by Kay Mares
“I simply asked for your company and assistance in overlooking the grounds for any possible issues which may need to be addressed and instead I end up in my own brook. You, Henry, never fail to amaze me and I do not mean that as a compliment.” Darcy snaps at Henry as he tries to wring some of the water out of his shirt sleeves.
“How was I supposed to know you would deem it necessary to check on the other side of the creek? Instead of waiting until we could return on horseback, you, Fitz, had to be confident all is as it should be. You are far too diligent for your own good. This incident is really your fault.” Henry pointed out as he too tried to shake some of the water out of his clothing.
“My fault? I think not. I would never have assumed the log could hold the weight of two men! Please recall I voiced my concern to you, but you still followed, heedless of the potential negative outcome. You would do well to adopt some of my conscientiousness,” Darcy sniffs. The conversation continues in this same vein as they approach the home. Inexplicitly, Henry then shifts the tone of the conversation.
“I say, Fitz, perhaps we should enter through the servants’ entrance? Since we are wet and muddy, it might be better to do such?” Darcy, however, is in no mood for Henry’s suggestion and answers him curtly and rather pompously.
“I will do no such thing. I will enter my home through the front door like any proper gentleman. I do not have to go creeping about.” Lizzy notices the questioning look Anne shoots to Henry and how Henry shrugs his shoulders, but Lizzy does not know what their concern is about. She also knows Darcy is perturbed and she feels sorry for him especially since it is his birthday. Upon their arrival, Mr. Moxle opens the door with a large grin which wilts away immediately upon discovering his Master’s state; Darcy merely brushes by the stunned man. Lizzy follows closely and witnesses her husband straighten to his full height with shoulders and head was thrown back as he is greeted enthusiastically by Lord and Lady Matlock, the Bingleys, Georgiana, and Kitty and Jonesy. The gathering wishes him a happy birthday in unison then work diligently to keep the laughter from escaping their mouths. Jane and Georgiana’s eyes are big, Jonesy’s lips are twitching, and Lady Matlock puts a hand to her mouth.
Lizzy fears her husband is near his breaking point, but he calls on his remarkable reserve and addresses his assembled family and friends with dignity and elegance which belies his soiled and soggy appearance. “I thank you for your warm wishes and welcome you to Pemberley to share my day with me. I beg your forgiveness as I repair to my quarters to freshen up. I will return shortly and join you in the parlor. In the meantime, Mrs. Darcy will see to any needs you may have and will order up refreshments shortly.” With a stately bow, Darcy turns and retreats to his quarters regally albeit with a faint fusty smell. While Lizzy knows he is mortified, she marvels at how once again he changes his whole demeanor so rapidly. Jonesy and Lord Matlock can no longer contain their mirth and begin to chuckle. Lady Matlock, however, fixes her son with a hard stare. “Did you actually set him up to have a fall in the creek knowing full well we were waiting to surprise him for his birthday? If you did, I must say that I am disappointed in your behavior. It is most unbecoming.” Henry is fully chastised, and he does not make eye contact with his mother as he answers her.
“I did not have any designs on having Fitz be anything other than his usual pristine self. Unfortunately, we both tried to cross a fallen log over the creek which did not support our weight. I fear Fitz is rather angry with me at this point and I will suffer his wrath at a later date. If everyone will excuse me, I too will return in a much more presentable fashion.” With another guilty look to his mother, Henry departs. Bingley begins to snicker along with Jonesy and Lord Matlock. Kitty and Georgiana see the humor in the whole exchange also. This incident will be an oft-repeated story over the coming years, but for now, Henry remains a bit subdued in Darcy’s presence.
As the guests enjoy refreshments in the parlor, Darcy returns, fresh smelling and with slightly damp hair. His debonair mannerisms in place, he entertains and accepts the good wishes of his family and friends while giving Henry some of his more threatening glowers. The mealtime is lively, and soon Darcy’s humor returns especially after noting Lady Matlock is also giving Henry some very pointed looks. In fact, the more uncomfortable Henry becomes with his mother’s disapproval, the more animated Darcy is. He later tells Lizzy it is the best birthday gift he has received – Henry’s discomfiture. His delight at Henry’s unease heightens, and Darcy feels compelled to declare grandly at the table, “Sometimes, the first step towards forgiveness is realizing that the other person was born an idiot.”
It is Henry’s turn to scowl and sputter as Jonesy adds his own observation. “Wine, wit and wisdom served nightly around this table!” Jonesy tips his wine glass to the smug and haughty Mr. Darcy. The rest chuckle and allow Darcy his revenge upon Henry.
Anne told Lizzy privately that all Henry arranged for was for the family to surprise Fitz and wish him well. Henry apologizes to Darcy, which is accepted readily but he also knows without a doubt he will be on the receiving end of one of Darcy’s well thought out jokes. Later that evening after all departed, Lizzy speaks with Darcy regarding his unplanned birthday celebration. “I did enjoy myself once I bathed all of the musty creek water from my body. Barnabas shook his head in exasperation.” Darcy smiles and chuckles. “I must really be more careful, or I will lose a most excellent valet,” Lizzy asks him if he is still vexed with Henry. “No, I am not. Upon reflection, I believe Henry’s haste to cross the log quickly resulted from his worry over keeping the assembled guests waiting too long. Also, his suggestion to use the servants’ entrance was to keep me from appearing before the others in my condition. Both he and Anne apologized profusely, and I would never admit this to him, but I actually felt sorry for him as Lady Matlock continued to pierce him with her steely glare. She made it well known she was not at all pleased with her son.” Darcy grins. “I almost do not have the heart to retaliate but as I just stated, almost. You seemed to have enjoyed your time with Anne. Anything of note she said?”
“I most definitely enjoyed our talk. She confided in me that she might be expecting as well although a physician has not verified it. Anne seems so much healthier and content. I am pleased I have been able to come to know her better. She told me as well that Lady Catherine has finally accepted her place as the Dowager de Bourgh. There have even been some visits to the main house which have concluded satisfactorily. Again I am pleased for Anne and the positive outcome.”
“Indeed. Henry has enlightened me as to how he handles our contentious aunt. Should she start to belittle Anne or any of the changes they have made to Rosings, Henry merely pulls out his watch and fob while loudly declaring the time as being late. He then orders the carriage around for her Ladyship which arrives with alacrity as he has it waiting whenever Lady C visits. She is quickly and cleanly removed.” Darcy has a huge grin on his face as he recounts Henry’s ploy. “Henry has told me it only took Lady C three visits before she became wise to his strategy. Now if she begins a tirade, he simply starts to reach for his watch, and she effectively shushes. Brilliant.”
Elizabeth moves to Darcy’s lap where he welcomes her with open arms. After a few nuzzles and kisses the conversation continues. “Anne did not share with me how Henry has manipulated her mother. Anne would not want to speak out against her mother, and I cannot fault her for that. However, will you think less of me if I admit to some pleasure in knowing Henry has bested your aunt?” Elizabeth asks him with a pouty smile.
“No Elizabeth, I do not think less of you. I should not speak out about a relative either, but I must also admit to some guilty pleasure in knowing Lady Catherine has finally met with someone who will not bend to her demands nor allow her to have her say at the expense of others.” As one of their favorite habits, they loved each other before slipping into a blissful slumber.
Chapter 35
As the weather continues to warm and Lizzy’s pregnancy proceeds w
ithout difficulty, Darcy makes time to spend with Elizabeth as much as possible. Warm weather walks are undertaken at a slower pace than normal. Trips to the stable are always enjoyable because even if Lizzy cannot ride, she still relishes spending time with Zephyr. Darcy takes her on another small boat ride about the lake, and she laughs inwardly as he still fusses over her comfort and warmth even though the weather has been agreeable. The curricle is often utilized, and Darcy makes some of his rounds to tenant farmers with the curricle so Lizzy can accompany him and enjoy the scenery. The spring planting is in full swing so often Darcy is away for the whole day while Elizabeth and Georgiana spent time together.
Darcy returned once with an overly soiled shirt the result of helping to fix one of the horse-drawn plows. He will always be a hands-on Master who is never afraid of getting dirty or of hard work. Poor Barnabas pronounced the shirt stained beyond repair, Darcy merely shrugging as the valet gives a heavy sigh. Lizzy uses these separations as a time to catch up on her own personal correspondence as well as sewing baby quilts and outfits. Lizzy is overjoyed to learn from Anne’s letters that her own pregnancy has been confirmed and Anne is healthy. The Bingleys are now moved into their new home, so Jane and Lizzy spend time together, Lizzy always accompanied by the burliest, intimidating footman in Darcy’s employ. Lizzy laughingly tells Darcy he frets too much as what could go wrong in the short distance between manors. Darcy blustered and scowled while informing his wife that having the footman escort her is his wish and if need be his order.
However, Darcy loves to plan surprises for Lizzy, and he knows she will soon be even more limited in her travels during the last stage of pregnancy, so he arranges for a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet along with Mary. He also managed to have Kitty and Jonesy come back to stay with Charles and Jane. Kitty and Jonesy completed their move into their own estate and felt settled enough to leave for a brief stay. When Elizabeth spies her family in the great hall along with the self-satisfied look upon Darcy’s face, she knows instantaneously what he has done for her. With a squeal of delight, she is in her father’s arms as he wipes a tear of joy from his cheek. Mrs. Bennet is overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of Pemberley, so it took her most of the day before she started to effuse over everything. Darcy did not witness many of these proclamations as he finishes his rounds and assures himself the planting is progressing and in the case of some farmers, completed. Jane has her share of Mrs. Bennet’s gushing nonsense as they host a dinner in their new home for everyone. Kitty chuckles and sends Jane a sly wink until Darcy announces he would be more than willing to loan one of his carriages so the Bennets may tour Jonesy’s new residence. Mr. Bennet smiles knowingly as Mrs. Bennet hastily accepts the offer.
Kitty now is looking at Mr. Darcy wide-eyed as she realizes he pulled off his ploy smoothly. Kitty’s husband told her of Darcy’s scheming, but until recently, she did not realize the depth of his humor or frankly his cunning. Jonesy tries to stop the impending visit, but it was to no avail. “I say, Fitz, are you sure you can spare the carriage? Perhaps the ladies might wish to take a shopping trip into town. They would be most comfortable in your carriage, and I would hate to see them devoid of such entertainments.” Jonesy is assessing Darcy closely knowing full well Darcy has more than one finely built carriage at his disposal. Jonesy hopes possibly Mrs. Bennet might jump on the opportunity of shopping, but Mrs. Bennet is more curious about Kitty’s home, so she demurs and agrees with Darcy that a short jaunt would be most acceptable.
“Jonesy, my friend, the shopping expedition you suggested may be an idea with much merit. Mrs. Bennet is determined to see your new home, and you are more than competent to escort Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, so perhaps your lovely wife will wish to stay with her sisters here while you make the journey to your estate.” Darcy formally intones with all his regal stance brought to the fore. However as Jonesy begins to pale with the thought of a few days with Mrs. Bennet as company, Darcy gives a quick wink to Kitty as his mouth slowly turns up. Kitty turns to stifle the laugh which threatened to break forth as she decides to spare her spouse the agony of enduring a carriage ride with her mother.
Kitty addresses the two men and her mother, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for considering my wishes to visit with my sisters and for your kind offer to stay. However, I believe I shall accompany my husband and parents back to our estate.” Kitty looks to her mother. “I will be delighted to show you many of the pleasing aspects of the manor, Mother.” As Kitty speaks to Mrs. Bennet, she does not witness the visible relaxation of Jonesy’s shoulders or the smirk Darcy gives him.
“You see now, my friend, it is all settled. I have more than enough carriages to accommodate my guests, so it is of no import should your family wish to view your new manor.” Darcy then waves a finger about as he narrows his eyes and adopts the voice of a schoolmaster, “must I remind you once more not to call me Fitz? Indeed it has become most tiring, and I am beginning to question your memory. How unfortunate for your lovely bride to be married to a man who cannot even recall a simple name.” Mary is shocked to hear the stiff Mr. Darcy speak thusly. Mrs. Bennet cannot believe her staid son-in-law is capable of humor. Mr. Bennet is bemused as he notes the twinkle in Elizabeth’s eyes which is matched by his own. He stands and excuses himself to retreat to the library where he will spend the majority of his time while at Pemberley.
Kitty claims her husband’s arm as her light laugh is heard after Jonesy states emphatically, “see I told you, he’s diabolical.”
Once all the estates have been toured and gushed over by Mrs. Bennet, the party tarries for another week before returning to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet remarks about Lydia a few times, but it is only to say Lydia seems to be content with attending the numerous parties and balls. Sometimes her dear Wickham accompanies her, but many times she attends with her female friends. She has no qualms about dancing as many sets as she can even when her husband is not in attendance. Mrs. Bennet sees no issue with Lydia’s behavior, but the rest of the family knows unease. Lydia remains flighty and heedless of the poor impression she creates. Mary is perhaps the most dismayed, her strict moral sense intact as ever. However, Mary rarely enters into any conversation, so everyone is spared a lecture from the overtly pious young woman.
After the departure of the Bennets, Elizabeth experienced some sadness. She misses her father most of all, and she gloried in the time spent with him as they discussed a novel or politics. Darcy senses Elizabeth’s morose over having her family’s visit ended so he plans a full day curricle ride for just the two of them, complete with a picnic lunch and other snacks should Lizzy’s ever-changing appetite demand something else. It is the morning three days after the departure of the Bennets when Darcy wakes his wife earlier than normal only telling her to dress appropriately for some day travel and not to press him for information as their agenda for the day is a secret. Lizzy bounds out of bed after a hearty kiss on Darcy’s cheek and hurries through her morning routines. Darcy smiles indulgently at her enthusiasm. She flew through her breakfast and with shining eyes announces she is ready for the day.
Once she is settled in the curricle and Darcy completed his required amount of fussing, they are off. Lizzy already espied the baskets with lunch and the other basket with the special snacks, so she knows a picnic is in the future. However, she does not wish to spoil Darcy’s surprise, so she resists asking him a bunch of questions as to their itinerary. Darcy knows she is curious, so he drops her some small details but withholds enough, so her interest remains piqued. In reality, he does not have a specific destination planned out such as a town or village; rather he wishes to show her some of the beauty found on the expansive estate lands, so their journey takes them on some smaller paths which lead deep into Pemberley lands. Lizzy is taken with the flora and fauna as the blooms of the wildflowers are in full swing, and many animals are spotted as they go about their business.
Deer are plentiful as are the many colored songbirds dart about as they perform for their mates and build their ne
sts. The sky boasts a brilliant sun as they disembark from the curricle to enjoy the lunch Darcy packed. They eat leisurely as they talk about the Bennet visit which Lizzy again thanks Darcy for profusely. As a peaceful silence falls upon them, they are gifted by four deer who wander within a short distance of their picnic site. The deer stop and stare at them until one deer snorts and with white tails raised, they bound off into the woods.
The setting is enchanting, so Lizzy is compelled to snuggle up to her wonderful spouse. Darcy’s arms wrap about her, and it is only a matter of moments before ardor claims them, and they express their love in the most natural way. A short doze followed by a quick snack and drink then they are ready to board the curricle once again. As the path opens up into a bit of a clearing, Darcy frowns dramatically. Lizzy senses his tension and follows his gaze to where it is fixed. In the distance are ominous clouds of dark gray, almost black. Lizzy notes the wind which has begun to whip the trees about. Darcy clenches his jaw as a bolt of lightning shoots from the sky ahead of them followed by the peal of thunder. Darcy urges the horse on, turning onto a smaller path. At first, Lizzy does not know why he would have picked this route until she sees the small hunting cabin in the distance.
The rain begins in earnest as they near the cottage. Big fat drops splash and burst around them and on them. In a matter of minutes, they and all of the belongings in the curricle are soaked. Darcy halts in front of the cottage and assists Elizabeth down, and into the cabin where he instructs her to wait inside for him then he returns into the storm to secure the horse and curricle. Returning in about twenty minutes with water dripping from his clothing, he tells Lizzy he was able to tie the horse under the overhang which runs about the cottage and after unhooking the curricle, he managed to get it mostly out of the weather. He then turns to Lizzy, seeing she is shivering a bit. Luckily the cabin has firewood and the means to start a fire which Darcy does post haste.