Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  A soft rap upon the door was heard and Elizabeth returned his kiss before moving to the edge of the bed. She gathered their clothing, leaving his, before going to the basin of warm water by the fireplace. Darcy laid back and watched her without a word as she readied herself to leave him. She was nearly fully clothed before he took her place at the basin, cleansed himself, and dressed.

  “Does he come to you still?” he asked in a hoarse whisper as she began pinning up her hair.

  “No. Lady Catherine’s midwife advised him to leave me be.”

  Darcy was amazed that the man was able to do so. His desire for Elizabeth had been great before, but after experiencing her to-day he found it difficult to return to London and be so far from her. If they were wed, he doubted he would leave her side for longer than an hour or two.

  “And he agrees to this?”

  “Oh yes. He respects her directions as though they came directly from your aunt.” She sighed. “I must say I am pleased; it was becoming difficult for me not to respond. I find,” she blushed and looked at his reflection in the mirror. “You will think me wicked, but my desires have increased.”

  He could not suppress a smile as he thought of their lovemaking that day. “You were quite responsive.” Elizabeth’s cheeks flamed redder and he laughed as he wrapped an arm about her waist and kissed her neck. “It is nothing of which to be ashamed, my love. I have heard men speaking at White’s. I do not think your behaviour unusual. Several men have stated a preference for ladies in the family way and I believe I now understand why.”

  She pushed at his arm as though offended, but a smile spread across her countenance. With another kiss just behind her ear, Darcy released her and finished dressing while she placed the last hairpins. They were approaching the door when Genie knocked again. After a few minutes with Widow Abernathy, the lovers left arm in arm.

  The meadow where they had met frequently last spring was now brown and dormant. Darcy accompanied her to the path leading toward the parsonage, bowed over her hand to kiss each knuckle, and then watched her until she was out of sight. He rubbed his chest as he returned to Genie’s and gathered his horse to make the trip back to London.

  His thoughts were scattered as he travelled the overly familiar roads. Darcy was nearly to Charing Cross when he realized he had not given Elizabeth the trinket he had bought her. It was nothing grand for fear it might be noted, merely a small locket to hang from her chatelaine in which she could place a lock of the babe’s hair when he was born. He had hoped it would disappear amidst her keys and go unnoticed. He patted the pocket where it resided, wondering if it was best he had forgotten for now.

  Darcy was still distracted as he entered his home and did not notice the feminine voices until he was passing the drawing room and heard his name. He was unable to hide his initial grimace in his current state but schooled his features as he entered the room. Miss Bingley sat beside Georgiana who appeared weary.

  “What an unexpected surprise, Miss Bingley.” He glanced about the room and frowned. “Have you arrived alone?”

  “My maid was escorted to the kitchens, sir. I was so excited to hear of Miss Darcy’s presence in town that I simply could not wait for my sister to join me.” She batted her eyelashes in his direction.

  His frown deepened as he turned toward Mrs. Annesley, his sister’s companion. “Was Georgiana not to visit the art master to-day?”

  “We received word he was indisposed, sir.” She did not cower from his countenance, instead lifting her head higher. “It was delivered as Miss Bingley arrived.” Her eyes widened just enough to tell him they would have denied the woman access had they been able.

  “Ah.” He turned toward their guest. “Forgive me, Miss Bingley, but since my sister’s plans have changed, there is something I wish to discuss with her. I hope you have enjoyed your visit. I will have your maid summoned.”

  The confused expression which overtook the lady’s features caused Darcy to turn away lest he laugh. He stepped into the hallway to motion for the nearest footman and requested Miss Bingley’s maid and carriage be readied. When he turned, he found the lady a few steps away from him.

  “Mr. Darcy, might I have a moment of your time? There was something I wished to ask you.”

  Darcy looked back to see his sister and her companion watching them. He clasped his hands before him as he lowered his head. “How might I help you?”

  Miss Bingley frowned as she glanced over her shoulder at the others, clearly wishing he would speak to her in private which he was determined not to do. She took in his immovable posture before releasing her breath in a huff. “I had hoped we could speak regarding my brother, sir.”

  “Your brother is happily married and on his wedding trip, Miss Bingley. Of what is there to discuss?”

  “I was surprised, sir, when you accompanied Charles to Hertfordshire last spring.” She lowered her voice. “I had thought we were of a similar mind.”

  “No, Miss Bingley.” Darcy allowed a hint of disgust to enter his voice. “We have never shared a similar ideology. My only thought was to protect your brother from an unequal relationship. Once I was assured of the new Mrs. Bingley’s affections, I found no reason for them to be separated. Had you attended the wedding, you would have seen how happy they were.”

  The woman blanched. “My aunt required my presence in Yorkshire.”

  “Yes, I was told.” Darcy held her gaze as he remembered Bingley’s disgust with his sister and her attempts to manipulate him. His friend had quickly forgiven Darcy’s part in the plot to separate the lovers, but Miss Bingley had been unrepentant and, therefore, quickly packed off to relatives for several months. Darcy realized she must have only just returned to town herself. “Will your sister be surprised to find you gone?” he asked in a low voice.

  Miss Bingley’s eyes widened, and she quickly dropped a curtsey to him before saying her farewells to his sister and rushing toward the front door. Darcy suspected she would be reprimanded for her forwardness when she returned home.

  As the door closed behind the woman, Georgiana clasped his arm. “Oh William, I am so pleased you returned. We were about to leave when the note from Monsieur Henri arrived and Miss Bingley overheard our discussion before we realized she was here.” She sighed dramatically. “I feared she would never leave.”

  Mrs. Annesley shook her head. “It was nearing half an hour, sir, and I would have ended the visit had the woman attempted to stay longer.” Her lips pursed. “I do not doubt she would have attempted to remain until you returned, Mr. Darcy.”

  His sister nodded her head. “She asked when we expected you. Can you imagine anyone so brazen?” Her eyes fell to his arm. “But you are covered in dust. Where have you been, William?”

  Darcy could feel his cheeks burn. “I had business to attend.” He focused his gaze upon her companion. “Have you plans for Georgiana since her lesson was cancelled?”

  “Nothing of importance, sir.”

  He searched for some way to extricate himself from the room. “Then, I suppose I should change. Have you no shopping to do?” he asked hopefully.

  “Our appointment with the modiste is to-morrow,” Georgiana replied.

  A thin line appeared between her brows and Darcy realized he was increasing her curiosity and concern. He attempted to appear at ease. “Would you not play for me then? Perhaps in half an hour when I am presentable?”

  She smiled. “Of course.”

  Darcy thanked her and kissed her cheek then rushed to his room before he could be placed in another uncomfortable position. He suddenly realized how prophetic Richard’s warnings had been.

  *CHAPTER EIGHTEEN*

  Elizabeth’s tears ran down her cheeks as she stared out the window and absent-mindedly caressed her distended stomach. The winter had passed slowly and spring now neared its end; but she was inside with her feet raised. It was Friday and she had been unable to visit her friends for nearly two weeks. It was nearer a month since she had felt Darcy’s em
brace. She knew he was attending to business, but it did not make her less weepy. All the emotions she had suppressed for the many months at the beginning of her marriage were once more demanding their release. She wrapped her arms about herself and sighed.

  A soft rap at the door managed to break through her melancholy and she wiped her eyes before calling for Sarah to enter. She was quite surprised when Anne de Bourgh stepped through the doorway instead.

  “As I suspected.” Her friend shook her head and closed the door behind her. “It is a lovely day, yet you are inside moping.”

  “There is little else I can do,” Elizabeth complained as she pointed at her feet. “My ankles are quite swollen, and I am unable to see around my stomach in order to avoid obstacles.”

  Anne placed her hands on her hips in a manner Elizabeth recognized as foreshadowing a determined declaration. “I can see how that would limit your ability to walk which is why I have brought my phaeton.”

  “Anne,” Elizabeth sighed, “I fear it would take three footmen to heave me into it.”

  “You are not as large as you think.” Her friend’s tone softened. “Genie believes it best if you get up and move about. She fears you will have a difficult delivery if you sit too much. Will you not join me at Abernathy House?”

  It was clear that, though Anne asked, she was not going to accept a negative answer. With another sigh, Elizabeth lowered her feet to the floor and slid to the edge of her seat. Placing her hands on the arms of her chair, she pushed upward and outward, stomach first, until she was standing. Anne clapped her hands with delight before taking Elizabeth’s arm and leading her to the door.

  “I suppose,” Elizabeth said with amusement, “it would be best to see Genie before I enter my final month and am forced to hear only from Mrs. Rickman.”

  Anne scrunched her nose. “I know mother insists she is the best, but she is not very comforting. I could not imagine having to depend upon her at such a time.”

  A stray tear escaped the corner of Elizabeth’s eye, but she quickly batted it away as she whispered, “I would much prefer Genie be with me.” She brightened as she remembered Jane’s last letter. “I suspect that my sister will attempt to be here. If Mr. Collins allows it,” her smile faded as she finished speaking.

  “Should I mention to Mother how much it would reassure you? If it is her suggestion, Mr. Collins would not dare deny your sister.”

  They paused by the front door and Sarah helped Elizabeth into her pelisse.

  “Would you? I would be forever grateful.” Elizabeth grasped Anne’s hand as her eyes filled with tears once more.

  “Of course!” Anne opened the door and crossed to the phaeton.

  With the assistance of Sarah, Anne, and the footman who had accompanied Miss de Bourgh, Elizabeth took her place. The sun warmed her as Elizabeth tipped her head back, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply.

  “I feel as though it has been ages since I have been outside.”

  “Well, perhaps Mother will have to tell Mr. Collins it would be good for you to spend time each day in the fresh air.” Anne snapped the laces and the horse moved forward.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I would appreciate it, but I fear Mr. Collins might find it necessary to be with me. He has become very solicitous of my welfare.” She blew a stray hair out of her face. “I do not understand how Lady Catherine endures his constant attentions.”

  “It is my belief that she only hears half of what he says.” Anne laughed. “I know my mind has a tendency to drift when he is speaking.”

  Though she was amused by her friend, Elizabeth could not find it in her to laugh. She would prefer to hear only half of what Mr. Collins said, but she never knew when she would be taken to task and required to reply or repeat. No, she did not have the luxury of ignoring the man.

  The carriage drew to a halt in front of Abernathy House and Elizabeth bit her lip. “Oh, Anne, we did not think this through. However am I to get down?”

  “Allow me,” a deep voice drew her attention and she turned to see Darcy approaching from the rear of the equipage.

  “William!” Elizabeth made no attempt to stop the tears. She had not realized how much she missed him or how fearful she had been that he had abandoned her.

  “Here now.” He held out his handkerchief. “Did you not wish to see me?”

  His voice lacked its normal assurance, stripping away all her concerns. “I thought you no longer wished to see me.” Elizabeth motioned to her well-rounded stomach and red swollen eyes. “I am a sight.”

  “Yes.” Darcy smiled as he held out his arms to lift her and settle her safely on the ground. “You are beautiful.”

  “You are blind,” she whispered.

  Holding her right hand in his, he slipped his left arm about her waist and helped her to the front door. “Can you manage the stairs? Mrs. Abernathy has been asking for you.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “If we go slowly.”

  Once they reached the top, Genie stepped out from her mother’s room. “She is already asleep. Shall we go to the other room so you and I may speak?”

  “Yes.” Elizabeth nodded. “I would appreciate that.”

  “You have questions?” Genie glanced at Darcy. “Both of you do, I am certain.” She turned to Anne who stood beside her. “Will you stay with mother? Marta is feeling under the weather.”

  “Of course,” Anne eyed her friend suspiciously, “though I suspect she would be well were I not a maiden.” She held up a hand. “I am being facetious, Genie.” The ladies embraced and Anne entered the sitting room.

  Genie slipped her arm through Elizabeth’s and they slowly walked the length of the hall. “Have you felt any discomfort, more so than normal?”

  “It is becoming difficult to sleep. Sometimes my back hurts.”

  They entered the bedroom and Genie continued to the bed where she helped Elizabeth to lie down. “May I?” she asked as she motioned toward Elizabeth’s skirts. After a nod, Genie lifted the many layers and ran her hands over Elizabeth’s stomach.

  The baby pressed hard against one spot and Darcy gasped, his hand reaching out to touch the area as the pressure eased again.

  “He likes to stretch,” Elizabeth smiled up at him.

  “I saw the outline of his foot,” he said with wonder.

  Genie continued to press here and there, the babe responding with a kick or stretch when she annoyed him. “He is active!” She lowered Elizabeth’s skirts and sat beside her. “This is your last trip here, my dear. It is best that you stay close to home from now on.”

  “Could you not visit the parsonage?” Darcy asked. Small lines about his lips revealed his anxiety as he stared down at Elizabeth. “Perhaps when Mr. Collins is at Rosings? Tuesdays and Fridays?”

  “Would you like that?” Genie asked Elizabeth. “Sarah would say nothing, but what of your cook? Did Lady Catherine send her to you? Could she be loyal to her ladyship?”

  “There are several women from the village who come to see me. Would it be so strange if you were there also?” Elizabeth longed for her friend to be with her. She hoped that Genie, and not Mrs. Rickman, would be there when her child was born.

  “I will see what I can do. Perhaps if I come with a few of the others it would not draw suspicion.”

  “Yes,” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “I believe your presence would reassure us both.”

  Genie nodded. “Then I will make it so.” She smiled. “I will go see how Anne is faring. I am certain she is also anxious.”

  “Thank you, Genie,” Elizabeth said as she sat up. “You are a good a friend.”

  The door closed behind her and Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand. “Would you prefer to sit on the settee?”

  “Yes, I believe that would be nice.”

  He slipped an arm about her and lifted her easily from the bed. Elizabeth wished he was with her always to help her up and down and give her support. They settled onto the settee, his arm about her as she rested her hea
d on his shoulder. Darcy ran a hand over her stomach in a loving caress.

  “My business at Pemberley is finished for a time and I have returned to London. I will not leave again until I know that you and the babe are well.” He kissed her hair. “Richard is quite disgusted with me. He fears I will rush to your side the minute I learn of your labours, so he has taken up residence at Darcy House.”

  “He is only protecting us.”

  “I know, but I begin to understand why I was left behind when my friends were up to mischief.” His arms tightened about her. “He is becoming the virtuous prig in our relationship.”

  Elizabeth giggled. “I have missed you,” she whispered.

  Darcy stiffened. “Truly?”

  She raised her head so she could meet his gaze. “So very much.” Her hand rose until she lightly caressed his cheek, tracing his features with one finger. Until that moment, she had not realized how much she desired him. Not to be physically loved by him, but to be in his presence. All the fears which had pressed in upon her over the past week seemed to evaporate when he held her. She settled against him once more and closed her eyes.

  “When your labours begin, will you send word to Anne?” He ran his hand up and down her arm. “She will notify me.”

  “Would it not be better to notify you after?”

  “I will spend every day wondering if you are suffering or …” He crushed her to his chest. “Promise me you will not leave me.” Tears choked his words.

  Elizabeth lifted her head until she could see him clearly. “You must not fear for me. I need to know that you are strong enough for both of us.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. “If only you could be with me …”

  “I know, my love.” Darcy kissed her forehead, then kissed each tear away. “Know that my thoughts are always with you.” He slipped a package from his pocket and placed it in her lap. “Open it.”

  After brushing away her remaining tears, Elizabeth pulled the string which held the paper closed and the package fell open to reveal several handkerchiefs. She laughed as she lifted one to her nose and sniffed. It was heavily scented with his cologne.