Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “But at what cost, Lizzy? Your soul? And how many others?” Jane clenched her handkerchief, twisting it between her fingers.

  The pain of her sister’s betrayal radiated through Elizabeth’s chest, but was quickly replaced by a bitter coldness. “How dare you judge me when all you have comes from this horrid sin you denounce. Everything I have ever done was to make your life better than what I was experiencing.” Her breaths came in short gasps. “If I had not become intimate with Darcy, Charles would never have returned to Netherfield.”

  Jane shook her head. “No. I do not believe you. Charles loves me.”

  “Think, Jane,” Elizabeth said bitterly. “Who accompanied Charles when he returned to Netherfield? His sisters? No. Darcy did. Because I told him you were heartbroken. He and Charles’ sisters had conspired to separate you, but when William heard of your feelings for Charles, he swore to correct his mistakes.”

  Jane’s cheeks flashed crimson. “William? I thought …” Sudden realization overtook her features. “William? Then you confirm it. Your son is named for his father.” The last word was spoken with disgust.

  Elizabeth stared at her sister as though she had never seen her. “Yes. I have never denied it. I have always said it was so.”

  “How opportune, then, that Mr. Collins was also named William,” Jane sneered.

  Elizabeth looked away. “I never called him that.”

  “Perhaps you should return to Longbourn,” Jane said softly. Her gaze fell to the table before her.

  “Yes, perhaps I should.” Elizabeth stood and made her way across the room but paused at the door. Her shoulders once more curved under a great weight. “Truly, Jane, in all my actions but one I thought of you. When I chose to seek comfort in William’s arms, I thought you would understand. I gave him the last thing I had, the only thing that was not taken from me. I gave him my heart.” She left the room.

  *CHAPTER THIRTY*

  When Elizabeth left her sister’s room, she could barely see through her tears. Luckily, she had not gone far when she felt arms embrace her and heard the soft voices of both Darcy and Charles. She clung to Darcy’s lapels as he kissed her forehead and reassured her that all would be well, but it was Charles’ assurances that she need not immediately leave Netherfield which finally stopped her tears.

  She allowed Darcy to lead her to her room and he locked the door behind them before taking her in his arms once more. Pressed against him, she tried to block out her sister’s hurtful words, but they just seemed to scream louder in her heart, becoming a physical pain, until she pushed him away.

  “Elizabeth?”

  She shook her head as she made her way toward the sofa which had replaced the chairs before the fireplace. Stretching out and settling her feet upon the pillow at the far end, she laid her head back against the arm and stared at the ceiling. “Jane is right; I must leave.”

  “That is ridiculous,” Darcy said as he knelt beside her. “She will change her mind.”

  “No,” Elizabeth shook her head, “she is beside herself and will only end up losing her child. Then I really will be to blame. I should go.”

  “But not to-day.” He slid further down the sofa and removed her slippers before massaging her feet. “You are too upset, and I will not have harm come to you.”

  A smile tugged at her lips as she gazed at him. “I love you,” she whispered.

  His features lit from within, but he continued with his ministrations. “I have always known you did.” He leaned forward and kissed her stockinged big toe and she giggled as she tried to pull her foot away.

  “Conceited man,” she whispered. Her mirth left her as she reached out to him and he took her hand. “This year will be the longest and most difficult of my life.”

  Darcy kissed her fingers. “But afterward we need never part again.”

  Her eyes felt heavy and she squeezed his hand. “I am tired.”

  “Then you should rest.” He stood and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “Would you not be more comfortable in your bed?”

  She shook her head and turned on her side. “I like it here by the fire,” she mumbled as her eyes fell shut.

  ***********

  Everyone walked softly at Netherfield, the servants understanding something dreadful had occurred and the gentlemen seeming to be adrift. Bingley and Darcy dined alone at each meal as the ladies chose to remain in their rooms. Nicholls reassured both men that food had been delivered upstairs and had shown signs of being consumed, though most was returned. Neither Bingley nor Darcy seemed to have any desire for conversation or activity when night fell, and both retired at an unusually early hour.

  No longer caring what might be said, an hour later Darcy rapped softly at Elizabeth’s door and entered when she opened it. Her eyes were red and swollen and all the joy that had shone from them the previous night at their reunion was gone. He gathered her to him and carried her to the bed where he placed her gently in the centre and laid down beside her.

  “Please, allow me to stay the night.” He kissed her shoulder. “Bingley tells me you will leave to-morrow, and I believe it best that I continue on to London.”

  Elizabeth traced a finger over his forehead, down his nose, and settled it upon his lips before nodding. He kissed her finger and drew her closer to him. They didn’t speak, just held each other and kissed until they fell asleep.

  Distant bird songs broke through Darcy’s dreams the next morning and he yawned. His hand lay upon Elizabeth’s stomach and he was surprised when he felt her muscle’s ripple. This was not a kick from the child, but her body moving of its own volition. He opened his eyes as he noted a change to her breathing. No longer the relaxed breath of sleep, it came in short puffs and her hands clutched the sheets. When she massaged her stomach, he matched her motions.

  “Elizabeth?” he whispered and kissed her neck.

  “I believe,” she said in a quiet voice as she ran a hand over his, “I will not be returning to Longbourn to-day.”

  “Your labours have begun?” he asked knowing the answer.

  “Yes.” She held his hand and rubbed it over the tightened muscles of her abdomen.

  He began to get up, but she grabbed his hand to stay him. “You cannot call anyone to alert them. They will know you have been with me.”

  Darcy saw the logic in her words, but once more felt useless. He massaged her back. “I must do something, Elizabeth.” He kissed her hair.

  “You are. Stay with me a little longer. The maid will be here soon to build up the fire. All will be well until then.”

  When they heard the house beginning to stir, Darcy kissed her and returned to his room. He dressed and waited, stepping into the hallway when her heard movement. Bingley, still dressed from the previous evening, approached and looked him over suspiciously before nodding.

  “Elizabeth’s time has begun. Come.” Bingley led him down to the study.

  “Where is Mrs. Bingley?” Darcy asked as they entered his host’s sanctuary. “Is she with her sister?”

  “I suppose. However, I am uncertain.” Bingley poured them each a glass of brandy and they took seats before the fireplace.

  They had sat in this attitude for some time when there was a knock at the door. A maid entered at Bingley’s call and set a tray of cold breakfast foods and tea before them. “Mrs. Nichols said to see to your needs, sir. She and the missus are with Mrs. Lizzy and the midwife has just arrived.” She dipped a curtsey.

  “Thank you, Alice. How is my wife?” Bingley asked as he reached for a roll.

  The young girl bit her lip and hesitated before answering. “She appears hardy, sir. Mrs. Nichols said … that is, should the missus … Mrs. Bingley might join you, sir, should Mrs. Nichols believe it best.” Her cheeks turned bright red and she dipped another curtsey before scurrying from the room.

  Bingley frowned. “Best for Jane or best for Elizabeth?” he muttered before tossing the roll back onto the plate.

  “I am certain Mrs. Nichols will
do what is best for all,” Darcy replied in a voice far calmer than he felt.

  Again, they continued in this manner, neither speaking nor eating, only hearing the ticking of the mantel clock until there was another knock upon the door, this one a bit more forceful. Bingley granted entrance and Mrs. Nichols stepped inside.

  “Mr. Jones, the apothecary, has arrived, sir. I doubt it will be long now.”

  Darcy looked anxiously at the woman but bit his tongue. He was relieved when Bingley asked what he most wanted to know.

  “And how do they do, Nichols? Elizabeth and Jane and the babe?”

  The housekeeper smiled, glancing toward Darcy before replying to Bingley. “Mrs. Lizzy is stout, sir. She is simply impatient for the child to arrive, and Mrs. Bingley is right at her side, encouraging her.”

  “Thank you, Nichols,” Bingley replied, and the woman closed the door on her way out. “All will be well.” Bingley breathed out and then reached for the rolls again.

  Wishing he could be as certain, Darcy felt the need to be in motion and pushed out of his chair. He had just reached the windows when there was another knock at the door and William’s nurse stepped into the study.

  “Forgive me, Mr. Bingley. Master William was unable to see his mother this morning and is quite distressed.”

  Darcy stepped forward and took the wriggling boy from the nurse. “We will see to his needs, Betsy.” The woman curtseyed and left while Darcy returned to his seat.

  “Where Mama?” William whined.

  Darcy set the boy upon his knee. “Your mama is busy, Will.”

  The lad tipped his head to the side.

  “Yes, I called you Will. To-day you will gain your first adult responsibility; you should receive a new name. Your baby brother or sister is arriving to-day. It will be your responsibility to look out for them. There will be times when they upset you or hurt you, but you must always forgive them and do what is best for them. You are the oldest. One day, you will be the head of the family.”

  The boy stared at him, clearly not understanding everything that was said, but focusing as though he knew it was very important.

  The door opened and Jane stood in the doorway, a small bundle in her arms. Bingley leapt to his feet as she entered the room and crossed to him. “It is a girl.” She smiled. “Elizabeth said her name is Anne Frances Collins as Miss de Burgh was so good to her in Kent. Elizabeth is resting.”

  Tears filled Darcy’s eyes as he realized that the baby was named for their mothers. Charles took Anne from Jane but crossed to Darcy and lowered her into his friend’s arms. Darcy held the newborn so that her brother could see her.

  “Will, this is your sister, Anne. We must be very careful with her.”

  William stood on the chair, one hand on Darcy’s shoulder so he could look down at his sister. He scrunched his nose. “She wed.”

  Darcy laughed as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “She is a bit red, but as beautiful as your mother.”

  “Mama pitty.”

  The door to the study opened yet again and Mr. Bennet entered the room looking about expectantly. His gaze fell to the children in Darcy’s arms and he smiled. “What have we here, William? Will you introduce me?”

  “Ganpa, dat Anne.” William announced, his chest puffed out in pride as he pointed at his baby sister.

  “May I hold her?” Mr. Bennet asked as he took the seat closest to Darcy.

  William looked suspicious. “Ca-ful.”

  “I believe your grandfather knows how to hold a baby girl,” Darcy told the little man as he handed the baby to Mr. Bennet.

  Mr. Bennet studied the babe, tears glistening in his eyes. “She is beautiful.”

  “Mama pitty,” William declared again.

  “Yes, but one day Anne may be the spitting image of your mama.”

  “Papa,” Jane stepped to his side, “where is Mama?”

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. “She was not yet awake when I received your summons. I have left orders for the carriage to be ready when she wakes so that she might join us. I believe that gives Lizzy time to rest before having to receive her mother’s effusions.” He finally tore his eyes from the baby. “How is your sister?”

  “Resting.”

  Anne began making mewling noises and Mr. Bennet stood. “Well, her daughter is requiring her attention. If you would show me the way, I will deliver this wee one to her mama.”

  Jane offered to carry the babe, but Mr. Bennet frowned at her. “Have I become feeble that I cannot carry a newborn baby? I will remind you, Janie, I carried you this way once.”

  Jane blushed and led him to the door, but William took hold of her skirt to follow. She hesitated, until Mr. Bennet laughed.

  “I suspect he will not be satisfied until he sees his mother, Jane. Best bring him, too.”

  Mr. Bennet glanced back at the gentlemen and gave them a smug smile as he left the room.

  Darcy had stood when the party began to move toward the door, but his feet were rooted to the spot. As much as he desired to go to her, he knew he could not. Bingley clapped a hand on his shoulder and refilled his glass.

  “She is beautiful, Darcy.” He held the glass up in toast and they drank. “Was your mother not named Anne also?”

  Darcy swallowed as he regained his seat. “She was. My cousin was named for her.”

  Bingley nodded. “And Frances, of course, is Mrs. Bennet’s first name.”

  “Is it?” Darcy asked nonchalantly.

  Bingley took the seat Mr. Bennet had abandoned and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “What are your intentions?”

  Darcy laid his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes. “As you previously pointed out to me, she will be in mourning a full year.”

  “Jane will make it difficult should you remain here.”

  “Then I must go.” Darcy stared into the glass, reminded how difficult the remainder of this year would be. “I must return to Georgiana, but we will then go to Pemberley when the season is over.” He looked up and found Charles studying him closely. “You will tell me how they are. If they should need me …”

  Bingley nodded.

  “Will I be welcomed in your home in, say, March of next year?” Darcy asked.

  “As far as I am concerned, Darcy, you are always welcome in my home.”

  Darcy nodded as his eyes fell once more to his glass. Taking a deep breath, he pushed out of the chair. “I must speak to my man if we are to be ready to leave in the morning.” He turned and met Bingley’s eye once more. “I cannot go before then.”

  Bingley nodded and Darcy left the room.

  ***********

  The chimes from the longcase clock echoed in the silent hall. After such an eventful day, the household had retired early. Darcy made his way from the nursery, down the stairs and into the family wing where he stopped outside Elizabeth’s door. He laid a finger upon William’s lips and whispered. “Mama might be asleep so we must be very quiet.” The little boy nodded, and Darcy opened the door enough to see inside. The room was still, only the sound of soft breaths broke the silence.

  He stepped inside, closing the door behind him and William as they moved closer to Elizabeth’s bed. She lay on her side, her hand hanging over the edge just above the cradle where Anne slept. As if she sensed their presence, Elizabeth’s eyes flickered open and a smile spread across her features.

  “What are you doing out of bed?” she asked her son.

  “Unca Da say we coul’ visit.” He leaned toward her, nearly slipping from Darcy’s grip to get to his mother, but the man lifted him away.

  “Ah-ah.” He shook his head. “Mama is soft. We do not want to hurt her, Will.” William’s lower lip trembled, but Darcy smiled. “Move over, Mama.”

  Elizabeth slid into the middle of the bed to allow room, and Darcy settled in beside her, placing William between them. She embraced her son as Darcy wrapped his arms around them both. Mewling sounds were soon heard from the cradle and he took his daughter in his ar
ms and whispered lovingly to her until her cries made it clear it was her mother she required. Elizabeth nestled the babe to her breast while William cuddled against her side.

  Darcy settled against the headboard and watched them all. “I am for London in the morning,” he whispered.

  “I know.” Elizabeth caressed William’s hair and the boy gradually dropped off to sleep. “I cannot understand Jane, but I must respect her request.”

  “If there is anything you require, Bingley will send word.” Darcy kissed her temple and she laid back against his shoulder. “I hate leaving you now more than I ever have before.”

  “Surely a year will pass quickly. There is much you must do.” Her lips tugged upward. “Georgiana requires an escort. I am certain you will barely miss us when you are immersed in society.”

  “Minx,” Darcy whispered before kissing her. “I despise those things as you well know. Time will appear to stand still in such company.”

  “As long as no one catches your eye.” Elizabeth’s fingers ran down the side of his cheek.

  “Never,” he replied and kissed her again. “You are the mother of my children. I could never look at another. Bingley has given me permission to return in March.”

  “But my mourning will end in February.” Elizabeth yawned and leaned heavier against him.

  “Tell me the date you would have me appear, my love, and I shall be here.” His arms closed about her and they drifted off to sleep, a contented family.

  ***********