Meet Me at Oakham Mount
Page 24
Willow Woods was a pleasant estate only twenty miles from Pemberley. It was near the size of Netherfield, though the house needed updating. This caused the previous owner to lower the price, and allowed the Bingleys to make the changes they wished for the estate.
Lord Matlock and Richard returned to Matlock to see to their estate being managed properly. A letter arrived from Anthony announcing his engagement to Miss Rose Thompkins. He was also planning to go into business with her father, running the mercantile as the elder man had been ill. Anthony wished to sell his home so he could purchase a house in the village for his wife and him, to be near the mercantile. He also invited his father and brother to the wedding which was planned for the end of May.
The Bingleys prepared to move to their new home, and the Darcys decided to accompany them for a visit. Jane wished her sister’s opinion on changes she wished to make. Lady Anne joined them as well, leaving her husband and daughter to journey to their estate.
By late afternoon of the journey, Elizabeth was beginning to be nauseous. When they arrived at Willow Woods, Elizabeth was miserable, and quickly made her way to the nearest necessary room.
Hearing his wife in the room, relieving her stomach contents into a bucket, Darcy was concerned. He insisted a physician be called for, and paced until the man arrived. By then, the guest rooms were ready and Darcy carried his wife to her bed. Stepping to the sitting room which connected the two bedchambers of the suite, Darcy continued to pace.
Nearly half of an hour later, the physician exited the bedchambers. “Your wife should be well enough by morning, though I suggest frequent resting as needed, and she eats foods which are bland. Toast, bread, and some tea with mint will also be soothing. But you should be prepared for the nausea to be common over the following months.”
Fear was obvious on Darcy’s face. His mother was sitting in the chair near him, and realizing what the physician was most likely suggesting, Lady Anne stood and moved to her son’s side.
“William, you must calm yourself. If I am not mistaken as to what is being said, Lizzy is going through a normal change that is common to married ladies, especially ones who have such a loving marriage as the two of you have. You have been married for nearly four months now.”
Several moments passed as Darcy attempted to decipher what his mother was saying. Finally, it became obvious to the Master of Pemberley. “Is my wife well? Is she pleased?”
The physician nodded his head. Smiling at the young man, he spoke. “Mrs Darcy appeared to be thrilled with the news, though she is tired and in need of some rest. I cannot stress to you the need for her to not be treated like a china doll. She is a healthy young lady, from what she has told me. Exercise in moderation is good for the mother and babe. Make sure she gets plenty of rest and takes as much nourishment as possible.”
“You have my utmost thanks, Sir.” Darcy said as he hurried to open the door. He could not wait to see his wife, all he could think was to gather her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her.
Seeing Elizabeth’s eyes closed as he approached the bed, Darcy carefully sat on the side. Picking up her hand, he brought it to his lips. Elizabeth’s eyes opened and a radiant smile graced her lips. “Did Mr Lofton tell you?”
“We are to have a babe? Is it true?” Darcy asked, afraid he had been dreaming all he had been told. “You are to be a father, my love. Are you pleased?” “No, Lizzy, I am not pleased.” He said as he kissed her lips. Seeing her fear, Darcy smiled. “I am not pleased, I am overjoyed at the news. I am so proud and thrilled that I wish to climb to the roof of this building and cry out the news to everyone. I could crow like the rooster with so much joy. I love you, Elizabeth Darcy. You have given me the most precious gift.”
~~ ** ~~ The Darcy family had a long and enjoyable life. Their first born, Thomas Gerard Darcy, was the first of six children. Each brought their parents love, laughter, pain and comfort.
The Bennet family grew with each passing year, as the sisters married and started their own families. Mr Bennet left Longbourn in the hands of Phillip and Kitty, after their marriage, and spent time visiting his other daughters. Lydia spent most of her time living with the Darcys, though she also visited the
Carringtons, spending time with Lady Anne and Georgiana. Lydia had changed over the years, becoming more like her elder sisters, and when she turned twenty and she was introduced to a young man at a ball during the Season in Town, she knew she had made all the changes in her life for a reason. Her heart was engaged, and, within six months, she joined her sisters in marital bliss.
Anthony and his wife had three children, his eldest son became the heir to Rosings when Lady Catherine died the year after his wedding. She had never changed her will, leaving the estate to Anthony’s first born son. It was because of her desire to have Anthony’s son be her heir that Lady Catherine had attempted to marry him to Georgiana Carrington. After her own daughter had died, Lady Catherine had desired for Georgiana to be the next Mistress of Rosings, and the only way she could fulfill her dream was if her niece married Anthony.
Richard and Mary were wed, and their eight children built Matlock back to its former glory. Lord Matlock was thrilled to have his grandchildren surrounding him throughout the final years of his life.
After the birth of their last daughter, Elizabeth stood at the doorway of the nursery, watching her husband holding the babe up at the window. “See all there is outside? See the beautiful scenery and natural wonders? This is our home. You will be able to run and play outside, though I must warn you that you should behave more like me than your mother. No climbing trees in your dress. Do not follow the example of your sisters, for they have not listened to my advice. Ah, my dear girl, I am the most fortunate father in the entire world. I have the most amazing life.” He kissed his daughter on the cheek, before turning around and finding his wife walking towards him.
“We have truly been blessed, William.” Elizabeth laughed at the silly behavior of her beloved husband as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “And to think, all of this joy is due to your coming to meet me at Oakham Mount.”
THEEND