Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  Chuckling, Fitzwilliam took Evangeline’s hand and they were the first to follow Georgiana. He called over his shoulder to the rest of the laughing family, “We have been abandoned.”

  “I think that you need to rescue them from their sister.” Layton said and smiled at Alicia. “I do believe that our cousin is ready to be home again.”

  “I cannot say that I blame her.” Alicia whispered and nodded at his mother.

  He cleared his throat and hid a smirk. “I will not address that statement.”

  “I am surprised that you are not running yourself.” Evangeline smiled and Fitzwilliam squeezed her hand. “You have spoken of nothing but seeing Darcy for days.”

  “You make me sound lovesick.” He laughed. “I want to meet this amazing child they have brought into the world. She is a prodigy, you know.”

  “At the tender age of two months?” She smiled at him when he shrugged.

  “Fitzwilliam!” Georgiana squealed. “Elizabeth!” She threw her arms around her brother and they hugged tight. “Oh it is wonderful to see you!”

  “I missed you as well, dear.” He kissed her and she was gone and accosting Elizabeth. “Gently dear!” He admonished. “Do not crush your sister!”

  “I can bear a hug.” Elizabeth smiled. “I missed you. I cannot wait to have you back at Pemberley.”

  “I cannot wait to go! Mary is so excited! She and Jane will be here for dinner, did you know? The Gardiners are anxious to see Rosalie. Can we go and meet her now? Do we have to wait until everyone is here? Oh it feels so good to be home again! You look wonderful!”

  “Breathe, Georgiana!” Elizabeth laughed and squeezed her hand.

  Georgiana nodded happily and looked eagerly around. “Where is Rosalie?”

  “Here she comes.” Darcy looked up when he heard his daughter’s voice, and held out his arms to accept her from Mrs. Robbins.

  “Ah the Darcy family, reunited.” Fitzwilliam stepped forward and grinned. “You are stunning, Elizabeth! I am so proud of you.” He whispered hoarsely as he hugged her. “Everything is well?” Elizabeth saw Evangeline smiling and shaking her head, and when Darcy cleared his throat, Fitzwilliam let go, grinning unrepentantly.

  “Richard, I am well, truly!” She squeezed his arm and kissed his cheek. “Come and meet our little girl.”

  “Ah the miracle child.” He sniffed and leaned over his cousin to see her. “You are beautiful, my dear.”

  Elizabeth embraced Evangeline and whispered, “What has come over him?”

  “He was overwhelmed with the story of her birth, as were we all. He admitted to me that he would not have done well. He witnessed a woman give birth and die along with the babe when he was in Spain, and it affected him deeply. You must have been so frightened.”

  Elizabeth caught Darcy’s eye and he took her hand. “We were both terrified, but had no time to feel anything until it was long over.”

  Fitzwilliam turned to Darcy, who handed Rosalie to Elizabeth, then the two cousins embraced and laughed. “I think that they need some time alone.” Evangeline suggested.

  “I think that you are correct.” Elizabeth smiled and laughed at Georgiana. “I have never seen such a smile on your face!” She nodded happily and peeked at the baby. Elizabeth drew back the blanket. “Meet your niece, Rosalie.”

  “Ohhhhh.” Georgiana was enchanted. “May I hold her?”

  “Of course, but I think that we should finish greeting everyone first.” Elizabeth took her hand. “You are happy to be home, I think.”

  “I am.” She sighed. “I am so happy. I am happy to be with you and Fitzwilliam again, I am happy to be returning to Pemberley with you. I am happy to leave London.”

  “Was school so terrible?” She looked over to where Darcy and Fitzwilliam stood talking by the window. “I thought that you enjoyed it.”

  “Yes. Not like Mary did, though.”

  “Well, Mary had an entirely different upbringing. This was a whole new world for her.”

  “She is dying to see you, and so is Jane. Aunt Helen is anxious to get you to the modiste for your new ball gown.” Elizabeth glanced at Alicia who rolled her eyes.

  “I am sure that she is, and we will see them tonight along with Mr. Bingley.” She looked over to Darcy and caught his eye. He grinned and clapping Fitzwilliam’s shoulder, the cousins returned to the family.

  “You are beautiful, Elizabeth.” Layton kissed her cheek and touched Rosalie’s hair. “As is your daughter. I think that Margaret would be jealous of these curls.”

  “Is she still bald?” Elizabeth laughed.

  “I understand that a few wisps have appeared.” He said softly. “We will be returning to Matlock soon.”

  Everyone found seats and Lady Matlock held out her arms. Elizabeth looked apologetically at Georgiana and carefully placed Rosalie in her great-aunt’s embrace. “She is the image of you, Darcy.” Lady Matlock said softly as she cradled her.

  “No, she is her mother.” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it.

  “My eyes are brown.”

  “Your eyes are fine, as are our daughter’s.” He smiled into them. “Are you sporting for an argument?”

  “Oh ho!” Fitzwilliam laughed. “The Darcys argue? Now that would be a treat. You two could not so much as argue as I could …deliver a baby alone in the woods.”

  The family laughed and Darcy and Elizabeth looked at their clasped hands. “Believe whatever you wish, Cousin.”

  “Lady Helen, may I?” Alicia held out her arms. The baby was traded to her. Layton sat by her side and placed his arm around her shoulder. “It is nice to see a baby with so much hair.” She said tearfully.

  “How was the journey with her?” Layton asked without looking away. “We thought it would be too difficult so we decided Margaret was best left at home.”

  “It was a challenge.” Elizabeth agreed. “And we will certainly do things differently on the return journey.”

  “And avoid the argument that began this one.” Darcy added with a wink to Fitzwilliam.

  “Aha.” Lord Matlock chuckled. “I thought as much. You two are going to be like Helen and me, I think.”

  “And what is that, Uncle?” Darcy smiled. “I have never seen you two disagree.”

  Laughter travelled the room and Rosalie began to fuss. Elizabeth stood and walked over to her. “She is ready to be fed, excuse me.” She picked her up and left the room. The women watched her go, wondering over her actions and the men regarded Darcy with sympathy.

  “How are you holding up, Son?” Lord Matlock leaned to him and said quietly. “She is sure to have this out of her system before long; she cannot keep you waiting a year. No wonder you argue, you must put your foot down.”

  Darcy met his eye and smiled, then turned to Evangeline. “I understand that congratulations are in order.”

  “Richard!” She cried.

  “I am sorry, dear. I had to tell him.” He stood and placed his hands on her shoulders, and faced the room. “My lovely bride is in the family way.”

  “Eva!” Lady Matlock hugged her. “Oh my dear! When?”

  “Early December, we think.” She looked up at her beaming husband. “We were going to wait a little longer to announce, but it seems that my husband is unstoppable.”

  “I am overwhelmed.” Fitzwilliam gladly received hugs and wiped his eyes. “Look at me! I cry as much as my wife!”

  Darcy chuckled and walked from the room in search of Elizabeth. He found her across the hallway on a sofa. “What happened? I heard cheering.”

  “Eva is with child.” He kissed her and watched Rosalie feed. “He is overjoyed but a nervous mess, he was desperate to hear me tell him all would be well.”

  “She is likely terrified.” Elizabeth said softly.

  “We could invite them to Pemberley for her confinement.” He laughed when she sighed. “I think that he would wish to participate in a more traditional manner, though.” He stood when there was a knock at the door and Lady Ma
tlock entered. “Your sister misses you.” She announced and gave Darcy a look.

  He squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “I will go and reassure her that you will soon return.”

  Lady Matlock took his place and watched mother and daughter. “You know that I strongly disagree with this behaviour.”

  “I do.” She smiled and stroked Rosalie’s cheek. “But it is not your concern, is it?” Lady Matlock’s brows rose and she started to speak, but Elizabeth was first. “We told you the week of our marriage that we would follow our own path, Aunt. We know that you disapprove and that you have made your feelings clear to your daughters. I am only concerned with my husband’s feelings, and he is content.”

  “Be careful Elizabeth. Darcy has needs that a wife must fulfil.”

  “And who says that I am not caring for them?” Elizabeth met her eye and Lady Matlock’s widened. “Do not question the way that we choose to raise our children, Aunt Helen, or the way that we conduct our marriage. It may not be what you would expect for yourself or your children, and it may not be what society considers proper, but we are very happy, and that is what matters to us, and is our concern alone.”

  “How old are you now?”

  “I will be nineteen in August.”

  “What will you be when you come of age?” Lady Matlock smiled slightly. “Very well, I will stay out of your business and only offer my opinion if asked. I do not agree with your choices, but I will not say anything more. Clearly it will fall on deaf ears.”

  “I appreciate that, Aunt Helen.” Elizabeth rubbed Rosalie’s back. “Are you taking the place of my mother-in-law?”

  “I have a feeling that Lady Anne Darcy would be on your side of the argument.” She stood and Elizabeth joined her at the door. “You have matured a great deal since I last saw you.”

  Elizabeth kissed Rosalie’s hair, and smiled. “I am a mother now.”

  Chapter 14

  “Elizabeth!” Bingley’s mouth dropped open when he entered the drawing room. Darcy coughed loudly and Bingley blinked and blushed. “Forgive me, Mrs. Darcy, I … I had forgotten how … I am … You look lovely.” He sputtered and met Darcy’s raised brow. He knew full well why Bingley reacted as he did. Bearing a child had done extraordinary things to Elizabeth’s already lovely figure, and deep down, the possessive little boy in him was jumping up and down with glee at his friend’s response.She looked between the red-faced man and her husband, noted the pleasure in Darcy’s expression, and took Bingley’s hands in hers. “Thank you, you are looking exceptionally handsome yourself.”

  “Well that is laying it on rather thick, but I thank you.” He laughed and recovered his composure. “Forgive me. How is your little girl? Will I meet her this evening?”

  “If you like, I have no doubt that my family will demand to see her. Fitzwilliam’s family met her this morning when they brought Georgiana home.” She titled her head. “Do you like children?”

  “Well as much as any man.” He shrugged. Just then Georgiana entered the room and he beamed at her. “Of course some children should be left in the nursery.”

  “To practice their letters?” Georgiana sniffed, then curtseyed. “Good evening, Mr. Bingley.”

  “Good evening Miss Darcy.” His eyes twinkled. “Shall I receive another lesson, tonight?”

  “If you have not taken the time to practice then it is a waste of mine to teach you. Perhaps some schoolbooks would be more useful.” She looked up to him sternly then blushed and became shy. “Forgive me. That was rude.”

  “Not at all, it was well-deserved.” Bingley bowed. “I provoked you.”

  “What are these lessons?” Darcy said quietly, and looked up to Elizabeth who was watching the pair with great interest.

  “Oh, I recommended that Mr. Bingley practice his letters.” Georgiana darted across the room to watch for the Gardiner’s carriage before her brother could comment.

  “A worthy enterprise.” Darcy said to his friend, who was still smiling after Georgiana.

  “It was.” He laughed and turned back to Elizabeth. “I do not wish to run afoul of Mrs. Darcy again.”

  “So you heard. Mr. Bingley you are an unmarried man and what you do with your time is your business, however, I think that it could be spent far more productively, particularly if you intend to marry a good woman someday.” She glared at him and went to join her sister at the window.

  “Well. I am in trouble with two women and the entire party has not arrived.” He grimaced and caught Darcy tilting his head and considering him. “What is it?”

  “I have never seen Georgiana tease anyone outside of family before. Why you, I wonder.”

  “She only sees me in the company of family, perhaps in her eyes I am accepted as such?” Bingley shrugged. “She is growing into a lovely young lady, Darcy. You will be beating them off with a stick before long.” He smiled at her as she whispered to Elizabeth. “She will be wonderful, I am sure. She will know all of the social necessities from Lady Matlock and school, but she will benefit most from that indescribable extra that Mrs. Darcy will provide. Some young man will be very fortunate one day.”

  “Indeed.” Darcy said softly and caught Elizabeth’s eye. She had clearly remembered his story of Georgiana asking after Bingley last autumn, and had formed an identical thought now.

  “Oh, they are here!” Georgiana called.

  The Gardiners, Mary, and Jane came upstairs and when the exclamations of joy and reunion settled, Bingley found himself seated next to Jane. He cleared his throat. “You look very well, Miss Bennet.”

  “Thank you sir, as do you.” She said to her clasped hands.

  “Darcy tells me that you will be accompanying him and Mrs. Darcy to St. James’s on the anniversary of their wedding.”

  Jane looked up and spoke slowly, “Yes, Lady Matlock has been most insistent that I attend some event there, but I thought to wait until my sister arrived. Will you attend as well, sir?”

  “Yes.” He smiled softly. “I hope that I might beat the crowd of men by asking for your first set now?”

  “Oh, I would like that very much.” She smiled and blushed.

  “Very good.” He cleared his throat again and noticed that they were being watched, and found that the most disconcerting gazes came from the members of the Darcy family.

  Elizabeth broke the silence. “Who would like to meet Rosalie?” All of the ladies departed and the men were left alone.

  Darcy poured out some wine to enjoy while they awaited the party from Matlock House. “Well?” He handed Bingley his glass then took a seat. “What are you doing?”

  “With regards to what?” He laughed and took a sip. “Choose a topic and I may just have an answer!”

  Darcy smiled and heard Mr. Gardiner’s chuckle. “Well, your sister, she is out of your way?”

  “Indeed! She is Mrs. Robinson now. Her husband purchased a small estate two years ago, just to say that he has one, but lives mostly here to keep up with his business. He could care less about sport, but wants to fit in with the crowd.” Bingley shrugged. “I do not particularly like him, a little too calculating for me, but Caroline likes his ambition to be at the top of society one day. He treats her well enough according to Louisa’s observations. It is no love match, but they get along. She has her baubles, he has whatever charm she displays, they go about to the fashionable places. Who knows, maybe they will be in your circle one day and all of her dreams will be fulfilled.”

  “Remind me to be well away from town then.” Darcy said dryly. “Fascinating that Mrs. Robinson wound up with a man who is both tradesman and landowner. What is his product? He does not happen to have a useful connection to contraband brandy does he?”

  Bingley laughed. “If he does I dare not speak of it. No, he imports oranges, the sour kind that they use for marmalade, as well as other exotic fruits.”

  “We have a few trees at Pemberley in the hot houses, along with peaches and lemons. I think that my gardener started a few pineapples, as well.�
�� Darcy mused.

  “Not everyone is you, Darcy.” Bingley winked.

  “Well if you ever purchase an estate, you too can enjoy these things.” He jabbed back.

  Placing his hand over his heart he gasped in horror. “And put my brother out of business?”

  “Perhaps not. Forget that. So, speaking of estates, where do you stand? I ask this for several reasons.” Seeing he had both Bingley’s and Mr. Gardiner’s attention he began, “First, we know that Netherfield has been largely neglected by its owner and have learned that the land is not yielding as it could due to the steward’s refusal to embrace modern farming practices. Second, have you looked at other properties? And third, there is Jane Bennet.”

  Bingley shifted uncomfortably and looked down at his glass. “I was wondering when Miss Bennet would come up.”

  “Well?”

  “Stewart and I rode out to see the estate last month. I know that you took a look at it last autumn and spoke to a neighbour.” Darcy nodded, remembering his conversation with Robert Lucas and saw Mr. Gardiner’s interest. “I think that it is the owner’s problem to address.”

  “That is true, but he has not. By not fixing the problems now, he avoids the cost, and you would lose the time waiting for the fields to improve after you take possession should you buy. You will need that income right away, you cannot afford to wait. This should be made clear to this owner. I cannot understand his neglect.”

  “He does not care about it much. I am dealing with his solicitor.” Bingley shrugged. “Your concern about my looking at other properties … I have, but I want to be near London, my life is here. I am more accepted, Caroline is married off, I love all that there is to see and do … The other estates that my solicitor has identified are too far away. If I was married and settled, then a lovely estate near Pemberley would be ideal.” He smiled at his friend. “I would like that more than anything.”

  “Thank you.” Darcy smiled. “But that leaves us with the next question. How goes it with Jane? If you are courting her …”

  “I am not, not officially. We have met at a few balls and dinners; I come to visit the Gardiners. I have escorted her to the theatre …”