by Kay Mares
“You are not planning on venturing out tonight, Fitzwilliam?” Lizzy asks him with a fair amount of trepidation in her voice.
His reassuring smile diffuses her concern. “No, with the storm still raging, it would be foolish to attempt it. However, I must go below as I expect some reports will come in yet tonight. If there is a true emergency, then I will need to assist those who may have had some misfortune. I have handled severe weather upheavals before and will need to do so in the future. Fret not my Lizzy, I will not do anything rash. You are also dressing?” He inquires.
“Yes, I thought I would check in on Georgiana first then see Mrs. Reynolds for the same reasons as you. If one of the tenants or staff has met with misfortune because of this storm, then I will offer my help.” Darcy beams as Lizzy says this. She is a fine Mistress of Pemberley and his helpmate. He kisses her on the top of the head as they prepare to go separate ways in the manor.
“I love you, Mrs. Darcy.”
“I love you, Mr. Darcy. Be safe.” He smiles again at her words and goes in search of Mr. Moxle and Mr. Scovell.
Georgiana is heading out of her chambers when Lizzy reaches her. Georgiana is not upset but rather wishes to be of assistance if needed. Mrs. Reynolds received no knowledge of any injuries, but it seems as if a fair number of trees are blown down. The ladies fix tea in the quiet kitchen as they listen to the storm wind down. After about an hour, Darcy comes in with the butler and steward. The men have not received any reports of injuries but learned of many trees being felled. They wait another hour, drinking tea while waiting to see if any immediate concerns need attention. The stables report no problems other than fallen limbs and other debris. The staff quarters and residences report the same as do some of the nearby farmers. There is nothing more to be done but to go to bed and wait for the morning to shed light on the twister’s destruction.
Darcy and Lizzy both are up before the dawn. The storms of the previous night have passed, and no new reports come in overnight. That does not mean there is not more damage; it just means people who reside and work the farther reaches of Pemberley lands have not been able to report in. Darcy eats a quick breakfast then is in the saddle with numerous footmen and Mr. Scovell accompanying him. He will be gone all day and well into the evening accounting for all those in his employ and those who work his lands.
The groundsmen are busy restoring the manor’s surrounding lawns to their usual pristine condition. The workhorses are hitched up to various wagons to haul tree debris away as some of the groundsmen utilize saws on the fallen trees so they can be easily removed. The work is laborious, and the men gratefully accept the lunches and drinks sent out to them by Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy. They are pleased and honored when the two ladies come later in the day to personally thank them for their tireless efforts. The whole while though Lizzy’s thoughts are centered on Darcy. She hopes he is careful and if she closes her eyes she can feel, much the same way he says he feels her, that he is tired and stressed but uninjured.
The day rapidly turns to evening before Darcy finally arrives, muddy and fatigued. He removes his coats and dives into the supper Lizzy ordered. He eats heartily as he has not eaten all day. Georgiana and Lizzy keep him company as he recounts the extent of damage the tornado caused. Luckily, no person has lost his life nor has been injured. Amazingly there are only minor injuries to some of the livestock. The biggest issues are the clean-up from upended trees and some of the cottages which have to have shingles replaced. The twister does not have a direct impact on any structure which is something to thank God for.
Darcy explains to Lizzy and Georgiana that twisters are not uncommon in England, in fact, the first reported twister dated all the way back to October 1091! This twister hit London and destroyed the wooden London Bridge. The St. Mary-le-Bow church was impacted as well, and two men reportedly died. Interestingly Darcy learned from his connections in America that the twisters there tend to be more violent, but Britain has more recorded per year than America. When the ladies ask him if he knows why, he shrugs while admitting he does not. Soon after his meal, Darcy is in his tub, reclining in the warm soapy water. Elizabeth assumes her familiar perch on the tub’s edge as she listens to Darcy recount his day. He has ordered his men to do a check of the mansion for any hidden damage, and he expects a full report on that account tomorrow. Lizzy as always is in awe of how he handles the daily running of the estate, but she is especially amazed at how rapidly he organized and gave orders in the midst of a crisis. As she looks upon his weary countenance, she is struck full with how much responsibility he carried on his broad shoulders which he had done alone for the last six years.
Lizzy leans over so she can massage his glistening shoulders as his eyes slip shut in ecstasy. “Mmm, please do not stop. That feels marvelous. You are marvelous. I have to compliment you, My Dear, on how flawlessly you executed your Mistress duties. I had no doubts about your competency. Once more I can rest assured I have married a most worthy woman. Thank you for your attention to the staff and workers today. Because I can trust your decisions, I was free to attend to the numerous other issues the storms have caused.” Darcy sits up in the soapy water to fix his intense blue eyes on Lizzy. “Without you, I would have returned to more work to direct here at the manor, but instead you oversaw those tasks allowing me to attend to the tenants. As I have declared to you before, you complete me and I love you.” Elizabeth beams with his praise, and she bends to kiss him. They both fall into an exhausted sleep this night.
Chapter 37
Lizzy entered the last weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Linnington pronounced her healthy and felt Lizzy could go into labor at any time without causing any alarm. While Darcy is pleased by this news, it also has the effect of making him more nervous and fussy, as Lizzy lovingly puts it, than before. The crops are still growing, and the harvest is still some time away so Darcy is not overtly worried Lizzy will labor during the busy fall reaping, however his anxiousness arises more from knowing the birth process can be dangerous and mainly because he hates to think of Elizabeth enduring any pain. Darcy rides out on his lands but always with a clear itinerary and at times a handwritten map of his route so he can be easily found should Lizzy begin to labor.
Lizzy smiles indulgently when Darcy obtains Dr. Linnington’s promise that in spite of having two midwives on call, the good doctor will be present for the birth too. Darcy repeatedly checks the nursery for any issues; he checks over the crib and dressers, the fireplace, and the windows. When Lizzy enters into the nursery to allow her mind to dream of the time when their baby will reside there, she is running her fingers over the crib or down the length of the curtains while musing. Soon her fastidious spouse enters and begins one of his inspections. Lizzy believes she is calmer about the coming birth than her husband.
All his fussiness pays off for Lizzy in other ways though. Foot massages and back rubs become frequent along with him fussing over the menus, making sure Lizzy is ordering foods which please her instead of ordering his own preferences. He continues to have fresh blooms placed in the bedchamber and her dressing area, all to make her feel relaxed and loved. Since Lizzy understands his protective nature, she takes to doing her sewing and reading in his study while he answers his correspondence and works on his estate business. Lizzy’s presence soothes him, and he is grateful for her thoughtfulness. It is during these quiet times together that they engage in light banter about most any issue. One conversation alarms Lizzy when it begins with a question from Darcy which Lizzy did not expect as he is going over the estate ledgers.
Lizzy has been watching him surreptitiously as he works. Lizzy enjoys the expressions which flash over his face as he works, and sometimes he feels her eyes on him, and he breaks into the full and handsome grin he only gives to her. This time, however, something appears to be vexing him and his agitation shows. When he interrupts the silence, Lizzy starts then has a cold shiver go down her spine when he questions her. “How do you spend your pin money, Elizabeth?” He asks with his
brow furrowed, one hand with the quill against his forehead, and his eyes riveted to the papers before him.
Elizabeth is not sure how to respond, fearful perhaps he is upset with the amount she is spending although, in reality, she is very frugal because at Longbourn she learned to be cautious with any funds. She watches him for a short moment more as he resumes furiously writing on the paper before him then she replies. “I used some for the tenant baskets, and I used some around Christmas for presents for you and the rest of our family.” When he still does not look up, she finishes in a small voice, “and I have used a small amount for new gowns as many no longer fit me due to my increased girth.”
Darcy does not meet her eyes as he writes and listens to her explanation. Elizabeth feels the hot stinging of tears beginning to start; sure he is going to chastise her for her spending habits. As he pursed his lips, he speaks, “then it is as I thought, you use your money on everyone else except yourself. Your caring giving nature has always drawn me to you, and you continue to warm my heart with your generous ways. Therefore I propose we take a short jaunt into Lambton, with perhaps Georgiana, and I will order you if necessary to spend funds on yourself. Remember once I warned you if I attempted to purchase you gowns that I would most likely perish. It is your responsibility to save me, Lizzy.” When he finally looks up, he is surprised to see the wetness on her cheeks. “Have I offended you somehow? Why are you crying, Love?” Darcy comes around the massive desk to kneel before Lizzy.
“I was foolish. When you questioned me, I thought you found something which displeased you. I have tried to be a good steward of the pin money you have bestowed on me.” Lizzy dabs at her eyes as Darcy hugs her.
“Well, we are in total agreement. You are a very good steward of your monies, charitable to a fault, and I would never label you foolish, but you should know I would never find censure in your kindness towards others. I just have noticed you do not spend enough on yourself.” The lopsided grin is in place as he finishes, “so I was going to remedy that problem posthaste. Besides, I am sick of numbers and ledgers and letters. Dr. Linnington assured me the short carriage ride would not be harmful to you and I thought perhaps we could obtain one of those pastries you so adore while we are in town.”
Lizzy saucily replies she will welcome the opportunity for the carriage ride and pastries provided she pays for Darcy’s pastry as well as her own. That earns her a booming laugh from her spouse as he assists her up to find Georgiana and make ready to leave.
During another quiet interlude, Lizzy is musing upon their visit to Rosings to see the renovations Anne and Henry had undertaken. Naturally, Lizzy visited with Charlotte at her home, and the two friends took some rambles together. Charlotte confided in Lizzy she is mostly content with her new role in life and Mr. Collins does not make too many demands upon her person which is a vast relief to Charlotte. Lizzy is too embarrassed to admit her own passion for her husband sure Charlotte would not understand the deep love and communion between Darcy and Lizzy. Lizzy recalls in her mind how Mr. Collins appeared around the bend in the path and he fawned over Lizzy and her high rank. He stated how honored he was that a woman of Lizzy’s position would deign to call on his humble bride.
Lizzy deftly deflected most of his sycophantic speech, but once Darcy appeared coming towards them from the other direction, Lizzy was forgotten as Mr. Collins’ attention became focused solely on Darcy. “Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Collins bow is exaggerated and extremely low, “I can report to you that your cousin Mrs. Fitzwilliam was the picture of health just this morning. Never have I beheld such a lovely and elegant lady as your cousin.” The false flattery starts with an unintended slight to Lizzy.
Darcy fixes Collins with a cold stare, does not return the bow then responds. “I am well aware of my cousin’s health. If you would recall I was in the room, the very room with my cousin when you made your appearance.” Darcy will never be able to tolerate Collins’ presence for any length of time. He abhors the way the man calls attention to Darcy and tries to insert himself into the family.
“Of course I recall your presence this morning. How could I not notice a man of your esteem and dignity? I flatter myself I am a most excellent judge of character, this being in keeping with my position as a clergyman and as such I will most gladly tell anyone of the honor you do me, Sir, by acknowledging me. Indeed such a great man as you to even give notice to me is more than I deserve.” Collins finishes his statement with another ridiculously low bow. Lizzy notes the agitation which flashes in Darcy’s eyes and she knows he is going to forget his manners and offer the annoying man a barb.
“You, Mr. Collins cannot help but be acknowledged,” Collins begins to preen under what he thinks is a compliment but Darcy has not finished, “much like poison ivy, you cannot help but be noticed especially when one comes in contact with you.” Darcy offers his arm to Elizabeth and ignores Mr. Collins completely after nodding to Charlotte. He turns towards Rosings leaving both Collins’s behind.
Lizzy begins to chuckle now as she recalls his putdown of the unctuous Mr. Collins. Darcy had not known, but afterward, Charlotte reported Mr. Collins thought Darcy was jesting with him. When Lizzy tells Darcy the information, Darcy is exasperated and states he could cut Collin’s head off, and the imbecile would more than likely thank him as Darcy was doing the deed. Even though it is unladylike, Elizabeth has to laugh when Darcy becomes that sarcastic. The memories cause her to giggle louder in the present, and soon Darcy becomes curious as to what touched her so. As she recounts the exchange, she laughs further as the mere mention of Collins sends Darcy on a rant.
“That obsequious groveling fool. I still cannot fathom he had proposed to you. It makes me livid every time I recall it. Too bad a living is forever because Henry ought to throw the cur out. I would even buy Charlotte a new husband to spare the poor woman any more suffering. Henry jests I should be sent to the military to torture the enemy with my scheming ways and my various pranks, but I tell you, there is no method of torture as cruel as time spent with Collins. He could bring Napoleon to his knees. Napoleon would more than likely off himself just to escape Mr. Collins thus sparing France and the rest of the world his tyranny. The problem is, we would still have Mr. Collins.” Darcy stops when he sees Elizabeth wiping tears from her eyes as she chortles. Just as she predicted in her own mind, any mention or time spent with Mr. Collins always brings the worst out in Darcy.
“I cannot help myself where that man is concerned. Lady Catherine would question me as to why I took such long and wild rides on Tempest when I visited. What she did not understand is, I take my horse with me whenever I am able, and since none can keep up with him when we run, I was safe from Collins attempting to accompany me on the rides.”
“Running away from your problems, Mr. Darcy? Whatever would people think of you? Lizzy asks him while still chuckling.
“No jury would convict me, Elizabeth. Believe me. I cannot fathom he would even begin to think I would jest with him. I meant what I said regarding him being akin to poison ivy. The man has no sense. He must be the most ridiculous man I have run across.” Darcy is fully poised to commence with another rant and Lizzy cannot resist giving him just one more poke.
“Why I hear now that he delights in informing every person of the most witty and amiable Darcy of Pemberley.” Lizzy taunts Darcy.
She twists her lips to keep from bursting out in a most unladylike fashion as she hears him muttering in a sarcastic and mimicking voice, “The most witty and amiable Darcy of Pemberley. Blah blah blah.” He accompanies his little show with a wag of his head and part of his nose lifted in a slight snarl. Darcy can understand and even sympathize a tiny amount with Mrs. Bennet regarding marrying off her daughters as Darcy has similar fears for Georgiana to find a suitable mate. He has grown to love Jane as a sister and watched with delight as Kitty became an elegant young woman. Mary, he figures, wishes to remain with her parents and seems to welcome spinsterhood. It is not unusual for one daughter to care for aging par
ents.
With Mr. Bennet, Darcy carries on a correspondence of his own; witty dialogue and acerbic commentary flowing between the men, each eager to prove his verbal prowess. The result, to Lizzy’s delight, is a true friendship and respect the two men most dear to her have cultivated. Lydia is not much of a mystery to Darcy as she is shallow and immature. But try as he might, he cannot account for Mr. Collins nor will he ever be able to be in the fool’s presence without an extreme amount of perturbation. Elizabeth still has one more taunt for Mr. Darcy, and so she begins, “you realize you should not protest the shortening of your name to Fitz. Instead, you should be most grateful the gents as well as I have not taken to calling you William as that is Mr. Collins’s given name.” Lizzy practically sings at him.
“You. Would. Not. Dare.” He states each word independently and forcefully. Lizzy sensing she has pushed him far enough teasingly kisses him. “Come now Mr. Darcy, I believe I can turn your thoughts to other matters.” She says as she sits on his lap and an interlude of kisses and caresses follows.
During what is to be another afternoon of quiet companionship, Darcy left the study for a few moments. When he returns, there is an uninvited visitor in the study with Elizabeth. “What is that, Lizzy?” Darcy asks flatly.