A royal letter arrived for Kitty and she sequestered herself in the library to read it.
* * *
My dear CB,
Many apologies for the delay of this response to your helpful letter. Our affectionate friend has been ‘secluded’ in Brighton. I was not allowed to visit her until the day before I write this. Your information has been acted upon.
We are pleased that a once-dubious marriage has had such a good effect on the couple, and happy to hear of your other friend’s nuptials as well. The questionable brother has been contacted and appears, so far, cooperative. We have hopes that those truly responsible for the scandal and injuries may soon be brought to justice.
Unfortunately, there is no news hereabouts of the injured gentleman. Please give our sympathies to your friend and his father. We will apprise you at once should we have any news.
We look forward to learning more of your happy adventures. How long do you stay in your present location? Our friend wishes you many lovely autumn rides. She may soon have happy news of her own.
Yours affectionately,
MME
* * *
Kitty read the letter with interest and reminded herself to impart the pertinent information to Darcy. And of course, she would write and share her own good news with her distant friends. She put quill to paper and penned a quick missive announcing her engagement and Georgiana’s. Both couples were unsure whether to plan their weddings before or after the appearance of the Darcy baby, so no dates had been set.
≈
One October morning a few days hence, after the three Pemberley ladies enjoyed a light breakfast, Georgiana went to the music room for her daily practice. Kitty was languidly savoring a cup of chocolate and daydreaming about her future when Lizzy broke into her reverie.
Twisting slightly in her chair, Lizzy said, “Kitty, what do you have planned for today?”
“Oh, nothing in particular,” Kitty replied, but then leaned forward and looked closely at Lizzy, alerted by an unusual tone in her sister’s voice. “What is it, Lizzy?”
“Probably nothing, Kitty. Do not worry. But please, don’t leave me today. I just don’t feel quite myself. I am very restless and cannot get comfortable …”
Lizzy’s face had a faraway expression and her countenance was drawn.
“Of course I will stay with you, but shall I send for someone? Can I get you anything?” Kitty tried to mask her concern but knew her sister could read her face.
Lizzy shook her head.
Just then Wilson appeared at the door with a bow to announce Mr. Owen Wyndham.
“Please, Wilson, ask him to come to us here in the breakfast room. And for the maid to bring fresh water for my sister.”
Wilson glanced towards Lizzy, furrowed his brow, and hurried away at once.
“Oh, Kitty, I am not up to receiving callers this morning …”
“I am sure Mr. Owen will understand. Now, where do you wish for you and I to keep company? In the music room? The drawing room? Perhaps Owen and I could help you—”
Owen strode into the room.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, “what a fine—” He stopped mid-sentence. “Mrs. Darcy, are you unwell? Shall I call for someone?”
Lizzy attempted to smile; the weakness of her effort was not lost on Owen and he glanced at Kitty with concern.
“No,” Lizzy mumbled, shaking her head, “but perhaps you and Kitty can help me to the drawing room. I think I shall be more comfortable with my feet up.”
“But of course. Come, Kitty, let us each take an arm. We two are strong enough to help you along, Mrs. Darcy. And walking does sometimes improve the discomfort from carrying … well, it often helps mares when they are feeling restless and getting near to … my apologies, I am certainly not comparing you to a horse, Mrs. Darcy, but …” He glanced at Kitty for the proper words.
His awkwardness brought a smile to Lizzy’s face.
“Walking is rhythmic and can be very calming, Lizzy.” Kitty kept her voice low, exchanging a meaningful look with Owen. “You have always preferred walking to steady your mind. It will do you good.”
They were making slow and awkward progress down the long hall when Lizzy grasped for Kitty’s hand. A little cry of “Oh, no!” escaped her and she flushed crimson with a horrified look.
Kitty heard a splash and looked at the floor, feeling wetness through her house slippers. She frowned and looked at Owen.
His eyes were wide. “Her water has broken. Kitty, point me towards the room that is set up for the birth. Her labor has begun.”
Lizzy whispered, “I am so sorry. I am mortified. You must leave at once, Mr. Wyndham. I cannot—”
“No, Mrs. Darcy. I will not leave you alone. I will stay until the doctor or the midwife arrives. All will be well. It is a good sign when the water breaks first.” He glanced down at the floor. “And it is clear—also a good sign. Do not worry.”
He reached around Lizzy to offer more support, pulling her arm around his neck.
“Mrs. Darcy, are any of the elder ladies of the house present this morning? The housekeeper? The cook? Anyone who has attended a birth?”
Lizzy looked at him wide-eyed and whispered, “No. Cook has gone into the village, and the housekeeper is there as well to tend her sick brother.”
Kitty trembled. Her mind raced. Water? Labor? She had seen kittens born when she was a little girl. But the process itself had been lost on her—she had focused only on which one she would pick for her own.
Owen’s firm voice penetrated her foggy mind.
“Kitty. Look at me.”
She took a breath and stared at him.
“You must follow my directions. Listen. Go to Wilson. Tell him Mrs. Darcy is in labor. Doubtless Darcy has a plan of action in place for this. I hope …”
Then Owen turned to Lizzy again. “Where is Darcy this morning? I am sorry to ask you so many questions …”
“Swan’s Nest. He and the squire were going to look—”
“Oh, yes, that stallion over by Froggatt. We must catch him before they leave. Kitty, when you find Wilson have him send for the physician and the midwife. And send the fastest rider he has to Swan’s Nest to fetch Darcy here at once. Oh, and have Lady Stapleton come immediately.” He paused, as if to put his thoughts in order. “Then send up a house maid. And a lad to start a fire. Tell Georgiana to handle things below stairs. Then return here to me—your sister will be easier for your presence. Now go!”
Kitty’s eyes were large. She gulped, spun around, and raced down the hall.
After following Owen’s many directions, Kitty returned to her sister, who now sat on a chair in the birthing room. Owen assisted the maid in preparing the bed whilst a young man started a fire. Kitty hurried over and knelt beside Lizzy, taking her hand.
“Tell me what I can do. How can I help you?”
“Just stay by me, Kitty.” She gripped Kitty’s hand hard as a contraction built.
Grasping Lizzy’s hand, Kitty nodded and said, “Wilson has sent messengers out. The doctor and the midwife will be on their way. And Lady Stapleton.”
Lizzy breathed deeply again when the contraction subsided.
“I shall be most relieved with Lady Stapleton here. She has attended many births.”
“Yes, and she is especially excited about this one,” Kitty said. “She looks on you almost as a daughter, Lizzy.”
Lizzy merely smiled and closed her eyes.
Time seemed at a standstill as they waited for help to arrive. But it was not at a standstill for Lizzy, whose labor progressed quickly. The contractions were coming closer together.
Kitty looked at Owen in alarm. He pulled her near the door for a moment and spoke in a very low voice.
“No matter what happens, Kitty, you must stay calm. Like a skittish horse, your sister will look to you for comfort and reassurance. Can you do this? I understand it is more difficult with your own sister. But if you lose control, so likely will she. If yo
u do not think you can manage, it would be better for her if you wait in the outer room.”
“She is my sister. I will not leave her,” Kitty said, pressing her lips into a determined line.
“Good. Now I must speak to her. I will give direction, you give reassurance. Yes?”
Kitty nodded.
He moved up near Lizzy’s face, gently touching her shoulder.
“Mrs. Darcy, all possible help is on the way. I advise that you allow me to attend you until more experienced help arrives. But I do understand if you will feel too … compromised … by what I may see or have to do. I have helped deliver many foals, but no babies. Your comfort is of the highest importance. Things go better when the mother is comfortable. Shall I stay, or go?”
“Stay. Please stay. I care nothing for propriety at present. Only for the safety of our baby.” She closed her eyes again to cope with another contraction. A few tears escaped and trickled down her cheeks.
Kitty had never seen Lizzy cry, except in anger or frustration, and her first instinct was to panic and to cry herself. But no! She must be strong for Lizzy. She cast about in her mind for what to say but could come up with nothing diverting, and simply said, “Don’t worry, Lizzy. Remember what you said? Babies are born every day, and in most situations things go well. You are going to be a mother, Lizzy. A mother!”
Lizzy grasped Kitty’s hands and nodded, and a bit of a smile returned.
“Move around however feels most comfortable, Mrs. Darcy,” Owen encouraged. “The mother usually knows best.”
Kitty continued to talk and ask Lizzy questions about baby names and anything else that might help Lizzy relax. Still, the minutes dragged and the halls remained silent.
Lizzy made for the bed and turned onto her side, no longer able to speak or look at anyone.
Owen had just positioned himself to assist the baby’s entrance into the world when Lady Stapleton bustled into the room. She took one look at Lizzy and clucked.
“I see I am just in time.”
Owen nodded.
Lady Stapleton leaned near Lizzy’s face and whispered reassurances whilst stroking her hair. Then she moved to join Owen for the delivery.
“Now, my dear, you must push when I say, and only when I say. You are a strong, healthy young lady. We shall soon meet the youngest Darcy.”
Kitty moved to her sister’s face and murmured what encouragements she could think of.
The labor was hard but quick. With only a few well-timed pushes, Lady Stapleton’s and Owen’s voices cried out in unison, “It’s a boy!”
The lusty cries of the baby were reassuring. Lizzy and Kitty were overcome with tears and laughter, relief and joy. Lady Stapleton cleaned the baby whilst Owen stayed to attend Lizzy during the final stage.
Boots were at last heard racing down the hall. Fitzwilliam burst into the room and rushed to Lizzy, his eyes flashing and his face contorted with alarm.
“Are you well? Are you in pain? Oh, my dear. The squire and I were halfway to …” He glanced quickly around the room, astonished to see Owen. “But where is the doctor? The midwife?”
Lady Stapleton shushed him.
“Here now, Mr. Darcy, things are all in hand. I believe the doctor is on his way, but the largest part of the business is done, and done very well indeed.” She walked over and handed him a tiny bundle. “Here be the wee one. Mr. Darcy, meet your son.”
For just a moment, Fitzwilliam’s jaw quivered. He knelt next to Lizzy, cradling the child between them. His eyes misted as he looked back and forth between his child and his wife.
“I cannot believe it … it is so amazing … are you sure you are well? And the baby—he is healthy?”
Lady Stapleton patted Fitzwilliam on the shoulder.
“Yes, yes, all seems to be well. The doctor should be arriving at any—”
A knock was heard and the doctor entered the room, followed by the nurse. With a quick look at the new parents cooing at the child, he puckered his brow.
“Well, I see nature has had her way once again.” He glanced at Lady Stapleton. “Any concerns?”
“I believe all is well.” She bent over and kissed Lizzy on the forehead and then retreated to the outer room.
Meanwhile, Owen had set himself to rights and now reached for Kitty’s hand and led her out as well.
“We shall give the new family a chance to get acquainted,” he said with a look of great pleasure on his face.
“How fortunate you were here, Mr. Owen,” Lady Stapleton said, patting his arm.
“Providence, it was,” he replied.
“Aye, praise be. But I am sure having someone of experience gave Mrs. Darcy some peace of mind, even if your experience is not with humankind,” she quipped. Her eyes danced with merriment.
“An heir, and he looks to be healthy, too. The first of many babes in the neighborhood, I hope,” she said, giving the young couple a knowing smile.
Kitty blushed as Owen put an arm around her.
“A fine hope indeed, my lady.”
≈
Lizzy recovered quickly from the birth and had her hands and mind full of learning baby care from both Lady Stapleton and the baby nurse that had been secured.
One morning as Lizzy sat nursing the infant in the company of Kitty and Georgiana she said, “Well now, perhaps it is time to discuss wedding plans?”
The two exchanged an excited glance, but Kitty said, “Lizzy, are you sure you are up to such a thing so soon?”
Lizzy gave them a placating look. “I believe each of you quite capable of handling the plans. Meanwhile, I shall be planning a christening for young William here. Some guests for these events will need to travel and we must give them as much notice as possible. So, let us all commence our planning, shall we?”
And plan they did.
≈
After a lovely christening attended by family and friends, Georgiana and Kitty married their true loves in a double ceremony. There was satin enough to be sure, but that fact went unnoticed by those celebrating the happy bonds that further strengthened the ties between the Darcys, the Wyndhams, the Stapletons, and the Drakes of Derbyshire.
Many letters were sent bearing all the good news to friends and relations near and far, keeping the post in Lampton busy for weeks. Matilda and William Cressley were already located in Reading, and Christopher and Lucy Drake at Cedars. Now Benjamin and Georgiana Drake removed to an estate east of Matlock. And Owen and Kitty Wyndham settled into the vicarage near Greystone with Cara—a special wedding gift from Mr. Darcy.
≈
One day, some weeks after the wedding, a large parcel arrived for Kitty. She asked Owen to join her in the drawing room to cut the bindings. As she pulled away the wrapping and padding, the smell of fine leather met her nostrils. When she lifted off the last covering she beheld a beautiful saddle—not a sidesaddle!—with a gleaming brass plate fixed just under the cantle engraved: “Catherine B. Wyndham from Princess Charlotte of Wales.” The accompanying note read:
* * *
My dear friend,
Your happy marriage is the brightest news we have received of late. It brought particular joy to our mutual friend who wishes to bestow the enclosed as a token of friendship. She hopes to tour the Midlands and the Lakes next summer, but as you know the plan is not entirely in her hands. So until we all meet again, we send our wishes for the health and happiness of you both, and our warmest congratulations.
Miss Margaret Mercer Elphinstone & Princess Charlotte of Wales
* * *
Owen put his arms about Kitty’s waist and gazed into her eyes.
“I think you and Lady Drake need have no concern about your riding style now. This is as good as a royal decree.”
* * *
THE END
THANKS FOR READING THIS BOOK!
Please consider leaving an honest review at such sites as Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble or other reader/fan page sites. Your review can help others decide if they, too, m
ight enjoy this story about Kitty.
If you’d like to read more by this author, her upcoming works include: The Pleasure of Her Company (Mrs. Dashwood’s story); An Excellent Adventure (Margaret Dashwood’s story); Love & Stones (a contemporary Austen heroine’s story).
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SALLIANNE HINES is a fan of all things Austen, and is an advocate for animals, children, and simplicity. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in Mary Jane’s Farm, Seamwork, Mothering, Spin Off, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and many more places. This novel is her fiction debut.
She is a lifelong horsewoman, parent of three, grandparent of eight, and shares her home with a boss cat and two dogs (who give way to that boss cat). They all live together in a little house on the prairie. Really. She believes we must each be the hero or heroine of our own story, and trusts it is never too late to do so.
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CONNECT WITH SALLIANNE!
Learn about upcoming books and projects at her author website www.salliannehines.com. If you like, join her email list to receive occasional news, exclusive excerpts, updates, and offers.
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AN HISTORICAL NOTE
Princess Charlotte of Wales was married 2 May 1816 to her true love, German Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, who later became King of the Belgians. They lived at Marlborough House in London and at Claremont Park in Esher, Surrey with great and obvious mutual affection.
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 36