Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “Yes, as must I.” Darcy returned her kiss and watched her walk to the door. “Shall I escort you downstairs?”

  Georgiana shook her head. “I believe I will attend Anne.”

  Darcy nodded and his sister left the room, closing the door behind her. Darcy drew the book of Gospels from his pocket just as the dressing room door opened and Nelson notified him all was prepared for him. With a sigh, Darcy set the book on the bedside table and submitted himself to his valet’s ministrations.

  ***********

  The evening passed quickly, and Anne and Georgiana decided to retire early. Darcy remained a few minutes longer, but when he found himself fighting yawns, he also excused himself. Elizabeth wished him pleasant dreams but remained in the drawing room with her brother and sister. The book of Gospels plucked his conscience as he slipped into bed, but his eyelids were too heavy to read so he promised himself he would do so when he awoke.

  The next morning, a beam of light peeked around the edge of the drapery, finding its way to Darcy’s countenance. He rolled away from it, but his sleep was disturbed enough that he was unable to regain the dream of Elizabeth laughing as he spun her about the Pemberley ballroom in a joyous waltz. He was about to toss off the covers when he heard the door creak. His instinct reverted to the days of Caroline Bingley’s presence in her brother’s home, but he quickly reminded himself that she was now a married woman and not in residence at Netherfield.

  “Unca Da,” a child’s loud whisper revealed the mystery guest and Darcy laughed as he rolled over to face the doorway.

  “Will, what are you doing here?”

  The boy giggled as he skipped toward the bed and tugged upon the sheets to climb them.

  Darcy lifted the child up beside him. “Does Miss Betsy know where you are?”

  His question was answered by a woman’s voice in the hall. “Master Will, your mother will be displeased.”

  “I here, Bessy,” Will called.

  Darcy quickly pulled the sheets about him for fear the nurse might enter the room, but Betsy called from the doorway. “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. He escaped when we were returning to the nursery after our breakfast.”

  “All is well, Betsy. I will return him to the nursery shortly,” Darcy called.

  “Yes sir.”

  Darcy was grateful when she closed his door. He turned his attention to the young boy at his side. “Do you often escape from Miss Betsy?”

  Will shrugged, but his eyes took on that mischievous gleam of his mother.

  “A proper gentleman does not run away from his nurse, Will.” Darcy attempted to sound firm but doubted he would find his normal success as the boy was grinning up at him, so he tried a different approach. “I am certain, had you asked Miss Betsy, you would have been allowed to visit me.”

  “I come ev’ry mornin’?” Will asked, his eyes large.

  Darcy smiled. “I would welcome your visits while I am here.”

  The boy’s pleasure shown from every feature. “You tell Bessy?”

  “I will inform Miss Betsy that you are allowed to join me in the morning after you have finished your breakfast.” Darcy glanced at the mantle clock. “Though I rarely sleep this late. I may join you for breakfast.”

  Will’s smile grew.

  Nelson could be heard moving about the dressing room and Darcy suddenly remembered watching his father ready himself for the day. It had been a wondrous time for him and a moment he suddenly wanted to share with his son.

  “Come,” Darcy said as he tossed back the cover. “I must dress and prepare to visit your mother and the others.”

  Will clapped his hands as Darcy scooped him off the bed and headed for the dressing room. Nelson quickly hid his surprise at the young visitor, but both men were shortly smiling at the inquisitive child’s questions. They also learned Darcy’s lap was not the place for the boy while Nelson was shaving his master, but a bit of plaster closed the nick. Once Darcy was dressed and his companion had received a drop of cologne brushed into his hair so he could “’mell good too,” they made their way below to see who else had risen.

  A murmur of voices could be heard in the dining room, so they decided to join the others. Will was pleased to accept another piece of toast and bacon as he took a seat between the men. Bingley barely suppressed his laughter as the boy mimicked Darcy’s every move, while Georgiana and Anne made no such effort.

  Mrs. Bingley and Elizabeth entered the room with expectant smiles. The gentlemen stood, Darcy assisting Will to stand on his chair, to greet the ladies who each affectionately greeted Will before they found their seats.

  “Why, Will,” Mrs. Bingley said as she kissed the boy’s hair, “you smell wonderful this morning. Did Betsy give you a bath?” She winked at her husband as she kissed his cheek.

  The boy stood even taller. “Nelson brush m’ hair.”

  “He did?” Elizabeth asked as she embraced her son and sniffed his hair. “Did Nelson come to the nursery?” she asked with one brow raised.

  “No,” Will giggled. “I visit Unca Da. He say I can.”

  “I hope you do not mind,” Darcy whispered.

  Elizabeth’s lips twitched. “Not at all.” She gave her son a peck on the cheek and took the seat on Darcy’s other side. “Is this your second breakfast, Will?”

  The boy giggled in response and grabbed his toast spread with jam, jus like Unca Da, and took a big bite.

  “Manners,” Darcy said softly causing the boy to return the toast to his plate and regain his seat. “Your mama will not take it from you, Will.”

  The boy dropped his head but peeked around Darcy toward his mother who winked at him returning his grin.

  The party ate and discussed their plans for the day. Since the churching and Christening were scheduled for the morrow, they were free to do as they pleased until it was time to prepare for the arrival of their dinner guests. Anne decided to sit on the terrace again and Mrs. Bingley agreed to join her. Elizabeth, who was still limited in her activities until the morrow, requested companions for a walk through the gardens. Georgiana offered to join her.

  “Might I have a moment of your time to-day, Darcy?” Bingley asked before Darcy could commit to joining the ladies.

  “Of course, Bingley, as soon as I return this young gentleman to the nursery. Shall we meet in your study?”

  Bingley agreed and the party gradually dispersed. For once, Will did not insist on walking on his own when he looked up at the grand front staircase, though he scrambled down to take on the smaller one leading to the nursery. True to his word, Darcy instructed Betsy to deliver Will to his room each morning he was not already below stairs, while his protégé grinned broadly. He bowed to his young friend who returned the gesture with a little less wiggle than the day before, and then made his way back downstairs to join Bingley.

  His friend grinned when Darcy entered the study and closed the door behind him. “I say, Darcy, you will be a marvellous father. What advice have you for me? How do I get my son to worship me as Will does you?”

  Darcy attempted to give Bingley an annoyed glance but was unable to suppress his own grin. “I could not help but think of my own father this morning while being with Will.”

  “He allowed you to join him in the mornings?” Bingley asked as he regained his seat behind his desk.

  “Oh, yes. We had our man to man talks then, discussing the previous day and planning the current.” Darcy’s eyes misted, his thoughts of his father and the times they spent together filling his mind.

  “My father was normally out of the house by the time I rose,” Bingley said wistfully.

  “That does not surprise me.” Darcy raised a brow in censure and took a seat across from his friend.

  Bingley laughed, but motioned toward some papers on his desk. “Well, I did not ask you here to reprove me for enjoying my sleep. As you know, I continue to lease Netherfield on a yearly basis until I decide whether I wish to make an offer.”

  “And you have finally come
to that decision.”

  “I have.” Bingley’s smile faded. “I dare say I thought the property convenient when first I saw it. It is an easy ride to town should business be required or to enjoy a few days of society. When Jane and I married, I thought it even better for the advantage of keeping her close to her family.” He shook his head.

  “But sometimes close can be too close,” Darcy supplied.

  “Well said, my friend.”

  “While in Hunsford, Elizabeth often lamented that you and her sister remained so near to Longbourn. She feared the Bennets might cause Mrs. Bingley undo strain.”

  “And she was correct.” Bingley sat back in his seat and glanced out the window. “I have come to appreciate Elizabeth’s wisdom since she has come to us. Oh, I always admired her wit, but she notices things that I am inclined to miss. Jane will tell me she is fine, and I go on my way, but Lizzy will approach me a short time later and note that my wife is in discomfort and I should rub her feet or her shoulders.” He shook his head. “What will I do when she is no longer living with us?”

  “Pay closer attention to your wife?” Darcy nearly growled. “So, what have you decided?” he asked before his friend might take offense.

  Bingley shook his head, his gaze vacant until he recalled the reason for their conversation. “Oh, I have decided not to purchase Netherfield. My agent is currently looking for an estate between Pemberley and Scarborough.”

  “May I be of assistance?” Darcy asked. “I am pleased that you will be much nearer to my home and would be willing to assist in any manner.”

  “If you hear of an appropriate estate, would you write my agent? I am hoping for something about the size of Netherfield.”

  Something about the way he spoke caused Darcy to pause. “And what is Mrs. Bingley’s feelings on the matter?”

  Bingley blushed. “I have not mentioned it to her.” He met Darcy’s eye and quickly looked away. “I do not wish to disturb her or the Bennets while she is in a delicate state. We will continue to lease Netherfield on a monthly basis after September until another property is found.”

  “But what if the owner finds a new tenant?”

  “Mr. Morris does not believe it likely.” Bingley frowned. “I do not wish for Jane to be concerned with a move while approaching her confinement.”

  “That is to be commended, Bingley, but what if she delivers a healthy baby and less than a month later Mr. Morris informs you a tenant has been found and you must vacate before Mrs. Bingley is churched or the babe christened? Would it not be better if she were aware of your decision? Or better yet, should you not have discussed it with her before finalizing with the agent?” Darcy shook his head. “I believe you wished to decrease any anxiety or worry for your wife, but I fear you did not think out the possible outcomes of your actions.”

  Bingley paled. “Mr. Morris is aware of Jane’s condition and when I had hoped to move. Indeed, we discussed my lease continuing until next spring as it could be difficult to move in the winter months.”

  “Mr. Morris’ first commitment is to his client. Could you request a six-month lease instead of a monthly?”

  “That is a capital idea, Darcy. Thank you.” Bingley’s eyes fell to his hands. “I must admit I was not feeling at ease with what I had done, which was why I desired to speak to you.”

  “I am certain Elizabeth would have advised you in a similar manner,” Darcy replied.

  Bingley chuckled. “And in a way in which I would believe I had thought of it myself.”

  Darcy laughed as he agreed with his friend. “Now, if there is nothing else, I wish to find Elizabeth and Georgiana and join them on their walk.”

  “Yes, yes,” Bingley waved him away. “I must write to Mr. Morris directly.”

  “Please be careful not to blot it,” Darcy called over his shoulder as he left the room to the sound of his friend’s laughter.

  He made his way down the hall and out onto the terrace where Anne and Mrs. Bingley were seated. Darcy bowed and asked after their health before turning to look over the gardens.

  “My sister misses her long walks and prefers the outer perimeter of the gardens, sir. She and Miss Darcy began in that direction,” Mrs. Bingley said as she pointed to the left. “I am certain you will encounter them quickly should you go that way,” she finished by pointing to the right.

  Darcy bowed. “Thank you, Mrs. Bingley.”

  “Mr. Darcy, can we agree that you and I are now friends? Will you not call me Jane?”

  He bowed again. “Of course, Jane, and would you call me Darcy?”

  “Very well, Darcy.” Her lips turned upward in a gentle smile, appropriate for a lady and not as enthusiastic as Elizabeth’s, before she addressed his cousin once more.

  Darcy nearly skipped down the steps as he felt his world fall into place. Georgiana had given him her blessing, Jane was receptive to his presence in her home, and now Bingley would be moving his family closer to Pemberley. If he could see his sister located nearby as well and the next six months would move quickly, he would have all his heart desired. Elizabeth and their children at Pemberley and everyone he loved within an easy distance.

  “You look especially pleased with yourself, sir.”

  Darcy turned to find Elizabeth approaching him at a slow, casual pace. He glanced about but did not see Georgiana.

  “Your sister tore her dress on a rose bush near the beginning of our walk and went inside to have it mended. I continued without her,” she answered his unspoken question as she reached his side.

  “And have you walked far enough, or would you be willing to accompany me through the gardens?” Darcy asked as he bowed over her hand.

  “I believe I could be convinced to walk a bit farther,” she replied with a beatific smile.

  Darcy wrapped her hand about his arm and turned them away from the house. They had not gone far before Elizabeth slowed her steps.

  “You have not answered me, sir.”

  “I do not remember you asking me a question.”

  She laughed. “Perhaps I did not so I will ask it now. Why did you look so pleased when first I saw you?”

  Darcy laid his hand upon hers. “I had a moment when it felt all was right in the world and our futures were bound to be happy and content.”

  “Oh dear,” Elizabeth bit her lip, attempting to appear worried. “And should we now anticipate the sky falling?”

  “And if such be the case, we will catch larks.” He patted her hand and drew her closer to his side. “I am convinced there is nothing we cannot surmount.” He lifted her hand to his lips and held it there.

  “Have you read the fifteenth chapter of Luke?” she asked softly, her lips so near he knew he could capture them in a kiss by simply turning his head.

  “I have not had the opportunity,” he replied as he returned her hand to his arm.

  Elizabeth stopped walking and turned to face him. Her brow was raised and her lips pursed, though no longer in amusement. “Has there been a great catastrophe which has required your immediate assistance?”

  “No.” Darcy met her gaze directly. “I was far more tired than I expected and fell asleep last night without reading. This morning William woke me, and I spent the morning with him. You heard Bingley request my time following breakfast.”

  “I understood my brother wished to speak to you, but I did not realize it was required of you to go there directly.” Her brow seemed to rise further.

  “Well, I suppose not, but I wished to join you and Georgie.”

  She stepped closer and laid her hand upon his chest. “This is important to me, William.”

  Darcy drew her into an embrace and kissed her forehead. “Then I will go directly.” He stepped back and offered his arm once more. “May I escort you back to your sister?”

  She studied him closely then shook her head. “I believe I will walk a bit longer. I suggest you return to the house by a different entrance. We would not wish you to be importuned again.” Her amusement returned
as her lips turned upward in a teasing smile.

  “As you suggest, madam.” He bowed over her hand, pressing another kiss to her fingers, and then quickly found his way to his room.

  *CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR*

  Darcy set the creased and well-read Bible on the table beside him and closed his eyes. He had read the fifteenth chapter of Luke but had then gone back to the beginning of the Gospel and read the book in its entirety, followed by the Gospel according to Saint John. The words played over in his mind as he listened to a distant clock chime the noon hour.

  “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

  His mind drifted back to who he had been all those years before he had lost his heart to Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy had considered himself righteous, above those about him who sinned regularly and without compunction. Men like Wickham … He grasped his chin and ran a finger over his lips.

  “How am I different?”

  The realization that he had somehow revelled in his sin, justifying it by his love for Elizabeth, had filled him with disgust as he had read. His love for her was not ugly, but he had made it so. A single tear slipped from his eye and made a slow journey down his cheek. As it reached his jawline, he swiped it away and pushed himself from his seat. His footsteps carried him to the window which overlooked the garden, but he did not see anyone walking.

  Darcy allowed the curtain to fall closed and made his way to his bed. He stared at it, then lowered himself to his knees, something he had not done since he had been a child in the nursery.