“All done, ma’am,” she said proudly.
“Thank you, Mrs. O’Reilly,” Elizabeth murmured tiredly.
From across the room, William saw that Elizabeth was studying him, her face weary, yet absolutely radiant with joy. Hurrying to her side, he sat down beside her and peeled back the blanket. Immediately, she began to examine her child’s feet and hands.
“Ten toes and ten fingers,” William proclaimed proudly.
“Let me hold him.”
“Are you sure, darling? He is not light and you must be exhausted.”
“Yes. I need to hold him.”
William passed the baby to her, grabbing a large pillow to stuff under her arm for support. Smiling through happy tears, Elizabeth smoothed the dark curls on Alexander’s forehead and kissed him. Then running a finger gently over one of his chubby cheeks, she said, “He looks just like you—his eyes and hair.”
“But his eyes are shaped like yours, and his hair is definitely curlier. His nose does not look like mine.”
She tapped Alexander’s button nose. “It is so small that I shall not make a judgement about that until later.”
“If I remember correctly, my mother said that a baby’s hair and eye colour could change months after they are born.”
“I hope they do not. I wish him to look just like you.”
William’s heart melted. “Elizabeth, he is so precious. I have not the words to say how thankful I am that you and Alexander are in good health, nor how much I love you for giving him to me.”
She quit studying the baby look at her husband. “I love you, too, Fitzwilliam, and I could say the same, for you have given me Alexander.”
They shared a passionate kiss, causing their company to look away; however, the baby began whimpering, bringing his parents’ attention back to him. Elizabeth cooed to him in between placing kisses over his face, which caused him to quiet.
“I would say without reservation that Alexander is much larger than the Becker’s son,” William offered.
“I agree.”
Camryn appeared at the foot of the bed. Looking over the top of his spectacles, he said, “The Beckers? Do I know them?”
“They are our tenants,” William replied. “Elizabeth was forced to deliver their son shortly after she came to Pemberley, and I was called upon to wash him.”
“I heard about that, but I had completely forgotten,” Camryn said. Then he declared to Mrs. Posey, “I suppose if I am not available, you may always call on the Darcys, should you ever need help with a birth.”
The midwife looked aghast at the very thought, though William winked at Elizabeth. Not totally unexpected, Alexander soon began to cry in earnest. It was obvious that he wanted to be fed, so Aunt Olivia came forward, shooing the men away. William joined Camryn in a corner, quietly talking as the physician packed his instruments in a bag. Pulling the curtain part way around the bed, Olivia’s voice was muffled as she offered Elizabeth her expertise. And, when the curtain was opened, it was clear that mother and son had caught on quickly. The baby’s eyes were closed, and he was suckling robustly at his mother’s breast.
William walked back to Elizabeth, settling beside her to watch Alexander nurse. At this point, she asked, “Have you forgotten something, Will?”
Brows furrowed in puzzlement. “Forgotten? I know not—”
Smiling crookedly, she interrupted. “Today is your mother’s birthday.”
His brows softened. “I thought of it yesterday, but today I was entirely focused on you and the baby. Now that my prayers for your safety have been answered, the fact that Alexander was born on Mother’s birthday makes it all the sweeter. I know how proud she would have been of her grandson.”
Mr. Camryn was weary and eager to return to his home. Nonetheless, he needed to issue instructions before he left. Donning his coat, he picked up his bag and walked over to the bed.
“Mrs. Darcy, because of the length of your labour, I am going to order you to rest in bed for at least two weeks.”
Elizabeth wanted to protest, but before she could, William asked, “Do you intend for her to stay in bed the entire time?”
“No. There is nothing to keep her from sitting in a chair and walking a bit if she feels well enough. Of course, all meals must be served on a tray, as I do not want her taking the stairs.”
“I am right here,” Elizabeth reminded them. “Why do the two of you talk as though I cannot hear or comprehend what you are saying?”
Camryn tried to suppress a smile. Having dealt with his patient in the weeks after William was hurt, he was used to Mrs. Darcy’s spirit. Biting his tongue, he motioned for Mrs. Posey to follow him from the room. Olivia and Mrs. Reynolds were right behind them.
“I am sorry, dearest. You are absolutely correct. I have been in a daze since Alexander’s birth and I slipped back into my old ways.”
“I understand, Will. And I respect that you have donned your protective husband and father manner. Still, we are a team, and I do not like being talked about as though I have no opinion.”
It was just as well that the room had emptied, for Elizabeth might have been embarrassed had anyone heard William’s next words.
“I shall try my best, Elizabeth, for we are, indeed, a team.” A slight smirk played on the corners of his mouth. “After all, how else could Alexander have been conceived if not for teamwork?”
Instantly, a gleam of mischievousness filled her eyes, and William backed away from the bed with his hands raised in mock surrender. Elizabeth grabbed a small pillow and was poised to throw it.
“Just wait until I get on my feet, dear husband!” she said. Giggling, she tossed her weapon. “Being sorry will not save you then!”
In the sitting room, all those who had vacated Elizabeth’s bedroom were in a circle talking when the sounds of laughter reached them. None could keep from smiling ear to ear.
At that moment Richard stuck his head in the door. “Uncle said that Elizabeth and Darcy have a boy. Are mother and child both well?”
“I am pleased to report that they are both in excellent health,” Mr. Camryn replied.
“And Darcy?”
“Fitzwilliam is giddy with happiness,” Olivia proclaimed.
Richard grinned. “I should like to see that.”
“Sit down right here.” Olivia took his hand and led him to a chair by the window. “As soon as Elizabeth is through feeding Alexander, I shall make certain that you have opportunity to do just that.”
It was not twenty minutes later that his aunt kept her promise.
THE BIRTH OF FITZWILLIAM Alexander George Darcy, or Alex, as he was to be called, was officially announced the next morning. The news was greeted with great fanfare amongst Pemberley’s tenants, the nearby village of Lambton, and the entirety of Derbyshire. Celebrations followed for days as word spread, for the prosperity of the inhabitants of those regions depended greatly upon a successful continuance of one generation of Darcys to the next.
Chapter 51
London
Four months later
Courtesy of a full moon, a muted, silvery hue bathed scores of carriages as they shuffled attendees of the Matlocks’ dinner party back to their homes. Invitations to the soirée had been highly sought-after, and excitement was still running high amongst those who had attended, for they had been witness to the return of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy to London society. This august couple had not been seen in Town since shortly after their marriage more than a year before, and to be able to brag of having seen them was a feather in the cap of any lady of distinction. The residual excitement, however, did not extend to the occupants of one particular carriage.
“Will, if you are not careful, your face will freeze in that scowl,” Elizabeth teased. “Then Alex will be as afraid of you as some I met tonight.”
William could not hold back a smile at her contention. “Surely, you jest. Who could be frightened of me?”
“On the contrary, I am completely serious,” Eli
zabeth replied with a wry grin. “You were perfectly amiable until after supper when that group of ladies stopped by our table. I shall never forget their fawning manner when you acknowledged them.”
“Elizabeth.” By the way William drew out the syllables of her name it was plain that he did not wish to discuss it. “I assure you that the women of the ton have never held any appeal for me.”
“But some of them were extremely beautiful.”
“And extremely dull. You are both beautiful and intelligent.”
Elizabeth gave him a quick kiss in appreciation. “I love that you think so. Still, I am at a loss to comprehend their reason for acting so conspicuous. After all, you are now a married man.”
“I presume it was curiosity. Most of those women were not at the ball after our marriage. And, since we arrived when the receiving line was nearly finished, they had no opportunity to get a close look at the woman who snatched the prize from under their noses.”
“The prize?”
“Me, or rather, my wealth. That is all that marriage means to most of the ton.”
“I do not happen to agree with that. For, after all, you are a very handsome man in addition to being rich.” She laughed. “Having seen the eligible men in attendance tonight, I cannot blame them for envying me. It is sad, though, that they received such a scowl for their trouble.”
“So, I looked fearsome, did I?”
“Oh, yes,” Elizabeth retorted. “And you still do. I was almost afraid to interrupt your thoughts just now.”
“I do not believe that.” William leaned over to kiss her upturned face then settled back into the seat. “I have heard you say often enough that your courage rises with every attempt to intimidate you.” He was silent for a long moment. “I do owe you an apology though, for I have been in a disagreeable mood ever since we left Pemberley. I would rather you had rested for another two months before making a trip of this duration—especially one to honour my sister.”
“But Mr. Camryn declared that I have completely recovered.”
His expression did not soften. “What does he know? I am with you every day. I have a clearer perspective of your health than he.”
Placing a kiss on his cheek, she tried not to chuckle. “Yes, dear.”
After a long moment of silence, she tried again. “But you must admit that coming to London was preferable to having my family visit us as they did in May. Mama settled in too eagerly at Pemberley, ordering our servants about as though they were her own. And it became obvious that she was jealous of my relationship with Aunt Olivia, not to mention how much Alexander adores her. In the end, I began to fear she would stay until she was certain that the baby favoured her over our aunt.”
“That will never happen.”
“I agree. A child knows when someone is sincere, and Mother’s attentions to him are for display. Still, I was worried that she thought it a contest and would stay until she felt she had won.”
“If not for your father, she would likely still be there,” William said under his breath.
“I am sorry. I did not hear you.”
“I said at least your father is sensible.”
“It is a blessing that my family was scheduled to be in London this week. We can host them for dinner tomorrow and be free of obligations for months to come. And, as Aunt Evelyn pointed out, it was necessary that we attend Georgiana’s engagement dinner to thwart the gossips. Besides, it was time you met her fiancé.”
“I have been familiar with Georgiana’s fiancé for many years. I did not relish meeting him.”
“Why ever not?”
“Viscount Peabody often frequented White’s after he completed Cambridge, and to say I was not impressed is an understatement.”
“But you said nothing to me.”
“Given Georgiana’s spiteful conduct, I was determined that her circumstances not become your worry. You have your hands full being mistress of our homes and rearing our son. That is how it should be.”
“I have forgiven her—you know that.”
“I do. And I have forgiven her as well. But whenever I look at Alexander, I am reminded that she thought nothing of having you shipped from England knowing that you were carrying him. Perhaps, over time—”
He became silent, and again Elizabeth squeezed his hand, for she understood his feelings all too well. Still, she wished to know more about Georgiana’s tall, handsome and blond fiancé. “What worries you about Viscount Peabody?”
“The fact that he is your typical wealthy heir—spoiled and self-serving—chiefly known among men whose opinions I trust for his love of drink, his extravagant losses on the races, and his eye for the ladies.”
“Will you inform Georgiana?”
“I wrote her about his reputation when I got word of their growing attachment. She responded that he has changed and, since they are engaged, it is obvious that she did not take my reservations seriously.”
“Does Lord Matlock know?”
“Yes, but my uncle is a good friend of the young man’s father; thus, he dismisses what I see as drawbacks. After all, most young men of the ton share these attributes. He does not see them as any reason to reject a legitimate offer and, as he pointed out, Georgiana seems determined to have him.”
William stared out the window for a time before continuing. “If not for my aunt’s plea, I would not have come tonight.”
“Do you wish to hear my opinion?”
William chuckled. “I believe I am about to, regardless.”
“I think that you are afraid that Georgiana is too immature to know her heart. You fear that she will marry in blissful ignorance.”
“You know me well.” He lifted Elizabeth’s hand and placed a kiss thereon. “That is why when Lord Matlock consulted me about Peabody’s offer I insisted that the engagement be for a full year. Though that still may not be enough time, Georgiana will be nineteen before they marry. Perhaps, by then she will have seen more of his character.”
“I have no idea what has transpired since she went to live with the Matlocks, but I have to wonder if they see marriage as the only option to tame her.”
“Both my aunt and uncle contend that she has been a model of decorum since she came to live with them.”
“I pray that is so.” Elizabeth considered how to continue. “Did you happen to notice when she approached me tonight? It was while you were dancing with your aunt?”
William stiffened. “Georgiana? No, I did not. What did she say?”
“She purchased a present for Alexander—Noah’s ark with all the animals—and wanted to know if she could have it delivered to Darcy House. I suggested that she bring it in person and meet him. She declined.”
“Did she give a reason?”
“She contended that Alexander deserves family about him who supported his birth from the beginning. I tried to argue the point, but Viscount Peabody came to claim her for another dance and the chance was lost.”
“It is just as well. Let her decide if and when she is ready to meet our son.”
Just then the carriage stopped in front of Darcy House, and the carriage door was instantly opened. A footman offered his hand, but William stepped out first and assisted Elizabeth to the pavement. Together they walked arm-in-arm up the steps to greet Mr. Barnes who stood in the open entrance.
THE NURSERY
The next day
Already dressed for dinner, William entered the nursery and seeing that Alexander was awake, picked him up and kissed his forehead, followed by both cheeks. “How is Papa’s fine boy?”
Turning, he caught the nanny suppressing a grin and assumed a more businesslike manner. “Mrs. Anderson, if you will follow me, you may wait in the kitchen until summoned to take Alexander back to the nursery.”
Quickly he exited the room, and the servant had to hurry to catch up. “I shall have Mrs. Barnes fetch you just before we are called to dinner. I am praying that my son will behave until then.”
“Master Alexander shou
ld do well, for he was fed within the hour and, unlike some children I have cared for, he is good natured.”
William smiled at the compliment. Having reached the grand staircase with his child, he noticed that Mrs. Barnes was waiting at the bottom. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Alexander, and she smiled at the babe with a look reserved only for him, as father and child descended. Then patting the baby’s hand affectionately, she relayed a message to her employer.
“Sir, Colonel Fitzwilliam has just arrived. He is waiting in the library.”
“I wondered where he was. Please tell Mrs. Darcy that Alexander and I are in the library with my cousin. Oh, and Mrs. Anderson will wait in the kitchen to take Alex back to the nursery when you call us to dine.”
“Very good, sir.”
THE LIBRARY
When William entered, he was holding his look-alike son effortlessly. Naturally, Richard could not resist teasing him.
“I see you already have mastered fatherhood, Darcy. If you find it that simple, I should have no problem whatsoever.”
“If it were only this simple,” William answered, his mouth settling in a wry grin. “Wait until you are called upon for less agreeable duties.”
“I do not intend to handle the less agreeable duties,” Richard declared coming forward. “That is what nannies are hired to do!”
He stopped in front of William and the child, a ridiculous grin on his face. Reaching out to chuck Alexander under the chin, he said, “Do you remember me?”
Two amiable light blue eyes lit up and the baby smiled. That was all it took to provoke the colonel into making a series of silly faces and noises to accompany them. His efforts were successful in eliciting more smiles and that motivated William to demonstrate his own expertise.
“Watch this!” he ordered, holding his son at arms’ length over his head. The instant he brought Alex down to bury his head in his stomach and blow on it, the child shrieked.
Richard laughed heartily. However, once he was able to catch his breath he warned, “Be careful, Cousin! Remember the Duke of Chichester’s son—the one that Edgar tossed about at Lady Alice’s picnic! Children of that age are prone to spew the contents of their stomachs at the least provocation.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 83