“We have furniture, which is not currently being used, stored in the attic, so there would be no problem in exchanging the items which are currently in the rooms. We have cleaned the rooms, though the rooms have not been used since Miss Georgiana…”
Seeing the ache the housekeeper felt at the loss of the girl she had a hand in raising, Darcy took over the sentence. “Since my sister was a child. It is a pleasant section of the house, with excellent views of the lake and woods. And there is a balcony which is large enough to hold a picnic when the girls are a little older. My sister enjoyed spending time on the balcony.”
“I am sure that at least one of her daughters will enjoy spending time there as well.” Elizabeth said. Entering the wing, Mrs Reynolds began showing each of the rooms to the young ladies.
“Sally, as you have worked for the Darcys the longest, it should be you who chooses first on the bedchambers.” Elizabeth stated to the other young lady.
Sally was grateful for her friend’s kindness. “I will take this room, as I know your favorite color is green. The room over there is a lovely shade of green, so I am certain you will be fond of it.”
Elizabeth blushed. “It is very thoughtful of you, Sally. The blue room is nice as well.”
“Then it is good that I love blue.” Sally laughed.
Mrs Reynolds was pleased to see the two young ladies were friendly with each other. It spoke well to how they would be with the children. “Now, you must tell me how you are able to tell which of the girls is which? They look identical to me.”
Sally smiled. “They are almost identical. Lizzy and I have discovered several differences, but the quickest way is to look behind their left ears. Emmy has a small birthmark behind her left ear, and Edith does not.”
“That will indeed make it easier to know which is which.” Mrs Reynolds said as she looked at the babe she held. “They are so like their mother, such a pretty little girl she was. And sweet natured.” Tears began to overflow and streak down the housekeeper’s cheeks. Fortunately, Mr Darcy had stepped into the hall to inform the footmen as to where the luggage was to be taken.
“I understand how you feel, Mrs Reynolds.” Sally stated, wiping at her own eyes. “It was a blessing that we were given her beautiful babes to cherish as we did Miss Georgiana. I am glad you did not see what had become of her after…you know. Remember the girl that you knew all her life.”
“I will, Sally. It must pain you to remember the past year. If you ever wish to speak, you are welcome to do so with me.” Mrs Reynolds said.
Elizabeth began walking about the nursery. “This is an excellent room. So bright and cheery.”
“It could use some sprucing up, but it was always a pleasant room. Mrs Darcy wished for her children to have a joyful area, as she stated children should be treated as the blessings they are. She also claimed that the happy surroundings allowed children to be creative and use their minds freely.”
“I believe that is true.” Elizabeth smiled.
“I noticed that you are using only one cane. Mrs Duncan wrote that you used two canes when you were first employed.” Mrs Reynolds was curious.
“Perhaps it is due to the children, or the exercise that I get, but I find my leg is not as painful as it was. When in the nursery at Darcy House, I came to be able to not use my canes, as I was able to hold on to items when needed. My aunt believes I will continue to improve, if I put my mind to it. I do not know if I hold to her opinion, but it is a true pleasure to not have the constant pain.”
“Well, let us hope your aunt is correct.” Mrs Reynolds said as she looked at Elizabeth. “Now, you take some time to settle into your rooms. I will have trays sent up with some refreshments. The twins will be safe with me for a while.”
Both of the nursemaids laughed as they made their way to their rooms.
~~ ** ~~
George Wickham was working on his plans. The babes were his ticket to wealth. But how was he to claim them? He knew that Darcy and Richard would just as soon kill him as to allow him any contact to Georgiana’s children. Hearing that Georgiana was dead only increased Wickham’s fear of their retaliation for what he did to her. Her children were his, and that meant that he should have rights to their inheritance. Georgiana had a dowry of thirty thousand pounds. Wickham thought that it was only fitting that Darcy should turn over the dowry, and in return, Wickham would sign over his parental rights to the babes. Now all he needed was the perfect plan.
Learning from Jane Bingley that Darcy had removed the children to Pemberley would make things difficult. He knew the estate well, but he was also well known by those who lived and worked in the area. Most would not have forgotten him from his years of living there.
Wickham knew he would have to find someone who would be willing to assist him, even if the person was unaware of the plan. And he would need someone to assist him with the funding to be able to see the plan succeed. Knowing two people who had the financial ability to do so, Wickham penned letters.
~~ ** ~~
“Anne, I believe we should take a trip to Town. Your uncle wrote to me, and he wishes to speak with me in person. Your aunt cannot leave Town at the moment, due to some legal matters. While we are there, we will be able to order your trousseau.”
“Will we see Darcy?” Anne asked eagerly. “Has a date been set for the wedding?”
“No, we will not see your cousin. He has removed to Pemberley. I am certain he will soon come around to our way to thinking. We only need to remove those offspring of his ruined sister.”
Anne was pleased to hear her mother’s words. Ever since she could remember, her mother had promised Darcy would marry his mother’s namesake. And all the years, Anne dreamed of how perfect her life would be. After all, Darcy was a handsome man, one of the wealthiest in England, with the largest estate in Derbyshire. She pictured herself dressed in the finest fashions available, riding in the best carriages, visiting the premier locations and events, all while clinging to the arm of her husband. Every lady of the ton would envy her. Every man would be in love with her. After all, Anne had grown up hearing her mother describe her as one of the most beautiful young ladies of England, and that she would be the most talented and accomplished young lady, if it had not been for her frail health.
But Anne was certain that her health would greatly improve after she was married. She was sure that she would be able to give her husband the heir that he required, and many more children.
“I will purchase the finest wardrobe, and make sure that the gowns are made to capture my future husband’s attention. Oh, yes, he will not be able to resist me.” Anne said. “And, if necessary, I will be sure to arrange a compromise to force him to finally do his duty to me. Fitzwilliam Darcy, we will be married before the year is done.”
~~ ** ~~
“I do not know how we will come up with the money to pay the fine.” Lord Matlock declared. “We are in desperate shape financially. Catherine promised her support if we assisted in convincing Darcy to marry Anne. I am praying she will come to our aid. With you forced to remain in Town until the fine is paid, we can do nothing towards helping Catherine until we come up with the finances.”
“It is her fault I have to pay the fines in the first place. She demanded those brats be sent to her so she could dispose of them.” Lady Matlock pouted. “And if you and your heir would stay away from the gambling halls and the whores, we would have funds.”
“And your spending sprees to redecorate the houses or purchase a new wardrobe every two months has added to our coffers?? You have just as expensive vices as our son and me, so stop pointing your fingers.”
“Henry, it is not fair. The Darcy coffers are overflowing. With Georgiana gone, Darcy has her dowry, on top of the rest of his fortune. We are his family, he must be made to see that he should share with the rest of us. Anne will convince him, once they are married, but in the meantime, we are desperate. And Richard, he will do all in his power keep Darcy’s funds for himself. We should
have done as Catherine said when he was born, and send him to her. He would have been a different and more appreciative person had she raised him. It is clear that we were not tough enough on him.”
Lord Matlock nodded his head. “It is difficult to believe, as he was constantly in trouble when he was at home. I believe the problem was my younger sister. Richard spent far too much time at Pemberley, and my sister Anne spoiled him far too much. If she were not already dead, I would give her a piece of my mind.”
“Anne was not the only one who was soft on Richard. Gerald Darcy was lenient as well. Why, he rarely ever reprimanded the boys when they got into trouble. And look at what Gerald did with his will. Naming his son and Richard as guardians over Georgiana. If it were not for them, the family would not be in such a turmoil. Georgiana should have been sent to Catherine or us to be raised properly.” Lady Matlock huffed.
“Well, the fool did not, and it is all on him for the destruction of our family. Catherine’s message said to expect her and Anne tomorrow, so we will find a way to resolve our problems.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 12
Darcy took morning walks rather than riding his horse, as had been his usual routine for many years. The reason was simple. Elizabeth Bennet was not fond of horse riding. She had been frightened of them for years, and preferred to avoid them when possible. So Elizabeth walked most mornings, just after sunrise. Fortunately, the strength in her leg improved each and every day, along with her belief in herself and the caring of others.
This gave Darcy the time he had wished for, time to know the young lady who had captured his heart. For he had finally admitted to himself that he was falling in love with Elizabeth Bennet.
Darcy took her to all of his favorite locations on the estate, to the hills which looked out over the valley, the small lake, to the isolated area of river which cut through the stones of the hills. That was his favorite location to think, the isolation from the world, combined with the beauty of nature. For those areas too far for Elizabeth to walk, a curricle was used to make the journey easier.
His only regret is that his life was one of ostracism from society, a leper to the proper world. He could not bear to harm her reputation. But he also could not bear to be away from her. Since meeting her, Darcy’s life had lightened, and he found himself smiling more than he had since the tragic day of the accident. He finally found joy in his life.
The fact that Elizabeth loved his nieces was an added bonus to him. With so many people looking down on the girls, due to their father’s despicable behavior, seeing the love she gave the twins was a blessing. And her tenderness was genuine, not just to garner kindness from him.
They had been at Pemberley for a fortnight, when the girls were nearing their sixth month of life. They were growing rapidly, and learning new things. Edith was smiling and cooing with everyone. She seemed to be the sweeter natured of the two girls. Emmy was rolling over and attempting to learn how to crawl. She would be more adventurous, it seemed. And Emmy had the same Darcy dimple when she smiled, which was different from her twin.
Both of the girls could sit up on their own, and loved to clap their hands together. And they had inherited their mother’s love of music. Whenever Elizabeth would play the pianoforte for them, the girls would become animated.
On one of their visits to Darcy’s favorite spot, he helped Elizabeth to sit on a large stone near the edge of the rushing water. He spoke of his joy in watching his nieces. “My sister loved playing the pianoforte. She was quite talented, though she was extremely shy. It was rare to convince her to play for anyone other than Richard and myself, as she was certain others would dislike her talents. It makes me sad that more people did not have the chance to hear her perform.”
“Mrs Reynolds told me how she would stop working and sneak into the music room to listen to Miss Darcy play.” Elizabeth said as she was walking with Darcy. “She said that Miss Darcy was extremely talented, especially for one so young.”
Darcy picked up a small stone and tossed it into the water. “It breaks my heart that the twins will never know their mother. Georgiana was so young when our mother died, she had no memories of her. My sister often said that it was the one regret she had, not knowing our mother. And now the same has happened with her and her children.” Darcy said as he looked about the land that he so loved.
“But her children are blessed to have you and Colonel Fitzwilliam to share memories with them. And Mrs Reynolds, who was like a second mother to your sister. Even Sally has stories she can tell the twins of Miss Darcy. They will love her through those memories. You have portraits of Miss Darcy, so they will be able to see what she looked like. These are treasures they will appreciate when they are older.”
Darcy smiled. “I cannot thank you enough, Miss Elizabeth. You are like a ray of sunshine which has brightened our lives.” He turned and looked into Elizabeth’s eyes.
Blushing profusely, Elizabeth was flustered. “It pleases me that I am able to be of assistance. The girls are so sweet and adorable, they have me wrapped around their little fingers. After all the rejection with which I have had to contend since my father’s death, it is a miracle to feel so welcomed and wanted. The twins seem pleased when I walk into the room, and everyone here and at Darcy House has been kind and caring to me.”
“They are not the only ones who are pleased to see you when you enter the room.” Darcy said. He stopped tossing pebbles into the water and turned his attention to Elizabeth. Picking up one of her hands, he looked into her eyes as he finally opened his heart. “Miss Elizabeth, I must speak. In vain, I have struggled. It will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I love and admire you. I had thought to keep these feelings to myself, as I felt that it was too great a burden to place on you, seeing as I am looked down upon by society. It would not be fair to expect you to accept the disdain for my choice in keeping my sister’s orphaned children with me. But I am a selfish person. I crave the way you make me feel, and I do not wish to ever be apart from you.”
Darcy knelt before her. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would you do me the very great honor of marrying me?”
Tears welled in Elizabeth’s eyes, overflowing down her cheek as she smiled. “I am a selfish person too, Mr Darcy, for I cannot imagine ever wishing to be parted from you. I have no need for society. I only have need of the love I have found with you.” She placed a hand gently on the side of Darcy’s cheek. “Yes, I will marry you.”
Darcy turned his face to place a kiss in the palm of her hand. “Elizabeth, you have given me the greatest gift.” As he stood, he wrapped his arms about her, pulling her to his chest. The couple stood in silence, clinging to one another.
Pulling back enough to see her face, Darcy lowered until his lips met with hers. A tender kiss was shared between the newly forged couple.
When they began to walk again, Darcy held her hand against his arm. “Shall I send word to your uncle for permission to marry you?”
“I will turn twenty one next month. Though I am certain of my uncle’s approval, we could simply wait until then to announce our engagement.” Elizabeth said. “I do not wish for my mother to learn of our engagement.”
Darcy knew that her mother had disowned Elizabeth, though he never knew why. “Will you speak with me of what happened between you and your family?”
Leading Elizabeth to a nearby fallen tree, Darcy took a seat next to her on the tree trunk.
“My mother never cared for me. I was a disappointment to her from the start. She had Jane, her most beautiful and charming girl, so I was supposed to be the heir. Being born a girl rather than the son who would inherit the estate and protect the family from the entail, I was not welcomed by my mother. Our housekeeper, Mrs Hill, had given birth to Matthew a month before my birth. When I was found to be a girl, my mother withdrew from me, even refusing to nurse me, so Mrs Hill became my mother of sorts. Perhaps that is why Matthew and I were always so close, as we had the bond of sharing his mot
her. Mamma was cruel to me as I grew up. She showed her preference of all of my sisters, and this worsened when my father showed me favoritism. She could not tolerate anyone caring for me or being kind. I was not the son she wanted, so I was nothing. Worse than nothing, I was the center of all her anger and frustration. It mattered not that the three births after mine were all daughters, it was my fault for not being born a son.”
“Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, your mother is a fool. To refuse to love her own child is ridiculous. And after your father’s death, she became worse?”
“She cut all ties between myself and my sisters. And she refused to speak with the Gardiners, as she held her brother and me responsible for my father’s death. Only since Jane’s marriage to Mr Bingley, have I had any communication with my eldest sister. The younger sisters were not close to me before, so they were not heartbroken when Mamma insisted they never speak to me again.”
“I received a letter from Bingley. He asked me to begin searching for an estate for him to purchase near here.” Darcy stated. “Would that be a wonderful situation? You would be near your eldest sister.”
“But they would bring Mamma and our sisters, so I would not be allowed to visit their home.”
Darcy smiled. “Actually, Bingley purchased a house in Meryton for your mother and younger sisters. He was ready to have them out of his home.”
“I am not surprised. Poor Mr Bingley. He has endured much for being married to my sister. That must be the reason they left Town without Jane coming to visit me or Aunt Helen. We thought it was unusual for her to not take her leave of us. And I have yet to receive any letters from Jane, even though I gave her the directions to send mail to Pemberley. I wonder what has happened that she would not write.”
“I am not sure, though I am sure there is no problem. Bingley would have informed me if there was something wrong with Jane or your family. He knows you are here, as do the Gardiners.”
On the Road to Ramsgate Page 12