by Wells, Linda
“Yes.” He sighed. “I ran into Singleton and his father the other day at the club. What a bastard he is.”
“Singleton, Senior?” Lord Moreland sniffed. “Short fuse on that one. Control is his game; you do not want to cross him. Gave up playing cards with him long ago.”
“Yes, the things you learn when it is too late.” Lord Matlock mused.
“I am sorry that Audrey must live in their home. At least her husband is a new man now, and someday that home will be his.” He looked down at his feet then back up to Evangeline. “I wish …” He stopped and walked away.
Lord Moreland watched him go. “When will you tell him, Matlock?”
“After the wedding.”
“A damned fine wedding gift. Gets them away from the Carters forever.” Lord Moreland smiled, “Smart of you to wait and approach with the offer after they had agreed to foot the cost of the repairs.” He laughed to see Lord Matlock’s smirk. “Well, it is not an estate, but their own townhouse, something to pass on to his son. That will make him feel like a man.”
“He could have had an estate.” Lord Matlock looked after Fitzwilliam, standing next to Evangeline and laughing as she smiled and held out her hand to be kissed. “He chose love instead.”
10 JANUARY 1810
We received word today that Audrey safely delivered a beautiful daughter. Her name is Grace Alene Singleton, she has her father’s blonde curls and the blue eyes that all of the Fitzwilliams seem to own. Audrey did as she promised and wrote a very detailed letter describing everything that she endured, including the sound of her husband collapsing in a dead faint when she cried out in pain. He was carried from the sitting room outside of her chambers and left to recover while she continued. Aunt Helen and Mrs. Singleton remained by her side for the entire ordeal, while Mr. Singleton and Uncle Henry attempted to distract Robert from his worry.
Unfortunately Fitzwilliam saw Audrey’s letter to me, and I saw the colour drain from his face as he read her description of the experience. My poor dear husband looked at me with what can only be described as panic. He clutched me so tightly! I appreciated Audrey’s candour even if Fitzwilliam did not. I compare it to the three presentations I received concerning the marriage bed. Aunt Marianne’s was by far the most explicit and at the same time the most reassuring, however Aunt Helen and even Mama said things that were true and proved to be useful. And even with all of that preparation, I still was surprised that first night in my husband’s embrace. I am certain that my childbirth experience will be unique, but I now have the knowledge to face it courageously.
“I am glad that you are feeling courageous, my love.” Darcy sighed and set down the journal, and resumed his vigil by the study window on this cold February day. He had reread that particular passage countless times since Grace’s birth weeks ago, and unwittingly found the place where Elizabeth thought she had hidden Audrey’s letter. The calm that had reigned for several months had again given way to fear. His worry grew with her increasing belly, and now he must leave to attend the double wedding at Meadowbrook. How can I leave her? How can I not take her with me? How many times did I promise her never to do that again?
“She is fine, sir.”
Darcy startled from his preoccupation of watching Elizabeth walk out in the snow-covered garden. “I see that.” He glanced again at his wife then clearing his throat walked deliberately back to his desk and took a seat. “Do you need anything, Mrs. Reynolds?”
“Yes, sir. Mrs. Darcy is approaching her confinement. I thought that she should meet the local midwife so she will be reassured that a good woman will be with her when her time comes.” She watched as his face lost expression. “It might reassure you as well, sir.”
“Do I seem wary?” He said quietly.
“Sir …it is not my business.” She cast her eyes down and he stared at her for several silent moments.
“Speak your mind, Mrs. Reynolds; you have never failed to do so in the past.”
“I am aware of your daily walk to visit your parents, sir.” She saw Darcy close his eyes. “She is very young, but I have grown to respect Mrs. Darcy enormously. She has taken on her duties at Pemberley much as you did when your father died. She is very strong in spirit.”
“But so small in figure.” He murmured. “And as you say, she is so very young.” Shaking his head he stood again. “She will not like this, she does not approve of me dwelling on her possible loss. What do you think?” He swung around to face his housekeeper. “You have far more experience than I.”
“Sir, I have never been married.” She smiled and seeing his obvious fear was reminded of the little boy who used to follow her around the house after his mother died. “I have been present at many births, sir. She will be quite well, I know it. She is not like your mother at all. If you remember, she was very delicate.”
“Mrs. Darcy cannot be described as indelicate.” He glared at his housekeeper.
“Forgive me sir, I did not mean to imply …”
“Finish your thought, Mrs. Reynolds.” He said tersely.
“She is a good strong country girl, sir.” She said emphatically. “The staff is very pleased that you chose a such a woman for our mistress instead of one of those creatures who inhabit society.” She sniffed. “Like those women who were here for your ball.”
“I thought that you were pleased with the ball.”
“I was pleased that none of those fortune hunters were after you, sir.” Mrs. Reynolds declared. “They are nothing to our mistress.” Darcy’s lips twitched and she looked down. “Forgive me, sir. I have stepped beyond my place.”
“No, no, forgive me. I am worried for her. She is my life.” He picked up the miniature from his desk and studied her face.
Mrs. Reynolds smiled and nodded. “Shall I ask the midwife to visit?”
“Yes, please, although it is not decided yet who will deliver our child.” Darcy smiled slightly. “Why did you ask me instead of Mrs. Darcy?”
“So that you could express your worry, sir.” She nodded and left the room.
Darcy watched her go and laughed softly, then returning to his post by the window, started when he saw Elizabeth walking from the garden onto the path that led to the lake. “Oh no, my girl.” He strode out of his study and called for his coat. Properly attired he set off after her. Moving much faster than his ungainly wife, he caught up to her just as she was about to begin wandering down the path to their little hideaway, and saw her slip on a patch of ice. “What are you about, Mrs. Darcy?” He demanded when he captured her hand and pulled her up.
“Fitzwilliam!” She beamed and taking his face in her hands, kissed him soundly and declared, “I am visiting my tree!”
“In the snow?” He said in exasperation. “Dearest there is nothing there but a bare trunk and some twigs! You should not be risking your health …”
“I will visit my tree!” She glared at him. “IF you are so concerned about the cold, then you may return to the house. I did not invite you.” She spun and set off down the path. Darcy stood staring after her in stunned silence, then seeing her slip again and her arms fly out, he rushed forward just in time to catch her.
“Elizabeth. You do not have the balance you once did.”
“Because I am huge and ugly.” She turned and looked up at him. “I am hideous.”
Darcy swallowed and looked into her tear-filled eyes; in an instant she had changed personalities again. “You are beautiful, and I have never wanted you more.” He held out his arms and she fell into them and began to sob. He kissed her forehead and rubbed her back. “I love you, Elizabeth.” My dear, irrational, Elizabeth. He felt her arms tighten around his waist and they stood on the quiet path while the brisk winter wind swirled around them. Her behaviour of late reminded him uncomfortably of Anne, but Harwick, Singleton, Layton and Gardiner all assured him that they had experienced the exact same thing. “Dearest?”
“Hmm?” She looked up to him and smiled softly. “I am acting oddly again.”<
br />
“Ummm.”
“You may say it, Fitzwilliam. If I become offended I will likely want to kiss you again a few minutes later.” She laughed and he visibly relaxed. “I do not know what possesses me sometimes.”
“Neither do I.” He whispered and kissed her. “You frighten me.”
“Because I wanted to visit my tree?” She cocked her head and he nodded.
“Amongst other things. Please do not scare me like this anymore. I have enough things scaring me.”
“Such as?”
“Leaving you to go to the weddings. Who will keep you safe from your whims with me gone?”
“Then take me with you.” She said positively.
“I dare not risk it.” He held her to him. “Please, please promise to stay safe. Do not leave the house. Wander the halls, please darling.” Drawing back he studied her carefully. “Yes?”
She did not hide her disappointment, but nodded. “Yes, I do not wish your hair to turn gray.” Darcy sighed and she rested her head on his chest. “Besides I believe that your coach is not well-sprung enough. Every jostle and I would undoubtedly be begging you to stop at the next inn.”
“Undoubtedly.” He clutched her to him, still struggling with his decision, “I will remain here.”
She pulled back and spoke seriously. “No. Richard is your best friend; he deserves to have you at his wedding. If Stephen can attend, so can you.” They kissed and Darcy sighed, resting his head against her bonnet. “Fitzwilliam?”
“Hmm?”
“Will you please be careful?” She said against his coat. Darcy’s embrace tightened.
“I will, love.” He closed his eyes, unsure of what to do, then after several minutes in each other’s arms, made a decision. “Come; let us visit your tree.”
“HAVE YOU SEEN the bedchambers, Jane?” Lady Lucas asked.
“Oh, I have been to Charlotte and Maria’s room, Lady Lucas.” She blushed and bit her lip. “I remember that it is lovely. As is the rest of Lucas Lodge.” She added quickly.
“It is a fine home.” Lady Lucas lifted her chin and cast her eyes over the large drawing room where the neighbourhood was gathered. “My husband was delighted when he first found it. It was just the place, he said, for a knighted gentleman to live out his days. I have certainly never felt confined in any way, and that is quite something considering our many children.” She smiled fondly at her boys, and then grimaced slightly at her girls. “Of course they will be gone before long, and the house will be empty again. We do look forward to seeing Robert’s little ones come along one day. When he marries.” Her gaze returned to her subject.
“Yes madam, as you should.” Jane murmured. She was not entirely sure how Lady Lucas felt about her, but the words disappointed and resigned crossed her mind.
“Lady Lucas! Did you know that Lady Matlock, she is Mr. Darcy’s aunt, has decided to take my dear Jane under her wing and show her society? Oh I am not at all surprised! Of course she could not help but see such potential in her! After all, if Lizzy could capture a rich man like Mr. Darcy, why my Jane will surely find a titled man, a peer I mean. Jane cannot help but do well, she is so beautiful!”
“Mama, please.” Jane said quietly. “I have no aspirations to surpass Lizzy.”
“Of course you do not, but I am sure that if Lady Matlock, did I mention that she is an Earl’s wife, Lady Lucas? That Lady Matlock would certainly not expect you to settle for less than Mr. Darcy if she is taking her time with you.” Mrs. Bennet nodded and took a healthy sip of wine. “Do you not agree, Lady Lucas?”
“I cannot fathom Lady Matlock’s purpose as she has not spoken it to me.” Lady Lucas said stiffly.
“Well is it not wonderful that Lizzy’s husband has given my girls the opportunity to be put in the way of rich men? Yes, yes, they will all do very well, one day.” She beamed out over the room and watched Lydia giggling with a group of the neighbour boys and Kitty standing silently nearby. “They are going to an exclusive school next year. I do not like the thought of losing my Lydia, but I suppose that it has made a difference in Mary. At least she can play a bit better now.”
“She plays very well now, Mama.” Jane sighed. “I am sure that all of my sisters will find someone who makes them happy one day, just as Charlotte and Maria will.” She smiled at Lady Lucas. “Excuse me.”
Lady Lucas looked after her and turned to Mrs. Bennet. “My son is interested in Jane.”
“And so is a man with five thousand a year.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice lost its silly tone.
The two women eyed each other. “I believe that a man with seven thousand already rejected her.”
“He was a fool.” Mrs. Bennet countered. “And when she is finished being instructed by Lady Matlock, she will be fit for any man.”
“Or ruined.” Lady Lucas sniffed.
“My daughter will marry very well.” Mrs. Bennet declared and then smiled. “And what are your girls’ prospects?” She glanced around the room. “Oh, my brother Philips has a new clerk. Perhaps he will do for one of them.” Lady Lucas glared at her and Mrs. Bennet walked away.
Lucas saw Jane’s embarrassment and approached her. “I am sorry about my mother. She has enormous expectations for me, she is as blind as my father about our true circumstances, I think.”
“I am sorry about my mother. I think that she is similar to yours. I suppose that they had to find out about..your interest.”
“Well, once your mother knew, it was inevitable.” He sighed and looked down at his hands. “I am afraid that my family is just as willing to gossip as yours.”
“My family does not …” Jane blushed when he raised his brow. “Well, yes I suppose some members do enjoy the news.”
“It is entertainment in such a small community. Four and twenty families, I believe.”
“That is a great many!”
“Miss Bennet, you have lived in London, surely you know better?” Lucas smiled. “But it is good to see you defend your home neighbourhood from being slighted, even from one of its own.”
Jane smiled and sighed. “London hardly needs anyone to jump to her defence.”
“Do you like it there?” He indicated a sofa.
“Parts of it.” She admitted and took a seat. “I do enjoy Cheapside, where my relatives live. People flock there to shop, you can entertain yourself for hours just wandering the streets and ducking through a door to find a courtyard and even more shops, and never spend a shilling.”
“Do you ever wish to buy?” He asked softly and sat down.
“Oh, I suppose. There are so many things to catch your eye.” Jane smiled. “But then you wonder whatever will you do with the item once it is home.”
Lucas laughed. “Yes, I think that is quite true. I had some friends who had the opportunity to take a grand tour after their days in Cambridge were over. I received letters reporting on the knickknacks they acquired, meant for their future homes and solid proof that they had taken the journey, just something else for the maids to dust.” He looked around the room. “I am afraid that anyone who enters here will fully appreciate that well-travelled does not define this family.”
“Pemberley is full of artwork.” Jane mused. “As is Darcy House and Matlock House. Everywhere you look there is some sort of statue or painting.”
“Gaudy? Darcy did not impress me as one to decorate to show off his wealth.”
“Oh, oh no, neither of his homes are covered in gilt or decorated for show. They have been in England for hundreds of years; they are bound to accumulate things after so long. It is … Lizzy describes it as understated elegance.” She laughed. “My sister has seemingly blended seamlessly into her new world, it amazes me. She is so different, I hardly recognize her sometimes.” Jane added pensively.
“Is that so?” Lucas asked softly. “Why do I like the sound of that?” Jane blushed and they heard the sound of the pianoforte. Rising to his feet, he extended his hand. “Will you dance with me, Miss Bennet?”
“Of c
ourse.” She gave him her hand and he held it for a moment. “Mr. Lucas?”
He shook his head and smiled. “You will be here a few more weeks before you leave to be dazzled by your sister’s world. I refuse to press you during this time. All I can do is be myself in the surroundings that I will have for my lifetime.” Leading her to the spot where the couples were forming lines to dance he looked around the room and back to meet her eyes. “This is all I have.”
“You should be very proud of it, sir.” She said sincerely.
He drew a deep breath and stepped forward to take her hand as the dance began. “I am.”
“OOOOH! LOOK AT YOU!” Elizabeth squealed and ran, or rather walked quickly, to awkwardly embrace Alicia.
“You are enormous!” Alicia cried and kissed her cheek, then pulled away from the hug to place her hands on Elizabeth’s swollen belly.
“I know, I grow bigger every day, it seems!” She happily laid her hands on Alicia’s belly and smiled up at her.
“You are beautiful, Elizabeth!” Laura cried and Evangeline stood back and wiped the tears streaming down her face. Lady Matlock gave her a hug and soon the group of chattering women were gone from the foyer and the sound of laughter drifted from a distant drawing room in Meadowbrook.
Darcy stood in stunned disbelief and stared after them. Layton grinned and walking up to him, clapped his hand on his shoulder. “Let me guess, if you had dared to say that your wife was enormous you would have found the air inside of Pemberley to be so cold that a thousand fireplaces could not hope to warm the house.”
“Either that or she would be sobbing and calling for the mirrors to be covered.” He closed his slack jaw and turned to his cousin. “She was just complaining of her sore back and the carriage hitting every rut, and how tired she was!”
Lord Matlock grinned and was joined by Fitzwilliam and Harwick. “Do not feel bad, Son. Alicia did something rather similar when we arrived. I think that the ladies simply needed to see other ladies, and commiserate together.”
“Well, if that is the case, then it is worth the worry of making this trip.” Darcy said quietly. “I just could not bear to leave her again.”
