“Easy, Elizabeth, do not wake her,” Darcy chided in a whisper.
“Her stomach is full, love. A full marching band could troop through and she would sleep on. Here,” she grasped his hand, “touch her cheek. She is so soft.”
Darcy did, holding his breath and trembling slightly. “Unbelievable. I have never felt anything like it.” He looked up at Stephen, who was grinning broadly where he stood next to Darcy, gazing at his daughter with insurmountable pride and bewitchment. “Lathrop, she is beautiful. An absolute miracle.”
“Soon, my old friend, it shall be your turn. Nothing on earth quite compares, I assure you.”
The three days passed in Leicestershire were tranquil. Lizzy and Amelia stayed near the house at all times, short walks about the grounds being the only excursions. Amelia was recuperating rapidly, the mild soreness evaporating as her body restored gradually. She lamented the additional bulk to her already full-figured frame, but did so with a giggle and shrug. Lizzy delighted in learning all she could about baby care. The days were highly informative and eased an inordinate amount of the foreboding Lizzy had not even been aware she bore.
Darcy and Lathrop were gone all day, each day, on horseback with rifles in hand as they tromped through the game-filled woods in the vicinity. Late afternoons and evenings were spent in the game room at billiards, primarily, but also the occasional chess challenge. Lizzy always rejoiced when her husband was able to truly embrace the various manly pursuits he enjoyed but often did not have the time or company to engage in. As fully as her masculine spouse devoured such activities for all the typical reasons, he also utilized the secluded moments to quiz his friend on infant-related topics. Mr. Lathrop was a strict traditionalist, so the concept of entering the birth chamber had never crossed his mind; therefore, his knowledge of the delivery process, from the first few pains to well after Fiona had arrived and all had been cleaned up, was nonexistent. Nevertheless, he was a devoted husband and father who happily shared what facts he knew, Darcy discovering the same easing of hidden anxieties as his wife did.
In between their individual recreations, the foursome reconnected for breakfast and dinner as well as early evenings reposing over drinks and conversation in the parlor. Darcy tactfully, and with transparently pleading eyes, asked to hold Fiona whenever possible. The Lathrops smiled at his sweet enthusiasm, and Lizzy positively beamed. By the end of their stay he felt fairly comfortable with the frequently wiggling baby, although the first time she screwed up her little face and released a truly astonishingly loud bellow Darcy blanched whiter than a sheet and clenched her so tightly in alarm that she halted instantly and pierced the big man with a wide-eyed accusatory stare. Amelia laughed, assuring the stricken man that it was merely feeding time as she removed the squalling infant from his shaking arms.
Darcy entered their bed late each night, Lizzy long since asleep, so it was morning before they were able to compare notes. Both felt the pressing urge to return home but also recognized the providential aspect of this visit. Excitement and enthusiasm coupled with book knowledge was wonderful, but nothing quite compared to firsthand experience.
When they said their farewells, the women shedding tears while they hugged, it was a moment of truly mixed emotions. They knew it would likely be months before they saw each other. It was not safe to travel with a young baby in the coming winter months, and obviously Lizzy would be going nowhere. Amelia's family was expected over the Christmas holidays, even if they had been willing to brave the elements.
“Come spring, my dear Amelia, we must visit! Either we shall come here or you to Pemberley. The season in London is much too far to wait.”
“Pemberley is only a day away, love. We can easily arrange visitations. Mrs. Lathrop, thank you for allowing us to disturb your peace. It has been delightfully fun and instructive.” Darcy bowed gallantly, delivering a friendly kiss to her fingers.
Amelia, however, lifted up and kissed him on the cheek. “William, you and Elizabeth are never a disturbance. Thank you for veering this way and for adoring my daughter. You will be a wonderful father.”
Darcy's cheeks were rosy, and he smiled happily. “Thank you, Amelia.”
THEY WERE HOME. HAPPILY ensconced in their familiar surroundings and gradually readapting to the regular pace of Pemberley. To their surprise, Georgiana had returned home two days prior to their arrival from Leicestershire. She doubly astonished them, especially Darcy, by not flying pell-mell down the stairs and launching like a jackrabbit into his arms. Instead she stood sedately on the top step of the entrance portico, dressed in a very fashionable gown with her hair pinned up in a jewel-accented style. She smiled radiantly with eyes shining, but in all ways appeared a young woman.
Darcy did not quite know how to feel. On the one hand he was instantly struck by how beautiful she was in her grown-up poise and discipline, and his pride soared immeasurably. On the other hand, his heart was stabbed with an acute ache at the final vestiges of his baby sister apparently erased overnight. Then at the last second, as he mounted the final steps below her, she suddenly bounced on her toes, squealed, and vaulted into his ready embrace.
“Oh William! I missed you so!”
He smiled into her hair, recognizing the pure selfish happiness rushing through him in knowing that there were at least a few traces of the child in the woman he squeezed tightly to his chest. “My sweet Georgie. I missed you more.”
She pulled inches away with a grin, delivering a quick peck to his cheek. “I rather doubt that, brother dear, as you had Elizabeth to assuage your heart.”
“Yes, but there are some places even a beloved wife cannot touch.” He kissed her forehead and then released her with a broad smile.
“Does your sister warrant such a greeting?”
“Oh Elizabeth! Look at you!” The two women embraced, Georgiana unable to tear her eyes from the significantly larger waistline.
Elizabeth laughed, placing both hands on her belly. “Yes, it is quite impressive, is it not? I found myself competing with the whales at the coast!”
Chatter and stories from all parties was rampant long into the evening. Georgiana was far more effusive than her brother or sister, as they were frankly exhausted, Lizzy actually falling asleep on Darcy's shoulder mid-adventurous tale. It would take days, but finally all gaps were filled and Georgiana too fell into the old routines of life at Pemberley.
The newlywed Olivers had also returned prior to the Darcys. Darcy and Lizzy found their personal servants attending to their duties and relatively unchanged except for the occasional dreamy expressions noted when happened upon unawares. Other than asking Samuel two or three general questions about the weather and sights around the Lake District, which his valet answered in short sentences, Darcy made no other inquires. His curiosity was not adequate to overcome the extreme mortification that would assuredly ensue if he did ask Samuel anything remotely personal. Marguerite was a bit more forthcoming regarding the various activities she and her new husband had partaken in, praising the countryside and accommodations, but gave nary a hint of anything intimate. Most information was gleaned from Mrs. Reynolds, who informed her employers that the Olivers were very happy and contentedly established into their apartment. It was further revealed that the previously stoic, excruciatingly bashful Samuel was looser now, both Olivers increasingly approachable and sociable.
Two days after returning home, Lizzy sat in the music room attending to the household ledger with mildly swollen feet propped up on an ottoman. Georgiana sat at the pianoforte providing background music. It was a quarter after four in the afternoon and pleasantly warm with a faint breeze blowing through the open patio doors. Darcy was away, had been since very early in the morning, observing the final wool baling and delivery preparations.
Phillips entered upon Lizzy's acknowledgement, bowing formally and announcing that there were two gentlemen in the foyer asking to speak with the Mistress as Mr. Darcy was absent.
“Who are they?” Lizzy asked
with raised brows.
“They did not offer their names, madam.”
“How odd,” she murmured, rising with a shrug toward Georgiana, who also rose to trail along curiously.
“Madam, can we two lonely travelers intrude upon your hospitality for the fine Irish whiskey reputedly lurking in the liquor cabinet at Pemberley?”
“Whiskey, brandy, port, whatever you wish for, kind sirs, but first give us a kiss!”
Georgiana had already released a cry of delight and dashed to her favored uncle, Lizzy turning to a grinning Richard Fitzwilliam for a kiss.
“Richard! What a wonderful surprise! We were expecting this wayward traveler to breeze in eventually,” Lizzy laughingly declared with a gesture toward George Darcy, “but you are an unanticipated albeit fantastic addition.”
“He attached himself to me in London,” George declared, “and I could not rid myself of him. Pathetic, really, so I dragged him along. Elizabeth, you appear to have swallowed an enormous ball.”
“I wish it were that simple as then it would be lightly filled with air and not expanding further. Come, gentlemen, whiskey is secured in the liquor cabinet. Phillips, your penance for being roped into deception by these two mischief makers is to bring us a tray of comestibles for our weary travelers.”
She linked arms with Richard, who said, “You look quite well, Elizabeth. How are you faring?”
“Very well, all considered. I have a husband who dotes most profoundly and a sister nearly as devoted, so I am not allowed to overtax.”
“Where is the doting husband, by the way?”
“At the wool barn. I do not know when he shall return, but he usually arrives in time for dinner.”
George laughed. “William miss a meal? Do not be ridiculous. Whiskey, Colonel?” he asked as he crossed directly toward the liquor cabinet.
“Please. Georgie, I want to hear all about Wales. Your letters were expository and Mother enumerated additionally, but I wish to hear more from your own lips. Especially, my dear cousin and ward, about this Lord Gruffudd you so eloquently chronicled.”
Georgiana blushed scarlet. Lizzy chuckled, laying one hand softly on Georgiana's arm. “Richard, for shame! Do not tease your cousin so. Can a young woman not notice a handsome man and gush to a trusted guardian without being interrogated? Besides, ladies need their little secrets.”
“Very well, I am properly chastised. Forgive me, Miss Darcy.” He bowed gallantly her direction. “Skip past Lord Gruffudd to your birthday celebrations. I believe you were in Cardiff at the time?”
Georgiana overcame her embarrassment and launched into a detailed account of the merriment delivered by her aunt and uncle for her eighteenth birthday. Refreshments were brought and the small group exchanged stories for the next hour with much laughter ensuing.
Darcy was greeted to the distinct sound of revelry drifting down the hall as he discarded a dusty coat into the waiting hands of Mr. Taylor. “We have visitors?”
“Yes, sir. Dr. Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam arrived this afternoon.”
Darcy nodded, striding briskly to the parlor, and paused on the threshold to view the scene. Col. Fitzwilliam stood in the middle of the room with arms gesticulating as he related what Darcy quickly ascertained was a tale of foolish new cadets attempting to learn marching maneuvers. Lizzy and Georgiana were laughing gaily, while a grinning George sat sprawled on his deceased brother's favored chair with long maroon-covered legs crunched into the minimal space.
“I leave for the day and all manner of disorder arises. Pemberley apparently now hosts anyone who wanders by?”
“With such fine whiskey and beautiful, charming women in residence, it is only to be expected, William,” George retorted with a follow-up sip of the amber liquid in his glass.
“I assuredly cannot argue the charming women, or the whiskey for that matter. Richard, it is wonderful to see you. I trust all is well?”
“Tolerably, cousin. I urgently needed to breathe fresh air and escape the adolescents lately come to my regiment. Besides, Dr. Darcy required a companion on the road. To keep him safe, you understand.”
George snorted, Darcy chuckling as he crossed to his wife and sister. “Georgie dearest,” with a quick kiss to her cheek before lifting Lizzy's fingers to his lips. “Beloved, you are well?”
“Perfect, dear. I have been marvelously entertained. Our guests seem to be bursting with amusing anecdotes.”
“Passes the time, I suppose. Uncle, we have had no news since Devon. What have you been up to? And please tell me Darcy House is yet habitable?”
“No worries, William. The cousins all send their best wishes. We spent a week on the coast, then I departed to visit friends in Dorset. I actually was only in London for four days, which is why Darcy House is undamaged. Mrs. Smyth expressed her sadness to see me depart, but I longed for Pemberley. Nothing quite compares to the autumn here.”
“I am discovering the same,” Lizzy said. “William told me the gardens were particularly lovely in the fall, and he was not exaggerating.”
“Of course,” Richard interjected. “This is your first autumn here! I had forgotten. Mr. Clark and his staff are remarkable. My parents should allow him to train their gardeners.”
“I arrived at the end of autumn past, but the rains and cold weather set in shortly thereafter so William had little opportunity to acquaint me extensively with the gardens. Except for what I could see from windows, that is.”
“What a shame,” George murmured. “Holed up inside with nothing to do all winter. How trying that must have been.” He glanced slyly at his nephew, who was approaching with whiskey decanter in hand.
“Yes,” Darcy intoned dryly. “It was terribly stressful, but we managed.” He refilled his uncle's glass without meeting his eyes. “Of course, it was blessedly quiet. Virtually relative free until Christmas.”
“Ah, Christmas at Pemberley.” George dreamily stared into space, ignoring Darcy's playful slur.
“Will you stay for Christmas, Uncle?” Georgiana asked with a pleading tone.
“We shall see, dear. I am enjoying my leisure. By the way,” he pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pocket, “it is a bit crinkled, I fear, but I have a missive from Raul. Have either of you heard from Miss de Bourgh?”
Lizzy shook her head negatively, Darcy responding, “Not for a month. I rather assumed she was otherwise entertained.”
“Apparently quite so. Raja states that all is progressing smoothly. He is working at the hospital in Ashford as well as offering his services throughout the community as required. Lady Catherine is now singing his praises to all who will listen, probably questioning when he will officially propose and increase her prestige in society.”
“Undoubtedly Miss de Bourgh wonders the same,” Lizzy said.
“So he has not secured her hand as of yet? What is he waiting for?” Darcy was honestly surprised.
“Soon, I garner from his letter. He wanted to be established somewhat, earn Lady Catherine's undying respect and approval, and shower Miss de Bourgh with the full treasure trove of courtship rituals. I gather he has exhausted the arsenal of romantic tomfoolery, so with nothing remaining, engagement is imminent.”
“Hopefully he has left a few romantic gestures in reserve. Women appreciate that sort of thing.” Lizzy smiled winsomely at her husband.
“Is this true, Darcy?” Col. Fitzwilliam asked with a raised brow and smirk.
“I have found it to be so, yes. You would do well to remember the information, cousin.” Richard shuddered, taking a quick sip of whiskey.
Lizzy laughed. “We must find a nice lady for you, Richard. You are far too wayward. Capricious, poor soul. You need a steady girl to stabilize you.”
“Shackle, you mean,” George spoke in defense of his friend. “Not all men are destined for domesticity, dear Elizabeth. Some of us prefer being footloose and fancy free! Although having a woman about can have its advantages, I suppose. Back massages, home decorating, darning so
cks, that sort of thing, eh, William?”
“Precisely, uncle. That is why I chose marriage,” Darcy answered seriously, eyes twinkling and meeting Lizzy's.
“The day I darn socks will be the day the sun fails to rise. Back massages are acceptable, however.” She and Darcy shared a brief, knowing smile.
Yet holding his wife's eyes, Darcy spoke to his uncle and cousin, “Speaking of matrimony, I am thankful that you both are here and do pray you intend to stay for a while. Elizabeth has agreed to marry me, again, in a ceremony at Pemberley Chapel.”
Col. Fitzwilliam smiled delightfully, lifting his glass Lizzy's direction. George whistled and declared with a grin, “Romantic gesture of the highest order, indeed. Well done, William! How marvelous for me as I missed the official nuptials. When is the date?”
“We have not decided as of yet,” Darcy answered, still gazing at Lizzy. “I was opting for November twenty-eight as a perfect commemoration of the happiest day of my entire life.”
“I, however,” Lizzy interrupted softly, “reminded my husband that I will be as enormous as a house by late November, if not in the actual throes of birth travails. Additionally it somehow seems irreverent to waddle down the church aisle to be wed while clearly nearly to burst with child!”
“I do believe, my dear niece, that it is far too late to hide that fact. Besides, I am sure God is privy to the fact that you two are already legally and spiritually bound, and shall withhold the lightning bolt.”
Lizzy reddened but persevered, “All true, Dr. Darcy. I think we should wait until after the baby is born…”
“And I,” it was Darcy's turn to interrupt, “refuse to wait that long. I have a burning urge to exchange vows with my wife in the Darcy family chapel. She has accepted my proposal so cannot renege on the agreement.” He spoke with a slight edgy tone and clenched jaw, but wore a smile for Lizzy and eyes indigo with desire.
My Dearest Mr. Darcy Page 21
