by Kay Mares
“Your brother has learned unfortunately to be suspicious of those he does not know. He already developed that suspicion long before Mr. Wickham went to Ramsgate. You must not think Fitzwilliam does not trust you or he thinks poorly of you. Let me tell you when the carriage arrived this morning along with the food; your brother was very proud of his mature, accomplished sister and her wisdom in sending the servants out for us. His opinion of you is quite the opposite than what you may think.” Lizzy reaches over to pour both her and Georgiana some tea from the service. As she settles back down into her seat, her eyes sparkle mischievously as she goes on, “So tell me about the young Lord Marsden. He has captured your heart?”
Georgiana’s flush answers Lizzy’s query better than any spoken word. Lizzy nods knowingly, “I thought you had more than a little interest in the gentleman, especially when you were speaking of your time talking with him at the wedding breakfast. Your voice became light and gay, and your eyes were bright. I would venture a guess he is someone you wish to spend time with so you may know more about him?” Lizzy chuckles along with Georgiana as Georgiana shyly nods and flushes once more. “Would you feel more comfortable if I were to broach the topic with your scary older brother?”
Georgiana fixes grateful eyes upon her sister. “Yes, I would. It may not come to anything but how will I know if Fitzwilliam does not allow him to even speak with me? I managed to see him again for a brief time at Kitty and Jonesy’s wedding. The same familiarity came upon me when I was with him. It was as if no time had passed and we picked up a conversation naturally like old friends.”
“Then you feel as if the gentleman has some feelings for you? Does he know your worth?” Lizzy wants to clarify some items before she approaches Darcy. It will be a daunting task to convince him to allow the young gentleman to have some access to Georgiana with the proper chaperones and while maintaining decorum. Lizzy thinks it best not to discuss with Georgiana that Darcy already voiced concerns about her behavior after Henry and Anne’s wedding. Lizzy wisely told him Georgiana’s talk of romance was simply because of the feelings a wedding engendered, but in her own mind, Lizzy wondered if there was more to Georgiana’s dreamy stares than she let on.
“Yes, Lizzy I do think so. He is kind and humorous but also is intelligent. In our conversations, we covered many topics and I know he respects my opinion because when he asked my thoughts on a matter, he listened and did not argue or seem offended if I offered a different perspective. He did not smile bemusedly at me as some have done. You understand how that can be? Certain people allow you to talk, but you know they do not value what you are saying rather they look upon you as some form of entertainment. They figuratively pat you on the head like a loyal dog and send you on your way as they discuss the same topic in what they think is a far more intelligent and deep manner. It is so frustrating to be a female and never to be taken seriously.” Georgiana declares with some vigor.
Lizzy knowingly shakes her head and chuckles, “I know precisely what you are trying to convey. I determined in my mind I would remain unmarried unless I could find a man who would welcome my opinions and value what I had to say. I did not want to pretend I did not understand a concept or act vacuous just because society says we should be seen and not heard. I started to worry I would never find a man who would allow me my independence and tolerate my sharp wit as my mother puts it.” Lizzy smiles a crooked smile as she recalls her earliest encounters with Darcy. She thought he was trying to find fault with her and he thought she had an active mind even though her connections were not equal to his. All the misjudging and misguided notions were simply blown away once they allowed themselves to see the other without prejudice. Now it seems as if Georgiana may have found a gentleman who sees her for who she truly is, one who welcomes her discourse and accepts her few faults. Hopefully, Darcy will be able to see past his own prejudices regarding the elite and be able to allow the two young people the chance to find out if they will suit each other.
The man himself enters the sitting room where Lizzy relaxed for the afternoon. He greets them both warmly as his eyes settle on Lizzy mostly because he could never stop staring at her but also because he wants to assess her once again for any fatigue or ill effects from the adventure of last night. Seeing and sensing no distress, he at once relaxes and the easy, unaffected smile he sports when alone with the people he most adores, comes to the fore. He flops down unceremoniously onto a chair after giving Lizzy a lingering kiss on the hand. Next comes the cravat which he unloosens as he unbuttons his waistcoat. The boots are discarded, and he stretches his long legs out in front of him as he wiggles his toes with a sigh of contentment. These unguarded moments with Darcy are ones which Lizzy treasures. It is not often he can relax all the strictures he feels propriety places upon him. To see him able to be the cheerful, lighthearted man she knows he keeps hidden away, gives Lizzy joy. She loves him so much; she wishes all his days could be as carefree as he is at the moment. At length after gratefully accepting the lemonade Lizzy ordered for him, Darcy asks her what she and Georgiana were discussing.
“Oh you know, girl talk, female chatter, gossip, and fashion.” Lizzy puts on a blank face trying to appear vacuous. When Darcy smiles at her bemusedly, Lizzy can no longer continue the charade especially when she hears the titters from Georgiana. It is rather funny as they had just been discussing how some men do not credit women as having any intelligence. Darcy does not think this way, but at the mention of girl talk, his own eyes seem to glaze over as if he fears being included in that type of conversation. He takes notice however of the apparent levity in the room and suspecting perhaps he may be the source of amusement for the ladies but unsure as to why, Darcy frowns.
Elizabeth does not wish to see him strained in any way, so she immediately goes to him to allay his fears. “We were discussing how many gentlemen do not value what a woman may have to say nor do many of them give credence to the idea there are intelligent women amongst them. Your sister and I both know we are most fortunate in that you are not like those other men and we love you all the more for it.” Darcy once again relaxes into the chair cushions as Elizabeth continues to explain. “However at the mere mention of female chatter, we could both see a visible disconnect in your being almost as if you were afraid we would draw you into some maudlin tale or another emotional upheaval common to certain women.”
“Indeed.” Comes the one-word reply followed by a few more giggles from Georgiana and Lizzy while Darcy sits with the corner of his mouth upturned. The quiet afternoon passes with idle chatter and some reading then they all make their way to various chambers to freshen up for supper. After a satisfying meal, the three of them take a ramble about the gardens near to the house. The groundskeepers are busy planting flowers for the summer season and tending to the numerous shrubs and trees which require attention after the winter. The grass has greened and already needs to be trimmed. The birds flit above, some still courting while other pairs are already building nests for the babies sure to come. The mute swans are on the edge of the pond, the male ever on the alert.
Darcy is telling Georgiana and Lizzy about the swans and how they have been residents of the pond for many years. During his narration, Lizzy and Georgiana stop walking and are listening to Darcy while looking at some early flowers which are poking up from the ground. Darcy wanders farther up the path close to where the swans are building their nest. What he has forgotten about is the fact he told Lizzy all those months ago, the male is extremely territorial. When Darcy comes too close, in the cob’s opinion, he squawks, alerting the ladies and especially Darcy. The cob flies low to the ground straight at Darcy with the intent to give him a thorough wing lashing for venturing into his domain. Darcy breaks into a long-legged run with the swan in hot pursuit. Fortunately, the swan gives up the chase, and as Darcy comes back to where the ladies are standing, he notices them both trying to hold in laughter.
“It is acceptable to have a chuckle at my expense. I was so wrapped up in my disser
tation about mute swans that I erringly allowed myself to wander into heavily guarded territory.” Darcy smiles sheepishly. As Georgiana holds her hand up to her mouth and gives a few chuckles, Lizzy voices what they both think.
“Fitzwilliam, as I have stated before I would never wish to ridicule what is wise or good so please forgive me any offense I may give but to see the noble, dignified Mr. Darcy sprinting away from an angry swan is more than a little diverting. I did not realize you could run so fast!” Soon all three of them enjoyed a hearty laugh, and Darcy turns to look at the swan with a thoughtful cast. Darcy walks a short distance back towards the swan and gauges how close he may come to the pair before the male takes flight. After mapping out the area in his own mind, he escorts his girls back to the manor with a smug grin. Lizzy is certain the cob will be figured into some sort of mischief Darcy cooks up for Henry or Jonesy when either man visits.
Chapter 36
The weeks slide into months. The spring planting is completed so there is not much to do except watch the calves, foals, and crops grow and mature over the summer. Walks are a frequent occurrence along with curricle rides, although Darcy worries and frets about the weather, not wishing to be caught unaware once more. Lizzy teases him about his overprotectiveness earning a scowl from him as he scrutinizes the sky for the tiniest cloud whenever they venture out. One time a brief rain caught them as they took a turn about the paths. Lizzy laughed while turning her face up to allow the cooling rain to splash on it. She jests with Darcy that he need not speed up the horses as he will not melt and she delighted in the gentle shower. The rain only lasts for a few moments and does little in the way of any wetness. Darcy breathes easy as the shower stops, and the sun pops out once more.
These happy weeks with the fine weather provide time for visits from Henry and Anne as well as Kitty and Jonesy. Anne’s pregnancy is progressing wonderfully, and she has minimal asthma attacks. Anne started to show so much more vigor once Henry became a constant in her life. Furthermore, Lady Catherine has settled into her new role as the Dowager de Bourgh and has even accepted the changes in her life. Henry and Anne can host her at Rosings without rancor, and Lady Catherine is eagerly anticipating her first grandchild. The calm which now permeates Rosings goes a long way in restoring Anne’s health.
The visit with Jonesy and Kitty brings the joyful news they too are now expecting. Everyone is full of congratulations and well wishes. The elation in Jonesy’s eyes as he looks upon his bride with love and pride evident is heartwarming for the others to view. They are still holding hands and giggling like young lovers. Their visit overlaps with one of Henry and Anne’s, so the gathering is lively and full of jocularity. As the women talk about their pregnancies, the men usually go off on adventures of their own. After one outing in which Darcy, Bingley, Jonesy, and Henry embark on an extended hike about Pemberley’s woods, Darcy can utilize the angry territorial cob. Since Charles has reverted to addressing Darcy as Darcy in company, when they approach the cob’s domain, Darcy signals to Charles to lag behind. As predicted, the cob wastes no time in attacking the interlopers.
Jonesy outruns the agitated swan, but Henry is not as fortunate. He slips on the grass and drops to his knees, but before he can right himself, the swan descends. The swan grabs onto Henry’s trousers with his bill, and as he twists his head rapidly from side to side, he strikes Henry with his powerful wings. As Henry attempts to detach himself from the swan, his poor trousers tear under the swan’s unrelenting attack. Henry pulls his leg back as his pants continue to rip and Henry is forced to roll before finally regaining his feet. When he does, the swan has let go to achieve a better grip, and Henry takes the opportunity to run from the bird. When he comes to where the others have been watching his battle with the beast, he is not in good humor. Their undisguised laughter only serves to irritate him even more.
The return trip to the manor is filled with curses and more laughter as well as promises for revenge. The wives along with Georgiana have moved outside to one of the gardens, and they can view the returning men. “I would venture a guess some mischief has occurred as evidenced by the mirth I see on three of the gentlemen’s faces and the grim cast to Henry’s,” Elizabeth observes.
Soon some of the dialogue can be heard. “I ought to knock you on your smug arse!” Henry sputters at Darcy.
Jonesy sees the humor in the incident as he speaks up. “I think having one gentleman put upon his arse is enough. No need for another.” Jonesy’s lips twitch as Henry’ ire shoots upward.
“I tripped. I was not knocked down, and I was not on my arse! However, that pompous, scheming devil there just may be. Why look at my trousers! A perfectly good pair ruined to satisfy Fitz’s evil desires. And you,” Henry’s eyes flash as he swings his gaze in Jonesy’s direction, “you find this entertaining. Need I remind you that you were to be as much of a victim as I? I do not think I would see such mirth on your mug if you had some accident befall you.” Jonesy’s response to Henry’s declaration is more laughter. Bingley too tries to keep his eyes averted as he does not wish to be brought back into the ongoing fray and retaliation amongst the other three.
When the men come into the women’s company, Henry starts first. “Your husband, Elizabeth, is the most diabolic and despicable creature I know! Yes, creature! Just what Fitz counts as humor is beyond me. He is nothing short of diabolical. You, Elizabeth are in my prayers daily for having to contend with such a…a…creature.” Henry finishes with a glare to his inscrutable cousin.
“Mr. Darcy, would you care to enlighten us as to what brought about your dear cousin’s ire?” Elizabeth asks him with her brow raised and head cocked.
Darcy, looking collected and unflappable in spite of Henry’s agitation with him, answers his beloved spouse. “Absolutely nothing I can take accountability for,” Henry’s eyes narrow as he huffs at Darcy’s bland statement, “we were taking a hike through the woods, and we came upon a nest of mute swans. How was I to know that the male would become so aggressive when Jonesy and Henry stumbled too close? The resulting melee being that Jonesy was more agile. He was able to sprint from the bird, unlike the unfortunate Henry who tripped. The creature,” Darcy draws out the word for Henry’s benefit, “was upon my dear cousin before any of us could assist him.” Darcy meets Henry’s sullen glare with a smirk as he continues, “The battle was fierce, Henry bringing all of his military prowess to the fore.” Darcy relates the tale as if narrating the most riveting action adventure ever. “The swan dove in on the hapless Henry taking advantage of his predicament. But Henry would not succumb, nay he fought on valiantly, bearing brutal blows from wings as well as a death grip in the monster’s maw.” By this time the ladies are hiding chuckles with little success as Jonesy and Bingley give way to chortling.
Henry stands impassively at this point, but no one doubts he will up the ante next time he pulls a joke on Darcy. Darcy is not finished though. “Henry used brilliant combat strategy as he pulled his leg back from the jaws of the beast then executed a perfect roll, popping up onto his feet thus breaking the clench of the raving bird. In an act of pure athleticism, he was up on his feet and had retreated most admirably.” The chuckles and giggles can no longer be contained, even Henry breaking into a slight grin from Darcy’s embellished tale. Darcy sobers and in a grave voice, intones, “There is one casualty, however,” he pauses for effect, “Henry’s trousers shall never be the same.” That did it. Everyone laughs out loud including Henry who begins to see the humor in the whole event.
“I say, Darcy, why did you not just warn your cousin that the cob might attack?” Jonesy asks with a complete air of innocence knowing full well Darcy intended for one of them to suffer the cob’s wrath.
The gleam in Darcy’s eye is evident as he gives his reply. “Why I knew from experience that Henry would not have taken my advice. Just on the occasion of my last birthday, I warned him not to cross a fallen log at the same time as I did. The result being, we both ended up soaked.” With a last smirk to h
is cousin, Darcy pivots smartly away announcing he will have refreshments served in the parlor. The group follows him back to the manor with some wiping tears from their eyes.
In between visits from dear friends and relatives, Darcy, Lizzy, and Georgiana have fallen into a casual routine of walks, decorating and shopping for baby Darcy and for the ladies honing their skills musically both on the pianoforte and by singing. At times Darcy is treated to a performance by his ladies and the supreme contentment which emanates from him is almost palpable. A time or two he raises his own voice with them. While Darcy attends to any estate matters which pop up, Lizzy and Georgiana attend to their own correspondence. For Lizzy, letters from her father are cherished, his witty commentary about life at Longbourn could almost be made into short stories. Mary’s letters are somber and more along the lines of a dry sermonette as she expounds upon some moral question or another. Mrs. Bennet’s letters are usually gossip about various families and acquaintances in the neighborhood. Entertaining but of little substance.
The only sister whom Lizzy does not hear from regularly from is Lydia. Once in a while, Lydia writes a short note which contains nothing but praise for Mr. Wickham and the enjoyment she achieves from all the parties she attends. As Darcy found out from his sources, Lydia usually goes without her husband, but more alarmingly, the sources report an increase in Wickham’s love of anything alcoholic. This drinking is coupled with gambling and womanizing in the past, but as he continues to imbibe, his other passions are not undertaken as much. Darcy assures Lizzy while Wickham seems to ignore his wife, he never raises a hand to her either. Lydia made it clear to Lizzy that she had no desire to have children of her own and went as far as to ask more worldly women about methods to prevent pregnancy.