by Kay Mares
“I believe that is a cat, Mr. Darcy,” Lizzy answers back pertly.
“I know what species of animal it is, but a better question would be, what is that cat doing in here?”
Lizzy appears to study the calico kitty intently as Darcy reseats himself behind the desk. The cat does not move from her comfortable perch on his documents which are spread on the desk’s surface. “I believe she is positioned upon your papers and appears most content. Judging by her body stance, I would say she is sitting.”
Darcy picks up on Lizzy’s mirth and teasing as he leans back in his chair to study the indifferent feline. He remembers the cat as being one of the kittens from the stables. A couple of months earlier he went in search of Lizzy when she walked towards the stables. Her sunny laughter reached his ears before he entered the barn. Lizzy was seated on a bench, thoughtfully placed there by the stable hands who are used to seeing their Mistress when she brings sugar cubes for Zephyr and Tempest. Lizzy delights in staying in the stable area, watching the horses and barn cats. To Darcy’s pleasure, Tempest is quite fond of these visits from Lizzy. At this particular time, Lizzy is diverted by the antics of the barn kittens who are engaged in an extended period of play in the swath of sunlight bathing the area. One kitten runs so quickly his hind legs move faster than his front legs causing him to tumble forward. Two more are locked in a fierce kitten battle with backs arched and tails puffed, jumping sideways at each other as they try to intimidate each other. The little calico kitten, after a brief scrimmage with a wayward piece of hay, contents herself with perching on Lizzy’s lap to avidly watch the antics of her siblings. Lizzy dubs her Ellie and Ellie accompanies Lizzy around the barn whenever Lizzy comes by.
As Ellie grew, so did her world and she could be seen following Lizzy through the gardens and in some of the closer forest pathways. Eventually, Ellie starts to follow Lizzy to the manor although up until this point she has never come all the way up to the house. Until today. Whether she heard Lizzy’s voice float from the study or just decided to explore the open study windows, no one will know for sure, but Ellie entered the study and made herself at home. Darcy is fond of all animals, horse naturally being his favorites, so he really does not mind the cat’s presence. As he regards her, Ellie regards him with her bright greenish yellow eyes. “As you seem to be rather astute when it comes to cats, Lizzy, perhaps you might tell me this one’s name?” Darcy asks with a twinkle in his own eyes.
“Ellie.” Comes the one-word reply.
“Well Miss Ellie, it seems we have a dilemma. I have some pressing work to attend to, and you have, like most women, seen fit to keep me from my obligations. Whatever shall we do?” Darcy addresses the cat who yawns and looks away, clearly bored with the whole conversation. Lizzy adores how Darcy readily engages in whimsy and the occasional silliness. At that moment Barnabas requests permission to enter, and he brought with him some lemonade, courtesy of Mrs. Reynolds. At first, he does not notice the feline on the desk as he is wrapped up with setting the service on the table while arranging the glasses and pitchers.
“Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Reynolds thought you both might enjoy some lemonade. It is still quite cold and refreshing for a warm summer afternoon.” Barnabas states as he turns with a glass of the drink in hand. He espies the cat, starts ever so slightly then speaks again, stating the obvious with the cool efficiency of an upper servant. “Mr. Darcy, there appears to be a cat upon your desk. Please, Sir, allow me to remove the beast from your study.”
“No Barnabas that will not be necessary. I will remove her myself. Please thank Mrs. Reynolds for her thoughtfulness.”
“But Sir, the cat may startle or resist resulting in a torn shirt.” Barnabas protests as he eyes Darcy’s fine shirt while the inordinate amount of Darcy’s ruined shirts plays foremost in the valet’s mind.
Darcy’s lip twitches as he answers his trusted valet because he too knows what the man is thinking. “I assure you, it is no great difficulty, and I can promise I will take care not to cause ruin to another garment.”
“As you wish, Sir.” With a doubtful look at the feline, the valet bows to both Darcys and makes his way out.
“I think Barnabas is not confident in your abilities to evict Ellie without tragically ruining your shirt. I will save you from your valet’s ire, and I will take Ellie with me. Tempest and Zephyr are waiting for me in the hopes I have procured some sugar cubes for them.” Lizzy picks up the unresisting cat, finds Georgiana and the two of them spend a diverting afternoon with the horses.
When Lizzy is not in the study, attending to her own duties or letter writing, she enjoys the company of Jane or Geneve. Jane and Lizzy talk over the impending birth of their babies and compare notes on pregnancy. They share patterns for making baby clothes and impart what wisdom they gleaned from friends and family members about what to expect during labor. Unfortunately, many of the women, especially Mrs. Bennet, are more than apt to lament the arduous process of labor and any horror story they may have heard as opposed to imparting any real helpful advice. For Lizzy, a series of letters between Aunt Gardiner and her helped to clarify what will be a long, sometimes painful event, but one so gratifying once the baby is placed in the new mother’s arms, that many fears are allayed.
Another source of comfort for Lizzy is the deep friendship she formed with Geneve. Lady Geneve is practical and forthright, so she answered Lizzy’s inquiries with honesty and humor. Lizzy can ask her pointed questions which do not offend Geneve. Instead, Geneve seeks to give Lizzy clarity and comfort by having Lizzy as informed as possible. One point Lizzy does not discuss with anyone is that she wished husbands were allowed in the room during the birth. Jane plans to come as soon as she is notified but the only person who can give Lizzy the type of strength and succor she needs is Darcy. She feels trepidation about not having Darcy there with her and sometimes as she is pondering this dilemma, she senses Darcy’s stare on her. He smiles and inquires about how she is feeling. Lizzy’s answer is always positive, but sometimes she sees the puzzlement quickly cross Darcy’s face. Lizzy knows Jane does not entertain these types of thoughts and Geneve told Lizzy of Harland’s pacing and fretting below when she gave birth to their two children. So Lizzy resigned herself to the sad fact Darcy will not be present when his baby is born.
Lizzy entered the last weeks of pregnancy, and her body is readying itself for the changes to come. The baby now resides lower in her abdomen, and slight contractions occur which are unorganized. These contractions come and go at all hours of the day and night, not following any of the patterns Dr. Linnington or other mothers reported as being signs of labor. Lizzy also has a burst of energy these last two weeks, and she felt the need to tidy up the already organized nursery. She aches to hold her baby, gaze on the small face, and watch Darcy interact with his firstborn. In a word, she is growing impatient. Late one night, awakens to the feeling of cramps and twinges in her abdomen. They do not hurt, so she decides not to wake Darcy. The next hour continues in the same fashion, but Lizzy detects a strengthening to the twinges. They still are not too uncomfortable, but as they have not relented, she thinks it best to inform Darcy.
“Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam. Mr. Darcy. Darcy.” This is getting ridiculous. “Mr. Darcy!” Finally a shrill, “Fitz!” penetrates his haze.
“Do not call me Fitz.”
“Fitzwilliam, I think the baby may be coming,” Elizabeth informs him excitedly. “Here feel.” She directs him as she places his hand on her abdomen. Darcy is wide awake now and nearly excited as Elizabeth, but internally he is fretful as he ponders the travails Lizzy will endure to bring their baby into the world. He despairs at the idea she will do this miraculous thing without him there to succor her. He does not necessarily agree, but there is little he can do once the time comes for them to be separated. While they whisper about what the cramps mean, they decide to have Mrs. Reynolds notified, and after she examines Lizzy, they will determine if the doctor, midwife and the Bingleys should be notified as w
ell.
Jane and Charles arrive an hour later, and Jane walks with Lizzy while Darcy greets Charles. As the men finish their greetings and have a brief conversation, Lizzy starts to progress into another stage of labor. The tightening of her abdomen is more painful, and she stops walking at times to allow the pain to pass. Darcy returns to her only to see her slightly bent over with her hands encompassing her belly. As the pain subsides, she smiles weakly at Darcy’s drawn face.
“It is all going as it should, Love. The doctor and midwife know the pain has increased and they said I should ramble about for a little while more.”
Lizzy labored for about six hours, and her body readied itself to go into the last stage of labor. She moved into the Mistress’ chambers, and the contractions are strong enough so she cannot talk when one has a hold of her. Sweat beads on her brow and Jane wipes it away. At times the labor pains are intense enough so she cannot help but cry out. Georgiana visited earlier when she woke up and her presence along with Jane’s soothes Lizzy, but there still remains the one person absent who can make this all more bearable, her Fitzwilliam.
For Darcy, staying below in the game room where he does not wish to play any games, followed by trips into and out of the library and study where he finds no relief, is sheer torture. He tries to explain his angst to a frankly baffled Bingley who points out the man’s place is to wait below until the whole ordeal is over. Bingley offered to pour Darcy a drink which is promptly refused. Finally, Darcy’s forbearance gives way.
“It is not right. Propriety be damned. Elizabeth needs me, she is hurting, and I need to be with her!” Darcy pivots and storms from the room leaving Bingley with a slack jaw.
When Darcy reaches the chamber door, he taps lightly on the door then enters. Dr. Linnington is not surprised nor Mrs. Reynolds, but the midwife tries to have him leave using her best schoolmarm voice. Darcy ignores her. Instead, his attention is on the figure in the bed. Jane is mopping Lizzy’s brow as another contraction just finished, and Georgiana is holding Lizzy’s hand. Lizzy’s eyes are half closed then she senses the presence of her beloved spouse. Before the midwife can lodge another complaint, Lizzy’s eyes are riveted on Darcy’s face as she holds her hand out to him and eagerly waves him over to the bed. Georgiana and Jane exchange a knowing look and withdraw quietly as Lizzy asks Darcy to stay.
“This is what you want? Tell me and I will do your bidding. You wish me to stay with you until our baby is born?” Darcy asks while staring deeply into Lizzy’s eyes.
“I want you here with me now and for the whole birth. I need you, Fitzwilliam. I need you most of all.” It is the same plea she made to him all those months ago when he battled the raging fever after the gunshot.
Without taking his eyes from his wife’s, Darcy addresses the midwife in his most authoritative voice. “You have heard my wife’s wishes. I will remain unless she desires otherwise. You will perform your duties as you know best and I will attend to my wife as I know best.”
The midwife sputters for a moment then becomes distracted as another particularly strong contraction rocks Lizzy. Lizzy moans and cries out, but she grips Darcy’s hand harshly drawing on his strength. His familiar strong hands gently wipe her brow, and he leans in by her ear and starts to sing softly to her as she feels the comfort she missed when he was absent. With renewed vigor, Lizzy braves through the remaining transitory labor stage until she is ready to push.
Darcy’s regulated and cool exterior helps Lizzy to focus and time her pushes with the last few hard contractions. Once the shoulders clear, Lizzy gives a final push and the baby is born. The cord is clipped, and the wee one lets out a lusty cry as he is toweled dry and wrapped. Dr. Linnington congratulates the Darcys on a healthy baby boy. Darcy’s embrace encompasses Lizzy as she collapses back against him. “We have a son,” Lizzy whispered in awe. “You have an heir for Pemberley. You are a father, Fitzwilliam.” Lizzy strokes his cheek as he kisses her.
As the rest wipe tears from their eyes as the view the blissful scene of the new family, the magnitude of the news which will be passed on to the rest of the estate is not lost on anyone, the heir to Pemberley has been born. Dr. Linnnington stayed long enough to assure that the newborn is hearty and doing well then he departs with the intent to call again tomorrow, the good doctor swiping at some tears of his own. The midwife begrudgingly applauds Darcy for his stalwart presence and his clear devotion to his wife, the likes of which she will not see again. Jane and Georgiana, after beholding the baby with wonder, discreetly leave, so Lizzy and Darcy are alone with the newborn. They marvel over the tiny features and delicate skin. The head of dark hair makes them chuckle a bit, but mostly they are both overcome with love for their child and each other. Words are not spoken, but intense gazes into each other’s eyes convey the emotions far better.
As the baby slumbers, Mrs. Reynolds taps on the door and enters. She and Ada will help Lizzy with her care and recovery from the labor. Darcy assures her that for the moment they are not in need of anything and he will ring should they require something. After she leaves, Darcy encircles his family in his embrace and holds them as they rest with his protection and love strong around them. He muses upon the last year and thanks God that a witty woman with fine eyes and a light and pleasing figure has completely healed his heart.
Epilogue
Darcy and Lizzy will go on to live long lives as their children grow and produce children of their own. They are blessed with seven children and many grandchildren. There is an abundance of nieces and nephews as their extended family continues to expand. The manor hosts large and joyous gatherings of friends and family for many years during Darcy’s reign as Master of Pemberley. The gradual loosening of the strictures of propriety which encased Darcy before he met Elizabeth show in the lightheartedness and jocularity which Darcy now displays openly. Staff are often treated to the sight of their Master walking with his usual long strides, his Hessian boots striking the floor confidently, only now he is trailed by all seven of his children once they are old enough to walk. The children follow in a line, mimicking their sire’s strides with childish giggles erupting as they try to maintain the serious air their father projects. The slight upturn to Darcy’s lip betrays his mirth at his brood’s antics.
The children, beginning with the firstborn and heir to Pemberley are Bennet Gregory Fitzwilliam Darcy, followed by David, Ester, Stella, Maxwell, Florence, and James. Other than the formerly quiet house becoming more animated, for the most part, the Darcy children’s lives have the usual highs and lows any family experiences. There was one extremely frightening time when scarlet fever went through the children. They all recovered thanks to the care and diligence of their parents and the staff, however, young James hovered dangerously close to death for a few days. But like any normal children, they test their parents and find while they are deeply loved, Darcy and Lizzy are firm and strict, expecting the best from their children. The children soon acknowledge while their father is the kindest and funniest person ever when it comes to correcting poor behavior, he is stern and exacting. Therefore the children are pleasant to be around.
During these years, picnics are a frequent family outing, while lawn games of croquet are lively and competitive. Just as Lizzy envisioned, her spouse is in the thick of any activity, laughing easily while he plays with his children. Lizzy watches as he plays tag with them; he usually partners with the smallest ones, so they can “catch” their older siblings. Darcy’s long strides aid them so well that sometimes the older children protest, leading to a serious discussion, at least to the children, of what exactly the rules should be and who should be allowed on what team.
When Bennet is deemed old enough, he begins to accompany Darcy on his rounds, and he quickly becomes proficient regarding the running of the manor. All four Darcy sons will go on to Cambridge earning high marks and stellar reputations. As they mature, Bennet will run Pemberley as fairly and profitably as Darcy. Bennet welcomes David’s help and input to ensure the smooth
operation of the estate, and later in life, all four brothers join in numerous business ventures. In fact, other members of the ton so respect the four that in business transactions, the Darcy sons usually come out better than they plan. They learned their father’s lessons well, and just like Jonesy and Colin, they each have a part to play in negotiations resulting in increased wealth for the estate in addition to themselves. So successful they became as a team that Maxwell and James make their homes in London permanently so they can oversee the many facets of the Pemberley wealth and businesses.
The Darcy daughters are no less successful in their pursuits. They do as proper ladies should, including painting, drawing, singing and playing multiple instruments proficiently. They learn French and German but most importantly to Lizzy and Darcy is that they cultivated their minds. All three daughters are as witty and intelligent as their mother, and when the time comes to find suitable mates, they are able to find men who appreciate them for themselves and their intellect not as baubles to feed a man’s vanity. Ester, Stella, and Florence are beautiful by any standards, however not only do they have the formidable and scowling Mr. Darcy for a father, but they also have four very strong and protective brothers who do not allow anyone deemed unsuitable to come into their presence.
All of the Darcy offspring marry spouses who love and succor them; the unions were very blissful as they base their own ideas of a happy marriage on the shining example set for them by their parents. The one startling marriage is James’ and how he met his future wife. James traveled to America on many occasions to finalize some import/export dealings with the Americans. Imagine the shock when he arrives at Pemberley with a fiancée and her maid in tow. Elizabeth is immediately taken with the young American named Catherine but who goes by the name Kate. Lizzy is drawn to her spunkiness and forthrightness while Darcy is reserved, a slight bit but curious to know what sort of woman captured his youngest son’s heart.