Mrs. Fitzwilliam

by APRIL FLOYD

  Elizabeth gave a pleading look to Nanny and Jane. She knew Miss Darcy might connect her son’s name and features if she looked at him long enough. Her eyes darted about the room and landed on a plate of biscuits left from tea. “Come children, take your treat and return upstairs with Nanny. You may come down again later.”

  Nanny shepherded the children away as Jane spoke haltingly. “That is Rose and Thomas, Miss Darcy. They come down of an afternoon to sit and read with us. Nanny was not aware we had company.”

  Just as Nanny neared the door with the children, Mr. Darcy entered with Mr. Bingley. His reaction was much the same as his sister and he tousled Richard’s hair and remarked upon the beauty of Rose’s sweet face.

  Elizabeth clutched Jane’s arm for support as he spoke their names, calling Elizabeth’s son Thomas. Neither Young Richard nor Rose corrected him for they both squealed in delight as Mr. Bingley knelt and gathered them in his arms. “Come children, you must return to the nursery now.”

  “But Papa, let us play a game of tag!” Young Richard begged. Elizabeth was for once grateful her son had forgotten to say Uncle Charles yet again.

  “No, bubby, Papa must pretend to creep upstairs on all fours as the turtle does and he will carry us on his back.”

  Mr. Bingley laughed at the children in spite of the terror in Elizabeth’s eyes. “We shall play in the halls later but you must go with Nanny now. I will come when our friends have gone.”

  The children waved their farewells and dutifully followed Nanny up the stairs. Elizabeth managed to hide her sigh of relief as Mr. Darcy turned her way. “Such delightful children, Mrs. Bingley! My congratulations are in order, I am sorry to have missed your wedding.”

  Elizabeth forced her nerves aside and smiled as Jane took Mr. Darcy’s hand. “I thank you for your kind words, sir. Mr Bingley has given us the perfect life.”

  Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth and watched her glance to her feet. “Elizabeth, I am saddened there were no children for you and my cousin. What a blessing it might have been for us all had you been so fortunate.”

  The tears came before she might stop them. The strain of hiding her son’s identity coupled with the near miss just moments earlier and the lie she must tell Mr Darcy overwhelmed Elizabeth. She hurried from the salon without a backward glance.

  Mr. Darcy went after her, deeply sorrowful for his thoughtless words. He found her on the stairs leaning against the railing for support. “I should not have spoken about such a delicate matter. Please forgive my mistake, it is only that your niece and nephew are such a delightful pair.”

  Elizabeth turned to face him. “I am fine, sir. I do not think I ought to have come to London after all. There is much I had not expected.”

  Mr. Darcy took her hands and gazed at her with such tenderness, Elizabeth became concerned. “Mr. Darcy, we must not linger on the stairs.”

  His head bent near hers and his voice was but a whisper. “I shall never be the cause of your tears again, my dear Elizabeth.”

  She was shocked into silence by his tender promise. Mr. Darcy felt something for her, it was plain in the way he dropped her hand gently and pushed aside a loose curl from her forehead. The tenderness in his touch and the vow he declared proved Miss Bingley had told her brother the truth about Mr. Darcy’s words at Lucas Lodge all those years ago.

  “Shall we go to Fitzwilliam House?” He asked as he stepped back and offered his arm.

  Chapter 7

  Elizabeth’s hands trembled as she traced the leaf pattern on the door knocker of Fitzwilliam House. This would be her home with young Richard and yet, it seemed a hollow victory. How might she remain in London alone when Jane and Charles returned to Netherfield? Their home in Hertfordshire was her home as much as Longbourn had been.

  Perhaps her younger sisters might come and help fill the empty rooms with the distinct noise of a larger family. A wry smile moved her lips at the very idea of welcoming her troublesome sisters. She was indeed lonely in London to think of such a thing!

  The door opened suddenly and Elizabeth gasped. Of course her keys would be of little use. Mr. Harley greeted her warmly and took her spencer with great care. “Welcome home, Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

  The Darcys entered behind Elizabeth and Miss Darcy placed an arm about her shoulders. “It is your home Elizabeth, as Richard would have wished. Come, I will show you around though it is arranged in the same manner as most townhomes in Grosvenor. Will you open the nursery for the Bingley children?”

  Elizabeth bit her lip and nodded at the young lady. Her love of all that was true and honest pricked her conscience as she allowed Miss Darcy to continue to believe Richard was Jane and Charles’s son. “I must, you know, for I love them as if they were my own.”

  Georgiana nodded. “I know of the most precious shop in Mayfair we must visit to fill the nursery with their favorite things.”

  The young lady’s enthusiasm for such a task surprised Elizabeth and Miss Darcy’s suggestion made it easier to explain away the presence of her son should anyone inquire.

  “Perhaps we might go there and have tea afterwards? My aunt has a favorite tea shop in Mayfair we would always visit whenever Jane and I came to Town as girls.”

  “I wonder,” Miss Darcy said, tapping her fingers on the stair railing, “is it The Pot and Pineapple? We must go if it is for I do adore their sweets.”

  Mr. Darcy allowed his sister to lead Elizabeth up the stairs to the first floor of the townhome before speaking his mind on the matter. “Georgie, you must invite Aunt Margaret along. It would be beneficial for her to meet with Elizabeth in such a setting.”

  Elizabeth could not believe her ears! After the woman’s ghastly behavior during their first meeting, it seemed wiser to avoid further meetings. But you cannot, her mind whispered before she might object.

  “Oh William, after her horrid abuse of Elizabeth I had thought you would not wish for them to meet again.”

  The revelation that Mr. Darcy had shared news of Lady Matlock’s tirade with his sister intrigued Elizabeth. She turned to face him after gaining the first floor landing.

  “Mr. Darcy, I am quite surprised you would speak of that day to your sister. It was most embarrassing for your aunt. I have forgiven her as the grief of a mother must be a terrible burden, but I do not think meeting her again so soon would be prudent.”

  Miss Darcy spoke up before her brother might. “Aunt Margaret will come to love you, Elizabeth, and welcome you to the family. You cannot avoid her in London, for there are already ladies waiting to meet Richard’s widow. Though he was the second son of an earl, his good looks and skill as a soldier set many hearts aflutter about Town.”

  Mr. Darcy took his sister to task and her countenance changed from youthful glee to immediate regret. “Georgie, such gossip is beneath you. I am surprised you would speak in such a manner to Richard’s widow, of all people. You will wait in the carriage, young lady.”

  Elizabeth was sorry to see Miss Darcy chastised so but she could not interfere. Mr. Darcy was right to correct his sister, a task Elizabeth’s own father failed many times with her younger sisters when they spread gossip without a care.

  He offered Elizabeth his arm after his sister had left them and gave his sincere apologies. “You must not think ill of my sister for she is only happy to know you. Still, she ought not to have said such things. It will be difficult enough for you with all the gossip. You must forget all that and simply show grace and forbearance in the face of scrutiny.”

  His words alarmed Elizabeth. “You act as though my presence shall draw gawkers like the exotic exhibits along the Strand, Mr. Darcy. I promise I shall keep to this townhome or those of my family.”

  Mr. Darcy led Elizabeth along the first floor while he broke the news of how her days as Richard’s widow would play out.

  “Aunt Margaret must introduce you to all her friends. The gossip of your existence spread well before you came to London. There is not a polite way for you to refuse her now. It i
s quite impossible. Georgiana, young as she may be, will be your champion. There are not many who will stand against her as she will be the most sought after next April.”

  They walked on in silence as Elizabeth took in Mr. Darcy’s words. She hardly paid attention to the paintings in the hallways and fought the urge to turn and flee as Mr. Darcy showed her room after room of her new home.

  Why had she not thought the Matlocks might be forced by society to present her as their daughter? It was likely another reason Lady Matlock was incensed that day they first met.

  Richard had been right about his mother. She had gained a daughter she could never accept and must pretend before her friends that a country miss from Hertfordshire was welcomed into the Fitzwilliam family.

  “Would you care to see the upper floor? It is only bedrooms and a lovely sitting room for your private use.”

  Mr. Darcy’s words pulled Elizabeth from her thoughts. “I would prefer to return to Bingley House, sir. I thank you for your kindness. Have you many happy memories of Richard here?”

  A shadow darkened his countenance and Elizabeth was sorry for him, for all he had lost. Richard had been his friend and confidante yet in his final years had been cut off from the cousins he loved.

  Mr. Darcy led her to the entry in silence and Elizabeth worried she had only added to his grief.

  “Richard was like a brother to me. I regret so many things, Elizabeth. But I do not regret coming here today with you. He loved us both and I find comfort in your presence.”

  He fell silent of a sudden and as they stepped outside, the wind gusted along the street. Trembling at the cold, Elizabeth leaned closer to Mr. Darcy and he placed an arm about her as they walked slowly down the steps to the waiting conveyance.

  Miss Darcy had recovered from her banishment to the carriage and carried the conversation all the way back to Bingley House. Elizabeth was grateful for the constant chatter but her lingering doubts about the Matlocks crept into her mind once more. A great sigh escaped her as she interrupted Miss Darcy.

  “When should I expect Lady Matlock to present me to her friends, Mr. Darcy? I must look the part, I suppose. None of my trunks hold a suitable dress for such an occasion.”

  Mr. Darcy patted his greatcoat on the left side over his heart. “That reminds me, I have papers for you regarding Richard’s accounts in London. You shall be able to buy whatever you wish, wherever you wish, once all is settled. My solicitors are hard at work on that matter.”

  Miss Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand. “You shall certainly use my modiste, Elizabeth. I will make an appointment for her to come to Fitzwilliam House as soon as she may, perhaps tomorrow?”

  Elizabeth knew she must have her trunks delivered to the home but the idea of living alone did not appeal to her. “Perhaps she might come to Bingley House? I would like to write my father and ask for my sisters to come to London and stay at Fitzwilliam House. It is much too large for one person alone.”

  Clapping her hands in delight, Miss Darcy demanded her brother take her to the modiste’s shop before they returned home to make the arrangements. “I do hope your father allows your sisters to come to London for I would dearly love to meet them. I do not have many friends in London save for the Bingley sisters.”

  The mention of Mr. Bingley’s sisters only added to Elizabeth’s growing fear. They knew Jane and Charles had only one child at present. They had not come to call at Bingley House as yet and Elizabeth knew it was because they did not approve of his marriage to Jane.

  The Darcys left Elizabeth on the steps of Bingley House only moments later. Miss Darcy had been made to wait again in the carriage while Mr. Darcy saw Elizabeth to the door.

  “It has been a great honor to share a part of my day with you, Elizabeth. You must visit us at Darcy House whenever you wish.”

  Mr. Darcy’s eyes softened as he gave a playful bow and Elizabeth graced him with a rare smile. She was surprised at how her heart lifted in his presence. It had been some time since she had enjoyed the attention of a gentleman.

  “I like that you use my Christian name, Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Fitzwilliam seems much too formal coming from my late husband’s cousins. Your sister will become a fixture at Fitzwilliam House once my sisters and I have made it our home, but I would love to see Darcy House.”

  Elizabeth bit her lip and ceased her polite speech when she saw the man was not attending. Mr. Darcy startled from his inspection of her lips when his sister called out to them.

  He nodded to her and left reluctantly. Elizabeth watched their carriage roll away from Bingley House with a strange weight on her heart. Mr. Darcy had been a very different man in Meryton at the Assembly. And she had been a very different young lady.

  The wind picked up and a cold drizzle of rain swept down the street. Hurrying inside, she tugged off her spencer and dashed upstairs to see her son.

  London had already come between them and she determined to have her dinner in the nursery with the children. His warm and wiggly presence would soothe her spirits and the only conversation he required were the tales of brave knights.

  Chapter 8

  The rains continued through the night and before dawn, Sophia Francine Bingley began her journey to the arms of her grateful father and mother. Elizabeth had risen early after being awakened by a maid who had come to her room to see to the fire in the hearth.

  She was happy the woman had come for she had lain cold between wakefulness and sleep for hours. When the room had become warm enough to venture throwing back her covers, Elizabeth decided to dress and find her way to the library. Rainy, winter days in London were perfect for just such a treat.

  Jane’s cries stopped her at the top of the stairs. Charles came dashing out of their room without his banyan and Elizabeth giggled at the sight of him as he called up and down the hallway for the midwife.

  The woman was quartered in the attic of the townhome with the maids and Elizabeth turned and ran for the door at the end of the hallway opposite Mr. Bingley. She took the back stairs two at a time and soon had the midwife wide awake.

  By midday, Elizabeth had left an exhausted, but happy Jane with the midwife and gone downstairs at last to break her fast.

  As she filled her plate with the bounty Cook had supplied, she recalled the modiste was to come that afternoon. Leaving her plate on the table, Elizabeth dashed to the parlor and wrote a hasty note to be delivered to Miss Darcy.

  Returning to the dining room, she rushed through her meal so that she might visit the children and tell them of the new babe. It would be several days before Rose and Richard would meet Sophia. Elizabeth did not wish for them to worry when they came down in the afternoon and found Jane missing from her usual chair in the salon.

  Slowing to linger over her tea, Elizabeth thought of Mr. Darcy and his sister. It seemed both were of a mind to welcome her to their family though in very different ways.

  Miss Darcy seemed a lonesome young lady, eager for a friend. Here, Elizabeth reminded herself to write to her father once she’d visited the nursery. All the Bennets would come to London now that Jane had given birth. At least her sisters could stay at Fitzwilliam house and give Jane and Charles some peace.

  Turning her thoughts to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth marveled again at how different he was from that night in Meryton at the Assembly. He seemed to care very much for her, but perhaps it was only the memory of his cousin which caused him to be kinder to her.

  Elizabeth found she quite liked the idea of receiving his good opinion no matter the reason. She would need it as she learned the ways of the Matlocks. The Earl had not seemed to dislike her, but Elizabeth would not fool herself into thinking the man might take her side against his own wife.

  She rose, eager to see her son and Rose before sitting with Jane again. Below her, the door to the entry flew open with the force of a windy gust and the footman she’d sent to Darcy House stumbled in and leaned against the door to shut it again. He called out as he took to the stairs.

  “Mrs. Fi
tzwilliam, Miss Darcy has written a reply and wishes for your answer.”

  Elizabeth took the note.

  Dearest Elizabeth,

  You must come to Darcy House. My modiste shall keep our appointment here instead. William and I are most pleased to hear of the new arrival at Bingley House and wish to send our regards to your sister and Mr. Bingley. Please say you will come!

  Georgiana

  Elizabeth left the footman in the entry and went again to the writing desk. She did not wish to venture out and leave Jane. But Miss Darcy had gone to the trouble of arranging for the modiste to see them at Darcy House and she would not disappoint her new friend. Writing quickly, she gave her answer and waved the note in the air to dry the ink. In a moment, she returned to the entry and sent the footman back into the rain.

  She must hurry and see the children and visit Jane and the babe again before preparing for her short trip to Darcy House. The dress she had donned earlier had served her well during Jane’s labor but would never do for a fitting before Miss Darcy’s modiste. Nor before Mr. Darcy, she thought as she rushed upstairs.

  Chapter 9

  Elizabeth stood on the low stool in the salon as Madame Kent’s seamstress set to work pinning and smoothing fabric all around her. The woman was deft in her work and Elizabeth was delighted to have never felt a prick from the numerous pins.

  Miss Darcy chattered on about how all their lives would change now that Elizabeth had taken Fitzwilliam House, especially that of Lady Matlock. “I believe she may eventually enjoy having a daughter in the family. And I shall sing your praises so that she cannot speak against you so often with family. Once she knows you better, Aunt Margaret will come to love you as William and I do.”

  Elizabeth stepped down from the stool after a nod from the seamstress. “I am certain your brother holds me in some esteem as the widow of his dear cousin, but love is a strong word Georgiana.”