Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “I would not want you to be without when you need it most.”

  “Is your valet not becoming suspicious of their disappearance?”

  A warm blush covered Darcy’s countenance and a sudden realization settled over Elizabeth. She drew away from him, her breath coming in short quick gasps. “He knows. Oh my, he must know.”

  “Elizabeth,” Darcy attempted to draw her back to him. “A gentleman’s valet knows everything about him. Just as a lady’s maid knows everything regarding her mistress. Nelson will go to the grave with my secrets, our secrets.”

  “I realize I am being ridiculous.” Elizabeth attempted to stand but did not succeed. “Oh!” She turned in frustration and grasped the arm of the settee, pushing against it until she was part way up and she felt Darcy lift her the rest of the way. She pushed his hand away once she was on her feet and walked to the door before turning back to him. “How could I ever face him? I am so embarrassed.”

  Darcy jumped to his feet and was before her in one large step. “He does not think less of you because of our actions, Elizabeth. Nelson …” He took a deep breath. “Nelson has been witness to my misery and my joys. He was with me when my father passed and during Georgiana’s heartbreak. He was the one who put me to bed after I drank myself ill trying to forget you.” He wrapped his arms around her. “It is his wish that we find happiness one day.”

  Before Elizabeth could respond, Genie’s knock interrupted them, so they gathered their things and joined the others. When it was time to leave, Darcy escorted the ladies to the phaeton. He lifted Elizabeth and held her close before setting her gently in the carriage. When he stepped back, his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

  “You promise?” he asked.

  Elizabeth smiled. “I promise.”

  He nodded and watched them as they pulled away. Elizabeth turned to find him standing in the same position until they were out of sight. She pulled one of his handkerchiefs from her reticule and dabbed her eyes.

  “What did you promise, if I may be so bold?” Anne asked.

  “I am to notify you when my labours begin.”

  Anne laughed. “That was an unnecessary request. Mr. Collins will be at our door to tell Mother.”

  “You are to notify Darcy,” Elizabeth replied.

  “I am?” Anne drove in silence for a few minutes. “I suppose it would be best to have it prepared so that it might go out with others and not be suspicious.” She pursed her lips as she looked at Elizabeth, amusement flickering in her eyes. “I suggest you not go into labour at night. I can think of no reason to send out an express in the early morning hours that would not draw attention.”

  “Did you hear that?” Elizabeth asked her stomach. “Letters can only be sent during the day.”

  The ladies laughed when the babe kicked hard enough to move Elizabeth’s hand.

  ***********

  Carriages of all sizes rushed past his window in a hurry to go somewhere, but Darcy saw none of it. Though he was turned in that direction and anyone might think him thoroughly engrossed in the comings and goings, his eyes were actually unfocused and his thoughts firmly planted many miles away. Elizabeth could go into labour at any time, yet he had heard nothing and was unable to rush to her side. A sigh escaped his clenched jaw.

  “Have I arrived in time?”

  Darcy did not turn toward his cousin but maintained his current posture and position. “Unless you have word from Anne, leave me.”

  “As a matter of fact, …”

  The chair clattered back against the wall as Darcy spun about and leapt toward his cousin. “What does she say?”

  Fitz laid a hand upon his cousin’s shoulder as he held out a sealed missive with the other. Darcy shook him off as he broke it open and leaned against the front of his desk to read it.

  “Her labours began this morning … God be praised, Genie was with her … Mrs. Rickman, the other midwife,” he spared the Colonel a glance, “was seeing to another woman in the neighbouring town. Collins worried for Lady Catherine’s displeasure.” He shook his head in disgust but continued reading until he finally lowered the paper. “All was well when the letter was sent.” Darcy glanced at the clock.

  “Anne instructed me to deliver this to you immediately. She will send any further news here.” Fitz crossed to the decanter on the far side of the room. “Shall we celebrate?”

  “No.” Darcy shook his head. “Not until I know they are well.” His knuckle ran repeatedly across his lips.

  “You will drive yourself mad,” the Colonel said as he took a seat and looked about the room. “You will not leave, I am sure, for fear of not being here when word arrives.” He drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. “Billiards?”

  “I have no mind for it,” Darcy mumbled.

  “You must have employment, Darcy, or your thoughts will circle in upon themselves until you imagine the worse. I know you well,” Fitz declared as he stood and crossed to his friend and cousin. “Come, we will not play for money, merely distraction.”

  He marched Darcy toward the billiard room. Once inside, he set the table and chalked a cue stick. “Have you heard from Bingley? Are he and his lovely wife returned from their wedding trip?”

  Darcy shook his head. “I suspect they have reached England’s shores, but are not yet near.” He muttered, “Elizabeth had wanted her sister with her.”

  The Colonel struck the white ball and the others careened about the table. “My brother was just telling me an amusing …”

  “Fitz, please.” Darcy laid his cue aside and sat in the closest chair. “Do not attempt to distract me. On a good day I have no desire to hear anything the Viscount finds amusing.” He leaned forward and ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Very well,” Fitz’s voice was resigned. “We will simply wait.” He took the seat next to Darcy and they sat in silence for a few minutes.

  “She is young and healthy,” Darcy finally whispered.

  “Indeed, none healthier,” the Colonel reassured.

  ***********

  Near midnight, after the cousins had returned to Darcy’s study and refused any substantial dinner, the knocker sounded. The Colonel set aside the cold meat sandwich which the housekeeper had provided and was at Darcy’s side when the butler arrived with an express on a silver salver.

  Darcy’s hand shook as he reached out to accept it. He studied it, seeing no signs of mourning, no black ribbon or seal, before breaking it open. Tears filled his eyes and he dropped into his seat.

  “Well?” Fitz asked impatiently.

  “She delivered a son. They are both well.” He looked up at his cousin. “Elizabeth named the boy for his father, William Bennet Collins.” He held out the paper.

  His cousin read the letter, his brow rising. “The baby favours his mother, but his eyes are a most vibrant blue, nearly purple? Were Georgie’s eyes not purple when she was born?”

  Darcy nodded. “My son,” he whispered as the first tear slid down his cheek. He brushed it away. “Her father will request they return to Hertfordshire. I could stay with Bingley at Netherfield …”

  “Every few days? And none will become wise?” the Colonel asked. “Do you believe her husband will allow her to go? She is the wife of a rector. What of her responsibilities?”

  “Then we will continue as we have thus far.” Darcy turned on his cousin. “You cannot understand. You do not know the love I have for her.”

  “The love which suddenly became unbearable once she wed?” The Colonel called him to task for his actions.

  “Do not preach to me, Fitz. You have done far worse than love a woman who was unavailable,” Darcy hissed.

  His cousin pursed his lips and nodded. “You are probably correct, but what is to happen now? She will be unable to leave her home for weeks. Once she is able to visit, she will have the babe in tow. I know you wish to see him, them, but it is not wise. Think of her reputation. What if the child resembles you and someone notes it? Her situation would be un
bearable.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “Pemberley. You must find some distraction that will keep you from her side. Assure her you have not abandoned her, but do not endanger them.” Fitz rested his hand upon Darcy’s shoulder. “Anne will tell you when it is safe to return.”

  Realization settled upon Darcy. “You have spoken of this?”

  The Colonel’s cheeks coloured. “Elizabeth and Anne spoke before her labours began. Anne advised me of their decision.”

  Darcy inhaled deeply. “I am being sent away.” He exhaled forcefully and pushed out of the chair. “Then I should write before I go.”

  He took his seat behind his desk and pulled out a fresh sheet of paper.

  ***********

  Elizabeth snuggled her son tightly against her chest and buried her nose in his downy hair, inhaling his sweet scent. The sound of his suckling and the strong pull upon her breast comforted her. “Your papa would be jealous of you,” she whispered as a giggle escaped her. She ran a hand over his head, finding it difficult to believe this wee babe was hers.

  Finally, as his demands upon her lessoned, she leaned her head back against the pillows and felt herself drifting off to sleep. Little William began to suckle again, this time with less intensity, and she stirred, but did not come fully awake until she felt the babe being lifted from her. Her eyes flew open to see Sarah smiling down at them.

  “You need your rest, Ma’am. I’ll see the little master changed and settle him in the cradle.”

  Elizabeth did not resist but rolled to her side so that she could look over the side of the bed and watch him sleep when she woke. In little time, her dreams carried her away. She felt Darcy’s arms slip around her and the baby as she nursed and saw him smiling down at them both. The pride in his eyes was mixed with tears of joy and she snuggled closer to him. “William,” she whispered.

  “Elizabeth?”

  A soft feminine voice entered her dreams as a hand touched her shoulder. Elizabeth buried her head in the pillow not wanting to lose the lovely dream, but it was too late. She opened her eyes, blinking away the sleep, to find Anne leaning over her.

  “I did not want to wake you, but Mr. Collins was insistent, and I fear he and Mother would have been much louder. They will enter any minute and I must deliver something to you before they do.”

  She slipped a folded paper into Elizabeth’s hand. There was no seal and no address. Elizabeth knew at once it was from Darcy and slid it under her pillow so she could read it later. As she withdrew her hand the door opened, and Mr. Collins entered with his patroness. Though they attempted to be quiet, it was not in either of their natures to do so, and Little William was soon whimpering. Without a by-your-leave, Lady Catherine scooped the worming bundle out of his cradle and held him in front of her for inspection. Being accustomed to cuddling and warmth, the child quickly determined he disliked dangling in the air and rent the room with his displeasure.

  Her ladyship turned toward Mr. Collins who looked at the babe as though he might begin a sermon on proper behaviour before an elite member of the ton. Luckily Anne stepped forward and gathered the wee one in a blanket she had retrieved from the cradle.

  “He dislikes the cold, I think,” she said in a sing song manner as she swayed with a little bounce. William whimpered for another minute than drifted off to sleep once more.

  “Oh, if only Darcy could see you,” Lady Catherine’s eyes shone with intent, “he would see what a good mother you would be and finally announce your engagement.”

  Anne shook her head, not lifting her eyes from the infant. “I might be able to hold a child, Mother, but that does not say I could bear one.” She laid the babe in Elizabeth’s arms. “You are the very picture of the Madonna, Elizabeth.” She turned toward the others. “I believe they should rest. Shall we go down for tea?”

  Mr. Collins’ frown was directed at Elizabeth, but he spoke before she could wonder what she might have done to displease him. “Why are the boy’s eyes such an odd colour?”

  “Lydia’s eyes were just this shade when she was born,” Elizabeth said as she stared into her son’s searching gaze. She ran a finger along his cheek causing his lips to twitch in a faux smile. “They changed colour with her moods.”

  “Oh yes,” Lady Catherine declared as she leaned over the mother and child. “Several members of our family are the same way. My sister and both her children had eyes a similar colour. I would not be surprised if they darken as he grows. It is often the way.” She turned toward her rector. “You have a fine son, Mr. Collins.” A nod was cast Elizabeth’s direction. “You have done your duty well, Mrs. Collins. I am certain your family will be pleased to hear their futures are secure.”

  “Yes, your ladyship.” Elizabeth bowed her head. Her heart returned to a normal pace as the door closed behind her guests. She looked down at the baby now nodding off in her arms. “Shall we see what your papa has to say?” she asked while slipping her hand under the pillow to retrieve the missive.

  As she carefully unfolded the paper, a small gold heart-shaped charm fell into her hand. She flipped it over and realized it was a locket. Returning her attention to the letter, she discovered Darcy had only used half a sheet so the paper would be small and easily concealed. Elizabeth smoothed her hand over it, lovingly stroking the words before she began to read.

  “My darling,

  I am pleased beyond words to hear of your safe delivery and my heart soars in the news of your son. Would that I could be there to cradle you both in my arms, but I have been given my marching orders coming, as I understand, from you and your dear friend. I recognize the wisdom, though my heart breaks at the thought of being away from you now. Enclosed you will have found a gift. I purchased it months ago, but never found the time to present it. I hoped it might be easily lost among the keys on your chatelaine. I have taken the liberty of placing a lock of my hair within. I had originally thought it might hold a lock of your child’s but decided instead that knowing a bit of me resides with you daily might make our separation easier. I accept my banishment and will find means of employment until the time of the harvest. I beg word of your well-being to see me through until that time that I might behold you once more. Forever yours, W.”

  Elizabeth brushed the tears from her cheeks as she looked once more at the locket in the palm of her hand. He was correct, it would easily disappear amongst her keys and having a bit of him with her would make the time away easier. “Your papa thinks of everything,” she whispered to the sleeping babe before placing a kiss upon his head.

  *CHAPTER NINETEEN*

  Elizabeth held William upon her lap as Mr. Collins gave the Christmas day sermon. Thankfully the baby was asleep. His new wooden horse, a present Anne delivered the day before with a special smile for his mother, was clutched to his chest where he could begin gnawing on it should his new tooth bother him once again. Other children might become fussy on this cold winter’s day, but it would be most inauspicious for the rector’s son to do so. Elizabeth prayed William remained silent throughout.

  The service drew to a close, but the congregants seemed reluctant to venture out into the bleak weather. Though cold enough, not a snowflake had fallen to provide a white Christmas. Instead, a damp mist hovered near the ground, soaking clothing and causing joints to ache. Only the joy of their Saviour’s birth kept bitter spirits at bay.

  Careful not to disturb him, Elizabeth shifted William to her shoulder and stood to greet some of the other women. The horse slipped from the sleeping boy’s hand but did not hit the ground. Elizabeth turned to find Genie looking the toy over.

  “What wonderful craftsmanship.” She handed the carving to Elizabeth and smiled at the child. “I am certain William will treasure it. I believe the animal looks familiar.” Genie winked at her friend.

  “I am certain one horse looks quite like another.” Elizabeth’s lips tugged upward though she lifted a brow in censor. It was best that no one knew the markings on the toy matched Mr.
Darcy’s favourite steed.

  “You are correct, of course.” Genie turned her attention to the babe once more. “He is teething again?”

  “Yes. The first tooth is through and the second nearly so.” Elizabeth stroked her son’s fine hair. “Thank you for the ointment. It worked wonderfully.”

  “I am pleased to hear it. I will be sure to have more on hand, should you need it.”

  A hush fell upon the surrounding ladies just before a demanding voice was heard. “What is it you are talking of? Let me hear what it is.”

  Elizabeth curtseyed. “Teething, your Ladyship.”

  “The boy is too young to be teething,” Lady Catherine declared. “It is precocious for him to be doing so already.”

  Not knowing how to respond to such an odd comment, Elizabeth said nothing.

  “Anne and I are alone to-day as Mrs. Jenkinson is visiting her nieces for Christmas. You, Mr. Collins, and the baby will join us for dinner.”

  “Thank you, Lady Catherine.” Elizabeth hesitated and lowered her head. “Perhaps it would be best for William to remain home as he is just a babe, but Sarah has been given leave to spend the remainder of the day with her family, Madam …”

  Her ladyship exhaled sharply through her nose. “Christmas is a time for family, Mrs. Collins, and our family has always included the children in celebrations. I am certain someone at Rosings remembers how to care for an infant.” Lady Catherine walked away before more could be said.

  Surprised by the woman’s demand, Elizabeth looked at Genie who merely shrugged her shoulders.

  ***********

  Mr. Collins hovered nearby as Elizabeth tied William’s cap under his chin. “My dear, we must make haste. Lady Catherine dislikes having to wait.”

  “There is time, Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth lifted the boy to her shoulder and picked up the wooden horse. With his mittens, William was unable to hold the toy and she did not want it to become lost. “Will you hand me the basket, sir?”