Darcy grinned and gestured to the sofa where he and his sister both took a seat. “Elizabeth would enjoy such a tour, I am certain, but I would also wish to show her Pemberley as well.”
She gave a slight frown. “I had not considered that.”
“I must also speak with Elizabeth before we make any plans. Despite father’s invitation, she may not feel comfortable enough to accept. If such is the case, would you be willing to remain at Matlock until father’s return? I believe we would all be more at ease to know you are with family.”
“I would not mind in the slightest, although, I would wish to remain here until Papa departs.”
“I will leave at first light in the morning,” he interjected. “I dare not tarry, else what careful arrangements your brother has made will be for naught.”
“You could send word of Lizzy’s decision upon your return to Matlock?” She studied him with hopeful eyes, and one side of his lips quirked upward.
“You are determined Elizabeth and I come to Pemberley.” The statement was not a question. Her wishes were apparent.
“I am! Mrs. Reynolds would be thrilled. She has wanted to meet Elizabeth since the beginning, and…”
“Enough!” he said with a laugh. “I will attempt to convince her, but I make no guarantees.
Georgiana Darcy beamed smugly as she glanced to everyone in the room. “I ask nothing more, dear brother.”
Chapter 29
Elizabeth sang to Thomas as they continued their walk around the lake. He was a tad fussy, and she found a walk in the outdoors was of great benefit when he was in an ill mood. The happy gurgles he had uttered as they strolled had since subsided and his head rested upon her shoulder. He was certain to have drifted asleep, but she enjoyed holding him in her arms. He would not be so young forever, and this time with him was to be cherished.
As she rounded the last bend and exited the wood, Fitzwilliam stood in the path with a wide grin upon his face.
“Has Thomas enjoyed his ramble?”
“I will have you know that he gurgled and cooed every moment until he fell asleep.”
He stretched out his hand to caress his son’s downy hair. “I am glad to find him sleeping. Mary was quite beside herself when she could not console him this morning.”
Elizabeth lowered him a bit so he was not on her shoulder but cradled across her chest. His little mouth gaped open as he drooled upon her gown.
“Here,” said Fitzwilliam as he placed a handkerchief to soak up the mess, “so he will not ruin the fabric.”
“I am unconcerned with him ruining the fabric. I can always embroider the bodice to hide it.”
An arm snaked around her waist and they continued their walk. “I received a letter from my father indicating his return on the morrow.”
“I am still amazed he escorted Mr. and Mrs. Wickham to Southampton himself.” Mr. Darcy had been away for over three weeks, and had sent word several days before that he would begin his return.
“He will have employed several hands for the journey. He did not wish Wickham to escape and renege on the agreement, or even steal the money before they were to leave the country.”
“So, he ensured the ship was to sail, before he handed Mr. Wickham the funds?”
Fitzwilliam nodded. “He has not written as such, but I am certain of it. I believe he had very little trust of Wickham before his arrival in Ramsgate; yet he did not expect there to be other debts for him to pay.
“To think it!” she exclaimed. “He had purchased so many little trinkets in order to woo Georgiana. I thank God we arrived early.”
“It was you who expressed concern about the alteration of the tone of her letters,” Darcy reminded her.
They had gone over Georgiana’s correspondence many times in the last few weeks, and her husband remained impressed she had noticed something amiss. He still could not see much difference between those letters and her usual manner.
“Grandmamma also knew there was a situation. She would have told us of Mrs. Younge and Wickham even if I had not had a bad feeling about it. Besides, Mr. and Mrs. Wickham are now wed and travelling far from us.”
“I only wish father had not given him so much money,” he complained. “What is to prevent him from purchasing a return voyage once he arrives? I would not be surprised if he abandoned Mrs. Younge as well.”
“Which is why I gave half of the money to her.” Their heads whipped around to where George Darcy stood at the opening of the trail to the stables. “After noting the amount you had paid and paying more of his debts upon my arrival to Ramsgate, I reduced the sum to one thousand pounds. I should like to know how much I owe you for the payment of all of his past debts. You should not have shouldered such a burden.”
Her husband glanced around his father. “We did not expect you until this evening.”
His father gave a smile that did not reach his eyes. “I rented a horse this morning and rode the remainder of the trip. I do some of my best thinking whilst I ride.”
Her husband’s head gave a curt nod. “I do the same.”
The elder Darcy’s eyes moved down to their son as he suckled in his sleep. “He looks as you did when you were a babe.” He spoke so softly, as if in awe.
Mr. Darcy stepped further from the trees and looked to his son. “May I have the pleasure of an introduction?”
Fitzwilliam started, a reaction that bespoke of his surprise at the request. “Father, I would like you to make the acquaintance of my beloved wife, Elizabeth Darcy, and our son, Thomas Aaron Bennet Darcy.”
The elder Darcy drew his eyebrows together as he studied the baby. “He is named for your father?”
“Yes, sir.”
Was he upset or annoyed they wished to honour her family? He could not have expected them to name the child for him, could he?
“I have heard your family passed in a carriage accident. My condolences for their loss.”
“Thank you,” she responded in a bewildered tone. Her husband claimed his father’s feelings were much the opposite as they had been, but it would take time to trust this new situation.
“I am afraid my question interrupted my son’s introduction.” He gave a slight bow. “I am George Darcy. I know we have been in company prior to today, but I would beg you forget my words then. I was wrong to behave as I did, and I have paid dearly for such a grievous mistake.”
She curtsied as much as she was able with Thomas in her arms. He had been a large baby at birth, and had grown much since, making him a heavy burden when sleeping as he was.
“Here, why do I not hold him for a while?” Fitzwilliam carefully lifted the precious bundle from her arms and settled his son to his chest without disturbing his rest. “Perhaps we should make our way to the house. He is no longer fussy and will be more at ease in his bed.
“Of course,” exclaimed his father, “I remember those days well.”
They began to walk, and Elizabeth hooked her hand through her husband’s elbow.
Mr. Darcy regarded her with interest. “I hope you have been well taken care of at Pemberley.”
“Yes, Mrs Reynolds has been a godsend. She ensured we wanted for nothing. I assure you.”
“Good. She has always been very capable. I am pleased you have found her accommodating.”
“She has been thrilled to have a babe in the house.” Her husband chuckled. “On occasion, I have found her in the nursery checking on Thomas and ensuring Mary is not in need of a break.”
Mr. Darcy laughed, a sound that resembled her husband’s low rumble. “She was much the same with Georgiana when she was a babe. She once confided to your mother how she had wished for children, but as she was never wed…”
“She was never blessed.” A pang of sadness pierced her heart at the thought. Poor Mrs. Reynolds!
“Precisely. That is the reason Mrs. Reynolds would take Georgiana on walks from time to time. She is an impeccable housekeeper, and Anne allowed her to help the nurse and governess when her duti
es allowed.”
“That was very kind of Mrs. Darcy.” She glanced to her husband, who looked with pride at their son.
“Anne was always kind. I believe she made me a better man whilst she lived. I have become poorer for her lack of counsel since her death.”
“But she is here.” Elizabeth stopped and pivoted towards him. “My family may be no longer of this world, but I am aware of what they would want for me and my life. At times, it is as though I can hear their advice. Is it not possible you ceased to listen?” Heat rushed to her face and she took a step back towards her husband. “Please forgive my impertinence. I am afraid my mouth has run away with itself.”
Fitzwilliam’s arm came around her waist, and she closed her eyes in mortification.
“Please do not distress yourself.” Mr. Darcy’s expression held no anger despite the insensitivity of her words. “I have given much thought during my recent journeys as to what has transpired since her death and come to much the same realisation. I have long been aware of Anne’s last wishes—without her expressly stating them—yet I ignored them due to the pain of her loss and in favour of family pride and greed. She would be ashamed of me.”
“Disappointed, but not ashamed,” interjected Fitzwilliam.
“I am unsure the distinction is an improvement.” His father gave a rueful chuckle.
Fitzwilliam bestowed a loving glance in her direction. “I believe it is best to leave the past where it belongs in this case.”
Mr. Darcy regarded his son with a puzzled expression.
“In the past.” Her husband shifted their son in his arms. “You must learn some of Elizabeth’s philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure."
“There is not much of my recent past with you which gives me pleasure. I can never atone for the mistakes I have made.” The earnest regret on Mr. Darcy’s countenance was heart breaking, despite his previous behaviour.
“But it does not mean we cannot begin again. There would be new memories to replace those that are painful.”
His father gazed at the son with hopeful eyes. “You could forgive my taking young Wickham’s part over yours, and then the officious interference into your life?”
Her husband’s foot shuffled against the ground as he considered his answer. “Trust will take time, but I am willing to try.”
Mr. Darcy turned the same hopeful expression to her. “You have no reservations?”
“Sir, whether I have reservations or not is irrelevant. I merely want what is best for my husband and my son. If my husband is happier as a result of a relationship with you, then I cannot object, as long as your intentions are what they appear. Like Fitzwilliam, I cannot promise to give you my immediate trust.”
His head shook adamantly as tears welled in his eyes. “I would not expect either of you to trust me after the manner in which I behaved. I can only express my gratitude for your willingness to accept me after the infamous manner in which I have treated both of you.” He cleared his throat and straightened his posture.
“Georgiana mentioned in her letter you were to remain in Ramsgate until the harvest.”
“Yes,” answered Fitzwilliam, “we hoped to spend as much time as we could spare with her.”
“She was so desperate to know Thomas.” Elizabeth smiled as she reached to tuck the blanket away from her son’s face.
“I cannot say as I blame her. I hope you will remain at Pemberley in the stead of your stay in Ramsgate.” He peered around them and shrugged. “It is not the seaside, but I think it to be some of the prettiest land in Derbyshire.”
“Your estate is beautiful.” She turned to gaze over the lake, and then back to the father.
“Then you approve?”
A grin appeared upon her lips. “Very much so. I dare say there are few who would not approve.”
“But it is you who must live here one day.”
She took her husband’s arm, and they began to stroll towards the house once more. “You are still so comfortably situated here with Georgiana that I have given the matter little thought. I am certain you will live on here for many years before you require Fitzwilliam’s assistance.”
When they entered, Mrs. Reynolds bustled forward while the butler took their hats and gloves. Fitzwilliam, with great care, handed Thomas to the housekeeper, who whisked him upstairs to settle him in his bed. They then followed Mr. Darcy into a drawing room where they all settled themselves.
“To answer your statement, Georgiana will be out in society in a few years, and I do not relish the idea of rattling around this house all alone whence she has wed. I hope you will consider visiting often, and when the time comes, you will join me here.”
“We can promise to consider the matter.” Her husband observed her reaction, but the idea did not alarm her in the slightest. “I do not mean to pain you, but we are very comfortable and at home at Sagemore. I would never force Elizabeth to leave her home.”
Her hand reached out and settled on her husband’s knee. “I do love Sagemore, but if circumstances required us to move, it does not mean I would not be amenable.” She could not break his father’s heart when he was making such an attempt to reconcile.
Mr. Darcy’s face lit. “We should have chambers redone for you. You must pick whichever suite you wish, and you can make arrangements to have the rooms decorated as you choose prior to your departure. That way, you will have your own bedchambers when you return to visit.”
“Mr. Darcy, our rooms are perfectly adequate. They are, in fact, very lovely. We do not expect you to spend money for rooms we might use but a month or two out of the year.” Did he think her like most women of the ton? Did he expect her to make an immediate grab at his money, so she could indiscriminately spend his wealth? His attempt to make amends was honourable, but his intentions in this regard were not clear.
A maid entered to deliver their tea, and she set to work serving her husband and his father.
“I desire your comfort whilst you remain under my roof,” he explained. “I believe it may make a transition easier should you need to reside here in the near future.”
Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to speak, but his father held up his hand.
“Please, walk around the house and pick out a suite. If there are no changes you see fit to make, then I will not argue, but there is no room attached to your present bedchambers to convert to a nursery for Thomas.
“I thoughtlessly had not considered a child when I instructed Mrs. Reynolds as to which suite she should prepare. I do not think you the style of mother who is comfortable with your babe a floor above.”
Her husband shook his head. “No, she is not. We will ask Mrs. Reynolds if there are suitable rooms for our use, but Elizabeth is not one to spend money unless it is required.”
“All I wish is for you to make this home your own.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” She handed him his tea with a lift of her eyebrow.
Mr. Darcy chuckled and shook his head as he stirred his tea. “That expression makes me wonder what thoughts turn about in your mind.”
Fitzwilliam smiled as she passed him his own cup. “I am particularly fond of her quirk of the eyebrow.”
“Is that all you are fond of? My eyebrow?”
His grin widened and his teeth appeared with a low rumble of a chuckle. “Perhaps we should discuss my fondness for you later.”
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes as she heard another low chuckle from his father.
“Do not mind me,” he quipped. “I will drink my tea and pretend I have not heard a thing.”
Elizabeth entered the family wing and opened the first door with Darcy just behind. He followed her inside as she gazed around the room, taking in her surroundings.
“Mrs. Reynolds suggested this suite. The chambers are near the beginning of the corridor, but they are the largest rooms in the wing.”
“If they are so grand, then why did your parents not use them?”
“I wou
ld imagine for much the same reason we do not expel my father from the master’s chambers. My grandparents still lived when they were wed, so my parents chose different accommodations. These were my grandparent’s chambers.”
Elizabeth glanced beyond the faded drapes to the scene outside. “The view of the garden is lovely. I adore the prospect of the pond near the edge of the trees.”
“I thought you might.” He smiled as he approached her from behind. “The rooms are rather out-dated. I know you did not wish to redo anything, but…”
“I will not prove myself to be what he expected when we wed.”
“My love.” He took her arms and turned her so she faced him. “I know it is difficult to forget, but I believe he has changed. In the last week he has gone to great lengths to prove himself. His request that you teach Georgiana how to run the house was a great vote of confidence.”
“I know, but remember, I did not relish spending your money in the beginning, either.”
He smiled and pulled her into an embrace. “I do not intend for us to live here. Sagemore is our home, but I do think it appropriate we have our own chambers—ones where we are comfortable and at home rather than feel relegated as guests.”
She gave a heavy exhale. “I apologise. I spoke with Mrs. Reynolds as well, and I know she felt these were the most suited to our needs. My sensitivity is probably unwarranted, but I do not want to be the cause of more strife between you.”
His hands cradled her face as he drew back to catch her eye. “You were never the cause of our strife. That began long before I made your acquaintance.”
“I did not help matters.”
“Whether I met you or not, I would never have wed Anne, and my father would not have been pleased. You know this, so why do you blame yourself?”
“I do not blame myself.” Her forehead creased in thought. “I do not want to be the cause of further division after you and your father have reconciled.”
“He can see how happy we are together. He made mention of it after dinner when we were drinking brandy. The regrets he has are not limited to Wickham or his anger over my rejection of marriage to Anne, they include his unkind judgement of you when he should have made your acquaintance.”
An Unwavering Trust Page 47
