“Good to see you too.” His initial warmth at seeing her was paling a bit.
“You have dark circles beneath your eyes and are trying to hide them by wearing your spectacles. It is probably because you tossed and turned all night.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “It was like sleeping with a sack full of hedgehogs.”
“And, how precisely would you know the feeling of sleeping with hedgehogs, Mrs. Darcy?”
“All those meetings at the War Office, meetings with lawyers, meetings with bankers… you know you work too much.”
“And, you know you worry too much.” To avoid prolonging this on-going discussion regarding his work habits he took her hands in his and kissed them. They were the happiest of couples, lovers and best friends – had been from the first moment they met. Well, to be honest, initially she had thought him too proud by far while he had experienced unwelcomed lust for a country girl socially far beneath him, and therefore unacceptable. What an idiot he’d been, wasting a single moment away from her for her family’s want of a ‘proper connection.’ Elizabeth Bennet was his one true love; always was, always would be. She had blessed him with three beautiful children and had brought with her the most contented years of his life. Wherever she was, was his home.
Even if she could be aggravating as hell at times.
“You need a proper tea, I shall send downstairs for it straight away. Oh, no, that won’t do either. Oh, William! Your note promised you and Richard would be busy all day. You should leave.”
“You can be a very confusing woman at times.” Darcy rested his fists at his waist. “Did you not just say…? Never mind; I thought you’d want to know about the news from America as soon as possible. Of course, it seems you’d prefer I go.”
“Stop! Don’t you dare leave now. It is war then. Oh, my poor little girl.”
She was so worried about their daughter, so frantic, that he immediately forgot his pique and pulled her into his arms. “No, no, no. Calm yourself, dear. From what I’ve learned there certainly will be no war and I have been assured we shall be contacted as soon as the sea lanes are open again… unless something unforeseen weighs down the negotiations… which you know is always possible. After all, England is still outfitting ships for the Confederacy, although we claim neutrality in America’s, ah, conflict – forget I said that out loud. Why, there is every indication Prince Albert’s involvement defused the tensions completely! I sincerely doubt there is any cause for alarm… although the Prince’s death may delay things a bit...”
“William, it is exceedingly bothersome that you attach loopholes onto the end of every assurance. Now, how long is a bit?”
“Perhaps till the end of January.”
“End of the January! Are they mad? It could be very dangerous to cross the Atlantic if they wait that long! Oh no, no, no! Let me speak with these fools. I’ll tell them a thing or two. Yes, all right, I know I’m being unreasonable – but, when was a mother ever reasonable about her child?”
“Well, certainly not often if you’re the norm.”
Lizzy’s eyes sparkled with love for this man. He was the handsomest in all London – in all the world perhaps – at least to her he was. “Beast. You’re little better.”
“Absolutely.” Darcy nodded in full agreement. “Sutherland promised to contact me the moment he learns the blockade is lifted.” Or not lifted, he added to himself – better not give voice to another loophole…
“What is it?” She stared at him so intently then that he wondered if she really could read his mind as she sometime claimed. It was unnerving. Marriage, at times, was an exhausting dance.
“Listen to me. America has no more desire than we do for war, Lizzy. They want to end this, and for very practical reasons. They’re already at war among themselves. Apologies have been given and accepted; now Westminster merely awaits news of the Trent’s return. It’s nearly over, sweet. Be patient.”
“William, I am the very soul of patience; and, may I remind you it is still considered rude to laugh at your wife.”
“Sorry.”
“They should mandate mothers and grandmothers govern countries. None of this dawdling would take place, and all children, young and old, would be safer.”
“But then none of the nations would be speaking with each other.”
“That’s a terrible thing to say, especially since it’s probably true.” Laughing, she kissed his cheek.” Did you hear anything of Her Majesty? How is she?”
“Inconsolable. Someone quoted her as saying, ‘this is like the flesh being torn from my bones’. Poor, poor woman; and, already rivals are jockeying for power. I only hope someone steps up and takes command soon.”
“What of the Prince of Wales?”
“He’s not his father, that’s for certain. He’s not even his mother.”
“Somehow this is not helping my nerves, William.”
“Sorry. I trust all will pass in time.”
“You always say that.”
“And, it’s never failed. Who are our visitors?”
“Good heavens! I nearly forgot about them.” She clutched his arm. “William, I am terribly sorry about this, however you really do need to leave.”
“What? Don’t be ridiculous. Wait. Good god, it’s not Lydia and that new husband of hers, is it?”
“No, they aren’t expected until the Spring – unless I can find a suitable excuse to avoid them. Actually…” She glanced over one of her shoulders then the other. “It is Sir Alex Durand. Yes. He was concerned over Anne Marie and Jamie’s situation.”
“Perfectly understandable. I did write him though. I suppose – wait, why are we out here whispering?” Darcy began to head for the drawing room. “Let me speak with the poor fellow. He must be worried sick to have come all this way.”
“Not so fast, sir.” Lizzy clutched at his arm. “I wasn’t finished. They are in there.”
“They? Who are they?”
Lizzy glanced again side to side.
“Lizzy, for heaven’s sake just tell me and be done with it.”
She leaned in. “Bridget is also here. And someone else as well – their son.”
“Oh. Well, I suppose it may be awkward with Bridget at first, since she was in our employ years ago. Lizzy, surely you aren’t still peeved at her for running off with Alex? By the way, did we know they have a child?”
Sir Alex’s wife, Bridget, had been nursemaid to the Darcy’s granddaughter, Roberta, (now staying in their home while her mother, Darcy’s daughter Anne Marie, was being detained in Canada) when she suddenly left their employ and married Sir Alex Durand, the brother of Anne Marie’s husband Jamie Durand, changing the former servant relationship into what was now that of sisters-in-law.
It was complicated.
“Yes, we knew they had a child. You sent them a lovely gift.”
“How thoughtful of me. Has Anne Marie ever mentioned him?”
“She’s never met him,” Lizzy added with meaning. “You know very well Anne Marie felt uncomfortable visiting Sir Alex and Bridget at the family estate in Scotland because of her former relationship with Bridget. She felt badly at first, concerned that it might cause a strain between the brothers; but, it never did really. Whenever Jamie would visit Scotland he’d go on his own or with Roberta while Anne Marie remained behind with the other children. And, of course, whenever Alex would come to London for your yearly meetings, he was alone.”
“Amazing fellow with what he’s been through. How is he?”
Lizzy sighed. “He’s aged a great deal since he lost his leg, William.” She swallowed around the anxious lump forming in her throat before she went on. “One other thing, William – now, please don’t argue with me – they’re staying at Claridge’s while they’re in the city.”
“Utter nonsense! Surely you’ve asked them to remain with us.”
“Oh, I was afraid you’d say that, and please, William, do not offer. They’ve taken perfectly suitable rooms with Mr. Claridge; and, und
er the circumstances, I think it best they remain there. Now, go away.”
Darcy was stunned by his wife’s comment. After all, Sir Alex Durand was family, or near enough. It would be beyond ill-mannered to not ask them to stay.
“What possible reason could there be for them to remain at a public inn? No, that would be unpardonably rude. I’ve always liked and admired Sir Alex, his brother is married to our daughter! Besides, he’s a business partner of mine as well. Whatever has gotten into you, Lizzy? This isn’t like you.”
His wife wasn’t even listening to him. “Sorry, dearest, what did you say? Was that someone on the front steps? No? Thank heavens, must be the wind. Now listen. I have performed all the niceties, expressed your regrets and told them we will visit them tomorrow. We mustn’t delay them, they are about to leave – don’t spoil it!”
“Give me one good reason, Mrs. Darcy.”
“For what, dear?”
“For their remaining at the Claridge’s! I am not in the habit of insulting friends or family by not offering them the comfort of my home. Explain.”
“Mr. Darcy, it is not something I care to discuss in public.”
“We are not ‘in public’ though; we are alone in our own home.”
Lizzy glanced about at the two butlers nearby, the three footmen… was he serious? “Oh, I do wish you’d listen. Trust me when I say this is neither the time nor the place to explain. It really is best for all concerned that they leave this house as soon as possible. Besides, Matthew and the girls may be returning any minute with this storm brewing.”
“Matthew is with the girls? That’s very kind of him, Roberta’s been so lonely without her mother, and she and Amanda have such a special friendship… however, I don’t see at all what that has to do with the Durand’s.”
“You will. Matthew and the girls left for the park over an hour ago. To skate. To practice. To practice skating. However, as I said, they may return early with this weather. Why are you staring at me like that? You know all the children are taking lessons.”
“I repeat. What has that to do with Sir Alex?”
“Would you just leave?”
“Elizabeth, step away from the door.”
“Please do not go in there! There isn’t time. Oh, dear. Well, I tried to warn you.”
“Warn me of what? You make no sense at all.”
“Truly? I will in a moment.” Her arms crossed in front of her, Lizzy tapped her foot impatiently as her husband reached for the doorknob. She was obviously aggravated, but the Darcy family had long-standing values that were sacred.
“Mrs. Darcy, after all these years I thought you understood me, felt as I do. Family always comes first. Sir Alex and Bridget – despite the fact that at one time she was a nursemaid in our home – are family.”
“Mr. Darcy! I like to think I’m not such a snob as all that.”
“Nevertheless, I will be offering them our hospitality during their stay, or until Sir Alex secures a permanent residence for them when Commons sits in spring; and, there is nothing you may say that will change my mind. Are we clear on this subject? Have you anything to add?”
“Only that you are a horrible beast, and I tried to warn you.”
“Honestly, Elizabeth,” Darcy huffed. “There are times when you sorely try my patience!”
He understood her reasoning within moments.
Chapter 3
“Papa?”
Matthew Fitzwilliam glanced down at the adorable child holding his hand, his beloved daughter, her cheeks rosy from the chill, her eyes bright with joy. He wasn’t biased in the slightest – however, Amanda Rose was the most beautiful, the most loving, the most brilliant child ever born. “What is it, my darling?”
Perhaps he was somewhat biased.
“Don’t you just adore skating?”
“Only when I’m with you and the little mischief maker over here.”
Roberta, the child grasping his other hand, tried to look offended but broke into giggles instead, causing her to suddenly slip and slide on the ice. “Oopsie.”
Matthew steadied her quick enough.
“Careful there. Are you all right?” He loved his cousin Anne Marie’s daughter nearly as well as his own. A delightful hoyden, she charmed everyone she met, and the weeks during which her mother and stepfather had been away had shown her strength of character as well… comforting her brother and sister, calming her grandparents. She was an amazing little girl.
“Please don’t fuss over me, Cousin Matthew. It’s terribly embarrassing. Someone might see.” She could also be proud as a peacock at times.
“Forgive me, your Grace. However, hundreds of pounds have been invested into your education, and you still say ‘Oopsie.’ And here Beacon told your step-father you were the most brilliant child in the whole world.”
“Miss Bitsy said that? Did she really?” Roberta’s eyes were wide with shock. “Well, that was extremely kind of her. Such a pity she had to be let go, I was truly fond of her. She could swing upside down on a trapeze, did you know that?”
“I did not. An admirable quality for any nanny.”
“Absolutely. And she brought me the very best of the chocolates and cakes when Mummy and Papa weren’t looking, although, um, perhaps that’s a secret best kept between ourselves.”
“I have absolutely no idea to what you refer.”
“You are the best, Cousin Matthew. Thank you. I wouldn’t want her to have any more trouble because of me.”
“Birdy, whatever do you mean? It wasn’t your fault Bitsy was let go.” Amanda called Roberta by her babyhood alias, Birdy, as did most of the other children. “How were you to know the neighbor’s coachman was in her room? You only ran in there to save her.”
“I suppose, though I still feel awfully bad. It’s just that the way she was screaming I thought something dreadful was happening to her.”
“Yes, ahem, well, ladies, perhaps we shouldn’t dwell on that. Your grandfather will explain it all to your mother and father when they return.”
Yet, Birdy continued on. “He was very fat. And very hairy.”
“Why don’t we speak of something else?”
“He actually shook the house when he fell out of the bed, then he tripped over his boots. I wonder what…”
“Roberta, where are your spectacles?” Matthew needed to change the subject before the awkward questions began.
“Oh pish. I only use them for reading.”
“You know you’re to wear them all the time.”
“Not all the time, surely.”
“Yes, young woman. All the time!”
“Well, that’s just silly. Grandpa only wears his when he’s tired. Besides, ‘all the time’ infers nighttime as well. Who wears spectacles to bed?”
“There are the other activities than sleeping...”
“Yes, I realized that when that coachman ran down the stairs wearing only his smalls.”
“Roberta! I meant other nighttime activities when you should be wearing your spectacles!”
“Well, I know that now! Why, I could hardly see anything at all in that bedroom.”
“Why is your face turning all red, Papa?”
“It’s the cold. I must be cold. Heavens, I cannot wait for Anne Marie to return,” he mumbled.
Already bored with the subject, Roberta tugged on his hand with another question. “Cousin Matthew, do you think Mama and Papa shall be able to ice skate in Canada? I mean, do they have ponds and lakes there?”
“Yes, of course they do. They even have cities and homes and families and schools.”
“I am glad. I thought they just had polar bears and forests. Oh!” Leaning forward, she whispered around Matthew to Amanda, losing her footing again slightly with the maneuver. “Mandy! Do show Cousin Matthew what you’ve been practicing.” Matthew’s pride and joy, Amanda Rose Fitzwilliam, was Birdy’s best friend in all the world, even if Amanda was an entire year younger. “She skates brilliantly, Cousin Matthew! Absolutely
first-rate.”
“What’s this?”
“Shush. Birdy, I’m not that comfortable with ‘it’ yet.” Still, as she spoke her father could tell she was eager to show off her new skill. All she needed was a little encouragement, and Birdy was nothing if not her shyer cousin’s greatest champion.
“Give it a go, Mandy! You know you’re absolutely the finest skater in the class. She really is, Cousin Matthew.”
“Then I insist on seeing whatever ‘it’ is, daughter.”
“Well, all right, if you insist. Watch me, Papa. Are you watching?”
“Absolutely.”
Hesitating only a moment to take a nervous breath, Amanda pushed off, turned around and then began to skate backward for several feet.
“Splendid.” Matthew clapped politely. “Bravo, darling.”
“No, no!” Exasperated, Roberta rolled her eyes. “That’s not ‘it’! Even I can do that, and I’m hopeless. Mandy go on!”
Gaining confidence, along with speed, Amanda suddenly executed a very graceful little hop and then a spin in mid-air, only wobbling slightly on her landing. Beaming with success she brushed away the few strands of hair that had come loose from her bonnet, before looking up to see her father’s utter amazement – and with that, as with any child, all was perfect in her world.
“Well?” Breathless, she was eager for his praise. “How was I?”
“That was wonderful! Brilliant! I am speechless!” Immediately, she rushed into her father’s arms nearly toppling him over.
Roberta applauded wildly. “You were spectacularly spectacular, Mandy, brilliantly brilliant – oops!” As her feet slipped out from under her she grabbed for Matthew’s arm. “My, oh, my, oh criminy, oopsie times… No, oh no! (oof)” She landed right on her bottom.
“Roberta!” Matthew set Amanda down quickly and crouched next to the fallen child. “Don’t move, Roberta. Are you all right?”
“Yes, of course I’m all right.” Holding onto his shoulders she slowly righted herself. “I asked you not to make such a fuss, Cousin Matt, please. Mandy, you don’t think Billy saw me, do you?”
“No. I shouldn’t think so.”
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