by Kay Mares
“So he had already proposed, and you accepted when we all came into the study?” Caroline asks. She may be mercenary and cold but she is not without some intelligence and Caroline begins to suspect Henry had been set up by Darcy when Darcy insisted Henry keep Caroline company and escort her to the ball. Caroline could recall her feelings then too. She could not fathom why Mr. Darcy would wish to escort Elizabeth to the second Netherfield ball. Now she realizes he was already betrothed to her so naturally, he would escort her. Elizabeth has her to know she accepted Darcy’s proposal and they were engaged at that point.
Elizabeth wants to race into Darcy’s arms after reliving some of the awful times during his illness when Elizabeth feared she may still lose him. No one else present knows of Lizzy’s agitation, but as soon as the gentlemen return, Darcy senses Lizzy’s turmoil. He swings his gaze to Caroline fully prepared to give her a glower and a warning, but a slight shake of Elizabeth’s head indicates Caroline is not to blame. When Darcy returns his sight to Elizabeth, she silently communicates to him she is fine, and they will speak of it later. Darcy still sweeps the occupants of the room one last time looking for an indication of his wife’s distress. Finding none, he announces supper is ready and the party leaves to enter the dining room.
Later in the evening before everyone retired, Jane can corner Lizzy for a private conversation. Jane explains to Lizzy that the Hursts have tired of Caroline. Louisa begged Charles to allow Caroline to stay with him and Jane in spite of the move and the upcoming wedding. Louisa hinted that her normally uninvolved husband demanded some time without Caroline’s presence and in a rare display of anger, he raised his voice and told Louisa her sister has one week to make ready to depart to Netherfield. Louisa cannot well go against her husband’s wishes, and she sent word of his displeasure by express. Shortly afterward, Caroline herself showed up at Netherfield and refused to stay there alone while Jane and Charles deal with the move and the wedding. “Charles is considering setting her up in her place in town. He and Louisa do not know what to do with her. She has become bitter and sullen, many of her friends do not wish to be near her. Charles does not want to be uncaring, but he has already stated she may not live with us.” Lizzy expresses shock at Caroline’s behavior. She hopes Charles will help Caroline find a suitable place to live because she does not wish to see Jane’s happiness marred by the bitter woman and if the truth is told, Lizzy doesn’t wish Caroline to be a mere fifteen miles away from Pemberley.
In their chambers that night, Lizzy enlightens Darcy about the quandary Caroline placed the Bingleys in. Charles apologized to Darcy for Caroline’s presence and sought Darcy’s opinion on how to deal with his prickly sister. Darcy has no ready answers instead assuring his friend he understands the predicament Charles is in, and his help is available if needed. Then Darcy asks Lizzy what caused her earlier upset.
“The girls and I were recalling the proposals our most wonderful men had given us. I, of course, told them about the tea time you arranged then the next day when you pledged your love to me in Bingley’s study. I did not go into too much detail as it would not be proper. However remembering those times as wonderful as they were, reminded me again of how close I came to losing you forever. I still cannot shake the fear I felt when you were so ill. Naturally, my mind went back to when you were shot even though I did not speak of it to them and I just cannot help the strong feelings which come about when I think of that time.” As Lizzy sheds tears, Darcy envelopes her in his arms while soothing her with tender words. Her sobs subside as Darcy continues his ministrations.
Soon these caresses take on a more sensual flavor, and they lose themselves to the physical and gratifying expression of their deep bond. Lizzy asks him how he knew she was upset. “You live within me, Elizabeth, so when you have pain or distress how can I not feel it when you are part of my soul? I have said before, and I will say it again, only with you am I complete, so it is natural for me to sense when you are hurting.” Darcy’s blue eyes are full of passion and commitment. Lizzy is comforted by his words. Frankly the lovemaking they just embarked on further renews Lizzy’s sense of his health and vigor.
The following weeks before the wedding of Anne and Henry are spent in companionable pursuits. Parlor games including charades and whist are thoroughly enjoyed. Conversation and musical entertainments also keep the guests entertained. At one point the weather allows for the betrothed couples to take a stroll about the gardens of Pemberley. Darcy is watching from one of the upper floors, and as Elizabeth enters the room, she is surprised to see Darcy’s shoulders shaking with mirth.
“Have you found something to amuse you, My Love?” Elizabeth asks him as she slides next to him. Darcy merely gestures to the two couples outside who are followed by four maids and four footmen. The betrothed couples do not have any privacy at all so they opt just to walk together as Darcy’s staff will not disobey their Master’s orders to never lose sight of the couples. Darcy continues to snicker as he monitors their progress down the path.
“I warned Henry and Jonesy both I would maintain proper decorum and do my utmost protect the reputations of the ladies. Apparently, they did not take me at my word so when I found out they wished to stroll, I made sure they had an abundance of chaperones. I will pay dearly for this ploy later but seeing the incredulous looks on Henry and Jonesy’s faces is well worth the risk.” Darcy confides in Lizzy that he has no plans to disrupt Henry’s wedding as it would be beneath him but Henry does not believe Darcy. As the time draws closer to the wedding, Henry grows more paranoid, thinking Darcy did set something up. In the end, Darcy doing absolutely nothing while Henry frets is a bigger joke than anything Darcy may have plotted. As Lizzy snickers with him, she recalls another time Darcy’s inactivity caused Henry to become a tad bit unhinged.
Darcy always enjoys having companionship while he works in his study. Usually, Georgiana sits with him as she sews or reads. Darcy keeps a running dialogue as he attends to his duties. If Henry were in residence, both he and Georgiana would sit with Darcy. Now Elizabeth can be found in his presence, and his flow of chatter with his wife is almost constant. It is during these times Elizabeth notes Darcy is very particular about the order of the objects and papers on his desk. Elizabeth mentions such to Henry one time, and Henry demonstrates Darcy’s fastidiousness by slightly moving his papers and quills when Darcy leaves the room. Almost immediately upon his return, Darcy picks up his conversation while absentmindedly returning the desk back the prior order. Henry repeatedly moves Darcy’s possessions each time Darcy leaves only to have Darcy put the objects back again. As Elizabeth watches this prank, she wonders if Darcy is even aware of his proclivity. Soon she has the answer.
Darcy leaves once more but is gone for a longer time than prior. When he returns, he once more painstakingly rearranges what Henry mussed up then without looking up from his writing Darcy merely states to Henry, “I was just in your quarters.” Henry shoots out of his chair as he gives Darcy a glare and Elizabeth glances at her spouse with his twisted grin in place as he writes. She asks him what mischief he carried out. “None. That is the beauty of it. I did absolutely nothing. Henry’s imagination will torture him far better than anything I could have done.” Darcy smirks. When Henry returns and grills his cousin about what he pulled off, Darcy answers honestly that he has not bothered anything in Henry’s chambers. Elizabeth admits the ruse is ingenious and Henry’s discomfiture is remarkable. It is easy to understand why Henry frets about his nuptials.
Chapter 30
Elizabeth took the small carriage into Lambton for some shopping and more importantly to see the physician. Elizabeth hopes he can confirm for her that she is carrying Darcy’s first child. She smiles to herself as she muses upon his changed demeanor. While he still can be stuffy and stiff, she notes he has started to relax some of his more strict mannerisms. Certain people still elicit a strong response such as Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth arrives and is escorted into the doctor’s office with her trustworthy Ada a
t her side. Doctor Linnington has been the Darcy family physician since Darcy was a babe and he is quite fond of the Darcy siblings.
“Come in, come in, Mrs. Darcy so good to see you!” he warmly greets her. He ushers her to a private room along with Ada and a nurse where he may speak freely without being overheard. “I understand you think you may be with child, what a joy this will be. I assure you of complete confidentiality regarding myself and my staff. We do not want others to know until we are certain. So many have waited so long. You have not spoken of your suspicions to Mr. Darcy, I gather?” Elizabeth shakes her head. “I guessed as much when I saw your husband earlier. Given his propensity to educate himself on all matters, I was surprised when he did not inquire. He, by the way, will be just fine so you need not concern yourself. I recommended some rest today, and I suspect he will fit as a fiddle by tomorrow. He and the Colonel are quite the pair. They keep things lively no doubt.” The doctor has continued his running dialogue while moving his hands over Elizabeth’s gown and abdomen. Elizabeth is unaware of any plans Darcy may have had to travel to town, and she does not wish to embarrass the doctor by allowing him to know she is ignorant of what has transpired. She questions him further on what treatments would be best for Darcy’s health which gives Elizabeth more insight into what he has gotten himself into with Henry.
“All he needs is to take it easy for the day, and as to the scrapes, I left some ointments for him to apply to aid in the healing. The bruises will recede on their own, and he will be good as new. Lucky thing the horse did not fall upon him when he went down. Mr. Darcy escaped serious injury. As for you, I can safely say I believe you to be with child based on my examination and the history you have given me. I will celebrate the life you are bringing to Pemberley. Please plan for more visits as your pregnancy progresses.” Once Lizzy ensures she is presentable again, Doctor Linnington leads the way to the door and watches as Elizabeth is assisted into the carriage by the footman.
Elizabeth is ecstatic over the news she is with child, but some of her joy is tempered with the knowledge Darcy suffered some injury. She knows he will not keep it from her, but she is anxious to get home to see for herself what has befallen him. She ascertained enough to know he and Tempest had taken a spill with no real damage but she wants to know why the surefooted stallion stumbled. Part of her questioning is answered when she sees Henry immediately upon her arrival home. He greets her in the foyer as her coats and wraps are taken, and Henry looks uncomfortable.
“Mrs. Darcy, it is good to see you home again. I believe your husband has gone above to rest; he will be pleased to know you have returned.” Henry’s eyes are everywhere but on Elizabeth as he talks. She is now certain they have been up to some mischief.
“Thank you, Henry, for letting me know Mr. Darcy’s whereabouts. I already gathered he is above. Pray, tell me, how is Tempest, unlike Mr. Darcy, he knew no injuries from the fall? While you are attempting to formulate a response, you may as well enlighten me to why Mr. Darcy’s horse fell.” Elizabeth fixes a hard eye on Henry and puts her hands on her hips. Henry sputters a bit, obviously shocked, she seems to know what has transpired.
“Fitz, Jonesy and I took a ride while you were in town and you know how your husband is, he challenged me to a race, and I agreed. We were going along just fine, but unfortunately, Tempest hit a small patch of ice which caused him to lose his footing. He slid and landed on his side causing Fitz to be unhorsed. No real harm was done. I had the good sense to call the doctor who pronounced him whole if a bit bumped up. Mrs. Reynolds suggested, the doctor recommended, but it was I, demanding he takes a rest so you would not worry about him when you returned. Tempest is fine, and he has been taken to the stables where he was rubbed down. Darcy himself checked him over.” Jonesy strolls into the foyer smiling impishly as Elizabeth grills Henry.
“Jonesy, were you involved in the horse race?” Elizabeth now pierces him with the look she learned from her husband.
“Involved only as far as I was with the two gentlemen in question and I was also on a horse, but I merely trotted. Never one for the reckless ways of those two.” Jonesy still looks impish.
“Jonesy speaks the truth, Elizabeth,” Henry asserts.
“Indeed, Henry. Thank you. I shall call on my husband now.” With another look at Henry with her brow raised, Elizabeth makes her way to their shared bedchamber. She slowly opens the door to the bedchamber and sees Darcy soundly asleep on his back with his right arm crossed over his face. She can see the scrapes and abrasions on his forearm and elbow. Once again there is a book and water glass on the bedside table, and Elizabeth cannot help but recall his infirmity at Netherfield. She feels the same familiar pull to her heart as always when she remembers that tenuous time. Elizabeth approaches the bed and sits on the side with one hip propped on the mattress. His eyes open and he quickly sits up in the bed. He gives her a small sheepish smile as she asks him if he has anything he’d like to tell her about.
“To pass some time, Henry and I decided on a ride in the fresh air. All was going well until Henry suggested a race. His horse is no match for Tempest, so I admit to relishing the thought of soundly trouncing him. Unfortunately, Tempest and I came upon a patch of ice causing him to slip and fall. Tempest is fine, but I suffered some bruising and scrapes.” As he speaks, Elizabeth notes a bruise on his shoulder. He intently watches her as she assesses him and she asks him if he suffered any other injuries. “Just another bruise on my hip but nothing a few days will not fix.” He starts to turn his mouth up at the corner to give Lizzy some sort of jest, but she interrupts him first.
“Mr. Darcy, I am exceedingly relieved you are not seriously hurt. However, I must admit that for someone who is so protective of others and so diligent in his duties as Pemberley’s Master, you also seem to have an impulsive streak thrown in with a bit of daring.” She leans down to gaze deeply into his eyes as she continues, “I am confident however I will be guaranteed you will take more caution in your day to day activities.”
“I await your revelation Mrs. Darcy with anticipation,” he says as he slides his hand up her gown’s sleeve. Lizzy leans farther into him watching his eyes slide shut as he waits for the pressure of her lips on his. Instead, she moves her head to his ear and whispers the words which ricochet through him.
“You, my beloved Fitzwilliam are to be a father.” Darcy’s eyes fly open and widen. Lizzy almost laughs at the startled expression on his face. He sits bolt upright in the bed and stares at her for a moment. Then he pulls her to him as he gently rubs her back.
“This is glorious news! Elizabeth, My Love, you are unequaled and astounding. Just as I feel as if my life cannot become any fuller, you give me more to be thankful for. I love you!” He exclaims. He rains kisses all over her face then returns his shining eyes to hers. He sees her tears of joy, and he brushes them away as his kisses become more tender and soft. He slowly starts to peel the gown from her as he reverently touches her. Their lovemaking is languid and emotional. Afterward, Lizzy tells him of her trip to the doctor, his pronouncement she is with child and his accidental information regarding Darcy’s fall. Lizzy implores him to consider his actions with more care in the future because not only does she need him but his child will require his gentle guidance and love. Darcy readily accedes, and he cannot help but hold Elizabeth closer as he repeats her news out loud.
“A child, Lizzy, I am blessed. Our own child. Next, to my marriage to you, the birth of our child will be the most important day of my life. You too must take care of yourself. No horse rides for you, and if you should need any special foods or drinks, you just say so, and it will be done.”
“I do have one concern, Fitzwilliam. When do we tell others of our news? I understand Pemberley and all connected with it have waited so long for an heir but you must tell me when we should let others know.”
“I say your parents, Henry and Anne, Bingley and Jane and your other sisters should be allowed to know right off. Georgiana will be beside herself with g
lee. Trusted staff members may also be told as you will have modifications to your schedule and diet. Ada has some idea, I assume?” Elizabeth nods, and Darcy continues his thoughts out loud. “No others really need to know beyond our closest circle until we are nearing your lying in. I will have Henry tell his parents naturally, and that should be the extent of those we tell now, oh and the Gardiners of course.”
Elizabeth snuggles next to him with her head on his chest as he strokes her back. “Tell me again Fitzwilliam, you will take more care, and you have not suffered any other injuries today. I worry so for you.”
“Lizzy,” Darcy solemnly begins, “I do have one more thing to confess to you – I ruined another shirt today.” Lizzy shook her head and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. If others knew of his proclivity for humor, they would be shocked. How she had ever thought him stiff, humorless and unemotional, she now cannot fathom. He giggles at his little jest, and Lizzy’s response with that same upturn to his mouth Lizzy adores. He is ridiculous!
Later in the day, Lizzy enters his study. Instead of Darcy being seated behind the enormous desk, he is pacing back and forth, pivoting smartly while his hands are gesturing about. He is talking out loud at points also. He stops for a short moment with one hand on his hip, brows furrowed, and the other hand against his temple. Then he spins about, sees Elizabeth, quickly coming to her with both hands outstretched. She grasps his hands in hers as he begins to speak. His eyes are positively brilliant.