a son? Did I miss some announcement?” Bingley said as he entered the room.
Darcy looked at his naïve friend, “Really, Bingley? My daughter is but five months old. I cannot see us having another one so soon.”
He raised his eyebrow at his friend, “Think what you will, but it is known to happen.”
“Perhaps, but my wife is in no condition to experience another pregnancy like her last one any time soon,” Darcy replied.
“Well, as my wife can surely attest, every lady is different,” Fitz replied with a chuckle.
Bingley walked over and sat down next to Darcy, clapping his hands and rubbing them together in an excited fashion, “I believe you owe us a story. How did this all come about so quickly? Were you not the one who said you would never wish to be with your wife when she was in childbirth?”
Fitz laughed, setting his quill aside and capping his ink bottle. He knew he would not finish the notes right now. “Well, it all began right after we broke our fast yesterday morning. My wife began to feel uncomfortable, so I refused to leave her alone in the sitting room. She kept insisted it was just a small ache in her lower back and that putting her feet up would help. So we relaxed together until mid—day. Then all of a sudden she had a sharp pain, and another, and then a third right on top of that. Mrs Lewis insisted I call for the midwife while she took Mary upstairs to lie down, and by the time I sent the note, then went to tell them, it was time for my son to enter the world. It was not my intention to be there with her, but since there was only Mrs Lewis and Mabel, my presence was needed. By the time the midwife arrived, Bennet was here.”
Bingley sat shaking his head at such a tale. “It is unbelievable what ladies go through, is it not?”
“Absolutely,” Fitz agreed.
“I would not trade with Elizabeth for the world,” Darcy replied.
“Well, since you two will be here for at least a few more days, perhaps I can interest you in riding through the fields with me? The harvest was plentiful this year, but I have a few changes I am discussing with the steward for next year, and I would like to get your opinions.”
“I doubt I have anything useful to add to the conversation, but I would like some fresh air,” Bingley offered.
Darcy stood, “It must then fall to me to teach you two how to be a gentleman.”
Fitz laughed aloud, “Uncle George used to say I did not pay close enough attention to my studies, and now that is coming back to haunt me.”
“Even being raised to take over Pemberley, it was several years before I was comfortable with my place as Master. Both of you have stepped into your role with much more ease then I ever did,” Darcy said as they left the study.
The cold of winter set in early this year and soon after the birth of Bennet Fitzwilliam the first snow fell. While it would not remain on the ground for long, it did delay the
guests who were visiting Rose Bluff from returning to their respective homes. No one minded in the least. They all enjoyed the walks in the snowy garden, the nights by the fire, the wassail Mrs Lewis insisted the cook surprise everyone with, and the games Georgiana talked them all into playing.
Darcy smiled as he remembered the look of horror on Elizabeth’s face as Mary bravely reached her hand quickly into the dish of Brandy to pull out the prized raisin that flickered with flames, popping it into her mouth without hesitation. Snapdragon was not for the faint of heart. His wife was ever the protective elder sister, and Mary the adventuresome one. It seemed this was a game Mary he found joy in for many years, and even though she had seen her sister’s bravery many times, Elizabeth could not keep the look or horror from her features.
The time together had proven to be just what everyone needed—a caring family.
When Darcy came around the corner on his way to find the others, he nearly ran into his sister. He stepped back quickly, but she did not seem to notice him. She was blindfolded and was feeling her way along the corridors. “Georgiana? What are you about?”
She did not answer him. So he tried again. “Georgiana?” He found it odd when she again just continued on her way as if she had not heard him, so he followed after her.
Finally she arrived in the sitting room. She untied the blindfold and jumped, a squeal escaping her lips, when she saw him standing there. “Oh, Fitzwilliam! You gave me such a fright!”
He asked again, “Is something amiss?”
She reached up and pulled wads of cotton from her ears, “I am sorry, I did not hear you. What was that you said?”
“You nearly ran into me, and I just wondered if something was wrong?”
“Oh, no, everything is perfect! How could it not be? I am here in this beautiful home with my three sisters, my brother, and my cousin—as well as three of the most wonderful babes for me to admire. What more could I desire?”
Fitz entered the room, hearing his young cousin’s pronouncement. “I have just one question for you. Just when did you decide you now have three sisters?”
She smiled, then began her explanation, “Is not my brother’s wife my sister?”
“Yes, of course; that I do not deny.”
“And is not her sister my sister as well?”
“Hmmm... I can see that also. How you count three is beyond me though.”
“Well, as you have already stated, one’s sister can certainly be defined by also being a sister—in—law. Your brother has married, so my sister, meaning Mary, is sister to your sister, Lady Milton. Her brother is also married, thus making his wife her sister. As you can plainly see, my sister’s sister is sister to the sister of Mrs Bingley, so therefore, she is also my sister!”
He chuckled, “It is truly baffling, however you forgot to count Lady Milton, so that would make four sisters.”
She waved her hand in a dismissive fashion, “She never cared for me anyway. We shall just keep her in the distant cousin category. You on the other hand, can now be counted truly as my brother.” With a smile at them both she stuffed the cotton back into her ears, tied the blindfold around her eyes, and wondered out of the room once again.
Fitz looked on in confusion, going through the list again until he figured out what she meant. Her sister, meaning Mary, was married to him, so therefore he would be her brother. He chuckled as he thought her skills in this manner would add tremendously to the battles being fought on the continent. When she had left, he turned and asked Darcy, “What was that about?”
He shrugged his shoulders, “I came across her feeling her way through the corridors. I know not why.”
Fitz smiled, remembering the conversation he and Mary had with Georgiana a few months before about how Mary lived without being able to hear. When Darcy looked at him quizzically, he replied, “My conjecture is that she is trying to better understand Mary’s world.”
Darcy thought, she has changed so much in the last few months—she truly was back to her old self, only more outgoing than ever before.
Not wanting to be overcome with emotion, Fitz cleared his throat and shook his head, then patted his cousin on the back, “We have finally completed the monumental task set before us.”
“Yes—at last.”
“Now she is truly ready to face the Ton. So when did you say her coming out will be?”
His face became sour, “Oh, not for at least another four or five years.”
Fitz broke out in guffaws. “I feel sorry for Rose even now.”
“Speaking of my daughter—would you care to join me as I check on her in the nursery?”
He held out his hand towards the door, “Lead the way. I am certain Bennet could use some time with his father as well.”
It was not long afterward when the visitors left for their own homes. Since this property was between Pemberley and Buckley Hall, it was deemed the perfect place for such family gatherings, and in many instances was teeming again with the growing family as the months wore on and the cold of winter set in around them.
It was on one such day in early December that Bingley walked through the familiar halls of Rose Bluff. They were to all dine here this evening, but his wife insisted on coming early to help Mary with something. He was unsure what it was, but really he cared little for the reason as it would give him time to join Fitz in shooting. He found him in his study, and as soon as Bingley mentioned having brought his gun, the former Army colonel jumped up, happy to oblige his friend. There were two things he loved to do more than anything else—ride and shoot. Darcy leaned more towards fishing, and while Fitz did enjoy going with his cousin, it was not his personal choice of activity.
The two rode to Pemberley to invite Darcy along and Fitz passed on his wife’s invitation for Elizabeth and Georgiana to join her and Maria at Rose Bluff earlier if they so desired. The ladies were glad to go early, so the carriage was prepared as Darcy saddled his horse and the gentlemen rode off in expectation of a good day.
BOOM!... (boom!) The loud noise rang out through the valleys and ridges, causing it to echo back to them just a few seconds later. Once again Bingley was proving just how proficient he was with this weapon. He had easily shot twice as many birds as Darcy and Fitz combined.
“We had best head back,” Darcy said, “or we will clear all my lands. Next time we will have to shoot at your place Bingley.”
“Oh no, we must hit Rose Bluff first, as I keep my land quite under control on my own.”
“How often do you go out shooting?” Fitz asked as he leapt back onto his horse with practiced ease.
“Much too often, I gather from my steward. He says I will need to give it a few weeks before I go again. I tell you, land management is not for the faint of heart.”
Darcy clicked his tongue and the three set out at a slow pace on their way back to Rose Bluff.
“You know us Bingleys though—we are never one to give up too easily.”
Fitz smirked, “Oh, your sister is proof of that.”
“Yes, she certainly is. I have heard from her again, and I tell you, I just do not understand how we have come from the same parents. Everything I love about being a father is everything she hates about the prospect of being a mother. I could not imagine sending my child away to be nursed for years, then again sending them away to school. No—my children will be tutored at home as I was. I wish to be in my child’s life daily, not just when it is convenient.”
“So,” Fitz asked, “are you and I to become uncles soon?”
“No, no, she is very clear to point out that having a child is not to happen until at least next year. She refuses to have tongues wagging about the possibility of her being with child before she was married—especially with my recent change in marital status and then so quickly to become a father.”
Darcy asked, “So I take it your family does not know the truth of the situation?”
“I have told them very little—only that I am happy to have found the love of my life
. I am certain they assume we had some sort of assignation last year when I leased Netherfield Park—I know I certainly would assume such if I knew only what they have been told. We see no point in telling them any different. Olivia is mine, whether she carries my blood or not.”
Fitz questioned him further, “Are you certain you are comfortable with giving her line everything you possess if you fail to have a male?”
Bingley pulled his horse to a stop and turned to look at the two cousins. His horse danced in agitation, but he held tight to the reins. “It is an honour and a privilege to have the kind of love matches that we all three have made. I care not who my estate passes on to, only that I have as many days as I can with the ladies I love the most.”
Fitz nodded, “That is all I needed to hear.”
Darcy nodded in understanding, then, with his own horse becoming antsy, he replied, “We need to run these mounts before one of them throws us. Who is with me?”
Fitz grinned, “You know I am always up for a good ride. Bingley?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way.”
Darcy clicked his tongue and squeezed his knees together, giving his horse the permission he desired, and soon the three were racing across the fields that would lead them back to Rose Bluff.
They cooled their mounts into a walk when the house came into view, making their way towards the stables. When they came out, Bingley saw a carriage he did not recognize at the front. “Were you expecting visitors?”
“No; why?” Bingley pointed to the carriage and Fitz stopped in his tracks, his face draining of all color immediately. Of course he would recognize that carriage. It bore the crest of the Earl of Danver.
Darcy recognized it too about the time Fitz took off towards the house as quickly as propriety would allow. “It is my uncle’s carriage,” he said to Bingley, then followed his cousin.
It took Bingley a few seconds to understand what had been related to him, but he quickly caught up with the others and they entered the sitting room together.
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 36